CPC Central Committee congratulates DPRK on WPK's Ninth Congress

Xinhua) 14:36, February 20, 2026

BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Thursday sent a message of congratulations on the convening of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

The WPK is the strong leadership core of the revolutionary and construction undertakings of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The party has long united and led the DPRK people in relentless progress, achieving significant accomplishments in advancing the DPRK's socialist cause, said the message.

It said that in recent years, under the strong leadership of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the WPK, the party has implemented the five-point Party-building line in the new era, steadfastly adhered to the socialist path, and prioritized economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods, achieving a series of gratifying successes. China is sincerely pleased with this, it added.

The Ninth Congress of the WPK is a major event in the political life of the party and the people of the DPRK, said the message, emphasizing its significance in making strategic plans and deployments for the party's development and the country's economic progress in the coming period.

"We wish that, under the strong leadership of the WPK Central Committee with General Secretary Kim Jong Un at its helm, the DPRK people will continue to achieve new and greater accomplishments in their socialist construction," it said.

Both China and the DPRK are socialist countries led by communist parties. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both parties and countries, China-DPRK relations have entered a new historical period, the message added.

The CPC has always placed great importance on developing a friendly and cooperative relationship with the WPK, and is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the WPK, deepen the exchange of experience in party-building and state governance, jointly lead the healthy and stable development of China-DPRK relations, and promote the steady and far-reaching advancement of the socialist cause in both countries to contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liu Ning)
Iraq slams U.S. ambassador's claims on Israel's right to all Mideast land

Xinhua) 15:54, February 22, 2026

BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's Foreign Ministry on Saturday evening strongly condemned recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee regarding potential Israeli control over the entire Middle East, describing them as a "serious transgression."

A ministry statement expressed Iraq's "profound denunciation" of the ambassador's comments, which suggested that Israeli dominance over the region could be considered acceptable.

Such remarks are "inconsistent with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations," representing "an infringement upon the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, in addition to carrying negative implications for the security and stability of the region," it said.

The ministry reaffirmed Iraq's steadfast position in support of the sovereignty of states, calling for strict adherence to the rules of international law to ensure regional peace and security.

In a contentious interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson posted on Friday, Huckabee said Israel has a "biblical right" to claim control over the entire Middle East, or at least most of the region.

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu)
CANBERRA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- On the fifth day of the Year of the Horse, Woolley Street in Dickson, the Australian capital's unofficial Chinatown, hosted more than 10,000 people from diverse cultural backgrounds at a grand celebration of the Chinese New Year.

In Canberra, a city of just around 480,000 residents, such a turnout was remarkable.

The celebration of the Chinese New Year is one of Canberra's most important cultural celebrations of the year, said Andrew Barr, chief minister of the Australian Capital Territory, noting that the Canberra-Beijing sister-city relationship has now spanned more than 25 years.

"Canberra is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia, with people from all over the world, and our Chinese community is the second-largest diaspora community in Canberra," Barr said, highlighting the significance of celebrating the festival at the heart of Woolley Street in Dickson.

Stretching along the street, the celebration unfolded as a vibrant corridor of culture and cuisine, with performance stages set up at both ends. At the entrance, beneath a striking vermilion ceremonial archway, stood the Cultural Stage, marking the official welcome. At the far end, the Main Stage, adorned with glowing red lanterns and bamboo fans, dominated the skyline.

Of the more than 25 performances staged throughout the day, over two-thirds featured traditional Chinese elements, including lion and dragon dances, kung fu, yangko folk dance, classical Chinese song and dance, and pipa performances.

The celebration kicked off with an energetic lion dance on the Main Stage, as five vividly colored lions leapt and swayed to the thunderous rhythm of drums and cymbals.

Sheng Chen, who gave a yangko performance with her group, said that she feels honored to present Chinese culture to local residents. "We've taken part in the event for several years. We're proud to showcase our traditional dance to the wider community," she said.

"The performances are so great, we've had a really nice time," said a woman attending the event with her son, both holding traditional pork skewers. She added that the lion dance was their favorite. "We're so glad to be part of it."

In between the stages, the thoroughfare buzzed with dozens of lively stalls. Food vendors offered tantalizing flavors, while market booths showcased traditional Chinese arts, including live calligraphy demonstrations, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage as they strolled.

At the center of the street stood one of the most popular interactive installations of the event -- the Chinese Zodiac Gallery. Set against rich red drapes, panels dedicated to each of the 12 zodiac animals displayed detailed infographics explaining the five elements -- wood, fire, earth, metal and water -- along with personality traits and auspicious symbols.

Aishani, a local resident, discovered she is a Water Horse. "It says I'm reliable, amicable and very charming," she said with a laugh, adding that she would pace her energy wisely in the New Year, following the zodiac advice.

Two little girls left their wishes on the already fully-written wish board alongside the gallery's introduction panel. "All love and strength to my family in the Year of the Horse," one of them wrote.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant zodiac parade led by the lion dance troupe, followed by a performer in an elaborate horse costume embodying the spirit of the Year of the Horse.

The procession, featuring a colorful array of artists and performers, wound its way from the Main Stage toward the Cultural Stage. Along the route, crowds lined the sidewalks, cheering loudly and raising their phones up to capture the moment, turning the entire street into a sea of joyful noise and flashing lights.

Reflecting on the changes she has witnessed over the years, Sheng said the celebration has grown steadily in scale and recognition. "Each year, it feels bigger," she said.

"I'm glad to see Chinese traditions gaining greater visibility and appreciation here in Canberra. I hope the Chinese culture can be shared and appreciated more in the community," she noted. 
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The United States and Iran are to hold the next round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday after both sides ramped up military preparations in the region in recent days.

Omans foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, who is helping to facilitate the discussions, confirmed the time and place on Sunday, calling the move a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.

It comes after Irans top diplomat Abbas Araghchi told CBS that he anticipated meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday.

Mr Araghchi said Iran was working on finalising a draft proposal, adding there is a good chance for a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue, which remains the sole topic of the discussions.

The US and Israel have sought to address the countrys missile programme and Iranian backing of armed proxy groups across the Middle East. Iran has rejected any moves to widen the scope of negotiations.

open image in gallery President Trump said he had considered limited military strikes on Iran ( PA Wire )

The US has not commented on the reports of further talks.

On Friday President Donald Trump told reporters that he was considering a limited military strike on Iran continuing a pattern of barely veiled threats. Both sides have signalled their preparedness for conflict if talks were to fail.

Amid a growing US military buildup, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that President Trump was confused as to why Iran had not capitulated.

I don't want to use the word 'frustrated'... because he [Trump] understands he's got plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated', but why they haven't capitulated, he told Fox News.

open image in gallery A protester holds up crossed out portraits of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a demonstration near the Iranian embassy in Baghdad last month against Israel and recent US threats of military action in Iran, and in support of the Iranian regime and its supreme leader ( AFP/Getty )

US officials told Reuters this week that Americas military planning had reached an advanced stage after President Trump ordered a massive naval buildup as talks continued.

It includes the worlds largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, which was involved in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Pursuing leadership change and targeting specific individuals had also been discussed as options according to the sources. A move to impose global tariffs was struck down by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to the positioning of aircraft carriers by threatening to sink them.

open image in gallery Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi meets with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner ( Oman's Ministry Of Foreign Affairs )

They constantly say, we have sent an aircraft carrier towards Iran, he said. 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.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said negotiations had thus far involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals, but cautioned that Tehran had made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.

A sticking point for both side includes Irans right to enrich uranium, which Iran insists on. But the US demands that Iran possess no nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them, including the enriching of uranium.

Mr Araghchi claimed that US negotiators had not demanded zero enrichment, contradicting official announcements by US officials. He insisted Irans nuclear programme would remain peaceful forever in exchange for confidence-building measures and relief from economic sanctions.

open image in gallery The USS Gerald R Ford is the largest warship in the world ( AP )

The US and its allies including Israel suspect that Irans nuclear programme is aimed at developing weapons and is not peaceful. Israel and the US joined forces to attack nuclear sites in Iran in June last year as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. The precise extent of the damage caused is unknown as Tehran has barred international inspectors.

Talks between Iran and the US have remained deadlocked for years after the US withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.

Tensions have been heightened as economic sanctions sparked merchant protests over rising costs. The demonstrations spread across the country resulting in a brutal crackdown on dissent.

Rights groups estimate that at least 7,000 people have been killed.
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Pakistans military claimed it killed at least 70 militants in strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of militants responsible for recent attacks within the country.

Kabul swiftly rejected these claims, reporting civilian casualties.

Talal Chaudhry, Pakistans deputy interior minister, told Geo News that at least 70 militants had been killed, though he offered no immediate evidence. Pakistans state-run media later revised this figure upwards to 80 fatalities.

The Afghan defence ministry asserted that "various civilian areas" in the eastern Afghan provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika had been hit, including a religious madrassa and multiple homes. Pakistani media reported that fighter jets bombed areas in Khogyani, Ghani Khil and Behsud districts of Nangarhar, along with Barmal district of Paktika during the early hours on Sunday.

The ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty, while Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the attacks "killed and wounded dozens, including women and children. He dismissed Pakistans claim of 70 militant deaths as "inaccurate."

The defence ministry claimed it would deliver a calculated response at an appropriate time.

Mawlawi Fazl Rahman Fayyaz, the provincial director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Nangarhar, reported 18 people killed and several wounded.

Pakistans president, Asif Ali Zardari, said the attacks on parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces reflect Pakistans right to defend its people against cross-border terrorism.

Afghanistans foreign ministry has summoned Pakistans ambassador to Kabul to formally protest the strikes. In a statement, the ministry declared that protecting Afghanistans territory is the Islamic Emirates "Sharia responsibility" and warned that Pakistan would be held accountable for the consequences of such actions.

open image in gallery The Afghan Defence Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty ( AP )

On Sunday, villagers in Nangarhar were seen clearing rubble, while mourners prepared for funerals. Habib Ullah, a local tribal elder, insisted that those killed were not militants. "They were poor people who suffered greatly. Those killed were neither (the) Taliban, nor military personnel, nor members of the former government. They lived simple village lives," he told The Associated Press.

Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on X that the military conducted "intelligence-based, selective operations" against seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates, adding that an affiliate of the Islamic State group was also targeted. Mr Tarar affirmed that Pakistan "has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region," but underscored that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a paramount priority.

India condemned Pakistan's airstrikes inside Afghanistan, calling them an attempt to deflect from Islamabad's domestic shortcomings. Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also reiterated support for Kabul's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India strongly condemns Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures," Mr Jaiswal said.

Militant violence has seen a significant surge in Pakistan in recent years, with much of it attributed to the TTP and outlawed Baloch separatist groups. The TTP, while separate, is closely allied with Afghanistans Taliban. Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from within Afghanistan, a charge both the group and Kabul deny.

open image in gallery The Afghan Defence Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty ( AP )

The Pakistani strikes followed a suicide bombing just hours earlier, which targeted a security convoy in the border district of Bannu in Pakistans northwest, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Pakistans military had warned after the attack that it would not "exercise any restraint" and would press on with operations against those responsible.

Last week, another suicide bomber, supported by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Pakistani authorities later identified the attacker as an Afghan national.

Mr Tarar asserted that Pakistan possessed "conclusive evidence" that recent attacks, including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 worshippers earlier this month, were carried out by militants acting on the "behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers."

He claimed Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban rulers to take verifiable steps to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan, but alleged that no substantive action had been taken. Mr Tarar also called on the international community to pressure Afghanistans Taliban authorities to uphold their commitments under the Doha agreement not to allow their soil to be used against other countries.

In Islamabad, security analyst Abdullah Khan suggested that the Pakistani strikes indicate that Qatari, Turkish, and even Saudi-led mediations have failed to resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. "These strikes are likely to further escalate the situation," he warned.

A Qatari-mediated ceasefire between the two countries was established after deadly border clashes in October, which resulted in dozens of casualties among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants.

That violence followed explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to conduct strikes deep inside Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts. While the truce between Islamabad and Kabul has largely held, several rounds of talks in Istanbul in November failed to yield a formal agreement, leaving relations strained.
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As you will know if you have been following the saga of the EU entry-exit system, more and more British travellers are becoming subject to the digital borders scheme for the Schengen area, which is due to be complete by 9 April.

As that deadline approaches, more concerns are being raised by readers. Over the past few days I have been snowed under with questions about the EU entry-exit system. I have answered a fair spread of the main concerns and selected a few common questions below.

Those of us who have registered still have to wait in the massive queues at European borders! We are registered, where is the quick entry system? Kristen Covo

Wouldnt it be marvellous to imagine that there is a separate queue for people who have passed the test and had their fingerprints and facial biometrics registered? However, that was never part of the plan. The only difference is that, after you join the long queue for biometric registration, you will not have to do the fingerprint part  just the facial biometric.

There is a widely held misapprehension that, having gone through biometric registration once, you are qualified to use e-gates in future. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. The entry-exit system registration is entirely a European Union enterprise, while the system for admitting third-country nationals is down to each member state.

There should, in theory, be some kind of electronic message sent from the registration kiosk saying roughly, Kristen has passed the registration hurdle; she will be along soon to enter the country. But that is a long way from sauntering up to the eGates and smiling (or rather frowning) your way through.

At some frontiers  particularly quieter locations  it may be that all formalities are completed by border officials. In such circumstances, you would need to queue only once. But while you are being examined by the officer, he or she will be completing the registration formalities.

Which countries might be having the most difficulty dealing with the EES? Paul the YouTuber

Briefly, to turn your question around: the nations probably having the least difficulty coping with the rollout of the entry-exit system are those where entry points have a very high proportion of European Union citizens  well above the 65 per cent average for a typical Schengen area border crossing. That might be non-hub airport locations such as Luxembourg, Berlin or Gothenburg.

At the other extreme: holiday airports serving Spain, Portugal and Greece where very large numbers of arriving and departing passengers are from the UK. But this week I asked the Spanish tourist office in London how it was going and was assured: Spain fully intends to meet the EU stipulated guidelines and to have the EES running by 10 April.

Is it worth booking a quick trip to a quiet airport this winter to complete the first biometric registration? If we do this would our second visit to the Schengen area require kiosk use or would we be able to go straight to border control  missing the kiosks? Matthew Pile

A tempting strategy: go to Luxembourg, Berlin or Gothenburg now to save time later. But as explained above: being registered allows you only to shave a few seconds off the time taken for the obligatory re-registration. In time, most British (and other non-EU) nationals will be registered, and the overall process for a planeload of passengers should be noticeably swifter.

If the queues are really deterring you, then waiting might help. A decade or two would be even better, because by then I predict facial biometric technology will be so advanced that you and I will breeze through formalities  even as second-class, third-country nationals.

Couldnt we allow UK travel agents to install these machines in shops and allow British citizens to use them before they travel? Stephen Brunt

Another excellent idea  but one that will never happen, I fear. What would be good: rolling out the smartphone app created for the EES by Frontex, the EUs borders agency. Unfortunately it would save only a small amount of time  you cannot register your fingerprints  and take-up has been negligible.

For EU citizens arriving in Schengen area from a non-Schengen country: is it also so difficult to go through the passport control? Marek Zalinski

No, all citizens of European Union nations  and the wider Schengen area  are carrying on as always. At a Schengen area frontier, there are basically two queues. The fast one, labelled EU/EEA/CH, is for:

Nationals of the EU (whether their country is in Schengen or not)

CItizens of the wider European Economic Area (EEA), namely Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Swiss people (CH is the international country code for Switzerland).

The slow one is for everyone else.

You will find at many ports of arrival there is an additional queue  but this will be for entry-exit system kiosks or pre-registration, which is just a necessary hurdle to cross before you are allowed to line up for the non-EU processing.

You may or may not thank me for pointing out that, had we not voted to leave the European Union and negotiated to become third-country nationals, we would be whizzing past the non-EU stragglers, too.

In fact, what we chose to do is to more than double the length of those lines  because British passport holders make up more than half of the people who cross borders in and out of the Schengen area.

Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue  and what it means for you.
King Charles's visit to the US this year will be an opportunity for the royal family to "shine through" after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, says Geordie Greig.

It comes as police searches at Mr Mountbatten-Windsors former home of Royal Lodge enter their fourth day. Officers began to scour the Windsor property following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on Thursday.

The Independent editor-in-chief told Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on 22 February that the royal family will "get through this," and the King's "confidence and diplomatic skills" will be highlighted on his US trip.
Boris Johnson's call for non-combat troops from the UK and Europe to be deployed immediately to Ukraine is "reckless and irresponsible," Geordie Greig told Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

The former prime minister said non-combat forces should be stationed in peaceful regions to send a firm message to Vladimir Putin, otherwise the Russian leader would keep going with the conflict.

Speaking on Sunday (22 February), The Independent editor-in-chief said of Mr Johnson's comments: "It's typical of attention-seeking stunts, which he's become known for.

"The idea that Johnson can flip a switch in Putin's mind is laughable."
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More Americans will now have the opportunity to fill their homes with Storklinta, Kallax and Strandfloka.

Swedish brand IKEA plans to open 10 stores in the U.S. in 2026, the company announced this week. The new locations will add to its global roster of 504 stores, including 77 in North America.

The new stores will be in Chicago; Culver City, California; Dallas (two locations); Fort Collins, Colorado; Houston; Huntsville, Alabama; Phoenix; Tulsa and Washington, D.C. A Memphis IKEA store will close in May.

IKEA originally planned to open six locations this year but added four more due to its success in 2025, IKEA U.S. Interim CEO Rob Olson said in a statement.

Looking ahead to FY26, we will build on this momentum, focusing on continued investment in the U.S. to make IKEA more affordable, accessible and sustainable, Olson said.

open image in gallery IKEA is planning a significant expansion of its US stores in 2026 ( Supplied )

IKEA is the only primarily brick-and-mortar home-furnishings company in the top 50 retailers in the U.S., according to the most recent data from the National Retail Federation.

There are currently 54 IKEA stores in the United States with more than a third of outlets in California (nine), Texas (seven) and Florida (five). If the openings go as planned, then California and Texas will have 10 stores each.

The Swedish retailer is well-known for its huge warehouse-style locations that sell everything from beds and couches to artwork, potted plants and Swedish delicacies like meatballs and cinnamon rolls.

IKEA opened its first store in Sweden in the 1950s, expanded to Denmark and Norway in the 1960s, then opened its first U.S. location in Pennsylvania in 1985.

While IKEA is perhaps best known for its retail locations, which typically include a restaurant and cafe, it also has boutique-style Plan and Order stores where customers can work with a store representative or use self-service stations to plan their kitchen, bedroom or living room, and order the items they need.

open image in gallery IKEA will add three new stores in Texas and a pair of stores in California ( Getty Images )

The retailers creative approach to its business model has earned accolades from the American Innovation Index, a measure of how well a company performs in customer-focused areas of creativity, innovation and providing value; and in the positive change they create for society and the environment. IKEA ranked first in the index in 2025, followed by Apple, John Deere, Amazon and Microsoft.
Enterprise Ireland has published a new guide for Irish exporters

Navigating the plethora of environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulations and requirements can prove challenging for Irish SMEs, especially when they are involved in exporting.

As large EU companies embed ESG criteria into their supplier selection, it is critical that Irish exporters understand the necessary criteria for their chosen markets, to allow them to compete for and win major contracts abroad.

To support Irish SMEs on their sustainable export journey in the EU, Enterprise Ireland has published a new guide, Navigating ESG Procurement: EU Export Guide for Germany, France, Spain & Italy.

This first-of-its-kind guide outlines ESG requirements for these countries and with a focus on the technology and services, industrial and life sciences, and food and sustainability sectors.

The 35-page guide provides practical support enabling Irish SMEs to remain competitive over the long term, as part of Enterprise Irelands mission to accelerate sustainable Irish business.

Irish SMEs must be aware of the ESG requirements that buyers expect. ESG regulations differ from country to country and sector to sector, so business owners need to understand individual market and industry expectations.

This research provides invaluable insights into ESG requirements

In addition, many larger companies are expecting their suppliers to obtain similar certifications and standards to those they have achieved themselves.

Strong ESG performance can create a competitive advantage, enhance relationships between buyers and suppliers, and lead to more effective risk management.

With the guide, business owners can learn more about ESG regulations, standards and certifications and also find key recommendations, resources and Enterprise Ireland contacts to support them in exporting.

To better understand ESG supplier selection criteria, Enterprise Ireland analysed supplier-code-of-conduct documents from 40 large European firms. Interviews were also conducted with industry experts across sectors and markets.

This research provides invaluable insights into ESG requirements and expectations, resulting in a practical framework to help guide Irish companies with their strategic resource allocation from high- to low-priority ESG topics.

Irish SMEs need to identify the ESG trends in their industry to unlock potential future opportunities, including those related to green public procurement. This proactive approach can enhance competitiveness and position businesses more strongly to secure emerging EU opportunities.

The guide also outlines the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME), a sustainability reporting framework for non-listed SMEs. This recommendation ensures Irish SMEs maintain their sustainability reporting, allowing them to present the necessary information during supplier selection processes when competing for EU contracts.

From start-ups to medium-sized businesses, the guide has resources and recommendations to support SMEs when exporting to Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

You can download the full ESG procurement guide, including useful sustainability resources and contacts, at https://shorturl.at/mlEr0. If you have questions or need further support on the guide, either contact your EI Client advisor or green@enterprise-ireland.com.

Orla Hannan is a market executive in Enterprise Irelands Dusseldorf office
Plus, will I have to foot the bill to replace a poorly built roof canopy?

Q I live in a tiny rural village and my wife uses the family car during the workday as we have three small kids.

I have to be in different parts of Dublin two days a week to meet clients, so I normally get a local taxi to and from the nearest train station, about 10km away. My boss says work will pay my taxi expenses but only if I submit receipts.
I wasnt allowed a phone until I was 14... heres why I think that was a bad idea

As the Government grapples with how to approach a social media age ban, 15-year-old Bridget Crann gives her view

Bridget Crann (15) with her phone. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Bridget Crann Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

My parents wouldnt let me get a smartphone until the summer before I went into third year in school, by which time I was 14 years old.
KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Personnel of the border force of Afghanistan's national army have discovered a drug processing lab in the eastern Nangarhar province and taken into custody four individuals from the site, said a statement of the army stationed in the region on Sunday.

The contraband was unearthed in Khogyani district the other day, the statement said, adding that the security personnel have also discovered a variety of illegal objects, including 52 kg methamphetamine, the statement said.

Without providing more details, the statement noted that no one has the right to produce, process or traffic illegal drugs.

The Afghan government has vowed to fight the cultivation of illegal crops, including opium poppy, processing to drugs, and their trafficking until the once drug-producing nation gets free of the drug menace. 
He thought Ireland was heaven  Trina McKillen pays tribute to Like a Virgin songwriter husband Billy Steinberg

Sister of property developer Paddy says US musician, who has died aged 75, was a huge fan of Connemara

Trina, Billy and Ezra in Ireland

Niamh Horan Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Trina McKillen, the artist and sister of property developer Paddy McKillen, is in mourning following the death of her husband, the songwriter Billy Steinberg.
Im nothing if not resilient  author Cathy Kelly on overcoming sexual assault, bulimia, divorce and cancer

Writer speaks of her relief following a new health scare

Writer Cathy Kelly photographed for the 'Sunday Independent' at the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin. Photo: Frank McGrath

Niamh Horan Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

With her 60th birthday on the horizon, Cathy Kelly knows only too well that life can change in an instant.
Businessman had previously said remote working was bringing Ireland to a halt

Businessman Denis OBrien has accused the Government of being frozen and said business leaders need to pony up to realise Irelands potential.

The billionaire entrepreneur said the country needs more people who bludgeon the Government to do something, like Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary and Monsignor James Horan, who was the driving force behind Knock Airport in the 1980s.
Irish embassy staff in New Delhi suffering due to pollution, warns ambassador

Foreign Affairs personnel are cooped up indoors for three months because of smog problem

Smog engulfs New Delhi. Photo: Getty

Ken Foxe Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Irelands ambassador to India has said diplomatic staff are experiencing mental health issues from being confined indoors for three months each year in New Delhi, which he described as the most polluted city on Earth.
A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, in Cointzio, Michoacan state, Mexico, following the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho (Armando Solis/AP)
Increase in winter trips abroad with people also wanting longer breaks

Travel bookings for January and February of next year are booming as Irish holidaymakers seek a reprieve from any more potential bad weather.

Met Eireann has said that more rain has fallen at Dublin Airport in the first two weeks of February than during the entire month last year, and January was the wettest month in Dublin since 1948. And last year, Storm Eowyn battered the country in late January.
Scramble to strengthen Irish security as threats grow ahead of EU presidency

Defence Minister Helen McEntee plans to fast-track new legislationThis should have been done years ago - former TD and Defence Forces member Cathal Berry

New laws will be drafted to urgently bolster the ability of the Defence Forces

Conal Thomas & Ali Bracken Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

The Government is racing to protect the countrys maritime security ahead of Ireland hosting the presidency of the Council of the European Union this summer.
Tanaiste also considering a savings scheme with a specific child-centred focus

A new state-backed savings scheme will be rolled out next year with finance officials looking to Sweden as the model to replicate.

Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris recently announced plans to help people get a better return for their savings, with budget day in October now being earmarked for its announcement. The move could open up as much as 170bn in accounts to the financial markets.
LATEST | Teenage girl killed in Meath hit-and-run on weekend of tragedies on Irish roads

Weekend of tragedy on Irish roadsWoman (80s) killed in single-vehicle collision in Galway last nightCouple (40s) died after crash involving car and van in WaterfordThree dead and four injured after three-car crash in Armagh

Teenage girl killed in Meath hit-and-run, man (20s) arrested

Adrianna Wrona and Conor Feehan Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 10:33

A man has been arrested following the death of a teenage girl in a hit-and-run in Co. Meath.
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?
KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police in a drive against illegal drugs set ablaze more than 3.7 tons of narcotics in the southern Uruzgan province on Sunday, provincial police spokesman Bilal Urzgani said.

The contraband, which included different kinds of illegal drugs, had been discovered during a series of operations in the provincial capital Tirin Kot and several districts recently.

This is the second time over the past week that the police have burned narcotics publicly in the southern region.

Earlier, police reported burning more than 27 tons of illegal drugs in Uruzgan's neighboring Kandahar province on Wednesday.

The Afghan government has vowed to fight the cultivation of illegal crops, including opium poppy, as well as their processing and trafficking, until the once drug-producing nation gets free of the drug menace. 
The business of government increasingly seems to consist of spending ever greater amounts of money, while being denounced by opponents for not spending anywhere near enough.

The latest turn in this vicious circle happened last week with the row over plans to reduce the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in schools.

This is the name given to support staff whose role is to assist pupils with additional care requirements, including autism and dyslexia.

Their number, according to the Taoiseach, has increased by 45pc since 2020, at a significant cost to taxpayers. In the last few weeks, schools across the country have been informed that their allocation of SNAs is to be cut following a review by the National Council for Special Education.

Parents are, not unreasonably, concerned at what this means for their children, and argue that the presence of dedicated SNAs is vital to their education and wellbeing.

Opposition deputies have duly taken up cudgels on behalf of schools in their constituencies, while the Government denies everything, describing it merely as a reallocation of resources.

The Taoiseach clearly hopes the row will blow over

When is a reduction not a reduction? When the ongoing review rules in due course that it isnt, seems to be the hope of ministers, though when that might be has been left typically vague.

In the meantime, the proposed changes have been paused in an effort to placate parents, opposition parties and trade unions, and the Taoiseach clearly hopes the row will blow over.

This could well be a situation in which political self-interest wins out and the Government is forced to back down for fear of alienating voters with school-age children. There are certainly few extra Dail seats to be gained in cutting SNAs.

Climbing down every time a policy encounters obstacles is, however, hardly a recipe for responsible government. The US Supreme Court may, to the worlds relief, have clipped Donald Trumps wings when it comes to trade tariffs last week, but international economic prospects remain uncertain and Ireland is more vulnerable to sudden shocks than most. Trump himself still seems minded to go full steam ahead into a trade war.

Last weeks news that three multinationals based in Ireland account for nearly half of the countrys corporation tax receipts offered a timely reminder of the dangers. Recent history provides a terrifying warning of the disaster that can occur when the economic house of cards is hit by an unexpected draught. Without that money continuing to flow into Department of Finance coffers, there might be no money for SNAs at all.

SNAs, and the children who rely on them, should not be sacrificed on the altar of fiscal prudence. There are always alternative choices that can be made, albeit none that would not meet some backlash too. The opposition certainly has nothing to lose in fighting every last cutback.

If ministers genuinely believe the funding choices they have made are the right ones, they need all the same to show a greater willingness to stick to their guns in the face of pressure.

Blaming communication failures every time a decision to trim public spending lands badly only works as long as it does not become the default get-out-of-jail-free card for government when choices made in the comfort of ministers offices meet resistance in the real world.
Listowel Writers' Week committee preparing to mark the 55th anniversary of the festival in late May. Photo Domnick Walsh.

As the countrys oldest literary festival, Listowel Writers Week, prepares to celebrate its landmark 55th edition starting on May 22, it has unveiled a sneak peek of the exciting programme ahead.

This is just the opening chaptera tantalising prelude to the full story, as the festival gears up for a dynamic week of literary celebrations.

The Irish presence at this years festival showcases the diverse talent shaping the nations contemporary literary scene.

Memoirist Katriona O'Sullivan, novelists Edel Coffey and Mary Costello, and Eilis Ni Dhuibhne, Laureate for Irish Fiction, will all feature.

Crime fiction enthusiasts will be treated to new works from Liz Nugent and Claire Coughlan, both bringing fresh stories to the festival.

Fergal Keane, the award-winning broadcaster and novelist, will offer a unique perspective on the intersection of history and fiction, while Mick Lynch, trade union leader and public figure, brings his commanding voice from the picket lines of London to the literary streets of Listowel.

This years line-up also includes Booker-shortlisted Andrew Miller, as well as Anya Bergman, Keith Ridgway, and Ardal O'Hanlon, whose latest novel A Plot to Die For is set for release.

International voices are well represented, with Gyozo Ferencz, the Hungarian poet and literary historian, travelling from Budapest, and Tom Hubbard, the Scottish poet and critic, delivering his Seamus Heaney lecture, The Emerald Passport: Seamus Heaney and Europe.

The Childrens Festival returns this year, reinforcing the events commitment to nurturing the next generation of readers and writers. It is an investment in the future, fostering the literary talent that will one day take its place on the stages and pages of Irish literature.

The Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious prizes in Irish fiction, will be awarded this year by former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, alongside novelist and commentator Andrew O'Hagan.

Meanwhile, the Pigott Poetry Prize, a staple of the festival, will continue to spotlight exceptional poetic voices. Shortlists for both awards will be announced soon.

Chairman Ned OSullivan reflects on the festivals remarkable 55-year journey, adding that reaching this milestone is a point of great pride.

This festival was founded by those who believed literature deserved a home in Listowel, and that writers and readers should meet face to face. We are proud of our legacy, and this 55th edition celebrates those who built it and those who continue to sustain it, Mr OSullivan said.

Curator Maire Logue said that fifty-five years is a milestone worth celebrating as everyone involved looks forward to a vibrant few days in Listowel.

With the town alive with writers, readers, and conversation, its an honour to help craft a programme that celebrates the past while infusing Listowel with fresh energy, Ms Logue said.

Listowel Writers Week remains a pioneer in Irish literary culture, being the first festival in Ireland to introduce creative writing workshops.

This year, Catherine Dunne, John Connell, Victoria Kennefick, and Enda Wyley will lead the workshops, which are already selling quickly, reflecting the ongoing demand for immersive literary experiences.

The full festival programme will be revealed in the coming weeks, but for now, this first glimpse promises an unforgettable chapter in a story that has been unfolding in Listowel for more than half a century.
David Newcombe, a student at the University of Galway and founder of Awaken Ireland, delivered a presentation to members of the Oireachtas on youth disengagement and on his plan to help boost young peoples participation in politics and civic life

Mr Newcombe said it was a real honour to be invited to Leinster House, and described it as a symbolic place that represents the heart of Irish democracy.

Mr Newcombe introduced members of the Oireachtas to Awaken Ireland, and delivered a presentation on youth disengagement, longterm national planning and the importance of rebuilding trust between institutions and younger generations.

19-year-old student and founder of Awaken Ireland, David Newcombe from Ballina, County Mayo, was invited to Leinster House to deliver a presentation to TDs and Senators.

A 19yearold Mayo student determined to tackle youth political disengagement has taken his message directly to the heart of Government after being invited to address TDs and Senators at Leinster House.

David Newcombe, from Ballina, launched Awaken Ireland last November with the aim of tackling growing political disengagement among young people aged between 16 and 30.

Within just a few months of setting up the platform, he was presenting its aims to members of the Oireachtas, outlining why young people feel disconnected from politics, and explaining why rebuilding trust between institutions and the next generation is urgently needed.

Mr Newcombe describes the platform as a nonpartisan initiative which is designed to bridge the gap between political institutions and young people.

Awaken Ireland aims to make politics accessible, engaging and relevant by opening up the discussion and encouraging young people to take part in the decisions that will shape their future.

As the platform puts it, the future of Ireland won't be written for us, it will be written by us.

Awaken Irelands Instagram page is packed with colourful graphics, bold, trendy visuals and concise explainers tailored to a younger audience.

Carousel posts break down the 2025 Presidential campaign, the upcoming by-elections, and other political topics in a way that is designed to stop young people midscroll.

The page even created its own Politics Wrapped 2025, a playful spin on Spotifys viral endofyear trend.

There is this sense among many young people that politics happens over there, in Leinster House, and it doesnt reflect on their everyday reality

Mr Newcombe said his motivation for setting up Awaken Ireland came from a longstanding passion for Irish and global politics.

When he tried discussing that interest with friends, he said he was often met with blank faces.

That led to conversations with friends and classmates who were completely disengaged or disillusioned,

There is this sense among many young people that politics happens over there, in Leinster House, and it doesnt reflect on their everyday reality, he explained.

What began as an idea to try help young people get engaged with politics, soon grew into something much bigger.

The feedback from people has been encouraging, many have said they are relieved to see someone their own age try and take initiative rather than turning to social media to complain, he said.

While Mr Newcombe acknowledged that like with anything there is a fair share of scepticism, though he added, I like to think that criticism means engagement.

That engagement reached a new level when his local TD, Minister Dara Calleary, invited him to deliver a presentation to Oireachtas members.

Mr Newcombe introduced members of the Oireachtas to Awaken Ireland, and delivered a presentation on youth disengagement, longterm national planning and the importance of rebuilding trust between institutions and younger generations.

On February 18, Mr Newcombe travelled to Leinster House to speak about youth disengagement, longterm national planning and the importance of rebuilding trust between institutions and younger generations.

It was an amazing experience and a real honour to be invited there. Leinster House is symbolic, it represents the centre of Irish democracy,

As a young person walking into that space to present my ideas to elective representatives from across the country, and from across the political spectrum, [it] was both humbling, and incredibly motivating, Mr Newcombe said.

He said he was struck by the level of interest in the room: The reception itself was respectful and thoughtful, there were constructive questions and genuine discussions, which is all you can really ask for.

The question and answers session was about ten times longer than the speech itself. It goes to show there is a genuine interest from the establishment to get behind this, he added.

Mr Newcombe said it was a real honour to be invited to Leinster House, and described it as a symbolic place that represents the heart of Irish democracy.

He said several senior politicians told him they were becoming increasingly concerned about youth disengagement, and they were worried that established parties were not adapting quickly enough.

Mr Newcombe said he left Leinster House with valuable advice, genuine support and far more appreciation than he expected.

It reinforced the idea that there is room for dialogue, but it also highlighted the need on my part for consistent follow through, he added.

One of the most exciting conversations he said he had in Leinster House was on the idea of expanding Awaken Ireland north of the border.

The youth are so important as we try to reconcile differences between two communities as we move, slowly albeit, towards an inevitable agreed Ireland, he said, adding that the feedback was fascinating and something he hopes to build into the platform as it expands.

Young people are politically aware but often distrustful of traditional party structures

Mr Newcombe recognises that many young people feel disconnected from politics, but insists this disengagement does not come from a place of apathy.

I think engagement does exist, but it looks different from previous generations. Young people are politically aware but often distrustful of traditional party structures,

They care deeply about a wide range of issues, the challenge I don't think is in apathy, but rather [in creating] belief,

Many young people don't believe their involvement will actually change outcomes. Hopefully with Awaken Ireland I can change that, he said.

Housing, the climate crisis, migration, healthcare and national development are among the key issues he believes are shaping his generation.

Issues like these have definitely had me feeling uncertain at times, even to the extent of me wondering could my future even be in Ireland, he said.

As a Commerce student at the University of Galway, he sees firsthand the pressures facing those in higher education.

(L-R: Deputy Keira Keough, Senator Mark Duffy, Mr David Newcombe, Minister Dara Calleary, Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh) Mr Newcombe with Oireachtas members from County Mayo, including his local TD, Minister Dara Calleary.

The strain of accommodation costs, job prospects and the rising cost of living, he said, is looming over you and casting a shadow over young people's lives at the minute.

That uncertainty pushed me to look beyond frustration and towards meaningful participation. Hopefully, I can spread that idea around the country as well, he said.

It is quite a dire situation at the minute, but anger isnt the way forward. It's about being constructive, he explained.

The shortterm focus for Awaken Ireland is on building grassroots engagement and hosting discussions in schools or at college events, alongside policy forums where young people can express their concerns and propose solutions.

Social media will remain a key tool as the platform grows, with TikTok and Instagram central to reaching younger audiences.

In the long-term, Mr Newcombe hopes the project will become a recognised youthled civic platform that contributes meaningfully to public debate, potentially through policy papers and collaborations with academics or policymakers.

Awaken Ireland, he said, is about encouraging people to engage with public life and their civic responsibility.

The goal isnt overnight transformation, rather it's a sustainable long-term cultural change on how young Irish people view politics, from something that is distant and frustrating to something accessible and empowering.

Democracy can only function properly if every generation is active within it and we all take part

Mr Newcombe believes tackling youth disengagement is a shared responsibility, with young people making the effort to speak up and take part, and with politicians ensuring there is space for young voices to be heard and taken seriously.

When asked if he wished young people were listened to more by those in politics, he offered a balanced response, saying the political conversation goes both ways.

You could say [politicians] dont listen to young people enough, but then again you could say young people dont speak up enough, dont go out of their way to get involved, or rally behind issues they feel are important to them, he explained.

It's up to us to stand up and make ourselves heard before we get left behind.

He warned that disengagement comes at a cost down the line.

If young people dont participate, we will effectively surrender influence over our own future, he said. Democracy can only function properly if every generation is active within it, and we all take part.

Decisions being made today will shape the next 30, 40, 50 years and if young people dont participate we are completely handing over control of our future, he added.

Mr Newcombe hopes Awaken Ireland can help reverse the trend of youth disengagement by making politics feel less like a closed club and more like an open forum.

Even if someone doesn't agree with a perspective or agree with one another, if we can inspire them to research an issue more deeply, or attend a meeting about it, or vote thoughtfully - thats progress, he said.

The movement isn't about telling young people what to think, it's about encouraging them to think and indeed to act.

This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish firms risk indirect support for Russias war as non-sanctioned exports soar, warns Ukrainian embassy

Such supplies may be diverted to support military needs, including the treatment of personnel involved in Putins ongoing aggression against the country, a spokesperson said

Russian soldiers in the Rostov region near the Ukraine border in 2022. Photo: Reuters

Sean Pollock Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Irish companies risk indirectly contributing to Russias invasion of Ukraine when exporting to the country, even if their products arent affected by EU sanctions, the Ukrainian embassy has warned.
My dads words make my eyes water and my heart sink, but I hope Ive hidden it well: a Ukrainian refugees return to her city scarred by war

Four years ago this month, Ksenia Samotiy, then age 19, fled Lviv for Ireland as the threat of war loomed. Her father remained. Last week, she returned for an emotional visit

Ukrainian refugee's emotional return to home city after four years in Ireland

Ksenia Samotiy Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Theres a weird comfort in knowing you can survive something youve been terrified of, even when in a better world you would never have to experience it at all.
Lemnos is facing serious problems due to the severe weather, with the island covered in mud and debris. Roads are impassable, and there is damage to the water supply network.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of interfering in the ongoing area council elections in Abuja, warning that his movements around polling units could intimidate voters and undermine the credibility of the process.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party criticised what it described as Wikes movement across polling centres under the guise of monitoring and urged its agents to document any irregularities during the polls.

We strongly condemn the movement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, around various polling units in Abuja under the guise of monitoring.

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Wikes monitoring exercise, after unilaterally imposing a curfew on potential voters, represents direct interference in the election, the party said.

According to the ADC, Wike is not a registered voter in the territory and, as a serving cabinet member and partisan figure, should not be present at polling units during active voting.

He is not a registered voter in the FCT, and as a known partisan and cabinet minister, Wike has no constitutional role in the election exercise.

His presence during active voting is therefore not only vexatious and meddlesome, but also risks intimidating voters and officials, it said.

The ADC also said it received reports of voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the FCT, including alleged collaboration between agents of the All Progressives Congress and some security personnel.

In a similar vein, the ADC has received reports of voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the FCT, including alleged collaboration between APC agents and some security personnel, the APC said.

The party also raised concern over disruptions to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), noting that the portal remained inaccessible even as results were being collated.

We also note disruptions to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which has remained inaccessible even as results are being collated, Abdullahi said.

Describing the development as suspicious, the ADC called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently restore full IReV functionality and provide a public explanation.

We find this a curious coincidence and call on INEC to urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption.

We urge all our party agents and voters to remain calm but vigilant, and to document all incidents, the party added.
LONDON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A late-night traffic collision in Northern Ireland has left three people dead and four others injured, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said Sunday.

The accident occurred at about 10:20 p.m. local time on Saturday on the Armagh Road near Moy in County Tyrone. Police said the incident involved a red BMW, a grey Volkswagen and a white Audi.

A 23-year-old woman and two men aged 31 and 48 were pronounced dead at the scene. Four additional individuals sustained injuries, with three currently receiving hospital treatment.

Investigations on the accident are still going on. 
Candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have won both seats in the February 21 by-election conducted in Rivers State which recorded low voter turnout and late arrival of electoral materials.

The by-elections were conducted in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.

At Khana Local Government Area, the APC candidate for Khana constituency 2, Henrietta Bulabari, was declared winner with a total vote of 7,647 to defeat candidates of the African Alliance, New Nigerian Peoples Party, Young Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.

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Bulabari promised to involve every one of her constituents when she assumes office.

At Ahoada-East Constituency II, the APC candidate, Ukalikpe Napoleon, was declared winner of Constituency 2 by-election.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Rosemary Ogbo, who announced the result, said the election was duly conducted and contested.

Napoleon scored a total of 3,980 votes to defeat other candidates.

Napoleon, after casting his vote at Ogbelle Town, Unit 1, Ward 9, in Ahoada East, commended voters for turning out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.

He expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the overall conduct of the poll, describing the voting process as smooth and orderly.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a polling unit in the ongoing Area Council elections across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The victory was recorded at Polling Unit 055, Jedo Estate Shopping Complex, Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja, under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The ADC chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, polled 51 votes to defeat the incumbent APC candidate, who secured only four votes.

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In the councillorship contest at the same polling unit, the ADC candidate garnered 52 votes, while the APC candidate received five votes out of a total of 57 accredited voters.

The Action Alliance (AA) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) recorded one vote each. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not secure any votes in both elections. A few invalid votes were also recorded.

Although voter turnout was generally low, voting concluded at exactly 2:00 p.m., with ballot counting commencing immediately afterward.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly arrived at the polling unit at about 8:20 a.m.

INEC conducted the Area Council elections across 2,822 polling units in 62 wards, covering Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils in the FCT.

The election was generally peaceful, with security personnel on hand to provide adequate security for INEC officials and voters.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr. Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Bwari Area Council chairmanship election held on February 21, 2026.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Mohammed Nurudeen, announced the results on Sunday in Bwari, stating that Ishaku polled a total of 18,466 votes to secure victory.

I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council Bwari chairmanship election held on Feb. 21, 2026.

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Joshua Ishaku, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, he said.

According to Nurudeen, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 4,254 votes to place second, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate came third with 3,515 votes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairmanship election was conducted across 10 wards in the council: Igu, Shere, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Kubwa, Usuma, Bwari Central, and Kawu.
The All Progressives Congress has secured victory in five of the six chairmanship seats contested in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party won the remaining seat.

Results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday showed that the APC won the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils, while the PDP emerged victorious in Gwagwalada Area Council.

In Gwagwalada Area Council, the PDP candidate, Mohammed Kasim, was declared winner after polling 22,165 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Yahaya Shehu, who secured 17,788 votes.

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Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, said, I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Gwagwalada chairmanship election held on February 21, 2026. That Mohammed Kasim of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.

A breakdown of the results showed:

PDP  22,165

APC  17,788

APGA  1,687

ADC  1,366

Kasim of the PDP was declared winner, having polled the highest number of votes.

In Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku of the APC emerged winner with 18,466 votes.

I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Bwari chairmanship election held on Feb. 21, 2026. That Joshua Ishaku, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, the Returning Officer, Mohammed Nurudeen, announced.

INEC figures showed:

APC  18,466

ADC  4,254

ZLP  3,515

Ishaku of the APC was returned elected.

In the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was re-elected after polling 40,295 votes.

That Maikalangu of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, the AMAC Collation Officer, Andrew Abue, said.

Results released by the commission indicated:

APC  40,295

ADC  12,109

SDP  2,185

NNPP  1,694

PDP  3,398

Maikalangu of the APC secured the highest votes.

In Abaji Area Council, Umar Abdullahi Abubakar of the APC won the chairmanship election.

INEC results showed:

APC  15,536

PDP  4,547

ADC  37

Abubakar of the APC was declared winner.

In Kwali Area Council, the APC candidate, Nuhu Daniel, polled 17,032 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Haruna Pai, who secured 8,575 votes. Daniel of the APC was returned elected.

Kuje Area Council now joins the list, with APC candidate Danjuma Shekwolo winning the chairmanship after polling 17,269 votes.
Lincoln University's campus was the site of a shooting that left one dead and six others injured last year. Read more

Lincoln University at its board meeting Saturday announced new safety plans for large events after the on-campus shooting at homecoming last October that left one dead and six others shot.

No outdoor events will be permitted after dusk, and events will be held within a controlled environment so that guests can be screened, Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee told the board. The university will employ a zone plan for security with help from Chester County emergency management, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Lower Oxford Township, and at the upcoming Spring Fling event, only one registered guest will be permitted per student, Partee said.

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University officials did not say at the meeting when Spring Fling would be held this year  Partee did not return a call for comment Sunday  but its typically in April.

 READ MORE: Lincoln University is facing pressure from its Chester County neighbors after homecoming shooting

Weve ... cultivated those relationships that were sorely needed in this area so that we can do what we need to do and protect our students and keep the community itself happy about what were doing, Partee said.

Lincoln, a historically Black university with 1,650 students in rural Chester County, has been under pressure from its neighbors and Lower Oxford Township to make changes since the Oct. 25 homecoming shooting. Several officials in Lower Oxford had reported ongoing problems with parking, trash on neighbors lawns, disturbances, and, in some cases, crime when the university hosts events. After thousands gathered for homecoming, emergency personnel had to use all-terrain vehicles to transport patients on stretchers because ambulances could not access the campus, given how many cars were parked around the venue, they said.

The townships board of supervisors has been discussing a plan to enact a special events ordinance. A vote could come as soon as the supervisors March meeting.

 READ MORE: Lincoln University is conducting an after-action review after fatal Homecoming shooting

Andrew Cope, who lived near Lincoln for nearly two decades and still owns property there, said Lincolns plan is progress compared to past years, but that concerns remain. He said there should be screening at the university gates, not just at the entry to an event, and that there was no indication as to how parking and trash will be managed.

A strong events ordinance is still needed with a permit process, he said.

I am encouraged that we have seen a plan come out of the university, he said. I need to give them credit for doing something. Im pleasantly optimistic ... but I would still like to see some of the Ts crossed and Is dotted.

Partee said the new plans followed a meeting earlier this month between about 30 people from Lincoln, local and state law enforcement, emergency management, and the township. The Chester County district attorney and county detectives also participated, he said. And the collaboration will be ongoing, he said, as Lincoln plans for other events, such as homecoming

Were getting a lot more resources, a lot more collaboration, Partee told the board.

But he said Lincoln ultimately has control over the plan.

Were not stepping back and saying, We had this immense tragedy. Come in and take over, he said. This is still our legacy.

The plans also include input from the Student Government Association, he said.

Events after dark would be moved indoors, he said, noting issues that have arisen after dark at outdoor university events.

What youll see is, and something that I saw, the crowd changed as the sun went down, Partee told the board. Our family started leaving. Other people started coming in.

He noted potential sites for outdoor events, such as the auxiliary field with a fence.

Were able to control access to the fence, which means we can screen people coming in, he said. We have wands, all of these things that we can put in place to protect the event. Were working on not having just a free-for-all because free-for-all gives people the impression that they can come here and do whatever they want to do.

He said events will be more structured, noting that students are talking about zip lines and food trucks for Spring Fling.

As for the zone security, Partee said his university police and security would man the center ring or hot zone for Spring Fling. The outer ring will be covered by Pennsylvania State Police, which have allocated 10 troopers that will be deployed in two-man teams, he said.

Other patrols will be stationed at areas outside the university gates to monitor illegal parking and other issues, he said. And Chester County, he said, has offered its mobile command post where cameras placed strategically around campus can be monitored and all radio communication can be patched together on one channel, he said.

Were going to have somebody dedicated to just watch cameras from Chester County Emergency Management, Partee said.

For larger events, such as homecoming, more safety personnel will be deployed, he said.

Were able to scale it up and down, he said of the plan. Spring Fling will be our test case.
People sled down the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps in this 2021 file photo. As the region braces for a major snowstorm, the Philadelphia School District has already called a virtual learning day Monday. Read more

As a blizzard expected to dump significant snowfall on the region bore down, school districts across the region made the call: Monday classes are canceled  or shifted to online instruction.

The Philadelphia School District made the call early  on Saturday  calling a virtual instruction day for Monday.

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While we work to the greatest extent possible to keep schools open for in-person learning to accelerate student achievement, we also consider the staff members who are commuting from across the region and keep the safety of students and staff as our top priority, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said in a message to families and staff.

The district gave students one full snow day in January but has no more cushion built into its calendar to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Educations requirement for 180 instructional days.

Any further inclement weather days will also be virtual learning days, Watlington said.

After Monday, if schools need to remain closed due to inclement weather, the district will provide an update to parents, guardians and employees regarding remote learning, Watlington said.

Among other districts that called for no school Monday: Camden, Cherry Hill, Evesham, Moorestown, and Washington Township in New Jersey; and Downington, Lower Merion, and Neshaminy in Pennsylvania.

Central Bucks, Pennsbury, Rose Tree Media, and Upper Darby moved to virtual instruction.
Samuel Perez clears the sidewalk of snow along 4th and Market Streets in Old City Sunday evening. Read more

Before a single wet flake was sighted in the Philly region late Sunday afternoon, what forecasters warned would be a storm of rare severity already was having impacts on the workweek.

A blizzard warning remained in effect for Philadelphia and all of New Jersey and Delaware until 6 p.m. Monday. And while snow amounts might not qualify as historic, by the time it stops Monday this was expected to be the heftiest snowfall in a decade, with accumulation estimates of one to two feet.

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Philadelphia hasnt experienced a verified blizzard in 33 years, and this one would be powered by a bomb cyclone storm whose intensity would be similar to that of Category 1 hurricane, meteorologists said. This marked the first time ever that the entire state of New Jersey was under a blizzard warning, said Judah Cohen, a research scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

With heavy, wet snow at the onset, and gusts howling to 45 mph on the mainland during the night  up to 55 at Shore  thousands of homes in Southern and Central New Jersey were without power Sunday night. Plus, with drier snow expected later as temperatures fall below freezing, the region may see something it hasnt in several winters: considerable drifting.

By the time the plows are done this week, the region could end up with a mini-version of the White Mountains.

In addition to heavy snows, a noreaster that was ripening off the Virginia coast Sunday was destined to generate potent onshore winds setting off moderate flooding along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts.

The governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware declared states of emergency and advised against driving.

Schools announced preemptive plans for closings or virtual learning. SEPTA suspended all bus service and warned that Monday might be a mess. PATCO said it would continue on its snow schedule Monday, Amtrak suspended its Keystone Service from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, and NJ Transit announced it was suspending service as of 6 p.m. Sunday. Philadelphia opened extra warming centers that would be available through Tuesday.

About two-thirds of the 1,460 flights scheduled into and out of Philadelphia International Airport for Sunday and Monday had been canceled by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Although the forecast updates later on Sunday were trimmed back from what the weather service said might be potentially historic amounts, meteorologists suggested that the conditions would warrant the regions precautions.

The weather services updated predictions called for 12 to 18 inches, with up to two feet in South Jersey. AccuWeather Inc. was going with 10 to 14 inches.

Thats nothing to sneeze at, said Tom Kines, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.

The weather service projections might have been a little bit high, said Ray Martin, a lead meteorologist in the Mount Holly office, but, We dont want people to be under-warned, thats for sure.

The storm almost certainly will reach bomb cyclone status, said Cody Snell, meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Md.

It will very easily qualify, he said. The criteria is related to drops in the central barometric pressure. In laymans terms, a bomb is one heck of a storm.

The storm got off to an uneventful start in the region with light rain falling into early Sunday afternoon with temperatures well above freezing.

But the changeover finally got underway late in the afternoon from south to north. Amounts of 1 to 5 inches were reported around the region by Sunday evening. Officially 1.7 inches had landed at Philadelphia International Airport, as of 7 p.m. Forecasters said snow could accumulate two inches an hour during the night.

Amounts likely will vary as a result of banding, narrow, moving corridors where snow falls heavily, said Nick Guzzo, a Mount Holly meteorologist. Banding already was evident early Sunday evening, he said.

And didnt we just get rid of a bunch of this stuff?

Yes, that 9.3 inches of snow and white ice that fell on Jan. 25 is survived by some debris-strewn graying and blackening mountains, but its otherwise gone.

It just took about three weeks.

This one shouldnt be as tenacious, as it wont be infused with ice balls, and it will have a tough fight with the increasing power of the February sun.

In the short term, however, it is likely to be quite obstructive.

Accumulations are likely to vary substantially. Narrow corridors of heavier snow were likely to form during the night, and areas under the bands are going to receive the highest amounts.

This also will be a long duration storm with its effects continuing well into Monday afternoon. Some snow could continue through the day, the weather service says.

Some folks were determined to mine the best of the situation imposed by nature.

Bartender Bill Coburn at Les & Doreens Happy Tap said it was a snowload, in which people seek refuge from the blizzard at local bars.

I think it comes from when youre a kid  you have a snow day and you all go out somewhere, go sledding, said James Brenner, 43, who lives above Atlantis: The Lost Bar in Kensington. Its just an adult version of that.

In Germantown, Ashley Ellis Gitongu, 33, brought her three boys to the grocery store to buy some strawberries, a final outing before the impending storm.

With another child on the way, Gitongu was dealing with it all with a certain equanimity. Im not too worried, but we are going to be stuck inside for two days, Gitongu said. And it looks like theyll be getting some exercise.

All the furniture is out of the way in the living room so they can play soccer inside, she said. We have softballs, Legos, anything to keep them active and distracted.

Among those not traumatized by it all was Eric Dobson, 57.

These kind of winters were common when I was a kid, said the Germantown resident. I guess we have become soft, so we panic.

I dont know why we always get milk and bread in the storms, said Dobson with a laugh. I dont even think we eat that much bread.

This story will be updated.

Melanie Burney, Kristen A. Graham, Michelle Myers, Ariana Perez-Castells, Maggie Prosser, Brett Sholtis, and Aubrey Whelan contributed to this article.
A journalist looks at newspaper front pages in London, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Read more

As the U.S. Justice Department demurs from new inquiries linked to the Epstein files, the approach by European authorities stands in stark contrast. On the other side of the Atlantic, governments are promising to hold the wealthy, powerful, and politically connected to account.

Under public scrutiny, officials in Britain, France, Norway, and beyond have opened a flurry of investigations and independent commissions to look into evidence of potential crimes in more than 3 million files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that were released last month by congressional order. In three weeks, the revelations have prompted resignations, raids, and other legal actions, none more notable than the detention Thursday of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in office.

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Nobody is above the law, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on television shortly before the arrest.

Starmer delivered that statement even as the tide of accountability knocked at the door of 10 Downing Street. Communications made public in the files showed that Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the United States selected by Starmer, maintained closer ties to Epstein than previously disclosed. Those revelations sparked a flurry of calls for Starmers resignation  including from within his own Labour Party.

The fallout in Britain comes as a former Norwegian prime minister, a former French minister, and other prominent figures on the continent face new investigations in what is fast shaping up to be a European exercise in accountability.

As the Trump administration has portrayed Europe as in decline, some observers see the European response as evidence of the relative robustness of the rule of law in the continents democracies, compared with the concentration of power in Trumps America.

In Norway and across Europe, the instinct has been transparency and formal investigations, said Julie E. Stuestl, a member of Norways parliament who serves on its justice committee. In the U.S., it looks more like containment.

She added, The contrast is striking.

Senior Democratic lawmakers in Washington are comparing the broad legal action across the Atlantic to the muted response in the United States.

The DOJs handling of the Epstein files is a travesty, Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D., N.Y.) said in a post on X. The White House press secretary says, We are moving on. But, in France, the Paris prosecutors office just opened two investigations based on new leads from the released files. And in Britain, former prince Andrew has been arrested over ties to Epstein. When will there be justice in America?

Some analysts point out that the Epstein case has roiled the United States for years while the impact in Europe has been more of a slow burn that ignited with the release of the latest files.

One interpretation is that accountability still means something more in Europe than in America, said Nathalie Tocci, director of the Rome-based Institute for International Affairs. A less generous interpretation is that it is a newer shock in Europe than in the U.S.

The disclosures shook the country to its core, said Stuestl, the Norwegian lawmaker whose party advocated for an independent commission. People are tired of elites protecting elites behind closed doors, which has made objections to the proposal untenable, she said.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to two charges of soliciting prostitution, including one involving a minor. He was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 and died in federal custody later that year. His death was ruled a suicide. Judges and lawmakers say that over decades, Epstein abused, trafficked and molested scores of girls, many of whom have come forward in court and in other public forums.

Some prominent figures in the United States have resigned from their jobs or lost business after the documents revealed their relationships with Epstein, but none is known to have faced criminal charges. In Washington, efforts to hold people accountable for their involvement with Epstein have at times also fallen along partisan lines.

President Donald Trump in November called on the Justice Department to examine the relationships between Epstein and several prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. Attorney General Pam Bondi tapped federal prosecutors in Manhattan to take on the job, but the Justice Department has not announced charges related to the inquiry.

I cant talk about any investigations, but I will say the following, which is that in July, the Department of Justice said that we had reviewed the files, the Epstein files, and there was nothing in there that allowed us to prosecute anybody, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in an interview with CNNs Dana Bash earlier this month. The entire world can look at and see if we got it wrong.

British authorities have not detailed the allegations against Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, whom police released Thursday night after officials searched two addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire. The new Epstein documents include photographs that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied any wrongdoing, crouched over a woman on a floor. They also indicate that he provided confidential government materials to Epstein at a time when the former prince was representing Britain as a trade envoy. The actions came months after he was stripped of his royal titles as a result of his ties to Epstein.

The British government is considering whether to introduce legislation that would remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession regardless of the outcome of the police investigation, the BBC reported Saturday, citing Defense Minister Luke Pollard. Mountbatten-Windsor is eighth in line to the throne.

Following the arrest, King Charles III issued a statement assuring the British public that the the law must take its course in the investigation of his brother.

There is a great irony that in the year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the American republic, the British monarchy is one that gives us a lesson in democracy, said Dominique Moisi, a senior analyst of international affairs for the Institut Montaigne, a Paris-based think tank.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said he supports investigating the links between prominent Norwegians and Epstein. Like other European leaders, Stre is under pressure to respond to voter outrage over the documents, which have implicated a global network of celebrities and politicians.

I think it has been quite shocking for people to get this insight into this world and the connection between people with power. And how it has affected people without power, who have been abused and subjected to assault, Stre told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.

Earlier this month, former Norwegian prime minister Thorbjrn Jagland was charged with aggravated corruption over Epstein links. Police have searched residences of Jagland, who formerly chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Authorities also said they are investigating whether Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans tied to his positions, including as head of the Council of Europe, the continents highest human rights watchdog.

The moves against him came as it emerged that he had planned visits to Epsteins homes in Paris and New York, and that Epstein had visited Jaglands residence in Strasbourg, France. Jagland, who has denied criminal liability and said he would cooperate with authorities, could face up to 10 years in prison.

Also this month, Norwegian diplomat Mona Juul resigned in the face of corruption charges after Norwegian media reported that Epstein left her children millions of dollars in his will. Authorities are looking into Epsteins links to Juul and her husband, who played a role in back-channel talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators that led to the Oslo accords. Juul has denied criminal liability.

Scandal hit the countrys stoic monarchy, too: Documents revealed that Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit had stayed at an Epstein property in Palm Beach, Fla., and exchanged scores of messages with the disgraced financier. Her name appears repeatedly in the files, including after Epsteins 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The crown princess has expressed deep regret over her connection to Epstein.

Authorities in Latvia and Lithuania opened investigations into the possible trafficking of young women and girls by Epstein. In Slovakia, the documents brought down Miroslav Lajcak, the prime ministers national security adviser, who resigned over email exchanges with Epstein.

In France, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced two new investigations related to the Epstein files, one focused on sex trafficking and the other on financial crimes. French authorities were already looking into former French culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter over allegations of tax fraud and receiving money from Epstein. That inquiry followed an investigation by French news outlet Mediapart, which detailed close ties to Epstein.

Beccuau is calling for yet-unknown victims of Epstein to come forward.
Pedestrians walk past a billboard depicting a U.S. aircraft carrier with damaged fighter jets on its deck and a sign in Farsi and English reading, "If you sow the wind, you'll reap the whirlwind," at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Square in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. Read more

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Omans foreign minister says the next round of talks between the United States and Iran will be Thursday in Geneva.

Badr al-Busaidi said on social media Sunday he was pleased to confirm the development, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal.

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Oman previously hosted talks and facilitated the latest round in Geneva last week.

Irans top diplomat says he will meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday, following two rounds of indirect talks on the Islamic Republics nuclear program.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also told CBS in an interview aired Sunday that a good chance remained for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue, adding it was the only matter being discussed.

There was no immediate comment from the White House.

Araghchis remarks came as new anti-government protests began in Iran, according to witnesses, as university students in Tehran and another city demonstrated around memorials for thousands of people killed in a crackdown on previous nationwide demonstrations about six weeks ago.

The Trump administration has been pushing for concessions from its longtime adversary and has built up the largest U.S. military presence in the Middle East in decades.

President Donald Trump warned on Friday that limited strikes against Iran are possible, even as Araghchi at the time said Tehran expected to have a proposed deal ready in the next few days.

Araghchi told CBS Iran was still working on the draft proposal. He added that Iran has the right to enrich uranium. On Friday, he said his U.S. counterparts had not asked for zero enrichment as part of the latest round of talks, which is not what U.S. officials have said publicly.

Both Iran and the U.S. have signaled they are prepared for war if talks on Tehrans nuclear program fail. The latest round of talks was last week in Geneva, with little apparent progress.

The U.S. has said Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them and that it cannot enrich uranium. Tehran has long insisted that any negotiations should only focus on its nuclear program and that it hasnt been enriching uranium since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.

Although Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, the U.S. and others suspect it is aimed at eventually developing weapons.

Talks were deadlocked for years after Trumps decision in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw the U.S. from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Since then, Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli demands that it scale back its missile program and sever ties to armed groups.

New protests in Iran

Meanwhile, Irans state news agency said students protested at five universities in the capital, Tehran, and one in the city of Mashhad on Sunday. The scattered protests erupted Saturday at universities following 40-day memorials for people killed in January during anti-government rallies.

Irans government has not commented on the latest protests.

Many Iranians have held ceremonies marking the traditional 40-day mourning period in the past week. Most of the protesters are believed to have been killed around Jan. 8 and 9, according to activists tracking the situation.

Iranians across the country are still reeling with shock, grief and fear after the earlier protests were crushed by the deadliest crackdown ever seen under the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands are believed to have been arrested.

Although the crackdown tamped down the largest protests, smaller ones are still occurring, according to protesters and to videos shared on social media.

During the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the shah and brought the Islamic Republic to power, 40-day memorials for slain protesters often turned into rallies that security forces tried to crush, causing new deaths. Those were then marked 40 days later, with new protests.

Posts on social media Saturday and Sunday have alleged that security forces tried to restrict people from attending some 40-day ceremonies.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 7,015 people were killed in the previous protests and crackdown, including 214 government forces. The group has been accurate in counting deaths during previous rounds of unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists there to verify deaths.

The death toll continues to rise as the group crosschecks information despite disrupted communication with those inside the Islamic Republic.

Irans government offered its only death toll from the previous protests on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed. Irans theocracy in the past has undercounted or not reported fatalities from past unrest.

The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, given authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran.
One of the nations leading artificial intelligence firms is negotiating whether it can continue to work with the military, according to people familiar with the discussions, after Pentagon officials called their once-close relationship into question in the wake of Januarys raid to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Anthropics Claude model is one of a handful of leading AI systems that the Pentagon is using to rapidly build its capabilities in cyberwarfare, improve the performance of its autonomous weapons systems, and increase the efficiency of its personnel.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths team has insisted in recent weeks that the military must have the freedom to use the powerful tools as it sees fit. Officials say other leading AI firms have gone along with the demand. ChatGPT maker OpenAI, Google, and Elon Musks xAI have agreed to allow the Pentagon to use their systems for all lawful purposes on unclassified networks, a Defense official said, and are working on agreements for classified networks. (The Washington Post has a content partnership with OpenAI.)

The companies did not respond to requests for comment.

But Anthropic  which has sought to position itself as the most safety-minded of the companies  has corporate principles that may keep it from giving the Pentagon carte blanche. Unlike many traditional weapons, powerful AI systems can be deployed in many ways not foreseen by their designers, and the dispute has raised questions about who should have the final say over their use by the military. While Anthropic has not said exactly what its qualms are with the Pentagons demands, its chief executive has recently warned of the dangers of autonomous weapons and AI-powered mass surveillance.

In a statement to the Washington Post, Anthropic said it is committed to using frontier AI in support of U.S. national security.

Claude is used for a wide variety of intelligence-related use cases across the government, including the [Defense Department], in line with our Usage Policy, Anthropic said. We are having productive conversations, in good faith, with [the Defense Department] on how to continue that work and get these complex issues right.

Until recent weeks Anthropic had been in an enviable position, with a $200 million contract and its technology uniquely approved for use within the Pentagons classified networks. That quickly began to change, Trump administration officials say, following Anthropics response to its recent use by the Pentagon in the Maduro operation.

Technology developed by defense firm Palantir and Anthropics Claude were used in preparation for the Jan. 3 raid, according a person familiar with the assault, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share confidential details about the operation. During the raid, scores of Maduros security guards and Venezuelan service members were killed.

After the attack, a senior defense official said, an executive from Anthropic discussed the raid with an executive at Palantir, asking whether Anthropics tools had been used. The Palantir executive relayed the question to the Defense Department, saying it implied that Anthropic might have disapproved of how Claude had been used, the official said. That prompted department leaders to call into doubt whether the company could be fully relied on.

They expressed concern over the Maduro raid, which is a huge problem for the department, one administration official said.

However, Anthropic said it had not discussed any specific operations with the Defense Department nor discussed this with, or expressed concerns to, any industry partners outside of routine discussions on strictly technical matters.

The dispute appears to run deeper than any questions over the attack on Venezuela. Hegseth sees AI dominance as a must-have capability and his directives have pressed the military to move fast to embrace the technology. In January, he said that speed wins in an AI-driven future, and he has ordered the Pentagon to unblock data for AI to train, while pushing the department to move from campaign planning to kill chain execution.

We must approach risk tradeoffs, equities, and other subjective questions as if we were at war, Hegseth wrote in the January 2026 directive.

Just over two weeks after Hegseths directive came down, Dario Amodei, Anthropics co-founder and chief executive, published an essay sketching a potential dystopia in which AI empowers a new generation of unstoppable weapons and surveillance tools.

We should worry about them in the hands of autocracies, but also worry that because they are so powerful, with so little accountability, there is a greatly increased risk of democratic governments turning them against their own people to seize power, Amodei wrote about swarms of AI-enabled drones.

Such weaponry is likely still many years away, but failing to reach an agreement could quickly have far-reaching consequences for the company.

The Pentagon has suggested that it could be branded a supply chain risk, something that would not only impact Anthropic, but any firm that uses the companys AI. The designation has typically been aimed at Chinese and Russian companies.

We may require that all our vendors and contractors certify that they dont use any Anthropic model, a defense official told the Post.

In the past, firms have been able to have riders in their contracts with the Pentagon indemnifying them from liability if their technology is used in an unlawful way and allowing them to bind the government to only use the technology for lawful purposes.

But it may be unreasonable for firms contracting with the Pentagon to try to set limitations on how their rapidly evolving technology can be applied, said Frank Kendall, who served as Air Force secretary during the Biden administration and oversaw its development of a fleet of autonomous warplanes.

The militarys function is the application of violence, and if youre going to give anything to the Defense Department, its likely going to be used to help kill people, Kendall said.

The administration has held that its actions  which also include U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, its deployment of active duty troops on U.S. soil, and its decision to use lethal force in Minneapolis, killing two U.S. citizens  have been lawful. But the Trump administration has also fired many of the independent military and Justice Department lawyers who would have had the ability to challenge the legality of those usages.

If youre worried about this administration doing unlawful things, you should just not work with them, Kendall said.

The Pentagon has been integrating AI into some of its weapons systems for years but never at the speed at which it is now. Thats partly driven by its competition with China and evolving threats like hypersonic missiles  where a humans reaction time can be inadequate.

But theres also been an emphasis on making sure AIs unpredictable learning could be fenced in.

At Edwards Air Force Base in 2024, the Air Force flew its first AI fighter jet in dogfights  and the jet, an F-16 that carried the AI in a computer in the back, was already besting elite test pilots by shaving milliseconds off turns and maneuvers. Even then, there was a human in the loop, a test pilot inside the jet who could disengage the AI as needed  and the AI itself was kept in a system that was not connected to any networks. As the Air Force moved forward withe the AI, it said making sure the data it learned on was clean was the priority, to avoid security risks.

In 2023, the Biden administration instructed the Pentagon that any AI use in systems would require levels of review, anti-tamper mechanisms, and safeguards to ensure that humans would retain the decision on use of force.

That policy is still in force but will be reviewed as needed, the administration official told the Post.
MOSCOW, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Russia said Sunday that it shot down seven HIMARS rockets, five guided aerial bombs and 326 fixed-wing drones launched by Ukrainian forces in the past 24 hours.

"Air defense systems destroyed five guided aerial bombs, seven rockets from the U.S.-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, and 326 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the Russian defense ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched a strike using long-range precision weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities and energy infrastructure that supports the Ukrainian armed forces, with all designated targets hit, said the ministry.

"The Russian Armed Forces conducted a large-scale strike employing long-range, ground- and air-launched precision weapons, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities and energy infrastructure used to sustain Ukrainian military operations. The objectives of the strike have been fully achieved. All designated targets have been neutralized," it said.

Russian troops also eliminated a Ukrainian military logistics center and a storage facility housing drones and their components, the ministry said, adding that temporary deployment points of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries in 144 locations were targeted. 
A crew member having a medical emergency was evacuated from a U.S. submarine off the coast of Greenland by the Danish military, Read more

President Donald Trumps announcement over the weekend that he would be sending a great hospital boat to Greenland to care for the Arctic islands neglected sick is  like many of the presidents remarks around Greenland  causing befuddlement on both sides of the Atlantic.

Officials on the island, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, did not ask for such a ship, and Greenlands prime minister said it will not be welcoming it, as its citizens are guaranteed free healthcare.

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Its a no thank you from here, Greenlands prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said in a statement Sunday.

President Trumps idea of sending an American hospital ship here to Greenland has been noted. But we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for citizens. That is a deliberate choice  and a fundamental part of our society. That is not how it works in the USA.

Please talk to us instead of just making more or less random statements on social media, Nielsen said later in the statement. Dialogue and cooperation require respect for the fact that decisions about our country are made here at home.

Maritime tracking data further suggests there are no U.S. hospital ships currently positioned to sail to Greenland.

Trumps post Saturday on Truth Social followed months in which he unsettled European allies by threatening to take the Arctic territory from Denmark. The White House eventually backed down and said the U.S. will instead seek strategic agreements with Denmark. But the post signals Trump may remain focused on provoking Denmark.

The presidents unexpected announcement came as Denmark revealed there was a case of medical distress near the island needing emergency attention. But it was the U.S. that needed the help. Denmarks Arctic Command reported early Saturday that it had evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine in need of doctors.

The crew member required urgent medical treatment and has been transferred to the Greenlandic health authorities and the hospital in Nuuk, the Arctic Command said a statement. The evacuation took place within Greenlandic territorial waters, 7 nautical miles off Nuuk. It was carried out by the Danish Defence Seahawk helicopter. The helicopter was deployed from the inspection vessel Vdderen.

That event was followed later in the day by Trumps post, which featured what appears to be an AI-generated illustration of the USNS Mercy steaming toward the Arctic territory. Trump made no mention of the emergency evacuation of the U.S. sailor. But he declared that he was going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there.

Its on the way!!! said the post, which also reported that Trump was executing the action together with his envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.

Denmark quickly dismissed Trumps announcement, saying it was not aware of any medical emergency in Greenland.

The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told Denmarks public broadcaster, DR. Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics.

Denmarks prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, also appeared to rebuff Trumps plan, without mentioning him by name. She wrote Sunday on Instagram that she is happy to live in a country where healthcare is free to everyone and that Greenland enjoys the same system.

The U.S. Navy operates two hospital ships, the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy. Neither appears ready to deploy any time soon, and both were at a maintenance facility, Alabama Shipyard in Mobile, on Sunday, according to ship-tracking data.

Navy officials and officials with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths team referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond.

In December, the Pentagon said it had signed a $16.7 million contract with the shipyard to place the Comfort in an extended period of maintenance beginning Jan. 15 with expected completion by April 26.

In June, the Pentagon signed a $18.7 million deal with the same shipyard to place the Mercy in extended maintenance. Navy officials later said the work would take about a year.

According to gCaptain, a website that monitors ship movements, the Mercy was firmly in dry dock as of late January.
For more than 20 years, the house in West Goshen has been slowly deteriorating. A group of residents is trying to preserve it, with the hopes of turning it into a heritage center that reflects on the history of the area, particularly the ties to the Underground Railroad. But the township is in a bind when it is privately owned. Read more

Posts online beckoned urban explorers to creep through a century-old West Goshen home that has sat empty and deteriorating for more than two decades. Police have frequented the property  responding to sounds of gunshots, or finding the doors open, but halting their searches, worried the floor might collapse.

The once-impressive three-story fieldstone house, with its private bridge and stonemason barn, has become something of an attractive nuisance, as a court document says, and a safety threat as it deteriorates.

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After the township intervened, the future of the privately owned property at 905 Westtown Rd. is now in the hands of a judge, who will weigh whether the property can be restored or if it ought to be demolished.

But a group of residents fear losing the house, even in its much-diminished state, and have launched an effort to save the property. The hope is to halt possible development and instead turn it into a heritage center that would educate visitors on Chester Countys Quaker history and its roots to the Underground Railroad.

Its one example of a broader push and pull in Chester County, where residents want to preserve open space and history, and hold off development. But with privately owned land, especially land that is not protected for being historic, municipal officials can only do so much.

Its a beautiful place. When you spend some time there, its like a window through time, said Stephen Lyons, who is leading the preservation group Save Forsythe Farm, an unofficial name for the property derived from John Forsythe, who lived from 1754 to 1840, eventually owning the land and helping establish Westtown School.

It has a spirit of beauty, he said.

After sitting vacant for 20 years, the house has rotted from the inside

The home was built more than a century ago  a structural engineers report puts it at 1900, a datestone on the property indicates 1818, and others suggest it may be older.

The property, purchased by Joseph Kravitz in 2003, has descended into disrepair in the last two decades. Kravitz was found to have violated property maintenance codes in recent years. The property went into foreclosure and was listed for sheriffs sale several times.

But in September, with the property still owned by Kravitz, West Goshen officials submitted a 350-page petition to Chester County Court seeking conservatorship, arguing the house was neglected and in need of substantial rehabilitation.

A judge approved the petition in November and appointed BDP Impact Real Estate as the conservator, which was tasked with creating a plan for abatement. Its final report will be heard in court on March 16, and the judge will determine what path should be followed. To retain ownership, Kravitz can reimburse the conservator and pay a fee, township officials said.

Kravitz did not respond to phone calls or an email seeking comment.

Under the conservatorship, a fence was placed to fend off explorers, and a structural engineer was brought in to assess the structures on the property. The engineer would not go beyond the front door of the house, out of fear of falling through the floor.

But without going inside, the engineer found significant interior deterioration from a leaking roof, according to the report. Plaster, which once covered the ceilings, had rotted, fallen, and created mounds on the floor, revealing the skeletal wooden beams. The gutters have been disconnected, with water saturating the soil near the foundation. Cracks were seen on some windows.

An in-ground swimming pool had substantial algae growth. A pool equipment shed was distorted. And a masonry barn structure was in a state of impending collapse.

A single-lane bridge, allowing access from Westtown Road across a creek, is not suitable for permanent use without repair or reconstruction.

When township solicitor Carl Ewald visited the property with the structural engineer in November, he mistook the swimming pool for a murky patch of grass.

Its a very unfortunate situation, because I was able to find online pictures of this property from 20-some years ago, when it last went up for sale, and it was a really nice property back then, he said.

Along with an estimated $171,730 to install a temporary bridge to ferry equipment to the property, it would cost roughly $121,600 to demolish the main house, the conservator estimated.

The estimated cost of rehabilitation was much higher: $1.2 million. Under that plan, the masonry walls would have to be stabilized and retained, and the interior fully gutted.

It is unclear whether that is feasible and where the money would come from, Ewald said.

The court will be looking at that and determining whether thats something that could be done, or whether demolition is the only real option, he said.

He thinks people might not realize how far gone the property is.

Its unbelievable how fast water penetration into a structure really damages it, and how a house like this that stood for many years and, in 20 years, was really reduced to a shell, Ewald said.

The ability to synthesize all these histories

With such a difficult path ahead, why not let the property go?

For residents, it represents the regions deep historical ties, and it offers the potential for preserving open space.

Lyons grew up one mile away from the area. After living in New York as a musician and actor, he returned during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to care for his parents, and Lyons became immersed in learning about the history of West Goshen, and the abolitionist and Quaker histories entrenched in the community.

The goal for Save Forsythe Farm would be to create an open space that connects to the nearby Barker Park. In the groups vision, the home would become a historic site that teaches about abolition, Black history, civil rights history, Quaker history, and more.

Forsythe Farm has a tremendous potential to synthesize all these histories and our connection to land and also First Nations people as well, Lyons said.

But this experience has prompted a proposed ordinance to address how demolition by neglect is handled amid private property rights, which the townships board of supervisors and historic commission are set to discuss Thursday.

Still, the hope is to keep the house from being demolished, said Brittany Schugsta, vice chair of the Save Forsythe Farm group. Her family once tried to buy the property, but ended up in East Goshen.

When I lived in West Goshen  it felt much more convenient. There was all the shopping hubs and all of those kind of places around, but it lacked that richness of history, she said.

If the owner does not reimburse the conservator, the property would be sold by the court to the highest bidder, Ewald said. The money would pay off the liens, debts, and the conservatorship. Any money left over would go to Kravitz.

The township could buy the property, if officials are willing to spend a couple of million dollars at minimum, Ewald said. But it is not yet clear how much the property would cost, or if officials would want to purchase it.

The house is something of a symbol of the past, said Bill Aaronson. He can see 905 Westtown from his front porch on Bob-O-Link Lane, where he has lived since the 1980s. He watched the home sell. He didnt think much about it, until his son took a stroll and saw how much it had declined.

And then he heard what it could become: a development.

Speaking at a historical commission meeting last year, Kravitz said he envisioned several draftsman-style houses, called Forsythes Homes or Barkerville.

(Though Kravitz has discussed his intentions previously, township officials said no plans had been submitted or were under review.)

The concept prompted Aaronson to become more involved with Save Forsythe Farm.

The house itself is an extraordinary presence, and it symbolizes what the history here was, more than a plaque ever would, Aaronson said.
Protesters and media gather outside of the Quakertown Borough Police Department in Bucks County Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Read more

People are calling for the longtime Quakertown Borough police chief to resign, two days after videos emerged that appear to show him barreling into a crowd of teenagers, sustaining a barrage of punches, and grappling with a girl on the ground.

The incident happened Friday after about 35 Quakertown Senior High School students walked out of class to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The school initially approved the walkout but canceled it for safety reasons earlier that morning. Quakertown Borough Police said it arrested five students and one adult after a scuffle with officers.

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Police Chief Scott McElree and the police department have not responded to requests for comment over the weekend. But as videos of the incident have spread online, demands for answers and accountability have grown. Community members held a rally outside the police department Saturday morning. Hours later, the office of Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan said that it is investigating the police response.

 READ MORE: Bucks County DA investigating after Quakertown police arrested high school students protesting ICE

As of Sunday afternoon, more than 4,000 people have signed a Change.org petition, Demand Chief Scott McElrees resignation. Its not clear how many of the signers are locals.

The video made me cry, wrote a petition signer identified as Karen. I know every one of those children. They were taught to trust the police. They were also taught to fight back against an attacker.

Karen and other petition signers noted that McElree was not wearing anything identifying himself as a police officer in the videos.

Another petition signer, identified as Sora from Quakertown, said the students should be held accountable for walking out of class. But that didnt justify McElrees response.

This protest got violent because the chief [of] police chose to start the violence, the students were ready to defend because they have seen everything happening in other states with ICE, the commenter said.

Once students left school grounds without authorization and walked into town ... they were no longer under the districts custodial control or supervision, and we have almost no legal ability to regulate or investigate their behavior, Lisa Hoffman, acting superintendent of schools for Quakertown Community School District said in a statement Sunday night.

According to the Quakertown Borough website, McElree serves as chief of police, borough manager, and open records officer for the community. About 9,400 people live there, recent U.S. census numbers show. Quakertown is in northwest Bucks County about a half hour from Allentown.

McElree has served as both police chief and borough manager since 2007, according to news reports. He previously was a Whitemarsh Township police officer for about 30 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Contacted by phone Sunday, Quakertown Borough Council Member Michael Johnson said the council may discuss the matter at a work session set for Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

Johnson, who has earned accolades for his work as a local law enforcement officer, declined to say whether he was concerned about McElree.

Im going to wait to see all the video before I make any comments, Johnson said.

Other council members and borough council president Donald E. Rosenberger did not respond to requests for comment Sunday.

Scant details are available about the teenagers status.

These are juvenile arrests, and because of that, their files are shielded by the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, said Bucks County District Attorneys Office spokesperson Manuel Gamiz Jr.

Due to a major storm expected Sunday night, Gamiz noted, the Bucks County Justice Center is closed Monday.

That could potentially delay the students legal proceedings.

Editors note: A statement from Quakertown school officials was added after publication.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the audience during a session at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb. 14. Read more

MUNICH  When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, no one imagined Moscow would be enmeshed in a quagmire four years later, having lost nearly 1.2 million killed, wounded, or missing soldiers to an army a fraction of its size.

The price Ukraine has paid for its defiance was written on Volodymyr Zelenskys face  weary, puffy, aged dramatically beyond his 48 years  as he took the stage at the Munich Security Conference last weekend.

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I want you to understand the real scale of these attacks on Ukraine, he told an attentive audience, bluntly detailing the 6,000 attack drones, 150-plus missiles, and more than 5,000 multiton glide bombs Russia had dropped on civilian targets in January alone.

Imagine this over your own city, Zelensky demanded. Shattered streets, destroyed homes, schools built underground, not a single power plant in the country that has not been damaged by Russian attacks.

 READ MORE: At Munich Security Conference, European leaders commit to protect Western values that White House abandons | Trudy Rubin

Yes, imagine those bombs dropping on Temple University and Jefferson Hospital, on apartment towers on Broad Street, and on William Penn atop City Hall. Imagine living under mounds of quilts in your home because power infrastructure had been deliberately destroyed.

And yet, as Zelensky made clear, Ukraine wont surrender to Vladimir Putin  nor to Donald Trump.

Kyiv will not bow to shameful White House demands that it cede critical, fortified territory in the Donbas region to Russia, with no solid U.S. security guarantees to stop Putin from swallowing this gift and attacking again.

Based on Zelenskys words, and what I heard from other European leaders, tech executives, Ukrainian military officers, poets, and tech innovators in Munich, here are my takeaways on what to expect in Ukraine as the fifth year of war begins.

No end in sight

The war will not end in 2026. Putin isnt winning, and Ukraine is holding on. Kyivs current strategy  as its army eliminates more Russian troops each month than the number of fresh recruits Moscow can send to the battlefield  is to increase that kill ratio, and to batter Russias military and economy until the Kremlin is finally forced to negotiate seriously.

But U.S.-brokered peace talks, whose second round in Geneva broke up abruptly on Wednesday, are headed nowhere so long as Trump only pressures Ukraine.

Russia hasnt changed its hard-line demands one iota, still demanding Ukraine slash the size of its army, get rid of Zelensky, and forgo Western security guarantees. In other words, commit suicide.

Equally absurd, as Zelensky pointedly noted, is that Putin has rejected any European participation in peace talks, with Trumps acquiescence. Never mind that the European Union and member countries now pay 98% of the cost of military and economic aid to Kyiv, including payments to Washington for limited amounts of U.S. weapons. Meantime, Trump cut off 99% of U.S. aid to Kyiv in 2025.

We dont hear any compromises from Russia, Zelensky said, citing Moscows strange demand that Kyiv hold elections amid Russian bombing  a demand that received buy-in from U.S. negotiators.

Give us a two-month ceasefire before elections, Zelensky proposed. Or we can also give Russia a ceasefire if they will have [free] elections in Russia.

The Munich audience cheered.

Peace can only be built on real security guarantees, Zelensky rightly insisted on stage, given that Putin has broken every previous accord Russia has made with independent Ukraine over the past three decades.

Since NATO membership is not on the table, Ukraine requires a legal commitment, not just verbal assurances that it will continue to receive European weapons and support for a strong army  along with expedited admission to the European Union. Kyiv also needs a firm U.S. commitment to back up European support before Ukraine makes any compromises on territory.

When I asked Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha whether such security guarantees should include the presence of allied troops in Ukraine, he said sharply, Boots on the ground are essential in order to encourage investors in a postwar nation.

Yet, it is still unclear whether any European countries will agree to base military forces on Ukrainian soil, rather than just send peace monitors. Moreover, Russia rejects any security guarantees at all, and the White House still wont spell out what kind of security backstop it will provide for the Europeans, and when.

High-tech weapons

Ukraine will press forward with its efforts to promote joint weapons production with European  and American  firms to advance its amazing innovations in unmanned drone warfare. This tech savvy has enabled Kyiv to push back against Russias superior number of troops and increasing number of drones. But Kyiv badly needs more long range missiles (way past time for Germanys Taurus and U.S. Tomahawks) and more air defenses to take out Russian missiles.

Representatives of Ukrainian and European military production companies swarmed the sidelines of the conference. Ukrainian officers from specialized drone units displayed their products prowess on video screens at side conferences organized by Ukrainian companies and think tanks.

The annual Munich Ukraine lunch sponsored by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation included attendees such as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, whose Swift Beat company is working with Ukrainian partners to produce hundreds of thousands of AI-enabled long-range drones and drone interceptors that are the new weapons of modern war.

Schmidt expressed the opinion heard throughout the conference: When it comes to these weapons, Ukraine will be the primary producer for all Europe.

The will to go on

The Ukrainian public is demonstrating amazing fortitude, despite the Russian onslaught, and despite Trumps refusal to support a tough new secondary sanctions package on Russia that a bipartisan Senate majority has had ready for months.

Zelensky paid tribute to the thousands of energy workers, repair crews, and rescue teams who have been working around the clock to restore heat and electricity each time Russia hits another power plant.

Ukraine still has power because of our people, he said with emotion. Many politicians could learn how to act immediately  from ordinary electricians.

The conference recognized ordinary Ukrainians heroism by awarding its annual Ewald von Kleist Award to the people of Ukraine for their unwavering determination to defend their freedom and all of Europe. The award is named after the Munich conferences founder  who participated in the failed 1944 German plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler  and honors outstanding contributions to international peace and conflict resolution.

 READ MORE: Lessons from Ukraines First World Drone War | Trudy Rubin

What sticks in my mind are the words of Ukraines premier poet, songwriter, and novelist Serhiy Zhadan, whose Kharkiv home I visited early in the war, and who spoke to a rapt audience at a Munich cultural center about his beloved city. Kharkivs citizens, he said, reject the Russian goal to make them despair of life.

There is still a huge cultural life in Kharkiv, he said, and people refuse to let themselves be scared. At every cultural event, money is collected for kids and soldiers. But the whole society is tired. We want to go back to a normalcy where kids can return to school.

The worlds double standards are painful, he continued, citing the ban by the International Olympic Committee on participation by a Ukrainian athlete because he wanted to memorialize his fellow athletes killed by Russia by putting their pictures on his helmet. This is not a local war, Zhadan insisted, this war is about us all.

We try to cling to the moments we live in, and not to think of the future, he explained, in speaking of survival strategies. If you think of the future, you become vulnerable. If you focus on the need to survive, you might get through. Yet, he added, We will enter the future from [this] darkness. This is part of our Ukrainian history. We will marvel at how beautiful the world will be if we only manage to endure this little bit of darkness.

Zelensky translated Zhadans poetry into hard reality when he reminded a main stage audience that Putin hopes to repeat 1938, when a previous Putin [Hitler] began dividing Europe.

As Zelensky reminds us, it was a historic tragedy for Britains Neville Chamberlain to acquiesce to Hitlers demand to seize part of Czechoslovakia. Far from bringing peace in our time Chamberlains blindness brought on World War II.

It is an error of far greater magnitude for Trump to press Zelensky to cave to Putins demand that he be handed key Ukrainian territory Russia hasnt been able to conquer. Unlike Hitler in 1938, Putin has already begun his wider military attack on Europe.

Such signs of Trumpian weakness only encourage further Putin aggression as well as Xi Jinpings plans to subdue Taiwan.

The ultimate message of Munich this year was that Europe needs to step up, and the White House needs to wake up and stop denying the importance of Ukraine. The Russia-China-North Korea axis is already feeding off of Trumps misunderstanding of Putin in order to undermine U.S. power.

Our world of drones is your world of drones, Zelensky offered. Our ability to stop [Russian] sabotage is yours. Please pay attention to Ukraine. If this [attention] had happened before this war started, the war would never have begun.

The first sign of an American awakening will emerge if GOP members of the large bipartisan congressional delegation at Munich finally blast past Trumps objections and bring a tough new package of secondary sanctions on Russian energy exports to a floor vote  soon.
Residents shovel snow and dig out cars buried along a neighborhood street in Haverford Township, Pa. last month. Read more

As much as two feet of snow could fall in and around Philadelphia in what forecasters are warning could be a historic winter storm.

 READ MORE: Philly snow updates: Live coverage, latest closures and timing

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The National Weather Service is forecasting 18 to 24 inches of snow to fall in the city, which would make it one of the top 10 snowstorms in Philadelphia history. Though its not expected to top the nearly 31 inches of snow that blanketed Philly over a two-day period during the Blizzard of 1996.

Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and eastern Montgomery Counties, and all of New Jersey and Delaware, are currently under blizzard warnings through 6 p.m. Monday. Thats prompted by forecast wind gusts of up to 45 mph, combined with the heavy snow. The western suburbs are covered by a winter storm warming, with slightly lower wind speeds forecast.

The storm is expected to begin as rain before shifting to snow by midday Sunday. Its forecast to strengthen overnight, possibly at a rate of more than 2 inches an hour, which would make driving dangerous and nearly impossible.

The last time the city experienced more than two feet of snow was 2010, when nearly 29 inches fell in early February 2010. Over a five-day period, the city was buried under 44 inches of snow, which thankfully isnt expected this time due to a warm-up in the middle of next week.

This time around, the Jersey Shore is expected to be hit hardest, with snowfall totals in and around Toms River forecast to reach as high as 30 inches.

The National Weather Service puts out forecasts for every few square miles of land in the United States four times a day through a system called the National Digital Forecast Database.

The maps below display that data. Use it to find how much snow is expected anywhere in the eastern United States. It will show the most recent forecast over the next few days.
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by Julia Pierrepont III

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Southern California's two major seaports and anxious small-business owners are seeking clarity about the future after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down much of President Donald Trump's tariff program on Friday.

In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled that his tariff policy under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was illegal.

The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on two of the nation's busiest trade hubs -- the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles -- which together form the largest gateway for international trade in the United States.

Noel Hacegaba, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, said in a statement on Friday that they hope the "ruling brings greater certainty to the supply chain."

Both ports were heavily affected by trade policies enacted during the Trump administration, particularly tariffs imposed on goods from China and other trading partners, which created ripple effects across nearly every aspect of port operations, from cargo volumes to employment and long-term planning.

The ports and many businesses that rely on predictable shipping schedules and stable costs faced rising expenses and uncertainty over future supply chains. Importers rushed to bring goods into the country ahead of tariff deadlines announced by Washington last year, leading to temporary surges in cargo that overwhelmed port facilities.

At other times last year, cargo volumes declined as companies sought alternative suppliers or reduced imports due to rising costs. This volatility complicated planning for port authorities and logistics companies, strained infrastructure, and created logistical challenges. The unpredictability also undermined the ports' role as reliable facilitators of global trade.

Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, described the ruling on Friday as significant but cautioned that major questions remain.

"The decision impacts about two-thirds of the tariffs that have been collected to date and opens new avenues of uncertainty," Seroka said.

On Saturday, Trump said he wanted a global tariff of 15 percent, up from the 10 percent he had announced a day earlier.

Beyond the unpredictability of tariff rates, the timing poses additional complications for the busiest ports in the country, as the ruling and Trump's new order coincided with the Chinese New Year, when many factories across China and other parts of Asia temporarily close.

With production paused until at least next week, cargo volumes are already experiencing a seasonal slowdown, port officials said, adding that they are prepared to manage fluctuations once factories reopen but acknowledging that shifting trade policies make planning more difficult.

Seroka also expressed concern that procedures and timelines for tariff reimbursements remain uncertain, saying "there is not yet clarity on whether there will be refunds from the U.S. Treasury Department on tariffs already paid."

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach support hundreds of thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. Dockworkers, truck drivers, warehouse employees, customs agents and workers in related industries depend on the steady flow of goods through these facilities. When tariffs disrupted trade, the effects rippled through the local economy.

One longtime dockworker at the ports, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua on Saturday that port warehouses are bottlenecked, delaying the movement of goods. Trucking companies are having trouble scheduling pickups, and some shipping lines have changed their routes, bypassing Los Angeles and Long Beach altogether.

"That sucks for us workers caught in the chaos and everyone who depends on us," said the dockworker.

Port officials at both facilities have long argued that predictable trade policy is essential to keeping cargo moving smoothly. In Friday's statement, the Port of Long Beach said it hoped the ruling would restore clarity to the supply chain, noting that the port supports 2.7 million jobs and plays a critical role in U.S. competitiveness, while freight depends on certainty.

Meanwhile, many local small businesses in Southern California that have been devastated by Trump's tariffs have already begun calling for rebates of the illegal tariffs they have paid.

"After Trump's tariffs crippled my business, a government rebate might be the only thing that could save my business at this point," Kent, a local electronics business owner who only gave his first name, told Xinhua on Saturday. 
It is a rainy Wednesday morning when I meet author Charleen Hurtubise at Dundrums Airfield Estate for a coffee.

Dressed in a chunky Aran knit with a Frida Kahlo bag on her arm, we immediately hit it off, bonding over our shared American heritage and an almond croissant, which Hurtubise insists on sharing.

Born and raised near Detroit in Michigan, Hurtubise has lived in Ireland for two decades now. One of the first things I notice about her is just how Irish she sounds.

You kind of modify to blend in, Hurtubise admits.

And blend in, she has. From trips to the Gaeltacht to devouring Irish literature, Ireland has become home.

Straight away, I loved it here, she smiles. You get over here, and youre in the honeymoon phase. Its amazing, its so culturally different.

Ireland has been very good to me, to my kids, she continues. I have no desire to go back [to the US], definitely not now.

Touching briefly on the current state of affairs over there, Hurtubise says she feels upset for the hate and ugliness.

For the survivors in particular, she adds. My new book, Saoirse, is written from a survivors perspective.

In many ways, Hurtubise tells me she kind of fell into writing. She was drawn to the medium in college, but it wasnt until she read a book called White Oleander by Janet Finch that she felt compelled to put pen to paper. I was probably in my early 30s, after I had my kids, that I actually said, Ok, Im going to really make a go of this., she recalls. An M.Sc. from Trinity College Dublin, an MFA in creative writing from University College Dublin later, and a writing course with Small Things Like These author Claire Keegan, shes now published two books and is already working on a third.She really can teach, she says of Keegans course, noting that it played a formative role in shaping her writing. She just knows literature. That course stuck with me.

Charleen Hurtubise, author. Picture: Moya Nolan

You just keep chipping away at it and produce a lot of bad stuff. And then all of a sudden, youre writing your way into what you need to write, you know?

Hurbuises first book, The Polite Act of Drowning, deals with the death of a teenage girl in the small town of Kettle Lake. Its not her story, but the emotional landscape is infused with a lot of her own personal experiences. The same is true of Saoirse. Set in Donegal in 1999, the story centres on the character of Sarah, later known as Saoirse. An artist based on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Saoirse lives what appears to be an idyllic life with her partner and two daughters. But her secrets haunt her. When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to unravel the careful lies that hold her world together. Journalists and admirers begin to ask questions, and she fears the unwanted publicity will expose all that she has done.

The Irish word for freedom, it is an especially powerful title given the context of everything happening in the world right now. It really resonated, says Hurtubise of the choice, who herself learned Irish a couple of years ago so she could teach here. I have my cupla focail, she says, simultaneously lamenting the fact that shes not fluent. The first teacher I had was the most passionate person about the language. She would talk to us about the meaning and how beautiful the words are. That kind of passion just seeps into you.

I had to go to the Gaeltacht a few times, and I was already in love with Donegal

I love the language  the way it says things, the poetry of it.

The late Manchan Magan and Kneecap  who she saw at Electric Picnic this past summer  have also left their mark on her.

To have that passion for your language and to be taking it back like that, I think its so empowering. I knew immediately that I really wanted to get my kids into the Gaelscoils.

Navigating the cultural norms of a place shes adopted as her own but still doesnt feel fully embedded in must be difficult. Does it ever interrupt her flow or make her feel as though shes censoring herself, I wonder.

I was careful. I had a lot of people read it, I think theyre called authenticity readers, she explains, adding that she writes first and then later returns to look over and think about what shes produced. A lot of the time, its about how something made me feel. Emotions are the building blocks of my work.

Writing is a very introspective practice, while teaching is quite outward-facing and, presumably, demands a lot. How does Charleen balance those two things?

When youre teaching, you give it everything. I think teaching is as creative as anything else because you bring stories into it, you bring art. Youre facilitating that, and you pour yourself into the planning and into the delivery. You come home absolutely exhausted, she laughs. Going part-time has allowed her not only more time to write, but more time to think too  something she describes as lovely and necessary.

Her writing advice is always the same: keep going.

It can be frustrating, she acknowledges, admitting that there were times when she wanted to give up. She recalls a line often attributed to Richard Ford, who once suggested that anyone who can give up writing probably should  those who cant know they must continue.

You write a lot of shitty things, Hurtubise says. And then, eventually, you find the thing you need to say, and the way to say it.

With respect to authors she particularly loves, Charleen is effusive in her praise of Irish talent, naming writers such as Louise Nealon (amazing), Elaine Feeney (marvellous), and Sheila Armstrong (a splendid writer). She also loves Jan Carson,

Patrick Holloway, Marianne Lee, Liz Nugent...

I just think there are so many fabulous writers, she gushes. You could name all of them for different reasons.

As we finish our coffee, Hurtubise admits that writing still feels uncertain at times. Im still finding the way to say the next thing, she notes.

Its as much a process of doubt as it is discovery, but Saoirse is the result of years of persistence. For anyone finding her through her upcoming novel, Charleen advises keeping an eye out for the character Sasha.

Her message is one that a lot of women have, she muses. I wont spoil it, but look out for her message. I think that will really resonate. Its how were feeling as women and what weve been dealing with. I hope readers feel that from me, as I guess a bit of rage, but also a sense of working through it and finding resilience and reinvention.

Outside, the rain has stopped for a brief respite, and the clouds have lifted just enough to let a little light in. Its a fitting end to a conversation about freedom and the possibility of change.

Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise
When we talk of rainforests, our default is to think of the tropical, the exotic. Towering trees that draw the eyes to the sky, unfamiliar sounds, overpowering heat.

Yet, like an open secret, Ireland too has its native rainforests.

Just like the tropics, these rare habitats are abundant and alive, deep with leaves, mosses, and undergrowth fuelled by rainfall and mild temperatures.

Wandering through the grounds of Dromgarriff Rainforest, on the outskirts of Glengarriff, we feel the magic of this ancient landscape. Beneath a rich, dripping canopy of leaves and ferns, the ground below us is soft. Everything is damp, moss-laden, lush. While tropical rainforests lure the eye overhead to take in their vast scale, here the focus is on the immediate  whats right in front of you.

Youre drawn to the textures, the detail, the depth. Ancient oaks are coated in moss, ferns, and lichens. The air feels soft and wet, like a rainforest anywhere else in the world. The stillness encompasses you.

The canopy keeps us dry, yet we are aware of our feet squelching through the sodden forest floor. It is calm, still, meditative. We feel part of this strange landscape.

Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

The late Manchan Magan wrote beautifully about our oceanic temperate rainforests and linked them back to our heritage.

The term Irish is modern and English. It doesnt really represent who we were, he wrote. We were Gaels. We still are. At one time, we all spoke Gaeilge, language of the Gaels. And Gael means forest people or wild men. We come from the bush, from these wet, dank thickets of woodlands that once covered three-quarters of our land.

These woodlands once dominated the Irish landscape. But ferocious culling of our forests means it is estimated that these precious, rich, and fragile habitats now make up just one percent of our country.

Bryan Meehan took over Kenmares Park Hotel in a high-profile sale in 2023. Yet discreetly, with no fanfare, a year earlier, he had bought Dromgarriff Rainforest. Back then, it was called Dromgarriff Estate  no one seemed to have realised that the five rental homes, sitting on 96 acres, were immersed in an Irish temperate rainforest.

Bryan Meehan, with his wife Tara, at Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

Its a piece of heaven, isnt it? says Meehan, speaking to me from New York. He fell upon Dromgarriff by accident in 2022, after years of living in the US. The Irish entrepreneur, who had created the organic food retailer Fresh & Wild, and worked with Ali Hewson on the all-natural beauty line Nude, had just sold Blue Bottle Coffee and felt the calling of home.

We had decided we were going to buy a property in Ireland on the coast and have a base in Ireland, he recalls. I had left Ireland in 1991 to work in Scotland with Guinness after graduating from Trinity. I had not lived in Ireland since. In the same way you get a calling to leave Ireland when you graduate, to do something in the world outside Ireland, I had that same calling, 30 years later, to come back to Ireland. Its very poetic. You listen to your body and you think, okay, its time.

He viewed houses that just didnt feel right. Then he got a call from a friend telling him about Dromgarriff Estate.

I went to see it in February 2022 and the real estate agent showed me around. I said I needed to stay a night if I was going to buy it, because I needed to feel it. He said, well, dont walk on any of the trails because its dangerous. I was laughing, thinking in the back of my mind, the only reason I want to come and buy this property is to walk the land!

The sole focus of the estate was the five rental homes, Meehan recalls. The trails were overgrown and untended.

It was houses for rent, and that was it, he says.

But I had this feeling in my heart when I arrived at Dromgarriff. I needed to explore.

I started doing my due diligence on the property, and I came across this man, the late Andrew St Ledger from the Woodland League. I asked him to come down and survey the land. He calls me up, and he said, not only is this incredible piece of land, its actually an ancient Irish oak wood rainforest  one of the last remaining temperate rainforests.

And I knew, this is my calling. My calling is to look after this rainforest. To rewild it. So I renamed it Dromgarriff Rainforest.

Driven by a deep commitment to climate and sustainability throughout his career, Meehan recognises the fragility and vulnerability of this precious ecosystem, and the responsibility weighs heavily.

We dont use the word own. We are stewarding this rainforest. Of course its ours, legally, but we have to show leadership, to look at what it means to take care of the land and support one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in Ireland.

Bryan Meehan at Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

He references Eoghan Daltuns groundbreaking rewilding of his land on the Beara Peninsula, the subject of his best-selling book, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest.

It is a battle to protect these precious and endangered natural habitats. Due to the overgrowth of invasive plants such as rhododendron and myrtle, and Sika deer, which eat young trees, these fragile Irish rainforests are in danger of being overrun.

Andy Frame and Esther Kop Jansen maintain the land and manage the properties year-round for the Meehans. Frame, a passionate horticulturist, walks us through the rainforest, pointing out areas where he has cleared back the invasive rhododendron, giving the ancient oaks room to thrive again.

Andy is trying to create circles around every oak tree, just let them breathe, explains Meehan, outlining his mission to protect and preserve the rainforest. We start, area by area, just trying to maintain the rhododendrons, and then open up the oak woods. Thats the number one priority.

If the forest is full of rhodendrons, then the soil is naturally acidic, so there are fewer insects, and when there are fewer insects, there are fewer birds, and when there are fewer birds, theres less growth.

So if you can try and pull back the rhododendrons and then let the oaks breathe a little bit, therell be more native fern and more native holly and more native plants growing. Then the soil will change, and with it will come more insects, and with that will come more birds. And the whole cycle of the of the rainforest will become more alive and more natural. And thats happening already for sure.

Sauna at Linden House at Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

Esther Kop Jansen has worked at Dromgarriff for over a decade. As she guides us through the rainforest and past the waterfalls, she shows us Garnish Island in the distance, points out seals  so close they are almost within reach  bobbing in the water.

She brings us inside Linden House, one of the newly refurbished rental properties on site. The view of the water and the bay from the floor-length windows is breathtaking  she tells us to keep a close eye on Otter Rock, named after the mammals who take refuge on it at intervals throughout the day.

The rainforest is alive with wildlife.

It is like a fairytale, People are different when they leave. Its a magic space here

Meehan agrees  this is a place of healing.

Linden House has been completely refurbished, designed by Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architects in Japan. Meehan has worked with the architect for decades, and Nagasaka is also overseeing the highly anticipated redesign of the spa at The Park Hotel in Kenmare.

He really highlights the environment that hes in, says Meehan. So hes not fighting with the rainforest. Hes trying to shine within it, with a minimum amount of material.

Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

Minimalist in design with homely interiors, this is a private sanctuary in the heart of West Cork. With 10 bedrooms, a vast kitchen, and a studio space ideal for yoga, it is primed for use as a retreat for up to 20 people. A jetty built in the early 1800s means there are opportunities for ocean swimming, with a striking outdoor barrel sauna also built into the forest surrounds.

We wanted people from Ireland, from all around the world, to come and experience the rainforest, says Meehan. Silver Birch is another property suitable for large families and gatherings, and there are also two smaller cottages on site for more intimate get-togethers.

Meehan now spends around a quarter of the year in Ireland, the rest of his time divided between homes in London and California.

His wife Tara and three daughters have embraced this new life in Ireland. As a family, they were all part of the decision to buy Dromgarriff.

Bryan Meehan, with his wife Tara, at Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

We all talk about, as a family, what were doing, he says, and theyre all really supportive of what were doing, and want to be involved.

When I talked to them about buying it, the theme in our family, the height of discussion, was around sustainability and community.

As a family, we had decided that we had properties, and we shouldnt buy any more, and we shouldnt build any more. In fact, we should retract.

I got super excited when I saw Dromgarriff and I told my daughters. They were kind of raising their eyebrows and going, Oh, here we go again. But I described the vision of this place and what was going on.

And then Olivia, my eldest, very cleverly, said, I am supportive of this on one condition, which is the five properties that are there, none of them should be our house. Its there to be used. And if its free, when we come over, well use that house. And if its not free, lll use the bedroom above the laundry room.

So we said we would make Linden into a retreat centre. Wed build this lovely yoga room in the middle, there for people to come and use. We wanted people to be able to share the rainforest.

Solar Panels at Linden House at Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

Dromgarriff is a sister property to The Park Hotel in Kenmare  guests can divide their stay between the hotel and the properties, or enjoy a tour of the rainforest. Many guests at Dromgarriff dine at the lauded Landline restaurant at The Park during their stay. We make it accessible both ways, says Meehan.

He says little about the anticipated spa rebuild, except to say he wants it to be the best five-star spa experience in the country when it opens this summer.

We are building on the experiences that I have had from our trips from around the world and within Ireland. The big thing is how we connect the spa to nature, given what were doing at Dromgarriff.

The development also includes six new bedrooms. Meanwhile, the refurbishment of the rooms continues. By March well have completed most of the bedrooms and suites, he says.

Every time he visits The Park it just feels right, he says. It was awarded two Michelin Keys in 2025 and Meehans investment in, and devotion to, the arts is central, with 168 works of art now on display in The Park. His daily tours of the collection continue.

Reflecting his own values and character, he wants The Park to be accessible to all and grounded in community. He talks openly about an at-times difficult childhood  his family lost their home after the family business went bankrupt.

His modest upbringing keeps him grounded, he says, and he is inspired to this day by his mothers love of the arts. Today, poignantly, the pieces of art she collected hang in Silver Birch in Dromgarriff.

Silver Birch, Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

When I see my fathers background, being an orphan... we just remember where we came from, he says.

The people at Kenmare are welcome to the hotel... Weve got to remember to recognise the human beings and the souls in each of us. And I think they helped me remember that for sure.

Silver Birch, Dromgarriff, Co. Cork. Photo: Brid O'Donovan.

In the long term, he anticipates his stays in Ireland will become longer and longer.

Every time Im in Dromgarriff, theres this moment where I ask, why am I leaving here? It is so special. I think I will end up spending more and more time at Dromgarriff. I think that this will be our major focus in our lives.

dromgarriff.com
Gardai have seized more than 1m worth of cigarettes after searches in Mayo.

As part of ongoing investigations into organised criminal activity in the Mayo Division, officers carried out a search under warrant of a residential property in Castlebar on Saturday afternoon.
Pakistans military killed at least 70 militants in strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting what it described as hideouts of Pakistani militants it blamed for recent attacks inside the country, the deputy interior minister said.

Kabul rejected the claim.

Talal Chaudhry, Pakistans deputy interior minister, offered no evidence for his claim in an interview with Geo News that at least 70 militants were killed in the strikes.

Pakistans state-run media later reported that militant fatalities jumped to 80.

Local residents and civil defence workers look on as a bulldozer clears the rubble of a house hit by a cross-border Pakistani army strike in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan (Hedayat Shah/AP)

The Afghan Defence Ministry said in a statement that various civilian areas in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika in eastern Afghanistan were hit, including a religious madrassa and multiple homes.

The statement called the strikes a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty.

Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X the attacks killed and wounded dozens, including women and children.

He said Pakistans claim of killing 70 militants was inaccurate.

Mawlawi Fazl Rahman Fayyaz, the provincial director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Nangarhar province, said 18 people were killed and several others wounded.

Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistans ambassador to Kabul to protest the Pakistani strikes.

In a statement, the ministry said protecting Afghanistans territory is the Islamic Emirates Sharia responsibility and warned that Pakistan would be responsible for the consequences of such attacks.

On Sunday, villagers cleared rubble in Nangarhar following airstrikes, while mourners prepared for funerals of those killed.

A man inspects a damaged car at the site of a cross-border Pakistani army strike in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan (Hedayat Shah/AP)

Habib Ullah, a local tribal elder, said those killed in the strikes were not militants.

They were poor people who suffered greatly. Those killed were neither (the) Taliban, nor military personnel, nor members of the former government. They lived simple village lives, he told The Associated Press.

Pakistans information minister Attaullah Tarar wrote on X that the military conducted intelligence-based, selective operations against seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, and its affiliates.

He said an affiliate of the Islamic State group was also targeted.

Mr Tarar said Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, but added that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.

Militant violence has surged in Pakistan in recent years, much of it blamed on the TTP and outlawed Baloch separatist groups.

The TTP is separate from but closely allied with Afghanistans Taliban.

Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from inside Afghanistan, a charge both the group and Kabul deny.

Hours before the Pakistani strikes, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the border district of Bannu in Pakistans north-west, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Pakistans military warned after the attack that it would not exercise any restraint and that operations against those responsible would press on.

Another suicide bomber, backed by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle last week into the wall of a security post in Bajaur district in north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, killing 11 soldiers and a child.

Pakistani authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national.

Mr Tarar said Pakistan had conclusive evidence that the recent attacks, including a suicide bombing that targeted a Shiite mosque in Islamabad and killed 31 worshippers earlier this month, were carried out by militants acting on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

He said Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban rulers to take verifiable steps to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan, but alleged that no substantive action had been taken.

Mr Tarar also asked the international community to press Afghanistans Taliban authorities to uphold their commitments under the Doha agreement not to allow their soil to be used against other countries.

In Islamabad, security analyst Abdullah Khan said the Pakistani strikes suggest that Qatari, Turkish and even Saudi-led mediations have failed to resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

These strikes are likely to further escalate the situation, he said.

The Qatari-mediated ceasefire between the two countries came about after deadly border clashes in October, killing dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants.

The violence followed explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan.

Islamabad, at the time, conducted strikes deep inside Afghanistan to target militant hideouts.

The truce between Islamabad and Kabul has largely held, but several rounds of talks in Istanbul in November failed to produce a formal agreement, and relations remain strained.
By Ibrahim al-Marashi and Tanya Goudsouzian

Through diplomacy & careful positioning in Syria, Yemen & beyond, Saudi Arabia has embodied Sun Tzus Taoist principle of water, yielding to pressure, flowing around obstacles, & allowing rivals to exhaust themselves, write al-Marashi & Goudsouzian.

( The New Arab )  In todays Middle East, a prolonged Cold War is underway in which the most decisive contests are not won through direct confrontation but through steady economic growth and gradual cultural transformation, even as rivals exhaust themselves in protracted conflicts.

The apparent winners are those who have embraced the lessons of Sun Tzu, the sixth-century BCE Chinese strategist, particularly his most counterintuitive and enduring insight: The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

Axis of resistance

Iran appeared to choose this path. At the turn of the millennium, it was hemmed in by hostile regimes on both flanks: Saddam Husseins Iraq to the West and the Talibans Afghanistan to the east. The US invasions of 2001 and 2003 removed both threats, dramatically expanding Irans strategic depth and opening new corridors of influence. As American power surged and then receded, Tehran skillfully filled the vacuum left by the Arab Spring and Washingtons reluctance to intervene.

The 2015 nuclear agreement and tacit cooperation against ISIS further strengthened Irans position. By the time US forces withdrew from Iraq and Afghanistan, Tehran appeared ascendant. Entrenched in Baghdad, decisive in Damascus, indispensable to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and increasingly influential in Yemen.

Even after Donald Trumps 2017 withdrawal from the JCPOA, the so-called axis of resistance seemed a winning coalition, extending its reach across the Arab world at minimal cost.

Yet the illusion of Iranian ascendancy soon began to crack under the weight of overstretch and mounting instability. The crisis accelerated after October 2023. Tehran could have restrained Hezbollah and the Houthis from striking Israel, but its failure to do so invited punishing Israeli retaliation, weakening the regime.

In May 2024, a suspicious helicopter crash killed Irans president and foreign minister, exposing elite vulnerability. Subsequent attacks inside Iran, widely suspected to involve insiders, revealed fractures beneath the surface. The fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 severed Hezbollahs supply lines, while renewed Western pressure proved more than Tehran could handle. Together, these shocks triggered the rapid unravelling of Irans regional proxy network.

This unraveling soon spilled into open confrontation. Throughout the Gaza war, Israeli strikes grew more frequent and audacious, targeting Iranian assets both at home and beyond its borders, and culminating in last summers 12-Day War when the US joined the air campaign against Irans alleged nuclear facilities and likely eliminated its air defence systems.

Political pressure mounted as well as a nascent popular uprising gained traction, fuelled in part by the son of the deposed Shah and openly supported by Israel. International rhetoric sharpened dangerously, with US President Donald Trump openly threatening another round of strikes.

The over 40 years of Tehrans revolution using armed proxies while building the largest missile inventory in the region, side-by-side with an enriched uranium development program, has sapped this once-rich nation of its wealth, becoming an international pariah in the process.

Perpetually mobilised, Iran seems trapped in chronic overreach, burning resources to project influence across proliferating and often collapsing fronts, in defiance of Sun Tzus fundamental warning: There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.

Other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, appear to have mastered the harder discipline Sun Tzu prescribes  restraint. By stepping back from confrontation and letting regional instability consume its rivals and allies, Riyadh and other capitals have prospered amid Middle Eastern chaos.

If restraint has been Saudi Arabias strategy, Mohammed bin Salman has been its most misunderstood proponent. From his emergence in 2015, the crown prince was widely cast as reckless and impulsive, beginning with his military campaign to counter the Houthis in Yemen.

That caricature hardened with the announcement of NEOM in October 2017. The $500-billion, semi-autonomous megacity, explicitly post-oil and post-conflict, was dismissed by critics as a technologically implausible, economically unsustainable pink elephant, politically detached from a region still aflame. NEOM became shorthand for delusion. A techno-utopian fantasy and an emblem of excess.

Doubts about bin Salmans judgment peaked with the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, cementing his global image as a rogue actor. The brutal, premeditated and indefensible killing unfolded like a Turkish dizi, gripping audiences with macabre details and espionage intrigue. Yet as Sun Tzu warned, appearances can deceive.

NEOM was merely a MacGuffin for the detractors of MBS (even as it has now been scaled back from its original $500-billion ambition) and the murder of Khashoggi was mitigated by then US President Joe Bidens infamous handshake in 2023.

Since Mohammed bin Salmans rise in 2017, the Middle East has been convulsed by ISIS violence, the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, the Gaza War and the 12-Day War. Against this turbulent backdrop, Saudi Arabia has pursued sweeping social and cultural reforms, economic growth and Vision 2030, achieving a milestone in diversification as non-oil sectors now generate 56% of GDP.

The 2017 Future Investment Initiative, nicknamed Davos in the Desert was a clear declaration that Saudi Arabia was separately organising amid regional instability, and that it expected to remain standing when the smoke cleared. Only a state confident of survival invests so heavily in a vision still unfolding, signaling to allies and rivals alike that it is thinking generations ahead.

While Tehran remains consumed by crisis, Riyadh markets stability and reconstruction. Through diplomacy and careful positioning in Syria, Yemen and beyond, Saudi Arabia has embodied Sun Tzus Taoist principle of water, yielding to pressure, flowing around obstacles, and allowing rivals to exhaust themselves.

By 2026, this discipline will have carried the kingdom to a position of strategic advantage. It is now seen as a stabilising force in a fractured region, a leading investor in reconstruction, and a diplomatic pivot between Washington, Beijing and the Middle East.

As Sun Tzu observed: In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. Saudi Arabia stands as the regions clearest example of a state converting instability into sustained advantage.



Qing Era portrait of Sun Tzu. Qing Palace Collection Picture Book. Beijing: Palace Museum Press. 1994. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons

Irans struggles carry a cautionary lesson. As Plato warned, enforcing ideals through coercion can destabilise even the most rigid systems. Tehrans attempts to project control outward have backfired, intensifying unrest, draining resources and tightening the economic noose of sanctions.

By contrast, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and others appear to have internalised Sun Tzus lesson: patience, flexibility and indirect victory. Iran may yet weather its confrontation with the Trump administration and preserve its alliances, but its rivals are investing in stability and the post-crisis order.

Whether Mohammed bin Salman and his peers are students of Sun Tzu or merely its fortunate beneficiaries is beside the point, but the result now appears indisputable. As Iran fights to hold its ground, the region must play for time, heeding Sun Tzus advice, that, [h]e who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

Reprinted with the authors permission from The New Arab.

Tanya Goudsouzian is a Canadian journalist who has covered Afghanistan and the Middle East for over two decades. She has held senior editorial roles at major international media outlets, including serving as Opinion Editor at Al Jazeera English.
A visitor walks past an exhibit of the Year of the Horse from the Chinese Zodiac Case exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2026. Featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts, this annual Chinese zodiac exhibition opened here on Feb. 10 and will last until Jan. 31, 2027. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

Visitors view an exhibit of the Year of the Horse from the Chinese Zodiac Case exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2026. Featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts, this annual Chinese zodiac exhibition opened here on Feb. 10 and will last until Jan. 31, 2027. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A visitor views exhibits of the Year of the Horse from the Chinese Zodiac Case exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2026. Featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts, this annual Chinese zodiac exhibition opened here on Feb. 10 and will last until Jan. 31, 2027. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

Visitors view exhibits of the Year of the Horse from the Chinese Zodiac Case exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2026. Featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts, this annual Chinese zodiac exhibition opened here on Feb. 10 and will last until Jan. 31, 2027. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A visitor views exhibits of the Year of the Horse from the Chinese Zodiac Case exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2026. Featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts, this annual Chinese zodiac exhibition opened here on Feb. 10 and will last until Jan. 31, 2027. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

Visitors view exhibits of the Year of the Horse from the Chinese Zodiac Case exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2026. Featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts, this annual Chinese zodiac exhibition opened here on Feb. 10 and will last until Jan. 31, 2027. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
A German minister walked out of the awards ceremony of the Berlin Film Festival after a prize-winning director accused Germany of complicity in the "genocide" committed by Israel in Gaza.

Social Democratic Environment Minister Carsten Schneider left the ceremony on Saturday evening because of "unacceptable" remarks, his ministry said.

Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah Al-Khatib, who picked up a prize for Best First Feature Award with his "Chronicles from the Siege", said in his speech that the German government "are partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel. I believe you are intelligent enough to recognise this truth."

Schneider was the only member of the German government attending the ceremony though he was not representing it, his ministry told AFP.

The Ministry of Culture, contacted by AFP to find out the reason for the absence of its minister Wolfram Weimer, did not respond immediately.

A leading member of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative party, Alexander Hoffmann, denounced what he said were "repugnant scenes" of "antisemitic" during the ceremony.

"The accusations of genocide, the antisemitic outbursts, and the threats against Germany at the Berlinale are absolutely unacceptable," Hoffmann, head of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian party allied with Merz's Christian Democratic Union, told the Bundestag.

The CDU mayor of Berlin Kai Wegner told newspaper Bild that "The open display of hatred towards Israel is in direct contradiction with what this festival represents."

The backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East led to a tense 76th edition of the festival.

More than 80 film professionals criticised the Berlinale's "silence" on the war in Gaza in an open letter, accusing the festival of censoring artists "who reject the genocide" they believe Israel has committed in Gaza.

Award-winning Indian writer Arundhati Roy withdrew from the festival after jury president Wim Wenders said cinema should "stay out of politics" when asked about Gaza.

pyv/gv/rh

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Saturday, February 21, 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed that tensions between him and President William Ruto once escalated to the point where he contemplated slapping the Head of State.

During an interview with a local media house, Gachagua recounted an incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when he was seeing Ruto off to China.

He claimed that the President publicly dressed him down in front of senior officials, including Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri and Chief of Staff Felix Kosgei.

We were at the airport when he started insulting me, making unprintable remarks, Gachagua said.

I asked him why he chose to do so in front of them instead of calling me aside.

I am older than him by a year and therefore demand respect as a leader.

The revelation came during an engagement with Rift Valley media houses, where Gachagua was pressed to explain the breakdown of his once-close relationship with Ruto.

He alleged that the fallout was worsened by the influence of Rutos allies, singling out Farouk Kibet and Kapseret MP, Oscar Sudi.

He accused the President of shielding them despite their role in fueling discord.

Gachagua further released an audio recording of a conversation with Sudi, in which the legislator allegedly insulted him.

He also criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, describing him as immature and incompetent, and argued that the security docket required seasoned leadership.

Despite the sharp criticism, Gachagua clarified that his grievances are not with the Kalenjin community but with one man - President William Ruto.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, February 21, 2026 - Nigerian cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, known for predicting President William Rutos 2022 victory, has once again turned his attention to Kenyas political future, claiming that the Head of State could secure re-election in 2027 under certain conditions.

In a statement released on Friday, February 20th, Ayodele argued that Kenyas current leadership remains politically strong and difficult to unseat without a formidable opposition alliance.

He warned that only a united coalition could challenge Rutos hold on power.

Only a powerful coalition can remove Ruto. If there is none, he will secure re-election. With his re-election, the opposition will suffer, as he will introduce new policies that will shake the economy, Ayodele stated.

The preacher, who leads the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, suggested that opposition fragmentation remains the biggest hurdle, cautioning that without unity and strategic coordination, their efforts may fall short.

He further claimed that a second term for Ruto could weaken the opposition and usher in new economic policies with significant financial implications.

Ayodeles remarks come as early political alignments and realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 race.

His prophecy also extended beyond Kenya, touching on instability in several African nations.

He warned that South Sudan could face stagnation and conflict if leadership divisions persist, while Sudan may continue to experience clashes driven by the Rapid Support Forces unless rival factions agree to a unity Government.

In Uganda, Ayodele predicted possible instability and even an attempted coup.

Earlier in January, the cleric had cautioned that Ruto could face economic difficulties, attempts to destabilize his Government, and the loss of a trusted ally before the next election.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, February 21, 2026 - Detectives have launched investigations into the brutal murder of Monicah Nyambura, a middle-aged woman who was found dead inside her house in Githurai 45.

According to preliminary reports, neighbours became suspicious after a foul smell began emanating from her house.

Concerned residents alerted the caretaker, who then reported the matter to the area chief and local police.

Police officers later broke into the house, where they discovered her lifeless body lying inside.

A neighbour who witnessed the scene claimed that Monicah had a visible injury on her forehead, believed to have been inflicted during a violent assault.

Monicah was popular on Facebook, where she advertised massage services.

It is believed she hosted clients at her rented house.

One neighbour said different men were frequently seen visiting her home.

We used to see different men coming in and out of her house, the neighbour said, describing her as jovial and friendly.

In one of the social media posts, a man is seen praising her after receiving her massage services.

Her body was moved to the mortuary as detectives intensify investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and track down those responsible.





See her photos below.

Video>>> from the crime scene.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, February 21, 2026 - The Anti-Narcotics Unit (Coast Region), working jointly with the Operation Support Unit from DCI Headquarters, has stepped up operations targeting the sale, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs across the Coast region, leading to multiple arrests and significant recoveries.

Acting on credible intelligence, detectives raided a residence in Kisimani area belonging to Daudi Ahmed Ali.

During the search, officers recovered a whitish powdery substance wrapped in clear polythene suspected to be narcotics, alongside assorted unserviceable mobile phones believed to be stolen property.

The suspect was arrested and escorted to Bamburi Police Station, where he was booked.

The recovered items were secured pending weighing, sampling, and forensic analysis.

In a separate operation at Majaoni area in Shanzu, detectives searched a rental house linked to John Wangumo Wachiri.

The search yielded a red shopping bag containing loose dry plant material suspected to be narcotics, 21 sachets of similar material wrapped in clear polythene, and KSh 3,700 in assorted denominations believed to be proceeds of crime.

The suspect was arrested and detained at Bamburi Police Station, with the exhibits secured for further analysis.

Meanwhile, at Corner Musa within Ukunda Township, officers conducted a search at the residence of Popin Mutisya and recovered 21 large rolls of dry plant material suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect was booked at Ukunda Police Station, and the exhibits secured pending weighing and sampling.

In Lungalungas Jua Kali area, detectives also arrested Mwaura Katana Mgaza and seized forty (40) large rolls of what is suspected to be cannabis sativa.

The suspect was transported to Lungalunga Police Station, where the seized items were secured for processing and further forensic examination.

Authorities say the crackdown will continue as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks and curb the circulation of illegal substances in the Coast region.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, February 21, 2026 - Grief has engulfed residents of Karunga area in Bahati, Nakuru County, after a 73-year-old man was murdered inside his home in a chilling incident that police say involved members of his own family.

The deceased, identified as Peter Mwangi, was found lying in a pool of blood in his house on the morning of February 16th, 2026.

According to police reports, the elderly man sustained severe head injuries believed to have been inflicted using a blunt object.

Preliminary investigations indicate there were signs of a violent struggle at the scene.

Household items were found scattered, and blood stains were visible inside the residence, suggesting that the elderly man may have attempted to defend himself before succumbing to the injuries.

In a dramatic turn of events, police arrested Mwangis wife, Tabitha Mwangi, together with their children, Rahab Muthoni, Samwel Mwangi, and Joseph Michiri, in connection with the incident.

The four suspects are currently in custody as detectives continue with investigations.

The case is being handled by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who are working to establish the motive behind the killing.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have triggered the alleged attack, saying investigations are ongoing.

The suspects were presented in court, where investigators sought additional time to complete inquiries, including forensic analysis and recording of witness statements.

The tragic incident has left the local community in disbelief, with neighbors describing Mwangi as a quiet and elderly man who largely kept to himself.

Residents are now calling for swift justice as detectives work to unravel what led to the fatal confrontation.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
A CARLOW woman who pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft was sentenced to six months in prison by Judge Geraldine Carthy at a hearing of Carlow District Court on 12 February.

Tracy Doogue (23) of 15 Green Road, Carlow appeared via video link before Judge Carthy, who noted that the probation report for Ms Doogue unfortunately outlines the tragic history of the defendant. The author of the report identified factors such as peer association, addiction issues and unresolved trauma contributing to the likelihood of Ms Doogue reoffending.

Anytime I have met Ms Doogue, she has been extremely polite and remorseful. I am structuring the sentence to assist Ms Doogue in going forward with her life, said Judge Carthy.

Defence solicitor Joe Farrell said his client was willing to work with the services and find gainful employment.

Judge Carthy noted the amount of offending behaviour and the fact that charity boxes worth at least 550 were stolen on at least three occasions were aggravating factors in this case. She sentenced the defendant to six months in custody for the theft of a charity box to the value of 350 from a newsagents in Carlow town on 19 July 2025. This was backdated to when she entered custody at the end of January.

For her most recent offence of stealing 29.80 worth of goods from Munnellys service station on 7 January 2026, Judge Carthy sentenced Ms Doogue to ten months in custody, suspended for 24 months, to run concurrently with the other sentence. The suspension is on the condition that Ms Doogue attends probation services within 48 hours of her release, attend addiction counselling and employment services.

I hope the sentence will shape her future, noted Judge Carthy. She took the eight other theft offences into consideration.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
A CARLOW man has been fined for carrying a passenger on an electric scooter in the town centre. Junio Costa (31) of 24 Dublin Street, Carlow appeared before Carlow District Court charged with using an electric scooter with the carriage of more than one person, contrary to the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations, 2024.

The court heard that on 9 August 2025, Garda Walsh observed Mr Costa on Centaur Street, Carlow town using the e-scooter with more than one person on board. The garda took details from Mr Costa and issued him with a fixed-charge penalty notice, which subsequently went unpaid.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted and fined the defendant 330, to be paid within 90 days.
GARDAI involved in a report of domestic violence where the injured party reported attempted strangulation twice were advised by a judge to investigate the case for attempted murder.

The injured party appeared behind closed doors at a recent sitting of Naas District Court seeking a protection order from her husband.

She claimed she was the victim of both physical and emotional abuse in the weeks preceding her court appearance.

Hes been hitting me, beating me up, and tried to strangle me twice, she said.

My wrists were swollen after a beating, and hes controlling over my spending, she added.

Those are serious allegations. Did you report that to the guards? asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

Yes, replied the applicant.

This is very serious. That could be seen as attempted murder, reiterated the judge.

Assault, strangulation, beatings, these are very serious charges.

You will have to go back to that Guard and tell him to investigate fully, otherwise this (order) is just a piece of paper. The guards have to investigate.

You dont have to state if it is your free will, you must do so.

Attempted strangulation twice? Thats very serious, he repeated.

Theres a criminal aspect to this that they must investigate T

he applicant told the judge that: I made complaints last week to a named garda.

And he is investigating? On both fronts? asked the judge.

Yes, replied the woman.

In fairness to the guard, he is doing it the right way, said Judge Zaidan after hearing her confirmation.

Im going to grant you a protection order, but you also qualify for a barring order, he reminded her.

I ticked both those boxes on the form, she said.

The judge pointed out the court garda and said he would serve the order on her husband.

He then advised her that she also seek the assistance of the womens refuge Teach Tearmainn, but was told a representative of the refuge was accompanying the applicant.
Two of the most consistent, reliable, and best financial stocks over the past decades -- Visa (NYSE: V) and Moody's (NYSE: MCO) -- have struggled in recent months.

Visa, the leading payment processor, has seen its stock price dip some 8% year to date and 10% over the past 12 months. For a stock that has averaged a 16% annualized return over the past 10 years and 19% since it went public in 2008, it is a rare hiccup.

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 

Moody's, a leading credit rating agency and financial analytics provider, is off some 12% YTD and 14% over the past year. It has also been a strong performer over the years, averaging a 17% annualized return over the past 10 years and 15% since 2008.

Image source: Getty Images.

Investors may want to take the opportunity to buy the dip on these stocks, as they are both poised for a comeback.

Moats and duopolies

Both Visa and Moody's are similar in that they are both long-time holdings of Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. Moody's is the sixth-largest Berkshire holding, while Visa is the 13th largest.

The reason they are so coveted by Buffett and Berkshire is because they both have wide moats and are essentially one half of a duopoly in their respective industries.

Moody's and Standard & Poor's Global are the two largest credit rating agencies, each controlling about a 40% market share.

Visa is the largest payment processor, with about a 52% market share. Combined with Mastercard, the two control about 75% of the market.

They both have wide moats, based on their market share but also on the fact that there are only a handful of players in each industry. Also, their competitive advantages are so strong, they are hard to penetrate.

Ready for a bounceback

The recent downturns for both Visa and Moody's are more based on outside forces than anything directly attributable to them.

Visa has been under fire from federal legislators. A bill, the Credit Card Competition Act, seeks to break up the Mastercard-Visa duopoly by requiring banks to offer merchants a choice of two credit networks for every purchase, including at least one outside the duopoly. It has been around for several years, but gained momentum when President Donald Trump endorsed it. It's not clear that it has the votes, and the industry is lobbying hard against it, so its passage is up in the air.

Otherwise, Visa has performed well. In the most recent quarter, revenue grew 15% year over year while earnings climbed 17%. Further, its outlook called for low-double-digit growth for both metrics in 2026.
The death of two people in a collision in Co Waterford and security fears over the European council make the front pages of Sunday's papers.

The Sunday Independent leads with the Government racing to protect the countrys maritime security ahead of Ireland hosting the presidency of the Council of the European Union this summer.

Helen McEntee is set to bring new legislation as a matter of urgency to bolster the ability of the Defence Forces to police national waters.

The Irish Mail on Sunday reveals Larry Murphy was renting a house six kilometres from where Jo Jo Dullard was last seen.

The Irish Mirror on Sunday leads with the death of a man and a woman in a collision in Co Waterford.

The Sunday World reveals how gardai caught Mark Salmon, who pleaded guilty to organised crime offences that could land him in jail for decades.

The Business Post leads with the Taoiseach wanting to slash capital gains tax.
Irish farmers and growers work hard to maintain the high standards demanded by consumers and customers in Ireland and our many export markets.



In that context, the questions that have arisen in recent weeks about imports, standards and fairness are completely understandable.



It is important that these issues are discussed with facts, context, and respect. We believe strongly that conversation - not conflict - is the only way forward.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS



Trust in the Bord Bia Quality Mark

Bord Bias Quality Assurance programmes are fundamental to farmers livelihoods. They are trusted by consumers and critical to Irelands reputation and success overseas.



Recent concerns around imports have placed a spotlight on Quality Assured produce.

The Bord Bia Quality Mark applies only to Irish farmed produce. It cannot be used on imported products.

We have a robust monitoring programme in place to oversee the use of the Bord Bia Quality Mark, and sanctions are applied where misuse occurs.

These standards protect farmers by securing demand, maintaining customer confidence and supporting better returns. For example, because of these standards, Irish beef has secured access to over 100 of the EUs top retail and foodservice customers who only buy quality assured beef.

Audit criteria are set to meet customer requirements and legislation. Farmer representatives hold roles on advisory committees that agree the standards.

The board and chair of Bord Bia do not set Quality Assurance criteria or make implementation decisions.

Our Remit in a Global Food System

Bord Bia works with the full spectrum of the agri-food industry - from farmers and growers to small businesses and global exporters.

Our focus is clear: supporting farmers through improved incomes, securing value for Irish food exporters, understanding the customers of Irish food, and opening and protecting market share in key international markets.

Ireland is an export-led food nation. Trade works both ways, and many Irish food and drink companies rely on some imported ingredients as part of modern global supply chains. These products are not Bord Bia Quality Assured and do not carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark. This does not replace or undermine Quality Assured Irish produce. It reflects the reality of trade and how global food systems operate.

Farmers are right to say they are the bedrock of Irish agriculture. Global customers are what allow that production to be turned into income. Both matter. Both must be respected.

Governance and the Role of Chair

The chair is not the head of Bord Bia. The organisation is led by a CEO and senior leadership team responsible for day-to-day operations. The chair and board members are not involved in operational decisions; the chairs role is to lead the board and ensure its effectiveness, while the board is collectively responsible for directing Bord Bias activities.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

Chairs are appointed for their experience of international markets, governance and the global food industry - experience that supports Bord Bias export mission. While the role allows for fees, the current chair has always waived them and receives no salary or pension.

Moving Forward

Bord Bia respects the right to peaceful protest. We have facilitated the presence of protestors at our place of work and engaged consistently in good faith to seek a resolution. Essential deliveries, including food and medicines, continue to be facilitated. Protestors have the option to leave at any time and have been repeatedly requested to do so. We are eager to work together to resolve this issue in the best interests of Irish farmers and wider agri-food sector.
Social media users have dubbed Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan a 'cool uncle' after the Cork politician honoured a Dail TV promise to his nieces and nephew.

O'Sullivan, who was elected to the Dail in 2020, is the current Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity. He represents the Cork SouthWest constituency.

Posting a side-by-side clip of him on Oireacthas TV footage and his sister's family's reaction, Minister O'Sullivan said: "Making an idiot of myself on TV just to entertain my sisters kids. Well worth it though."

He was dared to make the 6-7 gesture to the camera as he passed the floor of the Dail chamber and he didn't leave his delighted nieces and nephew disappointed.

The footage shows him walking towards his seat in the chamber and raising his hands up and down in that 6-7 gesture we've all become very familiar with thanks to our younger generation.

READ NEXT: Famous face 'out for a spin' discovers what is surely Ireland's worst road

People were quick to comment and praise the politician for the light-hearted moment. One wrote, "the anticipation on their faces is fab," with another proclaiming, "now you're the cool uncle."

Another follower joked: "Never seen a man so in tune with the young people, Christopher for Taoiseach."

A third admitted, like many of us, to only becoming familiar with the 6-7 slang trend at Christmas: "Fair play, I only was taught this Christmas morning after mass."

Someone else said, "you need a laugh in life...classic," while a final comment added, "well done...that's what matters most; family. Fair play to you."
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is one of the Best Dip Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On February 6, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) released positive clinical trial results for its Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) occluder, presented at the AF Symposium in Boston.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm disease that affects millions of people worldwide and increases the risk of stroke. The device being investigated is called Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) occluder, a minimally invasive catheter-based therapy.

The VERITAS Study, which presents 12-month data from 34 centers across the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, showed top-tier performance for paroxysmal AFib and persistent AFib. The trial that enrolled 400 patients showed that after 45 days of implant, 93.9% of the patients achieved complete LAA closure. This includes a 99.8% implant success rate with no major issues recorded, including strokes, device dislodgement, brain bleeds, or surgery-needing heart damage in early follow-up. Management noted that full results for this device are expected in 2027.

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Announces Positive Results for Amulet 360 Left

Copyright: nimon / 123RF Stock Photo

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is a global healthcare company that researches, develops, and manufactures medical devices, diagnostic tools, branded generic medicines, and nutritional products.

While we acknowledge the potential of ABT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
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Strategic asset utilization allowed for record production in key integrated units, providing the agility to monetize molecules in the most profitable end markets.

The company successfully executed planned turnarounds at the low end of target spend while investing $116,000,000 in growth and enterprise initiatives.

Chemical intermediates experienced lower year-over-year pricing as acetone margins moderated from 2024 multi-year highs toward cycle averages.

Nylon Solutions remains in an extended trough with muted demand across construction, automotive, and packaging, though domestic pricing has stabilized due to lower benzene input costs.

Management attributed the 9% sales increase to favorable year-over-year volume comparisons following the 2024 extended turnaround and resilient North American ammonium sulfate demand.

Performance was driven by robust plant nutrient supply-demand fundamentals and record production in ammonia and sulfuric acid operations, offsetting cyclical troughs in Nylon Solutions.

Management anticipates roughly $8,000,000 to $10,000,000 in unfavorable Q1 earnings impact due to winter storm disruptions and natural gas restrictions, intended to be offset throughout the year.

A new non-manpower fixed cost takeout initiative is expected to deliver approximately $30,000,000 in annual run-rate savings, supported by recent ERP upgrades.

CapEx is projected to decrease to a range of $75,000,000 to $95,000,000 in 2026 and 2027, reflecting a more rigorous risk-based evaluation of base investments.

The company is taking a patient approach to the fertilizer order book, avoiding forward selling to capture higher in-season pricing and offset rising sulfur and natural gas costs.
A MAN previously before Portlaoise District Court on a burglary charge has been served with a further count of aggravated burglary.

Eduard Ionut, with an address at 8 Orlagh Grange, Knocklyon, Dublin 16 and at Castlegate Green, Adamstown, Lucan, Co Dublin had initially been charged in relation to a burglary at Room 4, Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise on 2 November.

At last weeks sitting, garda det Ger Galwey told the court that he had charged Mr Ionut with an additional count of aggravated burglary arising from the same incident. He said the defendant made no reply when the new charge was put to him.

Det Galwey informed the court that the director of public prosecutions had directed that the matter proceed on indictment and the defendant be sent forward for trial.

Judge Stephanie Coogans remanded Mr Ionut on continuing bail to the 16 March sitting of the court for service of a book of evidence.

A co accused in the case, Jovita Zakariene (42), Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise also appeared before the court.

She is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and with providing a false statement to gardai on 2 November.

Det Galwey said Ms Zakariene made no reply when cautioned.

He told the court that he had no objection to bail being granted.

Judge Coogans remanded Ms Zakariene on continuing bail to the same date, 16 March, for service of a book of evidence.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
He was born in a farming village in Michoacan, left school before finishing the fifth grade, and spent part of his youth picking avocados. Decades later, the US Drug Enforcement Administration would describe the organisation he built as one of the 'most significant threats to the public health, public safety, and national security of the United States'. On Sunday, that manNemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known across two continents as 'El Mencho'was shot dead by the Mexican military during an operation in the mountains of Jalisco.

By nightfall, at least six Mexican states were in chaos. Burning vehicles blocked highways across Jalisco, Michoacan, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes, the cartel's signature response to a leadership strike. The US State Department told American citizens in three of those states to shelter in place and stay off the roads.

A Childhood Far Removed From the Cartel World

Aguililla, the municipality in Michoacan where Oseguera Cervantes grew up on 17 July 1966, is remote, poor, and in recent decades one of Mexico's more violent flashpoints. As a boy he worked the land with his family and never finished primary school. By his teens, the path in front of him had very little to do with farming.

He eventually made his way to California, where records show he was arrested in 1986 for stolen property and carrying a loaded firearm. Three years later came another arrest, this time for selling narcotics in San Francisco. He was deported to Mexico, returned, and in 1992 was picked up again in Sacramento. A 1994 conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin in the US District Court for the Northern District of California led to a sentence of nearly three years in prison, after which he was deported once more.

What he did next set him apart. He returned to Mexico and, for a time, joined local police forces in Jalisco. The man who would one day be hunted by every major law enforcement agency in North America once wore a badge.

How a Splinter Group Became Mexico's Most Feared Cartel

It did not take long for him to abandon law enforcement and reenter the criminal world he already knew. He moved up through the Milenio Cartel, attaching himself to powerful figures and learning the mechanics of largescale trafficking from the inside. When those bosses fellarrested, killed, or bothhe was positioned to move.

After the death of Ignacio 'Nacho' Coronel Villarreal in 2010, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, initially known as 'Los Mata Zetas'. What began as a splinter group quickly expanded, taking on rivals such as the Zetas and the Knights Templar simultaneously.

Under El Mencho's direction, CJNG grew from a regional player to a sprawling criminal enterprise with a footprint in more than 40 countries. Fentanyl became its most lucrative and deadly product: precursor chemicals imported from China, processed in clandestine Mexican labs, and pushed across the US border in volumes that helped drive what American health officials describe as a public health catastrophe.

A 2022 US Justice Department indictment charged Oseguera Cervantes with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States, as well as directing a continuing criminal enterprise under the Drug Kingpin statute.

The Ghost Nobody Could Find

For a man blamed for so much visible destruction, El Mencho himself was rarely seen. He gave no interviews. There are few verified photographs. He communicated through encrypted channels, moved constantly between remote mountain compounds, and was reportedly protected by former military personnel hired to keep him alive and hidden.

The US State Department posted a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture, while Mexico offered a matching 300 million pesos. For years, neither offer produced him.

Rumours of his death became routine. In early 2022, Mexican outlets reported he had been killed in a cartel confrontation. Other stories claimed kidney failure had finished him quietly in a Guadalajara hospital, a narrative his enemies reportedly helped spread. He had been battling kidney disease since at least 2020 and reportedly financed a private hospital in the village of El Alcihuatl partly to manage his treatment. None of the rumours was true. Until Sunday.

Video: El Mencho amenaza a lideres de Carteles Unidos: Ganare la guerra, Son zetas y se escudan entre mujeres, ninos y gobierno pic.twitter.com/5nLHQB440H  El Diario Del Narco (@Diariodenarco) January 5, 2021

What Happens to the CJNG Now

By the time the military caught up with him, much of El Mencho's family network had already been dismantled. His son Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez'El Menchito'the cartel's former secondincommand, was sentenced in March 2025 in a US federal court to life in prison plus 30 years and ordered to forfeit more than $6 billion in drug proceeds. His brother, Antonio, was extradited to the US in February 2025. His soninlaw was arrested in California in November 2024. His older brother, Abraham, was recaptured by Mexican authorities in February 2025.

The question now is not whether CJNG survives his deathmost analysts expect it willbut what form that survival takes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has long criticised the socalled 'kingpin strategy', warning that removing cartel leaders tends to fracture organisations and unleash new waves of violence rather than deliver lasting peace. The road blockades burning across six states on Sunday evening suggest that process may already have begun.

El Mencho's killing is being read in some quarters as a significant signal to Washington, where the Trump administration has spent months pressuring Mexico to hit fentanyl traffickers harder. Whether the timing was calibrated with that in mind is unclear. What is clear is that the cartel he built does not depend on him alone to function. Its infrastructure, networks, laboratories, and smuggling routes remain intact. The man is gone. The machine he designed is still running.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The Mexican embassy in the United States called out MAGA influencer Laura Loomer for saying that the "US eliminated a top Cartel leader" in the country, in reference to the operation that killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the longtime leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).

"This post is false," begins the publication, which includes an image of Loomer's message with the words "Fake News" in red across it.

"The military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing Ruben "N," alias "Mencho," was planned and executed by Mexican Special Forces. The action was carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with U.S. authorities providing complementary intelligence," the message adds.

This post is false.



The military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing Ruben N, alias Mencho, was planned and executed by Mexican Special Forces.



The action was carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with U.S. authorities providing pic.twitter.com/4mLu0b0x7k  Embassy of Mexico in the U.S. (@EmbamexEUA) February 22, 2026

The country's Defense Secretariat also confirmed that cooperation between the countries amounted to the sharing of information. Talk about U.S. forces potentially being present in the country is connected to tensions about U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence on such a scenario materializing. However, Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum has drawn a red line on the matter.

According to reports from the AP, the operation occurred in the western state of Jalisco and was followed by roadblocks and burning vehicles, a tactic frequently used by cartels to slow security forces. The strike was part of an operation in the mountains of Jalisco and was framed as a major security success for President Claudia Sheinbaum's government.

Oseguera Cervantes rose from local criminal networks into the top tier of Mexico's underworld, becoming the face of CJNG's rapid expansion. The cartel emerged after fractures in earlier organizations, and over time built a reputation for combining sophisticated trafficking with aggressive territorial violence, as well as diversification into other illicit businesses.

According to In Sight Crime, CJNG is not just a cartel. It has been described by U.S. officials and researchers as a network that grew by absorbing or partnering with existing criminal cells in multiple regions, which is one reason "decapitation" events can trigger unpredictable splintering.

CJNG's rivalries have repeatedly overlapped with other major criminal groups, especially the Sinaloa Cartel, and conflicts in key states like Guanajuato, where CJNG has battled the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel amid spikes in violence.

What changes now depend less on symbolism than on succession, cohesion, and whether CJNG's regional commanders stay aligned.

One likely short-term consequence is volatility. Research on cartel fragmentation and Mexico's "kingpin" era has repeatedly found that removing a top leader can produce splintering, contested leadership, and new local wars as factions fight over revenue streams and routes. Analysts who track armed group dynamics have warned that Mexico's criminal landscape is already prone to shifting battle lines, with major groups exploiting rivals' internal fractures and rapidly expanding into gaps.

A second possibility is that CJNG adapts rather than collapses. CJNG has been described as unusually expansionist and organizationally flexible, with a footprint that extends through multiple states and an ability to plug into local cells. That type of network can sometimes survive leadership losses if the financial and logistics architecture remains intact.

A third impact is on the broader rivalry map. If CJNG's internal leadership becomes contested, rivals could attempt to seize territory or trafficking corridors, especially in hotspots where CJNG already faces entrenched enemies. Conversely, if CJNG's next leadership consolidates quickly, the cartel may seek to demonstrate strength through retaliation, roadblocks, and intimidation, tactics already reported around the operation.

Originally published on Latin Times
Mexican authorities confirmed there was cooperation with the U.S. in the operation that led to the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the longtime leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).

In a press release detailing how the developments unfolded, the country's Defense Secretariat said that "for the execution of the operation, as well as central military intelligence tasks, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the U.S., there was complementary information from the country's authorities."

#UltimaHora #Comunicado@Defensamx1 se hace del conocimiento a la opinion publica que, con trabajos de inteligencia militar central, del Centro Nacional de Inteligencia y de la Fiscalia General de Republica (FEMDO), Fuerzas Especiales del Ejercito Mexicano planearon y  @Defensamx (@Defensamx1) February 22, 2026

The information is noteworthy because of tensions about U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence on sending troops into the country to fight cartels. Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum has drawn a red line on the matter.

The New York Times detailed in a recent report that the Trump administration first made such a request since early last year but then dropped it. However, the topic was brought back to the conversation following the capture of Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3.

The NYT noted that officials have instead offered alternatives such as increased information sharing and for the U.S. to play a greater role inside command centers.

Mexican officials, the outlet added, are under pressure to reach an agreement, and some in the U.S. want to conduct drone strikes against suspected drug labs. However, fentanyl labs are difficult to find and destroy, and forces are still developing ways to do so.

Right now, the CIA is carrying secret drone flights over Mexico to identify possible locations. The intelligence is then given to Mexican forces, many of whom have been trained by U.S. counterparts to execute and conduct raids.

However, now Washington has proposed for forces to join the raids and provide support even if Mexican forces continue taking the lead and making key decisions.

There was no information about U.S. troops being on the ground during the operation that killed El Mencho, one of the most consequential blows to a major Mexican criminal organization in years.

According to reports from the AP, the operation occurred in the western state of Jalisco and was followed by roadblocks and burning vehicles, a tactic frequently used by cartels to slow security forces. The strike was part of an operation in the mountains of Jalisco and was framed as a major security success for President Claudia Sheinbaum's government.

Oseguera Cervantes rose from local criminal networks into the top tier of Mexico's underworld, becoming the face of CJNG's rapid expansion. The cartel emerged after fractures in earlier organizations, and over time built a reputation for combining sophisticated trafficking with aggressive territorial violence, as well as diversification into other illicit businesses.

According to In Sight Crime, CJNG is not just a cartel. It has been described by U.S. officials and researchers as a network that grew by absorbing or partnering with existing criminal cells in multiple regions, which is one reason "decapitation" events can trigger unpredictable splintering.

Originally published on Latin Times
An onslaught of artificial intelligence agents that handle tasks from writing code to dispensing tax advice has the tech world and financial markets scrambling to pick winners and shed losers.

Gone are the days of being satisfied with OpenAI's ChatGPT simply creating responses to text prompts.

Makers of leading AI models have embraced "agentic" capabilities that provide software assistants capable of independently tending to tasks, such as creating software applications, based on simple descriptions.

Futurum chief strategist Shay Boloor sees the moment as an "inflection point" where millions of AI agents will soon be routinely handling tasks long tended to by people.

"We've never had a tech disruption at this scale before," Boloor told AFP.

"It's extreme. The market is underwriting that future uncertainty in a doom-based scenario."

The turning point has been marked by rapid-fire releases of ever-improving AI models, including recent new versions from OpenAI and Anthropic.

Add to that the November debut of autonomous AI agent OpenClaw that some have equated to the fictional "Jarvis" AI assistant from the "Iron Man" superhero films.

The creator of OpenClaw was snapped up by ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, signaling that the San Francisco-based startup has even more ambitious agentic aspirations.

Future or fiction?

Investors quickly saw AI agents as a threat to software publishers, particularly those serving businesses.

Monday.com, which specializes in workplace collaboration, along with Salesforce and Thomson Reuters with its tax, accounting and trade software arms saw their stock value plummet 30 percent or more on Wall Street in a matter of days.

Georgetown University management professor Jason Schloetzer recounted a recent chat with a chief executive who remarked about no longer needing consultants since there was "one in my pocket" thanks to AI.

"There's paranoia around AI in every industry," said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.

"I believe it's way overdone."

He viewed the concept of AI models replacing enterprise software and cybersecurity firms as "a fictional tale."

As AI agents begin shaking up work, creators of large language models powering them continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into a battle for supremacy.

Claude-maker Anthropic has OpenAI, Google's Gemini and even Grok from xAI nipping at its heels in the market for professional AI.

Even though massive spending on AI infrastructure has some investors worried, Boloor contends "the risk is not overinvesting, but underinvesting" in the transformative technology.
Originally from Portarlington, Castle Durrow chef Graham Gallagher never thought he would be a chef: I studied woodwork and metalwork in school, but I also did Home Economics and I really enjoyed it, Graham told Laois Life.

My teacher always told me Id be a chef, and she was right in the end, he laughed.

While a culinary career was not originally on the cards for the Laois chef, Graham was raised in a home where the oven was always warm.

My grandmother lived with us, and she was always baking. That might be where the love comes from, he explained.

While the chefs love for cooking runs deep, Graham says he will always prefer to cook for others rather than for himself. Id much rather cooking for other people. I like to experiment with food - I always try to sneak an Asian dish onto the menu, he laughed.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Laois artistic community given boost with new grants available

It can be difficult to maintain a passion when it is at the root of your day-to-day tasks, yet for the Castle Durrow chef, this spark remains strong. I definitely still have that passion - I see it especially each time we change the menu. I love trying out new things, he said. Over the years, chefs relied a lot on cook books and experience from previous kitchens. Now, you can gain so much inspiration through the internet, he added.

The chefs artistic side compliments his dishes, with a love for dishes that are beautiful as well as delicious. I have a love for art and I do a lot of fruit carving. I taught a course in Waterford where I showed students how to carve fruit and vegetables - it comes in handy for certain dishes, Graham said.

Having spent his career providing top dining experiences in luxury restaurants across Ireland and Germany, the chef praised Castle Durrow as one of the best. I work with a really good team, we work like clockwork. We do a lot of weddings, so every dish has to go out at a specific time. We work well together, so theres never too much stress! Graham finished.
The Irish Prison Service has refused to reconsider CPR and other Basic Life Support (BLS) training and refresher courses for prison officers in the wake of the death of an inmate at the then-overcrowded Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.

The call was the key recommendation made in one of five Deaths in Custody investigation reports, published in February by the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan. The reports were prepared following investigations by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP).

The report on the Portlaoise death relates to a Mr H, aged 23, who died by suicide in Midlands Prison on March 8, 2024. Serving his first spell in jail, he was one of three prisoners to die in the jail that year.

On 19 February 2024, the day Mr H was admitted to hospital, the Midlands Prison had 947 prisoners in custody and was operating at 108% of its bed capacity. By the date of Mr Hs death, the jail was operating at 109% of its bed capacity with 958 prisoners in custody at that time.

The OIP report acknowledged the swift response and ongoing care provided by both prison staff and healthcare personnel to Mr H from the initial moment when he was found unresponsive to the time when he passed away at St James' Hospital after initial treatment in Portlaoise hospital.

The report said it was also appropriate to acknowledge the care afforded to Mr H during the process of his transfer from Cloverhill Prison to the Midlands jail in 2022, in relation to both healthcare teams ensuring he had continuity of care and that his emotional well-being "remained paramount".

In addition, the granting of Full Temporary Release to Mr H, when it was clear that his condition was not going to improve, allowed his family to be by his side in his final hours without the presence of officers. The compassion shown to Mr Hs family, at such a difficult time, was commended by the OIP.

The OIP makes two recommendations.

They said the investigation into Mr Hs death has indicated that the lines of communication between different agencies, teams and specialities that operate within the criminal justice system are not always clear. The OIP recommended that clear guidance to be issued by the IPS Director of Care and Rehabilitation in relation to the referral process to psychology services.

The OIP found that the guidance should include a requirement to document all relevant interactions between health care staff and psychology services insofar as they relate to the well-being of persons in custody.

The second recommendation said the OIP previously called for Basic Life Support (BLS) training for recruit prison officers during the early part of their training and refresher courses for established staff after the death of an inmate in 2019.

"This recommendation was rejected by the IPS; however, it should be reconsidered as a matter of urgency. Unfortunately, Mr. H did not survive, despite the administration of early CPR by the officers who first attended to him. Yet, this case evidences how the swift actions of first responders provided Mr H with the best chance of survival and at the very least, allowed time

for his family to say goodbye to him. Officers trained in BLS could lead to more positive outcomes in the future," said the report.

The IPS accepted the first recommendation but not the second, and provided the same response as it did in 2019.

MORE BELOW PHOTO.

"Considerations for rolling out First Responder training were also based on the principle of equivalency. The response

time from the prison healthcare team to a prisoner is likely to be much less than the response time from the HSE to an

ambulance call-out.

"First responder training is provided to Gym Officers, PSEC Staff and Open Centre staff.

"It should be recognised that in the prison setting, a nurse is one of the first members of staff on the scene in an emergency situation. Basic Life Support and First Responder Training is a core element of the skillset of all nurses employed in the prison service," it said.

READ ALSO: Story of Portlaoise hospital patient who died in prison custody to feature in RTE investigation into psychiatric care

The Irish Penal Reform Trust said all the reports highlight serious systemic failures. It said the report into Mr Hs death exposes systemic weaknesses in the identification and management of suicide risk.

"Mr H had sought psychological support and was experiencing acute personal distress linked to relationship breakdown, housing uncertainty and concerns about access to his child. While prison staff and chaplaincy services engaged with him, a breakdown in referral processes meant that the prison psychology team never received his request for support. Although the emergency response following his collapse was prompt and professional, IPRT considers that the failure to ensure that identified psychological need translated into timely intervention represents a critical missed opportunity for prevention," it said.




There are currently over 6,000 children in care in Ireland and this figure is growing every day.

Unfortunately, a lot of children in Ireland cannot live with their own family, either on a short-term or long-term basis for various reasons and are therefore brought into State care.

This could be because of illness in the family, the death of a parent, neglect, abuse or violence in the home, or sometimes it can be because the parent or family is not coping and they need respite or long-term help. Foster families are often the safety net for children in those situations; people like Patrick and Amanda Mooney from Laois.

Ahead of Fostering Awareness Week, the Leinster Express spoke to Patrick Mooney on his amazing fostering experience with his wife Amanda.

Patrick and Amanda are a loving married couple from Ballybrittas, Co Laois, and they always wanted to be foster parents for as long as they can remember.

Patrick said that they started looking into it about nine years ago, but unfortunately they had to "put it on the back burner for a while" because Amanda's mum got sick and moved in with them, leaving them without the room for a foster child.

When Amanda's mum passed away, they looked into fostering a child again.

The couple have four biological children aged between 27 down to 14, but their dream was to help a child in need and give them a loving home and family.

Patrick and Amanda went with Fostering First Ireland (FFI) and the process took about six months in total before they got a phone call asking them if they would take in a set of twins.

"We were delighted to be approved for fostering because it's something that we always felt we wanted to do," Patrick said.

The twins were fostered by Patrick and Amanda when they were just two years old and now the twins are about to celebrate their sixth birthday.

Four years later, Patrick said the twins are doing "absolutely amazing."

"Nothing prepares you, no matter what type of training you've done, nothing prepares you for the day and the minute that a car pulls up outside your house and two little people come into your home, because people are putting a lot of trust in you to look after them.

"But to be honest with you, the foster children that we have in our home, they've now just become part of the family and we think it's made a big difference to them because they're integrated now in their community.

"They go to school in the locality, they're involved in drama in Portlaoise, they're involved in art lessons in Portlaoise, and they're meeting more and more people their age and they're just integrating so well," Patrick said.

The doting dad said that a major highlight for him of fostering is the joy of knowing that you're making a difference with the children and seeing the difference in them.

READ NEXT: Midlands rep in Europe wants Laois council to help Laois communities tap into 30 million job fund - Laois Live

"They love art, they love sport, they love going to school, but they love being at home, is what I'm going to call it, because they've just blended into our family so well."

Patrick said that there is a lot of young people out there, unfortunately, that need someone to open their door to them and go, 'hey, come in here, live with us.'

He noted that one big challenge as a foster parent is trying to properly answer questions your foster child may have.

"One thing that we found a challenge was that the twins have lots of questions. But what we found with the twins was if you answer the questions as honestly as you can in an age appropriate way, they'll accept your answer."

Patrick and Amanda highly recommend fostering to anyone who is able to do it.

"I would ask anyone out there, who was even considering foster care, to get in touch with Fostering First Ireland.

"They make everything so easy for you, everything from your first meeting to guiding you through your assessment and your training to become a foster carer.

"And once you get over that hurdle and you know that you have love in your heart and room in your home for somebody, the rewards completely outweigh the challenges."

Patrick and Amanda have a link social worker and said "if you have any questions whatsoever, no matter how stupid you think the question is, you should always ask them because if they don't have the answer, they'll know somebody who has the answer."

They also attend monthly meetings with other foster parents in Durrow, Co Laois, which they find extremely helpful.

"You'd be amazed how diverse the mix of people that are actually foster carers in the area; there's lots of different religions, lots of different people that are fostering. It's absolutely brilliant."

Patrick said that FFI have 140 foster homes in Ireland and this is not nearly enough for the amount of children in need of a home.

"They have a 24/7 phone line that no matter how small or how big something is going on that you need advice of, you can ring that number and it's always answered.

"And what we love about as well is that FFI have an annual event at Christmas and an annual event in the summer where all the foster carers in the Leinster area would meet up.

"I would really like to encourage more people to go and do it because it is so rewarding. It really is," he concluded.

If you are interested in fostering a child, you can send an enquiry to www.fosteringfirstireland.ie or call Fostering Advisor Jess directly on 087 9394697.

You can also attend one of their fortnightly information sessions which are held online with fostering advisors and experienced foster carers.

Fostering First Ireland's criteria to be able to foster a child is as follows:

- You need to be over the age of twenty-five, there is no upper age with fostering you just need to be in good health and have a reliable support network around you.

- You should have a spare bedroom available, foster children can not share with your own children.

- If you have children, your youngest should be at least 3 years old. You do not need children to foster.

- You should have your full driving licence, there are a lot of appointments that come up for children in care so it is important that you can travel to and from them.

"Fostering is the most amazing rewarding journey you will ever experience, one piece of advice that our foster carers would always give is to just get going and try not to think too much about making that call. You are always supported by professionals and never alone once you get started you will not look back," Fostering First Ireland said.
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Skilled Laois crochet artist Courtney Murray says the craft has become cool, and it may be down to TikTok.

Courtney who is from Mountmellick travels across Laois and Offaly teaching her skills through the Education and Training Board (LOETB).

We start from the very beginning and eventually move into nice big projects. A lot of people might not have had a good experience in school. But because its a casual setting, their confidence builds and they can produce lovely work, she told the Leinster Express' Laois Life magazine in a recent interview.

She recently co-curated an eyecatching crochet art exhibition at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise, with creative Laura Dunne.

We put a callout for crochet flowers but we got so many, even from other countries, that we expanded and made one large central circle artwork, she said.

That large piece hangs pride of place in the LOETB Portlaoise head office.

While we love to crochet cardigans and blankets, we wanted to see if we could elevate it to a hanging piece. It just shows the momentum behind crochet. Its seen as an art form, its cool now, I think its down to TikTok.

If you hang it on a wall or turn it into those crochet bunnies we made, people see it as an art. Craft by women can often not be considered art, but the Irish craft world is taking back the power of the word craft now. Theres definitely a buzz behind yarn.

Courtney is passionate about sustainability. She wants real wool to regain its place over dominant acrylic.

My friend is a sheep farmer and she says its more expensive to process wool, than dump the fleece. If there was more support people could contact local farmers and make wool themselves. Theres definitely a disconnect, how many sheep farmers do we have in Laois alone, but you cant get your hands on wool.

She fits in her own work alongside her classes. Last October she had a piece in the exhibition at Fibre Fest in October In the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, made from scraps of wool from her classes.

She has lots of sustainable tips.

Small scraps can be wound into a large ball to crochet into something. Ive turned scrap wool into jumpers, if youre brave enough to wear the mad colours. If you dont like something you made, rip it back and use it again. Or have a yarn swap, everyone has a bag of yarn in the attic. When we bin it, it doesnt go away, it just goes somewhere else.

Her mother taught her to crochet.

Hats off to my mother Tina. She taught me everything I know. She can do really intricate work, she is still my go to if I need advice on pieces. She learned from her grandmother, Ethel Furlong. Crochet has been passed down through two powerful women, its great.

She says it is like therapy.

A lot of ladies that come to my class, for maybe two weeks theyll say this is rising my blood pressure not calming me down but thats because theyre learning. Once they push past that they get into the zen zone. Its really mindful because you have to focus on it. Youre not on social media scrolling, over consuming. And youve a project at the end or a gift to give.

Courtney with her students in an LOETB crochet class.

Courtney was part of Mountmellick Yarn Bombers in its early days.

They have left a legacy, people know the town for the yarnbombing and for the lace, Mountmellick has a bit of a buzz for fibre which is great.

Courtney was recently a finalist in the national Community Craft awards at the Aviva.

It was great to meet like minded people, and to be included.

A piece from Courtney's Bealtaine Bunnies project with Creative Ireland Laois.

Read next: New coffee shop planned in vacant Mountmellick hairdressers

She hopes to appear in more exhibitions in 2026.

For Christmas, Courtneys skill is always in demand.

I make great promises to my family, but they could be delayed Christmas presents. My partner is waiting on a jumper for as long as were together. Their gift is to see me making things, she joked.

Follow Courtney on Instagram
Key Takeaways

Corning stock rose to a record high on Friday, pacing the S&P 500 with a 6% gain.

Corning shares have soared in the past year amid surging demand for fiber optic cables in data centers.

The stock achieved its first record high since 2000 earlier this year.

Shares of glass maker Corning (GLW) soared to a record high on Friday, as the supplier of a key component in data center networking equipment continued to ride a wave of AI enthusiasm.

Shares of Corning rose above $140 for the first time ever on Friday. The stock was recently up more than 6%, making it the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 in afternoon trading and bringing its year-to-date return to nearly 60%.

More from Yahoo Scout How does Corning's current performance compare to 2000 bubble? What was Corning's major deal with Meta? How does Corning benefit from AI data centers? What drove Corning stock to its record high?

Why This Is Important

The data center boom has benefited a variety of businesses providing equipment and services that facilitate the training and deployment of artificial intelligence. Corning is just one of several surprise beneficiaries, including data storage device makers and electric utilities, of the hundreds of billions being spent on AI.

The glass makers stock has soared in the past year amid booming demand for its fiber-optic cables. The company last month announced a $6 billion deal with Meta to supply the social media giant with cables for its network of data centers. The glass in fiber optic cables allows data to be transmitted more quickly and efficiently than alternatives like copper, making it an essential component of the AI boom.

Meta (META) and the other hyperscalersAlphabet (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Oracle (ORCL)are expected to spend more than $600 billion on infrastructure this year, with much of it going toward equipment to fill AI-enabling data centers. That spending has been a boon to all kinds of companies designing and manufacturing that equipment, including chip companies, networking equipment makers, and power suppliers. Lately, memory chip and data storage device makers have been the biggest beneficiaries of booming demand and short supply.

Cornings stock this year has finally overtaken its previous record high set back in 2000 when telecommunications companies spent huge sums to build out internet infrastructure. Then as now, fiber optic cables were in hot demand in the late 1990s. Corning stock rose to a record high of about $113 in September 2000. Then the Dotcom Bubble burst and a little over a year later shares had lost nearly all of their value, trading below $2 in 2002.

Read the original article on Investopedia
A man and a woman, both in their 40s, have died following a crash involving a van and a car in Tramore, Co Waterford, gardai said.

Emergency services were called to the Tramore Road at Robin Hill in the Pickardstown area at around 12pm on Saturday.

In a statement An Garda Siochana said the man and woman, who were travelling in the car, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A man in his 50s and a juvenile male who were in the van were taken to University Hospital Waterford where they are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The bodies of the man and the woman were taken to the same hospital for post-mortem examinations and gardai said the coroner has been notified.

Forensic investigators carried out a technical examination of the scene and the road has now been reopened.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them and say investigations are ongoing.

In particular, they want to hear from drivers who may have dashcam footage and were travelling in the area between 11.45am and 12.15pm
A couple who had to leave their rented accommodation struggled for nine months before finding another home to rent in Manorhamilton, Leitrim, and are currently hoping to purchase their own home through a county council scheme.

Talking to the Leitrim Observer, the Manorhamilton native said that finding a house to rent was incredibly different and purchasing a home is also proving very challenging.

Daniel (whose name has been changed) said that he and his partner left the West and moved to Dublin as "that was the only place we could get work. We lived there for a few years and then the rent prices were flying up."

The couple welcomed a baby and decided that they wanted to move closer to their family. "My partner is from the West and I'm from here so we decided to try and find something. We had friends that were moving out of a house as they had just bought something and they told us the property was coming up for rent. That was in 2022 and you couldn't find anything for love nor money at that time. The man we were renting from was an absolute gent and really did look after us as tenants, I have to say."

READ MORE: RIP: Leitrim village woman remembered fondly following passing

He continued: "We had always known that houses prices were going up around us and had been hoping we might find a place to buy but when we came back, I think we should have acted a bit quicker maybe. We had some money in an account and thought we could afford something but we waited a bit and then the house prices started going crazy and couldn't afford to buy anything. Just as we realised that, around 2024, we started into the process of applying for a county council grant, which we are still in the process of because it's quite difficult."

Daniel said they were unable to get a mortgage as they both have fluctuating incomes. "A lot of our friends relate to this and we have this conversation regularly over coffee and in the pub."

The pair were given nine months notice before they had to vacant the house but still struggled to find a house. "It took us the full nine months to find a place to live. I know others who have been looking for somewhere for 12 months and still haven't found anything and are past the notice period."

READ MORE: 'They will help first-time buyers and fresh start applicants' - 'key changes' to Leitrim Local Authority mortgages

He said they had "every ear on the ground working for us in Manorhamilton" and still struggled to find a home. "We really wanted to stay here because our daughter is turning school-age and is enrolled in the school. It's a lovely community and we're really happy to be part of it. We are quite involved in the community here so we're quite active in the area. Leaving here and trying to rebuild that again? We've done enough moving at this point, I feel."

He said that only through a connection with an auctioneer, the family finally secured a new place to live. "A person who had bought a rental house came in and said that they wanted to lease a house but didn't want to put it on any of the websites and asked if there was anyone on a list and he recommended us. We got it through that and I don't think we would have been able to find a house otherwise."

The couple are now paying double the rent they were paying in their former residence. "That's the going rate here; that's the difference in just three years. It was unheard of to charge over 1000 a month in rent three years ago and now it's the standard. I would actually say our rent is kind of low as rents go in this area. We have to find a way to make up that extra rent and that's been difficult. We're still trying to keep money for the mortgage and to be honest, that's non-existent anymore - it's going down not up which is not through any fault of our own as we are still earning."

He said that the cost of living also comes into play when trying to save money for a house. "Then you have bills, fuel, etc.; it all adds up."

READ MORE: Huge boost for local tourism experience in Leitrim will 'help to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays'

Daniel said that the couple looked into applying for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which provides up to 70,000 but said that "the money doesn't go too far not only because building materials have gone up but because the price of labour has also gone up so much. We wanted to do a lot of the work ourselves but you can't do that with the grant."

They are now in the process of apply for the Local Authority Home Loan which he said has been "quite an ordeal; whenever we go back with documents, we end up leaving with more documents."

He stressed: "It shouldn't be this hard surely to have a home. We look at a lot of the sales that are happening around here and prices have gone up so much. Sometimes, we look at these houses that just sold a year and a half ago and they are still sitting empty and you think 'Who is buying these houses?' There are plenty of people here who'd love to be buying houses and sometimes I wonder if they are just second homes from people, which is very upsetting for people who'd love to buy here."
Bordered by Turkiye to the east and Iran to the south, Armenia is often described as sitting at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia due to its location in the South Caucasus.

While the country has everything from "pink city" buildings made of natural volcanic tuff stone to the majestic Mount Ararat and UNESCO-listed mountain monasteries, Armenia has not yet taken off as a viral tourist destination, even as more and more Western tourists seek out new and off-the beaten-path places.

The vast majority of the 2.26 million international tourists who came to Armenia in 2025 were from Russia and Iran  as a result, the country's government is making a concerted effort to boost tourism from more countries by scrapping previous visa requirements.

You can travel to Armenia visa-free until July 2026

Envisioned as a pilot program in place from Jan. 1 to July 1, 2026, the new rules grants citizens of 113 countries that would have previously needed to apply for either a full or electronic visa up to six months of visa-free entry.

The list of included nations includes the United States, Canada, and the countries making up the European Union, as well as Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia and Oman. Those who are not citizens but hold a valid residency permit from any of these countries can also enter Armenia by showing it alongside their passport.

Related: 'Particularly in Florida': New groups warn of U.S. travel

"Foreigners enter the territory of the Republic of Armenia through border-control points," the Armenian government writes of the changed requirements on its website. "For entry, a foreigner must have a valid passport, entry visa or a document of residency status unless Armenian laws or international agreements define no other procedure."

These types of entry rules, which look not only at citizenship but also residency issued by other countries, are highly unusual on the global scale. It significantly opens travel to Armenia by citizens of less wealthy nations in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean who would have otherwise needed to apply a visa.

The Armenian capital of Yerevan is also known as "The Pink City."Image source: Shutterstock  Image source: Shutterstock

Why you should make Armenia your next travel destination in 2026

In June 2025, the World Bank also approved Armenias plan to pour $100 million into building infrastructure in, and promoting tourism to, regions including Goris, Jermuk, and Dilijan, as well as other parts of the country outside the Yerevan capital.

Due to its lower number of tourists, Armenia is also a very affordable destination.

Travel news:
FROM the late-1840s to his capture in 1869, Murroe native, Denis Hourigan (1828-?), a notorious robber, burglar, and highwayman stalked remote hamlets, towns and cities robbing victims of their valuables. His streak of criminality was halted in 1869 when he was arrested in England following a spate of robberies and daring prison escapes.

Denis Hourigans life and times were colourful to say the least. His later forays into the world of crime were far removed from his earlier occupation as a detective in the London police, a position that he held for eight years. When he took retirement from the force, he was paid over 47 compensation (close to 7,500 today). His second career was as a clerk in London Docks, but an accident that saw him lose a finger ended that job. Hourigan then tried his hand at dealing  a sort of small-time merchant of secondhand goods. His attempt was unsuccessful and eventually he turned to criminality. Returning to Ireland, he embarked on a spate of burglaries which saw him incarcerated in Cork Jail.

READ MORE: Bellefield House: A lost Limerick mansion and its remarkable residents

When he was arrested in Limerick after his escape from Cork, it came to light that he had deserted from the 88th Regiment.

Hourigan was so well-known for his criminal activity that popular verse was written about his escapades. The Munster News of January 1859 printed the following lines:

Let England boast her own Jack Sheppard,

Her Robin Hood and all that clan.

Yet Ireland can exult in as good a man

Her own  Her own Dennis Hourigan.

His comparison to the infamous thief  Jack Sheppard (1702-1724) known by many nicknames including Jack the Lad was likely a badge of honour that he wore with pride.

In 1859, the Munster News recalled his daring escape from Cork Jail where after he sought refuge with his family in Annagh, Abington parish, Co Limerick. Land records for the area suggest that there were three families with the surname Hourigan living in the townland at the time. Denis Hourigan was not at large for long and was arrested by the police asleep in between his two brothers, neither of whom were aware of his shenanigans. Hourigan was conveyed to Limerick Prison and lost his liberty once more.

Over the course of the following 10 years or so, he was imprisoned in Cork, then committed to Spike Island in 1860 where he spent over seven years, seeing out his sentence in Cork Prison. It did not take him long to return to his previous antics.

A detailed report of Hourigans crimes was carried in the Irishman newspaper of January 1869. It stated that the notorious character whose extraordinary escape from Cork Jail about twelve years ago excited great sensation when having by one leap he cleared two walls 30 feet high and 16 feet apart. Hourigan was described as a stout, well-built man, who stood at 5 feet 9 inches and was about forty years of age.

Over the course of his criminal career, he had assumed several aliases including William Johnston, Denis Johnston, and William Thompson.

In February 1869, Hourigan was arrested in Limerick and charged with several counts of housebreaking in the vicinity of the city. He broke into the houses of Mr Tier at Ballyclough, Thomas Revington at Little Kilrush and Mr Boyd of Rosehill, Corbally. His ill-gotten booty included wearing apparel, boots and shoes and silverplate. Constable Shea of Georges Quay Barracks (the former Mont De Piete at Barringtons Hospital) stated that the prisoner had pawned, at different establishments, many articles belonging to the victims.

Shea stated that Hourigan was a returned convict, having been three times sentenced to transportation to Australia for similar deeds. Conversely, Shea was recognised as an expert and celebrated thief catcher, so one can only imagine his disbelief and that of the governor of Limerick Gaol, when Hourigan managed to escape from that stronghold.

In fact, Hourigan was somewhat of a legend in his own right for the number of times he managed to abscond from Her Majestys prisons. Hourigan wasted no time and feloniously burgled William G Gubbins of Castletroy House and William Cochrane of nearby Roselawn.

In July 1867, Hourigan turned up in Manchester where he was arrested for committing a daring robbery, records show that he received eight months in prison. Just over two years later, he was captured again and by this time, the police had begun to utilise the newest technology available  photography  and once his image was relayed to Cork, his identity was confirmed. In Manchester, the newspapers dubbed him 'Hourigan Redivivus'.

His erstwhile jailor, Constable Shea travelled to Manchester and stated that Hourigan was the most respectable and cleverest looking prisoner in the dock. He wore a scarlet shirt, with white collar, and a magnificent black silk tie, a white waistcoat, and a first-rate frock coat  all of which he had stolen from William Gubbins house in Castletroy! Ever the rogue, Hourigan desired the constable to give his kindest regards to the constabulary in Cork and Limerick for their courtesy to him when he was in their charge.

READ MORE: The true meaning of Limerick's Bard of Thomond is not fame but endurance

His tongue-in-cheek remarks were not well received by the magistrate who sentenced him to ten years penal servitude.

Over the course of his criminal career, Denis Hourigan escaped from Kilmainham, Cork and Limerick County jails, the barracks at Fermoy, and was caught in the act of escaping from Mountjoy, and he very nearly escaped from the notorious Spike Island in Cork. His reputation and escapades were widely reported from Limerick to London to Lisbon to Melbourne and his infamy was both feared and admired.

To date, no image of Hourigan has surfaced. It is unclear what became of Denis Hourigan or where he is buried.

-Dr Paul OBrien, assistant professor in Pedagogy of History, Faculty of Education, Mary Immaculate College
A MARRIED couple who are living in an unauthorised mobile home on the outskirts of Cappamore have been fined over their failure to comply with an enforcement notice requiring them to leave the site.

Michael Conroy and Teresa Conroy, who say they have nowhere else to go, were prosecuted by the local authority following a complaint that was received more than two-and-a-half years ago.

After a guilty plea was indicated by solicitor David Morris, planning enforcement officer Joe Cahill outlined the facts of the case to Judge Peter White.

READ ALSO | Top Limerick garda recalls grim discovery of two bodies by burglars in new RTE documentary

He told Limerick District Court the mobile home is located on a site adjacent to the Bilboa River and that when he first visited the site, he also observed corrugated sheets along the boundary, along with a hardcore surface and a bunded tank, which was being used for waste water.

Mr Cahill said the tank was subsequently removed and that a portaloo is now being used by the defendants and their children.

Judge White was informed an enforcement notice was served on the defendants in August 2023 and that they sought retention permission in May 2024 but that this was refused.

Addressing the court, Mr Morris said his clients, who are on the councils housing list, have nowhere else to go and that they believe there is a house in the Caherconlish area which is suitable for them.

Interjecting, solicitor Will Leahy, representing Limerick City and County Council, submitted Mr Morris was attempting to turn what he described as a planning matter into a housing issue which it is not.

This court cannot allocate housing, he said.

READ ALSO | Build of 180 new homes gets underway in County Limerick village

In reply Mr Morris said: All I want is for my clients to be given an opportunity to look at the house in Caherconlish.

While expressing some sympathy for the predicament the Conroys find themselves in, Mr Leahy noted the matter has been going on for a while.

He said there has been more than a dozen separate court dates and that the total costs and expenses incurred by the council was more than 4,500.

Addressing the court directly, Teresa Conroy said she was pleading for a home and she urged the judge not to direct them to leave - particularly as her children are attending school in the locality.

Having formally convicted the defendants, Judge White imposed a fine of 300 on each of them.

He noted it is open to the local authority to bring another prosecution if they dont vacate the site and he urged them to take the opportunity given today.

No order was made regarding the councils costs.
IN the heart of County Limerick, where the River Maigue meanders past fertile meadows and quiet limestone villages, poetry once spoke as fluently as water. The Maigue Poets  or Fili na Maighe  were not figures of distant myth but living, breathing men of the eighteenth century (c.1730-1790): farmers, teachers, tavern keepers, and local scholars who made the Irish language their banner in an age when its survival seemed uncertain. Their stage was not a grand hall or a university lecture room but the parlours and inns of Croom, Bruree, and Kilmallock  Limerick areas that have since earned a special place in Irelands literary geography. Long before Yeats made Sligo shimmer in verse, or Heaney dug meaning from Derry clay, the Maigue Poets turned their patch of Limerick soil into a republic of rhyme.

READ MORE: Revisiting Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes - 30 years later in Limerick

A River and a Community

To understand the Maigue Poets, one must begin with the land itself. The River Maigue rises in the Ballyhoura Hills and winds through Croom before flowing into the Shannon estuary at Adare. Its banks, lush and green, cradle some of the richest farmland in Ireland. But in the eighteenth century, this landscape was more than productive  it was expressive.

Here, poetry was part of the fabric of everyday life. It was recited at fairs, swapped at doorways, and contested in taverns. The people of the Maigue valley were steeped in the oral tradition, where verse was a way to record events, settle scores, and celebrate lifes triumphs.

The political backdrop was grim. After the Williamite wars and the harsh enforcement of the Penal Laws, Irish Catholics faced dispossession and cultural repression. The old Gaelic aristocracy, which had once patronised the professional poets, was gone. Yet in this corner of Limerick, poetry did not die  it adapted.

What emerged was a democratic poetry of the people. The Maigue Poets wrote not for lords or landlords but for their neighbours, using wit, satire, and song to preserve pride and identity. Their gatherings became informal schools of culture at a time when education in Irish was forbidden.

Croom: The Heart of the Maigue Tradition

The village of Croom was once the bustling heart of this poetic community. It was here that Sean O Tuama kept his tavern  known locally as An Teach Filiochta, the House of Poetry. O Tuama, born around 1706, was a local teacher and poet of sharp tongue and sharper intellect. His establishment became a meeting place for poets from across Limerick and Cork. On winter evenings, as turf smoke curled from the chimney and the Maigue hummed nearby, poets would gather to exchange verses  or to duel with them.

The tradition of the Cuirt Filiochta, or Poets Court, took on special life in Croom. These were lively contests where poets would compose impromptu satires, sometimes parodying legal trials, sometimes airing real grievances in rhyme. A dispute over a pint might become the subject of a week-long exchange of poems. But beneath the banter ran serious undercurrents: the preservation of Irish learning, the assertion of local dignity, and a defiant joy in the spoken word.

The Leading Lights: O Tuama and Mac Craith

If O Tuama was the host, Aindrias Mac Craith was his counterpart  friend, rival, and occasional adversary in verse. Known affectionately as An Mangaire Sugach (the Merry Huckster), Mac Craith was born near Bruree and worked as a travelling pedlar. He carried stories, gossip, and poems along the roads of Limerick and Cork, and his keen ear for language made him one of the finest vernacular poets of his time.

The exchanges between O Tuama and MacCraith are legendary. Their most famous duel, known as An Cuirt Maighe (The Court of the Maigue), survives as one of the great comic sagas of eighteenth-century Irish literature. It began, as such things often do, with a misunderstanding over hospitality, and escalated into a series of poetic indictments, counter-claims, and apologies.

Through these verses, the two men mocked social pretensions, lampooned hypocrisy, and reflected on the tensions of rural life. Their wit was cutting but never cruel; their purpose was community, not division. Together they exemplified the paradox of the Maigue Poets  that in a time of cultural oppression, humour could become an act of rebellion.

A Republic of Letters

The Maigue Poets formed what might be called a republic of letters without paper. Their works circulated orally, passed from mouth to mouth before being written down decades later by collectors. Many of their poems are now preserved in manuscript collections in Dublin, Limerick, and Maynooth, but their real home remains the people and places that inspired them.

In Limericks parishes, poetry was less a luxury than a necessity  a means to make sense of hardship. The Irish language, though suppressed, remained a vessel of dignity. The poets composed love songs to local women, elegies for neighbours, satires on landlords and clergymen, and political laments disguised as pastoral verse. Their Irish was rich in metaphor and melody, the dialect of the Maigue valley distinct yet resonant across Munster. Among their best-known compositions is O Tuamas Aisling an Oigfhir (The Young Mans Vision), a political dream poem in which a beautiful woman  symbolising Ireland  appears to a poet and foretells renewal. This blending of myth, politics, and landscape gave their work enduring emotional power.

Echoes on the Maigue Today

Walk along the riverbank at Croom or Bruree today and the past feels close at hand. The Maigue still curves through the meadows as it did in O Tuamas time. The ruins of old mills and stone bridges stand like verses etched in the landscape.

In 2019, Limerick City and County Council unveiled a plaque in Croom honouring Sean O Tuama, recognising him as a central figure in the countys cultural heritage. The ceremony drew historians, poets, and locals  many of whom could trace family lines back to the same parishes where the Fili na Maighe once composed their playful indictments.

Modern Limerick continues to celebrate its literary lineage. The Limerick Writers Centre and the local schools have revived interest in the Maigue Poets, organising readings and competitions that draw on their themes of wit, language, and community. The Irish-language network Gaelphobal Luimnigh has even sponsored walking tours tracing the poets haunts along the Maigue valley.

The tradition of debate and repartee still thrives in Limericks cafes and community halls. One might say the Cuirt Filiochta never really closed  it simply moved to new venues, from pub sessions to poetry slams.

Limericks Living Legacy

Today, County Limerick continues to nurture the same blend of creativity and resilience that defined the Maigue Poets. From the thriving arts scene in Limerick city to the storytelling festivals in Adare and Kilmallock, the countys sense of place remains inseparable from its sense of voice.

The River Maigue, winding modestly through the countryside, has become a symbol of continuity  of how culture flows even when empires rise and fall. In its gentle current, one can still hear the echoes of O Tuamas laughter, the rhythm of Mac Craiths retorts, and the murmured applause of villagers who knew that poetry, like the river itself, belonged to everyone.

Three centuries later, their legacy feels remarkably modern. They remind us that culture begins not in capitals but in communities  in villages like Croom, where conversation turns to art, and art turns back into life. As one local historian put it during the recent commemorations, The Maigue Poets didnt just write about Limerick. They were Limerick  its voice, its humour, its courage. And that voice, still rising from the riverbanks, continues to speak for the county that gave it breath.

READ MORE: The true meaning of Limerick's Bard of Thomond is not fame but endurance

Legacy Beyond the River

As the Maigue slips quietly into the Shannon, so too does its poetry flow into the larger current of Irish heritage. The voices that once echoed through Crooms taverns now echo in classrooms, libraries, and community halls across Limerick. Their language, nearly silenced by centuries of hardship, has become once again a source of pride and belonging. The people of Limerick have not forgotten that culture grows from the ground up, not handed down but shared, told, and sung.

In a world where the fast pace of change threatens to erase local voices, the story of the Maigue Poets is a reminder that creativity is strongest when rooted in place. They left behind no monuments but their words, and those words still ring with the cadence of a county that values truth, humour, and humanity. The Maigue Poets turned adversity into art, and their river keeps singing. It tells us that poetry  like the Maigue itself  need never stand still, as long as there are hearts in Limerick ready to listen, and voices brave enough to speak again.
Clients today, as always, want real-time speed, he said. For instance, they want to know how to course-correct while the campaign is live. This is what they come to agencies for. I think the more we do, and the wider we do, insights can get richer. The ability to spend and get the right return on those spends, is where AI activation focus will come in.
On Feb. 6, 2026, Robert W. Wo Jr., Director of Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE:BOH), reported an indirect open-market sale of 5,000 common shares valued at approximately $393,000 according to the SEC Form 4 filing.

Transaction summary

Metric Value Shares sold (indirect) 5,000 Transaction value $393,000 Post-transaction shares (direct) 44,635 Post-transaction shares (indirect) 11,173 Post-transaction value (direct ownership) $3.5 million

Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 reported price ($78.57); post-transaction value based on trade-date market close.

Key questions

What is the composition of Wo's holdings after this sale?

Following the transaction, Wo holds 44,635 common shares directly and 11,173 shares indirectly, in addition to 34,906 shares in the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, which are convertible into common stock.

How does the magnitude of this transaction compare to Wo's historical trading activity?

This is Wo's only reported open-market sale since at least March 2023, with previous activity limited to administrative adjustments and a single 6,500-share purchase in June 2023.

Which entity controlled the shares sold, and what implications does that carry for direct versus indirect ownership?

The 5,000 shares sold were entirely held by the Robert Ching Wo Trust 1985; Wo's direct ownership was unaffected.

Company overview

Metric Value Revenue (TTM) $705.13 million Net income (TTM) $184.83 million Dividend yield 3.50% 1-year price change (as of Feb. 21, 2026) 9.45%

* 1-year price change calculated as of Feb. 6, 2026.

Company snapshot

Bank of Hawaii Corporation is a leading regional financial institution headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands, with a history dating back to 1897. It offers a broad suite of financial products and services, including consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, investment advisory, and treasury solutions.

What this transaction means for investors

Although Wos trust, Robert Ching Wo Trust 1985, currently holds zero shares, the board director still holds thousands of shares through various entities, including holding 44,635 shares directly and 34,906 shares are held under a deferred compensation plan, which distributes stock at the directors discretion or when his role is terminated.

Wo also owns thousands of shares through an irrevocable trust, his wife, and her trust. In total, he currently holds 11,173 shares indirectly. So the sale of indirect shares shouldnt concern investors, but there should be concern around the banks geographic concentration of its lending and banking products.
(Bloomberg) -- Local protesters have occupied a Cargill Inc. export terminal in Brazils Amazon region at the height of the soybean harvest, escalating a standoff that has affected shipments from one of the countrys key export hubs and drawing condemnation from trade groups.

The protesters, members of indigenous groups, stormed the facility in the Port of Santarem overnight Friday in Para state, according to the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper.

The incident comes amid protests by 14 indigenous tribes in the region against the launch of a public bidding for dredging the Tapajos River and a decree signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that paves the way for the privatization of the management of three rivers across the Amazon, totaling about 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles).

We urge the parties directly involved to prioritize safety, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards a solution that allows for the safe resumption of operations and the continued transport of food to where it is needed, Cargill said in a statement.

The terminal in Brazils Para state is part of an array of Amazon ports that ship over 40% of Brazils corn and soybeans. The country is currently harvesting soy, and activity at the ports in the region is key to keep exports flowing this time of year. Protesters previously blocked roads and land access to Cargills terminal, halting the unloading of soybeans from trucks, and also briefly shut down the entrance to Santarem airport, one of the regions main transport hubs.

The attempt to intimidate companies and workers through violence surpasses any democratic limit, the Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazils largest manufacturing association, said in a statement. Acts of this nature affront the right to property, threaten jobs, put lives at risk, and erode the legal security that sustains investment and development.

--With assistance from Mariana Durao and Daniel Carvalho.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Gully Labs Co-Founder Arjun Singh has shared how his sneaker brand lost 2 lakh in one week. He blamed it on a customer service executive who allegedly caused the company harm through fraudulent orders.

We hired a CS person a couple of months ago. Within the first week of joining he made INR 2L of 100% discount orders - sent to his friends and quit in a week, Singh wrote on Twitter (now X).

Also Read | AI startup raises $100 million for a model to predict human behaviour

Singhs post was in reference to an observation by Akshay G Jain, the founder of Ludhiana-based D2C fashion brand Mlada.

As brands grow, they have newer set of challenges. Never thought I have to guard customer details, order exports from people in the same organisation due to security concerns. Increases complexity, but no choice, Jain wrote.

What apparently happened The customer service employee allegedly used a simple but clever method. The startup, founded in 2023, sells sneakers priced between 4,000 and 8,000 per pair. Customer service staff are allowed to offer limited discounts of 10-20% through the companys backend system.

This employee gained access to the admin panel and created special 100% discount codes. These codes made the system show that certain orders were fully paid even though no money was actually received. He then allegedly placed orders for himself, his friends and his family using these codes.

Since the system marked the orders as paid, the warehouse shipped the sneakers without suspicion. In total, goods worth about 2 lakh were sent out without payment.

After allegedly committing this fraud in his first week, the employee reportedly resigned and disappeared.

Company action Arjun Singh also shared what the company did after it had identified the issue.

When caught - initially he decided to cooperate and returned half the shoes but the other half were used etc. Then he started sending legal notices that we were harassing him in response to our notice to return the products or reimburse us! Singh wrote.

So now - we are enabling permissioning on our backend etc. amongst other things, he added.

Social media reactions Entrepreneur Prashant Pansare shared a similar experience, When we were doing really well on spiritual products and services, we hired CS to interact to collect data and payments. This guy, after learning for few months, collaborated with his friends to clone webpage to offer competing services.

He would collect phone numbers and then ask customers to pay to the other page selectively every day. Siphoned off multiple lakhs, he further wrote.

Had to lock him up and some mor measures to recover. The story for some other day. Lesson is to keep guardrails in place and be vigilant. Never "blindly" trust anyone, he added.

Also Read | Modi pushes quality manufacturing as India touts third-largest startup ecosystem

Another user wrote, This is why early-stage trust culture dies fast. One bad hire costs 2L + legal fees + now you're implementing enterprise-level access controls with 10 employees.

You wont believe but thats how Jabong got shutdown. They used to have flat 30% unlimited employees discount code and all their employees use to sell those discount codes to all family, friends, friends of friends and do unrecoverable damage to company, posted another user.

Dude! Thats a horrid story. Good thing it was caught. At times, I wish things like these were shared with the persons profile, came from another.
Swan has submitted a joint bid with SHI in response to a Shipping Corp. of India (SCI) tender to construct two firm and two optional dual-fuel ready MR product tankers valued at around $200 million in total. The companies are also looking to participate in upcoming SCI tenders for eight VLGCs, under which two vessels would be built at a Korean yard and six at an Indian shipyard using the same technology platform.
Brokerage reports indicate the slowdown began in FY24, when revenue declined 2.4% year-on-year, and persisted into FY25, with nine-month revenue down 7.5% and third-quarter revenue falling 8.4%. Same-store sales growth has remained under pressure, with SSSG at -4.5% year-on-year in Q3FY26 and 1.8% for 9MFY26. Store expansion has also slowed, from 58 additions in FY23 to 46 in FY24, 25 in FY25 and 14 stores in 9MFY26.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into Netflix's proposed $72 million takeover of Warner Bros Discovery is scrutinizing whether the streaming platform wields anticompetitive leverage over filmmakers and creators in negotiations for acquiring programming.

According to a report by Bloomberg, which cited a a copy of a civil investigative demand, the DOJ probe by the Donald Trump administration is seeking to determine whether the proposed Netflix-Warner Bros deal "may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act or Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

Bloomberg also reported that the language used in the civil investigative demand indicates that the Trump administration is going for a probe that is far broader in scope than a typical deal review.

This approach could prove to be a lengthy one, and indicates that the Trump administration is likely to take many more months before it decides whether to challenge the Netflix-Warner Bros deal in court, a delay that is likely to benefit rival bidder Paramount Skydance Corp.

What is the DOJ looking at? The two laws under which the DOJ probe is being carried out, the Clayton Act and the Sherman Act, deals with merger investigations and illegal monopolization respectively.

As per The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the scope of the Trump admin's probe into Netflix, the DOJs review of the deal will scrutinize Netflixs business practices and seek to determine whether the deal would give the streaming giant monopoly power in the future.

To that end, the DOJ is asking questions about Netflix's ability to leverage its market power in negotiations with filmmakers and movie studios, Bloomberg reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

However, it should be noted, that monopoly cases require firms to have market concentration of more than 50%, a number that is far greater than the current 9% of TV viewing that in the US that Netflix controls. While the streaming giant has a larger share of the streaming market, its control of the market is still far lower than 50%, reported Bloomberg.

Also Read | Netflix releases a posthumous interview with Eric Dane after his death from ALS

What has Netflix said? Netflix has pushed back against the suggestion that it could be engaged in anticompetitive practices.

Netflix operates in an extremely competitive market. Any claim that it is a monopolist, or seeking to monopolize, is unfounded. We neither hold monopoly power nor engage in exclusionary conduct and well gladly cooperate, as we always do, with regulators on any concerns they may have, the streaming giant's Chief Legal Officer David Hyman was quoted as saying.

The streaming giant also denied having received any formal indication of a monopolization probe by the DOJ.

We have not been given any notice or seen any other sign that the DOJ is conducting a monopolization investigation, Steve Sunshine, head of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLPs global antitrust/competition group representing Netflix, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has ridiculed the idea of orbital data centres amid a dedicated push by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to power AI development from space. The idea is being explored by Google as well, according to CEO Sundar Pichai, with the search giant set to take its first step soon.

Asked about the feasibility of the idea during his visit to New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Altman told Indian Express, Putting data centres in space with the current landscape is ridiculous."

"Orbital data centres are not going to matter at scale this decade due to the rough math of launch costs and how hard it is to fix a broken GPU in space," the Open AI CEO explained.

However, acknowledging that that there would "come a time" for orbital data centres, Altman said, We're not there yet.

Also Read | ChatGPT takes a jab at Dario Amodei - Sam Altman viral picture

Musk's orbital data centre push Altman's comments come at a time when Elon Musk has been vocally pushing for data centres in space.

The lowest-cost place to put AI will be in space, and that will be true within two years, maybe three at the latest, Musk said at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos this January.

Prior to his comments in January, Musk announced his ambitions at an all-hands meeting of xAI in December.

According to a report by Business Insider, Musk said that Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot could eventually man such orbital data centres.

Further, at an all-hands meeting with xAI employees this month, Musk also reportedly said that SpaceX's acquisition of xAI would allow the company to deploy data centres in space faster.

SpaceX, meanwhile, has said its goal is to launch a "constellation of a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers."

Business Insider reported that the company has already begun hiring engineers for the project.

Also Read | US court refuses to scrap $243 mn payout ruling in Tesla autopilot crash case

Orbital data centres  a moonshot Despite Altman's comments, Musk isn't the only one thinking of orbital data centres.

Google, too, have their eyes on space-based data centres, with CEO Sundar Pichai telling Fox News in December last that the idea was a "moonshot".

"At Google, were always proud of taking moonshots. One of our moonshots is: How do we one day have data centers in space so that we can better harness the energy from the sun, which is one hundred trillion times more energy than we produce in all of Earth today?," Pichai said.

And, according to the Pichai, Google is just one year away from beginning its journey.

"We are taking our first step in 2027. We'll send tiny, tiny racks of machines, and have them in satellites, test them out, and then start scaling from there," Pichai said.

The Google CEO also said that despite the idea of space-based structures sounding outlandish now, it would become normal soon enough.

"Theres no doubt to me that a decade or so away well be viewing it as a more normal way to build data centers," he said.

Business Insider also reported that Google has already been quietly working towards this goal, a project internally known as Project Suncatcher.
New Delhi: Bilateral trade between India and Brazil could reach $30 billion by 2030, doubling from current levels, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said.

Trade between the two countries stood at $2.4 billion in 2006, when they formalised their strategic partnership. It has since expanded to around $13 billion, but leaders on both sides said that the figure remains far below potential.

The distance between Brazil and India is merely a detail in the face of the potential of friendship between our two nations, Lula said on Saturday, as he addressed the IndiaBrazil Business Forum in the capital during his state visit.

He added that both countries had historically prioritised other markets over each other. We have now resolved to change that behaviour.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal also described the current trade volume as truly suboptimal despite recent growth. We have to be significantly more ambitious today, he said, pointing to structural complementarities between the two economies.

Brazils reserves of niobium, lithium and iron ore, along with its strength in agriculture, can align with Indias manufacturing base and technology capabilities to build resilient value chains, he said, inviting Brazilian firms to co-invest in India.

As per the commerce ministry data, in total goods trade terms, bilateral merchandise trade between India and Brazil stood at $12.23 billion in FY24, comprising $6.02 billion in exports and $6.21 billion in imports. In FY25, total goods trade was $12.21 billion, with exports rising to $6.77 billion and imports easing to $5.44 billion.

The business forum was organised by industry lobby body Ficci in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Brazilian trade authorities, and it underscored a push by both sides to scale up economic engagement amid shifting global supply chains.

The forum coincided with the signing of multiple agreements spanning bioenergy, iron ore, pharmaceuticals, trade promotion and aerospace. In the critical minerals space, NMDC, Vale and Adani Gangavaram Port signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding to set up an iron ore blending facility in a Special Economic Zone at Gangavaram Port, with an estimated investment of about $500 million.

The project is expected to strengthen raw material integration between the two countries and improve logistics efficiency for steel producers.

In pharmaceuticals, Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz and Biocon Pharma signed an MoU for joint research and development in strategic medicines, including oncology and rare diseases, aimed at public health systems.

Separately, BahiaFarma, Biocon Biologics and Bionovis entered into a commitment agreement for the productive development of Pertuzumab, a HER-2 metastatic breast cancer treatment, covering an estimated 72,000 patients annually at a procurement value of BRL 503.4 million.

In aerospace, Brazilian manufacturer Embraer signed an MoU with Adani Defence & Aerospace to explore setting up a final assembly line for the E175 regional jet in India, marking a potential expansion of high-technology manufacturing collaboration.

Beyond commercial deals, both sides emphasised coordination on multilateral economic governance. Goyal said that India and Brazil share a commitment to ensuring that global intellectual property frameworks account for the needs of developing countries and protect indigenous technologies. The remarks come as India prepares to assume the BRICS presidency from Brazil in 2026, reinforcing SouthSouth cooperation at a time of trade realignments.

President Lula also referred to the broader trajectory of Brazils economic management, noting that the countrys international reserves had expanded from almost nil in 2005 to $649 billion today.

In a related development, India and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in postal services, digital transformation and e-commerce logistics. The agreement was signed by communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazils communications minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the India's Department of Posts and Brazils Ministry of Communications, covering exchange of best practices in postal operations, strengthening universal service systems, cooperation in digital transformation, and enhanced coordination in multilateral forums such as the Universal Postal Union. It also provides for joint initiatives, training programmes and structured knowledge sharing, the ministry of communication saudi said in a statement on Sunday.

The agreement assumes significance at a time when both countries are looking to scale up cross-border e-commerce and build globally competitive export ecosystems. India has been working to expand its international postal reach, with the Department of Posts now offering services across 135 countries, strengthening last-mile connectivity for exporters and MSMEs.
In categories such as diamonds and coloured gemstones, India is moving into the zero-duty bracket as per the deal that the government has agreed upon. This will act as a big booster for the sector. India is a global hub for cutting and polishing, and the US is a big market for us. So this will significantly improve our competitiveness, said Vipul Shah, former chairman of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the managing director of Mumbai-based Asian Star Co. Ltd.
The proposed landmark trade agreement between the European Union and the United States is once again at risk, as the US Supreme Court strikes down President Donald Trump's extensive tariffs, which continue to affect global trade negotiations.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's trade committee, on Sunday, 22 February, criticised the US administration's tariff policies, which have caused confusion and uncertainty for the EU and other trading partners.

"Pure tariff chaos from the U.S. administration. No one can make sense of it anymore  only open questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other U.S. trading partners," he wrote on X.

Also Read | Rupee seen firm Monday but near-term gains capped despite US tariff relief

Proposal to suspend legislative approval Lang further said that he plans to propose suspending legislative approval of the so-called Turnberry Agreement during an upcoming emergency meeting on Monday, questioning whether the latest global tariffs have violated the deal.

At our extra meeting tomorrow, I will therefore propose to the EP-negotiating team putting legislative work on hold until we have a proper legal assessment and clear commitments from the US side, he said, asking that Terms of Turnberry Agreement and legal basis on which it was built have changed. Do new tariffs based on Section 122 not constitute a breach of the deal?

Following Fridays Supreme Court judgment, Trump announced he would impose a 10% global tariff to uphold protective trade measures worldwide. On Saturday, he stated he would raise the rate to 15%, causing further economic turbulence and uncertainty regarding US policy.

Trumps new tariffs will be based on Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose tariffs for 150 days without congressional approval.

What is the proposed agreement? Last summer, Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed on a deal that would set a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US, while eliminating tariffs on American products entering the EU. However, the US would also continue to apply a 50% tariff on European steel and aluminium imports.

According to Bloomberg, the bloc reached an uneven deal to avoid a major trade war and to preserve US security support, especially concerning Ukraine. Parliament had planned to ratify the agreement in March.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that they are examining whether the EU-US trade deal "is still valid.
President Donald Trumps tariff policy defeat in the US Supreme Court will not impact the individual trade agreements the administration has negotiated with its trading partners, Bloomberg reported, citing US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

On Sunday, 22 February, Greer on CBSs Face the Nation said that the deals the administration made with China, the European Union, South Korea, and others remain in place. He tried to distinguish those agreements from the planned 15% global tariff announced by Trump on Saturday.

We want them to understand these deals are going to be good deals, Greer said. Were going to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them.

The high court ruling that struck down Trumps use of emergency powers to impose tariffs came before the presidents scheduled trip to China next month. Greer suggested that other US trade tools, including investigations linked to trade practices of other countries, could provide leverage for the US.

We have tariffs like this already in place on China, we have open investigations already, he said.

Also Read | Equity market may rally on thin ice after a weekend of US tariff twists

Focus on Trump's visit to China Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit beginning on 31 March.

The president and Xi have a strong relationship, Greer told Fox News Sunday that the US maintains an average tariff of 40% on China without relying on the emergency law that the court struck down.

Uncertainty among trading partners Trumps approach to trade, largely questioned by the Supreme Court, has raised uncertainty among US trading partners across the globe, including the European Union.

The European Parliaments trade chief on Sunday said that he will suggest suspending the EUs ratification of the trade agreement with the US until the Trump administration provides detailed information on its trade policies.

Also Read | Rupee seen firm Monday but near-term gains capped despite US tariff relief

Greer said he spoke with my counterpart from the EU this weekendand would be engaging with officials of other key US trading partners to reassure them.

Rest assured, Ive been speaking to these folks as well, Greer told CBS. Ive been telling them for a year  whether we won or lost we were going to have tariffs, the presidents policy was going to continue.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is included among the 16 Best Dividend Stocks with Rising Payouts.

Barclays Raises Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Price Target, Sees Some Encouragement in Outlook

On February 9, Barclays analyst Julian Mitchell raised his price target on Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) to $275 from $244. The analyst reiterated an Underweight rating on the stock. He said the companys outlook showed some encouragement, pointing to a few positive signs despite the cautious rating.

Earlier, on February 3, Illinois Tool Works posted fourth-quarter results that came in ahead of Wall Street expectations. The company benefited from steady demand for automotive parts and its ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of tariffs. Investors responded positively, with the stock climbing about 5% in early trading. The company has been working to offset tariff pressure by shifting more production closer to its customers and introducing selective price increases. These steps helped improve operating margins across all seven of its business segments. At the same time, higher new vehicle prices have led many consumers to hold on to their cars longer, increasing demand for maintenance and repair services. This trend supported growth in the companys automotive aftermarket business.

The Automotive OEM segment, which remains the companys largest revenue driver, brought in $827 million during the quarter, up from $785 million a year earlier. Overall, Illinois Tool Works reported earnings of $2.72 per share for the quarter ended December 31, compared with $2.54 per share last year. This result came in above analysts expectations of $2.68 per share, according to LSEG.

Revenue also increased to $4.09 billion from $3.93 billion a year ago, slightly ahead of analyst estimates of $4.07 billion. Looking ahead, the company expects 2026 earnings per share to range between $11 and $11.4. However, the midpoint of this forecast is slightly below analysts current estimate of $11.26 per share.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is a diversified global manufacturer serving multiple industries. Its business includes Automotive OEM, Food Equipment, Test & Measurement and Electronics, Welding, Polymers & Fluids, Construction Products, and Specialty Products.

While we acknowledge the potential of ITW 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: 13 Best Roth IRA Stocks to Buy Now and 13 Cheapest Dividend Aristocrats to Invest in

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Turkish-German director explores marriage under political pressure with 'Yellow Letters'

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Sandra Hueller wins best actor, 'Queen at Sea' wins two prizes

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Berlin Film Festival known for political themes, war in Gaza discussed

By Miranda Murray

BERLIN, Feb 21 (Reuters) - "Yellow Letters," a drama about what happens to a marriage under extraordinary political pressure, won the Berlin Film Festival's Golden Bear top prize on Saturday night.

The Turkish-language drama filmed in Germany stars Ozgu Namal and Tansu Bicer as a married actor and playwright who have to leave behind their comfortable lives after the husband is targeted by the Turkish state for posting critical content online.

"The real threat is not among us. It is out there. It's the autocrats. It's the right-wing parties. It's the nihilists of our time who try to come to power and destroy our way of living," said Turkish-German director Ilker Catak while accepting the award.

"Let's not fight each other. Let's fight them," he said.

In total, 22 films had been in the running for the top prize.

POLITICAL FESTIVAL

The festival maintained its reputation as the most overtly political of its peers, Venice and Cannes, with the war in Gaza in particular dominating public discussions about the films.

"If this Berlinale has been emotionally charged, that's not a failure of the Berlinale, and it's not a failure of cinema," said festival director Tricia Tuttle at the opening ceremony.

"That is the Berlinale doing its job," she added, using the festival's nickname. German filmmaker Wim Wenders used his final appearance as jury president on Saturday to urge filmmakers and activists to act as allies, after his comment that filmmakers should not be political caused Indian novelist Arundhati Roy to pull out.

Turkish filmmaker Emin Alper, whose film "Salvation" took the second-place Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, voiced solidarity with the oppressed in Turkey, Syria, Iran and Gaza.

"The least we can do here is to break the silence and remind them that they are not really alone," he said.

SANDRA HUELLER WINS AGAIN

German actor Sandra Hueller, who starred in 2024 Oscar-winning films "Anatomy of a Fall" and "Zone of Interest," continued her winning streak by taking home best actor for the period piece "Rose," in which she dresses as a man.

"Queen at Sea," a drama that follows French star Juliette Binoche as she deals with her mother's advanced dementia and its effects on her marriage, won two prizes: the third-place jury prize and best supporting actor, shared by its two elderly performers, Anna Calder-Marshall and Tom Courtenay.

Director Grant Gee won best director for "Everybody Digs Bill Evans," a black-and-white biographical drama starring Norwegian actor Anders Danielsen Lie as the legendary U.S. jazz pianist.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 22 (ANI): Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday visited Salim Khan at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, showing support to Salman Khan's family during a concerning time.

Salim Khan, 90, was admitted on February 17 and is recovering slowly. Shah Rukh Khan was seen departing from Lilavati Hospital after visiting veteran Salim Khan, who has been admitted there since February 17.

Salim Khan is a famous screenwriter, actor, and film producer. He wrote the screenplays, stories and scripts for numerous Bollywood films. He is best known as one half of the prolific screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, along with Javed Akhtar.

Together with Javed Akhtar, he revolutionised Indian cinema in the 1970s, creating the "Angry Young Man" archetype and penning blockbusters like Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer.

Earlier, on February 19, Aamir Khan also visited the hospital along with his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to check on the senior writer's health.

Salim Khan, 90, was admitted on Tuesday after he suffered a minor brain haemorrhage. Doctors confirmed on Wednesday that his condition is stable and that he is being kept under close watch in the intensive care unit (ICU). Dr Jalil Parkar clarified that no surgery was performed.

"There was no surgery performed. It was a procedure which we usually do. Yes, he had a brain haemorrhage, which was very minimal, which did not require any surgical intervention.

There was no need for any surgery," he said, adding that the haemorrhage was "very minimal."According to an official statement issued by the hospital yesterday, Salim Khan was admitted at 8.30 am under the care of Dr Jalil D Parkar, Pulmonologist, Department of Chest Medicine.

He was brought to the emergency department by the family doctor, following which he was shifted to the ICU for monitoring. Several well-known names from the film industry have been visiting Salim Khan since his admission.
New Delhi, Feb 22 ( PTI) Appellate tribunal NCLAT has directed the withdrawal of insolvency proceedings against realty firm Mahagun after it has arrived at a settlement with its financial creditor.

A two-member bench of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) took on record the Settlement between Mahagun (India) and IDBI Trusteeship dated February 12, 2026.

An application was moved by the financial creditor of Mahagun before a two-member bench of NCLAT to withdraw the insolvency proceedings against the realty firm.

"It is submitted that during the pendency of the matter before this Adjudicating Authority, the parties have entered into a settlement vide settlement agreement dated 12.02.2026. The Applicant/Financial Creditor seeks to withdraw IB-112(ND)/2025," the NCLAT said in its order.

Admitting it, NCLAT "dismissed as withdrawn" the insolvency Petition filed by the inancial Creditor. "In view of the above, all the pending applications stand disposed of," said a two-page NCLAT order passed on February 17, 2026..

IDBI Trusteeship Service in its withdrawal application, has also sought liberty to restore/revive its insolvency Petition "in the event the Corporate Debtor (Mahagun) fails to adhere".

Mahagun (India) was put under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) over a section 7 application filed by IDBI Trusteeship.

The NCLT had admitted the application claiming a default of 256.48 crore over payment of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) issued for its Noida-based Mahagun Manorialle project.
Bank holidays this week: Banks across India will be closed on two day next week, for fourth Saturday and Sunday weekend holiday, on 28 February and 1 March, respectively.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has listed a total of nine holidays during the month for all public and private lenders, including the State Bank of India (SBI). This includes the weekend holidays for second Saturday, fourth Saturday, and all Sundays.

Unless a specific public or regional holiday is declared, banks remain open on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of each month.

Overall, bank holidays across states may differ due to regional and local requirements. So, it is best to check with your local bank branch for their approved holiday schedule or list to be prepared in case of emergencies or long holidays.

Bank holidays this week: Check dates 28 February  Saturday  Pan India holiday on account of fourth Saturday.

1 March  Sunday  Pan India holiday for Sunday weekend.

Banks closed: What you can and cannot do You can continue to use online or mobile banking services even on national holidays  unless notified to users for technical or other reasons.

For cash emergencies, ATMs are open for withdrawals, app and UPI function as usual.

All of the Indian central bank's annual holiday calendar is declared by the under provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with the issuance of cheques and promissory notes. Transactions involving these instruments are thus not available during these listed holidays.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has begun disrupting the software industry. Since early January, software stocks across the world have tumbled sharply on investor fears that much of the business that software companies do will be taken over by AI, and by new AI giants such as Anthropic and OpenAI, among others. These companies, along with the currently dominant tech giants such as Google and Microsoft, have committed hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in the space. The fear is that such massive investments in the AI sector will give them an unshakeable advantage in the coming years, and traditional software companies would be left far behind.
There is certainly more interest in apparel products compared to what it used to be in the past, said Dipanjan Basu, co-founder and partner, Fireside Ventures, which has invested in new-age apparel brands like NewMe, Terractive and adjacent categories like shapewear UnderNeat. As GDP per capita increases, the discretionary income beyond food and housing goes to areas like fashion and beauty.
Deleveraging strategy

As of FY25, return on equity was only 1.3%, while return on invested capital was slightly better at 10.7%. Total borrowings of 10,121 crore remain substantial, even after repaying 1,123 crore from IPO proceeds. But this could add an estimated 110-120 crore to the bottom line. While it generates net cash from operations, it's also relatively volatile. The commercialisation of upcoming projects will be key to deleveraging.
Veteran fund manager Samir Arora, on February 22, took a dig on US Supreme Court decision on reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. The Helios Capital founder listed out eight reasons why 15% tariffs on India are not a big concern.

In a post on X, Arora said that there's nothing wrong with 15% as far as India is concerned. The US Supreme Court invalidated the reciprocal tariffs that had been imposed on trading partners by US President Donald Trump. However, just hours after the ruling, President Trump approved a fresh policy introducing a 10% global tariff on imports from all countries.

Also Read | US Fed minutes to FIIs: Top 5 triggers likely to dictate stock market

Arora, in his post on X, pointed out that more than 90 countries were previously subject to a 10% tariff, and it appears now they will face a 15% tariff rate. Among those affected are Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, which are expected to see their tariff levels rise from 10% to 15%.

Tariffs have power if you can pitch one country against another. If all countries have 15% (or 10%), how does it matter much- this is more of an internal tax issue for the US now, Arora said.

He further added that the initial 10% tariffs were, anyway, surprising since max allowed is 15%, and it is for 150 days as of now. The 15% tariffs now bring Europe/Japan/South Korea back to where they were, he said.

India would have been happy to have a signed deal at 18%, and for now, it is 15%. Beyond 5 months, how this will be extended is not obvious anyway and will need congressional approval. Even if finally due to other sections, it does go back to 18% for India, it is the same as it would have been without this recent drama, Arora said.

India-US trade deal The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled 63 that the administration of Donald Trump had overstepped its legal authority by imposing tariffs starting in February 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977.

Despite the ruling, the White House issued a fact sheet later stating that tariffs would remain in place, describing them as a vital instrument for protecting American businesses and workers, boosting domestic manufacturing, lowering costs, and increasing wages.

Following the courts decision to strike down Trumps global tariffs and Washingtons subsequent order introducing a temporary 10% import surcharge, Indian exports will now face only a 10% reciprocal levy from February 24, 2026. For example, a product that previously attracted a 5% US duty will now carry an additional 10%, taking the total to 15%, compared with the earlier effective rate of 23% (5% plus 18%).

Trumps February 20 proclamation stated that a temporary 10% ad valorem import surcharge would be imposed for 150 days on goods entering the United States, effective February 24, 2026, at 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time.
Trump tariffs: The US Supreme Court invalidated the reciprocal tariffs that had been imposed on trading partners by the administration of Donald Trump. Within hours of the ruling, US President Trump announced a 10% global tariff applicable to all countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump criticised the courts ruling and announced an increase in the global tariff rate from 10% to 15%, describing it as legally tested and essential to safeguard US interests. He also stated that the administration would assess and roll out additional legally permissible tariffs in the coming months.

For India, this effectively resets the interim US-India trade arrangement, limiting tariff exposure to 10% for now. While this introduces short-term uncertainty for Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems, and machinery, the measure is considered less severe than previously proposed actions and leaves scope for continued negotiations, said Ponmudi R, CEO - Enrich Money.

How's D-Street likely to react on Monday? Market experts are anticipating a gap-up opening on Monday, following US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs imposed by US President Trump.

Firm trends in GIFT Nifty also suggest Indian equities are poised for a gap-up opening on Monday. However, President Trumps remarks about potentially invoking alternative legal routes to advance his tariff policy inject a layer of policy uncertainty. This could temper optimism and trigger intermittent phases of elevated volatility across global financial markets in the near term, said Ponmudi.

Expecting a gap-up start for the Indian stock market, SEBI-registered fundamental equity analyst Avinash Gorakshkar said that these developments occurred when domestic markets were shut, although the GIFT Nifty was still trading. Typically, the GIFT Nifty and the Nifty 50 close with only minor differences, but on Friday the Nifty 50 ended at 25,571, while the February 26, 2026 expiry GIFT Nifty futures settled at 25,764  roughly 200 points higher. Given this sharp premium, he noted that it would not be surprising if the BSE Sensex opens more than 500 points higher on Monday.

Also Read | Trump tariffs to GDP data: Top 5 triggers likely to dictate stock market

Sector stocks that will remain in focus on Monday Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, said the US Supreme Court ruling to invalidate Donald Trumps global tariffs comes as a major relief for Indian exporters, who had been grappling with duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

She noted that the levies had affected Indian shipments valued at more than $50 billion, with labour-intensive industries such as textiles and gems bearing the brunt of the impact.

According to Srivastava, these sector stocks will remain in focus -

Textile stocks All textiles stocks such as Vardhman textile, Welspun Living, KPR Mill, Trident and others.

Gems and jewellery stocks According to Srivastava, all gems and jewellery such as Kalyan Jewellers, senco gold and titan could benefit from the decision.

Auto ancillaries Companies like Bharat Forge and Apollo Tyres could see improved export prospects, she said.

Chemical stocks Chemical stocks such as BASF India, Navin flourochemical, UPL might benefit from reduced tariffs.
Indian stock market: The Indian stock market bounced back with solid gains on Friday, February 20, after posting sharp losses of more than 1% each in the previous session.

The 30-share Sensex rose 317 points, or 0.38%, to close at 82,814.71, while the Nifty 50 advanced 117 points, or 0.46%, to settle at 25,571.25. Broader markets showed mixed trends, with the BSE 150 MidCap Index gaining 0.44%, whereas the BSE 250 SmallCap Index declined 0.19%.

Markets ended the week with modest gains, supported by value buying in fundamentally strong stocks that had recently corrected, despite mixed global cues. Sentiment remained positive during the first three sessions; however, heightened volatility in the final sessions turned participants cautious. Ultimately, the benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex settled at 25,571.25 and 61,172, respectively, said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

Also Read | Stocks to buy under 50: Mehul Kothari recommends three shares to buy or sell

Stock Market Outlook next week According to Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, the market will closely monitor the developments in Trump's global tariffs announcement, tensions between the US and Iran, crude oil price movements, and global monetary signals.

Although volatility may stay elevated, strong domestic macro fundamentals and a supportive demand environment are expected to provide a cushion. The release of Indias GDP data next week will be keenly watched for its implications on earnings momentum and broader market positioning. Overall, markets are likely to trade within a range, with liquidity flows and global developments shaping short-term movements, Nair said.

Top 5 triggers for the Indian stock market 1] Trump tariffs Market investors will assess the impact of the Supreme Court of the United States' ruling on tariffs on Friday, February 20. Any policy adjustment or legal interpretation affecting trade measures could have implications for global markets.

Additionally, markets will monitor developments following a fresh executive order by the President of the United States, which may influence trade dynamics, tariff structures, and global risk sentiment. Clarity on the proposed IndiaUS interim trade agreement, with Indian officials visiting the U.S. to finalise the legal framework, will also remain in focus, Mishra of Religare Broking said.

2] India's GDP data On the domestic front, investors will track key data points such as GDP numbers, government budget figures, foreign exchange reserves, and year-on-year (YoY) infrastructure output.

The next quarterly GDP estimates based on the New Series will be released on Friday, February 27, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation said in a release.

3] F&O expiry According to Mishra, markets are likely to remain volatile in the coming week, particularly with the monthly F&O expiry scheduled for February 24.

4] Gold and silver prices Gold and silver remained resilient on Friday, 20 February, as investors continued to flock to safe-haven assets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and military build-up by both Iran and the United States, even as the US Dollar Index headed for its strongest weekly gain since October.

Meanwhile, the April futures contract on Comex surged by $71 per troy ounce to touch an intraday high of $5,068, putting it on track to record a third straight week of gains.

The commodity complex enters the week in a phase of controlled consolidation following sharp directional moves across energy and metals. Volatility has moderated after impulse expansions, and price action now reflects tactical repositioning rather than aggressive liquidation. Structurally, metals continue to trade within rising channel frameworks, while energy counters are approaching decisive supply zones. Market internals indicate absorption at higher levels in metals and breakout-retest behaviour in crude, whereas natural gas is testing overhead supply after a vertical short-covering rally, said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.

5] FIIs and DIIs Foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows witnessed a notable shift in February, with FPIs turning net buyers on nine of the last sixteen trading sessions up to February 20. According to data from National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), total FPI investments through exchanges during this period stood at 14,177.66 crore. In addition, FPIs invested 2,733.89 crore via the primary market, taking the overall investment for February through February 20 to 16,911.55 crore.

Sectoral allocation, however, showed significant divergence during the month. FPIs offloaded IT stocks aggressively following the Anthropic-related shock, while simultaneously increasing their exposure to financial services and capital goods sectors.

"The trend of FPI buying witnessed in February, so far, is likely to continue, going forward. A major factor driving the FPI inflows could be the improvement in corporate earnings. The Q3 FY 26 results indicate a clear pickup in corporate earnings with a 14.7% earnings growth. This trend is likely to continue in the rest of FY26, too. As per the early estimates, FY27 earnings growth is likely to be around 15 %. This will make Indian valuations fair and attractive for FPIs to turn buyers in India, said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

Technical Outlook Nifty According to Mishra, the index closed at 25,571, maintaining a mildly positive bias but lacking strong follow-through.

Crucial support is placed at 25,400; a break below this level could trigger a fresh decline toward 25,100, which corresponds to the gap area on the daily chart. On the upside, the 25,80026,000 zone remains a key resistance band. A sustained move above 26,000 would be required to revive bullish momentum, he said.

Bank Nifty Meanwhile, on the Bank Nifty outlook, he said that the index outperformed and closed at 61,172 despite mixed trends among private banking majors.

Immediate support is seen near 60,400, with stronger support at 59,600. Resistance is placed around 61,800; a decisive breakout above this level could extend gains toward the 63,000 zone. Its relative strength will remain critical for a decisive trend in the benchmark going forward, Mishra added.
Harbinger Production, formerly known as Factory_OS, is based at the site of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Calif. (Courtesy of Google Streetview)





Harbinger Production, a modular homebuilder that has erected sizable apartment buildings around the Bay Area, is now at a crossroads. The Vallejo company's leadership is confident that it will survive to build thousands more units. But funding issues and a production gap mean Harbinger just had to threaten its 290 employees with layoffs.

The company filed a WARN notice with California officials on Feb. 12, citing "lack of new business and loss of capital funding" as reasons for potential layoffs. The document is just a warning - by law, businesses have to tell workers well in advance if they could be hit by a mass job cut - but it's a dire sign for the company. Harbinger's CEO, management team and more than 200 production workers are listed for the possible layoff.

Harbinger, via outside spokesperson Phoebe Schmidt, told SFGATE that the WARN was filed because of "a potential near term gap in our production pipeline," emphasizing that the company is "both in contract negotiations for new jobs and seeking new business opportunities."

Formerly known as Factory_OS, the company builds home sections in its large Mare Island factory before rolling them out for on-site assembly - a premise that has generated buzz but mixed results over the past decade in housing-starved California. Up to this point, Harbinger has built and shipped more than 4,000 units, the company said, and its long-term pipeline features 40 projects, totaling more than 3,500 units. For some of those, it has already completed contracted design work.

"We are working to finalize project commitments in order to avoid any pause in production," the company said Thursday, adding that it "is not planning to shut its doors."

Another statement said: "We've navigated similar challenges in the past, and have emerged stronger for our efforts." Indeed, the company is hardly unproven. After making headlines for a proposed 300-home deal to build employee housing for Google in 2017, Harbinger has raised tens of millions of dollars in venture funding and completed projects in Oakland, San Francisco, Emeryville and elsewhere.

Still, workers would be forgiven for worrying, given the scope of the WARN document. And Harbinger did not respond to SFGATE's question about two recent lawsuits against the company. One, from a former employee, alleged in December that Harbinger had violated several labor codes, including related to overtime pay, breaks and expenses. Another, filed by the manufacturing giant Jabil in January, accused Harbinger of owing $6.5 million, largely for back payments on building materials.
In December, bartender and entrepreneur Yangdup Lama made a whirlwind trip to Nagaland. He came back with his mind and notebook filled with ideas. We brought back bountiful ingredients, he shares. Wild Naga tomato and the fermented rice drink zutho now feature in the limited-edition cocktail menu at three of his barsSidecar in Delhi, and Cocktails & Dreams and The Brook in Gurugram.

Mountain-inspired bar menus have come into their own, led by teams hailing from the hills. Kashmiri chef Prateek Sadhu started the restaurant Naar in Himachal Pradesh, while the husband-wife duo chef Viraf Patel and Prakriti Lama Patel run Across in Mumbai with food and drinks shaped by the Himalayan belt. Shad Skye in Shillong is fronted by Khasi bartender Rishot Laloo. Yangdup Lama, who grew up in Darjeeling, opened The Brook to pay tribute to mountain life. This region-specific theme in mixology reflects the broader shift in gourmet dining of using hyper-local ingredients and embracing cultural nuances.

From wild herbs to berries and honey, as well as culinary techniques like smoking, every element carries the spirit of the land. These translate into distinctive cocktails, each one telling an inspirational story rooted in altitude, resilience and tradition, says Lama.

Take pine, for instance. From leaves to barks and the cone, various parts of this ubiquitous mountain tree are used in cocktails. At The Brook, the drink Darjeeling Mail is built around pinewood smoked tea. Shad Skye uses the aromatic bark of the tree to create one of their hot-sellers Living Roots, named after the living roots bridges of Meghalaya. It also has Cherrapunji Gin brewed in the state mixed with pinewood bark infusion. It is finished with white chocolate, imparting the drink with a depth of flavour.

At Naar, Pineapple Express combines pine with applesboth available in abundance in Himachal. Their head bartender Dixit Kaundal smokes and ferments pine needle in honey sourced locally, while Burgundy and Scotch form the base of the drink. It gets a refreshing twist with a touch of in-house apple liqueur. As an aromatic top-up, we add a few drops of pine needle oil, he explains.

Bar experiments capture the landscape and mountain nostalgia too. One of the signature drinks and a crowd-favourite at The Brook is the umami-rich Maggi Point with tequila, fresh tomato and fresh coriander. In Lamas words, its a flavour-filled getaway to fond memories of mountain fun. Prakriti of Across grew up in Nepal, and recalls winter afternoons when people sit out in the sun enjoying oranges. She created the tequila-based Citrus Sunrise drawing from this practice.

Sweeteners and bitters are elemental in mixology. The hills offer a spectacular diversity of honey. Bartenders have leveraged this by infusing honey with spices and fermenting it to extract complex flavours. Naar offers a twist on the trendy Picante with the drink called Hemp and Honey. The restaurant is located near Kasauli where hemp is essential to the local cuisine. To make this drink, its seeds are toasted till charred, mixed with tequila and honey for an earthy and smokey finish.

View full Image A selection of cocktails from Across.

Bitters are an ingenious way to showcase the regions produce combined with the culinary flex of bartenders. They source foraged herbs and berries to add that much needed bitter element in balanced drinks. One of Lamas favourite mountain herbs is the Himalayan mugwort. It forms the backbone of the cocktail Tite Pati, meaning bitter leaf in Nepali, a mountain-inspired reinterpretation of the Negroni built around a house-made mugwort vermouth that highlights its earthy, herbal bitterness.

Also Read | What makes vermouth so critical to a good cocktail

Kaundal makes a bitter with the wild Himalayan cherry, called pajja berry in Himachali. Apart from the acrid taste, its dry mouthfeel makes it perfect for a refined Martini, and goes into their popular cocktail Himalayan Vesper.

Preservation is a cornerstone of mountain cuisines and mixology. Apart from bitters, these bars preserve ingredients in vermouths, pickles, liqueurs, cordials and compote. Rishot Laloo, head bartender of Shad Skye, speaks of the sohiong berry (Prunus napaulensis) of Meghalaya. Its production is shrinking owing to a shorter growing season and over cultivation. The popularity of this berry spiked due to commercialisation as it goes into fruit wines, jams and squashes. He says, Sohiong was available from August to October, and now one can find it for barely two months. It poses a challenges for us to procure it. He preserves it by making a compote that is vacuum-sealed and frozen. It goes into their cocktail Bitchi Sour.

As seasons get unpredictable, Prakriti believes in making do with whatever is available rather than trying to force certain ingredients. It encourages them to change menus; the next one is due in spring.

The ingredient list is not limited to produce. It spans indigenous brews too. The star ingredient in Shad Skyes Bitchi Sour is the rice beer bitchi prepared by Meghalayas Garo community. Then theres the rare millet brew yaid krai from the states West Khasi hills which features in several cocktails. On similar lines, Lama introduced Nagalands rice wine zutho for his limited edition menu.

The secret sauce, however, is not preserved in jars. It lies in the recipe distilled through a bartenders sense of place, experience and imagination.

Also Read | How cocktails are named
Raghu is refusing to eat his luncha bowl of rice mixed with boiled vegetables. He sniffs it and returns to his spot in a corner of Delhis Khan Market. Chicken nahi hai na aaj (theres no chicken today), says Meenakshi Yadav, giving Raghu, a visibly overweight nine-year-old street dog, a gentle slap. A few minutes later, hes emptied the bowl.

Yadav, who works as a cleaning lady in a shop in Khan Market, travels 30km every day from the outskirts of Delhi to reach her workplace. Alongside her own lunch, she carries food for five stray dogs, including Raghuall brothers who have lived outside the shop since they were puppies. Though Yadav is a vegetarian, she brings them chicken once a week. On some days, Rajkumar Mishra, the guard at a neighbouring shop, brings chicken for them.

I used to throw stones at them when I joined here (in 2021) I was always scared of dogs, Mishra says. Now, the guards from other shops (in the same lane) and I sit with them (at 4pm) to share tea and biscuits.

For some street dogs, Delhi can be a pretty good place to be in. The rich, like Yadavs boss, can go overboardhe bathes the five dogs once a month and pays for their regular check-ups. As do the not-so-rich like Yadav and Mishra, in their own little ways. People living on the streets, who barely have enough for themselves, also feed strays.

Its not an unfamiliar sight: Packs of dogs hang around restaurants for scraps (which they usually get), and sprawl on their bellies outside shops as passersby react with aww or oh my god, depending on where they fall on the animal-lover spectrum. Two evenings ago, a gentle brown street dog sauntered into an India Design Fair preview party and was welcomed by the guests with ample head scratches.

Also Read | The rise of bespoke pet fashion

But Delhi can be harsh too. For the past few months, conversations inside the halls of the Supreme Court have centred on whether Delhis streets are suitable for dogs at alland whether their presence makes cities more dangerous for humans and animals alike. Thats not entirely untrue: India, despite having some of the most pro-dog laws, leads the world in deadly rabies cases. Some Delhi residents have supported calls for their removal.

These dogs that belong to no one still choose their streets and their humans, and in doing so, bring people together. In my locality, for instance, for the past one year, I have seen a woman feed strays between 5-6am. She rides a scooter through the streets, carrying a 1kg pack of dry kibble. About a month ago, she was joined by two more womenher neighbourson separate scooters, thus covering more ground and dogs. Car cleaners feeding four-legged regulars is also a daily sight.

Also Read | Morning walk and the company of stray dogs

In south-west Delhi in Janakpuri, a group of youngsters in their 20s have assigned themselves duties across 14 residential coloniesfeeding the street dogs, washing their winter sweaters, creating resting spots near trees or in balconies with fans during summers, and taking them to the vet whenever needed.

As the debate over where street dogs belong continues, scattered across Delhi are small, stubborn pockets of care, where dogs that belong to no one are still looked after. They give people a reason to pause, to talk, to show up at the same hour every day.

When I ask Yadav and Mishra about the drama over Delhis street dogs, the former doesnt hesitate. Babu kahin nahi jayega (he will not go anywhere), she says, pulling Raghu into a tight hug.

Also Read | The year I fell in love with small talk
In one of the early scenes in Cover-Up, a documentary on Seymour M. Hershs life and work, the iconic investigative journalist looks straight at the camera, or rather at the filmmakers, Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus, behind it, and utters a single stinging sentence: I barely trust you guys. The statement looms like an epigraph over the movie, capturing a sentiment that any reporter worth their salt should want to live and work by.

If scepticism is the bulwark of a credible journalists mindset, so is a certain degree of self-effacement. It is hard to uphold such principles and integrity in these times when careers live and die on the hill of personal branding on social media platforms. But, as recently as 2004, when Poitras approached Hersh, a pioneer among his generation of reporters, to make a movie about his career, he flatly refused. He still wasnt ready to turn himself into the story. Eventually, it took 20 years for Hersh, now 88, to say yes. The result is Cover-Up, a vulnerable, at times raw, take on his life, which was released on Netflix recently to a worldwide audience.

The delay has proved to be fortuitous. Poitras and Obenhaus couldnt have chosen a better time to draw attention to Hershs chequered life. As legacy media organisations crack and crumble under corporate pressure (as evidenced recently by the spate of layoffs at The Washington Post, for instance), freedom of speech remains under siege the world over. In spite of the much vaunted first amendment, the US can no longer pretend to be the exemplar of free press. Journalism remains under severe attack, especially since the rise of Donald Trumps administration, which has cracked down on civil liberties, stifled dissent and used technology to spread lies and fake news.

Hersh is well aware of these dire circumstances and the relative advantages he enjoyed as a reporter in his time. My career has been all about the importance of telling important and unwanted truths, as he writes in his 2018 memoir, Reporter, (...) it would not have been possible for me to be as freewheeling in todays newspaper world as it was until a decade ago. But, apart from support for in-depth reporting fading away (those deep pockets that allowed reporters to zip around the world doing their jobs once upon a time), most of the problems of our time remain the same as those that Hersh faced in the 1960s and 1970s.

These were the decades when he broke a series of explosive stories on war crimes committed by the US army in the Vietnam War. His coverage of the My Lai massacre of 1968, in which hundreds of elderly men, women and children were killed by the US troops, remains a landmark in the history of investigative reporting.

Early on in Cover-Up, Hersh says that the biggest challenge he faced, while working as an investigative journalist under the Republican regime of Richard Nixon, was not so much censorship but self-censorship by the press. Then, he goes on to paint a picture that feels uncannily prescient. Most Washington correspondents, in his day, were content to attend daily press conferences at the White House or the Pentagon and file 500-word copies that, almost always, accepted the official version of events, no questions asked. They were happy to remain glorified stenographers, who didnt want to mess with the status quo.

In contrast, instead of joining his colleagues for leisurely lunches, Hersh, the rookie, would seek out the company of the old hands at the Pentagon (which he was designated to cover by the Associated Press, until his reports ruffled more feathers than AP could handle). His personable manner made it easy for him to get people to open up, while his track record as an intrepid reporter inspired confidence in sources, especially those who were concerned about anonymity.

One such tip-off led Hersh to William L. Calley, the American soldier who was accused of opening fire and killing 109 civilians in Vietnam. More than 60 years later, his diligence hasnt faded in the slightest. Cover-Up chronicles arresting candid moments as Hersh continues to do his workreporting on the Israeli genocide in Gaza, speaking to anonymous callers, refusing to let go, no matter the risks and dangers involved.

Watching the movie is like sitting in on a masterclass in investigative journalism, inspiring immense respect and just as much fear of repercussions. Its also a reminder that like Hersh, there is still a new generation of reporters, even though their numbers may be dwindling, especially in the Global South, who continue to wager their life and limb to pursue their calling.

View full Image A scene from Cover-Up. ( Courtesy Netflix. )

FOLLOWING THE STORY Hershs single-minded determination to pursue a story, at any cost, landed him in trouble through his career. He was hated by the Republican voter base for his reporting on Vietnam, more so because of his role as press secretary to Senator Eugene McCarthy, a Democratic aspirant for the presidency, in 1968. Cover-Up doesnt focus on this interlude in Hershs career, but in Reporter, he writes in detail about his role in the campaign, which McCarthy didnt win.

After quitting AP, Hersh continued to work freelance, writing for magazines like The New Republic, as well as books of his own. His first book, a deep-dive into the clandestine chemical and biological warfare programme run by the US, brought him into national focus. In the years to come, he would go on to work with The New York Times, break stories around the Watergate scandal, expanding the work that had already been done by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of The Washington Post. But his stars at NYT would begin to sink once he started reporting on corporations like Gulf and Western, which, as Hersh discovered, were tied up with his employers interests.

Some of the most dramatic moments in Cover-Up pertain to the mistakes that Hersh made in his career. A prime example was him falling for a collection of letters between Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy, later revealed to be a work of forgery. It created major embarrassment for Hersh. Much later, he misread the role of Bashar al-Assads regime behind nerve gas attacks carried out on civilians in Syria. More recently, Hersh was pulled up for a single-source story he published on his Substack. Under scrutiny on the question of sources, the reporter in him finally loses his composure, he fears that he has said too much and put people in danger, and wants to quit.

In her earlier movies, Poitras has covered dissenters like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, taken on the Sackler family (that owned Purdue Pharma, manufacturers of the opioid OxyContin), and perfected the art of telling stories that were never meant to be perfectly told. In Cover-Up, she returns to the ruggedness of real life, the unpredictable turns her subjects take when pushed too far, and the fact that behind every story lies a complex jumble of decisions, emotions and intentions. And yet, when it comes to the truth, everything boils down to the fact of being clear with ones conscience.

Speaking about his reports for The New Yorker about the torture and abuse perpetrated by the US army at the Abu Ghraib prison, Hersh gets to the heart of the matter in one sharp sentence. We are a culture of enormous violence, he says. You cant just have a country that does that and looks the other way. Its a fitting motto to his lifes work and his motivation behind persisting with it, late into his 80s.

Cover-Up is on Netflix.

Also Read | How investigative journalism sparked off the #MeToo movement
Meanwhile, at ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity fund, which has been among the top-performing funds in this category over the past year with a gain of 16%, the focus is on buying companies that pay dividends consistently, even if they dont have the highest dividend yield. Rather than looking at one past dividend, we also see if this is sustainable in future, and if it can grow, said fund manager Mittul Kalawadia, who switches between market caps at different times.
Police have booked unidentified individuals for attempting to extort 10 crore from a Thane-based real estate developer by posing as members of the "Bishnoi group".

The 60-year-old complainant reported to the Naupada police station that he was targeted while visiting Madhya Pradesh for a religious event on February 11. During a series of WhatsApp calls, the businessman was ordered to pay the massive sum or "be prepared to die."

The caller, allegedly affiliated with the notorious "Bishnoi group," brazenly challenged the victim to record their conversation and notify law enforcement.

Also Read | Kapil Sharma takes a swipe at Lawrence Bishnoi over firing on his Canada cafe

Following the submission of the victims statement and digital audio evidence, an FIR was officially filed on February 20 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for extortion and related crimes.

Senior Inspector Abhay Chandranath Mahajan of the Naupada police station stated that investigations are ongoing; however, no suspects have been taken into custody at this time.

"The harassment continued on February 20, when the builder received four WhatsApp calls from an international number while he was in his office here. After he did not answer the calls, the suspect sent an audio clip on his mobile phone at 12:29 pm, which contained further death threats," the official said.

Mumbai Police issues LOC against Lawrence Bishnoi gang member in Ranveer Singh threat case In a significant advancement in the investigation into threats against Bollywood icons, the Mumbai Crime Branch has released a Look Out Circular (LOC) for Harichandra, known as "Harry Boxer." The suspect, believed to be linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, is wanted in connection with an extortion plot targeting actor Ranveer Singh.

Official reports indicate that Singhs manager received a threatening WhatsApp voice message demanding a ransom of 20 crore. The sender, identifying himself as Harry Boxer, utilized a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask his digital footprint and location. To verify the origin of the threat, the Mumbai Police have forwarded the audio file to authorities in Punjab and Haryana for forensic analysis.

As the probe intensifies, investigators have recorded a formal statement from Singhs manager. This case follows a pattern of high-profile intimidation involving actors Ranveer Singh and Aayush Sharma, both of whom have been targeted by threats linked to the Bishnoi gang.

Also Read | Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty get fresh threat in voice note from Bishnoi gang

The Rohit Shetty Firing Incident Authorities believe these threats are part of a synchronized campaign against the film industry, tied to the January 31, 2024, shooting outside director Rohit Shettys Juhu home. The Bishnoi group previously used social media to claim responsibility for that attack.

On February 17, five suspects arrested in PuneAditya Gaikki, Siddharth Yenpure, Samarth Pomaji, Swapnil Sakat, and Asaram Fasaleappeared before an MCOCA court as their initial custody ended. The court extended their remand until February 23. During the hearing, Swapnil Sakat claimed that his statements and signatures were obtained under police coercion.
A shocking case of alleged brutality against a 19-year-old student has surfaced in Gurugram. Her boyfriend allegedly poured hand sanitiser on her private parts and set them on fire.

The victim managed to use the accused's phone on February 18 night to tell her mother everything in Bengali, as the accused did not understand the language. Her mother then called 112. The police arrived at the spot and admitted the victim to the government hospital.

An FIR was registered at Badshahpur police station in Gurugram on February 19 at 8:35 PM against the accused. The complaint, based on the victims statement, alleges that the man assaulted her under the pretext of being in a marital relationship, subjected her to repeated physical abuse, and even recorded a video of the act.

The FIR cites Sections 115, 118(1), 118(2), 127(2), 69, and 351(2) of the BNS. Police have initiated an investigation under these serious provisions.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.

The victim, originally from Tripura, is pursuing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology and was living in a PG in Gurugram. She reportedly met the accused, a young man from Narela, Delhi, via an online app in September 2025, which eventually led to in-person meetings.

Here's what FIR says The victim alleges that the alleged accused established forced physical relations with her under the pretext of marriage. After this, they lived together in Gurugram for some time. During this period, the alleged accused began doubting her and started physically assaulting her.

According to the FIR, on February 16, the victim was allegedly subjected to extreme violence by the accused. He reportedly assaulted her by striking her head with a steel bottle, smashing her against walls and furniture, and hitting her with an earthen pot.

The FIR further states that the accused attacked her legs with a knife and threatened to injure her so severely that she would never be able to walk or have children. The victim also alleged that he recorded nude videos of her during the abuse.

Also Read | Karnataka court sentences 3 to death in Israeli tourist gang rape case
Three militants linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed during a clash with security personnel in a secluded portion of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Sunday.

The Indian Army said the fatalities occurred during 'Operation Trashi-I' within the Passerkut sector of the Chatroo region, where troops seized a cache of weaponry, including two AK-47 rifles.

"Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from J&K Police, IB (Intelligence Bureau) and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area," the Indian Army's White Knight Corps said in a social media post on X.

Also Read | IED scare in Punjab, Kashmir as Delhi ramps up security over suspected LeT plot

"Following successful contact established earlier, troops of CIF (Counter-Intelligence Force) Delta, in close coordination with police and CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists today at approximately 11 am in challenging terrain," the X post added.

Demonstrating tactical expertise, coordination, and firm resolve, the units controlled the engagement zone where both insurgents were effectively eliminated, according to the Army.

"The hunt continues  those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary," it said.

In a separate X post, the White Knight Corps said: In continued operations under Operation Trashi-I in Kishtwar, troops of CIF (D) White Knight Corps, in coordination with J&K Police and CRPF, have neutralised the third terrorist. The remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered.

Citing initial data, authorities identified both deceased individuals as Pakistani citizens and active participants in the outlawed JeM organization. The militants were discovered taking cover within a mud structure at a hillside's base; they initiated fire upon approaching reconnaissance teams, sparking a fierce firefight, the Army noted.

Reports indicate that sweep operations in the vicinity remain active.

The Chatroo woodland area has been the site of nearly six skirmishes between insurgents and the security forces over the past month, a period marked by the deaths of one serviceman and one militant.

With Sundays successful engagement, security forces have now neutralized a total of six JeM terrorists across various encounters in the Jammu region since the start of the year.

Previous operations resulted in two fatalities in Udhampur and one in the Kathua district.

Weapon cache, supplies recovered along LoC In a separate incident, defense personnel seized a significant quantity of weaponry and military gear during a reconnaissance mission in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Friday, following a disrupted infiltration attempt the previous day.

The discovery occurred during a thorough sweep of the Nathua Tibba region within the Sunderbani sector along the Line of Control (LoC), conducted shortly after units repelled an intrusion effort early Friday morning.

Also Read | Top Pakistani terrorist linked to JeM killed in encounter in J&K Kathua

Soldiers identified bloodied trails across the terrain, suggesting that the retreating insurgents likely suffered severe wounds during their withdrawal.

Throughout the sweep, security units uncovered a stash of hardware and logistics, which featured an AK-47 rifle, two loaded magazines, three tactical backpacks, blankets, food supplies, and apparel.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said the state government is mulling a mobile ban for students under-16, citing social media addiction.

Today as we are discussing this, I seek the opinion of all the VCs present here. Children are falling prey to drugs, Siddaramaiah said while addressing the vice-chancellors.

He added, Also, in line with various other countries like Australia, there is a thought to ban mobile phones among students. We are looking at this for children below the age of 16. Many of them are falling prey, are addicted to social media.

State govt consulting on measures for responsible use of AI, social media: Kharge On Friday, Karnatakas Minister for Electronics and IT/BT, Priyank Kharge, informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government is consulting on measures to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, particularly for children, according to PTI.

He made the remarks in response to senior BJP MLA and former Minister Suresh Kumar, who voiced concerns about children being exposed too early to social media, including pornographic content, during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governors address

The MLA referred to Australias recent decision to restrict social media use for those under 16 and noted that the central governments Economic Survey has also recommended setting an age limit for access to such platforms.

Citing these examples, the survey emphasised the need to consider age-based access to online platforms for children, alongside reducing online teaching to help prevent digital addiction.

During the discussion, the MLA highlighted the ministers presence and pointed out that both Australias move and the Economic Survey signal growing concern over childrens early exposure to social media and inappropriate content, including pornography.

He further said, "This is a very serious matter, so our state should also take a decision regarding social media. Neighbouring Goa has taken a decision. There should be some kind of age limit. Control may not be completly possible, but we should take some measures. If not done, I don't know what will be the situation of our schools and families.

Minister Kharge acknowledged the concern raised by the senior legislator, describing it as a serious matter.

Also Read | From Paris to New Delhi, the push to ban teens from social media is going global

He noted that countries like Finland have already taken action, the UK is considering similar steps, and Australia implemented a ban a few months ago. He added that the state government is currently holding consultations on measures to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media.

Kharge also mentioned that his department, in collaboration with social media giant Meta, is running a digital detox program benefiting over three lakh children and one lakh teachers.

Goa weighs social media ban for children under 16 to curb online risks Meanwhile, the Goa government is reportedly exploring a plan to prohibit children under 16 from using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, according to the Indian Express.

Australia has brought in a law ensuring a ban on social media for children below the age of 16. Our (IT) department people have already pulled out those particular papers. We are studying them. We will talk to the chief minister, and if possible, implement a similar ban on children below 16 for usage of social media, Goa Tourism and Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte said on Monday.

Andhra Education Minister on plans to restrict social media access for minors The Andhra Pradesh government is considering implementing stricter regulations to limit social media access for children of certain ages, according to Education Minister Nara Lokesh.

He pointed to concerns over online harassment and abuse targeting women, as well as the impact of excessive social media use on childrens attention spans and education. The minister noted that, during a meeting of the Group of Ministers on Social Media, the state has commissioned a study of legal frameworks to ensure age-appropriate access to online platforms.

Minister Nara Lokesh stated that the Andhra Pradesh government has invited major social media platforms, including Meta, X, Google, and ShareChat, to the next Group of Ministers meeting to review global best practices. He emphasised the need to make social media safer and mitigate its harmful effects, particularly for women and children.
Exhibiting extraordinary bravery while under attack, an Army canine named Tyson took the first hit during the initial gunfire during a Sunday counter-terrorism mission in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This sacrifice allowed security personnel to identify the insurgents' hideout and eventually eliminate three individuals  among them a senior leader of the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) group, according to authorities.

The encounter began in the Chatroo forest during a joint search mission when the concealed militants initiated fire, triggering a heavy engagement.

Also Read | J&K: Security forces gun down 3 JeM militants in Kishtwar

Steering the movement was Tyson, a specialized K9 attached to the 2 Para Special Forces, who was assigned to lead soldiers toward the target.

As the unit advanced, Tyson was struck in the leg by a bullet, taking the first hit of the battle.

Even after being wounded, the courageous dog pressed on, pinpointing the precise location of the terrorists and enabling troops to engage them effectively.

Military officials hailed Tysons steadfast courage as a vital element in the rapid defeat of the militants. Following the skirmish, the dog was moved from the location and flown out for expert veterinary treatment. He is currently stable and in the process of recovery.

The Kishtwar Encounter Military personnel eliminated three militants during Operation Trashi-I on Sunday, according to an announcement from the Indian Armys Jammu-based White Knight Corps. A skirmish occurred between defense units and insurgents in the Kishtwar region. Earlier that day, two militants were successfully neutralized during a significant phase of the ongoing counter-terror drive. Subsequently, a third militant was also killed.

The White Knight Corps stated that precise intelligence was gathered from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Armys internal networks regarding the movement of militants within the thick forests of the Chatroo sectors.

"Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from J&K Police, IB (Intelligence Bureau) and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area," the Indian Army's White Knight Corps said in a social media post on X.

"Following successful contact established earlier, troops of CIF (Counter-Intelligence Force) Delta, in close coordination with police and CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists today at approximately 11 am in challenging terrain. The hunt continues  those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary," the X post added.

In a separate X post, the White Knight Corps said: In continued operations under Operation Trashi-I in Kishtwar, troops of CIF (D) White Knight Corps, in coordination with J&K Police and CRPF, have neutralised the third terrorist. The remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Namo Bharat train and Meerut Metro services in Uttar Pradesh on today (22 February).

The Namo Bharat service is part of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, designed to provide high-speed, high-frequency connectivity between Delhi and Meerut.

The inauguration forms part of the Centre's push to expand regional rapid transit systems aimed at reducing travel time, easing congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility.

View full Image New Namo Bharat corridor to be inaugurated today

PM Modi is also set to inaugurate multiple development projects worth around 12,930 crore in Meerut before addressing a public meeting in Mohiuddinpur.

Also Read | PM Modi addresses groundbreaking ceremony for HCL-Foxconn semiconductor unit

Check PM Modi's detailed itinerary for February 22 here: The prime minister will arrive at Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad at 11 AM, according to PTI, citing the district administration.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will reach Mohkampur helipad, near Shatabdi Nagar station, by a state helicopter to receive PM Modi at 11.15 am.

PM Modi's helicopter is scheduled to land at the same helipad at 11.30 am, where the chief minister will receive him.

At 12.30 pm, the prime minister will flag off the Namo Bharat train and the Meerut Metro from Shatabdi Nagar station.

View full Image New Namo Bharat corridor to be inaugurated today

PM Modi and CM Adityanath will then travel by metro up to Meerut South station.

From Meerut South, the prime minister will proceed by road to the public meeting venue at Mohiuddinpur, where he is expected to arrive around 1 pm.

Before addressing the gathering, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development projects worth around  12,930 crore in Meerut.

12,930 crore in Meerut. After spending about an hour at the venue, the prime minister will depart from the Mohiuddinpur helipad at around 2.10 pm for the Hindon Airport. A new "golden chapter" Yogi Adityanath stressed that a new "golden chapter" is about to be added to the development journey of the state.

"A new golden chapter is about to be added to the development journey of 'New Uttar Pradesh'. Respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji will flag off the 'Meerut Metro' and 'Namo Bharat' train in the revolutionary land of Meerut, giving momentum to the development journey of 'New Uttar Pradesh'.

"On this occasion, Prime Minister ji will dedicate the 82 km long Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation and inaugurate the remaining sections of RRTS. This step will set a new example for integrated urban and regional transportation. Heartfelt welcome and congratulations to Prime Minister ji on the sacred soil of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

The CM also emphasised that PM Modi will also inaugurate projects worth over 12,000 crore in the Western UP District.

At the same time, he will gift the district of Meerut -- which is witnessing modern connectivity -- with various development and public welfare projects worth approximately 12,930 crores," CM Yogi posted.
Blue Owl Capital Inc., facing a looming deadline to return cash in one of its private credit funds, found four buyers for a $1.4 billion portfolio of loans to help pay out investors: Three of North Americas biggest pension funds and its own insurance asset manager.

Chicago-based Kuvare, for which Blue Owl manages assets, along with the California Public Employees Retirement System, Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System and British Columbia Investment Management Corp. bought the debt, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Blue Owl said late Wednesday that it sold the loans at 99.7% of par value.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The sale of the loans was evenly spread across three funds and was part of a plan to return cash to investors in the firms Blue Owl Capital Corp II, which was hit with a wave of redemptions last year. The initial plan to return capital, by merging the fund with one of the firms publicly traded vehicles, was scrapped amid scrutiny around losses that some investors would take.

Blue Owl didnt identify the buyers of the loans, saying only that they included North American public pension funds and insurance firms.

Blue Owl acquired Kuvare Asset Management from Kuvare in a $750 million deal in 2024, which Blue Owl used to form Blue Owl Insurance Solutions, according to a statement. At that time, Kuvare Asset Management had around $20 billion in assets under management.

A representative for Blue Owl declined to comment, as did representatives for Calpers, Omers and BCI. Representatives for Kuvare didnt have immediate comment.

Bidder interest in the deal was so strong that Blue Owl co-founder Craig Packer on Thursday said that they would have bought multiple amounts more.

Speaking on an earnings call, Packer also described the size and price of the sale as an extremely strong statement, even as investors dumped the firms stock on concerns about rising risks in private credit assets.

The transaction highlights the rising entanglement between private credit and the insurance industry.

WATCH: Blue Owl Capital Inc. found four buyers for a $1.4 billion portfolio of loans to help pay out investors. Silas Brown reports.Source: Bloomberg

Analysts at Barclays warned on Thursday that the deal could provide a template for future transactions where debt held in some of the only publicly visible funds  so-called business development companies  could be shifted into more opaque and more highly leveraged vehicles.
Sangram Patil, a British national of Indian origin, remains stuck in India after a look-out circular (LOC) was issued against him on 10 January upon a complaint filed by BJP IT-Cell over a controversial Facebook post. With court hearing scheduled for 27 February, all eyes are on the UK-based doctor, who is a native of Jalgaon. The doctor-YouTuber found himself in trouble after a criminal case was registered against him for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.

It has been more than a month that the British doctor, who works with United Kingdom's NHS, has been unable to leave India. In an interview with BBC Marathi last week, he said, My children and my job are in the UK. International law and Indian law give me the right to move freely. Restrictions have been imposed on that. I am not able to go home.

Also Read | Doctor explains why blood pressure can stay high even after you quit salt

The issue of his detention first surfaced on 10 January when he landed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with his wife. He was frisked and detained at for allegedly posting objectionable content. Later, on 19 January, he was stopped from taking a flight back to Manchester from Mumbai.

Being unnecessarily targeted,' says Sangram Patil Sangram Patil, who has over 4.73 lakh subscribers on YouTube, claims that he is being unnecessarily targeted despite co-operating with the investigating agencies. He rejected the allegations and called it unlawful. According to court filings cited by The Indian Express, Patil "categorically denied" writing any post naming or referring to the prime minister. adding that "criminal prosecution cannot be founded on subjective political interpretation or perceived sentiment".

The FIR registered on 18 December at NM Joshi Marg police station, four days after Patil reportedly posted a comment on Facebook, accuses Patil of sharing content that "could create hostility between various groups that support and oppose the BJP's ideology". The complainant named Nikhil Bhamre is a social media coordinator of the Maharashtra BJP.

Describing the post, Patil said, My post is a simple question to government supporters and nothing else. It doesn't involve any community, any rumour or sensational news, BBC Marathi reported. According to Patil, he questioned twice, first on 10 January then again on 16 January for over eight hours.

In an affidavit filed on 30 January, police urged the court to dismiss Patil's "misconceived and premature" plea challenging the investigation.
The outbreaks of public anger are growing as the possibility of war looms over the country. The U.S. is amassing jet fighters and warships in preparation for possible military strikes against Iran. President Trump said the U.S. is ready to strike should talks aimed at reaching a nuclear deal with Iran fail.
(Bloomberg) -- A top cartel leader was killed during a raid carried out by Mexican authorities in the western state of Jalisco, fueling clashes and roadblocks across the country.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel known as El Mencho, was slain in a federal operation against the group on Sunday morning, according to people familiar with the matter. The news was first reported by local outlets Reforma and Milenio.

Oseguera rose to prominence after helping found the Jalisco Cartel around 2009. Originally a rival to the Sinaloa Cartel, it is one of the main groups that traffics cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US. Taking out its leader marks a major success for Mexico amid increasing pressure from President Donald Trump.

After the raid, criminal groups burned cars and trucks to block roads in different areas of Jalisco, and there were also clashes between gangs and the authorities, according to both Reforma and Milenio. Neighbors in Guadalajara shared videos of armed groups shooting car tires to block intersections.

The blockades spread to other states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato. Pharmacies and convenience stores were attacked in several cities. The US embassy in Mexico issued a security alert urging Americans in affected areas to shelter in place until further notice.

Authorities havent yet confirmed Osegueras death. President Claudia Sheinbaums office and the Security Ministry didnt immediately reply requests seeking comment.

The Security Cabinet, however, confirmed in a post on X that it is addressing the blockades that are occurring in some areas of Jalisco as a result of operations carried out by federal institutions, according to a post on X.

In the tourist hotspot of Puerto Vallarta, usually frequented by tourists from the US and Canada during the winter, several roads were also blocked. A video published by Reforma shows smoke rising from burning vehicles in several parts of the city. Flight tracking websites showed airlines turning around en route to the city.

The US raised the reward for information leading to Osegueras capture to $15 million in 2024, a sign of his prominence in a criminal underworld that moves billions of dollars a year.

A dispute between Sinaloa Cartel factions has left its home state, Sinaloa, with one of the worst homicide rates in Mexico as it has come under increasing scrutiny by the US and Mexican government. Its leader, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, is serving a life sentence in the US.

Attention is now focused Mexicos other major cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG. The Treasury Department says it has diversified its business from drugs alone and is now profiting from illicit activities including fuel theft and crude-oil smuggling.

Members of the group once tried to ambush Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch, when he was Mexico Citys security chief in 2020. Last year, the State Department designated the Jalisco Cartel a foreign terrorist organization, opening the door to greater liabilities for companies and financial institutions linked to it.

The Jalisco Cartel traffics drugs to Australia, Canada, Europe, Africa and South America, according to the US National Counterterrorism Center. The drug trade is a major focus for the Trump administration, which has threatened land strikes on Mexico if it doesnt step up its enforcement actions. Sheinbaum is firmly opposed to US action in her country but has pledged to work closely with Washington, including through intelligence sharing.

Oseguera, a former police officer from Michoacan State who was deported to Mexico from the US after serving time, doesnt have as high a profile as Guzman, but hes become a major player in Mexico. The Jalisco Cartel has also infiltrated parts of government. Earlier this year, the Mexican government arrested the mayor of the municipality of Tequila, with allegations he participated in an extortion scheme that benefited CJNG.

--With assistance from Gonzalo Soto, Maria Paula Mijares Torres and Andrea Navarro.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
YouTuber Sachin Awasthi claimed that he and his wife, Deepshikha Mishra, were detained by immigration authorities in South Korea for 38 hours and denied entry to Jeju Island.

In a viral Instagram post, Awasthi, who said he was forced to book an expensive return ticket to India

We landed in Jeju Island, South Korea excited and ready for our trip, he wrote. We were denied entry and taken to a holding area. No proper explanation just told to wait. And we waited.

The influencer said that the South Korean authorities held them for 38 hours  without clarity.

They kept us in their detention centre (it was similar to a jail with no sunlight & no access to outside) and also gave us jail food. Nobody told us what was going to happen, Awasthi said.

They blackmailed us to booking a really expensive return ticket, he claimed. The return ticket cost almost 10 the normal price.

Also Read | NRI influencers post on returning to India ignites family responsibility debate

More waiting. More supervision in China Sachin Awasthi said he faced the same ordeal during transit through China, where he and his wife were made to wait, kept under strict supervision and put under communication restriction.

Later, during transit through China, it continued. More waiting. More supervision. Communication was restricted. No use of phone and no food and limited water. Aleeping conditions were worst, he wrote in the viral post.

Even the use of restrooms was monitored with a police official who had a bodycam and went to washroom with us, he added.

Travel looks glamorous online, but By the time the couple were told they would be sent back to India, Awasthi said, they were mentally drained. At that moment, we didnt have the energy to argue. We just wanted to get out safely.

He clarified that he was not sharing his story for sympathy or drama. Immigration decisions are their authority. But they did not have any right to treat us like CRIMINALS.

On a side note, the influencer said, Travel looks glamorous online. But sometimes, things change in a few hours and test you emotionally in ways you never expect.

Who is Sachin Awasthi? Sachin Awasthi is a popular Indian YouTuber and digital content creator. He is primarily known for his relatable comedy sketches, parodies, and cultural commentary.

Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Awasthi holds a Masters in Business Administration and initially gained traction for his "POV" (point-of-view) videos that humorously depict everyday Indian life, family dynamics, and social trends.

Over the years, he has expanded his content to include travel vlogs, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers across YouTube and Instagram.

Also Read | Conservative influencer Nick Sortor shares Happy Valentine's Day for illegals

It's scary: Netizens react Social media users were in disbelief and said that Awasthi's ordeal was really scary. Some even suggested that he faced detention because India had a weak passport.

However, another user soon clarified, saying, Weak passport has got nothing to do with this. Its how terribly the immigration and airlines of Jeju and China treated them. The entire video is heart-wrenching.

The influencer, in his YouTube vlog hhad shared that the Indian Embassy in South Korea was not of help to them. Reacting to it, several users said, I have seen the video, and yet again, the Indian Embassy didn't pick up the call  The embassy should have intervened in this matter and helped them out.
Newly released records have revealed that a federal immigration agent shot and killed a US citizen in Texas in March last year, months before the Trump administration began its deportation surge in Minnesota which saw fatal shootings.

Ruben Ray Martinez  aged 23-years-old  was killed by agents with the Department of Homeland Security, attorneys for Martinez's family said in a statement, reported Reuters.

DHS agent fired multiple rounds at Martinez According to records obtained by a nonprofit watchdog group American Oversight, a Department of Homeland Security agent fired multiple rounds at Martinez after he allegedly struck another agent with his car as the agents assisted local police in South Padre Island, Texas, with traffic control following an accident on March 15, 2025.

Martinez, who was identified as a US citizen in the redacted records, was taken to a hospital in nearby Brownsville, Texas, where he was later pronounced dead.

The agent who was hit with a car went to the hospital for a knee injury and was later released, according to the report.

A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that Martinez "intentionally ran over" an agent with DHS' Homeland Security Investigations and another agent "fired defensive shots."

Full and fair investigation Martinez was trying to comply with instructions from local law enforcement when he was shot, Charles Stam and Alex Stamm, attorneys for Martinez's family, said in a statement. They called for a "full and fair investigation."

"Ruben's family has been pursuing transparency and accountability for nearly a year now and will continue to do so for as long as it takes," the two attorneys said.

The mounting death toll has increased scrutiny of Trump's immigration crackdown, driving a backlash among lawmakers and the public.

"These records paint a deeply troubling picture of the violent methods used by ICE," Chioma Chukwu, the executive director of American Oversight, said in a statement. "In just the first months of this administration, ICE's own data shows a dramatic spike of nearly 400% in use-of-force incidents - with people hospitalised, bystanders swept up in operations, and even the death of a US citizen."

$170 billion for immigration agencies The Trump administration has been dramatically ramping up immigration enforcement, with $170 billion budgeted for immigration agencies through September 2029, a historic sum.

The nearly year-old incident is under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety's Ranger Division, a DHS spokesperson said.
Indian-American attorney Neal Katyal, who argued against Donald Trump's global tariffs before the US Supreme Court and won, has called out the President following his imposition of 15% global tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

In a social media post, Katyal questioned Trump's use of the section under the 1974 law, which allows for a maximum tariff rate of 15%.

"Seems hard for the President to rely on the 15 percent statute (sec 122) when his DOJ in our case told the Court the opposite," the Indian-American lawyer said in a post on X.

Katyal also quoted the DOJ's words before the Supreme Court: "Nor does [122] have any obvious application here, where the concerns the President identified in declaring an emergency arise from trade deficits, which are conceptually distinct from balance-of-payments deficits."

Calling out Trump for his decision to rely on executive orders to impose sweeping global tariffs, Katyal also called for the US President to act the 'American way'.

"If he wants sweeping tariffs, he should do the American thing and go to Congress. If his tariffs are such a good idea, he should have no problem persuading Congress. Thats what our Constitution requires," Katyal asserted.

Also Read | Trump tariffs to GDP data: Top 5 triggers likely to dictate stock market

Ridiculous, anti-American decision The Indian-American lawyer's comments after Trump on Saturday (local time) increased the sweeping global tariffs he had imposed a day earlier from 10% to 15%, after a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision [by SCOTUS].

Trump's decision to impose global tariffs came after the US Supreme Court struck down the tariffs he imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Commenting on the 6-3 SCOTUS verdict against Trump, Katyal, who had fought the case on behalf of a group of small businesses, had said, Its a reaffirmation of our deepest constitutional values and the idea that Congress, not any one man, controls the power to tax the American people.

Subsequently, Trump on Friday issued an executive order invoking Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose global tariffs again, hours after bashing the SCOTUS decision,

This section grants the US President authority on the issue of balance-of-payments (BOP), and allows the President to impose a "temporary import surcharge" of up to 15% or implement import quotas.
Three weeks after the disappearance of Today show host Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy Guthrie, there may finally have been a breakthrough in the case, although it is yet to be confirmed by authorities.

Having analyzed the doorcam video footage released by the FBI earlier from the night of the 84-year-old's kidnapping, internet sleuths claim to have identified the masked man  one Lucas Daley.

Why is Lucas Daley in the spotlight? Daley's name came up in a video by popular YouTuber Max Vault, who claimed that the facial features of the man seen in the video matched that of Daley.

"The other person you see is Lucas Daley and this is who I believe was standing on Nancy Guthrie's front porch, who I believe is involved in her abduction," Vault said, explaining how internet sleuths had virtually unmasked him.

I'm not assuming anything about him, but once you see the photo, it's almost like they unmask the person that did it, and he has some relation to the family. And that the nose line, the nose. Yeah. The nose, the eyes, the hooded eyes were a big thing," the YouTuber said.

Vault, in the video, also claimed that Daley's girlfriend, Kayla Day, is related to the Guthrie family  Her mother is a Guthrie.

Mint could not verify these claims, and it should be noted that authorities are yet to identify and name a suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance case.

Who is Lucas Daley? Lucas Daley, 37, is a convicted felon and was detained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on 13 February, along with his 77-year-old mother, in connection with the Nancy Guthrie case.

The New York Post reported that Daley was subjectd to two warrants, one on his mother's house and another on his Range Rover.

However, Daley's attorney, Chris Scileppi at the time insisted that the pair had "no link" to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother.

Mr. Daley and his mother were both detained by law enforcement while the search warrants were being executed. Neither Mr. Daley nor his mother were arrested in connection to this case or any other, Scileppi told 12 News at the time.

The attorney further insisted that Daley had "no information" related to Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping, and added, "Like the entire Tucson community, both Mr. Daley and his mother are hopeful that Nancy will be returned to her family unharmed."

As per 12 News, Daley had served 18 months in prison between 2019 and 2020 after he was convicted of solicitation of drugs, criminal damage and flight from law enforcement convictions.

Daley was arrested again in 2022 for selling drugs and sentenced to four years of probation.

The 37-year-old was then arrested again in 2025 in Marana, a city northwest of Tucson, for possession of fentanyl and a gun.

Also Read | Investigators clear Nancy Guthries family as suspects

New search to commence The buzz around Lucas Daley also comes at a time when the authorities are slated to mount a fresh search for the 84-year-old, who has been missing since the night of 31 January.

Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer wrote on social media that a new search was slated to commence from 8 am on Sunday, local time.

"Sounds like possible new information to make the decision to conduct a new search. I hope that is the case," the former special agent wrote on X.

"If not, it means they are concerned they might have missed something," she added.

Several people, however, commented on the former FBI agent's post noting that the new search was not a law enforcement initiative but was being carried out by private citizens and YouTubers.
US President Donald Trump praised Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after the justice dissented in a landmark ruling limiting Trumps tariff authority.

In a post on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning, Trump wrote: My new hero is United States Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and, of course, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. He added, There is no doubt in anyones mind that they want to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

All three conservative justices were in the minority in the courts 63 decision.

Supreme Court blocks Trump's tariff powers The Supreme Court of the United States voted 63 on Friday (February 21) to block President Trump from using sweeping tariff powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The ruling rejected Trumps effort to impose broad import levies by declaring national emergencies related to illicit drug flows and trade deficits, curbing his attempt to bypass Congress.

Kavanaugh calls ruling illogical Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored a dissent criticizing the majoritys interpretation of the law.

As they interpret the statute, the President could, for example, block all imports from China but cannot order even a $1 tariff on goods imported from China, Kavanaugh wrote. That approach does not make much sense.

He also warned the decision could trigger major financial consequences.

The United States may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the IEEPA tariffs, Kavanaugh wrote, adding that the refund process is likely to be a mess.

Trumps emergency justification rejected Trump had invoked the IEEPA, arguing that illicit drugs from China, Mexico, and Canada  along with the US trade deficit  constituted national emergencies requiring immediate action.

By relying on emergency powers, Trump sought to impose tariffs without congressional approval, asserting executive authority to protect national security and economic interests.

New tariff plan under different law Following the ruling, Trump announced Saturday (February 22) that he would raise the global tariff rate to 15%, up from the 10% rate unveiled Friday.

This time, he cited Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as the legal basis for the new tariff, signaling a shift in strategy after the court blocked his use of IEEPA authority.

Also Read | Trump hikes global tariffs to 15% following SCOTUS ruling
US intelligence agencies believe that China is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and may have conducted at least one covert explosive test in recent years, according to a report by CNN citing multiple sources familiar with the assessments.

Alleged test part of modernization According to the news outlet, the alleged test was part of a broader effort by Beijing to transform its nuclear arsenal into what could become the worlds most technologically advanced stockpile.

CNN reported that the US assessment has sparked debate within the intelligence community and among policymakers over whether Chinas leadership has shifted its long-standing nuclear strategy. Historically, China has maintained that its nuclear capabilities are intended for self-defense and deterrence, underpinned by a decades-old no-first-use policy. However, the outlet noted that Chinas 2023 proposal on global governance did not explicitly reference that commitment, raising further questions.

China closing gap with US and Russia The reported expansion and modernization of Chinas nuclear forces is said to be pushing it closer to peer status with the United States and Russia, the two dominant nuclear powers.
The United States is prepared to hold another round of nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday  but only if Tehran submits a detailed draft proposal within the next 48 hours, according to a senior US official cited by Axios.

If Iran gives a draft proposal, the U.S. is ready to meet in Geneva on Friday in order to start detailed negotiations to see if we can get a nuclear deal, a senior US official told Axios on Sunday morning.

The official added that the Trump administration is currently waiting for Irans proposal before confirming the next round of diplomacy.

Last chance before military action According to Axios, US officials view the current diplomatic effort as potentially the final opportunity for a negotiated settlement before more drastic steps are considered.

The outlet reported that President Donald Trump may regard this as the last chance to secure a deal before authorizing a large-scale US-Israeli military operation that could directly target Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Envoys to travel to Geneva Axios reported that Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are planning to be in Geneva on February 27 if Iran submits its proposal early this week. Both advisers have reportedly urged the President to allow diplomacy to proceed before considering military action.

US presses Iran for written nuclear proposal after Geneva talks US envoys pressed Iran to submit a detailed written proposal during the latest round of nuclear talks in Geneva last Tuesday, as Washington weighs whether to proceed with further negotiations.

During the meeting, President Donald Trumps envoys  Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner  asked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to provide a comprehensive written proposal within days.

The move signals Washingtons push to move from broad discussions to concrete terms that could form the basis of a potential nuclear agreement.

Zero enrichment position Witkoff and Kushner reportedly reiterated that Trumps official position remains zero enrichment of uranium on Iranian soil.

However, they also indicated some flexibility, telling Iran foreign minister Araghchi that the US would be willing to consider an Iranian proposal allowing token enrichment  provided Tehran can demonstrate that the plan effectively blocks every possible pathway to developing a nuclear weapon.

The formulation suggests the administration may be open to a tightly monitored compromise, though the baseline demand remains a complete halt to enrichment.

Also Read | New anti-govt protests erupt in Iran with students gathering at memorials
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is among the 11 best military technology stocks to buy right now. As of the close on February 20, the stock is a Strong Buy with an average share price upside potential of 20.11%.

Is The Boeing Company (BA) The Best Military Technology Stock To Buy Right Now?

The company has been in the news this week after receiving multi-billion dollar orders from three Vietnamese airlines for a total of 90 aircraft, amid ongoing negotiations between the Southeast Asian country and the United States over a new trade deal.

The agreements were signed during the visit of the leader of Vietnams Communist Party to the United States for the Board of Peace meeting.

These included a $22.5 billion deal with Sun PhuQuoc Airways for 40 787-9 Dreamliner jets and an $8.1 billion order from Vietnam Airlines for 50 737-8 aircraft. Moreover, budget airline Vietjet agreed to a $965 million financing deal with Griffin Global Asset Management to purchase 6 737-8 aircraft.

In other news, The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) earlier this month secured a contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide a modernized flight deck for the C17A Globemaster III.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will design, produce, and integrate a modernized flight deck for the aircraft, along with military certification. The C-17As will be equipped with modern, modular open systems architecture (MOSA), which will aid in ensuring smooth and affordable adoption of new capabilities.

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is a leading aerospace company that manufactures commercial airplanes, space systems, and defense equipment for customers in more than 150 countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of BA 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: 10 Best Meme Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Best American Defense Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts

Disclosure: None.
A rapidly strengthening noreaster is gathering force along the East Coast, with snow already falling across parts of the Great Lakes and interior Northeast as of Sunday morning.

Where is the blizzard right now? According to NBC New York, light snow is spreading from the Great Lakes into parts of upstate New York and Pennsylvania, while areas along the Interstate 95 corridor  including New York City and Philadelphia  began the day with rain due to temperatures just above freezing.

Forecasters say colder air is steadily pushing south and east, setting the stage for a widespread changeover to snow.

Meanwhile, AccuWeather reports that the storm is intensifying and is expected to evolve into a bomb cyclone from Sunday into Monday, bringing blizzard conditions to coastal sections of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England.

When will the blizzard reach New York? Rain in New York City is expected to mix with and transition to snow by late Sunday morning or early afternoon, NBC New York reported. However, the heaviest snowfall is not forecast to begin until late afternoon or early evening.

AccuWeathers timeline shows snow developing in Philadelphia around 1 p.m. Sunday and spreading to the Jersey Shore and New York City by roughly 4 p.m. Conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate Sunday evening as winds strengthen and snowfall intensifies.

A blizzard warning takes effect at 1 p.m. Sunday for all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, parts of Connecticut and much of New Jersey. The warning remains in place through 6 p.m. Monday.

How severe will it be? Forecasts call for 12 to 18 inches of snow across New York City, central New Jersey and Nassau County, with higher totals  potentially up to two feet  farther east.

Nearly 40 million people from Delaware through southern New England could experience blizzard conditions, with sustained winds of at least 35 mph and visibility reduced to a quarter mile or less for three consecutive hours.

Wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph in some areas through Monday, increasing the risk of power outages and making travel nearly impossible at times.

Officials across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware have issued emergency declarations and activated emergency operations centers as the storm approaches.

With conditions expected to worsen quickly Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, residents are being urged to complete preparations immediately as one of the most significant winter storms in recent years bears down on the Northeast.

Also Read | Air India cancels New York, Newark flights as blizzard batters East Coast
Air India has cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark scheduled for 23 February as a severe winter storm forecast to impact the US East Coast on 22 and 23 February intensifies, prompting blizzard warnings across major metropolitan areas. The airline said the developing system  expected to bring heavy snowfall, damaging winds and possible flooding  is likely to significantly disrupt flight operations.

The decision comes as forecasters warn that the storm, initially projected to be moderate, could now rank among the most powerful noreasters to strike the densely populated corridor in several years.

Air India advisory cites safety concerns In a public statement, Air India said:

A severe winter storm with heavy snow is forecast for New York, New Jersey and adjoining areas in the US East Coast on 22 and 23 February which is likely to have a significant impact on flight operations.

In view of the safety, well-being and convenience of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 23 February.

Our dedicated teams will be extending all assistance to you if you are booked to fly with us on this date.

For more information related to this please connect with our 247 Call Centre at

+91 1169329333, +91 1169329999. You are also requested to check our website http://airindia.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The cancellations affect transatlantic services connecting India with the United States at a time when weather-related disruptions are mounting across the region.

Blizzard warnings stretch from Maryland to Massachusetts The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for communities from Maryland to Massachusetts, including New York City, Long Island and Boston. Forecasters say between 1 and 2 feet (30 to 61 centimetres) of snow is possible in many areas.

Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center, underscored the storms unusual scale.

While we do get plenty of these nor'easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it's been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country, he said.

The storm is expected to arrive Sunday morning around Washington before pushing toward Philadelphia and New York City, reaching Boston by evening. Some of the heaviest snow is projected overnight Sunday into Monday, with snowfall rates of up to 2 inches (5 centimetres) per hour in certain locations.

The weather service warned that the storm could begin as rainfall in some areas before intensifying rapidly. Gusts up to 55 mph (80 kph) may generate whiteout conditions that will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

Flooding is also possible in parts of New York and New Jersey.

East Coast cities scramble to prepare Municipal authorities accelerated preparations as projections worsened in recent days.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said officials were adapting plans based on lessons from a major snowfall weeks earlier.

We saw on Friday there was expectation that the likelihood was that we were going to face maybe 3 to 4 inches of snow. Quickly that then changed, Mamdani said. So we want to make sure that we make a decision based on up-to-date and accurate information.

The city deployed additional snow-clearing equipment and expanded geocoding efforts to track bus stops and crosswalks needing clearance.

In Atlantic City, emergency officials warned residents of compounded flood risks.

I could go on and on probably with a good two dozen streets where we know we will get water and there will be snow on top of that, said Scott Evans, the city's fire chief and emergency management coordinator. So you wont be able to see it until it's too late. So therefore please stay at home.

Businesses brace for prolonged disruption Private contractors across Long Island and New Jersey prepared for sustained operations.

John Berlingieri, whose firm manages snow removal across large commercial properties, cancelled a planned family trip to ready his fleet of 40 front-end loaders.

Im anticipating at least one week of work around the clock, Berlingieri said. Were going to work 24 to 36 hours straight, sleep for a few hours and then go back.

Churches in several towns cancelled Sunday services. St. Veronica Parish in Howell added an extra Mass on Saturday evening and posted: Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm.

Travel chaos likely to intensify The storm approaches just as remnants of a previous snow system were melting away, raising concerns about icy conditions beneath fresh snowfall. With high winds, heavy accumulation and potential flooding converging, air, rail and road networks are expected to face significant disruption.
Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has issued sweeping directives to safeguard the Islamic Republic in the event of war or his assassination, The New York Times cited six senior Iranian officials and members of the Revolutionary Guards as saying.

Khamenei has established four layers of succession for military and government posts that he personally appoints and instructed senior leaders to each name up to four replacements, the officials told the NYT. He has also delegated authority to a tight circle of confidants to make critical decisions should communications be severed or he be killed, the news outlet stated.

While in hiding during a 12-day war with Israel last June, Khamenei named three potential successors, though they have not been publicly identified, the outlet reported.

Larijani emerges as central figure At the center of the contingency planning is Ali Larijani, a close Khamenei ally who now serves as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. According to officials cited by the news outlet, Larijani is widely viewed as the top candidate to serve as interim leader if Khamenei and other senior officials are killed.

Although Larijani is not eligible to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader because he is not a senior Shiite cleric  a fundamental qualification for the role  he has become a pivotal wartime figure.

The supreme leader fully trusts Larijani. He believes Larijani is the man for this sensitive juncture because of his political track record, sharp mind and knowledge, conservative analyst Nasser Imani told the NYT. He relies on him for reports on the situation and pragmatic advice. Larijanis role will be very pronounced during war.

Other potential interim figures under consideration include Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and former President Hassan Rouhani, officials told the newspaper.

Lessons from Israel attack Some of the planning stems from lessons learned after a surprise Israeli strike in June that wiped out much of Irans senior military command within hours, the NYT reported.

Following a cease-fire, Khamenei appointed Larijani to his current post and established a new National Defense Council headed by Adm. Ali Shamkhani to oversee wartime military affairs.

Crackdown and domestic preparations In the event of war, special police units, intelligence agents and Basij militia forces would be deployed across major cities to prevent unrest and establish checkpoints, according to Guards members and officials cited by the NYT.

Irans leadership is also preparing politically, weighing who could manage the country if top leaders are killed. Officials described discussions about finding a figure akin to Venezuelas vice president Delcy Rodriguez  someone capable of stabilizing governance in a crisis, the news publication reported.

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, told the NYT that while contingency plans exist, war with the United States would carry unpredictable consequences.

The supreme leader is less visible, more vulnerable, but he is still the super glue keeping the system together, Vaez said. If he is not there any more it would be hard to keep the system together.

Rising US tensions According to the NYT, Iran is operating under the assumption that US military strikes are imminent, even as nuclear negotiations continue. Officials said Iran has placed its armed forces on the highest alert level.
India on Sunday strongly condemned Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory, saying the attacks caused civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India strongly condemns Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Also Read | Pakistan strikes militant hideouts in Afghan border; Kabul refutes claim

MEA added, It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

According to a report by Associated Press, Pakistans military said it killed at least 70 militants in early Sunday strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting what it described as hideouts of Pakistani fighters responsible for recent attacks inside the country, according to the deputy interior minister.

Kabul rejected the assertion.

Talal Chaudhry, Pakistans deputy interior minister, provided no evidence for the claim in an interview with Geo News that at least 70 militants were killed. State-run media later reported that the death toll had risen to 80, AP reported.

The Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement that various civilian areas in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika in eastern Afghanistan were hit, including a religious madrassa and multiple homes. The statement called the strikes a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X the attacks killed and wounded dozens, including women and children. He said Pakistans claim of killing 70 militants was inaccurate.

Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistans ambassador to Kabul to protest the Pakistani strikes. In a statement, the ministry said protecting Afghanistans territory is the Islamic Emirates Sharia responsibility and warned that Pakistan would be responsible for the consequences of such attacks.

Pakistan blames Afghans for suicide bombings Militant attacks have increased sharply in Pakistan in recent years, with much of the violence attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and banned Baloch separatist groups. The TTP is distinct from, but closely aligned with, Afghanistans Taliban. Islamabad alleges that the TTP operates from Afghan territory, an accusation both the group and Kabul reject, AP reported.

Hours before the Pakistani strikes, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the border district of Bannu in Pakistans northwest, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Pakistans military warned after the attack that it would not exercise any restraint and that operations against those responsible would press on, AP reported.

Another suicide bomber, backed by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle last week into the wall of a security post in Bajaur district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Pakistani authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national, AP reported.

Tarar said Pakistan had conclusive evidence that the recent attacks, including a suicide bombing that targeted a Shiite mosque in Islamabad and killed 31 worshippers earlier this month, were carried out by militants acting on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

He said Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban rulers to take verifiable steps to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan, but alleged that no substantive action had been taken. Tarar also asked the international community to press Afghanistans Taliban authorities to uphold their commitments under the Doha agreement not to allow their soil to be used against other countries.

In Islamabad, security analyst Abdullah Khan said the Pakistani strikes suggest that Qatari, Turkish, and even Saudi-led mediations have failed to resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. These strikes are likely to further escalate the situation, he said.

A Qatari-brokered ceasefire between Islamabad and Kabul was reached after deadly border clashes in October that left dozens of soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants dead. The fighting erupted following explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan. In response, Islamabad carried out strikes deep inside Afghanistan, saying it was targeting militant hideouts.

Although the truce has largely held, multiple rounds of talks in Istanbul in November did not yield a formal agreement, and ties between the two sides remain tense.
Several Arab countries condemned the remarks made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who appeared to suggest in an interview that Israel had a biblical right to a vast swath of the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia described his words as "reckless" and "irresponsible", while Jordan said it was "an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region".

Also Read | The US military hardware pouring into the Middle East

The Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia said in a post on X that it expresses its strongest condemnation and complete rejection of the statements made by the United States Ambassador to Israel, in which he recklessly suggested that Israels control over the entire Middle East would be acceptable.

Egypt's foreign ministry wrote that it "reaffirms that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or any other Arab lands".

The Palestinian Authority said on X that Huckabee's words "contradict US President Donald Trump's rejection of [Israel] annexing the West Bank".

What did Mike Huckabee say? In a podcast episode released Friday, far-right commentator and Israel critic Tucker Carlson pressed Huckabee about his interpretation of Bible verses from the book of Genesis, where he said God promised Abraham and his descendants land from the Nile to the Euphrates.

"That would be the Levant, so that would be Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon. It would also be big parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq," Carlson said.

Huckabee replied: "Not sure we'd go that far. I mean, it would be a big piece of land."

Carlson said that according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham would receive land that today would include essentially the entire Middle East, and asked Huckabee if Israel had a right to that land, the Associated Press reported.

He pushed Huckabee on the meaning of a biblical verse sometimes interpreted as saying that Israel is entitled to the land between the river Nile in Egypt and the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq, AFP reported.

Also Read | Trouble mounting for Iran? Second US aircraft carrier dispatched to Middle East

In response, Huckabee said, "It would be fine if they took it all." He added, however, that Israel was not looking to expand its territory and has a right to security in the land it legitimately holds.

"It was somewhat of a hyperbolic statement," he said.

His comments sparked immediate backlash from neighboring Egypt and Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.

Huckabee issues clarification On Saturday, Huckabee published two posts on X further clarifying his position on other topics touched upon in the interview, such as Zionism, but did not address his remark about the biblical verse.

There was no immediate comment from Israel or the United States.

Also Read | Trouble mounting for Iran? Second US aircraft carrier dispatched to Middle East

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and strong supporter of Israel and the West Bank settlement movement, has long opposed the idea of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian people.

In an interview last year, he said he does not believe in referring to the Arab descendants of people who had lived in British-controlled Palestine as Palestinians.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  New anti-government protests have begun in Iran, witnesses said Sunday, as university students in Tehran and another city demonstrated around memorials for thousands of people killed in a crackdown on previous nationwide demonstrations about six weeks ago.

Irans state news agency said students protested at five universities in the capital, Tehran, and one in the city of Mashhad on Sunday. The scattered protests erupted Saturday at universities following 40-day memorials for people killed in January during anti-government rallies.

Irans government has not commented on the latest protests.

Many Iranians have held ceremonies marking the traditional 40-day mourning period in the past week. Most of the protesters are believed to have been killed around Jan. 8 and 9, according to activists tracking the situation.

Iranians across the country are still reeling with shock, grief and fear after the earlier protests were crushed by the deadliest crackdown ever seen under the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands are believed to have been arrested.

Although the crackdown tamped down the largest protests, smaller ones are still occurring, according to protesters and to videos shared on social media.

During the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the shah and brought the Islamic Republic to power, 40-day memorials for slain protesters often turned into rallies that security forces tried to crush, causing new deaths. Those were then marked 40 days later, with new protests.

Posts on social media Saturday and Sunday have alleged that security forces tried to restrict people from attending some 40-day ceremonies.

The new protests come while Iran braces for the possibility of a U.S. attack, as the Trump administration pushes for concessions from Iran on its nuclear program and other issues. The U.S. has built up its largest military presence in the Middle East in decades.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 7,015 people were killed in the previous protests and crackdown, including 214 government forces. The group has been accurate in counting deaths during previous rounds of unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists there to verify deaths.

The death toll continues to rise as the group crosschecks information despite disrupted communication with those inside the Islamic Republic.

Irans government offered its only death toll from the previous protests on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed. Irans theocracy in the past has undercounted or not reported fatalities from past unrest.

The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, given authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Friday that Iran even as Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran expects to have a proposed deal ready in the next few days, following indirect nuclear talks with the United States.
Ex-CIA operative John Kiriakou has asserted that Washington has finalized plans to launch a military offensive against Iran as early as next week. During an appearance on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou disclosed that a former colleague who was recently inside the White House indicated a strike is looming, regardless of the official timelines released by the administration.

Kiriakou said: "I have a friend, former CIA officer, who was at the White House this morning talking to his friends, and he says that a decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday."

He pointed out that although President Donald Trump publicly granted Tehran a 10-day ultimatum to agree to a broad diplomatic deal, such public deadlines frequently serve as strategic diversions. Corroborating these assertions of pending hostilities, the US has already begun the tactical relocation of military staff across various Middle Eastern bases for classified assignments. This maneuvering occurs during heightened fears of a direct kinetic engagement with the Islamic Republic.

"The president yesterday gave the Iranians 10 days to accept our proposals for an end to their ballistic missile programme, an end to their uranium enrichment programme, an end to supporting groups in the Middle East like Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis. But he's done this before," Kiriakou commented.

Explaining the strategy behind the shifting deadlines, he said: "Well, he'll give you 10 days, he'll give you two weeks, and then he'll just attack two days into it. He thinks that that keeps people off balance."

According to a New York Times report, hundreds of personnel have been moved from Qatars Al Udeid facility. Parallel logistics changes were spotted across the American base network in Bahrainhome to the Navys 5th Fleetplus sites in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE.

Federal officials are reportedly concerned that the 30,000 to 40,000 American troops stationed in the theater may become primary targets for Tehran should a full-scale war erupt. Defense analysts believe such a clash would vary significantly from the June 2025 Al Udeid strike, wherein Iranian leaders gave Washington prior warning.

A Jerusalem Post report highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Prime Minister of Greenland, on Sunday (February 22) rejected an offer by US President Donald Trump to send an American hospital ship to the Arctic territory, saying Greenlands public healthcare system is sufficient and free for its citizens.

President Trumps idea of sending an American hospital ship here to Greenland has been noted. But we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for citizens. It is a deliberate choice, Nielsen wrote in a Facebook post.

The response came a day after Trump announced on social media that he was coordinating with Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana and described as a special envoy to Greenland, to dispatch what he called a great hospital boat to assist residents.

Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!! Trump wrote on Saturday.

Call for direct dialogue While rejecting the proposal, Nielsen emphasized Greenlands openness to cooperation  including with the United States.

Greenland remains open to dialogue and cooperation, also with the U.S., he said. But talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media.

Neither the White House nor Landrys office immediately responded to questions regarding whether the ship had been formally requested by Greenland or Denmark, or what specific medical needs it would address.

Tensions amid strategic interest Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, citing its strategic Arctic location and natural resources. The hospital ship proposal is the latest development in a series of diplomatic tensions involving Greenland, Denmark and the United States.

Last week, Frederik X, King of Denmark, made his second visit to Greenland in a year  widely seen as a gesture of unity amid renewed US interest in the island.
Deepa Mathew, an Indian-origin candidate of Australia's Family First party, accused South Australian Peter Malinauskas of demeaning migrants when he challenged One Nation voters to consider whos going to feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when youre 90 if immigration is curtailed.

Mathew, who migrated from India to Adelaide two decades ago with her husband and three-month-old baby, was quoted by The Australia Today as saying that the Premiers language reduced migrants to a stereotype.

She reportedly said, I didnt come here to wipe bums. I came here to be Australian.

The statements were made ahead of the 2026 State Election.

What's the controversy? Peter Malinauskas, the premier of the Australian state of South Australia, sparked controversy when he answered a question about immigration at a Council for Economic Development of Australia event in Adelaide this week.

Malinauskas outlined plans to expand the states skilled migration intake to support defence, mining and housing construction projects, The Australia Today added.

When asked how he could "win the day on immigration", Malinauskas said he had a message for One Nation voters. Who's going to feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when you're 90? Malinauskas said, according to an ABC News report.

Because it ain't going to be your kids. Because if I get my way, they're going to be working on submarines with high-paying jobs so they can afford to own their home. That has to be built by someone. And who is going to do that work? the premier of South Australia allegedly said.

Also Read | 5 bodies of migrants washed ashore in east of Libyas capital Tripoli, police officer says

Malinauskas said South Australia would require thousands of additional skilled workers each year to deliver major projects, including submarine construction, and to meet ambitious housing targets. It is reported that he said that without a sustainable migration program, the state risked missing out on high-paying jobs and economic growth.

https://x.com/DrewPavlou/status/2024589004054942169

Lyle Shelton, an Australian politician who serves as the national director of the Family First Party, posted on X, alleging that Malinauskas made the comments while challenging One Nation voters over immigration levels during a speech this week.

Mathew hits out Mathew, an experienced banker who later established her own small business, said she and her family had worked hard, paid taxes and contributed to their community since settling in South Australia.

Like thousands of other migrants, we came seeking opportunity, freedom and a better future, she was quoted as saying.

To reduce migrants to people who exist solely to wipe bums is offensive and beneath the office of Premier, she reportedly said.

According to Lyle Shelton, Mathew said South Australia needs a sensible, sustainable immigration policy that serves the long-term interests of families, housing affordability and social cohesion  not crude rhetoric designed to score political points.

Migrants are doctors, engineers, small business owners, aged care professionals, teachers and entrepreneurs. We are not a political prop, she reportedly said.

She added that the housing crisis gripping South Australia could not simply be solved by ramping up population targets without first addressing supply, infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures.

Also Read | Marco Rubio says US unaware of whereabouts of 137 deported Venezuelans

Family First believes strong families, affordable housing and secure jobs are the foundation of a thriving state. Immigration settings must align with those priorities  not undermine them, Mathew said.

As someone who loves this country and this state, I want an immigration program that is fair, orderly and sustainable  and a political culture that treats migrants with dignity, she added.
Iran's Foreign Ministry declared naval forces and air forces of all European Union member countries as "terrorist organisations" as a reciprocal action against the EU's recognition of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity.

The ministry announced its decision in a statement on Saturday, while calling the EU's action against the IRGC "contrary to fundamental principles and rules" of the United Nations Charter and International Law.

Iran invoked Article 7 of the Law on "Reciprocal Action in Response to the Designation of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization by the US" passed in 2019, as per the Foreign Ministry statement.

The law stipulates that all countries that in any way follow or support the decision of the United States to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization are subject to reciprocal action.

This comes after the EU designated Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organisation, placing the powerful military force in the same category as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

Formed after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution to safeguard the Shi'ite clerical system, the IRGC wields significant influence across Iran's economy and armed forces and oversees the country's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, ANI reported.

Nuclear deal Meanwhile, the US, Israel and their allied partners continue to push Iran to drop its uranium enrichment operations, expressing concern over Tehran's alleged attempt to make nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to come to terms with the US on the nuclear deal within 10 to 15 days or "it's going to be unfortunate."

Interacting with the reporters on Thursday, the US President said, "We're either going to get a deal, or it's going to be unfortunate for them... 10-15 days would be enough time."

At the Board of Peace inaugural meeting, Trump also repeated the threats, "Now is the time for Iran to join us on a path that will complete what we're doing. And if they join us, that'll be great. If they don't join us, that'll be great, too. But it'll be a very different path."

He stressed that Tehran could not continue destabilising the region."They cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region. And they must make a deal. Or if that doesn't happen, bad things will happen if it doesn't," the US President said.

The US has also deployed air and naval forces to West Asia, marking the most substantive deployment to the region since the US invaded Iraq in the year 2003, CNN reported.

The US military is prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, though President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on whether he'll authorise such actions, CNN said, citing sources familiar with the matter.
NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) is among the 11 Newly-Listed NYSE Stocks to Buy Now.

BofA Reinstates Coverage of NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NIQ) with a Buy Rating and a $20 Price Target

On February 17, 2026, BofA analyst Curtis Nagle reinstated coverage of NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) with a Buy rating and a $20 price target. Curtis Nagle said that as BofA resumes coverage of 19 Information and Business Services companies, the firm is generally constructive on the group and is forecasting average revenue, EPS, and free cash flow growth of 7%, 12%, and 11%, respectively, in 2026.

Earlier in the month, on February 3, 2026, Baird analyst Jeffrey Meuler lowered the price target on NIQ Global to $20 from $24 while maintaining an Outperform rating. Jeffrey Meuler said the model was revised following the surprise announcement of COO Tracey Masseys departure, which Baird believes introduces near-term uncertainty. The firm also clarified that the note corrected a prior version to properly identify the departing executive.

NIQ disclosed that on January 30, Chief Operating Officer Tracey Massey informed the company of her decision to resign for personal reasons. The company stated that Ms. Massey's resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company or any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies, or practices. NIQ added that it does not plan to replace the COO role, with responsibilities to be assumed by the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the executive leadership team, and said no further leadership changes are expected.

NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) is a global consumer intelligence company that provides brands, retailers, and other clients with insights into consumer shopping behavior to inform strategic and operational decisions.

While we acknowledge the potential of NIQ 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.
Amid the Iran-US conflict, Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has issued directives to protect the Islamic Republic in the event of war or his assassination, according to a report by the New York Times, which cited six senior Iranian officials and members of the Revolutionary Guards.

Officials quoted in the NYT report say Ali Larijani, a close ally of Khamenei who currently serves as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, is widely considered the leading candidate to act as interim leader if Khamenei and other top officials are killed.

Larijani, 67, a seasoned conservative politician, former parliament speaker, and ex-Revolutionary Guards commander, was appointed to the SNSC in August 2025 by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has tasked him with safeguarding the Islamic Republic amid widespread protests, economic strains, and external threats, the NYT reported.

Who is Ali Larijani? Ali Ardashir Larijani was born in 1957 in Najaf, Iraq, to Iranian parents from a famous religious family. His father, Ayatollah Mirza Hashem Amoli, was a senior cleric who had relocated to Najaf in 1931 due to persecution under Reza Shah but took the family back to Iran in 1961, according to reports.

He is a member of the influential Larijani family, with several brothers holding or having held major regime positions, such as judiciary leadership and advisory roles, contributing to perceptions of a political dynasty, according to a report by PBS Frontline.

Larijanis early education Larijani earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science and later shifted toward philosophy, completing both a master's and a PhD in Western philosophy at the University of Tehran.

Career Larijani's political career spans military service, media control, diplomacy, and legislative leadership, marked by unwavering loyalty to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani served as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the 19801988 Iran-Iraq War, rising to the brigadier general level.

Also Read | Ex-CIA officer claims US plans to launch attack on Iran by 23 or 24 Feb

He held deputy ministerial posts in labour and information in the early post-revolution years.

View full Image This photo released by Iran's Supreme National Security Council office shows Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani (C) arriving in Muscat, Oman on February 10, 2026. (Photo by HANDOUT / Iran's Supreme National Security / AFP) ( AFP )

From 1992 to 1994, under President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, he was Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, enforcing strict cultural and media controls.

He then headed the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state media monopoly, from 1994 to 2004, overseeing propaganda and programs targeting dissidents.

In 2005, under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Larijani became Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, resigning in 2007 amid policy clashes.

Larijani served as Speaker of Parliament (Majlis) from 2008 to 2020, the longest tenure in that role, including guiding legislation and supporting the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal.

Disqualified from presidential runs in 2021 and 2024, he was reappointed SNSC Secretary in August 2025 by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Ali Larijani comes from a prominent family, with his four brothers holding senior positions across Irans judicial, legislative, and security institutions, according to a report by Iranintl.

Major contributions From the regime's viewpoint, Larijani's major contributions included advancing nuclear diplomacy (as negotiator defending enrichment rights and later supporting JCPOA ratification in parliament), providing long-term legislative stability as Speaker (managing key policies and factional balance), and demonstrating bureaucratic competence in high-stakes roles.

Iran-US tensions US President Donald Trump is reportedly curious about why Iran has not yet capitulated and agreed to limit its nuclear program, even as United States strengthens its military presence in the Middle East, according to Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, Reuters reported.

"I don't want to use the word 'frustrated,' because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated,' but why they haven't capitulated," Witkoff said during an interview on Saturday with Fox News' "My View with Lara Trump," hosted by the president's daughter-in-law, as reported by Reuters.

Why, under this pressure, with the amount of seapower and naval power over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'? And yet it's sort of hard to get them to that place.

United States is seeking for Iran to relinquish its enriched uraniumwhich Washington says could be used to produce a nuclear weaponhalt support for militant groups in the Middle East, and agree to restrictions on its missile program.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes but says it is open to some limitations if financial sanctions are lifted. However, it rejects linking these nuclear restrictions to other issues, such as missile development or backing armed groups.
Pakistan carried out strikes on seven sites along its border with Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of Afghan-based militant group it blames for the recent suicide attacks, Islamabad said on Sunday.

Citing three attacks since the start of Ramadan, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, in a statement posted on X before dawn on Sunday, said Pakistan carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven Terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates in the border region.

Pakistan had also targeted an affiliate of the Islamic State group, he said, without indicating where the strikes were carried out.

However, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed that Pakistan bombed Afghanistan's civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, martyring and wounding dozens of people, including women and children.

View full Image Screengrab of Zabihullah Mujahid's X post

In October, Pakistan had also conducted strikes deep inside Afghanistan to target militant hideouts.

Why did Pakistan strike Afghanistan? According to Minister Tarar, these strikes were carried out in response to a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other more recent suicide bombings in northwest Pakistan, including one on Saturday.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest attack on Islamabad since the 2008 Marriott hotel bombing.

Hours before the latest border strikes, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the nearby Bannu district in the northwest, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

This occurred only days after a suicide bomber, backed by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of a security post in Bajaur district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The blast caused part of the compound to collapse, killing 11 soldiers and a child, and authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national.

After Saturday's violence, Pakistan's military had warned that it would not "exercise any restraint" and that operations against those responsible would continue "irrespective of their location," language that suggested rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Pakistan always strived for peace Pakistan said that despite its repeated requests, Kabul's Taliban authorities failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

"Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time, the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority," it said.

Pakistan also called on the international community to urge Kabul to fulfil its commitments not to support hostile actions against other countries, under the Doha agreement reached last year.

Pakistan - Afghanistan dispute Afghanistan and Pakistan have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control in Kabul in 2021.

The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated sharply with deadly border clashes in recent months. More than 70 people were killed, and hundreds were wounded in the October clashes, which ended with a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey.

But several subsequent rounds of talks in Doha and Istanbul have failed to produce a lasting deal.

Security issues are at the heart of the conflict, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, that launch attacks on its soil.

The Taliban government in Kabul denies the allegations.
Many of these feeders are a lot more diminutive than youd think. Just over half the global container fleet is below 3,000 units, the generally accepted upper limit for this kind of vessel. The average size of all the ships that docked at ports during 2023 is 3,618, according to the United Nations trade and development agency. As with small passenger jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, their use on short high-frequency routes means theyre arguably more important as the backbone of the global transport network compared to glitzier, larger vessels.
Today, India is actually rearming Europes best path to innovation, cost-reduction and economies of scale. At the margin, Indias startup ecosystem can provide Europes defence industries an additional route to innovation, partly making up for what it has lost in the US. Using global capability centres in India lets European firms focus resources on core military industrial activities. Unit costs of everything from ammunition to aircraft can fall if the Indian armed forces buy the same gear. The SDP, signed alongside the India-EU FTA last month, is a key to unlocking deeper defence industry ties.
Social media is not an addiction as much as a new way for the mind to drift. It is so easy to get humans to drift that we dont need to imagine a villainous outfit. We can see this in a demographic group that wastes vast quantities of time in visual stimulation and gets away with it because no one cares enough about themthe elderly. Millions of old people spend their waking day watching TV, switching channels, and there is no secret scheme behind it. This is the generation that once watched static, waiting for Doordarshans programming to begin.
1. Conscious consumption

The big question is: will social media exist? Absolutely. It is highly unlikely a vehicle with this scale will decay. Increasingly, Gen Z and other cohorts are focusing on conscious consumption. A study by EY in the UK suggests that 38% of consumers there are keen on a digital detox. Trends like bhajan clubbing as a massive theme among Gen Z shows they are not looking at social media to show off their perfect life anymore, but are seeking meaningful connections and friendships. Social media is likely to be used for specific niches with very specific intent going forwardeducation, gaming, spirituality, etc. Low value-add content like get ready with me is likely to have a low shelf life going forward.
The Trump administration had no plans to release millions of pages of documents, nor did they want Epstein to dominate the news. Trump was in the documents, officials familiar with the documents knew. So were many of his friends. Being mentioned in the files isnt a sign of wrongdoing. Other documents contained salacious and unverified information from anonymous tipsters. Officials discussed how to move on, as Republican calls to release the files grew.
A UK woman, a pet parent herself, lost all her limbs after contracting sepsis because of what doctors believed to be a dog lick.

Manjit Sangha, 52, was found slumped on the sofa, her lips blue, and her hands and feet ice cold by her husband, Kamaljit, in July 2025, according to a GoFundMe page.

However, fighting against the odds, Manjit survived  after spending 32 weeks in hospital, with several cardiac arrests and four-limb amputations.

A dog lick that turned deadly Manjit may have developed sepsis from something innocuous, potentially a lick from her dog on a small cut, doctors said.

Her GoFundMe page said she was diagnosed with septic shock, complicated by DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)a rare and life-threatening condition causing abnormal blood clotting throughout the body.

She was placed in an induced coma, on life support, and on dialysis.

What is sepsis? Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection and starts attacking the bodys own tissues and organs.

It is a serious medical condition which claims around 50,000 deaths in the UK each year, the UK Sepsis Trust said.

Can happen to anybody, Manjit warns Manjit, who was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, February 18, told the BBC that she was still coming to terms with her quadruple amputation.

Its difficult to explain the experience. Losing your limbs and your hands in a short time period is a very big thing, she said.

Manjit warned that cases such as hers could happen to anybody and urged that people take it seriously. Its very serious and not to be taken lightly.

View full Image Photo Credit: The Telegraph via Kam Sangha

She said she was determined to walk again and to return to work. Ive sat down in my chair and my bed enough. Its time to walk now.

'One minute she's playing with the dog, the next she's in a coma' Kamaljit, who also goes by Kam Sangha, said Manjit's health declined at an alarming rate.

One minute on a Saturday shes playing with the dog, Sunday shes gone to work, Monday night shes in a coma, he told BBC.

She returned home feeling unwell on a Sunday afternoon in July last year.

Manjit's heart stopped six times while in intensive care. As her condition spread, surgeons had to amputate both of her legs below the knee, as well as both of her hands, and remove her spleen, as she also battled pneumonia and gallstones.

Shes so strong, the 60-year-old said, adding, She proved us wrong every single day with what shes been through.

The couple have raised more than 30,842 through a GoFundMe webpage for advanced prosthetics and raising awareness of the dangers of sepsis.

Manjit isn't the only one Majit's case comes after an 83-year-old woman died last year after suffering an infection caused by a dog licking a wound on her leg.

June Baxter, a retired legal secretary, had been alone at home when she fell and cut her leg. Her granddaughter arrived at the property in Alleborough, Norfolk, with her dog.

Norfolk Coroners Court was told that the dog licked Baxters wound before paramedics arrived, and she started to feel unwell the following day, according to The Telegraph.

The court was informed that her tests showed the presence of pasteurella multocida, a bacterium commonly found in the mouths of animals.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The presidential visit was set up at Coosa Steel Corporation. Crowds gathered around the building in a line before the venue opened up for the public, a little after noon. The stage was set up inside one of the manufacturing buildings with limited seating.
The News in Brief Monday, February 23, 2026

Lasha Parulava, one of the leaders of the opposition's United National Movement, announced a strategy for political cooperation aimed at consolidating the opposition. Speaking to reporters about future plans, Parulava emphasized a clear boundary for any potential partnerships."Our proposal is very simple, everyone minus Ivanishvili," Parulava said. "We will cooperate with everyone except Ivanishvili."Parulava explained that the goal of this movement goes beyond formal agreements. He noted that the focus remains on practical steps rather than symbolic gestures."Unity is important not as a signature on paper, but as a means, an action plan and strategy so that our fight reaches the finish line," he stated.According to Parulava, several groups have already begun coordinating their efforts. He suggested that these discussions have progressed into tangible arrangements that will be shared with the voters in the near future."This is exactly what we are working on; we have an agreement with specific political parties on a specific action plan," Parulava said. "The public will learn about this very soon."That is a fair point. I omitted the specific word in the previous summary, but looking at the context of the detention, it's a defining part of the story. I've corrected that below to accurately reflect the situation.A Georgian citizen who was detained in late December near the boundary of the occupied Tskhinvali region has been released. The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) confirmed on February 20 that the individual has returned to territory controlled by the central government.The citizen was taken into custody on December 23, 2025, near the village of Zadiaantkari. While the SSSG did not publicly identify the individual, media agencies run by the de facto authorities of the Russia-occupied region identified him as 33-year-old Teimuraz Zadishvili."The central government, Security Service keeps on efforts to release all Georgian citizens unlawfully imprisoned in the occupied territories," the SSSG stated.According to reports from the occupied region, Zadishvili was "expelled" after being held for nearly two months. His release follows a recent SSSG policy of withholding names and photos of detainees until they are safely across the administrative boundary line.The SSSG emphasized that they used the "hotline" and international negotiation formats to secure his freedom. Currently, several other Georgian citizens remain in illegal detention within the occupied territories.
As baby boomers exit the workforce in record numbers, many are putting long-running small businesses up for sale. For aspiring entrepreneurs with $100,000 or more saved, the idea is tempting: buy a steady, unglamorous local company, keep the cash flowing and skip the startup grind.

But a recent Reddit discussion in r/smallbusiness shows that buying a boring business isn't as simple as it sounds.

Success Stories

There were success stories sprinkled throughout the thread. One buyer said he bought small and scaled, eventually more than doubling his annual take-home pay. Another commenter said, I bought a business I knew I could understand, and grew revenue 400%.

Don't Miss:

A liquor store owner said he now owns three locations, structuring deals creatively to manage heavy inventory costs. One investor purchased a ballroom dance studio for roughly this price range and called it a cash cow, noting that niche markets with limited competition can quietly thrive.

One business broker in the thread offered their advice. Do not focus on popular business industries, he wrote. The right opportunities are the ones that match your interests, experience, skills, location, and budget. He also pushed back on the idea that retiring owners automatically mean better deals. Only about a 1/3 of sellers are retiring, and their businesses aren't any better than anyone else's.

A friend of another commenter bought a self-storage operation from a retiring owner in Florida and is doing well with it. Even the auto parts store was mentioned as having margins supercharged after modernization under new ownership.

Several experienced operators warned that a $200,000 business typically generates around $50,000 to $60,000 in seller discretionary earnings. In other words, you're likely buying a job.

Trending: Own the Characters, Not Just the Content: Inside a Fast-Growing Pre-IPO IP Company

Which Boring Businesses Came Up Most?

Laundromats were mentioned repeatedly. Some called them durable and recession-resistant. Others said older locations are maintenance nightmares, with constant machine breakdowns and expensive replacements.

Liquor stores also came up as cash cows, but with heavy inventory costs and strict state laws. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as plumbing, were described as durable because everyone needs HVAC in their homes, yet highly competitive due to private equity money flooding the sector.
A Longford man who was detected by Gardai with drugs valued at 2,500 and almost 28,000 in cash at his home has been convicted for drug dealing and money-laundering offences and jailed for 15-months.

Martin McDonagh (37) from Congress Terrace in Longford town pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court to being in possession of drugs, the sale or supply of drugs and money laundering on October 4, 2022.

Gardai obtained a warrant and carried out a planned search of his home on the date in question and Judge Jonathan Dunphy stated when they entered the premises they were not scouring the residence for drugs.

"Their initial suspicion granting the search was that they would recover unlawful fireworks.

"Upon entering the property and making their way into the kitchen they met with the defendant Mr McDonagh.

"He walked into the kitchen with a glass jar in his hands, which he attempted to conceal behind his back and there was also a bag of cannabis on the kitchen table.

"There was a young child in the sitting room on the couch."

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Judge Dunphy said the defendant handed over the jar which contained suspected cocaine after being directed to do so and he was told by Gardai to sit down at the kitchen table.

Mr McDonagh was subsequently cautioned by officers and he accepted ownership of the two items, which he said were for his personal use only.

Judge Dunphy said the value of the bag of cannabis on the kitchen table was approximately 100, while the cocaine in the jar had an estimated street value of between 200 and 300.

"The two items were seized and a more comprehensive search of the property was carried out where a set of weighing scales with cannabis residue on it were recovered from the kitchen counter."

Judge Dunphy said the defendant stated he used the scales to check the weight of the cannabis that he had bought for himself.

"In close proximity to the scales was an envelope with 1,130 in cash, which was also seized, which the defendant later in interview made out was a deposit for a gravestone feature."

Judge Dunphy stated the drugs were analysed at the Gardais Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) laboratory the cocaine was found to be valued at 2,262, while the cannabis had a street value of 335 with the total value of the drugs worth 2,597.

He said during the search a sum of 27,703 was found in a plastic zip locked pouch on the bedroom door.

The court heard gardai arrested and interviewed the defendant at the garda station and he accepted ownership of the drugs.

The defendant admitted from the outset they were his drugs, but he initially denied they were for sale and supply.

Mr McDonagh, who was described in court as a 'settled Traveller' pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs, the possession of drugs for sale and supply, and money-laundering in May 2025.

The defendant had 13 previous convictions.

Defence barrister Michael O'Higgins said his client, a married father of four, grew up in Balbriggan, Dublin and left school when he was aged between 12 and 14 and he is unable to read or write.

The court heard Mr McDonagh lives in a two-bedroom council house and he is in a very stable relationship with a strong partner, however, he has a history of substance abuse, underlying mental health difficulties and he has self-harmed in the past.

"I'd ask the court to extend as much leniency as possible," Mr O'Higgins added.

Judge Dunphy said the offence was at the higher end of the lower end of the scale.

Judge Dunphy considered all of the mitigation before handing down his sentence and jailing Mr McDonagh for two years, however, he suspended the final nine months for two years on strict conditions that he engages with the Probation Service and is of good behaviour.

READ NEXT: Longford man caught with over 14,000 of drugs avoids immediate prison term
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld reports that Apple is expected to launch a $599 low-cost MacBook on March 4, powered by iPhone chips to compete with Chromebooks and Windows laptops.

The 2026 MacBook Pro may feature Apples first touchscreen display, Ultra Retina XDR technology, and integrated C2 cellular modems for seamless connectivity.

These anticipated changes represent Apples most significant Mac updates, addressing long-standing user demands for affordable options and enhanced functionality.

According to rumors, 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for the Mac, starting in just a couple of weeks with Apples first event (or experience) of the year. Along with the usual faster chips, Apple reportedly has new tricks up its sleeve in 2026, with several new features that will have Mac users everywhere saying, Finally! Here are four major overdue announcements we expect to arrive this year.

A budget MacBook

iPhone fans have long pined for a truly affordable MacBook priced below the $999 MacBook Air that isnt just an older model with a cut-rate price. That dream machine may finally arrive in just two short weeks. On March 4, Apple will hold a series of experiences in New York, London, and Shanghai, and the star is expected to be the first-ever low-cost MacBook.

After tackling the mid-range market with the MacBook Air, Apple reportedly wants to compete with Chromebooks and Windows laptops, with a new laptop that could be as cheap as $599. Apple will reportedly use an A18 Pro or A19 Pro iPhone chip, and it will likely have a smaller screen than the Air and possibly fewer USB ports. But it will be powerful enough for everyday tasks and light work. For a lot of users, thats all thats needed.

MacBooks with OLED displays

When Apple unveiled the M1 Pro/M1 Max MacBook Pro in 2021, it was the first Mac to get the Liquid Retina XDR display, which was introduced in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro a few months earlier. The new mini-LED display was a huge upgrade over the previous model, bringing extreme dynamic range HDR, 120Hz ProMotion refresh, and up to 1,000 nits of sustained, full-screen brightness. its an excellent display, but its no longer the best.

Apple is expected to upgrade the MacBook Pros display again in 2026 by taking another page from the iPad Pro. The M4 iPad Pro, released in 2024, introduced the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology to deliver high brightness, wide color support, and impressive color accuracy. Mac users have wanted it ever since, and it looks like Ultra Retina XDR will finally come with the M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro later this year.

By the end of 2026, the MacBook Pro will be a very different laptop. Foundry

A touchscreen MacBook Pro

One of the most frequent barbs I get from Windows users who want to needle me about my Mac devotion is, When are MacBooks going to get touchscreens? We may finally have an answer in 2026, when rumors say Apple will launch the first-ever MacBook with a touchscreen display in the fall. Theres a chance it could slip into the early part of 2027, but signs suggest Apple really wants to make it happen in 2026.

The MacBook Pros 20th anniversary is this year, and Apple reportedly wants to mark the occasion by introducing the new model. Along with a touchscreen, the redesign will also bring a thinner profile and speedier M6 Pro and Max chips. We expect the laptop to retain its trackpad, but for users whove been wanting to reach up and place their fingers on the screen, theyll finally get their wish.

The replacement for the C1X modem could make its way into the M6 Pro and Max MacBook Pro. Apple

MacBooks with 5G

For many longtime Mac users, its a head-scratcher why Apple hasnt put a modem inside a MacBook, especially when the entire iPad line has one. Of course, you can always tether to an iPhone when theres no Wi-Fi around (depending on your wireless plan), but its not ideal if you need to move a lot of large files around. And of course, youre also draining your iPhone and MacBook batteries.

Last year, Apple released its first homegrown cellular modems, the C1 in the iPhone 16e and the C1X in the iPhone Air and iPad Pro. With the C2 in 2026, which will likely support mmWave, Apple is expected to expand the modem to more devices, starting with the M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro. With an Apple modem in a MacBook Pro, you can stop worrying about staying connected and draining the life out of your tethered iPhone.
Not every business owner makes money by performing services. Some entrepreneurs act as middlemen who connect clients with service providers. They manage the relationships, ensure tasks are completed, and then keep part of the earnings.

Chris Koerner from The Koerner Office Podcast recently interviewed Jeff, a concrete leveling service provider, who is on pace to gross more than $1 million in revenue within two years of starting his business. Jeff doesnt have any employees, and subcontracts all of the work while maintaining his W-2. His margins range from 20% to 40% per job, and he currently earns 5-figures in monthly cash flow after three months of starting the company.

Jeff shared in the interview how he built his concrete leveling business and ways business owners can capitalize on the opportunity.

Subcontracting Reduces Initial Costs

According to Jeff, he subcontracts the work because it saves time and allows him to focus on prospecting. He also doesnt have to pay the upfront costs of getting into the concrete leveling business since his subcontractors have their own equipment, materials and insurance.

Having other people perform the services can reduce overhead and make it easier to serve more clients. Jeff said most solopreneurs in the industry work on concrete leveling projects until they hit their income goal and simply view anything else as a bonus. While that works well for some , Jeff noted hes focused on scaling his services to take on more projects and boost his earnings.

Subcontractors are happy to work with Jeff because he provides them with additional projects. Some people are good at doing the work, yet bad at prospecting, while others excel at prospecting but dont know everything about fulfilling the service. Its a good match that helps Jeff scale his operations while working a traditional job and raising his family. Jeff said he has worked with plenty of great subcontractors and believes its optimal to work with those who have a military background or a soft spot for veterans.

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How Jeff Gets Clients for His Concrete Leveling Services

Jeff operates in a competitive market. Houston, Texas is filled with concrete leveling service providers, but what makes Jeff stand out is prioritizing quality services and excellent communication. Thats the foundation he uses when pitching his services. He texts property managers and HOA managers to see if they need his services. These managers can give him a lot of projects since they oversee multiple properties that need regular work.
On a quiet stretch of land in Mayo, a small rise in a field or a scatter of stones at a boundary wall may pass unnoticed. By their nature, cillini are quiet places. Often small, unmarked and tucked into the edges of fields, ringforts or coastal ground. To those who know, however, these unassuming places carry extraordinary weight.

Cillinichildrens burial groundsare sites where unbaptised infants and other marginalised dead were laid to rest for centuries.

Though often invisible in the modern landscape, they remain deeply present in memory, folklore, and, increasingly, archaeological research.

Professor Marion Dowd, archaeologist at the Atlantic Technological University, has studied the folklore surrounding childrens burial grounds across Ireland. Her recent research, published in the Journal of Art Archaeology, brings together archaeology and folklore to uncover not just where cillini are located, but how communities understood, feared, and protected them.

The focus of the project was looking at folklore associated with childrens burial grounds, she explains. I went through the National Folklore Collection, which is digitised and available online, and collected all references to folklore relating to childrens burial grounds. Then I looked at the different themes that appeared and tried to attach those stories to actual sites in the landscape.

Dowds study began not with a shovel in the ground, but with stories. Drawing extensively on the National Folklore Collectionmuch of it gathered by schoolchildren in the 1930sshe traced references to childrens burial grounds across Ireland. These handwritten accounts, rooted in local knowledge, offered vivid descriptions of places that were sometimes known only to families or landowners and never formally recorded.

Folklore tends to float in space, Dowd explains. We know the story, but we dont know exactly which place it refers to. One of her key aims was to anchor these stories in the physical landscapeto identify which tales belonged to which places, and to see whether those places still existed.

In many cases, they did. By cross-referencing folklore accounts with maps and local geography, Prof Dowd was able to identify a number of childrens burial grounds that had never been formally recorded. In the research paper itself, she identified 11 new sites. Since then, working in neighbouring Sligo, she has identified 30 more.

The number is increasing all the time, she says.

Mayo stands out in this research, as it is one of the counties with the highest number of known childrens burial grounds in Ireland, especially along the western coast. While scholars are not entirely sure why the western counties have such a density of these sites, Dowd notes that the traditions surrounding them are particularly strong in Mayo, with a rich body of associated folklore.

Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Clare all have strong traditions around childrens burial grounds, Prof Dowd explains. Were not entirely sure why theyre more common along the western seaboard than in the Midlands or the east, but the folklore traditions in Mayo are very strong.

That folklore often acted as a form of protection. One of the recurring themes Prof Dowd encountered is what folklorists call prohibitive folklore  stories warning against disturbing burial grounds.

The title of her article, Every Night, the Crying of Babies, comes from one such account collected in County Kerry in the 1930s. A farmer who ploughed up a childrens burial ground was said to hear babies crying every night until he restored the site.

Its a way of saying this should not have happened, she says. Once the burial ground was reinstated, the crying stopped. Its almost like a nightmare effect.

Other traditions are quieter but no less powerful. In Mayo, as elsewhere, there is the belief in the stray sod: that stepping, even unknowingly, on the grave of an unbaptised child will bring misfortune. Such beliefs may sound like superstition, but Dowd urges a more nuanced reading.

I dont think reliability is necessarily the right word, she says. Folklore always contains an echo of truth.

Beyond guiding researchers to forgotten sites, these stories may also encode grief and trauma, particularly the pain experienced by parents who lost children in circumstances shaped by religious and social exclusion.

Folklore can lead us into the landscape and help us identify places that were known about in the past, she says. But it also reveals the trauma families experienced, particularly parents who lost a baby and had to bury them in one of these grounds. That emotional weight is often wrapped up in the stories.

In this sense, folklore becomes a way of expressing sorrow that could not always be spoken openly.

In Mayo, many cillini were known locally  by landowners or neighbouring families  but never formally recorded. Despite their emotional and cultural significance, cillini are among Irelands most vulnerable archaeological sites. They are often small and visually unimposing. Without formal recognition, they have no legal protection. Farming, construction, or land improvement can destroy them accidentally and irreversibly.

Thats the key issue, Prof Dowd explains. If a burial ground isnt marked on an archaeological map, it doesnt have legal protection. These sites are very vulnerable. Theyre small, often ephemeral, and can be destroyed accidentally through farming or construction.

This vulnerability makes recording them urgent. This is why Prof Dowds work matters far beyond academia. By identifying and registering these burial grounds with the National Monuments Service, they can be legally protected.

If we can get more of these sites registered, they become protected archaeological monuments, she says. Thats hugely important.

Many are already known locally, but unless they appear on official records, that knowledge can be lost within a generation.

Dowd hopes her research will encourage landowners and communities to come forward if they know of a cillin that has not yet been recorded. They should contact the National Monuments Service and have it registered. Once theyre registered, theyre protected, she says simply.

For Mayo, where development, farming and land use continue to reshape the landscape, listening to local knowledge may be the last chance to safeguard many of these sites.
Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs can sample 14 local events for Local Enterprise Week in Mayo this year. The event takes place nationally from March 2-6, supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo and Enterprise Ireland. Hundreds of events take place nationally during the week-long festival, including those offered in Mayo, such as:

Regional clinics in Ballina, Westport and Claremorris, where LEO staff will meet businesses and entrepreneurs to advise on available business supports.

Online training for Mayo business owners thinking about succession issues  either because they want to hand the business over to a new generation, or are just dealing with routine staff turnover.

Online training for businesses on the new EU AI Act and what it means for small businesses in Mayo.

Marketing courses for Mayo based businesses to maximise their social media presence, and website impact.

A cybersecurity/GDPR seminar for Mayo businesses to keep abreast of the latest threats to their business, and refresh their cybersecurity skills.

The county final of the Student Enterprise Programme, where Mayo students and their own businesses will compete to be the best business in a number of categories. The winners of this final will go forward to represent Mayo at the National Student Enterprise Finals later this year.

A seminar on Intellectual Property and its uses, for those with ideas/content they wish to protect.

Regional and national events on Lean business processes, AI application and a national AI Summit in association with Google and EEN.

A full schedule of local and national events is available on LEO Mayos website www.localenterprise.ie/mayo

John Magee, Head of Enterprise, Mayo County Council Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic opportunity to take stock of where you are, see where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are available on your doorstep. There is something for every business and those who maybe always had that ambition to start on their own, or a great idea, this is the week to see how to get started and make it happen.

Events in Mayo will look at supports for starting a business or marketing a business, or innovating. One sometimes neglected area of business planning is that of succession and handing the business over to either a manager, or even the next generation, and a 2-day course on this topic will be time well invested for many businesses in Mayo, even if a handover is still years away. With a fantastic selection of events on your doorstep, I would encourage everyone to take a look at whats on offer in Mayo and find something to suit your needs.

The Local Enterprise Office (part of Mayo County Council) is funded through Enterprise Ireland to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Since its establishment in 2014 it has been the first stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and provide a range of supports including funding, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/mayo.

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It is a great day to have a great day, if only youre hellbent on making the best of what life sends your way. The Universe has a guided message for you, so it is ideal that you understand it and endure it the way you should.

Aries Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock Some unplanned events may show up on your list. Dress yourself in Sunday- go- to meeting clothes as you are likely to have an encounter with your soul mate at the event. You may seek legal advice from a legal beagle with respect to your pending suits. Stress at workplace might double up so keep a watch at your health conditions too. Your Lucky color is Khaki. Your Lucky number is 4. Taurus Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock You may find yourself standing in murky waters today so watch out. Going on a Dutch treat will be a better option over throwing a party as it will save your expenses. Your kids may demand your undivided attention, so get ready to serve the attention whores. Your Lucky color is Blue. Your Lucky number is 2. Gemini Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock A healthy day is in store for you. Talking about the love life, some uncertainties are on the card. Reconsidering the thought of throwing a party won't cost you much. Opt for spending some quality time with your family instead. Lead a luxurious lifestyle. Your Lucky color is gold. Your Lucky number is 6. Cancer Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock You may feel low today so be careful with the health matters. You may feel that the whole world is criticizing you and is there to point out your mistakes. But do not over think as this action of theirs is just because they are concerned about you. On the professional front, your efforts are likely to unnoticed by your Boss. This will be quite disappointing, but you will cope well with this. Your Lucky color is Magenta. Your Lucky number is 10. Leo Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock You will feel energetic today by receiving the acknowledgement for your work at the workplace. In the career field, students will be taking some career-oriented decisions which shall help them in their future. You will be lucky enough to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Drape yourself in blue today and establish a deep chemistry with your partner today. Your Lucky color is Violet. Your Lucky number is 9. Virgo Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock People who are in love and committed towards their partner will spend good time with their partner. You may get an opportunity to work in the big industry that you were hunting for since a very long time. This move will be big enough to give a kick-start to your career. Head towards the gym or yoga class today and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. Your Lucky color is Lemon. Your Lucky number is 11. Libra Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock You are the most in demand and helpful person in your squad as you are always there for your friends whether the phase is good or bad. This feature of yours will surely bring good luck to you. Today your intimacy level will increase which will give a boost to your relationship. Eat healthy today and enjoy your time with your family members. Your Lucky color is Violet. Your Lucky number is 9. Scorpio Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock If you think that the present project on which you are working is best for you and you cannot get better than this, then you are wrong as, better opportunities are on your way. Students are going to perform better in their studies and will make their parents proud by scoring exceptionally good marks. Your Lucky color is Black. Your Lucky number is 1. Sagittarius Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock You will be doing well in the professional field. Your boss will be more than happy with the quality of your work and will not hesitate in executing your request for a hike in salary. You will experience a good environment at your home. The tranquillity seems to come back in your life. In all, it's a great day ahead you. Your Lucky color is Magenta. Your Lucky number is 7. Capricorn Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock Your friendly nature will make people comfortable around you and it will become easier for them to cooperate with you. You may act immaturely today in front of your loved ones so try to act as an educated, experienced person. Drape yourself in white, the colour of perfection and bring an element of perfection in you. Your Lucky color is Red. Your Lucky number is 12. Aquarius Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026

shutterstock You seem to be in your good spirits so try not to affect your mood based on what other people think of you. You will be in your ecstatic mood due to the presence of special guests at your house today. If you have something brewing up in your mind then sharing it with someone will surely yield some positive results. Your Lucky color is Yellow. Your Lucky number is 5. Pisces Horoscope Today - February 23, 2026
Visitors to the main post office in Plainfield, Illinois, could soon see it renamed for a fallen soldier, killed overseas in the line of duty. New legislation sponsored by Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) is under consideration to designate the facility at 14855 S. Van Dyke Road in Plainfield as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. Post Office Building."

Legislative effort to rename the Plainfield, Illinois post office as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. Post Office Building" (Letitia Duenez).

"It's a bittersweet, very proud honor," said Duenez's mother, Letitia, in an interview with Military.com. "We are so very proud of our son and happy that this is going to happen."

In a statement posted to her official government website, Congresswoman Underwood announced that her legislation has passed the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with unanimous bipartisan support. It is now awaiting consideration by the full House of Representatives.

Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. represents the best of our community. He was an extraordinary hero who served his country with strength and resilience, Rep. Underwood said in her statement obtained by Military.com about the fallen soldier who died in 2025. Im honored to lead this legislation to permanently commemorate his sacrifice and service. The Plainfield Post Office will bear his name as a reminder of his contributions not only to his country, but to his community and family as a father, husband, brother, and son.

Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) sponsors bill to rename Plainfield post office as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. Post Office Building" (Lauren Underwood).

Through her tears, Duenez's mother says the family lived in Plainfield for many years, and her son finished high school there before enlisting in the Army after graduation, serving seven years of active duty until he was tragically killed in March 2025 during an Army training exercise in Lithuania.

"Before my son joined the Army, we would hear about instances of things happening, soldiers being killed," she said. "But when it touches home, then you truly know how it feels when a tragedy happens."

Born on April 8, 1999, Duenez was largely raised in Joliet, Illinois, along with his five sisters. As a soldier, he was promoted five times, becoming a staff sergeant in November 2020. Duenez served in three overseas deployments, including Poland in 2019, Germany in 2020, and Lithuania in 2025.

He was recognized with two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, one Certificate of Achievement, two Army Good Conduct Medals and a National Defense Service Medal.

Legislation in Congress to rename the Plainfield, Illinois post office as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. Post Office Building" (Plainfield Post Office Facebook).

But his longest-lasting achievement, posthumously, will be the renaming of the Plainfield Post Office.

"I feel that when people go to that post office, they will be going to see my son," his mother, Letitia, told Military.com. "They'll understand the sacrifice he made and the sacrifice of anyone who has served."

In addition to his parents, Jose Sr. and Letitia Duenez, Staff Sergeant Duenez is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he met and married during his years as an Army soldier. Together, they welcomed their son Jose Duenez III. The late staff sergeant is also survived by his five sisters.

"It hits different when it hits home. Hopefully, with my son's name on the post office, people will know his name and the legacy he leaves behind," said his mother, Letitia.

An excerpt from the April 2025 obituary of Staff Sergeant Duenez reads: "The circumstances of Joses passing are incredibly challenging for his family. However, there is some measure of peace that can be taken in the knowledge that Jose was not alone in his final moments. He was surrounded by his brothers-in-arms."
Chariot's Angola deal "transforms the narrative" and takes the firm upstream - ICYMI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Chariot Ltd (AIM:CHAR, OTC:OIGLF) this week announced a funding agreement that gives the company economic exposure to producing oil assets offshore Angola, marking what CEO Adonis Pouroulis described as a transformative deal and a pivotal step in the companys upstream strategy.

The company has agreed to provide $12 million in acquisition funding, alongside transaction costs, to support Etu Energias in securing a 20% interest in Block 14 and a 10% interest in Block 14K offshore Angola. The funding will be repaid from future cash flows, while Chariot will gain exposure to production economics equivalent to up to 4,000 barrels of oil per day.

Pouroulis said the transaction delivers on the companys previously stated objective of bringing oil production into its upstream portfolio. He described the agreement as the seed of a company maker, adding that it transforms our narrative by introducing a cash-generative production stream.

The Chariot boss joined us in the Proactive studio to tell us more, here we take a closer look at what was said.

Proactive: Adonis, it's very good to speak with you today and exciting updates out after the market closed yesterday. Can you talk us through your announcements, please?

Adonis Pouroulis: Yes, of course. Thank you. We announced our plans to provide the acquisition funding for an oil-producing asset offshore Angola. We've just completed an oversubscribed placing. We are working alongside Shell Trading to provide finance and support to Etu Energias, a 100% owned Angolan E&P company, to secure a material interest in a producing asset offshore Angola.

Etu is acquiring a 20% interest in Block 14 and a 10% interest in Block 14K, and we are supporting the transaction by providing $12 million of funding, along with transaction costs, which will be repaid from future cash flows. In return, we secure exposure to the economics of material production equivalent to up to 4,000 barrels of oil a day.

Fundamental to this deal is the backing from Shell Trading, one of the worlds largest energy traders, which is providing an acquisition financing package of up to $170 million in return for future offtake of barrels. This marks a new era for the company, introducing economic exposure to a cash-generative production stream into the portfolio and significantly transforming the upstream business.

Proactive: What does this transaction mean for the company and its strategy?

Adonis Pouroulis: Last year, we announced that we were going to rescope our upstream remit and bring oil production into the portfolio for the first time. With this transaction, we are delivering on our strategy. This is a key first step in that direction.
The United States Army defends the presence of a color guard at a national religious conference for Christianity that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the keynote speaker, calling its presence patriotic and neutral from endorsing particular beliefs.

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the self-described largest association of Christian communicators, welcomed Hegseth to orate to during its NRB Freedom 250 Celebration on Feb. 19, as part of its broader 2026 International Christian Media Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The celebration of 250 years of American independence, according to the NRB, brought together national leaders, Christian voices, and cultural influencers for an evening honoring the faith foundations of the American experiment and the enduring call to live as one nation under God.

The evening opened with a ceremonial color guard, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band directed by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Martin R. Johnston on behalf of the Commanding Gen. Maj. Gen. David Gardner, according to an itinerary issued by the NRB days in advance.

Color Guard Appearance Was 'Neutral'

According to the Army's own ceremonial and musical support page on its website, the sidebar includes a drop-down menu titled, "What We Cannot Support, with two bullet points iterating the following:

Support for or during a religious service (although on-post chaplaincy mission is supported).

Events that would be detrimental to the interests or values of the armed forces.

Military.com asked the Army about the presence of the color guard and whether it was at odds with the services own public messaging about what it can and cannot support.

The NRB Freedom 250 Event was a nonpartisan community event open to the general public, Maj. Jonathon Bless, a spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), told Military.com. Department of War and Army regulations allow for military support to community events, including those hosted by religious organizationsso long as the military support is neutral and does not imply endorsement of a particular religion.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) supported this event with an Honor Guard and the Division Band, who played the national anthem and honors to Sec. Hegseth during the conventions opening ceremony. The support provided by the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) was solely intended to show general patriotic support honoring 250 years of our nation.

Military.com reached out to the NRB for comment.

The color guard of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) leads the American collection of Soldiers during the NUTS parade in Bastogne, Belgium, on December 13, 2025. (Marisol Romo Franco)

Hegseth Attacks DEI, Climate Change, Transgender Troops

Hegseths remarks to the Nashville crowd praised President Donald Trump for once again supporting and training our troops and tending to their spiritual health."

"As long as I have breath, I commit to you that I and we should NEVER allow any groupno matter how large or smallto silence us from speaking the capital T TRUTH: Christ is King. He died for our sins. We are forgiven. He will come again in glory. Amen," Hegseth said on Thursday.

Almost immediately after taking office for his second term, Trump banned transgender individuals from joining the U.S. Armed Forces and also removed current transgender active-duty members from service.

One line of Hegseths that reportedly garnered rousing applause was the following: You see, we train our troops, we no longer trans our troops.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends the National Governors Association dinner at the White House, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

He also used the pulpit to compare the Trump administrations military policies to the previous Biden administration, saying in part that the other side is fueled by godless and toxic ideologies, foreign to the western way of life, with tolerant hearts filled with rage and hate.

Gone is godless and divisive DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion], gone is gender-bending equity and quotas, gone is climate change worship to a false god, Hegseth said. We are one military, one fighting force, one nation under God. We are not, 'In woke we trust; we are, 'In God we trust.

Hegseth also recited the prayer before Saturday's National Governors Association dinner at the White House, saying: "King Jesus, we come humbly before Your throne praising You for all the Providence You have bestowed upon this nation for over 250 years...One Nation Under God and, certainly, In God We Trust."

Pentagon Involvement in Christian-Only Services

The color guards appearance came two days after the Pentagon received scrutiny for platforming controversial pastor Doug Wilson during its monthly Christian prayer service.

Wilson, who shared a podium with Hegseth, in the past has made questionable remarks about discouraging women to vote, whether slavery was justified, and that he would be more than happy to work with the label as a Christian nationalist.

The White House defended Wilsons appearance after the fact, as did Hegseth himself in social media posts. Also on Thursday, Hegseth defended the prayer service as a whole, saying the left wing shrieks, which means were right over the target.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the National Religious Broadcasters convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Aside from Hegseth, Thursday's event included Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, as a featured speaker who took the podium after Hegseth.

Other participants, per the NRB, were John Amanchukwu who said a prayer described as both patriotic and praising Christian heritage tributes; Alexis Wilkins performing the national anthem and America the Beautiful; and Shine, Liberty Universitys a cappella group, leading patriotic and traditional hymns. Alexis Wilkins is the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel.

Matthew Potter of Pray.com was also present to announce updates affiliated with the America Prays initiative, and Lorenzo Sewella pro-Trump pastor from Detroitconcluded the evening with a One Nation Under God spoken word and closing prayer.

The Freedom 250 Celebration included the following partners: Coral Ridge Ministries, PragerU, and WallBuilders, and it was sponsored by Liberty Universitys Standing for Freedom Center and Flash Point Army.
When Congress debates whether to send U.S. forces into harms way, the financial discussion typically centers on near-term operational costs: troop deployments, weapons systems, logistics, and sustainment.

Two veteran lawmakers argue this framing leaves out one of the most predictable and enduring consequences of war: the obligation to care for those who return home. Their proposal, the Full Cost of War Act, seeks to hardwire that obligation into the earliest stages of any future conflict decision.

Reintroduced in the 119th Congress by Chris Deluzio and Ted Lieu, the bill would require Congress to authorize funding for veterans medical care, disability compensation, and related benefits at the same time it authorizes the use of military force or declares war. The measure aims to ensure that caring for veterans is not treated as a downstream budget issue, but as an integral component of the cost of military action itself.

What the Bill Would Do

The Full Cost of War Act is narrowly written but structurally significant. Under its terms, any authorization for use of military force (AUMF) or declaration of war enacted after the bill becomes law would have to include an authorization of appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs. That authorization would cover such sums as may be necessary to provide medical care, disability compensation, and other earned benefits resulting from the conflict, as jointly determined by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The bill does not dictate a specific dollar figure or create an automatic funding stream. Instead, it imposes a procedural requirement: Congress cannot authorize force without also acknowledging, in statutory form, that veterans care costs will follow.

The actual appropriations would still occur through the normal budget process, preserving Congresss constitutional power of the purse while forcing lawmakers to confront the long-term fiscal implications up front.

Why This Matters in Practice

Since World War II, Congress has relied primarily on AUMFs rather than formal declarations of war to authorize military action. The 2001 AUMF, passed in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, has served as the legal basis for operations in multiple countries over more than two decades.

During that same period, the cost of caring for post-9/11 veterans has grown steadily, with long-term obligations extending decades beyond the end of major combat operations.

Research from the Congressional Budget Office has shown that veterans benefits and medical care constitute a substantial portion of the total cost of war over time, often rivaling or exceeding direct combat expenditures in later years. Despite that reality, those costs are rarely central to the initial authorization debate, which tends to focus on immediate national security concerns.

By tying VA funding authorization to AUMFs, the Full Cost of War Act would function as a forcing mechanism. Lawmakers voting to approve military force would have to do so with explicit recognition that future veterans care is a foreseeable and unavoidable consequence rather than a discretionary add-on.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza captures aerial footage of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 15, 2023. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright. Source: DVIDS

Supporters Rationale

Deluzio, a Navy veteran, has framed the bill as a matter of moral consistency. In announcing the legislation, he argued that if the government cannot commit to funding veterans care in advance, it should not commit troops to combat at all. Lieu, an Air Force veteran, has emphasized that the full cost of military action includes the lifelong care owed to servicemembers who are injured or disabled as a result of those decisions.

The proposal does not limit presidential authority directly, nor does it repeal existing AUMFs. Instead, it operates at the intersection of war powers and budgeting, reinforcing Congresss role in both areas without altering the substantive criteria for authorizing force.

Potential Legal and Budgetary Effects

From a legal standpoint, the bill would not change the standards under which force may be authorized. Congress would still debate and define the scope, duration, and objectives of any military action. The new requirement would add a parallel authorization related to veterans benefits, potentially expanding committee involvement to include those with jurisdiction over veterans affairs and appropriations.

Budgetarily, the act could make the long-term costs of war more visible to both lawmakers and the public. While it would not prevent future supplemental appropriations, it would embed an acknowledgment of veterans care costs in the authorizing statute itself. That acknowledgment could influence future debates over the size and scope of military engagements, particularly in an era of sustained pressure on the VA health care system.

Critics could argue the bill adds procedural complexity without guaranteeing sufficient funding, since authorizations do not appropriate money by themselves. Supporters counter that the symbolic and practical effect of requiring explicit recognition of veterans costs is precisely the point.

A Structural Shift, Not a Spending Mandate

The Full Cost of War Act does not promise new benefits or expand eligibility within the VA system. Instead, it seeks to align Congresss war-making decisions with its long-term obligations to those who serve.

By embedding veterans care into the initial authorization framework, the bill reflects a broader argument: wars do not end when combat operations cease, and the governments responsibilities do not end when troops come home.

Whether the legislation gains traction remains uncertain. Still, its premise resonates with a growing bipartisan interest in reassessing how Congress authorizes and oversees military force. At minimum, the bill forces a question that has often been deferred: if the nation is willing to fight, is it also willing to pay the full cost of that decision, including decades of care for the men and women who carried it out?
Revenge is one of storytellings oldest engines. From Homers blood-soaked homecoming, a book-to-screen adaptation coming soon from Christopher Nolan, to the fractured morality of The Last of Us Part II, audiences have never stopped returning to stories where justice turns personal.

It is a narrative impulse as old as epic poetry and as current as prestige television and blockbuster video games. When institutions fail, when laws collapse, when grief curdles into resolve, revenge steps in as the most volatile form of order. Let's break down the best revenge stories ever told.

Modern cinema gives us sleek, ritualized vengeance in John Wick and operatic moral reckoning in Gladiator. Stylized fury courses through Kill Bill, while psychological warfare defines Gone Girl. Oldboy pushes revenge into something corrosive and inescapable. But long before gun-fu and neon-soaked fight choreography, Alexandre Dumas constructed the blueprint in The Count of Monte Cristo, Shakespeare turned revenge inward in Hamlet, and Homer sent Odysseus home to reclaim what was taken.

Edgar Allan Poe reduced vengeance to a single brick wall in The Cask of Amontillado, Charles Portis gave it frontier grit, and Francois Truffaut reframed it through European noir. By the time players confront the devastating cycle of retaliation in The Last of Us Part II, the genre has completed a brutal evolution: from righteous restoration to moral ruin.

Across centuries and mediums, revenge stories endure because they ask a question audiences never stop debating: when justice becomes personal, who survives?

John Wick (2014)

Directed by Chad Stahelski

John Wicks relentless pursuit of vengeance unfolds with brutal precision. Credit: Lionsgate

Few modern revenge stories are as clean in premise or as explosive in execution as the John Wick franchise. A retired assassin is pulled back into a brutal underworld after a personal loss that feels both small and devastating. What follows is vengeance rendered as ritualcoded rules, hushed hotels, and violence choreographed with surgical precision. The film revitalized action cinema by stripping revenge down to momentum and myth. Wick is less a man than a force, and in pursuing justice on his own terms, he reminds audiences why the revenge story remains such a potent, primal storytelling format.

Gladiator (2000)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Russell Crowe as Maximus in Gladiator (2000), a fallen general turned slave who seeks vengeance against a corrupt emperor. Credit: DreamWorks Pictures / Universal Pictures

Gladiator transforms revenge into epic tragedy. Betrayed general Maximus loses his family, his rank, and his homeland in a single stroke of imperial ambition. What follows is not chaos, but purpose. His vengeance unfolds in arenas and battlefields, framed by honor. Ridley Scott stages the violence with operatic weight, but the emotional core remains simple: a soldier seeking justice in a world ruled by corruption. Maximus does not crave spectacle, but instead, seeks restoration. In doing so, Gladiator revived the sword-and-sandal genre while giving it a modern twist on revenge.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

The Bride delivers swift justice in Quentin Tarantinos Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003). Photo Credit: Courtesy of Miramax Films

In Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Uma Thurmans Bride awakens from betrayal with a list of names and a singular purpose. Tarantino turns vengeance into cinema itself: samurai duels, animated interludes, blood-splashed silhouettes. Yet beneath the stylization lies a simple storybetrayal answered with precision. Each confrontation feels ritualistic, almost mythic, as if the Bride is carving her way through a modern epic. Revenge here is art, spectacle, and catharsis fused together, proving that even the most operatic fury can still tap into something ancient and universal.

Gone Girl (2012)

Gillian Flynn

Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl (2014), a modern architect of psychological revenge. Credit: 20th Century Fox

Gillian Flynn transforms marital resentment into psychological warfare in her 2012 novel Gone Girl. The author crafts a story in which vengeance is not delivered by bullets or blades, but through manipulation and control. Amy Dunnes plan is meticulous, theatrical, and chillingly intimate. Flynn reshaped the modern revenge thriller by turning the arena inward, proving that the most devastating payback does not arrive with explosions, but with calculation. Sometimes, revenge is not a gunshot or a scream. It is a quiet smile from someone we thought we loved, delivered at the precise moment we understand we never truly knew them at all.

Oldboy (2003)

Directed by Park Chan-wook

Choi Min-sik delivers one of cinemas most haunting revenge performances in Oldboy (2003). Photo Credit: Courtesy of Show East / Egg Films

If most revenge stories promise catharsis, Oldboy delivers something far more unsettling. Park Chan-wooks thriller begins with a man imprisoned for years without explanation, then released with a single directive: discover why. What follows is vengeance stripped of glamour and drenched in consequence. The violence is raw, but the true horror lies in revelation. Each step toward justice tightens the trap until revenge itself becomes the punishment. Oldboy refuses comfort, exposing vengeance not as restoration, but as a corrosive force that consumes avenger and target alike.

The Count of Monte Cristo (18441846)

Alexandre Dumas

Edmond Dantes endures wrongful imprisonment before orchestrating his calculated revenge in The Count of Monte Cristo. Credit: Courtesy of Pathe Distribution.

If revenge has a cathedral, it is The Count of Monte Cristo. Alexandre Dumas sweeping novel turns betrayal into long-form architecture. Edmond Dantes is wrongfully imprisoned, then reborn with wealth, knowledge, and a singular purpose. His vengeance is not impulsiveit is patient, strategic, almost surgical. Each move is designed to dismantle the lives of those who destroyed his own. Yet beneath the elaborate plotting lingers a quieter question: once justice is satisfied, what is left behind? Dumas laid the foundation for modern revenge fiction, and nearly two centuries later, the novel still lands with undiminished force.

Hamlet (c. 16001601)

William Shakespeare

Hamlet confronts his fathers ghost, setting Shakespeares tragic revenge in motion. Credit: Public Domain

In Hamlet, revenge becomes paralysis. Shakespeare takes a familiar premisea murdered father, a usurping kingand turns it inward. Prince Hamlet is tasked with avenging a crime, yet he hesitates, questions, and spirals. The delay becomes the drama. Revenge here is not swift justice but psychological corrosion, infecting court and conscience alike. By the time action arrives, the cost is catastrophic. Shakespeare transforms vengeance from heroic obligation into existential crisis, proving that the most devastating battles are often fought within the mind before they are ever waged with a blade.

The Odyssey (c. 8th century BCE)

Homer

An ancient Roman mosaic depicts Odysseus navigating peril on his long journey home in The Odyssey. Credit: Public Domain

Long before revenge thrillers and action franchises, The Odyssey set the template. After years of war and wandering, Odysseus returns home to find his kingdom overrun and his household desecrated. The slaughter of the suitors is swift and absolute, framed not as cruelty but restoration. In Homers epic, vengeance restores order, reclaims honor, and reasserts rightful rule. Yet the violence is intimate and personal, unfolding inside Odysseus own hall. With this homecoming, Western storytelling established a pattern that would echo for millennia: betrayal answered, balance restoredat a cost paid in blood.

The Cask of Amontillado (1846)

Edgar Allan Poe

Montresor lures Fortunato deep into the catacombs in this classic illustration from Edgar Allan Poes The Cask of Amontillado. Credit: Public domain illustration

Edgar Allan Poe compresses revenge into a single chilling descent. In The Cask of Amontillado, Montresor lures Fortunato into the catacombs under the guise of wine, sealing him behind brick and mortar with cold precision. There are no sword fights, no grand speechesonly quiet calculation. Poe strips vengeance to its most intimate form: premeditated, patient, and disturbingly calm. The horror lies not in spectacle but in certainty. The narrator never doubts his cause, and that confidence makes the act more terrifying. In barely a few pages, Poe gives us one of the coldest revenge stories ever committed to paper.

True Grit

Charles Portis (1968 novel)

Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin in True Grit (2010), the Coen Brothers adaptation of Charles Portis frontier revenge novel. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

In True Grit, revenge rides on horseback and speaks in measured, unflinching prose. Charles Portis frames vengeance through the determined voice of Mattie Ross, a young girl intent on avenging her fathers murder. What makes the novel endure is not spectacle but resolve. Mattie hires Rooster Cogburn not for rage, but for results. The frontier offers no courts she trusts, so justice becomes a personal expedition into harsh territory. Portis strips revenge of glamour and leaves behind grit in the purest sense.

The Bride Wore Black (1968)

Directed by Francois Truffaut

Jeanne Moreau as Julie Kohler in Francois Truffauts revenge thriller The Bride Wore Black (1968). Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Artists

Francois Truffauts The Bride Wore Black reframes revenge as elegance. Jeanne Moreaus Julie moves through her targets with composure, eliminating each man responsible for her husbands death. There is no frenzy, only precision. Inspired in part by noir tradition, the film treats vengeance as ritual rather than eruption. Each encounter feels deliberate, almost restrained, heightening the inevitability of the outcome. Truffaut turns revenge into choreography of another kindmeasured, stylish, and unrelentingbridging classic suspense and the stylized fury that later filmmakers would amplify.

The Last of Us Part II (2020)

Developed by Naughty Dog

Ellie faces the physical and emotional cost of revenge in The Last of Us Part II (2020). Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Few revenge stories feel as personalor as punishingas The Last of Us Part II. What begins as righteous fury spirals into a cycle of violence that players must inhabit moment by moment. Naughty Dog forces the audience not just to witness vengeance, but to carry it out, blurring the line between justice and obsession. Every confrontation tightens the emotional vise, revealing the cost on both sides. By the end, revenge offers no restorationonly exhaustion. In making players complicit, the game redefines modern vengeance as something intimate, tragic, and deeply uncomfortable.
Googles Endeavor Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup







(Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup)

Googles venture arm leads $200 million funding round in European fintech startup. This headline is not simply another item on the business information ticker. It marks a significant change in just how worldwide technology giants are betting on the future of money. The bargain signals solid self-confidence in a rising European gamer that assures to reshape just how people and organizations take care of money. With deep pockets from Googles financial investment team and a sharp focus on innovation, this start-up is currently placed to scale quick and challenge established banks.

Vibrant relocations like this do not occur on a daily basis. So just what is going on? Allow us simplify plainly.

What Is Googles Endeavor Arm Leading $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Start-up? .

Googles endeavor arm refers to CapitalG, the growth equity arm of Alphabet Inc., Googles moms and dad business. Unlike early-stage angel investors, CapitalG action in when a startup shows real traction and prepares to increase. In this case, they led a $200 million financial investment right into a European fintech start-up that has actually already acquired interest for its smart, straightforward monetary tools. The start-up, though not called in every report, is said to specialize in digital banking infrastructure, cross-border settlements, and embedded finance services. This suggests it helps other firms add financial services like borrowing or repayments straight right into their own applications or web sites. The financing round brings the firms total valuation into the billions, making it one of Europes the majority of beneficial personal fintech firms. You can learn more concerning this landmark at this web link.

Why Is Googles Endeavor Arm Leading $200 Million Financing Round in European Fintech Startup? .

Big tech companies like Google are not simply chasing after revenues they are building environments. Financing is a core part of day-to-day live, and by buying fintech, Google secures a footing in how individuals spend, save, and send money. Europe is specifically appealing due to the fact that it has a fragmented financial system, rigorous guidelines that favor advancement, and an expanding cravings for digital-first economic services. Typical financial institutions in numerous European countries are sluggish to adapt, leaving room for agile startups to win clients. Google sees this gap and wishes to back a victor. Plus, fintech information can improve Googles advertising, cloud services, and AI models. It is a calculated play, not just a monetary one. For deeper understandings into Googles strategy, look into this comprehensive analysis.

Just how Does Googles Endeavor Arm Lead $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup? .

Leading a financing round implies Googles CapitalG took the primary role in arranging the investment. They determined just how much to place in, worked out terms with the startup, and brought in various other investors to sign up with the round. This usually includes big names like sovereign wide range funds, pension funds, or various other equity capital companies. The process starts with due persistance examining the start-ups tech, team, consumers, and legal configuration. If whatever looks strong, the lead investor sets the evaluation and deal structure. Then, contracts are signed, and money flows in. In return, CapitalG normally gets a board seat or viewer rights, providing influence over crucial decisions. This hands-on strategy guarantees their financial investment is secured and straightened with lasting goals. The whole process mirrors exactly how fully grown tech investing has ended up being much less wager, more calculated partnership.

Applications of Googles Venture Arm Leading $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Start-up .

The effect of this offer goes much beyond one businesss balance sheet. Initially, the start-up can currently hire leading engineers, expand into brand-new nations, and develop better security and conformity systems. Second, small companies across Europe might quickly access quicker, less expensive repayment tools or instant credit scores with the start-ups system. Third, consumers could see new functions in day-to-day applications like spending for a ride-share or breaking supper bills powered by this fintechs infrastructure. Also non-financial companies, such as shopping shops or job economic climate systems, can embed financial solutions without becoming banks themselves. This model, called embedded financing, is growing quick. And with Googles support, it can come to be traditional across the continent. Surprisingly, while technology improves financing, various other areas are hitting the brakes like New York, which recently transferred to halt brand-new data centers for 3 years, as reported below. That contrast demonstrates how in a different way federal governments watch technologys duty in vital fields.

Frequently asked questions Concerning Googles Venture Arm Leading $200 Million Financing Round in European Fintech Start-up .

Is this Googles first fintech financial investment in Europe? No. Google has backed a number of fintech companies prior to, however this is one of its largest solitary bank on a European player.

Will this startup come to be a bank? Most likely not. Most contemporary fintechs companion with qualified banks rather than seeking their very own charters. They focus on innovation and customer experience, while financial institutions take care of regulatory conformity and holding deposits.

Does this mean Google will introduce its own bank? Unlikely. Google chooses to enable others as opposed to run economic services directly. Their objective is to be the engine behind the scenes, not the brand on the front.

How does this affect routine users? In the short term, not much. However with time, you could utilize apps that really feel smoother, bill reduced fees, or offer smarter budgeting tools all powered by this start-ups technology.

Is $200 million a great deal for a fintech round? Yes, particularly in todays careful investment environment. Lots of startups battle to increase also $20 million. A $200 million round led by a name like Google sends an effective signal to rivals and consumers alike.

Could this cause even more united state tech investments in Europe? Highly likely. If this deal prospers, it will motivate other American giants like Amazon, Apple, or Microsoft to look seriously at European fintech chances. The areas mix of ability, guideline, and market need makes it ripe for interruption.







(Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup)

What threats are involved? Regulation is the largest. European monetary policies are stringent and can change quickly. Likewise, if the startup expands too quick without strong controls, it could face fraud, failures, or data breaches. That is why Googles involvement issues they bring self-control and international best practices.
New York lawmakers have introduced a bill proposing at least a three-year moratorium on permits for new data center constructionmaking it the sixth U.S. state to consider such a pause. The move reflects growing bipartisan concern over the energy and social impacts of expanding AI infrastructure.





()

More than 230 environmental groups have joined calls for a national moratorium, with Democratic and Republican legislators advancing similar proposals in multiple states. New York Senator Liz Krueger warned that the state is completely unprepared for the massive data centers now gunning for New York.

Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a grid modernization plan that would require large energy users such as data centers to pay their fair share. This unfolding battlefrom local to national levelssignals a critical tightening of policies amid the AI infrastructure boom.

Roger Luo said:This legislative push marks a turning point in balancing AI growth with sustainability. While moratoriums offer a needed pause for policy development, long-term solutions must integrate clean energy mandates and transparent cost frameworks to prevent shifting burdens onto communities.

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While Elon Musks Neuralink likes to say its pioneering brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), Chinas BCI industry is already quietly moving from research to scale.

A new wave of startups is racing to commercialize both implantable and noninvasive BCIs, backed by stronger policy support, expanding clinical trials, and growing investor interest. So says Phoenix Peng, who has founded not one but two BCI startups. Hes a co-founder of NeuroXess, maker of BCI implants, as well as founder and CEO of noninvasive ultrasound BCI startup Gestala.

More from Yahoo Scout What funding and investment activity exists in China's BCI market? What regulatory changes are expected for China's BCI industry? How do invasive and noninvasive BCI technologies differ? What factors are driving China's rapid BCI progress?

His belief in the potential of this market is founded on concrete action: Provinces such as Sichuan, Hubei, and Zhejiang have already set medical service pricing for BCI, speeding its inclusion in the national medical insurance system.

Over time, he foresees the technology extending beyond medicine treating disease to human augmentation, he said.

I have always maintained that neuroscience and AI are two sides of the same coin, Peng said. They are destined for deep integration, realizing direct high-bandwidth connections between the human brain and AI. BCI will serve as the ultimate bridge between carbon-based and silicon-based intelligence. While this may sound distant, it represents an unimaginably vast market in the future.

Four factors driving BCI in China

But over the next three to five years, BCI use is likely to stay concentrated in healthcare, with the market reaching multibillion-dollar scale as insurance coverage expands, Peng told TechCrunch.

In August 2025, Chinas industry ministry and six other agencies released a national roadmap to further speed development of BCIs. The plan targets major technical milestones by 2027, common industry standards, and a full supply chain by 2030, with the goal of building globally competitive BCI companies and supporting smaller specialized firms.

Asked whats driving Chinas rapid progress in BCI, Peng told TechCrunch it comes down to four factors. The first one is strong policy support, with cross-department collaboration that aligns technical standards and medical reimbursement. In December, at the 2025 Shenzhen BCI & Human-Computer Interaction Expo, China announced an 11.6 billion yuan ($165 million) brain science fund to support BCI companies from research through commercialization.

The second factor is vast clinical resources, including large patient pools and lower research costs that accelerate trials. Chinas national health insurance means quicker commercialization once the state approves a device. This compares to the U.S. where even after the FDA approves a device, private insurers, as the main payers, must each individually do so.
Management has effectively completed the integration of Sprint and Cogent networks, shifting focus from restructuring to organic growth and product optimization.

Performance is being driven by a deliberate rotation toward high-margin on-net products, which now represent 61% of total revenue compared to 47% in 2023.

The 64% decline in acquired Sprint wireline revenue since closing has masked the 27% growth in the legacy Cogent Classic business over the same period.

Wavelength services are emerging as a primary growth engine, with revenue increasing 74% year-over-year as the company leverages the largest North American footprint.

EBITDA margin expansion of nearly 800 basis points in 2025 was driven by extraordinary cost savings and the elimination of low-margin non-core Sprint products.
Alia Bhatt dazzles at BAFTAs in a custom Gucci gown, says daughter Raha is her biggest inspiration
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Amitabh Bachchan skips his Sunday fan meet outside Jalsa, shares reason with followers
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Anurag Kashyap slams The Kerala Story 2, calls the filmmaker greedy and the film propaganda
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Taapsee Pannu recalls embarrassing padded bra requests in South films, calls out body-focused on sets
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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.
Jai Hanuman: Rishab Shetty and Prashanth Varma perform the puja ceremony in Hampi
Interestingly, while several new actresses are actively signing multiple Telugu projects, Sreeleela has not officially announced any fresh Telugu films recently.
For now though, each new AI development is being viewed by China investors as a catalyst not only for the developers but also for the users of the new tools.
Scrolling through Instagram or YouTube, its easy to assume content creation is a low-cost side hustle: Post a few videos, land a brand deal and watch the money roll in.

But as more Americans test the waters as creators, many are discovering that earning online income comes with very real tax responsibilities.

The IRS treats most influencers, streamers and creators as self-employed. That means taxes arent automatically withheld from payments, and the rules can be more complex than a traditional W-2 job.

Being self-employed introduces complexity compared to reporting W-2 income as an employee, Richard Pianoforte, managing director of tax at Fiduciary Trust International, told USA Today (1).

Numerous deductions are available, and determining the value of products received is not always straightforward.

Must Read

When content creation becomes a business

If youre earning money from brand partnerships, sponsorships, affiliate links or ads, that's generally considered taxable income.

According to the IRS, self-employment income includes money earned from operating a trade or business as a sole proprietor or independent contractor, and must be reported on your tax return (2).

And that income isnt limited to cash. As USA Today notes, you also have to report your income from ad revenue and brand-sponsored posts. You also have to report the fair market value of free items you receive for revenue.

Barter arrangements are, too. If you exchange services for goods  say, photography for hotel stays  both sides must report the fair market value of what they received, under IRS barter rules (3).

Creators earning $600 or more from a brand or platform should receive a Form 1099-NEC. But even if you dont receive a form, youre still required to report all income.

Unlike traditional employees, self-employed workers must also pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings to cover Social Security and Medicare (4).

Taxes in the U.S. operate on a pay-as-you-go system, which generally requires quarterly estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more (5).

Legitimate deductions for content creators

The flip side of being self-employed is access to business deductions, as long as you follow IRS rules.
Helios Capital founder argues Indias competitive position remains intact as Trump raises global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court ruling
Katyal underscored that the Department of Justice had previously distanced itself from Section 122 in court filings, making it difficult for the President to now invoke the same provision to justify the new tariffs.
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French spirits giant posts 4% India sales growth, says deleveraging plan does not hinge on listing local business
Brokers to meet Fin Min officials on Monday to flag the concerns arising from RBIs proposed norms, sources
Exchange to process up to 100 million transactions per second; MD Ashishkumar Chauhan flags rising cyber risks amid scale expansion
Textile, shrimp, gem stocks gain the most after US-India trade deal

Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus.
Britain's King Charles III (right) stripped Prince Andrews of his royal title in October last year.
Rising copper prices have made several big mining companies bumper profits (RAUL BRAVO)  RAUL BRAVO/AFP/AFP

BHP, Glencore and Teck Resources -- three mining giants whose annual results have revealed significantly increased profits thanks in large part to soaring copper prices.

AFP explores the reasons behind the gains.

- Profits boost -

Australian resources group BHP saw net profit surge almost 28 percent to US$5.64 billion in the final six months of last year, the group's fiscal first half.

Alongside the recent earnings, BHP stated that it was the world's largest copper producer after raising output by about 30 percent in the past four years, including from its vast Escondida mine in Chile.

In the same week, Swiss miner Glencore announced a return to profit last year and plans to double its copper production within a decade.

Canadian miner Teck Resources, in talks over a multi-billion-dollar merger with Anglo American to forge a copper giant, noted that its profits have been driven by "significantly higher copper prices".

Resources groups that have not fared so well in 2025 -- iron ore behemoth Rio Tinto and Anglo American -- are ramping up production of copper to help offset sagging demand for steel and diamonds.

- Why copper? -

Copper demand has exploded in recent years, with the metal needed for solar panels, wind turbines and also military hardware.

The coveted metal is also used in electric vehicle batteries and data centres for artificial intelligence.

Surging demand caused the price of copper to soar 40 percent on the London Metal Exchange (LME) last year, and in January this year it reached a record high.

This was fuelled by supply disruptions at major copper mines in Chile, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Demand has been boosted additionally "by Donald Trump's decisions", said Benjamin Louvet, head of commodities management at Ofi Invest AM.

Elaborating further to AFP, he pointed to the US president's tariff threats, which saw companies build copper stocks, and heightened tensions between the United States and China, the world's dominant player in metals markets.

- Copper supply risks -

Many copper experts agree that the industrial metal could reach a supply deficit this year.

"A structural deficit appears almost inevitable," Philippe Chalmin, a commodities professor at Paris-Dauphine University, told AFP.

The poor anticipation of current needs is partly explained by the fact that "the energy transition happened quite quickly", he added.

Developing a new mine takes time.

According to a study by the International Energy Agency, an average of 16 years is required -- although the duration varies depending on the ore and location.
Last month, President Donald Trump indicated he had "formed the framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland during discussions with the head of NATO.
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Security personnel stand guard near the Red Fort amid heightened security following intel inputs about a suspected IED threat in the Chandni Chowk area, in New Delhi.
Shabbir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmiri terrorist, is currently based in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the flagging off ceremony of the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station, in Meerut
PM Modi accused the Rahul Gandhi-led party of turning a global platform into an arena for "dirty politics."
Former Congress state president Nana Patole alleged inducements and promises of positions were being used to engineer defections and destabilise opposition parties, calling Satav's switch part of a broader "Operation Lotus" strategy by the ruling alliance.
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Corn futures were up 1 to 4 cents across the front months on Friday, as March was down 4  cents this week. Spillover support from gains in wheat was helping. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 1 3/4 cent to $3.94 1/4. With just a week left in the Crop Insurance price discovery, the average December corn close has been $4.60, down a dime from the same period last year.

Export Sales data continues to show strong export sales, with old crop corn sales at 1.47 MMT in the week of 2/12. That was down from last week, but still 1.1% above the same week last year. New crop sales were at 65,700 MT in that week. Japan was the top buyer of 381,500 MT, with 270,100 MT sold to Mexico and 127,300 MT sold to Taiwan.

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Commitment of Traders data from this afternoon showed a total of 20,795 contracts trimmed from the spec fund net long position in the week of February 17. That took the net short to 27,415 contracts.

A South Korean importer purchased a total of 132,000 MT in a tender overnight.

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.27 1/2, up 1 3/4 cents,

Nearby Cash was $3.94 1/4, up 1 3/4 cents,

May 26 Corn closed at $4.39 3/4, up 3 1/2 cents,

Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.48 1/4, up 3 3/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder 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
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Vikas Gupta Dr. Vikas V. Gupta is the CEO & Chief Investment Strategist at OmniScience Capital. He holds a B.Tech (IIT Bombay), MS & Doctorate (Columbia University, New York). He has also served as a Scientist & Professor at University of California and IIT Kharagpur respectively.
Cotton futures posted a rally or 110 to 150 points across most contracts on Friday, as March closed out the week with a 92 point gain. Crude oil futures was down 4 cents per barrel on the day at $66.36. The US dollar index was down $0.170 to $97.685.

USDAs Export Sales report from this morning showed 466,253 RB of cotton sold in the week of 2/12. That was a marketing year high and the larges sale for a single week since June 2023. Vietnam was the largest buyer of 144,800 RB, with 126,400 RB to Bangladesh, and 50,000 RB to Pakistan. Shipments were 172,615 RB, a 5-week low. The largest destination was Vietnam at 51,500 RNB, with 36,700 RB sold to Turkey.

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CFTC data via Commitment of Traders report showed 3,906 contracts added to the managed money net short to 79,508 contracts.

The Seam showed sales of 27,314 bales sold on 2/19, averaging 59 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index was up 15 points on Thursday at 73.70 cents. ICE certified cotton stocks were up another 2,382 bales on February 19, with the certified stocks level at 119,457 bales. The Adjusted World Price was up 66 points on Thursday afternoon to 50.05 cents/lb.

Mar 26 Cotton closed at 63.03, up 110 points,

May 26 Cotton closed at 65.63, up 149 points,

Jul 26 Cotton closed at 67.18, up 145 points

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder 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 law aims to streamline and standardise the rollout of telecom infrastructure across public properties, a key enabler for improved connectivity and next-generation digital services.

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.
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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
Trump administration is ready to meet Iran in Geneva on Friday if Tehran submits a detailed nuclear proposal within 48 hours.
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A Virginia trucking company whose dispute before the National Labor Relations Board has been watched closely by labor law experts will be required to negotiate a contract with a union even though the rank and file did not vote for representation.

The complicated tangle of events took place at Garten Trucking, a southwest Virginia carrier whose SAFER profile with FMCSA says has 17 power units.

A decision handed down earlier this week by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld an earlier decision by an NLRB Administrative Law Judge that ordered Garten to negotiate with the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, which had sought to unionize the companys work force. Gartens primary activity was and is hauling inbound and outbound products for a nearby paper mill.

The company had 109 employees at the time of the unionization drive, which meant the union needed to either win an election with at least 55 votes or secure 55 written authorizations in favor of unionization. The latter is a process known in some labor circles as card check.

The union obtained 61 cards. But in August 2021, a representation vote found the union on the losing end of a 65-30 outcome.

Conflict before the vote leads to the NLRB action

However, it was what happened prior to the vote that ultimately led to the NLRB decision and affirmation in federal court. The agency, now backed by a federal court of appeals, is that the behavior of Garten management during the card authorization drive and up to the election violated federal laws regarding meddling with the process.

As a result, the NLRB handed down a Gissel order, which was affirmed by the appellate court. The term comes out of an NLRB action from 1969 in a case against Gissel Packing Co.

In summing up what the NLRB did, the appellate court said the federal agency had determined that the effects of Gartens coercive conduct were so pervasive that employees would be best protected by a Gissel bargaining order, requiring Garten to bargain with the union.

The appellate court summed up several of the actions taken by Garten management that it said had constituted coercive conduct.

The actions included a supervisor bringing an employee into an office to ask who among the employees was leading the push for unionization; a veiled threat by Tommy Garten, a member of the family that owns the company, that a contract with the paper mill would likely not be renewed if a union was in place; and a disciplining of two employees for allegations of improper union activity on the job.
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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)

*Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive in destinations far from home.

*The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and several countries has made overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers.

*Across continents, Spring Festival celebrations are becoming meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges.

BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- During this year's Spring Festival, many Chinese chose to celebrate abroad, discovering that distance did little to dull the holiday's joy -- vibrant dragon dances, glowing lantern displays and lavish festive feasts proved that the spirit of the Chinese New Year transcends borders.

Across the globe, Spring Festival celebrations are creating memorable experiences for both tourists and locals, not only showcasing Chinese culture through performances and traditional events, but also fostering travel and cross-cultural exchanges.

CHINESE TRADITION DISPLAYED OVERSEAS

From festive parades in Europe and holiday fairs in South America, Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive in destinations far from home.

In central Turkiye's Cappadocia region, an event celebrating the annual festival was launched on Feb. 14, bringing Chinese New Year elements to one of the country's most visited tourist destinations.

A hot air balloon themed on the Chinese Year of the Horse is inflated during a Chinese Spring Festival celebration in Cappadocia, Turkiye, Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Best known for its dramatic rock formations and cave-dotted valleys shaped by volcanic activities, Cappadocia attracts visitors from around the world each year. During this year's festivities, hot-air balloons bearing Chinese New Year greetings, including a horse-shaped balloon, became a popular attraction for tourists.

As night fell, drone formations lit up the sky with messages such as "Year of the Horse 2026" and "China-Turkiye Friendship," creating a festive atmosphere visible across the landscape.

"It's amazing!" Zhang Mengping, a tourist from China's Chengdu, told Xinhua. Seeing elements of the Chinese Spring Festival in a foreign country is familiar and heartwarming, and highlights the growing global reach of Chinese culture, she said.

Like those visiting Turkiye, Chinese tourists traveling in France during the holiday have also encountered celebrations incorporating modern technology.

In Paris, a Chinese New Year parade led by robotic performers made its way along the Champs-Elysees to the beat of festive drums, bringing traditional celebrations to the landmark avenue for the fourth time.

A humanoid robot, invented by a Chinese company and supplied by French technology firm INNOV8 Group, waves during a parade celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)

"Seeing traditional arts like the dragon and lion dance, Yingge dance, and Hanfu performances presented together overseas made me more intuitively feel the charm of Chinese civilization," said Wu Yao, a tourist from northwest China's Shaanxi Province, after watching the parade.

VISA-FREE POLICIES BOOST HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Data from China's National Immigration Administration indicate that cross-border travel is expected to rise in both directions during this year's Spring Festival holiday. Daily inbound and outbound passenger trips are projected to exceed 2.05 million, up 14.1 percent compared with the same period last year.

The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and several countries, including Russia and Brazil, has made overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers.

On Monday, also the Chinese New Year's Eve, the third "Happy Chinese New Year" event opened at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow. Despite temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius and the day falling on a workday, residents and tourists gathered at the venue in falling snow to join the celebrations.

Visitors watch a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony of celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Jianwei)

A tourist surnamed Wu from east China's Zhejiang Province said his family chose to spend the holiday in Russia this year to experience a different Spring Festival abroad. They also traveled to Murmansk, a city in the Arctic Circle, where they viewed the aurora over the Arctic Ocean.

In January, Brazil announced visa-free entry for certain short-term categories of Chinese travelers in response to China's visa-free policies for Brazilian nationals.

In contrast to Russia's winter chill, Brazil is in the midst of summer. In Sao Paulo, the country's largest city, Liberty Square has been adorned with decorations for the Chinese Spring Festival.

The annual holiday fair, now in its 21st edition, has attracted thousands of locals and visitors. Activities including calligraphy, traditional Chinese dance and acupuncture demonstrations have been highlighted as part of the celebrations.

A tourist surnamed Chen from south China's Guangdong Province, who is traveling in South America during the holiday, said she was surprised to see the broad participation in overseas Spring Festival celebrations.

"With dragon and lion dances and people practicing Tai Chi, the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Brazil is truly rich," said Chen. This year, the Spring Festival coincides with Brazil's carnival season. "This kind of 'double festivity' that spans half the globe is truly unforgettable," she said.

CELEBRATIONS FOSTER CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Across continents, Spring Festival celebrations are becoming meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges, bringing Chinese traditions into dialogue with local customs and creating shared festive experiences across borders.

People attend an event to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

On Tanzania's Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean known as the "Spice Island," Spring Festival festivities took on a unique local flavor. On Chinese New Year's Eve, Wang Wenming, a Chinese tourist born in the 1990s, and his fiancee spent the festival at a seaside restaurant on the northern part of the island.

As the waves lapped against nearby rocks, a restaurant staff member, learning that the couple was celebrating the Chinese New Year, played the Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower). The melody echoed across the terrace, drawing smiles and toasts from diners of different nationalities.

Wang said he was delighted to see locals becoming more familiar with Chinese traditional festivals.

"Through these exchanges, I introduced some Chinese cultural customs to local people, and the sense of fulfillment from this kind of interaction goes beyond simple tourism," he said.

Efforts to showcase the cultural aspect of the Spring Festival extend to Indonesia, where the Confucius Institute at the University of Al-Azhar Indonesia organized celebrations under the guidance of its Chinese director, Wang Daxin.

People walk past an installation celebrating the Chinese New Year in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo by Alberth Damanik/Xinhua)

During the holiday, events combined park-style activities with stage performances. Visitors could watch lion dances, martial arts and traditional performances, while also participating in interactive experiences such as practicing calligraphy, crafting paper cuttings, learning tea ceremonies and making dumplings.

"We aim to help more Indonesians understand where the customs come from and what they mean, through guided explanations, demonstrations and hands-on activities," Wang said.

Chen Jinxin, a tourist from south China's Guangxi Province, attended a face-changing performance of Sichuan opera at the institute and was deeply moved.

"Seeing Chinese traditional arts appreciated overseas makes me truly proud," he said. "It shows that different cultures can connect, and that understanding and respect are possible across borders."


Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, with a net worth of nearly $845 billion as of mid-February.

With the amount of money that Elon Musk has, he could clearly purchase anything that he wants. With real estate prices higher than ever, GOBankingRates decided to run calculations to see how many homes one could buy with Elon Musks daily income.

Also see how many Americans could retire comfortably with Musks net worth.

How Many Average Homes Could He Buy?

According to December calculations from GOBankingRates, Musks daily income is about $698 million (though this is an estimate and could fluctuate with Musks net worth). The average home value is $357,445, per Zillow data. Therefore, Musks daily income could buy about 1,952 average American homes.

While Musks daily income will change drastically with his net worth going up recently, its evident that what he earns in one day is enough to purchase a shocking number of average American homes.

Read More: Elon Musk Predicts Universal High Income Will Pay For Everything  How Much Would You Get?

Find Out: 6 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money

How Many Luxury Homes Could You Buy?

While its evident that Elon Musk could afford many regular homes, what could he do when it comes to luxury homes? According to recent data released by Realtor.com, the national benchmark for luxury homes fell to $1.2 million in December, down 0.6% from last year. With a daily salary of $698 million, Musk could purchase about 581 luxury homes every single day.

Redfin recently released a list of the most expensive home sales of 2025, and a beachfront compound in Naples, Florida, sold for $133 million. With $698 million, Musk could purchase five homes like this.

In 2025, Kiplinger shared a list of the most expensive American housing markets, and Manhattan, New York, topped the list with an average home price of $3,025,267. With $698 million, Musk could purchase 230 homes in the Big Apple every single day. Even though the city has a 404.6% premium to the average U.S housing market, he could still buy hundreds of homes with his daily income alone.

Where Does Musk Live?

Despite knowing that Musk could purchase hundreds of luxury homes with his daily income alone, its worth pointing out that he isnt known for his vast real estate portfolio. In early 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk had sold his seven homes for around $130 million after he had previously claimed on social media that he would no longer own a home because he wanted freedom.

However, an Architectural Digest story noted that Musk moved into a 6,900-square-foot mansion in West Lake Hills, Texas, in 2022. This property was worth about $6 million, per The New York Times.
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The European Parliaments trade chief will propose freezing the ratification process of the European Unions trade deal with the US until theyve received details from President Donald Trumps administration on its trade policy.

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Bernd Lange, chairman of the parliaments trade committee, said hell propose suspending legislative work on approving the so-called Turnberry Agreement at an emergency meeting on Monday until we have a comprehensive legal assessment and clear commitments from the US.

Pure customs chaos on the part of the US government, Lange wrote on social media Sunday. Nobody can make sense of it anymore  only unanswered questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other US trading partners.

The about-face in parliament comes after the US Supreme Court on Friday struck down Trumps use of an emergency-powers law to impose his so-called reciprocal tariffs around the world. The parliamentary committee froze the approval process once before, after Trump threatened to annex Greenland.

The deal struck last summer between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would impose a 15% tariff rate on most EU exports to the US while removing tariffs on American goods heading into the bloc. The US would also continue to impose a 50% tariff on European steel and aluminum imports.

The bloc agreed to the lopsided deal in the hopes of avoiding a full-blown trade war with Washington and retaining US security backing, particularly with regards to Ukraine. Parliament had been aiming to ratify the agreement in March.

After Fridays Supreme Court ruling, Trump said he would institute a 10% global tariff to maintain protective trade measures on the rest of the world. On Saturday, he said he would push that rate to 15%, stirring up more economic turbulence and uncertainty about US policy.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said theyre analyzing if the EU-US trade deal is still valid.

One may be permitted to doubt that, Barrot said during an interview with France Inter on Sunday. And we will take the necessary measures in response.

Trumps new tariffs will be based on Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose tariffs for 150 days without congressional approval.

In a statement on Sunday, the commission said it needs full clarity on what steps the US now intends to take.
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LONDON (Reuters)  While the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling on Friday against President Donald Trumps use of tariffs marks a clear setback for his use of trade levies as an economic weapon, analysts say it offers little immediate relief for the global economy.

Instead, they expect another bout of activity-crimping confusion combined with near-certainty that Trump will seek other means to replace the raft of global tariffs now struck down as unlawful.

In the meantime, a long list of uncertainties remains  including what new tariffs Trump will seek to impose, whether the funds from the annulled levies will have to be refunded, and whether territories that entered deals with the U.S. to mitigate their impact will see those pacts reopened for review.

Responding to the ruling, Trump announced new global tariffs of 10% for an initial 150-day period and acknowledged it was not clear if or when there would be any refunds.

In general, I think it will just bring in a new period of high uncertainty in world trade, as everybody tries to figure out what the U.S. tariff policy will be going forward, said Varg Folkman, analyst at the European Policy Centre think tank.

In the end its going to look pretty much the same.

Economists at ING bank agreed: The scaffolding has come down, but the building remains under construction. No matter how todays ruling reads, tariffs are here to stay.

Fridays ruling concerns only the tariffs launched by Trump on the basis of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, intended for national emergencies. So far, they are estimated to have brought in over $175 billion in funds.

By itself, the ruling chops the trade-weighted average U.S. tariff almost in half from 15.4% to 8.3%, trade policy monitor Global Trade Alert estimated.

For those countries on higher U.S. tariff levels, the change is more dramatic. For China, Brazil and India, it will mean double-digit percentage point cuts, albeit to still-high levels.

Yet no one expects this to remain the status quo: the Trump administration has served notice long before the ruling that it can and will use other legal vehicles to reimpose tariffs.

At the same time, the couple of dozen countries which entered bilateral deals with the U.S. to set tariffs and in some cases invest in the United States  will now assess whether the Supreme Court ruling gives them leverage to renegotiate.

The lawmakers who must ratify the European Unions pact with the United States will do that as soon as Monday, said Bernd Lange, chair of the trade committee of the European Parliament.

The era of unlimited, arbitrary tariffs  might now be coming to an end, Lange said on X. We must now carefully evaluate the ruling and its consequences.

Britain meanwhile expects its privileged trading position with the United States to continue, the government said on Friday of the baseline 10% tariff it agreed with Washington.

Indeed, many countries were learning to live with Trumps tariffs, the bulk of which were being shouldered by Americans, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York report released this month.

In the most recent update of its regular World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund forecast global growth at a resilient 3.3% in 2026.

China even reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, led by booming exports to non-U.S. markets as its producers adapted to the Trump onslaught.

Thus, some countries may choose to stick with their existing bilateral deals with the U.S. rather than inviting the kind of uncertainty we saw in the spring in 2025, EPCs Folkman said of the chaos caused by Trumps so-called reciprocal tariffs.

Conversely, Niclas Poitiers, research fellow at the economic think tank Bruegel, noted there were a lot of political question marks over the EU-U.S. trade deal, in which Europe was seen to have backed down and got the short end of the stick.

There could be circumstances in which the deal unravels, he noted.
By BC Cook

For Variety

A WOMAN woke up and started cooking breakfast for herself while the children played in another room. Her partner woke up and yelled at the woman for not cooking enough for the whole family and ordered her to make more. The argument continued until her temper got the best of her. She pulled the skillet off the stove and began beating the man, hitting him several times. He tried to block the blows with his arms, which only resulted in serious injuries on his hands and forearms. He suffered severe burns from the scalding skillet as well as cuts and bruises and had to be rushed to the hospital.

You may remember this true story from Saipan. The sad truth is that violence in the household is common among many cultures. It is a worldwide problem.

In Egypt, 28% of women who visit a trauma center have been beaten by their partner. In Bangkok, Thailand half of all women are beaten regularly. In Peru, 70% of all crimes reported to police involve domestic violence. In one year in Russia, almost 15,000 women were murdered by their husbands and another 56,000 were badly injured. It is ironic that we fear the stranger on the street when we have more to fear from the spouse in our bed.

While both men and women attack and are attacked, the numbers show that men are more likely to beat their partners. About 80% of domestic violence cases involve men beating women and about 20% are women attacking men. Men often use their fists while women tend to use a weapon, such as in the skillet case above. Experts agree the cases involving women attacking men is much higher but many men are reluctant to report being beaten, fearing social consequences.

Is domestic violence a personal problem or a social problem? It is both. Individuals cannot control their anger and lash out against whoever is around them, and usually that is family. But culture plays a large role in teaching that violence is acceptable. A recent study in South Africa revealed that most men claimed they did not beat their wives but most admitted to hitting them with their fists. They did not consider punching to be beating.

Another cultural signal comes from within the family. Children who grow up in abusive households often become abusers themselves. When a boy watches his father beat his mother, he learns that is the way a man handles his relations. Violence breeds violence.

Keep that in mind when dating. Ladies, get to know your boyfriends parents. Does his father beat his mother? Then you may be next. This leads us to two important questions: What are some warning signs to look for? What are some common misconceptions about domestic violence? Lets take these up next time.

Dr. BC Cook taught history for 30 years and is a director and Pacific historian at Sealark Exploration (sealarkexploration.org). He currently lives in Hawaii.
Gisela McDaniel

MANGILAO (UOG)  The University of Guams Isla Center for the Arts is hosting New York-based visual artist Gisela McDaniel as a visiting artist-in-residence until March 15.

McDaniel is working on Kinship Routes: Painting the Living Archive, a project that consists of several large-scale paintings that will integrate the oral histories and multigenerational narratives collected from CHamoru women. McDaniels art will be displayed at the Isla Center for the Arts during UOGs Charter Day on March 5.

McDaniel will host discussion groups with UOG students and a community collaboration. She will also hold an artist lecture on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in the UOG CLASS Lecture Hall.

Additionally, McDaniel has open studio hours at the UOG Tan Lem Pek Kim English and Communication Building, Room EC202 every Tuesday this month from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can stop by to meet her and discuss her art.

McDaniel is a diasporic indigenous CHamoru artist who is known for combining oil painting, assemblage, audio storytelling, and motion-sensor technology to create an immersive experience for viewers. Her work has been featured in exhibits across the U.S., Germany, London, and Seoul. Last year, she was named one of Artmags 30 Under 30: The Most Influential Artists Under 30.

We are very excited to welcome Gisela McDaniel as our first artist-in-residence at the University of Guam, said Dr. Velma Yamashita, coordinator of the Isla Center of the Arts and professor of art at UOG. Since her arrival, she has been creating works and giving presentations in a range of Fine Arts classes, sharing her experiences as a full-time professional artist and offering meaningful insight to our students.

The artist-in-residence is funded by a grant from the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency with additional support from Matson and Triple J.

For more information about the residency or related events, contact Dr. Velma Yamashita at [email protected]/.
FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) investors may be beginning to lose hope -- and I can't say I blame them.

Shares of the agricultural chemicals company got cut nearly in half after reporting Q3 earnings in late October. The company reported a 49% drop in sales as it prepared to exit the Indian market, a $4.52-per-share loss -- and fired its president.

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Three months later, the company had a chance to redeem itself when it reported Q4 earnings earlier this month. Instead, management missed again on revenue and warned investors of further declines in revenue and profits.

At this point, you might be wondering whether FMC stock is a falling knife, endlessly tumbling end over end and dangerous for an investor to try to grasp (i.e., buy)? But here's the thing: It isn't.

In fact, ever since the catastrophe that was Q3, FMC stock has been more or less treading water, trading in a range of $13 to $17 a share. The stock today costs about $14.50 -- or just about what it cost three months ago when the fertilizer first hit the fan.

And now there's even a reason to consider buying FMC stock.

Image source: Getty Images.

FMC Q4 earnings

Don't get me wrong. FMC is still kind of a basket case. Full-year revenue declined 18% in 2025, down 8% not even counting the India debacle. The company lost $17.88 per diluted share last year -- on a stock that's only worth $14.48!

Still, FMC's core business remains "helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population." Food isn't going out of style, and neither are the farmers who grow it. There's still plenty of demand for FMC's agricultural chemicals. There may even be some demand for FMC itself.

After reporting results this month, FMC said it would "explore strategic options ... to maximize shareholder value." Such options may include selling the company to an acquirer at a premium. (Although "there can be no assurance that the process will result in any transaction.")

Failing a sale of the company, FMC is taking steps to strengthen its business if it continues sailing solo. First and foremost, the FMC will take steps to bolster a balance sheet that currently carries $3.5 billion more debt than cash. The company plans to raise $1 billion "through asset sales and licensing agreements," then use that cash to pay down debt. (One of the assets sold will be FMC's India business.)
By Jolene Toves

For Variety

HAGATNA (The Guam Daily Post)  The University of Guams Board of Regents moved to expand their degree offerings on Friday, approving Resolution 26-06, which establishes the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree program that strengthens the pipeline of homegrown skilled professionals.

According to the university, the program was developed by the School of Engineering in response to local and regional needs. The resolution states that that the School of Engineering or SENG identified the critical need for professionally trained construction managers, noting unprecedented growth due to federal investments for the military buildup and infrastructure development on the island.

The resolution asserts that the absence of a construction management program has historically forced employers to rely on costly strategies to include hiring off-island professionals or untrained professionals to fill the gap, increasing project costs and limiting local workforce development.

The new BS in Construction Management establishes a local pipeline of qualified graduates equipped with technical, administrative and communication skills essential for managing complex construction projects.

According to officials, the program has the backing of local construction industry leaders, including Pacific Rim Construction Inc. and the SENG Advisory Council, which affirmed the programs importance as a cornerstone for Guams long-term resilience and economic development.

There has been guidance and recommendations from an advisory council which is comprised of individuals within the industry, the UOG Student Affairs, Alumni Relations and Honorary Degree committee said.

They anticipate hiring one faculty member and as soon as the program is launched and approved the school will apply for accreditation.

University officials said they were assured by the committee that the program is sustainable based on student interest and industry needs. Officials also acknowledged that the new degree offering has broader implications for the region, noting that the Marianas and the Western Pacific will benefit from the program.

Regents unanimously voted in favor of the degree on Feb. 19 after a brief discussion acknowledged the growing trend in offering Construction Management degree programs versus certifications.
Escorted by an ICE officer, Maverick Espinosa exits the Saipan Immigration Court in a wheelchair after a removal hearing on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2026. Photo by Bryan Manabat

By Bryan Manabat

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

ONE of the three suspects in a criminal trespass and vandalism case has been cited for immigration violations.

Maverick Espinosa, 44, appeared in a wheelchair Thursday under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at a removal proceeding in Saipan Immigration Court.

Honolulu Immigration Judge Clarence Wagner appeared via teleconference and informed Espinosa that the notice to appear charges him with being removable from U.S. jurisdiction. The judge said Espinosas conditional permanent resident card expired on Dec. 12, 2020, and was never extended.

Because of that, you are removable, Judge Wagner told Espinosa, who did not have an attorney.

The court set another hearing for Espinosa for March 4.

Espinosa, along with Shabo Sablan and Marco Biadang, was arrested after the Department of Public Safety responded to a theft-in-progress report at the former Kanoa Resort in Susupe on Jan. 28 about 11:37 a.m. All three were charged with criminal trespass and vandalism.

According to DPS, officers arrived at the scene around 11:46 a.m. and were informed by facility security that the suspects had fled on foot. Officers conducted a foot search and found one suspect screaming in pain after injuring his leg when he jumped from the second floor of the building. An officer provided medical aid until medics arrived.

A preliminary investigation found that a security guard discovered the suspects attempting to remove copper wiring from a panel box that had been forcibly opened. All three fled when confronted.

The injured suspect was transported to the CHCC Emergency Room for treatment. The two other suspects were later located and arrested.

Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
Earl Borja

By Bryan Manabat

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

FORMER Police Officer Earl Borja was arrested Friday afternoon on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and misconduct in public office, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Borjas bail was set at $20,000, DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato said Sunday.

Additional information will be provided as soon as we get it from the AGs Investigation Division on Monday, Sato said.

Borja, who resigned from DPS in January, is one of two officers accused of assaulting a 28-year-old man with a disability in Marpi on Dec. 19, 2025.

The other officer, identified as Elijah Villar, was placed on administrative duty. DPS did not release further information regarding Villars case.

The alleged assault was reported Dec. 22 by the victims father. The victim, who had visible injuries, was taken to the hospital by family members after the incident.

In a recent media statement, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas said the criminal investigation into the alleged assault is nearly complete.

Every officer has to treat each person with respect and dignity, he said. They cannot go out there and be rogue officers. This kind of behavior is uncalled for, and I do not tolerate it.

Macaranas said Internal Affairs conducted an administrative review while the Attorney Generals Office handled the criminal probe. He emphasized that officers are expected to treat all members of the public with professionalism and respect.
Epiphanio Cabrera

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

ACTING Gov. Dennis James Mendiola on Thursday said he has terminated Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse Administrator Epiphanio Cabrera.

In a letter to Cabrera, Mendiola said, In the interest of the Commonwealth, I have decided to terminate your time as the administrator of OGM-SC.

Mendiola cited 1CMC Subsection 2901(f), which states, unless otherwise provided by law, any person appointed to any board, agency, commission or position by the governor shall serve at the pleasure of the governor and may be removed by the governor with or without cause.

Mendiola asked Cabrera to return the keys, key cards, phone, computer equipment, work documents and records, and any other government property to the special assistant for administration.

Thank you for your time serving my administration. I wish you good luck in your future endeavors, Mendiola told Cabrera.

Cabrera, whose $100,000 annual salary is federally funded, has served as OGM chief since the Torres administration.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, the acting governor stated: A $100,000 salary is not a license for endless travel or misrepresentation of OGM.

In 2025, as Senate president, I pushed for an oversight. Today, as lieutenant governor, I have come into this office only to discover that some critical reporting requirements are delinquent, placing the CNMI government at serious risk with our federal partners. That is unacceptable, Mendiola said.

Some members of the cabinet appear to be taking advantage of Governor Apatangs kindness. I have seen a flood of travel requests, vehicle purchase requests, and personnel actions; all at a time when our people are struggling to make ends meet. Our people deserve better, Mendiola said.

Variety was unable to obtain a comment from Cabrera, who was on Tinian Friday. However, Capital Hill sources said he had been calling Gov. David M. Apatang, who was in Washington, D.C., for official meetings, including the 902 consultations.

Immediately after the termination, the acting governor issued a memorandum appointing grants specialist/writer Bruce Camacho as acting OGM-SC administrator until further notice. He also asked all department heads to extend full cooperation to Camacho as he assumes the additional responsibility and continues the work of OGM in support of the administrations priorities.

Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump will travel to China from March 31 to April 2 for a highly anticipated meeting between the leaders of the worlds two biggest economies, a trip announced as the Supreme Court overturned Trumps sweeping tariffs on imported goods.

A White House official confirmed the trip on Friday, just before the highest U.S. court dealt Trump a stinging defeat by striking down many of the tariffs he has used in a global trade war, including some against rival China.

Trumps talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on an extended visit to Beijing had been expected to revolve around extending a trade truce that kept both countries from further hiking tariffs.

But the Supreme Courts reversal created new questions for tense U.S.-China relations that had recently stabilized after Trump trimmed tariffs on Chinese goods, in exchange for measures from Beijing, including cracking down on the illicit fentanyl trade and pausing export restrictions on critical minerals.

Twenty-percent tariffs on Chinas U.S.-bound exports were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or IEEPA, which the court ruled Trump had overstepped. Those tariffs were tied to national emergencies related to fentanyl distribution and trade imbalances.

Other duties on Chinese goods, including those implemented under legislated trade authorities known as Section 301 and Section 232, remain in place.

It was not immediately clear how many of the tariffs Trump would restore, but he told a press conference that he would impose a new 10% global tariff for 150 days.

Trumps last trip to China, in 2017, was the most recent by a U.S. president.

Thats going to be a wild one, Trump told foreign leaders visiting Washington on Thursday about the upcoming China visit. We have to put on the biggest display youve ever had in the history of China.

The Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on the dates of the trip, which were first reported by Reuters. Beijing has not confirmed the trip.

The Trump administration has said the global tariffs were necessary because of national emergencies related to trade imbalances that have weakened U.S. manufacturing.

Money has been flooding into biotech and drug makers. But how would you pick a winner?

Trump had already been playing defense in the trade war, given the effectiveness of Beijings threat to cut off rare earths, said Scott Kennedy, a China economics expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. The tariff defeat likely cements his weakness in their eyes, he said.

Chinese officials like the direction of travel of the bilateral relationship in which the U.S. is diminished and they want to keep things from re-escalating, Kennedy said.

Trumps visit will be the leaders first in-person talks since an October meeting in South Korea, where they agreed on the trade truce.

While the October meeting largely sidestepped the sensitive issue of Taiwan, Xi raised U.S. arms sales to the island when the two leaders spoke this month.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a position Taipei rejects. The U.S., bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, has formal diplomatic ties with China, but it maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and is the islands most important arms supplier.

Washington announced its largest-ever arms sale approval with Taiwan in December, including $11.1 billion in weapons that could ostensibly be used to defend against a Chinese attack. Taiwan expects more such sales.

Xi also said during the February call that he would consider further increasing soybean purchases, according to Trump. Struggling U.S. farmers are a major political constituency for Trump, and China is the top soybean consumer. Analysts said on Friday that China may be less likely to follow through on another big purchase of U.S. soybeans after the Supreme Court ruling.

Although Trump has justified hawkish policy steps from Canada to Greenland and Venezuela as necessary to thwart China, he has eased policy toward Beijing in the past several months in areas from tariffs to advanced computer chips and drones.

The global trade war Trump initiated after he began his second term as president in January 2025 has alienated other trading partners, including allies.

Critics had argued that imposing steep tariffs on countries across the board actually insulated Beijing from the tariff barrage and reduced incentives to move supply chains out of China.

Fridays ruling could indirectly increase pressure on Beijing if the effective tariff rates on other countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, fall more than those on China, said Martin Chorzempa, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute of International Economics.

Unlike with many other countries, there is a well-established, much more legally durable mechanism for most of the tariffs on China that make them less affected than those on other countries, Chorzempa said.
A new world order or a grand illusion? Trumps Board of Peace convenes amid Gazas ruins and global skepticism

The newly formed "Board of Peace," chaired by President Donald Trump, held its first meeting to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, directly linking international aid to the territory's demilitarization and the creation of a new civilian police force.

The plan aligns with an Arab League proposal for the Palestinian Authority to replace Hamas in governing Gaza, but faces a major hurdle as Hamas refuses to disarm without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The initiative faces significant international skepticism, with key U.S. allies like the U.K., France and Germany refusing to participate, partly due to concerns the board aims to compete with the United Nations.

A critical flaw noted by observers is the lack of direct Palestinian representation on the board itself, which includes Israel but no Palestinian leadership, leading to accusations of it being a "colonialist operation."

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the board to advance Gaza's demilitarization, he reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state and warned that Israel would act alone if Hamas rejects or undermines the plan.

In a high-stakes gamble on the world stage, U.S. President Donald Trump's newly minted "Board of Peace" convened for its inaugural meeting Thursday, Feb. 19, in Washington, D.C. The gathering represents the first major test of a controversial foreign policy venture aimed at cementing a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. With key U.S. allies absent and the shadow of an unfinished war looming, the board's launch raises profound questions about the future of Middle East peace.

The immediate task: Rebuilding a shattered Gaza

The immediate focus is the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza. Trump announced the board would oversee reconstruction, directly linking international aid to the territory's demilitarization. "We don't want to fund anything having to do with the bloodshed, hatred or terror," Trump said at the meeting. He elaborated, "Gaza's reconstruction requires it to be demilitarized and a new, honest civilian police force must be allowed to create safe conditions." The plan includes shifting aid distribution to the UN and the Red Crescent.

A plan with preconditions and pitfalls

This vision aligns with a broader plan endorsed by the Arab League, which would see the Palestinian Authority assume governance of Gaza from Hamas. While Hamas has vowed to give up political control, it rejects disarmament until the formation of a Palestinian statea major hurdle for future stability. Trump has stressed, "No one will be forced to leave Gaza."

The list of absentees from the meeting was telling. Major European powers such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany declined to participate, as did Canada and the Vatican. These snubs underscore international unease over Trump's expanded vision for the board, which he has suggested could evolve to resolve conflicts worldwide, raising alarms that it is intended as a direct competitor to the United Nations.

The Palestinian voice: Absent and anguished

A critical flaw highlighted by observers is the lack of meaningful Palestinian representation in the board's core governance. While a separate, technocratic Palestinian body is intended to handle Gaza's administration, the high-level Board of Peace includes Israel but no Palestinian leadership. This omission has drawn sharp condemnation, with one senior Catholic leader in Jerusalem labeling it a "colonialist operation."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally announced Israel's membership in the board. Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to an independent Palestinian state, yet his participation suggests he sees the board as a mechanism to enforce Gaza's demilitarization under a security framework he can influence. Netanyahu's warning was clear: "If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it and then do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself."

A ceasefire on a knife's edge

All discussions unfold against a backdrop of extreme fragility. While the ceasefire has largely held, it has been marred by periodic Israeli airstrikes and accusations of violations. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic. The board's success is entirely contingent upon this shaky calm enduring.

"A ceasefire is a temporary halt in fighting," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "It is an attempt to establish peace, but it can be fragile and quickly broken. It describes a failed 'forever' ceasefire that was violated within a short time."

The inaugural meeting of Trump's Board of Peace marks a bold attempt to address an intractable conflict. Its pragmatic focus on Gaza's reconstruction is a necessary response to an urgent human tragedy. Yet, the initiative is hamstrung by the skepticism of crucial allies and its failure to centrally incorporate the people it purports to help. The board now stands at a crossroads: it can either narrow its focus to the gritty work of implementing a viable peace in Gaza, or it can chase the nebulous dream of supplanting the global order. The former offers a sliver of hope; the latter risks rendering the entire endeavor a geopolitical sideshow.

Watch as Health Ranger Mike Adams discusses Trumps Peace Plan Meets Netanyahus War Reality.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

NewsNationNow.com

NBCNews.com

Reuters.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Energy is vital to the modern world, with oil and natural gas expected to play a big role for decades to come. However, the shift toward cleaner energy sources is a long-term headwind that investors have to carefully consider when investing in the energy sector. The U.S. government's softening stance on greenhouse gases is a broad positive, but investors should still stick with industry giants like ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX). Here's why.

A little bit of everything

Exxon and Chevron are both globally diversified integrated energy companies. That means they have operations across the entire energy value chain, including producing oil and natural gas, transporting those fuels, and processing them into chemicals and refined products, such as gasoline. You probably know Exxon and Chevron from the gas stations you see, but they are much bigger entities than that.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

The diversification in Exxon and Chevron's businesses helps to soften the peaks and valleys inherent in the volatile energy sector. An additional benefit these two energy giants offer is their financial strength, as they have the lowest debt-to-equity ratios in their peer group.

During industry downturns, Exxon and Chevron take on debt to support their businesses and dividends. Notably, each company has increased its dividend annually for over three decades. When energy prices recover, as they always have historically, leverage is reduced.

Good for now, but for how long?

The U.S. government's easing of greenhouse gas restrictions is good for the entire energy sector, so Exxon and Chevron will benefit. That said, they may not benefit as much as more focused businesses.

For example, a refiner that makes gasoline could see higher demand for a longer period of time if internal combustion engine vehicles aren't forced out of the market by strict regulations on emissions.

But regulations change, and a future administration could reinstate the regulations that are currently being eased. This is why most investors will be better off owning proven industry leaders with widely diversified businesses. Exxon and Chevron will benefit from a friendly regulatory environment, and they are likely to be best prepared to deal with increased regulations if, or perhaps when, they come along.

Given the inherent volatility of the energy sector, all good news needs to be taken with a grain of salt. It is still highly advisable to invest conservatively with reliable dividend payers like Exxon and Chevron. And as a bonus, you'll be able to collect Exxon's well-above-market 2.8% yield or Chevron's 3.9% yield while you ride out the industry's regulatory swings.
EPA blunder exposes government overreach and regulatory failure

Federal agencies like the EPA bypass Congress, create their own regulations and enforce them without due process, eroding constitutional protections like the presumption of innocence.

The Maryland sewage leak mirrors past disasters (e.g., Flint water crisis), exposing a pattern of bureaucratic negligence, evasion of responsibility and refusal to engage in oversight.

The EPA ignored a critical legislative hearing, demonstrating its culture of unaccountability while expanding power beyond constitutional limitsunelected bureaucrats act as lawmakers without congressional approval.

Individuals and businesses bear the burden of proving innocence in regulatory disputes, facing punitive measures (e.g., forced destruction of compliant products) with no recourse.

Dismantle the administrative state by requiring Congress to approve all regulations, ending agency rulemaking and holding bureaucracies accountable for failures that harm the public.

The recent sewage leak crisis in Maryland has once again exposed the staggering incompetence and bureaucratic overreach of federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Far from being an isolated incident, this disaster highlights a systemic pattern of government agencies writing their own rules, bypassing Congress and enforcing regulations in ways that undermine fundamental legal principlessuch as the presumption of innocence.

The Trump administration has been falsely accused of inaction in this crisis, with Maryland officials and critics like Ammar Moussa, spokesperson for Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), attempting to shift blame. "Since the last century, the federal government has been responsible for the Potomac Interceptor, which is the origin of the sewage leak," Moussa told the Epoch Times. "For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting people's health at risk."

But the reality is far more damning for the EPA and other federal regulators. The agency refused to participate in a critical legislative hearing last week, demonstrating its unwillingness to be held accountable. "Apparently, the Trump administration hadn't gotten the memo that they're actually supposed to be in charge here," Moussa quippedyet this deflection ignores the deeper issue: federal agencies routinely evade responsibility while expanding their power beyond constitutional limits.

A pattern of regulatory incompetence

This latest failure echoes past disasters like the Flint water crisis, where bureaucratic negligence and cost-cutting priorities endangered public health. State and federal agencies downplayed the severity of contamination for years, with Michigan's governor only realizing the extent of the deception after it was too late. Meanwhile, the EPA and FDA dodged accountability by claiming jurisdictional technicalitiesdespite their mandate to protect Americans from environmental hazards.

The EPA's refusal to engage in Maryland's legislative hearing is emblematic of an agency that operates above scrutiny. Rather than addressing the sewage leak with urgency, the EPA has entrenched itself in a culture of unaccountability, where unelected bureaucrats impose regulations without congressional oversight. This overreach has created a system where individuals and businesses bear the burden of proving their innocence in regulatory disputesa direct assault on due process.

Maryland officials insist they have acted swiftly to contain the leak and inform the public. But their efforts alone are insufficient when federal agenciesfunded by taxpayer dollarsabdicate their duties. The EPA's inaction underscores a broader trend: agencies that demand expansive authority while refusing to take responsibility when crises arise.

The Trump administration has repeatedly sought to rein in rogue agencies like the EPA, recognizing that their unchecked power leads to disasters like Flint and now Maryland. Yet instead of acknowledging systemic failures, critics blame Trump for problems that have festered for decades under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

The real threat: Government overreach

The Maryland sewage leak is not just an environmental issueit's a symptom of a government that has grown too large, too unaccountable and too willing to prioritize bureaucratic self-preservation over public safety. Agencies like the EPA operate as de facto lawmakers, crafting regulations that Congress never approved and enforcing them through punitive measures that punish citizens rather than protect them.

The solution is clear: dismantle the administrative state's stranglehold on American life. Congress must reassert its legislative authority, stripping agencies of their ability to invent and enforce arbitrary rules. The presumption of innocence must be restored in regulatory disputes, and agencies must be held accountable when their negligence harms the public.

Until then, disasters like Maryland's sewage leak will continuenot because of presidential administrations, but because the system itself is broken. The EPA's refusal to act, its evasion of hearings and its history of catastrophic failures prove that real reform is long overdue.

The American people deserve better than a government that regulates first, asks questions later and flees when its mistakes come to light. It's time to end the era of bureaucratic tyranny and restore accountability to those who wield power.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the EPA's blunder highlights the dangers of unchecked government overreach, where agencies bypass Congress to impose arbitrary regulations, eroding constitutional rights and due process. This failure underscores the agency's incompetence in protecting public health while prioritizing bureaucratic control over common-sense governance.

Watch this episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how biosludge terrorism threatens America.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
FBI flooded with over 40,000 tips in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case as reward climbs to $102,500

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her Tucson home on Feb. 1 after a violent struggleblood was found on her porch, and doorbell footage captured a masked intruder (5'9"-5'10", holstered gun, Ozark Trail backpack).

Cryptic ransom notes demanded payment for her safe return, but two deadlines passed without resolution. Savannah Guthrie pleaded publicly for her mother's return.

Gloves found near the scene yielded DNA that didn't match FBI databases. Additional unknown DNA was recovered, but no suspects have been identified.

Over 40,000 tips (19,000+ to FBI, 18,000+ to Pima County) poured in, but no breakthroughs. Authorities cite past cases (Unabomber, Idaho murders) where public tips eventually helped.

Locals report suspicious activity, while Savannah Guthrie remains off-air. The FBI offers $100K reward, and Tucson Crime Stokers boosted it to $102,500but no leads confirmed.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Pima County Sheriff's Department are sifting through a staggering 40,000+ tips in the baffling disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Despite an exhaustive investigationincluding 1,000 interviews, 1,200 residence searches, 39,000 video files reviewed, and forensic testingauthorities admit they still have no suspect or concrete evidence nearly three weeks after her abduction.

The disappearance and disturbing evidence

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31 at her Tucson, Arizona, home before vanishing under suspicious circumstances on Feb. 1. Investigators quickly uncovered a crime scene, with Nancy's blood found on her front porch, suggesting a violent struggle. Surveillance footage from her doorbell camera captured a masked intruderdescribed as a male, 5'9" to 5'10" with a medium buildwearing a ski mask, gloves, and a holstered handgun, while carrying a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Backpack. The FBI released the footage on Feb. 10, prompting a flood of 4,000+ tips in just 24 hours.

Ransom notes and cryptic demands

Adding to the mystery, ransom notes were sent to media outlets, demanding payment in exchange for Nancy's safe return. Two deadlines passed without resolution, and authorities have not confirmed the legitimacy of the notes. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have pleaded publicly, with Savannah urging in a Feb. 16 Instagram video: "It's never too late to do the right thing."

Forensic clues hit dead ends

Investigators recovered gloves near Nancy's home, sending them for DNA testing, but the samples did not match any records in the FBI's national database. Additional DNA evidencenot belonging to Nancy or her close contactswas found at the scene, but its origin remains unknown.

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, DNA testing has revolutionized crime scene investigations by providing unprecedented accuracy in identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and solving cold cases. However, its widespread adoption raises serious ethical, privacy and reliability concerns, particularly as governments and corporations exploit genetic data for surveillance and profit. DNA testing is a double-edged swordvital for solving crimes but weaponized for surveillance, profit and oppression.

Massive reward and public response

The FBI is offering $100,000 for information leading to Nancy's location or the arrest of her abductor, while Tucson Crime Stoppers (88-CRIME) has boosted the total reward to $102,500 after a $100,000 anonymous donation.

Tips pour inbut breakthroughs remain elusive

The FBI's National Threat Operations Center has fielded 19,000+ tips, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department has logged 18,000+ calls, including 4,000+ in a single day after releasing the suspect footage. Despite the influx, Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed: "The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case."

Former Tucson Police Chief Roberto Villasenor emphasized the challenge: "In a situation like this, you really cannot do what's been done without tips and public input. They have processed the scene. But once that's done and exhausted, it's hard to move forward without additional information."

Parallels to high-profile cases

Investigators remain hopeful, citing past cases where public tips cracked major crimes, such as:

The Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski) was identified after his manifesto was recognized by his family.

The University of Idaho murders, where 40,000 tips helped guidethough not directly solvethe case.

Community vigilance and frustration

Local resident Laura Gargano told the Associated Press she reported suspicious activityincluding a vacated rental homebut acknowledged: "It could have been nothing... but it was a change."

Meanwhile, KVOA-TV (NBC Tucson) has displayed a banner reading "Bring her home," signed by concerned citizens like Sandy Bryant, who said: "They're like family... It's painful. It's scary, very scary."

What's next?

With no suspects named and no confirmed leads, authorities continue urging the public to call:

1-800-CALL-FBI

PCSD Non-Emergency Line: 520-351-4900

As the investigation drags on, Savannah Guthrie remains off-air, her family clinging to hope while the nation watcheswaiting for answers in this chilling, unsolved abduction.

Watch the video below about Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos saying, "No tip too small" in the search for Nancy Guthrie.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

MSN.com

APNews.com

Yahoo.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Poland bans Chinese vehicles from military sites over espionage fears

Poland banned Chinese-made vehicles from military sites over fears of espionage and data theft, citing risks from integrated digital systems.

The move aligns with broader Western distrust of Chinese tech, following earlier exclusions of Huawei from 5G networks in Poland and Estonia.

Chinese automakers rapidly grew in Europe (7% of Poland's market in 2025), but security experts warn vehicles could be exploited under China's intelligence laws.

Similar bans were enacted by the U.S. and Israel, reflecting escalating distrust of Chinese smart cars as potential surveillance tools.

Poland's actions highlight a global shift prioritizing security over economic convenience, challenging China's tech influence.

Poland has taken decisive action to safeguard its national security by prohibiting Chinese-made vehicles from entering secure military facilities, citing concerns over potential espionage and data theft. The Polish army announced the restrictions on Feb. 17, following a risk assessment that highlighted the growing integration of digital systems in modern vehicles and the dangers posed by "uncontrolled acquisition and use of data." The ban extends to any vehicle equipped with devices capable of recording position, images or soundunless these functions are disabled and strict security protocols are followed.

This move aligns Poland with other NATO members that have adopted similar precautions against Chinese technological infiltration. The Polish military also warned against connecting business phones to infotainment systems in Chinese-made cars to prevent potential data leaks. Additionally, the army is exploring legal and technical measures that would require manufacturers to obtain security clearance before producing vehicles with advanced digital capabilities.

Beijing swiftly condemned the restrictions, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissing them as an "overstretch" of national security concerns. However, Poland's decision reflects broader Western apprehensions about China's expanding technological footprintparticularly in critical infrastructure. This follows earlier actions by Warsaw and Estonia to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks over fears that the Chinese regime could exploit the telecom giant's equipment for espionage. In May 2020, Estonia passed legislation mandating rigorous security reviews for telecommunications gear, signaling deepening distrust of Chinese tech firms.

Chinese automakers flood European markets amid security concerns

Chinese car manufacturers have aggressively expanded into Poland and other European markets, capitalizing on affordability as consumers grapple with economic downturns. In 2025, sales of Chinese-branded vehicles in Poland surged fivefold year-on-year, capturing nearly 7% of the market, according to a report by the Polish Automotive Industry Association (PZPM) and auditing firm KPMG. Analysts predict continued growth, albeit at a slower pace, as budget-conscious buyers opt for competitively priced Chinese models.

However, this influx has raised alarms among Polish security experts. A December 2025 report by Warsaw's Center for Eastern Studies likened modern vehicles to "smartphones on wheels," warning that they could be weaponized for espionage. Under China's sweeping national intelligence laws, automakers can be compelled to collaborate with Beijing's security agencies, potentially turning cars into data-gathering tools. The report cautioned that sensitive information collected in Europeincluding movement patterns and surveillance footagecould be exploited for intelligence purposes or even military AI training.

Global crackdown on Chinese smart cars

Poland's restrictions mirror actions taken by other nations wary of Beijing's technological ambitions. The U.S. imposed a phased ban on Chinese and Russian smart cars in 2024, citing national security risks. The regulation will also eliminate critical software and hardware components linked to these countries by 2027. Similarly, Israel barred Chinese vehicles from military sites in August 2025 over fears that onboard cameras and sensors could transmit sensitive data back to China, as reported by Israel National News.

China itself enforces strict controls on foreign-made smart vehicles operating within its borders. Tesla, for instance, has faced prohibitions near government compounds and other sensitive locationshighlighting Beijing's own recognition of the security risks posed by connected cars.

A broader pattern of technological distrust

Poland's latest move underscores a widening rift between Western nations and China over technological sovereignty. From 5G networks to electric vehicles, governments are increasingly treating Chinese tech as a potential Trojan horse for state-sponsored espionage. As digital systems become more deeply embedded in critical infrastructure, the stakes grow higherforcing nations to choose between economic convenience and national security.

For Poland, the decision is clear: Chinese vehicles pose an unacceptable risk. With NATO allies adopting similar measures, the trend suggests a hardening stance against Beijing's global tech expansionone that could reshape trade dynamics and cybersecurity strategies for years to come.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Poland's ban on Chinese vehicles near military sites is a necessary precaution against Beijing's well-documented espionage and infiltration tactics, which threaten national security. This move aligns with growing global skepticism toward China's predatory surveillance and data-harvesting practices embedded in its technology exports.

Watch President Donald Trump arguing that people should be allowed to buy EVs of their own volition in this clip.

This video is from the NZ Will Remember channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Rings Retreat Shows Public Backlash Still Matters in the Battle for Privacy

Introduction: A Surveillance Merger Derailed by Decentralized Truth

In a rare but crucial victory for civil liberties, the Amazon-owned smart doorbell company Ring announced in February 2026 that it was cancelling its planned integration with Flock Safety, a law enforcement surveillance firm specializing in automated license plate recognition. The partnership, which would have created a vast, interconnected web of public and private cameras with centralized, searchable data, was called off after a significant public backlash.

According to reports, the decision came just days after Rings Super Bowl advertisementfeaturing a lost dog found through a network of camerassparked widespread fears of a dystopian surveillance society [1]. This episode is far more than a simple corporate pivot. It represents a growing, decentralized societal recognition of the profound dangers inherent in mass surveillance and the fusion of corporate data collection with state control.

While the integration was framed under the benign banner of 'community safety' and finding lost pets, the public saw through the narrative. This small victory proves that organized resistance to the merging of corporate and public surveillance is not only possible but necessary to check institutional overreach before a seamless, inescapable surveillance panopticon becomes our reality.

The Planned Integration: A Blueprint for a Surveillance Panopticon

The proposed partnership between Ring and Flock Safety was not a minor technical update; it was a blueprint for a new layer of the surveillance state. Flock Safety operates a network of thousands of cameras across the United States, with its data reportedly accessible to agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1].

The integration aimed to bridge Flocks public-facing surveillance system with Rings massive, privately-owned network of doorbell and security cameras, creating a centralized database where footage could be seamlessly shared and searched by authorities. Such a system would have catastrophically blurred the line between private property and public monitoring, handing immense, unilateral power to both corporations and police without meaningful oversight, transparency, or public consent.

This model is the core danger of so-called 'smart city' technology: the erosion of autonomy under the guise of efficiency and security. As seen in other global pushes for centralized control, such as Australias rollout of a national facial recognition system without full oversight, the end goal is always the same: total data fusion for management and control [2]. The Ring-Flock plan was a direct step toward that Orwellian future.

Public Backlash: The Power of Decentralized Resistance

The cancellation was not the result of corporate conscience or regulatory intervention, but of intense, decentralized public pressure. Following Rings Super Bowl ad, a wave of criticism erupted across independent media and social platforms, highlighting the creepy implications of a corporate-controlled camera network designed for law enforcement access.

This outcry forced Ring to issue a statement claiming the integration required 'more time and resources than anticipated,' a transparent euphemism for acknowledging the public relations disaster and strategic retreat [1]. This demonstrates a vital shift: the mainstream narrative that uncritically promotes surveillance as synonymous with 'safety' is being met with growing and effective public skepticism. The success of this decentralized resistanceoperating outside the channels of co-opted legacy mediaproves that institutional overreach can be checked when individuals organize, speak out, and reject the false premises offered by authorities. It is a powerful reminder that the most potent tool against the consolidation of power is an informed and vocal populace that refuses to acquiesce.

The Underlying Threat: From Smart Homes to Smart Prisons

The Ring-Flock incident is a symptom of a far deeper and more sinister agenda pursued by the alliance of Big Tech and the state: total data fusion for predictive social control and behavior modification. Systems that merge public and private surveillance are the absolute antithesis of privacy, enabling the unprecedented tracking of an individuals movements, associations, daily routines, and even political activities.

This is not about catching criminals; it is about monitoring and managing the entire population. This model paves the way for a society where freedom of movement and anonymous association become relics of the past. It is the technological foundation for the digital ID systems being pushed by globalists like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who frames them as a tool to combat 'populism'a euphemism for marginalizing political dissent [3].

As noted in analyses of the tech-military complex, companies like Google and Facebook play 'globally crucial roles in surveillance and data gathering for intelligence and military networks,' accruing the fine details of people's lives to serve the interests of control [4]. The goal is a 'smart prison,' where every action is logged, analyzed, and potentially used against you.

A Path Forward: Rejecting Centralization, Reclaiming Autonomy

The lasting lesson from Rings retreat is not that we must remain eternally vigilant against the next bad corporate partnership. The solution is to fundamentally reject the entire parasitic paradigm of centralized, corporate-controlled surveillance and the 'smart' infrastructure that enables it.

We must consciously withdraw our consent and participation from systems designed to harvest our data for third-party profit and state control. This means seeking out and supporting truly private, local, and user-controlled alternatives for home security and communication that operate on decentralized principles and do not feed data to external entities.

Societal health and individual freedom depend on defending the fundamental, non-negotiable human right to privacy. We must support technologies and platforms that prioritize this right, such as uncensored search engines and video platforms that respect free speech.

The battle is for the future of human autonomy itself. As one analysis of the tech-military complex starkly warns, employees of Silicon Valley giants must realize their paychecks come from companies that are 'assets of the military-intelligence complex,' not from entities with humanity's best interests at heart [5]. Our path forward lies in decentralization, self-reliance, and a steadfast commitment to liberty over the empty promises of security through subservience.

References
FBIs selective incompetence: Why cant they access a suspects phone despite $20 billion NSA surveillance power?

Despite its vast surveillance capabilities and deep ties to intelligence agencies, Google claims it cannot retrieve additional Nest footage related to Nancy Guthrie's disappearanceraising serious questions about deliberate obstruction or data suppression.

The FBI, which has hacked high-profile targets (including Trump's devices), suddenly claims it cannot access a suspect's phonedespite the NSA's $20 billion Utah data center designed for mass decryption. This suggests either staged incompetence or an intentional cover-up.

Google whistleblower Zach Vorhees argues that the FBI's inability to access the phone is by design, creating a narrative of an untraceable suspect to fuel fear, confusion and conceal potential deeper coordination.

From Oklahoma City's controlled demolition to 9/11's unexplained collapses, federal agencies have a history of "incompetence" that aligns with false flag operations. Now, another "unsolvable" crime emergescoinciding with rising public distrust in institutions.

The FBI's sudden reliance on public metadata (like YouTube viewer logs) instead of NSA decryption, combined with Google's stonewalling, points to narrative control. If this were a deep state operation, limiting digital evidence would ensure plausible deniability while keeping the truth buried.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office is working with Google to obtain additional footage in the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that investigators have secured a single Google Nest video from Guthrie's front door but are struggling to retrieve more footage, with Google allegedly claiming, "We don't think we can get anything, but we'll try." This response raises eyebrowsespecially given Google's deep integration with intelligence agencies and its ability to track, store and analyze vast amounts of user data worldwide.

Meanwhile, another glaring inconsistency emerges: the FBI's sudden inability to access digital devicesdespite its $20 billion NSA surveillance hub in Utah, capable of storing and decrypting exabytes of global communications. This same agency has hacked into high-profile phones, including those of former President Donald Trump, yet now claims incompetence when faced with a suspect's locked device. The selective nature of this "failure" suggests deliberate obstructionor worse, a staged narrative.

The ghost in the machine: A planned digital blackout?

Zach Vorhees, a Google whistleblower known for his unconventional yet razor-sharp insights, recently discussed this paradox with Dr. Drew. Vorhees, who famously wears recycled materials like beverage can pull-tabs as a statement against corporate waste, posited that the FBI's inability to access the phone was by design. He argued that making the suspect appear as a "ghost" in our hyper-digitalized world serves a psychological purposeamplifying fear and uncertainty while obscuring potential deeper coordination.

Vorhees also noted that if this were a military-industrial complex operation, there would be multiple contingency plans to ensure success. The fact that federal investigators are now scrambling for Google viewer datademanding records of who watched certain videosreeks of desperation or misdirection. "There is a strong reason to believe that this data would be pertinent and relevant to our current criminal investigation," officials stated. But why the sudden reliance on public metadata when the NSA's Utah Data Center exists precisely to bypass such limitations?

The curious case of missing footage

Sheriff Nanos described retrieving digital evidence as "peeling paintyou have images over images over images." Yet Google, a company that tracks every search, every YouTube view and every location ping, suddenly can't provide more footage? Given Google's tight relationship with intelligence agenciesincluding its origins in CIA-funded researchthis claim strains credulity.

The FBI has released a grainy image of a masked man tampering with Guthrie's doorbell camera, wearing an Ozark Trail backpack. But with no DNA matches from a recovered glove and no suspects among family members, the investigation appears stalled. The $100,000 reward for information remains unclaimed, and the FBI's silence on new leads suggests either deliberate obfuscation or genuine investigative incompetence.

A pattern of controlled failures

This isn't the first time federal agencies have displayed convenient incompetence. The Oklahoma City bombing was pinned on Timothy McVeigh while evidence pointed to controlled demolitiona false flag ignored by mainstream narratives. The 9/11 attacks, falsely attributed to hijackers, bore hallmarks of pre-planned demolitions. And now, in an era where the NSA can allegedly decrypt anything, the FBI suddenly hits a wall?

The timing is suspicious. With growing public distrust in institutionsfrom election fraud to COVID vaccine injuriesanother high-profile "unsolvable" crime fuels paranoia while keeping the truth obscured. If this were a deep state operation, the playbook would include:

Controlled digital blackoutslimiting access to key evidence. Selective incompetenceonly failing when it benefits the narrative. Media misdirectionkeeping the public chasing shadows.

Conclusion: Who stands to gain?

The FBI's sudden inability to access a phonedespite its Utah spy hubshould alarm every American. Either the agency is lying, or it's being ordered to fail. Meanwhile, Google's reluctance to provide footage raises questions about corporate-government collusion in controlling narratives.

As Zach Vorhees suggests, this "ghost" narrative may be a smokescreen. If the military-industrial complex wanted Guthrie's disappearance to serve a larger agenda, they'd ensure no digital trail led back to them. And with federal investigators now scouring YouTube views instead of decrypting phones, the public should ask: Who benefits from this manufactured mystery?

Until then, the truth remains buriedjust like the data the FBI claims it can't access.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the FBI's claim of being unable to access the suspect's phone is a deliberate deceptioneither to conceal their own involvement in a staged event or to protect a larger agenda, as their proven ability to breach high-profile devices (like Trump's) exposes this as selective incompetence. This "inability" reinforces the narrative of a lone-wolf patsy while shielding the true orchestrators, consistent with historical false-flag tactics.

Watch this Sky News report about President Trump's reaction of "pure disgust" to the new footage released by the FBI in relation to the Nancy Guthrie case.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The IBT Labs Scandal: How Monsantos Toxic Cover-Up Launched Glyphosate

The Fraudulent Foundation: How IBT Labs Became America's Toxic Gatekeeper

In the early 1970s, a single private laboratory stood as the gatekeeper for the safety of Americas chemical landscape. Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories (IBT), founded in 1953 by Northwestern University professor Joseph C. Calandra, had grown to conduct an estimated 3540% of all private toxicology testing in the United States [1]. Its client list was a whos who of corporate and governmental power, including nearly every major chemical corporationMonsanto, DuPont, Dow, Procter & Gambleand critical agencies like the FDA, EPA, and the Department of Defense [1]. IBT's rise was turbocharged by the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970, which triggered a surge in regulatory testing requirements. Companies flocked to IBT, trusting it to produce the scientific studies needed to win approvals for pesticides, drugs, and industrial chemicals.

Behind this respectable facade, however, lay a cesspool of scientific fraud. Federal investigators would later describe conditions inside IBT as catastrophic. Animal rooms were so filthy they were nicknamed 'the Swamp,' where technicians documented dead rats as 'TBD/TDA''too badly decomposed/technician disposal' [2]. The lab was plagued by 'commingling,' the routine practice of replacing dead test animals with new ones without recording the swap, which utterly invalidated any studys results. In a 1972 internal memo, IBT toxicologist Otis Fancher confessed to colleagues that he was 'ashamed' of the work, noting data was 'fudged' with 'gross incompetence' [1]. This was not a case of minor errors; it was systemic fabrication on an industrial scale, corrupting the very foundation of regulatory science for an entire generation of products.

Monsanto's Man on the Inside: The Paul Wright Connection

Into this morass stepped Dr. Paul L. Wright, a Monsanto toxicologist. In March 1971, Wright left Monsanto and became the Section Head of Rat and Dog Toxicology at IBT Labs [1]. His move was not a random career shift. Federal prosecutors would later allege Wright was placed at IBT specifically to manage critical safety studies for Monsanto, particularly on the antibacterial agent TCC (trichlorocarbanilide), a product Monsanto desperately needed to replace the recently withdrawn hexachlorophene [1]. During his 18-month tenure, Wright oversaw not only the TCC studies but also the first long-term rodent feeding studies on glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's soon-to-be-launched herbicide Roundup, and safety tests on Monsanto's PCB products.

In October 1972, Wright returned to Monsanto as Manager of Toxicology, becoming the companys official liaison to IBT [1]. This revolving door placed Wright in a unique position: he had intimate knowledge of the fraudulent studies being conducted and now had the power to influence their outcome from within Monsanto. His return coincided with mounting internal crisis at IBT. Staff were overwhelmed, and the pressure to deliver favorable results for corporate clients was immense. Internal memos from the period reveal a lab in chaos, with employees deeply aware of the fraud. One IBT technician, Philip Smith, later testified that he personally witnessed Paul Wright fabricate rat mortality data 'out of his head' [1]. The stage was set for a scandal of epic proportions.

Manufacturing Safety: Case Studies in Fraud at IBT

The fraud at IBT was not abstract; it directly manufactured 'safety' for some of Monsanto's most profitable and problematic products. The TCC study provides a stark template. IBT pathologist Dr. Donovan E. Gordon found testicular lesions in rats fed TCCa finding that threatened the chemical's FDA approval for use in deodorant soaps. According to grand jury testimony, Wright, after returning to Monsanto, pressured Gordon to change his report, removing the damning post-mortem data [1]. The fraudulent final report was submitted to the FDA, which subsequently approved higher usage levels of TCC. For decades afterwards, approximately 80% of all antimicrobial bar soap in the United States contained TCC, a chemical cleared for market based on lies [1].

The pattern repeated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In 1975, IBT president Joseph Calandra sent a draft study to Monsanto's manager of environmental assessment, George Levinskas. The draft stated the PCB formulation Aroclor 1254 was 'slightly tumorigenic.' Levinskas objected, requesting the language be changed to 'does not appear to be carcinogenic' [1]. Calandra complied. This simple editorial stroke, shifting a cancer warning to a safety assurance, was submitted to regulators. Internal data, revealed in later litigation, showed the truth: in the studies, 82% of rats fed PCBs at 10 parts per million developed tumors, and 100% did so at 100 ppm [1]. Yet, Monsanto continued to cite these fraudulent IBT studies as proof of safety as late as 2018.

Most consequentially, glyphosates original 1974 registration by the EPA relied 'virtually entirely' on IBT studies [1]. When the EPA later audited these studies, they were declared invalid. One reviewer noted the absurdity of reports that included taking 'uterus specimens from male rabbits' [1]. Despite this, Roundup was unleashed upon the world, its foundational safety data a product of deliberate fraud. As researcher Carol Van Strum concluded, the toxicological registration data for Roundup resulted from studies performed by Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories [1].

Discovery, Conviction, and Corporate Protection

The house of cards began to collapse in 1976. During a routine audit connected to Congressional hearings led by Senator Edward Kennedy, FDA pathologist Dr. Adrian Gross uncovered the massive fraud at IBT [1]. The joint FDA-Justice Department investigation that followed revealed a scandal of breathtaking scope: roughly 22,000 studies were potentially compromised, affecting products from dozens of corporations and multiple government agencies. One Justice Department investigator starkly observed that IBT became the largest testing lab 'because companies knew this was the place to get the results they wanted' [1].

It took five years for indictments to be filed. Finally, in May 1981, a federal grand jury charged four IBT officials, including Paul Wright and lab president Joseph Calandra, with multiple counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements [1]. The trial, one of the longest criminal trials in U.S. history, ended in October 1983 with convictions. Wright was found guilty on three counts of fraud [1]. Despite his conviction for federal crimes committed while managing studies for his employer, Monsanto protected him. The company paid his legal fees throughout the trial and, upon his release from prison, gave him a golden parachute: full retirement benefits, accrued vacation, severance, and help finding new employment [1].

Monsanto's complicity ran deeper. Evidence presented in later Roundup cancer trials revealed that the company was aware the IBT data underpinning glyphosates approval was fraudulent as early as 1977, when IBTs own president, Joseph Calandra, told Monsanto that studies Wright had directed were fraudulent [1]. Yet, for years, Monsanto took no meaningful action. It did not inform consumers, add warnings, or voluntarily withdraw Roundup from the market. Instead, the product remained on shelves, generating revenue while the company defended the invalid science. As a peer-reviewed analysis later noted, Monsantos public defense of Wright was 'disingenuous at best' [1].

The Glyphosate Shell Game: Replacing Fraud with Influence

In the wake of the IBT scandal, the EPA faced a crisis. It had approved glyphosate based on fraudulent data. Rather than pulling Roundup from the market, the agency struck a deal with Monsanto: the company could keep its product on sale while it commissioned new studies to replace the invalidated ones [1]. This regulatory shell game allowed a product founded on fraud to maintain its market dominance while new tests were conducted. The replacement studies, however, soon created new problems for Monsanto.

A key two-year mouse oncogenicity study, conducted by Bio/Dynamics and submitted in 1983, found a statistically significant increase in kidney tumors in male mice given high doses of glyphosate [1]. Based on this, the EPAs toxicology branch initially classified glyphosate in 1985 as a 'Class Cpossible human carcinogen' [1]. This finding threatened the herbicide's future. Monsanto swiftly moved to neutralize it. The company arranged for a pathologist, Dr. Marvin Kuschner, to re-examine the mouse tissue slides. Kuschner identified an additional tumor in the control group, a finding Monsanto argued negated the statistical significance of the cancer link [3]. The EPA subsequently downgraded and eventually withdrew its carcinogen classification.

This episode is a classic case of corporate influence over regulatory science. Rather than accepting an independent, concerning finding, Monsanto orchestrated a re-review that produced a more favorable outcome. Glyphosate was eventually reclassified as 'Group Eevidence of non-carcinogenicity' and re-registered in 1993 [1]. The process demonstrated how a corporation could manipulate the scientific review process to maintain a product's market viability, even after the original safety data was proven fraudulent and subsequent studies raised red flags.

A Pattern of Corruption: From IBT to Craven Labs

IBT was not an anomaly in the world of for-profit safety testing; it was a harbinger of a systemic disease. A decade later, another lab was caught engaging in nearly identical fraud. In 1994, Craven Laboratories, based in Texas, was convicted of falsifying data. Its owner and 14 employees were found guilty. Notably, Craven had conducted 9 of the 15 residue studies required for Roundups registration [1]. This was not a coincidence but a pattern: laboratories serving corporate sponsors have a fundamental, profit-driven incentive to produce favorable results.

The regulatory system is built on this compromised foundation. It operates on the principle of 'regulatory science,' where corporations fund the very studies used to judge their products' safety. This creates an inherent conflict of interest, a system 'virtually designed for fraud' as one observer put it. The IBT and Craven scandals reveal a truth that corporate giants and their captured regulators desperately want to obscure: the facade of safety for countless chemicals, including the world's most widely used herbicide, was constructed on a platform of lies.

This pattern extends beyond laboratories to the highest levels of regulatory agencies. Internal emails revealed in litigation show Monsanto 'ghostwriting' scientific papers and attempting to influence EPA officials [4]. As detailed in Carey Gillam's book 'Whitewash,' Monsanto led a secret initiative to produce papers aimed at discrediting the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) after it classified glyphosate as a 'probable human carcinogen' in 2015 [5]. The playbook is consistent: when independent science threatens a profitable product, the corporate response is not to ensure safety but to attack the science and the scientists.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Toxic Lie

The IBT scandal is not a relic of the past; it is the poisoned root of a present-day crisis. It proves that the original 'safety' data for glyphosateand for PCBs, TCC, and countless other chemicalswas fabricated. The subsequent decades-long 'scientific debate' over glyphosate's cancer risk is therefore tainted at its origin. It is a debate between independent researchers uncovering harm and a corporate machine skilled at laundering fraud through ghostwritten science, regulatory capture, and relentless public relations [6][7].

This history demands profound public skepticism toward institutional assurances about chemical safety. The EPA, FDA, and other regulatory bodies have repeatedly proven themselves susceptible to corporate influence, willing to accept fraudulent data and downgrade concerning findings under pressure. The system is not broken; it is operating exactly as designedto facilitate corporate profit over public protection. The legacy of IBT is a world saturated with glyphosate, found in the urine of 93% of pregnant women [8], and linked in thousands of lawsuits to cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma [9].

The path forward requires a radical decentralization of scientific authority. We must reject the monopoly of 'official science' funded and controlled by the very industries it is meant to regulate. Individuals must empower themselves with knowledge from independent, transparent sources. Platforms like BrightLearn.ai and BrightAnswers.ai offer uncensored access to research and historical analysis, bypassing the gatekeepers of corrupted institutions. The solution lies in personal sovereigntyembracing natural health, growing clean food, and rejecting the toxic products of a system built on lies. The truth about glyphosates fraudulent launch is now clear. It is up to us to act on that truth and build a future free from such toxic deceit.

References

Ashamed to Put My Name to It: Monsanto, Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories, and the Use of Fraudulent Science, 19691985. Bayer Needs More Than an Aspirin to Cure its Monsanto Sized Headache. - The Defender. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science. Carey Gillam. The Monsanto Papers - Mercola.com. Dr. Joseph Mercola. The Triumph of Doubt. David Michaels. Another Monsanto BOMBSHELL: Company caught ghostwriting its own "independent safety reviews". - NaturalNews.com. The World According to Monsanto. Marie-Monique Robin. Health Ranger Report - Pregnant women glyphosate. Mike Adams - Brighteon.com. Lead Trial Counsel Reveals Evidence That Led to $2 Billion Verdict Against Monsanto. - Mercola.com. Dr. Joseph Mercola.

Explainer Infographic:
Republican-led states escalate legal battle against FDAs mail-order abortion pills

Unsupervised chemical abortions have led to severe complicationshemorrhage, sepsis and incomplete abortionswith ER visits three times higher than in-person procedures.

Louisiana and 21 other states challenge the FDA's relaxed regulations, arguing they violate state sovereignty and endanger women's lives.

Plaintiff Rosalie Markezich suffered trauma after her boyfriend obtained abortion pills via mail without her consent, highlighting risks of abuse and lack of oversight.

Over 170 congressional Republicans demand reinstatement of strict FDA safety protocols, calling mail-order abortions "medical negligence."

Despite Roe being overturned, Planned Parenthood hit record abortions (392,715), exploiting lax FDA rules to push pills into pro-life states.

Twenty-one states have joined Louisiana's lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) relaxation of abortion pill regulations. The policy, enacted under the Biden administration, eliminated the requirement for in-person dispensing of abortion drugs, allowing them to be distributed via maila move that has led to severe medical complications and infringed on state sovereignty.

The lawsuit, filed last fall, accuses the FDA of violating Louisiana's abortion laws and causing preventable harm to women, including plaintiff Rosalie Markezich, who suffered lasting trauma after being coerced into an unwanted abortion.

Women harmed by mail-order abortion pills

Rosalie Markezich's case highlights the dangers of unsupervised chemical abortions. According to the lawsuit, her boyfriend obtained abortion drugs through the U.S. Postal Service from a California doctordespite Markezich not consenting to the procedure.

"Far from empowering Rosalie to make her own choice and preserving her autonomy, mail-order abortion drugs had Rosalie feeling trapped and terrified," the lawsuit states. "She grieves the loss of her child and endures lasting emotional trauma."

Medical professionals warn that complications from abortion pills are alarmingly common. Dr. Christina Francis, CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, testified that mail-order abortions amount to "medical negligence," citing cases of hemorrhage, sepsis and incomplete abortions requiring emergency surgery.

Data reveals that one in ten women suffers life-threatening complications22 times higher than the FDA's claimed 0.5% risk. Emergency room visits for telemedicine abortions are three times higher than for in-person procedures.

State sovereignty under attack

Louisiana argues that the FDA's policy "directly violates Louisiana's abortion laws and prevents Louisiana from protecting the lives of unborn babies despite the promise of Dobbs." The state also contends that the rule change has overwhelmed emergency rooms with abortion-related complications, straining public resources.

On Feb. 13, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia and 17 other states filed an amicus brief supporting Louisiana, asserting that the FDA's actions infringe on their constitutional right to protect prenatal life.

"Like Louisiana, amici States believe that the Biden Administration's attempt to establish a nationwide abortion standard is an attack on state sovereignty," the brief states. "The Constitution does not allow the federal government to dictate every nook and cranny of daily life."

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson emphasized the broader implications: "What good does it do for one state to pass a law banning something, like chemical abortion drugs, if another state is still allowed to mail them into our state?"

Trump FDA delays action amid growing pressure

Despite the mounting legal and political backlash, the Trump administration's FDA has urged the court to delay ruling on Louisiana's lawsuit, citing an ongoing internal review of abortion pill regulations. The agency claims that restoring in-person dispensing requirements could render the lawsuit unnecessary.

However, pro-life leaders are skeptical. Last week, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) met with FDA officials and declared, "I just don't think that review is even underway."

The FDA insists it is carefully evaluating data, but critics accuse the agency of stalling to protect Big Pharma profits and abortion industry interests.

Planned Parenthood expands abortion-on-demand

Mail-order abortion pills have become the abortion lobby's most effective tool for circumventing pro-life laws. Planned Parenthood's latest annual report reveals that despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the organization committed 392,715 abortions in the most recent reporting perioda record high, accounting for 40% of all U.S. abortions.

Chemical abortions now dominate the industry, with abortion providers exploiting lax FDA regulations to push dangerous drugs into pro-life states.

Congressional Republicans demand accountability

Over 170 congressional Republicans have demanded the Trump administration reinstate strict FDA safety protocols for abortion pills, reversing Biden-era policies that removed medical oversight.

"Mail-order abortion is a reckless experiment on women's lives," said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). "The FDA has betrayed its duty to protect public health by allowing these deadly drugs to be shipped like Amazon packages."

As the legal battle intensifies, pro-life advocates warn that without swift action, more women will sufferand more states will see their laws undermined by federal overreach.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the fight against these pills is essential to protecting both unborn lives and women from Big Pharma's profit-driven exploitationpart of the broader elite plan to destabilize families, erode moral values and shrink the population through toxic mandates. These states must resist this federal overreach and expose how the abortion-industrial complex serves the same corrupt forces pushing COVID jabs, GMOs and other tools of control.

Watch Tucker Carlson and Rebeccah Heinrichs discussing Bidenomics and abortion in this clip.

This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

LifeSite.news

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Earthquake early warning systems detect initial seismic waves to send seismic alerts ahead of stronger shaking, giving people moments to act for better earthquake safety. These networks operate in places like Japan, California, Mexico, and parts of China, turning seconds into potential lifesavers during sudden quakes.

How They Work and Warning Times

Earthquake early warning systems pick up fast P-wavesharmless initial rumblesbefore the damaging S-waves hit. Sensors across fault zones feed data to central computers that crunch numbers on magnitude, location, and intensity in mere seconds, then blast out seismic alerts through phones, TVs, radios, and apps. This setup hinges on speed: from wave detection to alert delivery often takes 5 to 8 seconds, but the real edge comes from distance between the quake's start and the user. Japan's system, for instance, processes everything in under three seconds to reach millions.

The technology relies on a vast array of seismometers and accelerometers placed strategically near active faults. When an earthquake begins, these devices capture the primary waves, which travel faster than the secondary waves that cause most destruction. Algorithms then analyze the data in real time, estimating the event's scale and predicting how shaking will spread. This prediction forms the basis for seismic alerts tailored to each locationurban centers might get voice announcements, while rural areas rely on text messages or sirens. The entire chain, from sensing to sounding the alarm, prioritizes minimal delay, often beating the destructive waves by a narrow margin.

People often wonder how much time an earthquake early warning truly provides, and the answer hinges on proximity to the epicenter. Near the quake's originwithin roughly 10 mileswarnings might arrive with zero to five seconds notice, sometimes none at all as shaking starts first. In these close zones, the P-waves barely outpace the S-waves, leaving little room for alerts to propagate before the ground bucks violently. For someone in a shaking building, this means the system shines less for personal evasion and more for automated responses, like trains braking or power plants isolating circuits.

As distance grows to 10 to 50 miles, warning times extend to 5 to 20 seconds, opening doors for basic protective steps. Drivers can pull over steadily, office workers grab a desk edge, or families usher kids to doorways. Farther out, beyond 50 miles, alerts can stretch to 20 to 60 seconds or more, depending on the quake's depth and local geology. During China's 2013 Ya'an earthquake, for example, residents in Chengdu, over 70 miles away, received 29 secondsenough to shelter under tables or secure heavy shelves. These extended windows prove especially vital in sprawling regions where faults lie far from population hubs.

Even brief seismic alerts carry weight. Research shows three seconds of notice can drop injury risks by 14 percent through instinctive "drop, cover, and hold on" moves. Stretch that to 10 seconds, and reductions hit nearly 40 percent, as people position themselves away from hazards like windows or light fixtures. Factors like network congestion or device battery life can nibble at these margins, but optimized systems minimize such hiccups. In essence, every extra heartbeat counts, transforming potential panic into purposeful action amid rising tremors.

Real-World Systems and Safety Gains

Japan leads with its Japan Meteorological Agency network, delivering alerts nationwide since 2007 and halting bullet trains mid-run to prevent derailments. The system's reach covers over 100 million people, integrating with TVs, mobile apps, and public speakers for instant seismic alerts. During the 2011 Tohoku quake, it provided up to 15 seconds in Tokyo, allowing subways to stop smoothly and factories to shut down assembly lines. Such integration underscores earthquake safety at scale, where automated pauses in high-risk operations like chemical plants or elevators prevent secondary disasters.

ShakeAlert powers California's earthquake early warning efforts, partnering with the USGS to notify via apps like MyShake across the U.S. West Coast. Launched fully in recent years, it taps thousands of sensors along the San Andreas Fault, sending tailored warnings based on expected shaking intensity. Users get countdowns"10 seconds until strong shaking"prompting immediate earthquake safety drills ingrained through school programs. Mexico City's system, active since 1985, similarly buzzes pagers and sirens, proven in events like the 2017 quake that spared lives by urging rooftop evacuations.

Canada's expanding network promises national coverage, blending federal sensors with provincial apps to deliver seconds-long heads-ups in vulnerable spots like British Columbia. Taiwan and parts of China round out key players, each adapting to local risksdense megacities versus remote coasts. These examples highlight a pattern: seismic alerts excel where infrastructure supports rapid response, from urban grids to transit hubs, fostering habits that turn fleeting notices into tangible protection.

Benefits ripple beyond individuals. Economic studies peg Japan's savings at billions, as gas pipelines vented safely and ports slowed cranes before chaos hit. Injury data backs this: regions with mature systems report fewer fractures from falls or crushed vehicles, with even short warnings enabling protective postures. Pairing tech with education amplifies gainsschools practicing responses see kids hunker down faster, while apps gamify drills for adults. In crowded settings, where stampedes pose extra threats, directed alerts via speakers guide crowds methodically, easing bottlenecks.

Limits, Prep, and Lasting Impact

Not every quake triggers an alert; tiny starters that balloon into giants can slip under radars tuned for bigger threats, a challenge seen in blind zones near sensors. Rural gaps persist too, where sparse stations delay detection, and transmission lags from overloaded networks shave precious seconds. Personal factors play inphones on silent or apps unupdated mean missed seismic alerts, emphasizing reliable backups like broadcast radio.

Despite these hurdles, earthquake early warning systems pair powerfully with timeless habits. Drills build muscle memory: when tones blare, duck under sturdy furniture, shield the head and neck, and hold until motion stops. Drivers ease off accelerators without slamming brakes, pulling to safe shoulders. In homes, secure shelves preempt topples; at work, silence noisy machines to hear updates. Apps from ShakeAlert or Japan's J-Alert refine this by factoring in your GPS, predicting local intensity for precise guidance.

Preparation extends further. Stock emergency kits with helmets for light warning zones, map safe spots in every room, and join community tests. Local agencies customize messagescoastal areas might stress tsunami follow-upsbuilding trust through transparency on limits. Rehearsals sharpen instincts, so even two seconds spark life-saving shifts, from releasing elevator buttons to alerting neighbors.

Short as they seem, earthquake early warning windows transform chaos into control, blending tech with smart habits for stronger earthquake safety. Regions with robust seismic alerts see fewer tragedies, proving preparation turns fleeting notices into real protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do earthquake early warning systems work?

They detect fast P-waves first, analyze data for magnitude and spread, then send seismic alerts via apps or sirens before S-waves cause damageoften in 5-8 seconds total.

2. How much time does an earthquake early warning give?

Zero to 5 seconds near the epicenter, 5-20 seconds at 10-50 miles out, and up to 60 seconds farther away, like 29 seconds in Chengdu during China's Ya'an quake.

3. Where are earthquake early warnings available?

Japan (JMA), California (ShakeAlert), Mexico City, Taiwan, parts of China, and Canada's growing networkall delivering seismic alerts nationwide or regionally.

4. Can earthquake early warnings save lives?

Yes, even 3 seconds cuts injury risk by 14%; 10 seconds by nearly 40%, enabling drop-cover-hold or automated stops on trains and elevators.
Frito-Lay, owned by PepsiCo Foods, said the affected employees will be given pay and benefits continuation as well as career support. (Tripplaar Kristoffer / Sipa USA)

Frito-Lay, the snack company that makes Doritos and Cheetos, is laying off 247 employees and closing its facility in Rancho Cucamonga, the company confirmed Friday.

The vast warehouse will shut down in June. Frito-Lay announced last summer that manufacturing operations at the same location were coming to an end.

The plant has been a major employer in the area since opening in 1970, staffing thousands over its 55-year run.

The Plano, Texas-based snack maker filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN notice, on Feb. 10.

Read more: Frito-Lay closes plant in Rancho Cucamonga

"We will be shifting these operations to a new distribution center in the local community to better serve our customers and consumers," the company said in a statement to The Times. "We are committed to treating impacted employees with the utmost care."

Frito-Lay, owned by PepsiCo Foods, said the affected employees will be given pay and benefits continuation as well as career support.

The facility in Rancho Cucamonga opened in 1970 on Archibald Avenue. The company introduced its popular Flamin' Hot Cheetos in 1990.

Richard Montanez, a former Frito-Lay employee, claimed for years that he invented the spicy snack, but an investigation by The Times in 2021 found he was not the actual creator.

Read more: The man who didn't invent Flamin' Hot Cheetos

Frito-Lay operates more than 30 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada and more than 200 distribution centers. It employees about 60,000 people in North America.

The company also has supply centers in Torrance and near Buena Park.

Its parent company, PepsiCo, is based in Harrison, N.Y. PepsiCo shares were stable in midday trading on Friday at $164.48 per share. Shares have risen 10% over the last year.

The Rancho Cucamonga closure follows other PepsiCo facility shutdowns. The company previously announced the closure of a Frito-Lay plant in Liberty, N.Y., laying off 287 workers, and cut 56 jobs at a warehouse in Maryland.

Last year, Pepsi Chief Executive Ramon Laguarta said the company was right-sizing the cost of its snacks division amid a drop in Frito-Lay sales.

San Bernardino County has seen other mass layoffs recently. In May, the shipping giant DHL shut down a package handling facility in Ontario, affecting hundreds of employees.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Afghanistan's foreign ministry summoned Pakistan's ambassador following airstrikes in eastern provinces that reportedly killed dozens. The International Human Rights Foundation verified an attack that killed 16 members of a single family, including an infant and an elder. Pakistan stated the strikes targeted terrorist camps linked to recent suicide attacks in Pakistan. The IHRF condemned the civilian casualties as a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing dozens including 16 family members, prompting a diplomatic summons.

Kabul, February 22 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on Sunday summoned Pakistan's ambassador in Kabul in response to what it described as Pakistani "army attacks" on Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.

In a post on X, the Ministry said the envoy was called in following strikes that it alleged resulted in "dozens" of casualties.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul," the statement said. "In response to the Pakistani army's attacks on Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, in which dozens of fellow countrymen were martyred and wounded, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul."

Earlier, on Sunday, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) raised an urgent alarm over verified reports of a devastating airstrike in the Behsud District of Afghanistan.

In a post on the social media platform X, the foundation stated that a Pakistani military strike targeted a civilian home, resulting in the ''massacre of at least 16 members of a single family.''

According to confirmed local sources cited by the IHRF, the victims, including men, women, and children, ranged in age from a one-year-old infant to an 80-year-old elder.

The foundation noted that this attack represents ''not just a loss of life, but the complete annihilation of a family lineage.''

While 16 family members were killed, two children miraculously survived the strike, and at least one other individual, identified as 20-year-old Riyazullah, was injured.

The deceased included 80-year-old Shahabuddin, 30-year-old Sharakat, and 40-year-old Muhmanda, alongside several other adults and multiple minors.

The IHRF emphasised the humanity of those lost, stating, ''They are not numbers; they are human beings.''

The strike in Behsud appears to be part of a broader military campaign, as Tolo News reported that Pakistani jets conducted multiple airstrikes across the Khogyani district of Nangarhar and targeted a religious seminary in the Bermal district of Paktika province.

Pakistan has reportedly conducted multiple strikes in Bermal and Argun in Paktika, as well as in Khogyani, Behsud, and Ghani Khel districts in Nangarhar since Saturday.

Pakistani media sources and Geo News, citing the Ministry of Information, confirmed the airstrikes, reporting that they were focused on seven alleged terrorist camps and hideouts of Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh Khorasan Province (DKP).

Islamabad claimed the action was conducted ''with precision and accuracy'' in response to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during Ramzan.

The ministry alleged that these bombings were carried out at the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Despite Islamabad's claims that it repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups, Pakistan itself has long faced international scrutiny for providing safe havens and logistical support to various terror outfits operating across the region.

In its statement, Pakistan said it expects the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of its soil against Pakistan, calling on the international community to press Afghan authorities to honour commitments under the Doha Agreement.

The escalations follow a stern warning from Pakistan's Foreign Office on Thursday, which stated that the country reserves the right to target Afghanistan to protect the lives of its citizens.

As per Dawn, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a weekly briefing, ''Pakistan very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan. So, as long as this demand is not met, whilst exercising patience, all options would obviously remain on the table.''

However, the IHRF has asserted that these attacks targeting civilians constitute a ''grave violation of International Humanitarian Law,'' stating there ''can be no justification for the killing of an entire household, including sleeping infants.''

In response to the reported casualties, the foundation has called for an ''immediate, independent, and transparent international investigation'' and demanded accountability for those who ''ordered and executed this attack.''

- ANI
Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, ending his 32-year association with the Congress. The move comes just months before the crucial Assam assembly elections, where the BJP aims to retain power. Borah cited feelings of humiliation and a lack of support from senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, as key reasons for his exit. His defection is a significant setback for the Congress party's prospects in the state.

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah defects to BJP after three decades, citing humiliation within Congress. Key move before state polls.

Guwahati, February 22 Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah on Sunday joined the BJP in the presence of State BJP President Dilip Saikia, ahead of the assembly elections slate to be held in the next few months.

BJP MP Baijayant Panda was also present on the occasion.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah will join the BJP on February 22, following his resignation from the Congress party.

Earlier, Bhupen Borah reflected on his 32-year political career, highlighting his rise from MLA to Assam Congress chief and his role in shaping the party's alliances in the state.

"I started the talks. On the 11th, Gaurav Gogoi said, 'You shouldn't go alone, take Rakibul Hussain along too'... I was talking to all the parties, but on the 13th, Gaurav Gogoi announced that Bhupen Borah had created a misunderstanding. I asked him why he had humiliated me in front of everyone, but he gave no answer... I even told Rahul Gandhi that I couldn't tolerate such humiliation. But no one said anything," he said.

Borah noted that when he became APCC president in 2021, Congress was in alliance with AIUDF, which he ended, and later, before the formation of the INDIA alliance, he successfully forged partnerships with 16 different parties.

"I gave 32 years to the Congress party. Congress made me from an MLA to APCC President... When I became president in 2021, Congress was in alliance with AIUDF. I broke the alliance. After that, before the INDIA alliance was formed, I forged alliances with 16 parties," Borah said.

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
The Arab League, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have issued strong condemnations of remarks by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who claimed Israel has a biblical right to control the entire Middle East. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit stated the comments are irrational, violate diplomatic norms, and inflame tensions during a critical period for Gaza ceasefire efforts. Egypt's Foreign Ministry expressed astonishment, calling the statement a blatant violation of international law and rejecting any Israeli sovereignty over occupied Arab lands. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud warned the rhetoric sets a dangerous precedent, undermines regional relations with the US, and threatens international peace and security.

Arab states condemn US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's claim of Israel's "biblical right" to the Middle East as a violation of international law and a threat to peace.

Cairo, Feb 22 The Arab League, Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned remarks by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Israel has the right to claim control over the entire Middle East.

Huckabee's remarks, being illogical and irrational, are "inconsistent with the fundamental principles and established norms of diplomacy," Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said in a statement.

Those remarks "serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions" when countries are exploring ways to implement the Gaza ceasefire and "seize the opportunity to launch a serious political process towards peace," he said.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed its "astonishment" over the remarks, describing them as a "blatant violation" of international law and the United Nations Charter, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Egypt's long-standing position that Israel holds "no sovereignty" over occupied Palestinian territory or any other Arab lands, voicing its "categorical rejection" of any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also condemned Huckabee's comments on Saturday, saying such statements set a dangerous precedent and reflect a disregard for the relations between the countries of the region and the United States.

"This extremist rhetoric portends grave consequences and threatens international peace and security by antagonizing the countries and peoples of the region and undermining the foundations of the international order," the minister said on X.

In a contentious interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson posted on Friday, Huckabee said Israel has a "biblical right" to claim control over the entire Middle East, or at least most of the region.

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said.

- IANS
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has praised the troops of the Northern Command for their professionalism and resolve in Jammu and Kashmir counter-terror operations. This commendation came on the day security forces killed three terrorists, including top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Saifullah, in Kishtwar district. The operation, involving the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF, is seen as a major success in dismantling terrorist activities in the Jammu division. The Indian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the region with zero tolerance for terrorism.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi praises Northern Command's professionalism after a major operation kills top JeM commander Saifullah in Kishtwar.

Jammu, Feb 23 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has commended the troops of the Indian Army's Northern Command for their exemplary professionalism and steadfast resolve in the ongoing counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Army officials said.

Taking to its official X account on Sunday, the Additional Director General of Public Information (ADGPI) of Indian Army said, "COAS General Upendra Dwivedi commends the troops of Indian Army's Northern Command for their exemplary professionalism and steadfast resolve in ongoing counter-terror operations in #JammuKashmir."

"He (COAS General Dwivedi) lauds their (Northern Command's) vigilance, operational excellence and seamless coordination under challenging conditions."

"The #IndianArmy remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring lasting peace in #JammuKashmir with zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms," the Indian Army's ADGPI added.

The appreciation by the Army Chief General Dwivedi for the troops of the Indian Army's Northern Command has come on a day on which the Army in complete coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF killed three terrorists in Kishtwar district of the Union Territory.

The terrorists killed include the top Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Commander, Saifullah, who was killed along with two of his terror aides in a fierce encounter in densely forested Chatroo area of Kishtwar.

Intelligence agencies have described the killing of Saifullah as a major success in anti-terrorist operations in the Jammu division.

This terror group led by Saifullah is reported to have been operating in the hilly districts of Doda, Udhampur and Kishtwar.

As the joint security forces were on the hot pursuit of this group of foreign terrorists, the latter kept on changing their locations regularly using the rugged inhospitable terrain of the mountains, to escape detection by the joint security forces.

There have been more than a dozen encounters between the terrorists and the joint security forces in and around the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.

The successful anti-terror operation on Sunday is believed to go a long way in breaking the back of terrorist activities in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high level security review meeting in Jammu on February 7.

During the meeting, Union Home Minister Shah had directed the security forces to adopt a mission mode approach to completely dismantle the support system of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

- IANS
The Asia Pacific generative AI market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 37.5% and contribute approximately USD 76 billion to the regional economy annually by 2030. Singapore is positioned as a leader in AI readiness and adoption within the region, with potential economic benefits reaching nearly USD 150 billion. The technology's impact on commercial real estate will vary by domain, with integration already occurring in areas like lease administration. The report emphasizes that AI will create new job categories while highlighting transparency, data governance, and comprehensive data as critical focus areas for successful implementation.

Report forecasts 37.5% CAGR for APAC generative AI, contributing $76B yearly by 2030, with Singapore leading regional adoption.

New Delhi, February 22 The Asia Pacific generative AI market size is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 37.5% from 2024 to 2030, and is likely to contribute around USD 76 billion annually to the economy by 2030, depending on adoption and how workers transition to other tasks, said a report by Colliers.

In a report titled "AI in Corporate Real Estate" Colliers said in Japan, it is estimated that generative AI could unlock JPY 148.7 trillion (around USD 1.1 trillion) in productive capacity. Singapore is expected to be among the leaders of this AI revolution within the region, with AI adoption in Singapore expected to provide economic benefits of up to SGD 198.3 billion (USD 147.6 billion) in 2030.

Singapore tops the list of Asia Pacific countries for AI readiness, according to Salesforce AI Readiness Index 2023, which also revealed that Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Thailand have improved their overall AI readiness score since 2021.

On AI's influence on the commercial real estate sector, the report said the influence will undoubtedly be felt, but its timing and extent of impact will differ depending on the specific domain.

"Some segments, like transaction management, present challenges to adoption due to their sensitive nature. In contrast, areas like lease administration and facility management are already witnessing the integration of AI, albeit with a potentially lesser overall impact on the industry," it said.

On the impact of AI on jobs, the report said the extent of AI's impact on job loss and creation varies across industries, and its overall effect remains uncertain. If harnessed correctly and used to augment the industry's roles, AI becomes a vital tool to empower workers.

Further it said that AI will introduce employment opportunities that currently do not exist. Within the realm of CRE, emerging jobs may include Ethicists/Ethics experts, Security Engineers, AI-Enabled Property Managers, AI Trainer/Model Curators, and more.

The report also highlighted five focus areas for AI Implementation.

First is transparency. It said the data across CRE firms and businesses are often nonstandardised and, most importantly, closely guarded as proprietary information. This systematic hindrance will need to undergo a transformation for CRE companies to utilize AI's full potential.

Second is Comprehensive Data. Limited and biased data in AI applications can lead to varied results; to maximise AI benefits in CRE, comprehensive data across organizations is necessary for accurate benchmarking and trend forecasting, it said.

Third is Governance. The report said for success in the evolving landscape, clients and providers need to create data governance programs or content libraries that support increased data sharing. Data governance programs should focus on minimising risk, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and enabling more effective data utilization.

Fourth is Data Volume. The CRE industry is abundant with data on markets, leases, and transactions, which is vital for training AI systems for intricate tasks. Ensuring this training is not skewed by biased or incomplete data sets is essential for effective AI application.

Fifth is Data Management. Efficiently managing the vast data within the CRE sector is key to maintaining its integrity and ensuring its accuracy and effective use. It also involves regulating access, both granting and restricting it appropriately. Data management contracts between all parties involved are critical to uphold these standards.

- ANI
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a museum in Guwahati dedicated to housing the sacred Vrindavani Vastra. The textile, created by medieval saint Srimanta Sankardev, is being returned to Assam after centuries abroad. Sarma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advice to focus on both development and heritage for this initiative. The project, supported by the JSW Foundation, aims to protect Assam's cultural identity and create a landmark celebrating its Vaishnavite legacy.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma lays foundation for museum to bring back the sacred Vrindavani Vastra, a textile by Srimanta Sankardev, to its origin.

Guwahati, Feb 22 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the state is steadily reclaiming its "glorious heritage" as he laid the foundation stone for a world-class museum in Guwahati to house the iconic Vrindavani Vastra, a sacred textile created by medieval saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardev.

Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Chief Minister said the initiative marks a significant step in Assam's long-standing efforts to bring the priceless artefact back to its place of origin.

"One by one, Assam is reclaiming its glorious heritage. Today, we took a major step towards bringing the Vrindavani Vastra back to Assam," Sarma said.

The Chief Minister recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his first day in office, had advised him to work simultaneously on two priorities -- Vikas (development) and Virasat (heritage).

"Since then, our government has worked continuously on both fronts, and the finalisation of the return of Gurujona's timeless creation marks another important milestone in that direction," he added.

Sarma expressed gratitude to the JSW Foundation for its role in facilitating the return of the Vrindavani Vastra to Assam and for supporting the construction of a dedicated museum to preserve and showcase the sacred textile.

"On behalf of the people of Assam, I thank the JSW Foundation for its commitment to safeguarding our cultural legacy," the Chief Minister said.

He added that after centuries, the people of Assam would finally be able to witness the revered creation in their own land, describing it as a moment of pride and cultural significance for the state.

Highlighting the broader importance of the initiative, Sarma said the effort is not only about bringing back Gurujona's legacy but also about reaffirming Assam's resolve to protect and preserve its cultural identity.

"Our identity faces constant threats from both internal and external elements. With Gurujona's blessings, we will protect it," he said.

The proposed museum is expected to emerge as a major cultural landmark in Guwahati, celebrating Assam's rich Vaishnavite heritage and strengthening efforts to preserve the state's historical and spiritual legacy.

- IANS
The Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, met with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi to discuss the law and order situation and the paramilitary force's role in the state. The Assam Rifles is responsible for guarding the India-Myanmar border across several northeastern states, including Manipur. Concurrently, a National Integration Tour organized by the Assam Rifles is underway, bringing civil society representatives from Manipur to interact with military leadership and promote unity. The initiative aims to strengthen civil-military cooperation and shared responsibility for peace and development in the region.

Assam Rifles DG Vikas Lakhera meets Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh to review security and peace efforts. National Integration Tour fosters civil-military ties.

New Delhi/Imphal, Feb 23 Assam Rifles Director General, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera held a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi and discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the state, officials said.

An official in Imphal said on Sunday that during the meeting, held at Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi, the Assam Rifles DG briefed Chief Minister Khemchand Singh on the role and activities of the country's oldest paramilitary force in Manipur.

The Assam Rifles is responsible for guarding the India-Myanmar border across four Northeastern states -- Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.

Manipur shares a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.

The Chief Minister lauded the Assam Rifles for its crucial role in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

Besides border guarding duties, the Assam Rifles troops are also deployed to assist in maintaining the law and order in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the ongoing National Integration Tour organised by the Assam Rifles under its civic action programme for representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Tengnoupal, Chandel and Kakching districts of Manipur, as part of its Northeast phase, reached Dimapur in Nagaland.

A Defence Spokesman said that the delegation of 23 members, accompanied by 68 officials and troops, is undertaking a 15-day journey aimed at fostering national unity, strengthening civil-military cooperation and broadening perspectives on governance and development.

On February 21, the group interacted with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps, Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, in Dimapur.

The discussions highlighted the importance of civil-military synergy and the constructive role played by CSOs in community development, conflict resolution and nation-building.

Participants were also given first-hand insights into the responsibilities of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and progress in the Northeastern region.

The interaction provided a valuable platform for open dialogue, enabling the exchange of ideas on regional issues, security dynamics and developmental initiatives.

It reinforced trust between the armed forces and civil society, underlining the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in sustaining peace and stability.

"Following the engagement, the delegation proceeded to Kohima by bus to continue the next phase of the National Integration Tour, which remains a significant initiative in strengthening people-centric engagement and harmonious relations across the region," the Spokesman added.

- IANS
Cadres of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam have passed a resolution urging party president Vijay to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from the Perambur constituency. The party's leadership believes in contesting from constituencies with higher poverty levels, making North Chennai a strategic focus. TVK functionaries directly challenged the ruling DMK's claim over Chennai, declaring the capital now "belongs to TVK." This move signals TVK's intent to launch an aggressive urban campaign with Vijay at the forefront.

TVK cadres pass resolution urging Vijay to contest 2026 Assembly elections from Perambur, challenging DMK dominance in North Chennai.

Chennai, Feb 22 Cadres of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on Sunday passed a resolution urging party president Vijay to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from the Perambur constituency, signalling the party's intent to make North Chennai a central arena in the upcoming political battle.

The resolution was moved at a party meeting in Chennai by TVK's election campaign management secretary Aadhav Arjuna.

Addressing the gathering, he said the cadres were unanimous in their demand that Vijay enter the electoral fray from Perambur.

The resolution was later endorsed by party general secretary N. Anand, who assured members that their sentiments would be conveyed to the leadership.

"We wholeheartedly accept the resolution moved by Aadhav and will convey your wish to Thalapathy," Anand said, referring to Vijay by his popular moniker.

Explaining the rationale behind the demand, Aadhav Arjuna said the party leadership believed in contesting from constituencies marked by higher poverty levels and greater public need.

According to him, North Chennai exemplifies those conditions and therefore aligns with the party's political philosophy.

He added that Vijay's preference was to contest from a North Chennai constituency such as Perambur, Kolathur or R.K. Nagar, underscoring the strategic importance the party attaches to the region.

Aadhav also claimed that Vijay's decision to first step into the North Chennai political landscape was influenced by earlier incidents in which TVK functionaries were allegedly manhandled while campaigning peacefully in the Harbour constituency.

In a direct challenge to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Aadhav dismissed claims that Chennai remains the party's political stronghold.

He said TVK was deliberately launching its campaign in the capital city to counter that perception.

"From now on, Chennai belongs to TVK," he declared, drawing applause from party members.

He also took a swipe at state minister P. K. Sekar Babu, who represents a North Chennai constituency, asserting that while the DMK claims dominance in the region, influential local leaders were now aligning with TVK.

With the 2026 Assembly polls approaching, TVK's move signals its intention to mount an aggressive campaign in urban constituencies and position Vijay at the forefront of a high-stakes electoral contest in Chennai.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Mahamaghan festival in Kerala during his Mann Ki Baat radio address, describing it as a powerful testament to India's enduring spiritual consciousness. He drew a direct parallel between this southern gathering and the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, emphasizing the unifying flow of faith across the country. The Prime Minister framed such congregations not merely as ritual baths but as a profound renewal of cultural memory and heritage. The event, revived after being shut during the British era, saw a massive turnout on the banks of the Bharatapuzha river based largely on word-of-mouth.

PM Modi applauds Mahamaghan, Kerala's Kumbh Mela, as an awakening of memory and renewal of India's Sanatan culture in his Mann Ki Baat address.

New Delhi, February 22 The recent Mahamaghan -Kerala's Kumbh Mela' organised in Thirunavya in the State found a special mention in Prime Minister's address to the nation 'Mann K Baat' on Sunday.

Delivering the 131st edition of the monthly radio broadcast, the Prime Minister said that the spiritual congregation that was held from January 18 to Februray 3 was organised without any major announcement. He described the massive turnout as a testament to India's "Sanatan Chetana" and a triumph of word-of-mouth faith.

He noted that the event saw an extraordinary "sea of humanity" gather on the banks of the Bharatapuzha river.

"Rivers and riverbanks may differ from North to South, but the flow of faith remains the same," PM Modi said, drawing a direct line between last year's Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with the Mahamaghan in Kerala.

He said that the Kumbh Melas are not merely festivals of taking holy dips in divine rivers but a renewal of Indian culture and heritage.

"You surely remember the amazing images of the Maha Kumbh around this time last year. The sea of humanity surging on the banks of the Sangam, the immense flow of faith, and in that sacred moment of bathing, it seemed as if India was 'in communion' with its 'Sanatan Chetana'... But today, in our country, which is re-recognising its heritage, history has taken another turn, without any major announcement kerala Kumbh was organised. People told one another, and soon devotees thronged Thirunavya. Be it Mahakumbh or Kerala Kumbh, it is not just a festival of taking holy dips, but an awakening of memory, a renewal of culture. The rivers and the riverbanks can be different from North to South but the flow of faith is the same. This is India," he said.

Earlier on January 17, Swami Anandavanam Bharathi narrated the story of a yajna conducted by Lord Brahma, after which the Bharatapuzha River was formed.

"In Kerala, there is an ancient tradition like Kumbh Mela about a Magha Mela. It is connected to the legend of Brahma's yajna. Brahma did a yajna for the prosperity of the land and his people. After that, for that yajna, in the leadership of Ganga Maya, all the Tirthas of Bharata came here and made a river. The river is called Bharata Puzha. The only river in Bharata, in the name of Bharata," Bharathi told ANI.

"It is a spiritual congregation comparable to the Kumbh Mela of South India. The festival is believed to have begun during the reign of Cheraman Perumal and later continued under the leadership of the Valluvakonathiri," he added.

Bharathi Maharaj said that the Mahamagha melas were shut during the British colonial era. However, after the nation gained independence, some efforts were made to revive the tradition, but it was still being celebrated on a small scale until last year.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the story of 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham from Kerala during his Mann Ki Baat address, praising the increasing awareness around organ donation. Alin, who suffered brain death after a road accident, had her organs donated by her parents, saving the lives of five recipients, including a six-month-old baby who received her liver. The Kerala Police accorded a Guard of Honour to the infant, and the state's Health Minister described the act as a model of love and care for humanity. The case marks the youngest organ donor in the state, demonstrating profound altruism amidst tragedy.

PM Modi remembers 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, whose organ donation saved five lives. Kerala Police gives Guard of Honour.

New Delhi, February 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered Kerala's 10-month-old organ donor, Alin Sherin Abraham, in his Mann ki Baat programme, stressing that awareness regarding organ donation is increasing.

Speaking during the 131st 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, PM Modi sympathised with the family of Alin and said that the pain of losing a very young child is deeper.

"There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing one's own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper. Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala... Awareness regarding organ donation is increasing... Medical research is also getting a boost... There are many people like Aalin who have given another life to someone by organ donation..." he said.

Alin suffered brain death following a road accident on February 5 at Pallam Borma junction in Pathanamthitta district, where a car coming from the opposite direction collided with their vehicle. She sustained severe injuries, and her mother and grandparents were also critically hurt.

After initial treatment in Changanassery and Tiruvalla, the child was shifted to Kochi, where she was declared brain-dead on February 13. The family consented to organ donation soon after.

Her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, decided to donate her organs. The infant's liver, two kidneys, heart valve and corneas were donated.

A six-month-old baby undergoing treatment received the liver, becoming the youngest in the state to undergo a posthumous liver transplant. The kidneys were allocated to another child, while the heart valve and corneas were also transplanted to patients in need.

Soon after, the Kerala Police had accorded a Guard of Honour to 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, whose selfless contribution saved the lives of five people.

Speaking to ANI, the Kerala Health Minister Veen George said that such an act filled with love and care for humanity is a model for many others.

"So, from the depths of their grief and their sorrow. So it is, it is quite, quite, I don't know how to describe that. It's such an active expression of love and care for humanity, serving as a model for many others. The parents decided to donate the organs, and Alan, their little daughter, became the youngest organ donor in the state. The state has decided to give the honour, Guard of Honour, to the little child. Now, the police have just given the Guard of Honour for the state as the state's honour, and the Honourable Chief Minister has called the family and expressed his condolences," said George.

The baby had become Kerala's youngest organ donor by giving new life to five recipients after being declared brain-dead at the hospital.

- ANI
Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), speaks during an interview with the German Press Agency (DPA). Carsten Koall/dpa

The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) sees increasing risks of doing business with China as the country expands its position on the world markets in numerous industries.

"This presents opportunities for German companies, for example through strong technological progress and local innovation," DIHK President Peter Adrian tells dpa. "However, this is offset by growing risks, such as government intervention and unequal competitive conditions."

Therefore, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's scheduled visit to Beijing on Tuesday comes at the right time, according to Adrian.

China is of central importance to the German economy, but the framework conditions have shifted noticeably, he added.

While sales opportunities for German companies in the Chinese market have declined significantly, imports from China are on the rise.

"Germany and the European single market remain a key sales market for Chinese goods," said Adrian. "In addition, there continues to be considerable dependence on China for critical raw materials and intermediate products."

As well as the issues of a level playing field in trade and investment, export restrictions on critical raw materials should also be addressed during the visit, Adrian said.

The existing restrictions jeopardize supply chains and made investment decisions difficult for German companies, according to the DIHK head.

"Export controls must be rule-based and transparent," said Adrian. Existing approval and control processes must be simplified, accelerated and made more predictable.

China last year again overtook the United States as Germany's most important trading partner amid the tariff conflict with the administration of President Donald Trump.

In 2025, the volume of imports and exports in trade with China totalled 251.8 billion ($296.6 billion), according to the latest German government data.

However, German companies complain of increasing barriers in the Chinese market.
The Manipuri-language film "Boong" has won the Best Children and Family Film award at the BAFTA Awards 2026, creating history as the first Indian film to secure a victory in this category. The film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by a team including Farhan Akhtar, triumphed over international competitors like "Zootopia 2." Its story follows a young boy from Manipur on a quest to reunite his family. The award was accepted by the makers at a ceremony in London where Alia Bhatt is also slated to present.

Manipuri-language film 'Boong' wins Best Children and Family Film at BAFTA 2026, marking India's first victory in the category.

London, February 23 The ongoing BAFTA Awards 2026 has brought good news for India this year as the Manipuri-language debut feature, won a major honour on the global stage.

India made its mark at the British Academy Film Awards as 'Boong' won the Best Children and Family Film award. The film was the only Indian nominee at the BAFTAs this year. The official BAFTA social media pages shared the announcement. With this, Boong has also created history by becoming the first Indian Indian film to win the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Award in the Best Children's and Family Film category.

Boong is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. The makers, including Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Lakshmipriya Devi and Alan McAlex, were present at the event held at London's Royal Festival Hall to receive the award.

The film revolves around the story of a young boy named Boong from Manipur. He plans to surprise his mother with a special gift. In his innocent mind, he feels that bringing his missing father back home would be the best gift. His search slowly changes his life and leads to an unexpected new beginning.

Boong competed with popular international films such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco and still managed to win the award.

The film first premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section. It was later screened at many global film events, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.

Meanwhile, the 79th BAFTA Awards ceremony is being held at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Actor-producer Alia Bhatt is also set to present an award at the event.

- ANI
Zootopia 2 has won the Best Animated Film award at the 79th BAFTA ceremony. Co-creator Jared Bush delivered an emotional speech emphasizing the film's core message that differences should be celebrated. The night was dominated by 'One Battle After Another,' a Leonardo DiCaprio film that won six awards including Best Film and Best Director. The winning film is now a major contender heading into the Oscars with 13 nominations.

Zootopia 2 wins BAFTA Best Animated Film. Director Jared Bush's emotional speech urges embracing differences. Leonardo DiCaprio's film dominates ceremony.

London, February 23 'Zootopia 2', one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time, has won the Best Animated Film award at the 79th edition of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

'Zootopia' co-creator Jared Bush and producer Yvett Merino accepted the award while expressing their gratitude to the production, especially Walt Disney Animation Studios and their cast.

Jared Bush, while accepting the honour, got emotional and talked about the message which they wanted to spread through their storytelling in 'Zootopia 2'.

"We wanted to tell the story about differences and the fact that sometimes in this world right now, we are told that differences are bad or a problem. Our differences make us all fantastic. Our differences can make something really wonderful, and the world needs it right now," said Jared Bush in his acceptance speech at BAFTA 2026.

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the film follows the story of a rabbit police officer (Ginnifer Goodwin) and con artist fox (Jason Bateman) as they come together once again to pursue a mysterious new reptilian resident (Ke Huy Quan).

Meanwhile, the British Academy Award was dominated by Leonardo DiCaprio starrer 'One Battle After Another', which won six awards on the night, including Best Director and Best Film.

'One Battle After Another' follows a rabble of ex-revolutionaries reuniting to rescue a comrade's daughter after an old enemy resurfaces. The ensemble cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and breakout Chase Infiniti.

'One Battle After Another' went into the BAFTA Awards leading the pack with 14 nominations, just two short of the record set by "Gandhi."

The Award show streamed on Lionsgate Play. For the upcoming Oscar Awards, the film has 13 nominations, with hopes to add Best Actor and Director honours in its kitty.

- ANI
The film 'One Battle After Another' claimed the top prize of Best Film at the 79th BAFTA Awards, solidifying its frontrunner status for the upcoming Oscars. The Paul Thomas Anderson-directed thriller, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, won a total of six BAFTA awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Anderson emotionally dedicated his Best Director win to his late assistant director and producer, Adam Somner. The film's victory adds to its impressive haul from other major award shows this season, including the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards.

Leonardo DiCaprio's 'One Battle After Another' wins Best Film at BAFTA 2026, taking six awards and boosting its Oscar hopes.

London, February 23 Leonardo DiCaprio starrer and Paul Thomas Anderson directorial 'One Battle After Another' is now it's way to Oscar with a grand win at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts 2026.

The movie has won the 'Best Film' honour at the 79th edition of BAFTA. Leonardo, Paul and the other cast members recieved the award at the event. With this, the film took home six prizes, including best director for Paul Thomas Anderson.

'One Battle After Another' is loosely based on the 1990 novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon. The thriller centres on a group of former revolutionaries who reunite after 16 years to confront an enemy that has re-emerged. DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, with Regina Hall co-starring as Deandra.

Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, 'One Battle After Another' features a starry supporting cast including Benicio del Toro, Teyana Taylor and Sean Penn.

Along with this, 'One Battle After Another' has bagged the Best Film awards at Critics' Choice Awards 2026, Directors Guild of America Awards 2026, Golden Globes 2026, Gotham Awards 2025 and many other prestigious award shows which took place in 2025 and early parts of this year.

Earlier in the night (UK Time), Paul Thomas Anderson bagged the Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography awards at the BAFTA 2026. He dedicated his Best Director award to the late producer and assistant director Brit Adam Somner.

"You may think that your greatest export is Alfred Hitchcock or Charlie Chaplin, but it wasn't. To me, it was Adam Somner, who was my assistant director and producer for about 20 years. He came over to America, and the line was out the door of people who wanted to work with him because he made us all better," said Anderson as quoted by Variety.

Anderson continued: "About three weeks into our film, he found out he was sick, and he made it through production. If you've ever gone to work before with someone who's very ill, there's something miraculous that makes you pay attention and reminds you of the privilege of the work that we do. So thank you for sending him to me," as quoted by Variety.

The BAFTA 2026 streamed on Lionsgate Play.

- ANI
Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has successfully dispatched the tenth and final unit of a 3300 horsepower diesel-electric locomotive order to Mozambique. These indigenously manufactured locomotives are designed for Cape gauge tracks and can reach speeds up to 100 km/h. The export, managed through RITES Limited, underscores BLW's role as a major hub for locomotive manufacturing and international supply. This achievement aligns with the "Make in India" and "Make for the World" initiatives, reinforcing India's position as a reliable exporter of advanced railway technology.

Banaras Locomotive Works dispatches its tenth indigenously manufactured 3300 HP diesel-electric locomotive to Mozambique, marking a key export milestone.

Varanasi, February 22 Banaras Locomotive Works has once again hoisted India's flag on the international stage in locomotive manufacturing. The tenth unit of the indigenously manufactured 3300 horsepower AC-AC diesel-electric locomotive built by BLW was successfully dispatched to Mozambique on February 21, 2026.

According to a release, this marks a significant milestone, as BLW has received an export order for a total of 10 units of 3300 HP AC-AC diesel-electric locomotives for Mozambique.

The supply of these locomotives has been carried out through RITES Limited under a contract for the manufacture and export of 10 locomotives. The first two locomotives were dispatched in June 2025, followed by the third in September, the fourth in October, and the fifth on December 12, 2025.

Subsequently, the sixth locomotive was dispatched on December 15, 2025, the seventh on January 8, 2026, the eighth on January 23, and the ninth on February 17, 2026, as per the release.

These state-of-the-art 3300-horsepower Cape gauge (1067 mm) locomotives, manufactured by BLW, are capable of operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h. They are equipped with internationally benchmarked, driver-friendly features such as a refrigerator, hot plate, mobile holder, and a modern cabin design, enhancing both operator comfort and operational efficiency.

Banaras Locomotive Works, a production unit of Indian Railways located in Varanasi, is now emerging as a major hub for locomotive manufacturing and exports. Leveraging its expertise in indigenous design and advanced railway technology, BLW is strengthening India's presence in the global railway market. Since 2014, BLW has exported locomotives to countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Mozambique, contributing to the development of their railway systems.

In line with the vision of "Make in India" and "Make for the World," these exports demonstrate the capability of Indian Railways to design, manufacture, and supply rolling stock suited to various gauge systems in use worldwide. Through such initiatives, Indian Railways is supporting partner countries in upgrading their rail infrastructure while reinforcing India's position as a reliable exporter of railway rolling stock and related services.

BLW's achievements in the field of locomotive exports reflect India's growing technological self-reliance and its expanding influence in the global railway equipment market.

- ANI
Bangladesh will fully resume tourist visa services for Indian applicants from its diplomatic missions in India starting Monday. The services had been generally suspended since mid-January due to security reasons surrounding the country's national election held on February 12. A foreign ministry official clarified that while not formally announced, tourist visa issuance was limited and will now be widely expanded. The resumption follows a review of the security situation after the election and signs of improving bilateral relations.

Bangladesh to fully resume tourist visa services for Indian applicants from Monday after a temporary suspension due to security concerns around elections.

Dhaka, February 22 Tourist visa services from Bangladeshi diplomatic missions located in India will resume on Monday, a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official stated on Sunday.

The Bangladesh government had suspended tourist visa services from its diplomatic missions in India due to security reasons. However, after the Bangladesh election, the situation has improved, and the visa service will be fully resumed from Monday.

"Including the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, and in various cities of India such as Guwahati, Agartala, Mumbai and Kolkata--wherever Bangladeshi diplomatic missions are located--apart from tourist visas, other visa services were mostly ongoing. However, tourist visas had generally been stopped, though they were still issued in urgent cases," a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official said on Sunday.

"Although we did not formally announce it as stopped, we are not formally announcing it as resumed either; in fact, it was ongoing and will now be expanded widely from Monday," the official told ANI.

Additionally, around the election held in Bangladesh on February 12, the Bangladesh government had instructed its missions in India to suspend tourist visas from January 15 to February 15. In urgent cases, visas were issued. Apart from India, due to security reasons, services were also completely stopped for countries such as Bhutan and Nepal. Now, after reviewing the overall situation, all types of visas, including tourist visas, are being fully resumed from all places from Monday.

Indian visa services for Bangladeshis are still suspended--specifically tourist visa services, though some categories remain ongoing.

During the period of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, relations between India and Bangladesh had deteriorated. However, after the February 12 election, when the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office, there are signs of improvement in relations.

At the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet after the election, a high-level Indian delegation led by Speaker of India Om Birla participated and met with the Prime Minister.

- ANI
Uncertainty persists over the exact number of West Bengal voter documents flagged for judicial verification following a Supreme Court directive, with estimates ranging from 45 to 50 lakh. A meeting chaired by Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul decided to appoint 250 judicial officers to adjudicate these cases arising from the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Justice Paul expressed doubts about completing the massive verification within a short timeframe and plans to seek clarifications from the Election Commission of India. The final voters' list will be published on February 28, excluding the disputed documents, with supplementary lists to follow later.

Uncertainty remains as 45-50 lakh Bengal voter documents with "logical discrepancies" await judicial verification before the final electoral roll publication.

Kolkata, Feb 22 As the deadline for the expiration of the scrutiny phase of the voters' documents submitted during the hearing session on claims and objections to the draft voters' list in West Bengal has concluded, uncertainty remains regarding the number of voters' documents classified as "logical discrepancy" cases that are to be verified by the judicial officers, as instructed by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court.

The deadline ended on Saturday midnight 12.

At the meeting chaired by the Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice Sujoy Paul on Saturday, it was decided to appoint 250 judicial officers to oversee the adjudication of claims and objections arising from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal. The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Chief Secretary Nandini Goswami, Acting Director General of Police Peeyush Pandey, State Advocate General Kishore Datta, and one Additional Solicitor General on behalf of the Union government.

"However, since at the time the meeting ended on late Saturday evening, the regular scrutiny was going on, it could not be ascertained at the meeting on the exact number of voters' documents that would be referred to the judicial officers for adjudication," an insider from the CEO's office said.

He added that an estimate had been drawn that the number of voters' documents to be referred for adjudication by the judicial officers will approximately range between 45 lakh and 50 lakh.

The CEO's office insider further said Justice Paul, during the meeting, expressed doubts over completing such a large number of voters' documents within a short period of time. He is likely to have a virtual meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s top official later in the day and seek further clarifications.

As of now, it has been decided that the final voters' list in West Bengal will be published as per schedule on February 28, minus those voters' documents to be referred to judicial officials for adjudication, and supplementary lists will be published later accordingly.

On Saturday, the Calcutta High Court also issued a notification cancelling leaves of all judicial officers in West Bengal till March 9 and directed those currently on leave to join their respective courts and offices by Monday. Emergency medical leaves were excluded from the notification that cancelled the leaves.

- IANS
Senior BJP leaders, including Chief Ministers from several states, tuned in to the 131st episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme. During the address, PM Modi highlighted the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi as a showcase of India's capabilities and a global turning point for AI. He also expressed serious concern over the rising incidents of digital arrest scams and financial fraud targeting citizens. The programme served as a platform to discuss national achievements and address contemporary public issues.

Senior BJP leaders & CMs listen to PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat. PM hails AI Impact Summit 2026 success & warns citizens about rising digital fraud scams.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Senior BJP leaders across states on Sunday listened to the 131st episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', with party workers organising group listening sessions in several regions.

In Gujarat, BJP National President Nitin Nabin and other party leaders tuned in to the broadcast, reaffirming the party's outreach efforts through the Prime Minister's address.

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also listened to the 131st episode along with party members and citizens.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' at his residence. Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu and Cabinet Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal were also present with him.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also marked his attendance in listening to the 131st episode of PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.

During the programme, PM Modi hailed the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, stating that the event showcased "Bharat's remarkable capabilities" in the field of artificial intelligence.

India hosted the summit from February 16 to 20, focusing on human-centric AI, global cooperation and ethical frameworks, including the New Delhi Declaration.

Addressing listeners, the Prime Minister said, "This is a strong platform to bring forth the achievements of the country and its people. One such achievement was recently seen during the AI Impact Summit that was held in Delhi. Leaders, industrialists, innovators and people from the start-up sectors arrived in the Bharat Mandapam for this summit."

Describing the gathering as a milestone moment, he added, "This summit is a turning point in how the world will use the power of AI in the future. I got the opportunity to meet the world leaders and tech leaders. At the AI Summit Exhibition, I showcased many innovations to the world leaders."

During the broadcast, the Prime Minister also remarked about digital fraud, saying, "There has been significant awareness in our society regarding digital arrest scams and digital fraud. However, such unacceptable incidents are still occurring around us. Innocent people continue to be targeted through digital arrest threats and financial fraud. In many cases, senior citizens lose their lifetime savings. Sometimes, money saved for children's school fees is stolen. There are also reports of businessmen being cheated."

- IANS
The Bharatiya Janata Party has officially launched its campaign for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, beginning with an event in the Nemom constituency led by state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. BJP National President Nitin Nabin has accused the ruling LDF and opposition UDF alliances of hindering the state's development and undermining Sanatana Dharma. In contrast, Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty expressed strong confidence that the LDF will secure a massive victory, aiming for 110 out of 140 seats. The stage is set for a fierce triangular contest between the LDF, UDF, and the BJP-led NDA for control of the state assembly.

BJP begins Kerala 2026 election campaign from Nemom. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Nitin Nabin, and V Shivankutty outline strategies in high-stakes triangular battle.

Thiruvananthapuram, February 22 Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday officially launched its campaign for the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Election 2026, beginning from the Nemom constituency.

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated the campaign by writing the slogan "Nammukku Vendum Vikasistha Nemom" (We Need a Developed Nemom) on a wall, symbolically marking the start of the party's outreach in the constituency.

Kerala is expected to go to the polls before May 2026 to elect 140 members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly; no official date has been announced by the Election Commission of India.

Earlier this month, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Friday lauched an attack on Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliances in Kerala, accusing them of undermining Sanatana Dharma and hindering the state's progress, asserting that the BJP would protest against their actions.

While addressing the Booth Presidents' Conference in Karukutty, Ernakulam, Nabin said, "For years, the politics of development here could have been taken forward, Kerala could have been moved forward in the direction of making it a top state. But both these parties, whether it is UDF or LDF, have worked to stop the development here by wrestling for power one after another. The youth here, who could have made a leading contribution to the development of this state by moving forward, were stopped. But I can say that today Kerala is standing at that turn where the youth are going to lead this storm of complete change."

He accused them of complicity in corruption and appeasement politics, calling them an "anarchic government," expressing confidence that people would side with the BJP ideology.

On the other hand, Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty had expressed confidence that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) will secure a massive victory in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, claiming the alliance would win as many as 110 seats.

Speaking to ANI, Shivankutty said, "The LDF will win 110 seats in this election. Our 'jathas' are seeing strong public participation. No one can claim that development hasn't happened; everything we promised has been delivered, even without central assistance. What reason does anyone have not to vote for us? They (Congress) came campaigning with Sabarimala Ayyappan parody songs, and now everything has collapsed for them. They may even need to write a new parody song. Out of the 110 seats we will win, Nemom will also be among them."

Multiple political parties have started gearing up and strategising for the polls, with a high-stakes triangular battle set to unfold between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Both the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led UDF seek to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led LDF and gain control of the 140-member assembly. The LDF-led government has governed the state for around a decade.

- ANI
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has proposed distributing electric bicycles to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) to enhance their efficiency and reduce pollution. He made the request to Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during a conference, praising the irreplaceable human touch and vast network of the Indian postal system. Naidu highlighted that GDS are crucial for logistics and Direct Benefit Transfer delivery, calling them the backbone for a developed India and prosperous Andhra. The state is also advancing digital infrastructure, having signed an MoC to accelerate rural broadband connectivity under the BharatNet project.

Andhra CM Naidu urges Union Minister Scindia to provide e-bikes to rural postal workers for efficient service and reduced pollution.

Amaravati, Feb 23 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday mooted distribution of electric bicycles to Gramin Dak Sevaks.

Participating in Gramin Dak Sevak Conference in Guntur along with Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to provide electric bicycles to Gramin Dak Sevaks, stating that it would reduce pollution and help them perform their duties more efficiently.

Chandrababu Naidu said that Gramin Dak Sevaks are serving as one of the most vital logistics systems in the country.

He observed that even with the growth of technology and the advent of Artificial Intelligence, no one can replace the role of Dak Sevaks.

The Chief Minister stated that the logistics services of Gramin Dak Sevaks from Kashmir to Kanyakumari are commendable.

He noted that no postal organization in any other country has a network as vast as the Indian postal system. He said that out of more than 1.64 lakh post offices in the country, nearly 90 percent are located in rural areas and around 2.7 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks working across them.

In Andhra Pradesh alone, more than 9,100 post offices operate with over 17,000 Gramin Dak Sevaks. He appreciated that about 33 percent of financial assistance through DBT is delivered via Dak Sevaks. The Chief Minister described Dak Sevaks as the backbone for achieving Viksit Bharat and Swarna Andhra.

The Chief Minister said that Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is working to enhance the dignity of Dak Sevaks. He recalled working with Scindia's father, Madhavrao Scindia, in the past and mentioned that an area in Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam, is named after Scindia, inviting the Union Minister to visit it soon.

He reiterated that despite technological advancement, Dak Sevaks perform their duties with a human touch. He appreciated the introduction of a dress code for Dak Sevaks and requested the Union Minister to provide them with electric bicycles.

The Chief Minister stated that the state is witnessing rapid development under a double-engine government, with welfare being delivered in the last 20 months and development progressing swiftly. He said good governance has been initiated and government services are being delivered to citizens' doorsteps through WhatsApp Governance.

CM Naidu posted on 'X' that the government is committed to strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas and providing broadband connectivity to every Gram Panchayat. Taking a major step in that direction, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Digital Bharat Nidhi, marking a significant partnership between the Central and State Governments to accelerate rural digital connectivity through the Amended BharatNet Project.

- IANS
China's military tracked and monitored an Australian Anzac-class frigate, the HMAS Toowoomba, as it transited the Taiwan Strait in February. The strategic waterway saw vessels from eight countries, including the US, UK, and Japan, pass through in 2025, according to Taiwanese officials. The United States asserts these transits uphold freedom of navigation and reject unilateral sovereignty claims over the strait. Meanwhile, China has conducted military exercises demonstrating a potential blockade capability against Taiwan.

Chinese military tracked HMAS Toowoomba's Taiwan Strait transit. US-led allies conduct regular passages, challenging Beijing's territorial claims.

Beijing, February 22 An Anzac-class warship of Australia, an ally of the United States, transited through the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese military source told State media, which said that the frigate was tracked and monitored throughout the transit.

A Chinese military source told the Global Times that on February 20 and February 21, the Royal Australian Navy warship, the HMAS Toowoomba, transited the Taiwan Straits. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out full-process tracking, monitoring, and alert operations throughout the transit, Chinese state media reported.

A December 2025 report in the Taipei Times said that eight countries sent military vessels through the Taiwan Strait last year

The US, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the UK and France all sent military vessels through the Taiwan Strait this year (2025), Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen had said in December, as cited by the Taipei Times.

The official futher said that two joint operations by the US and UK, as well as Canada and Australia, were also held.

Beijing views the strategic strait as Chinese territorial waters, which Taiwan contests.

Earlier on January 16-17, this year, US naval vessels Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113 ) and Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship USNS Mary Sears (T-AGS 65) transited the Taiwan Strait, according to a statement by the US 7th Fleet.

"The ships transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state. The transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. The international community's navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be limited. The United States rejects any assertion of sovereignty or jurisdiction that is inconsistent with freedoms of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and air," the statement read.

In December 2025, the Chinese military the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and China Coast Guard conducted "Justice Mission" exercises around Taiwan. The drill was intended to demonstrate Beijing's ability to blockade Taiwan and defeat foreign forces coming to Taipei's aid.

- ANI
Investing.com  German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has shut the door on a potential shift in Europes fiscal architecture, stating that Berlin sees "no need" to revise its opposition to common European debt. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on Sunday, Klingbeil backed Chancellor Friedrich Merzs hardline stance, arguing that sufficient funds are already available.

The comments come as a direct rebuttal to French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently revived calls for joint borrowing to address the EUs flagging competitiveness. While the debate has intensified ahead of key summits, Klingbeil emphasized that Germanys current focus remains on "greater efficiency and speed" rather than expanding the blocs collective balance sheet.

Internal pressure vs. political will

Despite the governments firm "no," Klingbeil admitted that the domestic conversation is evolving. The finance minister noted that "new voices," specifically Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing and Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel, have signaled a fresh openness to joint debt issuance.

This shift in the financial elites sentiment suggests a growing divide between Germanys political leadership and its banking heavyweights. For investors, this tension raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the EUs "frugal" faction. If the Bundesbank continues to soften its stance, the political pressure on the Merz administration to compromise could become significant by the end of 2026.

Banking sovereignty and ECB stability

Beyond fiscal policy, Klingbeil reinforced Germanys protectionist stance regarding its banking sector. He explicitly rejected "unfriendly" moves by UniCredit SpA toward Commerzbank AG, reaffirming the governments commitment to the lenders independent strategy. This "clear commitment" is intended to ward off hostile takeover attempts that have kept the European banking sector on edge.

Regarding the European Central Bank, Klingbeil moved to dampen speculation surrounding President Christine Lagarde. While rumors persist that she might step down before her 2027 term ends, potentially clearing a path for Joachim Nagel, Klingbeil insisted that her succession is "not currently on the agenda."

Market participants will likely view these comments as an attempt to project stability. However, with the debate over "Eurobonds" reignited and banking mergers back in the headlines, the Eurozones largest economy remains at the center of a brewing financial tug-of-war.
Fourteen Arab and Islamic nations have issued a strong joint condemnation of statements made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The backlash followed an interview where Huckabee suggested it would be acceptable for Israel to extend its borders across large parts of the Middle East, from the Euphrates to the Nile. The nations labeled the remarks as dangerous, inflammatory, and a flagrant violation of international law that threatens regional stability. Despite Huckabee later moderating his position, the countries called for an end to such incendiary statements.

14 countries condemn US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's "inflammatory" suggestion that Israel could expand its borders across the Middle East.

Doha, February 22 Fourteen Arab and Islamic countries, alongside the secretariats of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the League of Arab States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, have strongly condemned statements made by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.

The joint backlash follows a televised interview with commentator Tucker Carlson on Friday, during which Huckabee suggested that Israel possesses the right to extend its borders across significant portions of the Middle East.

The discussion centred on the geographical boundaries of Israel and historical territorial claims.

During the exchange, Carlson questioned the Ambassador regarding the concept of a land spanning from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt and whether the modern state of Israel could claim that specific lineage.

Responding to the enquiry, Huckabee stated, ''It would be fine if they took it all.''

In a joint statement issued on on Saturday night from Doha, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and the State of Palestine described these as ''dangerous and inflammatory'' remarks.

They expressed ''profound concern'' and ''strong condemnation,'' noting that the comments indicate ''it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.''

The signatories categorically rejected the statements, affirming that ''Israel has no sovereignty whatsoever over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands.''

They stated that such remarks constitute a ''flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations'' and ''pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the region.''

The vast territory described in the interview would encompass modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.

The joint declaration warned that ''the continuation of Israel's expansionist policies and unlawful measures will only inflame violence and conflict in the region'' and ''undermine the prospects for peace.''

The Ministries further stressed that these remarks ''directly contradict the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,'' which are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for an independent Palestinian state.

The Ambassador later appeared to moderate his position, characterising his earlier remark as ''somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.''

He further noted that Israel is not seeking to enlarge its current territory and emphasised that the nation has a right to security within the land it currently holds.

Despite this, the Ministries called for ''an end to these incendiary statements,'' underscoring that remarks seeking to ''legitimise control over the lands of others'' fuel tensions rather than advancing peace.

- ANI
Former CIA officer John Kiriakou claims a final decision has been made for the United States to militarily strike Iran as early as next Monday or Tuesday, despite public diplomatic deadlines. He reveals the US has already begun strategic movements of military personnel across bases in the Middle East in preparation. Kiriakou outlines internal US political divisions, naming JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard as leading anti-war voices, with Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth reportedly leading the pro-war faction. The Iranian mission to the UN has warned that all US bases and assets in the region would be legitimate targets in the event of an attack.

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou reveals a US decision to strike Iran is made, with military movements underway. Key political factions named.

Washington, DC, February 22 Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has claimed that a final decision has been reached by the United States to initiate a military strike against Iran early next week.

Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou revealed that a fellow former intelligence official recently at the White House suggested that an attack could be imminent, despite public deadlines given by the administration.

Revealing the sensitive nature of the discussions, Kiriakou said, "I have a friend, former CIA officer, who was at the White House this morning talking to his friends, and he says that a decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday."

He noted that while the President yesterday publicly offered a 10-day window for the Islamic Republic to accept a comprehensive proposal, such timelines are often used as a tactical distraction.

"The president yesterday gave the Iranians 10 days to accept our proposals for an end to their ballistic missile programme, an end to their uranium enrichment programme, an end to supporting groups in the Middle East like Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis. But he's done this before," Kiriakou observed.

Explaining the strategy behind the shifting deadlines, he remarked, "Well, he'll give you 10 days, he'll give you two weeks, and then he'll just attack two days into it. He thinks that that keeps people off balance."

Validating these claims of imminent action, the United States has already commenced the strategic movement of military personnel stationed at various installations across the Middle East for undisclosed missions. This redeployment comes amidst growing anxieties regarding a potential direct military conflict with the Islamic Republic.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, a recent disclosure from The New York Times indicates that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar. Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Government officials are reportedly apprehensive that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed within the region could serve as the primary target of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war. Military experts suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities provided the US with advance notice.

The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces. This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation.

The former CIA officer also detailed the internal political divisions driving this escalation, identifying key figures on both sides of the intervention debate. "He said that there are battle lines, that the anti-war forces are JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard," Kiriakou stated, adding that the pro-war faction is reportedly "led by Marco Rubio and includes Pete Hegseth and now the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

Kiriakou expressed surprise at the inclusion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the pro-interventionist camp, noting a significant departure from historical military caution. However, he pointed out that recent leadership changes at the Pentagon have reshaped the military's stance.

"Trump has replaced all of the Joint Chiefs this year, this past, in the past 12 months, which I had forgotten," Kiriakou explained. "He promoted people that he knew would be politically loyal."

While the Trump administration officially remains dedicated to seeking a diplomatic resolution, several insiders believe that current offers from Tehran are not enough to deter military strikes. The Jerusalem Post further indicated that internal planning has become increasingly granular and ambitious, as the President has recently floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.

The discussion also touched upon the potential timing of recent government disclosures, including the anticipated release of UFO-related documents, as a potential distraction. Kiriakou agreed, "Probably in part, yeah. About them saying they're going to release the UFO files last night, which I've wanted released forever, but the timing."

- ANI
Domestic Institutional Investors provided strong counter-support with net inflows exceeding Rs 8,000 crore, offsetting significant selling pressure from Foreign Institutional Investors. Benchmark indices like Nifty faced volatility, closing lower influenced by global tensions and sectoral declines. The US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs resets trade terms with India, introducing short-term uncertainty but limiting immediate exposure. Analysts advise a cautious, sell-on-rise strategy with markets watching key support and resistance levels amid ongoing volatility.

Domestic institutional investors provide strong support with over Rs 8,000 crore inflows, countering FII selling. Nifty faces volatility with key levels at 25,300 support and 25,700 resistance.

New Delhi, Feb 22 As foreign institutional investors continue to sell in the domestic markets, domestic institutional investors also continue to provide strong support, driven by robust cues, according to analysts.

FIIs recorded net outflows of approximately Rs 7,000 crore in the cash market for the week ending February 20, amid volatile trading sessions marked by heavy selling on February 13 (Rs 7,395 crore outflow).

"Despite this, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided strong support with net inflows exceeding Rs 8,000 crore, highlighted by robust buying on February 13 and 16. Benchmark indices faced pressure, with Nifty closing around 25,454 on February 19 after a 1.41 per cent drop, influenced by global tensions and sector-wide declines in IT, financials, and autos," said Vinit Bolinjkar, Head of Research, Ventura.

A partial rebound occurred on February 20, with Nifty nearing 25,600 amid selective buying.

As the US Supreme Court struck down earlier broad "reciprocal" tariffs under IEEPA, for India, this effectively resets the interim US-India trade arrangement, limiting tariff exposure to 15 per cent for now.

While this introduces short-term uncertainty for Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems, and machinery, the measure is considered less severe than previously proposed actions and leaves scope for continued negotiations, according to market watchers.

President Donald Trump's remarks about potentially invoking alternative legal routes to advance his tariff policy inject a layer of policy uncertainty too.

Meanwhile, Sensex has recovered from the 82,000-82,500 region, closing positively and holding key channel supports. Immediate downside protection is seen at 82,000-81,800 in case volatility resurfaces, while upside resistance is positioned at 83,500-84,000.

"Looking ahead, markets may remain volatile with key supports at Nifty 25,300 and resistance at 25,700; a sell-on-rise strategy is advisable until bullish confirmation emerges. Investors should monitor global cues and upcoming earnings for directional cues," said experts.

- IANS
Eight individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladeshi terror outfits have been arrested from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal for plotting a terror conspiracy against India. They are accused of posting pro-terror content online, conducting reconnaissance, and displaying 'Free Kashmir' posters in Delhi during a summit. The arrests followed intelligence inputs about their suspicious communications and activities, with six nabbed in Tirupur and two in West Bengal. Investigations are ongoing to uncover their network and potential links to larger groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is reportedly planning attacks on significant sites.

Eight individuals linked to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladeshi terror outfits arrested for plotting attacks in India, including reconnaissance and 'Free Kashmir' posters.

New Delhi, Feb 22 A total of eight people, linked to Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and Bangladeshi terror outfits, have been arrested in connection with plotting a terror conspiracy against India, officials said on Sunday.

The arrested individuals used to post content in support of Pakistan-based terror outfits on social media and were residing in India without valid documents, officials said on Sunday.

Earlier, the police confirmed that six illegal Bangladeshi nationals had been arrested in Tamil Nadu. Two arrests were later made from West Bengal.

All are being brought to New Delhi for further investigations.

The arrests were made following specific intelligence inputs regarding provocative online activity and suspected communication with extremist elements operating from across the border.

All the arrested individuals were involved in suspicious activities, including reconnaissance of cities and putting up 'Free Kashmir' posters in New Delhi, the officials said.

All of the accused were in contact with each other through social media. Out of the eight individuals, four travelled to Delhi and displayed 'Free Kashmir' and other incriminating posters at metro stations during the India-AI Summit. They later returned to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

A Delhi Police Q Branch team travelled to Tirupur and, with the assistance of Tirupur district police, conducted simultaneous raids at three locations, arresting six individuals -- Mijanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal.

Police sources said the suspects were taken into custody without incident. During the searches, officials seized eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the devices were allegedly used to share content supporting banned terror organisations and to maintain contact with suspected handlers.

The seized devices have been sent for forensic examination to analyse communication records and identify possible links to larger networks.

Investigators said the six individuals had been living and working in Tirupur for some time and were employed in garment manufacturing units in Uthukuli, Thirumuruganpoondi, and Palladam areas.

Police said the accused were residing in India without valid passports or visas.

Officials also suspect that forged Aadhaar cards were used by the accused to obtain employment and accommodation.

Further interrogation is underway to ascertain the extent of their activities and determine whether they were part of any organised network.

Security agencies have stepped up surveillance and verification measures in the region as part of ongoing efforts to monitor suspected unlawful activities.

Investigations are underway, and further details are awaited.

This follows reports from sources, referencing security agencies, indicating that Lashkar-e-Taiba from Pakistan has been organising an explosion near the Red Fort and other significant religious sites nationwide, including a temple in Chandni Chowk.

According to sources, the terrorist group might be planning an attack using an improvised explosive device (IED).

- IANS
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid heartfelt tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his 68th death anniversary, honoring his role as a freedom fighter and India's first Education Minister. They highlighted his enduring legacy in shaping modern India through his advocacy for knowledge, communal harmony, and secular values. Azad is credited with conceptualizing the National System of Education, which forms the bedrock of India's education policy, emphasizing access to comparable quality education for all. A noted scholar and Bharat Ratna recipient, his vision combined the humanism of Indian arts with the rationalism of western sciences.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee paid rich tributes to India's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his 68th death anniversary.

New Delhi, February 22 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday paid tribute to India's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, on his 68th death anniversary, highlighting his accomplishments and role in the National Movement.

Kharge posted on his X handle to remember the late Education Minister, stating, "Independent India's first Education Minister, eminent scholar, Freedom Fighter and Bharat Ratna recipient, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a defining role in both our National Movement and the shaping of modern India. On his death anniversary, we remember him with deep respect and pay tribute to his enduring and inspirational legacy."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee also remembered the former Education Minister as "one of the architects of modern India", describing his life as a testament to the "power of knowledge, communal harmony, and unwavering patriotism."

"Remembering the great freedom fighter, and one of the architects of modern India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, on his death anniversary. His life was a testament to the power of knowledge, communal harmony, and unwavering patriotism.", she wrote in a X post.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is one of those rare personalities through whom the distinctions of the 20th century can be recognized and possibilities of the 21st century determined. He stood for a learning society through liberal, modern and universal education combining the humanism of Indian arts and the rationalism of western sciences, a society where the strong are just and the weak secure, where the youth is disciplined and the women lead a life of dignity - a non-violent, non-exploiting social and economic order. He was free India's first Education Minister and guided the destinies of the Nation for eleven years, according to an official release from the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

He was the first to raise the issue of the National System of Education which is today the bed-rock of the National Policy on Education (1986) updated in 1992. The concept implies that, upto a given level, all students, irrespective of caste, creed, location or sex have access to education of a comparable quality. All educational programmes, he said, must be carried out in strict conformity with secular values and constitutional framework.

Born in Mecca on November 11, 1888, his father Maulana Khairuddin was a noted scholar, his mother Alia was an Arab, niece of Shaikh Mohammad Zahir Vatri of Madina. His father gave him the name of Feroze Bakht but he became Abul Kalam and the name stayed. At 10 he was well-versed in Quran. At 17 Abul Kalam was a trained theologian recognized in the Islamic world. His studies at Al Azhar University Cairo further deepened his knowledge. At Calcutta where his family had settled he started a magazine called 'Lisan-ul-Sidq'. His early influences were Maulana Shibli Naomani and Altaf Hussain Haali, the two great Urdu critics.

- ANI
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, reminiscing about a previous trip with his parents. He earlier hosted a dinner in New Delhi attended by numerous global leaders, CEOs, and Indian dignitaries, including Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy who promoted the state's investment potential. Ambassador Gor also highlighted the importance the US places on its relationship with India, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Donald Trump for a visit. While no formal announcement was made, Gor expressed confidence that President Trump, who enjoyed his previous trip, would return to India.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits the Taj Mahal and hosts a dinner with global leaders and CEOs, highlighting strong US-India relations and investment opportunities.

Agra, February 23 US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Sharing a photo of himself at the Taj Mahal, Sergio Gor said, "Few places on earth match the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Almost 15 years ago, I visited the same spot with my parents, wonderful to be back!"

Earlier, Gor hosted a dinner at the Chief of Mission's Residence in New Delhi.

The gathering was attended by several global leaders and industry heads, including Raj Subramanian, CEO of FedEx; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Croatia; Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal; and Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel Limited, among other Heads of State and CEOs of multinational corporations.

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy also attended the dinner, where he interacted with the dignitaries and business leaders, highlighting Telangana's progressive industrial policy, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly ecosystem. He elaborated on the State Government's proactive approach towards facilitating investments, particularly in emerging sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and green energy.

Gor on Friday underlined the importance that US President Donald Trump attaches to India, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited him to visit the country. Addressing a joint press conference with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and US President's Science and Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, Gor said there was no formal announcement yet on the visit, but recalled that President Trump greatly enjoyed his earlier trip to India.

He added that when Trump nominated him as ambassador, he had spoken about India's unmatched vibrancy, colour, history and culture, and expressed confidence that the President would return at some point. "In terms of the President's visit, the Prime Minister invited him. I don't have any announcements for you soon. The president loved his visit to India. When he nominated me to be ambassador here, one thing he said is the vibrancy, the colour, the history and the culture that you're gonna see in India is unmatched, and so I'm sure he will be back here at some point," said Gor.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro route, marking the first time in India both services launch from a single platform. He highlighted the project as a glimpse of future connectivity for a developed India, integrating intra-city metro travel with rapid rail for the "Twin Cities" vision. The Prime Minister emphasized the project's role in boosting Uttar Pradesh's economy, creating jobs, and attracting new industries. He also noted the significant role of women in operating the service and linked the state's progress to improved law and order.

PM Modi inaugurates India's first integrated Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Meerut Metro, promising enhanced connectivity and a boost for Uttar Pradesh.

New Delhi, February 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro route today in Meerut, describing the project as a new surge of energy for a 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh' and a 'Viksit Bharat'.

This event marks the first time in India that both a rapid rail and a metro service have been launched from a single platform on the same day.

The Prime Minister stated that this project provides a magnificent glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a Developed India. The integrated system utilises the Metro for intra-city travel, and the Namo Bharat trains to accelerate the "Twin Cities" vision.

Highlighting the work culture of the Double-Engine government, the Prime Minister noted that projects no longer hang in limbo. He emphasised that his government completes the work for which it laid the foundation stone, having personally led both the laying of the foundation stone and the inauguration of these services.

During his visit, the Prime Minister travelled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. The Prime Minister lauded the project as a symbol of 'Nari-Shakti,' noting that most train operators and station control staff are women. He congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh on the country's first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service.

Recalling his special bond with Meerut, the Prime Minister noted that his national election campaigns in 2014, 2019, and 2024 all began from this revolutionary land. He thanked the farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs of the region for their consistent blessings.

"Before 2014, metro services reached only 5 cities, but now metros are running in more than 25 cities, making India the third-largest network in the world," PM Modi noted.

"A unique feature of the project is the integration of Indian Railways, Metro, and bus stands at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. For the first time in India, Namo Bharat and Metro rail will run on the same track and station", PM Modi highlighted.

The Prime Minister noted that this integration allows commuters to travel within the city or to Delhi, thereby ending the compulsion for many workers and students to live in rented houses in Delhi.

"The government's investment in modern infrastructure--including expressways, freight corridors, and the Jewar International Airport is creating vast employment opportunities. These projects attract new industries and businesses to the region", the Prime Minister stated.

Describing Uttar Pradesh as a land of labour and creation, the Prime Minister said that the state's farmers and artisans are successfully realising the mantra of heritage and development. He noted that as India's global strength grows, developed nations are eager to sign trade agreements to tap into India's youth power. "Today, the world views India as a powerhouse capable of solving 21st-century challenges, directly benefiting the citizens of Uttar Pradesh", PM Modi remarked.

Addressing the MSME sector, the Prime Minister highlighted a 10,000 crore rupee special fund in this year's union budget, which will make loans easier for MSMEs. He also mentioned the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana to help weavers reach global markets. The 10-lakh limit on sending goods via courier has been removed. This allows small entrepreneurs in Meerut and across UP to sell directly to customers in the US and Europe via online apps", the Prime Minister announced.

"To honor the vision of Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, the government awarded him the Bharat Ratna. Inspired by him, the double-engine government is working to increase farmers' income through food processing and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under this scheme, nearly 95,000 crore rupees have already been provided to the farmers of Uttar Pradesh", PM Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasised that UP's development is paramount, noting the shift from an era of riots and crime to today's recognition for Brahmos, mobile manufacturing, and tourism. He stated that today, the criminals are in jail, the dignity of daughters is protected, and improved law and order has triggered a major economic surge and manufacturing boom.

"UP is being transformed into a manufacturing hub, and recently, the foundation for the state's first semiconductor factory was laid. A developed Uttar Pradesh is essential for a developed India", the Prime Minister concluded.

- ANI
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally welcomed former state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah into the BJP, wishing him well on his new political journey. Borah joined the party in the presence of state BJP chief Dilip Saikia and MP Baijayant Panda, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The former Congress leader reflected on his three-decade career, alleging public humiliation by colleague Gaurav Gogoi and a lack of response from Rahul Gandhi. Borah also highlighted his role in ending Congress's alliance with AIUDF and building partnerships with 16 other parties before the INDIA bloc was formed.

Former Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah joins BJP after 32 years. CM Himanta Sarma welcomes him, as Borah cites humiliation within Congress.

Guwahati, February 22 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday welcomed former Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah in the BJP, stressing that from today, Borah will start a new political journey.

Speaking to the media here, CM Sarma acknowledged the experience Borah carries, saying that he has contributed a lot to the Congress party.

"Bhupen Kumar Borah contributed a lot to the Congress party. He served in the Congress party for 32 years. From today, he will start a new political journey. I extend my best wishes to him," he said.

Borah joined the party in the presence of State BJP President Dilip Saikia and BJP MP Baijayant Panda, ahead of the assembly elections slated to be held in the next few months.

Earlier on Tuesday, Assam CM had announced that Borah will join the BJP, following his resignation from the Congress party.

Meanwhile, Bhupen Borah reflected on his 32-year political career, highlighting his rise from MLA to Assam Congress chief and his role in shaping the party's alliances in the state.

"I started the talks. On the 11th, Gaurav Gogoi said, 'You shouldn't go alone, take Rakibul Hussain along too'. I was talking to all the parties, but on the 13th, Gaurav Gogoi announced that Bhupen Borah had created a misunderstanding. I asked him why he had humiliated me in front of everyone, but he gave no answer. I even told Rahul Gandhi that I couldn't tolerate such humiliation. But no one said anything," he said.

Borah noted that when he became APCC president in 2021, Congress was in alliance with AIUDF, which he ended, and later, before the formation of the INDIA alliance, he successfully forged partnerships with 16 different parties.

"I gave 32 years to the Congress party. Congress made me from an MLA to APCC President... When I became president in 2021, Congress was in alliance with AIUDF. I broke the alliance. After that, before the INDIA alliance was formed, I forged alliances with 16 parties," Borah said.

- ANI
The Harvard Kennedy School has invited Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to speak at its AI Policy Symposium in March. He will participate in a panel discussing AI as infrastructure and its impact on livability and the workforce. The invitation recognizes Telangana's leadership in advancing its AI City vision under the Bharat Future City initiative. The symposium aims to gather global leaders to deliberate on AI governance, infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration.

Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy invited by Harvard Kennedy School to speak at AI Policy Symposium on AI infrastructure and governance.

Hyderabad, Feb 22 Harvard Kennedy School in the US has invited Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to participate as a speaker at the prestigious AI Policy Symposium to be held at the prestigious business school on March 27, Chief Minister's Office said on Sunday.

The invitation was extended by the organising team of the AI Policy Symposium, hosted by the Business and Government Programme in collaboration with the AI and Tech Policy Caucus at the Harvard Kennedy School, with support from leading Harvard-based research centres and think-tanks.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been invited to speak on the panel titled "AI as Infrastructure & Compute Power: Impact on Livability & Workforce".

The session will deliberate on AI as strategic infrastructure, focusing on data centres, energy systems, compute corridors, public-private coordination, and workforce pathways required for responsible AI expansion.

The invitation acknowledges Telangana's proactive leadership in advancing its vision of building an AI City as part of the Bharat Future City initiative.

The organisers noted that the Chief Minister's governance experience and policy direction in fostering AI ecosystems through land allocation, power infrastructure, skill development, regulatory frameworks, and investment partnerships would provide valuable practical insights to global policymakers and industry leaders.

The AI Policy Symposium aims to bring together senior leaders from the government, industry, and academia to deliberate on AI governance, geopolitical competition, enabling infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration.

The invitation reflects growing international recognition of Telangana's emerging leadership in artificial intelligence, technology policy, and innovation-driven development.

The event aims to bring together leading figures from the government, industry, and academia to deliberate on AI governance, geopolitics, the knowledge economy, and enabling infrastructure.

During the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent visit to the US, the organisers met him and discussed the symposium in detail.

- IANS
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi for a courtesy visit and discussions on state affairs. Earlier in the week, Saini attended a community gathering in Amritsar as Chief Guest, where he launched a website for the Saini Samaj Trust. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his current responsibilities and called for unity to form a BJP government in Punjab in the 2027 assembly elections. The Chief Minister also mentioned the commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Haryana.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss important state matters and receive guidance.

New Delhi, February 23 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini met Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah in the national capital on Sunday and discussed important matters concerning the state.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that he paid a courtesy visit to the senior BJP leader in New Delhi.

"Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the Hon'ble Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah ji, in New Delhi. On this occasion, we had a detailed and meaningful discussion on important matters of the state, and I received his guidance and blessings," the Haryana CM said.

Earlier, on February 21, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended a community gathering organised by the Saini Samaj Trust in Amritsar as the Chief Guest.

On this occasion, he launched the website prepared by the Trust. He said that through this website, information about the community's activities and other important updates will be shared.

Appreciating the event, the Chief Minister said that he got the opportunity to meet members of the community. He stated that the responsibility he holds today has been entrusted to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Expressing gratitude for this honour, he called upon everyone to work unitedly in the upcoming Assembly elections and to form a BJP government in Punjab in 2027. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is moving forward at a rapid pace, which is a matter of pride for all.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was commemorated in Haryana with deep reverence.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appealed to the Saini community and intellectuals to work together to make Punjab a strong and leading state and to resolve to form a BJP government in 2027.

- ANI
Repsol may not be a household name in the U.S., but that could change in 2026. It's one of Europe's biggest oil and gas companies, and a recent decision to double down on oil and gas production in Venezuela places it in the race with Chevron to tap Venezuela's massive 303 billion barrels in reserves.

The capture and removal of former President Nicolas Maduro in early 2026, and the subsequent easing of U.S. sanctions, have put Repsol in a strong position to leverage decades of experience producing oil and gas in Venezuela.

Although Venezuela owes it billions of dollars tied to asset seizures, Repsol CEO Josu Jon Imaz struck an optimistic tone during its February 2026 earnings call, stating the company is pivoting to an aggressive investment plan designed to triple its crude production to approximately 135,000 barrels per day within the next three years.

Repsol's near-term goal: a 50% increase in output over the next 12 months as it leverages new U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenses, specifically General License 49, which allows for the negotiation of new upstream contracts.

Longer term? The company is in talks with Venezuela's transition government about acquiring additional exploration and production blocks near its existing holdings in the resource-rich Orinoco Belt and is focused on refurbishing dilapidated infrastructure to unlock stagnant reserves.

Who is Repsol?

Repsol is a Spanish large-cap integrated energy player that sits a tier below the "Big Five" supermajors (Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies).

As of February 2026, Repsol is the 6th-largest oil and gas company in Europe by revenue, trailing the "Big Five" but ahead of major regional players such as PKN Orlen (Poland) and OMV (Austria).

Related: Valero targets billion-dollar Venezuela oil windfall

Globally, it is a significant mid-tier multinational. While its market cap (approximately $24 billion) is a fraction of Chevrons (~$300 billion), it punches above its weight in specific sectors. For example, it is a world leader in renewable fuels and was the first major oil company to commit to a "Net Zero by 2050" target.

Fast fact: Repsol produces about 550,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, roughly one-fifth the output of a giant like Chevron.

Repsol history: State monopoly to global player

Repsol was officially founded in 1987 as a state-owned entity to consolidate Spains fragmented energy sector.

Its name was actually crowdsourced; "Repsol" was originally just a popular brand of lubricant sold by its predecessor, REPESA, since 1951, but it was so well-recognized by the Spanish public that the government adopted it as the corporate name.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a heavy rainfall alert for several southern Tamil Nadu districts for Sunday. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring intense showers and thunderstorms to Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, and Virudhunagar. Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining seas due to forecasts of winds up to 60 kmph. Authorities are monitoring the situation and have disaster response teams on standby.

IMD warns of heavy rain and thunderstorms in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar. Fishermen advised not to venture into sea due to strong winds.

Chennai, Feb 22 The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a heavy rainfall alert for parts of southern Tamil Nadu on Sunday, warning that districts including Theni, Dindigul, Madurai and Virudhunagar may experience intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

According to the weather bulletin, a low-pressure area formed on Saturday over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean in the coming hours.

Under its influence, moderate rainfall is likely at one or two places across southern and northern Tamil Nadu, as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal.

However, the weather department has specifically cautioned that Theni, Dindigul, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts could witness heavy rainfall with thunderstorms on Sunday.

The Meteorological Office has further forecast light rainfall at isolated places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between February 23 and February 25. For Chennai and Puducherry on Sunday (February 22), the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, with no major rainfall activity predicted within city limits.

Fishermen have been issued a strong advisory in view of the evolving weather conditions. Wind speeds of up to 60 kmph are likely over the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining south Tamil Nadu coast, the Comorin Sea, and parts of the Bay of Bengal on February 22.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has urged fishermen not to venture into these areas due to the risk of rough seas and strong gusty winds.

Authorities are closely monitoring the movement and intensity of the system. Residents in the southern districts have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and localised flooding.

Disaster response teams are expected to remain on standby should the system intensify further. The weather department said updated forecasts and warnings will be issued as the low-pressure system evolves over the next 24 to 48 hours.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated major infrastructure projects worth nearly 13,000 crore in Meerut, including the historic Namo Bharat rapid rail corridor and the Meerut Metro. The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), spanning 82.15 km to drastically cut travel time. The integrated 23-km Meerut Metro will share tracks with the rapid rail, allowing seamless commutes within the city and to Delhi. Locals hailed the projects as a transformative "historic gift" that will ease severe traffic congestion and spur economic growth across Western UP and the NCR.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 12,930 crore projects including the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat rapid rail and Meerut Metro, set to transform regional connectivity.

Meerut, Feb 22 A large number of people gathered in Meerut on Sunday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rally, where he is set to inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth around 12,930 crore to the nation. The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting later in the day.

Enthusiastic Supporters, local residents, and party workers began assembling at the venue hours before the programme, many waving flags and chanting slogans. Enthusiasm was particularly high over the launch of the Namo Bharat rapid rail and Meerut Metro, which are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity.

One attendee described the project as a "big gift" for the region, saying it would benefit not only Meerut but also neighbouring districts such as Shamli and Muzaffarnagar, along with parts of Uttarakhand including Haridwar. "Now, Meerut will no longer feel far from Delhi," the attendee said, highlighting hopes of faster daily commutes.

An RLD worker present at the site termed the development "historic," noting that commuters had long struggled with severe traffic congestion on routes connecting Meerut to the national capital. "People used to be stuck in long traffic jams. Now they will be able to reach Delhi from Meerut in record time," he said while thanking the Prime Minister.

According to officials, PM Modi will flag off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train from the Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station at around 12:30 p.m. He will then inaugurate the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor.

Key sections include the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, as well as the 21-km segment between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

Officials noted that the corridor will reduce travel time, ease road congestion, and spur economic growth across the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, with 82.15-km long train route, is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), linking Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

Meerut Metro is 23-km long stretch, that will run within the city and share tracks and infrastructure with the Namo Bharat rapid rail in the Meerut section. This will make go a long way in integrating the train commute for thousands of passengers, allowing them to switch between the two services without leaving the station area.

- IANS
The Holi festival is projected to generate over Rs 80,000 crore in business across India this year, marking a 25% increase from last year. This surge is significantly driven by the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, with Indian-made herbal gulal, natural colours, and festive items seeing strong demand while Chinese goods decline. In Delhi alone, festive trade is estimated to cross Rs 15,000 crore, with markets bustling and over 3,000 Holi Milan events planned. The festival is providing a major boost to traders, retailers, and the MSME sector nationwide.

India's Holi festival trade is projected to exceed Rs 80,000 crore, with a 25% growth driven by strong demand for Indian-made herbal colours and festive items.

New Delhi, February 22 The Confederation of All India Traders Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal said that the upcoming Holi festival is expected to generate business exceeding Rs 80,000 crore across India this year, reflecting a growth of nearly 25 per cent compared to last year's estimated Rs 60,000 crore.

He noted that due to the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote "Vocal for Local", Indian-made products are dominating the markets this Holi. Herbal gulal, natural colours, pichkaris, balloons, pooja materials, sandalwood, apparel and various festive items manufactured in India are witnessing strong demand, whereas Chinese goods have significantly declined in the market since 2021.

Along with Holi-specific items, markets are witnessing high demand for sweets, dry fruits, gift items, flowers, fruits, clothing, furnishing fabrics, groceries, FMCG products and consumer durables. White T-shirts, kurta-pyjamas and salwar suits for playing Holi, along with "Happy Holi" printed T-shirts, are also selling rapidly.

According to CAIT estimates, festive trade in Delhi alone is expected to cross Rs 15,000 crore. Markets across the city are witnessing heavy footfall as shops display colourful gulal, innovative pichkaris, gujiya, garlands and festive gift packs. Sweet shops are also experiencing a major surge in demand, particularly for traditional Holi delicacies like Gujiya.

Khandelwal said that Holi celebrations are being organised on a large scale across the country. In Delhi alone, more than 3,000 Holi Milan programmes are being organised by trade bodies, social, cultural and religious organisations. Banquet halls, farmhouses, hotels, restaurants and public parks are almost fully booked for Holi celebrations.

He further informed that in Delhi, Holika Dahan will be observed on 3rd March and the festival of colours will be celebrated on 4th March. Consumers are increasingly preferring herbal and natural colours, while children are particularly attracted to pichkaris featuring characters like Spider-Man and Chhota Bheem.

Khandelwal emphasised that festivals in India significantly boost economic activity and generate large-scale business opportunities. This Holi is expected to bring substantial benefits to traders, retailers, small businesses, cottage industries and the MSME sector across the country while strengthening the spirit of Swadeshi trade.

- ANI
Prominent Indian-American lawyer Neal Katyal has raised significant legal questions about President Trump's decision to impose a 15% global tariff, arguing it contradicts previous Department of Justice positions. His critique follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down most of Trump's previous sweeping tariff measures for exceeding presidential authority. Katyal emphasizes that if the President seeks such tariffs, he should seek approval from Congress, as required by the Constitution. The legal dispute centers on whether trade deficits can be equated with balance-of-payments deficits to justify the use of a specific trade statute.

Indian-American lawyer Neal Katyal questions the legality of Trump's new 15% global tariff, arguing it contradicts past DOJ positions and constitutional norms.

Washington, DC, February 22 Prominent Indian-American litigator Neal Katyal has raised significant legal questions regarding President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 15 per cent global tariff, pointing to a direct contradiction with previous arguments made by the Department of Justice.

In a post on X, Katyal, who recently led a successful legal challenge against the administration's earlier trade policies at the Supreme Court, suggested that the President's reliance on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 may be legally flawed.

He highlighted that the administration's own legal team had previously distanced itself from that statute.

Katyal quoted the DOJ's earlier statement to the Court, "Nor does [122] have any obvious application here, where the concerns the President identified in declaring an emergency arise from trade deficits, which are conceptually distinct from balance-of-payments deficits."

This earlier position, he argued, makes it difficult for the President to now invoke Section 122 for the current tariffs.

This scrutiny arises in the immediate aftermath of a landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down most of Trump's previous sweeping tariff measures.

The Court ruled 6-3 that the administration exceeded its authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose broad-based import tariffs, affirming that the power to levy taxes resides primarily with Congress.

Following the ruling, Trump announced a new 10 per cent global tariff on all countries under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, describing it as a temporary import surcharge (up to 15%) allowed for 150 days to address balance-of-payments deficits.

He later raised it further to the "fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level," effective immediately.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that this adjustment responds to the Supreme Court's "ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision," while his administration would determine new, legally permissible tariffs in the coming months to continue "Making America Great Again."

Katyal emphasised that if the President seeks sweeping tariffs, he should follow the constitutional process by seeking legislative approval from Congress rather than relying on executive statutes.

He argued that if the tariffs are a good idea, persuading Congress should not be difficult, as that is what the Constitution requires.

The core legal dispute centres on whether trade deficits can be equated with balance-of-payments deficits to justify Section 122.

Katyal's analysis underscores that these are conceptually distinct issues, aligning with the DOJ's prior stance.

Adding weight to this critique, former IMF First Deputy Managing Director and prominent economist Gita Gopinath endorsed Katyal's perspective in a social media interaction on X.

Sharing his post, she remarked that he was "speaking International Economics 101" by questioning the administration's reliance on Section 122, as the legal arguments appear to clash with basic economic distinctions between trade deficits and balance-of-payments deficits.

Trump's latest move follows closely after the administration signed an executive order for the initial 10% global tariff, with a White House official confirming that countries like India would be subject to it until another authority is invoked, and urging trade partners to abide by existing deals.

This comes amid ongoing US-India trade developments, On February 7, the two countries announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, reaffirming commitment to broader Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.

The Interim Agreement includes India eliminating or reducing tariffs on various US industrial goods, food, and agricultural products, while the US applies a reciprocal 18 per cent tariff on certain Indian-origin goods under an existing executive order, with provisions for removals upon successful conclusion of the agreement.

In response to the Supreme Court judgment and Trump's subsequent announcements, India's Commerce and Industry Ministry stated that it is studying the implications of these developments for their potential impact.

- ANI
India and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the postal sector. The agreement, signed during Brazilian President Lula's state visit, establishes a framework for sharing best practices and expertise. It focuses on key areas like digital transformation, e-commerce logistics, and postal financial services to drive inclusion and growth. The partnership will be implemented through exchanges, training, and joint projects over an initial five-year period.

India and Brazil sign a postal sector MoU to enhance digital transformation, e-commerce logistics, and financial inclusion through knowledge exchange.

New Delhi, February 22 India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the postal sector, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral collaboration in postal services, digital transformation, and inclusive service delivery.

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the Department of Posts, India, and the Ministry of Communications, Brazil, aimed at enhancing strategic partnership and knowledge exchange in the postal domain, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement.

The MoU was signed by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications, Government of India, and Frederico de Siqueira Filho, Minister of Communications of Brazil, during the State Visit of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to India.

Taking it to social media platform X, Union Minister Scindia said, "Together, we are building future-ready postal networks that expand digital access, deepen inclusion and drive growth for our people."

The MoU provides for collaboration in the following areas including Exchange of best practices and expertise in postal sector policies and operations; Strengthening Universal Service and addressing systems; Cooperation in digital transformation, e-commerce logistics, and postal financial services; Capacity building, training, and technical exchanges; Joint initiatives and strategic projects of mutual interest; Enhanced coordination in multilateral forums, including the Universal Postal Union (UPU); and Promotion of South-South cooperation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

The partnership will be implemented through exchange visits of officials and experts, organisation of joint workshops and training programmes, and structured information sharing between the two sides.

India will share its experience in large-scale postal transformation, including digital services, e-commerce logistics, and citizen-centric public service delivery. The agreement is also expected to support efforts to strengthen the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of postal operators in a rapidly evolving market environment, the statement read.

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of India and Brazil in modernising postal systems and leveraging their networks as engines of economic growth, financial inclusion, and last-mile service delivery.

The MoU will remain in force for an initial period of five years, with provision for automatic renewal, and will be implemented in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries.

- ANI
Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health, forecasts that India will become the world's first country to make healthcare quality independent of a citizen's wealth within the next five to seven years. He credits this to a tripling of trained doctors, adequate hospital beds, and the expansion of government schemes and private health insurance to cover most of the population. Dr Shetty also clarified that Artificial Intelligence will enhance doctor productivity and patient safety, not replace surgeons. He advocated for a hybrid healthcare model combining government support for the poor with affordable universal insurance and Health Savings Accounts for the middle class.

Dr Devi Prasad Shetty predicts India will become the first nation where healthcare quality is independent of wealth within 5-7 years, citing insurance expansion.

Mumbai, February 22 India is on track to become the first country in the world to decouple healthcare from wealth, says Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Founder of Narayana Health.

While speaking on the sidelines of the 25th Global Conference of Actuaries at BKC, Dr Shetty predicted this shift will occur within the next five to seven years.

Dr Shetty emphasised that the quality of medical treatment in India will soon be independent of a citizen's financial status. He noted that the country has already increased the number of doctors and hospital beds significantly.

"India will become the first country in the world to dissociate healthcare from wealth. India will prove to the world that the wealth of the nation or wealth of the family has nothing to do with the quality of healthcare its citizens will enjoy. And India is going to do it within the next five to seven years. because we have now virtually triple the number of doctors who are getting trained. We have an adequate number of beds. The only missing link is 70 % of the people may not have the cash money to pay for the health care with various government schemes as well as the private health insurance. Believe me, in the next five to six years, seven years time, everyone will have adequate coverage to enter a corporate hospital or a government hospital for the care. This is going to happen very very soon."

Addressing concerns regarding technology in the operating room, Dr Shetty clarified that Artificial Intelligence is a tool for productivity and safety rather than a replacement for human surgeons.

"The AI will not make doctors redundant. AI will make doctors safer for the patient. AI will improve the productivity of doctors. A dermatologist who will otherwise take care of maybe 3,000, 5,000 patients with the AI assistance, he may be able to take care of 30,000 people. So AI will only make doctors more productive and health care safer for the patient," he said.

Dr Shetty also proposed a hybrid healthcare model. While government hospitals and insurance schemes are necessary for the poor, he suggested that a paid universal insurance model is essential to manage the patient load. He highlighted Health Savings Accounts as a solution for the middle class.

"We need both models. People who cannot afford any money to go to the private hospital need the government hospital and the government insurance schemes are doing a great job But at the same time we cannot fill the government hospital with too many patients So there is a need for alternative treatment for people who can pay at least some premium like as low as three thousand five hundred rupees per year Which may cover them up to three lakh rupees in a private hospital and this is possible and thanks to government, today We have what is called the health savings account. Health savings account is nothing but a zero balance account. Whatever money is deposited in that account can be used only for buying the health insurance. And with 3,500 rupees, if you get a coverage up to 3 lakh rupees, most families, 70 % of the families can be protected," Dr Shetty said.

In comparing India to developed nations, Dr Shetty remarked that India's lack of waiting lists for critical diagnostics like CT scans and MRIs puts it in a privileged position despite current challenges.

"Every country in the world, including United States, England, European countries are struggling to offer health care. The crisis in those countries are not much better than what we are having. So the India is very, very, very privileged, mainly because in a matter of time, every Indian will have a health insurance, and that will dramatically transform the way health care is delivered."

He further added, "Today, if you look at the waiting list in most of the developed countries, it is huge whereas in India The government hospitals are there, private hospitals are there, you need a CT scan, you need an MRI, there is no waiting list. Maybe it costs you money, but how much it costs? A thousand rupees, two thousand rupees? Even if you pay two thousand, three thousand dollars in those countries, they can't afford to walk into a CT scan room and get their CT scan done. So people in India are better off than what other parts of the world is, but I understand that everyone should be covered for walking into any... hospital of their choice and get the treatment done with the huge growth of health insurance, what is happening is going to happen."

- ANI
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the foreign vessel 'Al Mukhtar' approximately 115 nautical miles west of Dwarka. The boat, manned by four Iranian crew members, was found to be smuggling about one lakh packets of foreign-brand cigarettes. The contraband, concealed in the ship's holds, has an estimated international market value of Rs 2.5 to 5 crore. This operation follows another recent interception where the Coast Guard, jointly with the Gujarat ATS, seized 203 kg of suspected drugs from a foreign fishing boat.

Indian Coast Guard intercepts suspicious Iranian vessel 'Al Mukhtar', seizes foreign cigarettes worth Rs 2.5-5 crore in a major maritime enforcement operation.

Porbandar, February 22 In a major maritime enforcement operation, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a suspicious foreign vessel within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessel, carrying an Iranian crew, was found to be transporting a large consignment of smuggled foreign-brand cigarettes.

Providing details of the mid-sea interception in a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard stated, ''On 21 Feb 26, @IndiaCoastGuard ship intercepted a suspicious foreign boat inside the #Indian #EEZ, approximately 115 NM west of #Dwarka.''

Upon boarding and searching the vessel, officials identified the boat and its occupants. ''The vessel, identified as Al Mukhtar, was manned by four #Iranian crew,'' the ICG noted. A thorough inspection of the boat's storage areas led to the discovery of the illicit cargo hidden deep within the vessel.

''On rummaging, 200 cartons containing about one lakh packets of foreign brand cigarettes were discovered concealed in the holds,'' the Coast Guard added. The financial scale of the smuggling attempt is significant, as authorities estimated the international market value of the consignment at approximately Rs 2.5-5 crore.

The intercepted vessel and its crew have been taken into custody for detailed questioning. ''The boat is being escorted to #Porbandar for further investigation and joint interrogation with stakeholders,'' the ICG confirmed.

This latest seizure follows a similar high-stakes maritime crackdown just days prior. In a swift and daring overnight operation on February 17, 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 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. These maritime operations come amid a broader crackdown on security threats in the region.

- ANI
President Donald Trump announced the dispatch of a U.S. hospital ship to Greenland to address healthcare needs, coordinating the mission with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. The move follows Trump's recent diplomatic efforts, having stated he formed a "framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland during NATO talks. Specific details about the health crisis prompting the mission and the operational objectives remain undisclosed by official entities. The deployment comes after a period of diplomatic tension over U.S. interest in the semiautonomous Danish territory.

President Trump announces a US medical mission to Greenland, coordinated with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, following Arctic diplomatic talks.

Washington, DC, February 22 The United States government has dispatched a medical vessel to Greenland to assist with local healthcare needs, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday.

The mission is being coordinated in partnership with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to address medical challenges in the region.

Taking to Truth Social to share the update, the President confirmed that the maritime initiative is currently in progress.

He noted that the administration is "Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It's on the way!!!"

The digital announcement was accompanied by a visual representation of the USNS Mercy, a prominent naval hospital ship.

This humanitarian move follows the President's December appointment of Landry to act as a special envoy to the Arctic territory.

Responding via the social media platform X, the Louisiana Governor expressed his gratitude, stating he is "proud to work" alongside the President regarding "this important issue."

Specifics regarding the nature of the health crisis or the exact objectives of the mission remain elusive.

Major entities, including the Pentagon, the US Navy, NORTHCOM, and the Danish Embassy, have been contacted for clarification, though formal details have not yet been provided.

The deployment comes on the heels of a shift in diplomatic tone.

Last month, the President indicated he had "formed the framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland during discussions with the head of NATO.

This followed a period of heightened tension where his persistent interest in the semiautonomous Danish island had sparked friction within European diplomatic circles.

- ANI
Kimberly Van Der Beek posted a touching Instagram tribute to the late actor Eric Dane, sharing a red carpet photo and memories of happier times. She expressed her love and support for Dane's widow, Rebecca Gayheart, who reshared the post and responded with affection. Eric Dane passed away after a battle with ALS, as confirmed by his family in a statement. This comes shortly after Kimberly's own husband, James Van Der Beek, died from colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek shares a heartfelt tribute to the late Eric Dane and sends love to Rebecca Gayheart, recalling their families' bond.

Washington, February 22 James Van Der Beek's widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, recalled shared moments of friendship and loss as she reached out to support Rebecca Gayheart after the demise of actor Eric Dane.

Kimberly remembered the bond the two families shared over the years. She took to her Instagram Stories to post a red carpet picture featuring herself, her late husband James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, and Rebecca Gayheart. Along with the photo, she spoke about the pain of loss and the memories of happier times together.

"RIP @realericdane," wrote Kimberly with a red carpet photo of the four of them on her Instagram Story. "We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together."

Kimberly referred to the sudden goodbye and the "Christmas parties" where the two men would often be seen laughing together. "RIP @realericdane. We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together," she wrote.

Rebecca Gayheart later reshared the post on her own Instagram Story. As she responded to Kimberly's message, she reflected on shared grief and love, writing, "So much love for you."

The death of Eric Dane was confirmed by his family in a statement released on Thursday.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," they said in part. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," the statement read as per Deadline.

Just last week, James Van Der Beek passed away at the age of 48 after battling colorectal cancer, a condition he had spoken about publicly in November 2024.

- ANI
Gautam Adani offered prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand, expressing his long-held wish and praying for the well-being of the state and nation. Separately, the Adani Group has announced a monumental plan to invest $100 billion by 2035 to develop hyperscale, AI-ready data centres powered by renewable energy. This initiative is designed to position India as a global leader in the emerging Intelligence Revolution. The total investment is projected to catalyse a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India over the next decade.

Adani Group Chairman offers prayers in Deoghar and announces a massive $100 billion investment in AI-ready, green data centres for India.

Deoghar, February 22 Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, on Sunday, offered prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple in Deoghar in Jharkhand.

After the 'darshan', Adani said that he prayed for the well-being of the countrymen.

"It was my long-held wish to offer prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham. I feel very blessed to have offered prayers here. I prayed for the well-being of the people of Jharkhand and the nation..." he said.

Earlier, on Tuesday, he signalled a massive shift in India's technological role with a commitment to invest USD 100 billion in AI-ready data centres by 2035.

In a post on Twitter, he said, "Renewable energy. Grid resilience. Hyperscale AI. A $250B intelligence ecosystem in motion. India will not follow the AI century. India will shape it."

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 computing 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.

- ANI
Gold (GC=F) topped $5,000 on Friday after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's most sweeping tariffs and Wall Street highlighted its bullish call on the precious metal.

Gold rose nearly 2%, on pace for a weekly gain, even as President Trump announced a 10% global tariff following the high court's ruling.

Geopolitical hedging, concerns about currency debasement, and expectations of Fed policy easing have all contributed to the steady demand for bullion.

Even with a significant drawdown at the end of last month, gold is up 16% since the start of January, following a historic gain last year.

Goldman Sachs analysts maintain that while structural purchases from central banks have slowed recently, they expect them to reaccelerate, with demand also stemming from the private sector if the Federal Reserve cuts rates this year.

"Taken together, these two factors drive gold to slowly grind higher to $5,400/toz by end-2026," they said.

Additional private-sector diversification over perceived fiscal risks in Western countries could send prices even higher, the analysts said.

Read more: How to invest in gold in 4 steps

Rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran sent prices higher this week, with President Trump stating he will decide within 10 days on whether to strike Iran over its nuclear program.

"While geopolitical events do not tend to have a lasting impact on global markets, they can trigger temporary spikes in volatility, supporting demand for portfolio hedges like gold," UBS analysts wrote on Friday.

The firm forecasts the precious metal could reach $6,200 per ounce in the coming months "as the key drivers underpinning its strong rally remain in place."

Oliver Helbig via Getty Images

Ines Ferre is a senior business reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ines_ferre.

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Judicial officers in West Bengal will only accept the 13 identity documents specified by the Election Commission of India for verifying voters flagged under the "logical discrepancy" category during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This clarification comes amid objections from the ruling Trinamool Congress, which sought consideration of additional state-issued identity proofs. Approximately 250 judicial officers, including session judges and those presiding over NDPS and POCSO courts, will conduct adjudication hearings beginning Monday. The process will be supervised at the district level by committees comprising the district judge, magistrate, and superintendent of police.

Judicial officers in West Bengal will accept only 13 ECI-approved identity documents for voter verification in the electoral roll revision process.

Kolkata, Feb 22 Judicial officers appointed to adjudicate claims and objections arising from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal will be required to accept only the 13 identity documents specified by the Election Commission of India for verification of voters identified under the "logical discrepancy" category, officials said on Sunday.

The decision was conveyed during a meeting held in Kolkata between judicial officers assigned to adjudication duties and representatives of the Election Commission of India, where detailed procedural guidelines were explained.

The "logical discrepancy" category includes cases in which anomalies were detected in family-tree data during the process of progeny mapping, prompting authorities to summon the concerned voters to hearings and require them to furnish any one of the 13 documents listed by the ECI as valid identity proof to establish their eligibility for retention in the electoral rolls.

The clarification assumes significance amid objections raised by the ruling Trinamool Congress, which had questioned the restriction to the 13 specified documents and sought consideration of additional identity proofs issued by various state government agencies.

Officials said that as per the current schedule, the final electoral roll in West Bengal will be published on February 28, excluding those cases that have been referred for judicial adjudication. Supplementary electoral rolls will be published subsequently after the adjudication process is completed.

Full-scale adjudication hearings are scheduled to begin from Monday, with the involvement of approximately 150 session judges appointed for the purpose by the Calcutta High Court.

In total, around 250 judicial officers have been assigned to the adjudication process, which will be supervised at the district level by three-member committees constituted under the direction of the Calcutta High Court.

Each district-level supervisory committee will comprise the district judge, the district magistrate -- who also serves as the district electoral officer -- and the district superintendent of police concerned.

Of the 250 judicial officers involved, around 100 are judges currently presiding over courts under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, while the remaining are session judges from other courts.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday issued a notification cancelling the leave of all judicial officers in West Bengal until March 9 and directed those currently on leave to report back to duty by Monday. The order excluded judicial officers on emergency medical leave.

- IANS
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed Gramin Dak Sevaks in Guntur, praising their service and outlining India Post's transformation into a global logistics leader.

Guntur, February 22 Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya Scindia, addressed a massive gathering of over 9,000 Gramin Dak Sevaks at the Gramin Dak Sevak Sammelan in Guntur, describing the Andhra Pradesh Circle as a frontline force in India Post's transformation journey.

According to the release, sharing the dais with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister described the occasion as deeply emotional. He recalled the long-standing association between Naidu and the Scindia family, noting that the Chief Minister had worked closely with his grandmother, Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia, and later with his father, Madhavrao Scindia, highlighting a bond rooted in decades of mutual respect and public service.



The Minister recalled a small town in Andhra Pradesh called "Scindia," named after the legacy of the Scindia family.



He noted that nearly a century ago, his great-grandfather established one of pre-independent India's earliest shipping and shipbuilding enterprises along the Andhra coast, which led to the founding of the settlement near Visakhapatnam.



"My connection with this soil is not merely political," he said, "it is emotional, historic and deeply personal."



Beginning with a powerful reflection on trust, the Minister remarked that if anyone truly knows the pulse of a village, its families, its struggles and its aspirations, it is the .



Scindia described GDS as the shining jewels of Bharat Mata, serving tirelessly from the snowy mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand to the coastal belts of Andhra Pradesh, through heat, snow, rain and cyclone. Just as the heart pumps blood to the last vein of the body, the Gramin Dak Sevak carries the lifeblood of communication and service from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Bharuch to the borders of Arunachal Pradesh.



Emphasising that relationships in life are not built on monetary value but on trust and affection, the Minister noted that in rural India, the Gramin Dak Sevak forms one of the most vital links of social connection beyond the immediate family. In over 6.5 lakh villages, GDS remain the most trusted representatives of governance and public service.



Recalling his earlier tenure in the department, the Minister highlighted key welfare measures introduced for GDS, including umbrella, shoe, stationery and cycle allowances. He also underscored a landmark reform securing access for children of Gramin Dak Sevaks to Kendriya Vidyalayas through a Gazette notification in 2009, ensuring educational opportunity and parity for postal families across India.



Highlighting the financial inclusion role of India Post, the Minister noted that over 38 crore Post Office Savings Bank accounts are operated across the country, with a corpus of nearly 22 lakh crore mobilised through the dedicated efforts of GDS across the length and breadth of India. He emphasised that this vast financial base reflects the trust reposed by citizens in India Post and its grassroots workforce.



Referring to Andhra Pradesh's dynamic economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister said the state is poised to lead India Post's parcel revolution.



Referring to the clarion call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Reform, Perform and Transform, the Minister stated that India Post's modernisation and parcel-led growth are aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that under PM Modi's leadership, India is advancing with speed, confidence and clear resolve, and India Post must mirror that momentum.



With expanding agriculture exports, MSMEs and e-commerce penetration, the demand for reliable last-mile logistics is growing rapidly. Invoking a popular Telugu phrase meaning "we will not bow," he asserted that when competition comes, India Post, with its unmatched reach of over 1.65 lakh post offices nationwide, will rise stronger and more competitive.



The Minister reiterated the vision of transforming India Post from a traditional service institution into the best logistics and distribution network in the world that is modern, technology-enabled, customer-centric and globally competitive.



Outlining the roadmap for reform, he presented a simple yet powerful formula for transformation:



A - Accuracy: Every transaction, every delivery, every OTP must be precise and timely.



B - Behaviour: GDS represent the Government of India; courtesy, empathy and professionalism must define every interaction.



C - Commitment to Delivery: On time, every time.



D - Delivery Excellence: Upholding India Post's reputation as a trusted and reliable institution.



He emphasised that technology, including modern parcel hubs, improved routing, digital tracking systems, electric vehicles and advanced logistics infrastructure will serve as enablers, but the human connection embodied by the Dakiya will remain at the heart of India Post.



Drawing a parallel with the spirit of Ugadi, symbolising new beginnings, the Minister described the Guntur Sammelan as a new chapter for India Post in Andhra Pradesh. He expressed confidence that when the vision of the Prime Minister, the resolve of the Chief Minister and the dedication of Gramin Dak Sevaks converge, India Post will emerge as the finest logistics institution globally and a pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047.



Concluding his address, the Minister called upon every Gramin Dak Sevak to move forward with renewed determination and collective resolve, reaffirming that India Post's greatest strength lies in its people, the trusted faces of governance in every village of India.





- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat radio address to appeal for a 'Vocal for Local' approach during the upcoming festive season of Holi and Ramadan. He specifically cautioned against the use of foreign-made products in celebrations, urging citizens to adopt Swadeshi (domestic) items instead. The initiative, promoted by the government and NITI Aayog, aims to strengthen India's economy by empowering local businesses and boosting employment. The appeal connects the joy of festivals with the national goal of building a self-reliant India.

PM Modi urges Indians to choose local products during Holi & Ramadan, promoting self-reliance and supporting domestic businesses in his Mann Ki Baat address.

New Delhi, February 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to citizens to embrace the "Vocal for Local" mantra during the upcoming festive season, promoting domestic products and supporting India's Aatmanirbharta.

During the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "These days, Ramadan is going on. I wish everyone the best for this holy month. Holi is also coming in a few days. This means that the time filled with colours, gulaal, and laughter is about to knock."

He encouraged everyone to celebrate festivals joyfully with their family and loved ones while keeping in mind the importance of supporting local businesses.

"All of you should celebrate all the festivals happily with your family and loved ones. And yes, always remember some mantras, like Vocal for Local," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi also cautioned against relying on foreign products during celebrations, saying, "Many such items which are foreign have entered our Holi festival or any other festival. Keep them away from festivals, keep them away from Holi also, and adopt Swadeshi. When you buy Swadeshi, you also help in the campaign of making the country self-reliant."

'Vocal for Local' is a national movement, spearheaded by the Central Government and actively promoted by NITI Aayog, with the aim of encouraging consumers to prioritise domestically produced goods and services. At its core, the initiative seeks to strengthen India's economic foundation by empowering local businesses, boosting employment, and enhancing the country's manufacturing capabilities--thereby advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this period, devotees fast from dawn to sunset and engage in increased spiritual activities, including special nightly prayers. This year, the holy month of Ramadan began on February 18, 2026, and will continue for approximately 29 to 30 days.

Meanwhile, Holi, the vibrant Hindu "festival of colours," will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, with the traditional Holika Dahan bonfires taking place on the night of March 3. The festival is marked by the joyous throwing of colours, music, and communal celebrations.

- ANI
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah command centres in eastern Lebanon's Baalbek area, killing at least ten people according to Lebanese authorities. The IDF stated it eliminated operatives planning rocket attacks, while Hezbollah confirmed eight deaths, including a commander. In a separate incident, an Israeli drone strike hit the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, killing two individuals identified by Hamas as members. Israel maintains these actions prevent post-ceasefire force build-up by Hezbollah and Hamas, which it accuses of violating the November 2024 truce.

Israeli strikes target Hezbollah command centres in Baalbek and a Hamas site in south Lebanon, killing at least 12 people and violating the 2024 ceasefire.

Tel Aviv, February 22 At least 10 people were reported killed and around 50 others injured in Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon, Times of Israel reported, citing Lebanese authorities, after the Israel Defense Forces said it had targeted Hezbollah command centres. Two more people were reported killed in a separate strike on Hamas targets in southern Lebanon.

The strikes were among the deadliest since the November 2024 US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

In a statement, the IDF said it struck three Hezbollah command centres belonging to the group's missile force in the Baalbek area of the Beqaa Valley. The military said the strikes eliminated "a large number of operatives" from Hezbollah's missile array who were allegedly working to accelerate force build-up and planning rocket fire and terror attacks against Israel.

Hezbollah later announced the deaths of eight operatives in the strikes, including Hussein Mohammed Yaghi, whom it described as a "commander," indicating a senior position within the group. Hezbollah said the men were killed "while defending Lebanon and its people during a treacherous Israeli attack on the Beqaa region."

Speaking at a protest in Beirut broadcast by Hezbollah's Al-Manar network, senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qamati termed the strikes a "new massacre" and said the group's only option was "resistance."

"What option do we have left to defend ourselves and our country? What option do we have other than resistance?" Qamati said.

The IDF maintained that Hezbollah's missile forces were actively planning rocket and missile attacks against Israel and that their activities constituted a violation of the ceasefire understandings reached in November 2024, Times of Israel reported.

Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities said an Israeli drone strike targeted the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern coastal city of Sidon, killing two people. The IDF said the strike targeted a Hamas command centre where operatives were allegedly gathered to advance attacks against Israeli forces.

Lebanon's health ministry said the two killed were identified by Hamas as members of the group.

According to the IDF, the site had been used in recent months by Hamas operatives to prepare terror activities and training aimed at carrying out attacks against Israeli troops and civilians. The military also accused Hamas of embedding its infrastructure within civilian areas and using residents as human shields, adding that the activity violated the November 2024 ceasefire, Times of Israel reported.

Hamas condemned the strike on Ain al-Hilweh, rejecting Israeli claims and asserting that the targeted site belonged to the camp's Joint Security Force responsible for maintaining security.

Israel has repeatedly said it is acting to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities following the ceasefire that ended more than a year of hostilities. The truce followed two months of open conflict, including Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon, aimed at halting near-daily rocket attacks that began on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded warmly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's message ahead of his upcoming visit to Israel. Modi emphasized the strong and diverse bilateral relationship, valuing the friendship built on trust and a shared commitment to progress. Netanyahu described the visit as historic, highlighting the growing strategic alignment in areas like innovation and security. He also outlined a broader vision for a cooperative "axis" of nations, including India, to promote regional stability.

PM Modi responds to Netanyahu's welcome, highlighting trust, innovation, and shared commitment to peace ahead of his historic visit to Israel.

New Delhi, February 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in response to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's cordial message before his upcoming visit on Wednesday, stated that he was looking forward to their upcoming discussions.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Israeli PM, expressing his appreciation for the strong bond between India and Israel, highlighting the diverse nature of their bilateral relations.

PM Modi stated that India deeply values the friendship with Israel and that the friendship is built on "trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress."

The post read: "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit."

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel as "historic", saying the partnership between the two countries continues to scale new heights across innovation, security and regional cooperation.

In a post on X, ahead of Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu described the Prime Minister as a "dear friend" and highlighted the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.

"This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Israel this coming Wednesday," he said.

Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders," Netanyahu said Israel and India are partners in innovation, security and a shared strategic vision.

"We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he said.

Referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination, Netanyahu added, "From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights."

He concluded the post by saying he looks forward to welcoming Modi in Israel.

"On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together," Netanyahu said at the start of a meeting of government officials here.

His remarks were posted by the Israeli Prime Minister's office.

"This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister Modi. We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan, though less in the Jordan," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli PM said that "the fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation."

Further regarding the diplomatic aspect, he said, "In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a 'hexagon' of alliances around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won't detail at the moment. I will present this in an organized manner."

"The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis. All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future, Netanyahu said.

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu said Israel will "promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing."

"I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present. We, of course, want to be among the world's leading nations in these fields", Netanyahu said.

- ANI
Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit recently enjoyed a vacation in Japan with her husband, Dr. Shriram Nene. She shared picturesque Instagram posts featuring the couple posing with Mount Fuji in the background and at a Japanese temple. In one standout photo, Dixit elegantly donned a printed saffron kimono. The actress, last seen in the series 'Mrs Deshpande,' is set to appear next in the Netflix film 'Maa Behen'.

See pics of Madhuri Dixit in a kimono with husband Shriram Nene on their Japan vacation, posing by Mount Fuji and temples.

Mumbai, February 22 Actor Madhuri Dixit recently took a short break from work and travelled to Japan with her husband, Shriram Nene.

The 'Tehzaab' actress, on Saturday, took to her Instagram account to share a joint post, giving fans a peek into their getaway. The first picture shows the two holding each other and smiling, with Mount Fuji in the background. Madhuri can be seen in a cream sweater, black pants, and a scarf, with her hair tied back and sunglasses on. Shriram chose a grey sweater and trousers. The post also included solo pictures of both.

Another photo shows Madhuri dressed in a printed saffron kimono with a cream sash. The couple also shared a selfie taken in front of a Japanese temple.

Along with the pictures, the actress added a caption that read, "Fuji: A view from the top of an active volcano, full of tradition, temples, snow, and samurai."

Take a look

Soon after the pictures were shared, fans chimed in the comment section to shower love on the couple. One fan said, "The most beautiful smile in the world, evergreen superstar diva Madhuri ji, a very nice person, Nene sir ji, my favorite star, so elegant, amazing, lovely post," while another added, "You both look absolutely stunning."

Madhuri married Shriram, a doctor, on October 17, 1999. She relocated to the US and lived there for over a decade. The couple's first son, Arin, was born in 2003, and their second child, Ryan, was born in 2005.

On the work front, Madhuri was last seen in the series 'Mrs Deshpande,' which started streaming on JioHotstar on December 19. She will next be seen in Netflix's upcoming film 'Maa Behen,' where she stars alongside Triptii Dimri and Ravi Kishan.

- ANI
Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to host a dedicated Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the event and launched the state's comprehensive AI-based Agriculture Policy for 2025-2029. The government has introduced the MahaVISTAAR app, a digital companion already used by 3 million farmers for crop advice, weather updates, and market prices. The state has signed key MoUs, including with the World Bank and Wageningen University, to build responsible AI infrastructure for farming.

CM Devendra Fadnavis announces AI agriculture policy, launches MahaVISTAAR app for 3 million farmers to access crop advisory and market data.

Mumbai, Feb 23 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that Maharashtra is the first state in India to organise a dedicated Artificial Intelligence conference for the comprehensive benefit of farmers.

"Farmers must confidently use digital services. Through various digital apps introduced for farmers, they can now communicate in their own language and receive immediate answers to agriculture-related queries. The state government is working to improve farmers' livelihoods by bringing together universities, research institutions, and industries through the Maha-AI Innovation Centre to create a digitally empowered ecosystem," the Chief Minister said on Sunday at the inauguration of the "Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investors' Summit (AI for Agri 2026)" held under the "Maharashtra Agricultural Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025-2029".

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has given significant importance to digital infrastructure and AI for national development.

The India AI Mission aims to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and large-scale impact through technology, he added.

"Agriculture is connected to every household and every individual. Maharashtra has resolved to lead the AI revolution in agriculture and is the first state to announce a comprehensive AI-based agriculture policy. The government has developed "Maha-Vistar AI" as a digital companion for farmers. Through this platform, farmers can access crop advisory, weather updates, pest management information, market price trends, and government schemes. So far, three million (30 lakh) farmers have accessed the app, and registrations are increasing," the Chief Minister said.

He emphasised that Maharashtra will not merely be an AI user but will become a leader in responsible and impactful AI usage.

"Since not every farmer owns a smartphone or prefers only Marathi, the state government has introduced multilingual and voice-based digital services."

The aim is to expand these services to every taluka and village in the state, CM Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne emphasised that even in this era of technology, the farmer must remain at the centre of agricultural innovation.

"Integrating AI, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) with farmers' traditional knowledge can make Maharashtra's agriculture a global model."

"Maharashtra has allocated nearly Rs 500 crore for implementing the AI-based Agriculture Policy (2025-2029). More than three million farmers have downloaded the MahaVistar app. The state aims to use AI to ensure food security, tackle climate change, empower women, and promote sustainable farming. Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Centres will be established to deliver AI-based services across districts," he added.

The state government on Sunday launched AI Applications, including Maha Agri-X (Maha-Agri Data Exchange), LLM for Bhili Tribal Language, MahaVISTAAR Voice Telephony App and AI-Based Pest and Disease Detection System: Identifies crop diseases and pests using image-based recognition technology.

Meanwhile, a tripartite MoU was signed between One Step Foundation and the World Bank to document the architectural design, governance frameworks, implementation lessons, and open standards of Maharashtra's AI-enabled digital public infrastructure "MahaVISTAAR".

Another MoU was signed with Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in The Netherlands, under Maharashtra's Agri AI Policy 2025-2029 to promote responsible and effective AI usage in agriculture.

This collaboration will strengthen cooperation between Maharashtra's agricultural universities and international institutions.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the story of ten-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham during his Mann Ki Baat radio address, honoring her as Kerala's youngest organ donor. Following a tragic accident, her parents made the courageous decision to donate her organs, which were successfully transplanted to four other children. The state government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accorded her a state funeral and announced a transplant unit would be named in her memory. Health Minister Veena George praised the family's remarkable humanity, which has brought national attention to the cause of organ donation.

PM Modi praises parents of infant Aalin Sherin Abraham, whose organ donation saved four children. A story of profound grief and extraordinary humanity.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mentioned the case of a ten-month-old infant from Kerala during his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. The baby girl, Aalin Sherin Abraham, who tragically lost her life in an accident in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, became the youngest organ donor in the state.

PM Modi said the baby, who had an entire life ahead of her, left the world suddenly, and so many dreams and moments of happiness remained unfulfilled.

"The pain that her parents must be going through cannot be expressed in words. Even amidst such deep sorrow, Aalin's father, Arun Abraham and mother, Sherin, took a decision that has filled every Indian's heart with immense respect for them," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the parents decided to donate Aalin's organs. "This single decision shows how big their thinking is and how vast their character is."

He said that awareness regarding organ donation is increasing, and medical research is also getting a boost. "There are many people like Aalin who have given another life to someone by organ donation," the PM said.

Alin Sherin Abraham, hailing from Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district, was declared brain dead on February 12 following a tragic road accident.

In the middle of unimaginable grief, her parents chose to donate the child's organs, giving four other children a renewed chance at life.

The infant's kidneys, liver, and heart valves were donated. Her kidneys were transplanted to a 10-year-old child undergoing treatment at the S.A.T. Hospital attached to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

In a remarkable medical effort, the organs were transported from Kochi to three hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram in just three hours and 27 minutes, a logistical feat that underscored the strength of Kerala's transplant network.

State Health Minister Veena George expressed deep appreciation for the family's extraordinary gesture. Sharing her condolences, she said the parents' decision to think of others' lives even at a time of intense personal sorrow reflects remarkable courage and humanity. She also conveyed that the state government stands in solidarity with the grieving family.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attended the funeral of the baby and said that a proposed state organ transplant unit would be named after her. A state funeral was also accorded, making the infant the youngest in the state to get one.

- IANS
A portion of a railway overbridge on National Highway 45 in Jabalpur collapsed during maintenance work near Shahpura. Authorities have successfully diverted traffic to alternate routes, ensuring smooth flow with no reported casualties. Officials state the contractor's liability period had not expired, as traffic was restricted to only one portion of the bridge. The incident has raised significant concerns about infrastructure safety, and investigations are underway.

A section of a railway overbridge on NH 45 in Jabalpur collapsed during maintenance. Traffic has been diverted with no casualties. Officials are investigating.

Jabalpur, February 23 Traffic has been diverted from National Highway 45 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, following a portion of the railway overbridge collapsed.

Shahpura Police Station Incharge Pravin Kumar stated that vehicles are being redirected, and traffic is running smoothly despite the blockage.

"Vehicles have been diverted from the National Highway... Traffic is running smoothly... Due to the traffic blockage on the National Highway, we had to start the diversion", he said.

Authorities are managing the situation, and alternate routes have been established to minimise disruptions. Police officials are monitoring the situation on the ground and ensuring that traffic flow remains unaffected through the alternate routes.

Earlier on Sunday, a section of the railway overbridge on National Highway 45 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, collapsed during ongoing maintenance work. The incident occurred near Shahpura, causing significant traffic disruption.

According to Rakesh More, Divisional Manager of Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation, the contractor's liability period hadn't expired, and traffic was restricted to one portion of the bridge.

"This took place near Shahpura, on National Highway 45, during the ongoing maintenance work... There was no handover since the contractor's liability period has not expired... Traffic was operating only on one portion, and now the other portion has also been damaged", he told ANI.

No casualties were reported, but the collapse raises concerns about infrastructure safety. Authorities have diverted traffic and initiated investigations.

Further details are awaited.

- ANI
Samir Arora, founder of Helios Capital, stated that a 15% US tariff is acceptable from India's perspective, noting the country would have agreed to an 18% rate. He explained that the change brings many nations, including Australia and the UK, from a 10% to a 15% tariff level. Arora added that Europe, Japan, and South Korea return to their previous tariff positions under the new framework. The comments follow former President Trump's order raising a global tariff to 15% after a Supreme Court ruling against his earlier trade measures.

Helios Capital founder Samir Arora says India views the 15% US tariff as favorable, normalizing trade rather than worsening conditions.

New Delhi, February 22 Samir Arora, Founder of Helios Capital Management, said that a 15 per cent tariff "is nothing wrong as far as India is concerned," arguing that the revised rate largely normalises trade conditions rather than worsening them.

"Nothing wrong with 15% as far as India is concerned. India would have been happy to have a signed deal at 18% and for now it is 15%," he said in a social media post on X.

"There were more than 90 countries which had a 10% tariff and I guess they will all be at 15% for now. Some of them are Australia, UK, Singapore, UAE who had 10% tariff before and will now be at 15%," he added.

Commenting on other major economies, Arora said Europe, Japan and South Korea are "back to where they were." On India's position, he said the country "would have been happy to have a signed deal at 18 per cent," suggesting that 15 per cent is comparatively favourable.

Arora also observed that even if tariffs eventually revert to 18 per cent for India under other provisions, "It is the same as it would have been without this recent drama."

"Beyond 5 months, how this will be extended is not obvious anyway and will need congressional approval," he said.

In a major blow to Trump's signature trade policy, the US Supreme Court on Friday ruled against most of his sweeping tariff measures. Trump later signed an order making 10 per cent global tariff on all countries, effective "almost immediately".

Afterwards, Trump on Saturday said that he is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries announced yesterday "to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level."

In a post on his social media handle Truth Social, Trump also said that during "the next short number of months", his Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue "the extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again".

"Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been 'ripping' the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level," Trump said.

- ANI
Grant Cardone is a lot of thingsreal estate investor, entrepreneur, father, and a man who has built a career on telling people exactly how he sees it, no filter included. His social media is a steady stream of motivational clips, money talks, and blunt advice aimed at anyone willing to listen. Love him or not, the man has opinions, and hes not shy about sharing them.

In a TikTok posted to his account, Cardone took aim at one of the most sacred rules in personal finance: diversification.

Rich people do not diversify, he said. The wealthiest people on this planet, when they went into trains, they went all in on their trains. Cardone continued with more examples. "When Henry Ford went into cars, he didnt diversifyhe went all in on cars," he said. "Elon Musk, hes going all in on solar, right? Thats how you make hits.

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Then came the other side of the coin: But the middle class is taught what? A little here, a little here, put a little here, put 27 different things out there. Why? Who benefits from 27 investments? Wall Street. Start early, get an IRAwho benefits? Wall Street.

Cardone isnt exactly alone in this thinking. Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett once called diversification protection against ignorance, arguing it makes little sense for people who actually know what theyre doing. Charlie Munger, Buffetts late business partner, was more directhis family reportedly held just three investments. Billionaire investor Mark Cuban has echoed similar ideas, suggesting that concentration, not spreading yourself thin, is how real wealth gets built.

Theres a real thread worth pulling here. The financial industry does collect fees on every fund, every account, every rebalance. When someone tells you to split your money 27 ways, its fair to ask whos really winning in that arrangement. And yes, the biggest fortunes in history were built by people who bet heavily on what they knew best.

See Also: This ETF issuer isn't chasing the index  it's building tools for income, leverage, and conviction

Going All In Meets Real Life

But context matters. For every Ford or Musk, there are countless entrepreneurs who went all in on a single idea and lost everything. You dont hear those stories because nobodys posting them. Thats survivorship bias at workwe celebrate the winners and forget the wreckage. Diversification may not build empires, but it has quietly built a lot of comfortable retirements.
Naam Tamilar Katchi has released its complete list of 234 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, featuring an equal split of 117 men and 117 women. Party Chief Coordinator Seeman will be contesting from the Karaikudi constituency. Meanwhile, the AIADMK has pre-emptively announced a set of five welfare promises for the 2026 elections, including a pension increase and free LPG cylinders. The state's 234-seat Assembly is set for elections this year, following the DMK-led alliance's victory in 2021.

Naam Tamilar Katchi announces 234 candidates with equal gender representation. Seeman to contest from Karaikudi. AIADMK's 2026 promises also detailed.

Tiruchirappalli, February 22 Naam Tamilar Katchi on Saturday released its full list of 234 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections at the 'Maatrathai Virumbum Makkal Maanadu' held at Alampatti Pudur in Tiruchirappalli.

The party's Chief Coordinator, Seeman, introduced all the candidates on stage and announced that he will be contesting from the Karaikudi Assembly constituency.

According to the party, the list comprises 117 men and 117 women candidates, ensuring equal representation of men and women in the electoral fray.

Party leaders said the move reflects NTK's commitment to gender equality in politics. Further details regarding the candidates and campaign plans are awaited.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Thursday (Feb 4) announced a set of five election promises for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections.

AIADMK stated that the social security pension currently being extended to senior citizens, elderly widows, unmarried elderly women, women abandoned by their husbands, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons will be increased from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000.

In order to safeguard the welfare of students and their parents, the government will take over and waive education loans obtained from banks.

As livelihood assistance, three LPG gas cylinders per year will be provided free of cost to rice ration card holders, the party promised.

The party also assured support for the traditional Tamil sport Jallikattu. It was announced that if a participant dies while taming bulls, Rs. 10 lakh will be provided to the victim's family, and in case of injury, Rs. 2 lakh compensation will be given.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to elections this year. In the 2021 polls, the DMK secured 133 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance to victory, while the AIADMK won 66 seats.

- ANI
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has publicly criticized commentator Tucker Carlson for promoting what he calls an "odious conspiracy theory" about Jewish ancestry during an interview. Huckabee specifically denounced the "Khazar hypothesis," which suggests Ashkenazi Jews descend from a Turkic kingdom, calling it a weaponized narrative to delegitimize Jewish people. The interview also sparked an international crisis when Huckabee suggested Israel could rightfully expand its borders across large parts of the Middle East. Fourteen Arab and Islamic nations have issued a joint statement strongly condemning these remarks as dangerous, inflammatory, and a violation of international law.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denounces Tucker Carlson for platforming the "Khazaria" conspiracy theory, sparking a major diplomatic backlash from Arab states.

Washington, DC, February 22 United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has launched a scathing critique against commentator Tucker Carlson, accusing him of platforming a ''dangerous conspiracy theory'' intended to delegitimise the Jewish people.

The dispute follows a sit-down interview between the two, which Huckabee claims took an unexpected turn into fringe historical theories.

Taking to the social media platform X to address the fallout, the Ambassador stated, ''When I sat down with Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, I was expecting a thoughtful conversation and that he would ask questions and give me the opportunity to actually respond--just like he did with the little Nazi sympathizer Nick Fuentes or the guy who thought Hitler was the good guy and Churchill the bad guy.''

The Ambassador expressed surprise at the line of questioning regarding Jewish ancestry, noting, ''What I wasn't anticipating was a lengthy series of questions where he seemed to be insinuating that the Jews of today aren't really same people as the Jews of the Bible.''

Huckabee specifically targeted the ''Khazar hypothesis,'' a theory suggesting that Ashkenazi Jews are descendants of a Turkic kingdom rather than ancient Israelites.

He noted that ''the discredited idea that most Ashkenazi or European Jews descended from the ancient Turkic Kingdom of Khazaria is bunk.''

The Ambassador warned that this narrative is an ''odious conspiracy theory'' that has been ''weaponised by people trying to deligitimize Jews, to strip them of their history, and to call them 'imposters' or 'fake Jews.'''

He added that this idea is ''peddled by the likes of Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes'' and by ''Islamist accounts that make up false smears about Israel non-stop and are run out of countries like Pakistan and Turkey.''

Defending the historical and genetic lineage of the Jewish people, Huckabee asserted that ''the Jews of today can trace their lineage back thousands of years to Israel and the Jewish people of the Bible.''

However, this same interview has triggered a separate international crisis, as fourteen Arab and Islamic countries, alongside the secretariats of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have strongly condemned statements made by the Ambassador.

The joint backlash follows the televised broadcast during which Huckabee suggested that Israel possesses the right to extend its borders across significant portions of the Middle East.

The discussion centred on the geographical boundaries of Israel and historical territorial claims.

During the exchange, Carlson questioned the Ambassador regarding the concept of a land spanning from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt and whether the modern State of Israel could claim that specific lineage.

Responding to the enquiry, Huckabee stated, ''It would be fine if they took it all.''

In a joint statement issued on Saturday night from Doha, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and the State of Palestine described these as ''dangerous and inflammatory'' remarks.

They expressed ''profound concern'' and ''strong condemnation,'' noting that the comments indicate ''it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.''

The signatories categorically rejected the statements, affirming that ''Israel has no sovereignty whatsoever over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands.''

They stated that such remarks constitute a ''flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations'' and ''pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the region.''

The vast territory described in the interview would encompass modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.

The joint declaration warned that ''the continuation of Israel's expansionist policies and unlawful measures will only inflame violence and conflict in the region'' and ''undermine the prospects for peace.''

The Ministries further stressed that these remarks ''directly contradict the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,'' which are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for an independent Palestinian state.

Amidst the growing firestorm, the Ambassador later appeared to moderate his position, characterising his earlier remark as ''somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.''

He further noted that Israel is not seeking to enlarge its current territory and emphasised that the nation has a right to security within the land it currently holds.

Despite this, the Ministries called for ''an end to these incendiary statements,'' underscoring that remarks seeking to ''legitimise control over the lands of others'' fuel tensions rather than advancing peace.

- ANI
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes PM Modi's visit, calling it historic and highlighting growing partnership in AI, security, and regional strategy.

Tel Aviv, February 22 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel as "historic", saying the partnership between the two countries continues to scale new heights across innovation, security and regional cooperation.

In a post on X, ahead of Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu described the Prime Minister as a "dear friend" and highlighted the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.



"This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Israel this coming Wednesday," he said.



Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders," Netanyahu said Israel and India are partners in innovation, security and a shared strategic vision.



"We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he said.



Referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination, Netanyahu added, "From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights."



He concluded the post by saying he looks forward to welcoming Modi in Israel.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, adding that the two sides will look to strengthen economic, diplomatic and security cooperation.



"On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together," Netanyahu said at the start of a meeting of government officials here.



His remarks were posted by the Israeli Prime Minister's office.



"This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister Modi. We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan, though less in the Jordan," Netanyahu said.



The Israeli PM said that "the fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation."



Further regarding the diplomatic aspect, he said, "In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a 'hexagon' of alliances around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won't detail at the moment. I will present this in an organized manner."



"The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis. All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future, Netanyahu said.



During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu said Israel will "promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing."



"I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present. We, of course, want to be among the world's leading nations in these fields, Netanyahu said.



This will be PM Modi's second visit to the country, following his 2017 visit when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the middle eastern country.



PM Modi's scheduled Israel visit comes in the backdrop of the Board of Peace meeting on February 19. Board of Peace is an initiative that originated from US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, but has since expanded beyond its original scope.





- ANI
A new report by the Afghan Diaspora Network warns that Pakistan's military establishment is providing operational space to radical Islamist groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. This support enables Pakistan-based terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taibe and Jaish-e-Mohammad, in their anti-India activities. The report highlights that Pakistan's Senate has hosted Hamas representative Khaled Qaddoumi, integrating him into political and religious platforms. This convergence creates significant risks of miscalculation and proxy entanglement across South Asia and the Middle East.

Report warns Pakistan's military is providing operational space to Hamas, LeT, and JeM, escalating terror risks in South Asia and the Middle East.

Kabul, Feb 22 Pakistan's military establishment is providing radical Islamist groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood operational space, enabling support for local terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, and seeking backing from Islamic nations on Gaza and Kashmir.

However, this convergence increases the risks of "miscalculation, ideological spillover, and proxy entanglement" across two already "volatile" regions of South Asia and the Middle East, a report said on Sunday.

According to a report by the Afghan Diaspora Network, to prevent a new wave of proxy conflicts and armed confrontations in these regions, the international community should treat Pakistan's pivot to the Middle East as an urgent risk-management challenge.

As the report suggests, Pakistan has long been backing and supporting the UN-designated terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in their anti-India endeavours.

Even when Pakistan banned these groups under international pressure, the report said that they continue to retain a very active operational space via affiliates and front structures.

"This matters because when Pakistan simultaneously boosts its security footprint in the Middle East, its open support for Islamist terrorist outfits becomes a regional problem, not just a South Asian one," the report detailed.

"In parallel, Pakistan's mainstream political and religious platforms have increasingly provided support to Hamas representatives for propaganda purposes. In January 2024, Pakistan's Senate hosted Hamas representative Khaled Qaddoumi, and senators publicly welcomed him. In February 2025, Qaddoumi participated in an event in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and met Pakistani religious, political, and known terrorist figures," it added.

The report highlighted that this serves as evidence that Pakistan is hosting Hamas to mobilise local and international terror organisations against Western countries, Israel, and India.

"Hamas is widely designated a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union, among others, and its fundraising and support networks have been a live enforcement issue in Western jurisdictions. When Hamas figures are treated as honoured guests in Pakistan's political spaces, it creates two downstream risks: first, Pakistan's domestic Islamist ecosystem becomes a magnet for transnational mobilisation narratives; second, Pakistan further vindicates the global narrative that it is a terror-sponsoring nation," it noted.

The report further said, "There have been concerns regarding support to Pakistan-based terror groups from Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. The sheer presence of representatives from these banned Islamist outfits in Pakistan suggests a systematic and operational support for LeT and JeM."

- IANS
In his Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's achievement as the world's largest rice producer, with output exceeding 150 million tonnes. He highlighted a nationwide campaign where farmers are preserving hundreds of heritage seed varieties, calling it a drive to save agricultural legacy. Modi also noted the efficient export of GI-tagged agricultural products, such as jaggery and bananas from Karnataka, to international markets like the Maldives. Additionally, he expressed joy over the successful revival of the ancient Kerala Kumbh festival, emphasizing its role in awakening cultural memory and unity across India.

PM Modi highlights India as top rice producer with heritage seeds and celebrates the revival of the Kerala Kumbh festival in his Mann Ki Baat address.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated India's remarkable strides in agriculture and the resurgence of ancient cultural traditions, underscoring the nation's growing global footprint and deep-rooted heritage.

Addressing the 131st episode of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat', the Prime Minister spotlighted a nationwide campaign to preserve heritage seeds, crediting farmers' dedication for transformative results.

Citing an example of Kerala's Thrissur district, PM Modi said, "In field, farmers grow 570 varieties of rice. These include local, herbal and those varieties have been brought from other states. This is not only a farming but a massive drive to save the heritage of seeds. The impact of the hard work of our farmers is visible in the statistics as well."

He proudly noted that India has emerged as the world's largest rice producer, with output exceeding 15 crore tonnes (150 million tonnes).

This milestone not only meets domestic needs but also strengthens India's role in the global food supply. PM Modi said we are fulfilling our needs and also contributing to the world's food basket.

PM Modi highlighted how Indian agricultural produce is now reaching international markets more efficiently, including via air shipments.

He cited the export of GI-tagged products from Karnataka - such as Ranjan jaggery (likely referring to regional specialties), Nanjangud Rasabale bananas, Mysore betel leaves, and Indi limes - to the Maldives. These items, renowned for their unique taste and quality, have earned Geographical Indication (GI) tags, affirming their origin-specific excellence. Today's farmer wants quality, is increasing quantity and is also making his own identity.

Transitioning to cultural themes, the Prime Minister evoked memories of last year's 'Mahakumbh' at Prayagraj, describing it as a profound awakening of India's Sanatani consciousness amid the sacred confluence.

He drew parallels to a similar tradition in Kerala, known as Kerala Kumbh or Mamangam (associated with the month of Maang/Marg and the Bharatappuzha River, also called Maa Mang or Maa Marg).

Held at Tirunavaya, this centuries-old festival involves holy dips and devotion but had faded over time.

PM Modi expressed joy that the 'Kerala Kumbh' was revived and successfully organised recently. Word-of-mouth spread drew devotees to the site, turning it into a vibrant celebration.

He emphasised that whether 'Mahakumbh' in the north or its southern counterpart, these events transcend mere rituals, they represent an awakening of cultural memory and unity. Despite differing rivers and regions, the flow of devotion remains constant, embodying the essence of India.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated major infrastructure projects in Meerut, including the full 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System corridor. He also flagged off the Meerut Metro, which uniquely shares infrastructure with the RRTS and is India's fastest metro system. The integrated projects, worth about 12,930 crore, aim to transform regional connectivity and urban mobility in the National Capital Region. Officials state these initiatives will decongest roads, reduce emissions, and set a new benchmark for multimodal public transport in India.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS corridor and Meerut Metro, India's fastest metro system, worth 12,930 crore.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh on Sunday to inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of major infrastructure projects worth about Rs 12,930 crore, aimed at transforming regional connectivity and urban mobility in the National Capital Region.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will flag off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station at around 12:30 PM on Sunday. He will then undertake a Metro ride to Meerut South Station before addressing a public gathering at about 1 PM, according to an official statement.

A key highlight of the visit will be the dedication of the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor - India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) - to the nation. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the remaining operational sections, including the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

Designed for speeds of up to 180 kmph, the Namo Bharat system is expected to significantly cut travel time between Delhi and major urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut.

Sarai Kale Khan station, the originating point of the corridor, has been developed as a major multimodal hub, linking Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and Ring Road. Three additional stations - Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram - located in Meerut will also be commissioned.

The Prime Minister will additionally inaugurate Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Metro will operate on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat RRTS. With a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph, it will be the country's fastest Metro system, covering the stretch in about 30 minutes with all scheduled stops.

Officials said the integrated operation of regional rapid transit and urban Metro services on shared infrastructure sets a new benchmark for multimodal public transport. The projects are expected to decongest road traffic, reduce vehicular emissions and provide faster, sustainable mobility across the region.

The initiatives are part of the government's broader push to modernise public transport and enhance ease of living through efficient, environmentally-sustainable infrastructure.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the unveiling of a statue of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan during 'Rajaji Utsav'. He framed the move as a step to shed colonial symbols and embrace India's own cultural icons, part of his 'Panch-Pran' pledge for freedom from a slave mentality. The statue will specifically replace one of British architect Edwin Lutyens that had stood on the premises. An accompanying exhibition on Rajagopalachari's life will be open to the public from February 24 to March 1.

PM Modi announces 'Rajaji Utsav' and unveiling of C Rajagopalachari's statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing a colonial-era symbol.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that India will observe 'Rajaji Utsav' on Monday with the unveiling of a statue of the first Indian Governor General of Independent India, C. Rajagopalachari, describing the move as part of a broader effort to shed symbols associated with British rule and a colonial mindset.

Speaking during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister recalled his call for the 'Panch-Pran' during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

"During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I spoke of the 'Panch-Pran' from the Red Fort. One of them is freedom from the mentality of slavery. Today, the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture. Our Rashtrapati Bhavan has also taken an important step in this direction," he said.

PM Modi announced that on Monday, February 23, 'Rajaji Utsav' will be celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and on this occasion, a statue of C. Rajagopalachari will be unveiled in the Central Courtyard of the presidential estate.

"He was the first Indian Governor General of Independent India. He was among those who saw power not as a position but as a service. His conduct, self-restraint, and independent thinking in public life inspire us even today," the Prime Minister said, highlighting Rajagopalachari's contribution to public life.

Expressing regret over the continuation of colonial-era symbols after Independence, PM Modi said that statues of British administrators had remained within Rashtrapati Bhavan premises for decades, while icons of the freedom movement and national leadership did not receive similar recognition.

"Unfortunately, even after independence, statues of British administrators were allowed to remain in Rashtrapati Bhavan, but those of the nation's greatest sons were denied space," he said.

Referring specifically to the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, the Prime Minister stated, "A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of Rajaji."

PM Modi further informed listeners that an exhibition dedicated to C. Rajagopalachari will also be organised as part of the Rajaji Utsav celebrations.

The exhibition will be open to visitors from February 24 to March 1.

He urged citizens to visit the exhibition whenever possible to learn more about Rajagopalachari's life and legacy.

- IANS
Rebecca Gayheart shared a series of intimate family photographs on Instagram following the death of her husband, actor Eric Dane. Dane passed away at age 53 after a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Before his death, he created a poignant Netflix special as a final love letter to his family, expressing his deep love for Gayheart. The couple had separated in 2018, but Gayheart dismissed the divorce petition in 2025 around the time of his diagnosis.

Rebecca Gayheart shares emotional family photos following the death of her husband, actor Eric Dane, at 53 after his battle with ALS.

Washington, February 22 In an emotional tribute following the death of actor Eric Dane, his wife Rebecca Gayheart shared a series of heartwarming family photographs, celebrating cherished memories with their two daughters.

Gayheart, an actress and model, posted smiling images of Dane alongside their teenage daughters, Billie and Georgina, on her Instagram stories.

The photos capture intimate family moments- from playful days in the snow to quiet, tired mornings in bed- reflecting the actor's deep bond with his children.

In most of the pictures, Dane and the girls are seen grinning widely, offering a glimpse into their joyful times together.

The tribute comes just days after Dane passed away at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from family and well-wishers.

Before his passing, Dane left behind what many have described as a final love letter to his family through a Netflix special. The project served as a poignant farewell, capturing his last words and including a heartfelt goodbye to his daughters.

In the special, Dane expressed his enduring love for Gayheart, saying, "I will have never, by the time anyone sees this, have fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca."

Dane and Gayheart had separated in 2018, when she filed for divorce. However, she dismissed the petition in 2025, around the time Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis.

Dane was also in a relationship with Janell Shirtcliff near the end of his life, and she shared a tribute in his honour over the weekend.

According to a statement from his family, he was surrounded by "dear friends, his devoted wife (Rebecca Gayheart), and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world" in his final days.

- ANI
Security agencies have busted a Pakistan's ISI-backed terror module, arresting eight individuals from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The module, linked to Bangladeshi terror groups, was plotting attacks on iconic targets like the Red Fort and temples in North India to incite communal tension. Investigations reveal the accused conducted reconnaissance in Delhi during the AI Summit and used fake Aadhaar cards while working at a garment factory. The bust highlights intelligence warnings about ISI efforts to establish local modules within India to bypass border security and maintain deniability.

Security agencies bust ISI-funded module plotting attacks on Red Fort and North Indian temples. Eight arrested with links to Bangladeshi terror groups.

New Delhi, Feb 22 The security agencies have busted a major ISI-backed terror plot, following the arrest of eight persons from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

The arrested persons are linked to Bangladesh based terror groups and were being funded by the ISI, the security agencies have learnt.

The arrested persons have been identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammed Shabat, Umar, Mohammed Litan, Mohammed Shahid, and Mohammed Ujjal.

The arrests were made from a garment factory in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Among the arrested persons, one is a Bangladeshi national, the police said.

The suspects who were arrested by the Tamil Nadu are being handed over to the Delhi Police for further investigation. The preliminary probe showed that these persons were plotting attacks in various parts of India.

The arrests come in the backdrop of the Intelligence agencies warning that the ISI backed Lashkar-e-Taiba is in the process of setting local modules in the country to carry out a series of attacks.

Another alert said that the Lashkar-e-Taiba were plotting an attack near the Red Fort. Following the arrest, the police recovered mobile phones and SIM cards.

The accused persons had been posting content on the social media in support of Pakistan based terror groups. All the persons arrested had concealed their identity and were working at a garment factory. They used fake Aadhaar cards, the police said. During the raids, the police recovered eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards.

In a bid to help set up the local modules for the ISI backed groups, these people were actively carrying out reconnaissance activities in various cities.

During the AI Summit, four of the accused had travelled to Delhi and put up poster advocating for a Free Kashmir. Following this they returned to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the police said.

The police said that the accused persons communicated via social media. The Delhi police are set to grill them about their links to Bangladeshi based terror groups and also their connection with the ISI. Since the last couple of months, the ISI has been plotting attacks in India. This is part of the ISI's strategy to set up local modules so that the foreign hand can be avoided.

The Pakistani terrorists stationed at the launch pads across the India-Pakistan border have been finding it hard to infiltrate. The ISI feels that to overcome this, it would be better to set up local modules within India. Further Pakistan can also have the deniability factor if blasts are carried out within India with the help of locals, an official said.

Another alert by the Intelligence agencies speaks about a plot to target Temples in North India. The Delhi Police would question these accused persons about this plot. The key information that the police will try to source is which are the places that they have carried out reconnaissance.

The plot to target temples has been on the anvil for several month now. The aim is to carry out attacks on Temples and then incite communal tensions, another official said. This plot is being overseen by the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The terror group has been scouting for recruits and has even activated some of its moles in the country to carry out this activity. Further the plot was bust at a time when the agencies have been warning that a conspiracy is being hatched in Bangladesh to carry out terror attacks ahead of the West Bengal elections.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat address to caution citizens against rising digital fraud and 'digital arrest' scams. He emphasized that KYC or re-KYC should only be done through official bank branches, apps, and authorized mediums, warning against sharing OTPs or personal details. The Prime Minister advised people to regularly change their bank account passwords as a key security measure. He also highlighted the RBI's ongoing financial literacy campaign and referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah's data on government efforts to combat cybercrime.

PM Modi warns citizens about digital arrest scams, urges regular password changes and KYC verification only through official bank channels for account safety.

New Delhi, February 22 During his monthly edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about Digital Arrest scams and highlighted that the awareness regarding fraud has increased significantly.

PM Modi, in the 131st edition of his monthly radio programme, advised people of the coutnry citizens to be cautious and use the Know Your Customer (KYC) to verify customer details

"In 'Mann Ki Baat', I have spoken to you at length about Digital Arrest. After this, a lot of awareness was generated in our society regarding Digital Arrest and Digital Fraud, but still, such incidents are happening... You all must be familiar with the process of KYC - Know Your Customer," PM Modi said.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of being cautious when receiving messages or calls related to KYC updates. PM Modi also explained how banks periodically perform re-KYC to ensure account security.

"You all must be familiar with the process of KYC - Know Your Customer. Sometimes, when you receive messages from your bank asking you to update KYC or re-KYC, the question arises in your mind - I have already done KYC, then why this? I urge you not to fret; this is just for the safety of your money. We all know that nowadays everything from pension, subsidy, insurance, UPI, everything is linked to the bank account. This is why banks periodically perform re-KYC to ensure your bank account remains secure."

The Prime Minsiter said, "Yes, here too, you must remember one thing: criminals make fake calls, send SMS and links. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and not fall prey to such fraudsters. KYC or re-KYC should be done only through your bank branch, official app, and authorized medium. Do not share OTP, Aadhaar number, or bank account information with anyone. And most importantly, keep changing your password from time to time. Just as food and clothing change with each season, make it a rule to change your password every few days," PM Modi said.

PM Modi highlighted the RBI's Financial Literacy Week and emphasised the importance of financial awareness.

"The Reserve Bank of India recently organised a Financial Literacy Week on these very topics. This financial literacy campaign will now continue throughout the year. Therefore, pay heed to the Reserve Bank of India's message and keep your KYC updated," PM Modi added.

Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that through 361,000 cyber fraud complaints, the government has successfully safeguarded Rs 8,189 crore, which is a significant achievement.

He said that according to estimates, the total amount of fraud was around Rs 20,000 crore, out of which we have frozen or returned Rs 8,189 crore to the victims. He congratulated I4C, CBI and all related organizations for this achievement. Shah said that whenever a cyber fraud complaint is reported, the first natural question asked is what the government is doing about this. He said that by December 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs had cancelled more than 12 lakh suspicious SIM cards and blocked the IMEI numbers of over 3 lakh mobile devices. He informed that till now, 20,853 accused persons have been arrested in cybercrime cases.

- ANI
Nazrin Abdul, AzerNEWS

In recent years, Azerbaijan-China relations have experienced notable growth, underscored by high-level exchanges, expanding economic ties, and enhanced collaboration across strategic sectors. This dynamic partnership reflects Azerbaijans increasingly deliberate and forward-looking foreign policy as it navigates a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. Amid shifting global power structures and the ongoing reorganization of international supply chains, Azerbaijan's deepening engagement with China is a strategic choice driven by pragmatic considerations and mutual interests.

A week ago, or more precisely on January 28-29, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited China. During his visit, Bayramov engaged in detailed discussions with Chinese officials, advancing the bilateral agenda and bringing substantive momentum to the already burgeoning partnership. This visit, alongside other high-level exchanges, illustrates a commitment to reinforcing political and economic ties between the two nations.

Bayramov expressed Azerbaijan's view of China as an indispensable partner in a range of strategic areas, emphasizing the depth and multidimensional nature of their cooperation. He described Azerbaijans comprehensive strategic partnership with China as a framework based on long-term mutual benefits. According to Bayramov, the partnership rests on several pillars, including robust political dialogue, shared economic goals, and collaboration in multilateral frameworks. He stressed the importance of high-level trust and coordination, especially in the areas of transport infrastructure, renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable development.

As part of the growing bilateral cooperation, Chinese investment in Azerbaijan has increased, particularly in the green energy sector. This aligns with Azerbaijan's long-term development strategy, which emphasizes energy transition and sustainability. Chinese companies are actively involved in the construction of solar and wind power plants, as well as in the development of power generation infrastructure and the production of electric buses. These efforts position Azerbaijan as an emerging hub for green energy development in the region. This expanding investment cooperation not only supports Chinas broader global strategy of promoting sustainable infrastructure projects but also allows Azerbaijan to diversify its economy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons and advancing its broader economic goals.

Azerbaijan's alignment with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a key component of this partnership, particularly with the Middle Corridor, which connects China to Europe via Azerbaijan and Central Asia. As global supply chains shift and regions reassess their logistical routes, Azerbaijans strategic positioning as a bridge between East and West is becoming increasingly critical. This offers both Azerbaijan and China a unique opportunity to enhance regional connectivity, which is of great importance for the broader Eurasian economic framework.

Beyond bilateral engagement, Azerbaijan has consistently emphasized the importance of multilateral diplomacy, using international forums as platforms to advance regional stability and foster dialogue. As a country that has built a reputation as a bridge-builder in global diplomacy, Azerbaijan's active leadership in various multilateral institutions is instrumental in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Notably, Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) (2024-2026) is a significant development in this regard. CICA, which aims to create a common security and cooperation space in Asia, aligns with Azerbaijan's broader diplomatic vision. Azerbaijan's commitment to fostering dialogue among countries with diverse political and security interests complements China's growing regional influence, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and the fragmentation of the international system.

Additionally, Azerbaijans leadership within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its presidency of COP29 demonstrate the countrys proactive approach to multilateralism. These forums enable Azerbaijan to promote dialogue on pressing global issues, such as climate change, security, and regional cooperation, where Azerbaijan and China can work together in fostering a consensus-driven approach.

Azerbaijan's involvement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) since 2015, when it was granted Dialogue Partner status, further reflects its commitment to building strong ties with China and other SCO members. Azerbaijan's partnership with the SCO - focused on counterterrorism, regional stability, and economic cooperation - aligns closely with Chinas priorities, and facilitates collaboration in areas such as trade, telecommunications, and investment. Azerbaijans participation in the SCOs mechanisms also provides a valuable avenue for promoting regional security, combating extremism, and advancing economic growth through greater connectivity.

In this broader context, Azerbaijans growing partnership with China enhances its regional and global standing. By aligning with both bilateral initiatives and multilateral frameworks, Azerbaijan positions itself as a key player in Eurasian and global diplomacy, with a vested interest in fostering stability and cooperation across the continent.

One of the defining features of Azerbaijan-China relations is their shared stance on several key international issues, particularly with respect to territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan has consistently supported Chinas position on the Taiwan issue, reaffirming its commitment to the "One China" policy. As Foreign Minister Bayramov reiterated, Azerbaijan's position on Taiwan is grounded in international law and respect for Chinas sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and the non-interference in internal affairs.

This shared commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity underpins the broader partnership between the two nations. Azerbaijan's support for China is not merely symbolic but reflects a broader foreign policy stance rooted in respect for international norms, the sovereignty of states, and the importance of avoiding actions that could destabilize the region. The strong mutual trust in this regard further solidifies the strategic foundation of the partnership.

Moreover, Azerbaijans support for Chinas stance on Taiwan aligns with its broader foreign policy principles, which emphasize peace, stability, and the maintenance of a rules-based international order. In this sense, Azerbaijan's foreign policy is shaped not only by bilateral considerations with China but also by a commitment to multilateral diplomacy and adherence to the norms of international law.

A partnership for the future

Azerbaijan's evolving relationship with China is a testament to the country's strategic vision and its ability to navigate the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape. Through its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a vital actor in regional and global diplomacy, one that seeks to balance its ties with both East and West while promoting stability, security, and sustainable development.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Azerbaijan and China is poised to deepen further, with both nations focusing on areas of mutual interest, such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and multilateral cooperation. As global power dynamics continue to shift, Azerbaijan's engagement with China will undoubtedly play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of Eurasian and global diplomacy.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan's strategic partnership with China is more than just an economic or diplomatic alliance; it is a forward-looking collaboration that reflects a shared vision for regional stability, multilateralism, and sustainable growth. This partnership, grounded in mutual trust and respect, is set to evolve in ways that will shape the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.
We recently published 10 Stocks On Jim Cramers Mind & His Thoughts On Enterprise AI. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's mind.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is an agricultural and construction machinery manufacturer. Its shares are up by a strong 123% over the past year and by 26% year-to-date. The firm ended 2025 on a strong note as it posted $67.6 billion in revenue to mark 4% growth and set a new record. Within its businesses, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)s Power & Energy unit was a standout in terms of performance as it brought in $9.4 billion in revenue and marked a 23% annual growth. Following the earnings, Bank of America raised Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)s share price target to $825 from $735 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. According to BofA, the firm is experiencing demand for its turbines beyond the traditional data center sector. It added that the demand for power generation products as a whole was surprising. Cramer discussed the impact of power product demand on Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) before the earnings. The CNBC TV host believes that data center buildout and power products demand are key tailwinds for the company. In this appearance, he revealed that hedge funds are also playing a key role in Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)s top line:

Hedge Funds Are Buying Power From Caterpillar, (CAT) Says Jim Cramer

Copyright: jarretera / 123RF Stock Photo

No this is actually happening, because the hedge funds are buying up power from Caterpillar, which is one of the reasons why Caterpillars quarter was so good. And putting it where you dont have to worry about where housing is.

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READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Salsa music pioneer Willie Colon has died at the age of 75. The trombonist, composer, and producer was a defining force in the Fania era, rising from the South Bronx to international acclaim. His landmark 1978 album "Siembra," created with Ruben Blades, remains the best-selling salsa album of all time. Colon's career spanned over four decades, producing more than 40 albums and earning him numerous hall of fame inductions.

Willie Colon, the iconic trombonist and composer who defined salsa music, has died at 75. Remembered for hits like 'Pedro Navaja'.

Washington, February 22 Salsa pioneer Willie Colon, the towering trombonist, arranger, composer and producer who helped define the sound of Latin music in the 1970s, died on Saturday. He was 75.

His death was confirmed by his longtime manager, Pietro Carlos, in a Facebook post. "Willie didn't just change salsa," Carlos wrote, adding, "He expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to stages where it hadn't been before. His trombone was the voice of the people."

Born William Anthony Colon Roman in New York to Puerto Rican parents, Colon rose from a tough upbringing in the South Bronx to become one of the most influential figures of the famed Fania era.

Signed to Fania Records at just 15, he was quickly recognised by founders Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci as a rare talent. Though he often downplayed his singing abilities, Colon was a quadruple threat- writing, arranging, producing and playing trombone with a distinctive, commanding style.

His catalogue includes genre-defining hits such as 'Che Che Cole' and 'Aguanile,' recorded with vocalist Hector Lavoe. He also collaborated with Celia Cruz on the album Celia and Willie. His 1978 landmark album Siembra, created with Ruben Blades, remains the best-selling salsa album of all time and features the enduring hit 'Pedro Navaja,' as per Billboard.

It was Colon who introduced Blades to a wider audience with 1977's Metiendo Mano, whose opening track 'Pablo Pueblo' marked a turning point toward socially conscious salsa. While the duo later parted ways and pursued legal disputes, they eventually reconciled.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Colon recorded over 40 studio albums and continued touring until his death. His influence extended to newer generations, including Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro, whose 2024 album Cosa Nuestra was inspired by Colon's 1970 release of the same name.

Colon's contributions were widely recognised. He was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000, honoured with a lifetime achievement award from The Latin Recording Academy in 2004, and inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.

In 2015, Billboard named him among the 30 most influential Latin acts of all time.

Reflecting on his journey from a challenging neighbourhood to global acclaim, Colon once said: "I only cared about the music."

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, recalling their personal friendship and her administrative legacy. He described her as a widely beloved leader and a powerful symbol of women's empowerment in Indian politics. PM Modi shared personal anecdotes, including her attendance at his Gujarat swearing-in ceremonies and a Pongal lunch invitation in Chennai. His remarks hold political significance as the BJP-led alliance intensifies outreach in Tamil Nadu ahead of state elections.

PM Narendra Modi recalls his friendship with J. Jayalalithaa and praises her leadership & women's empowerment legacy in Tamil Nadu politics.

Chennai, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa as a "widely admired and beloved leader", recalling her administrative legacy and their personal friendship during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The Prime Minister described Jayalalithaa as a towering figure in Tamil Nadu politics whose contributions would be remembered as a powerful symbol of women's leadership.

"Jayalalithaa was a great leader who was deeply loved by the people. My friendship with her is like a sacred tree in my heart," PM Modi said during the broadcast.

Highlighting her governance style, the Prime Minister noted that Jayalalithaa had taken firm steps to maintain law and order in Tamil Nadu and had earned the trust of the people through decisive leadership.

He said her public service would always be remembered as an example of women's empowerment in Indian politics.

With Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary falling on February 24, PM Modi said he continues to feel the affection the people of Tamil Nadu hold for her whenever he visits the state.

"Even today, when I travel to Tamil Nadu, I can sense the deep connection the people have with Jayalalithaa. When her name is mentioned, one can see a special spark among the people," he said.

Recalling his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, PM Modi said, "Every meeting and every conversation with Amma Jayalalithaa is still fresh in my mind. She also attended two of my swearing-in ceremonies in Gujarat, in 2002 and 2012. When we were both Chief Ministers of our respective states, we often discussed topics like good governance. Her thinking was crystal clear, and her thoughts were uncluttered. This was a significant characteristic of hers. Many years ago, she invited me to Chennai over lunch on the auspicious occasion of Pongal. That affectionate gesture will remain unforgettable for me."

PM Modi said Jayalalithaa had extended strong support to Gujarat during his time in office.

"She had great devotion to the nation and worked with commitment for its progress," he added.

The Prime Minister's remarks assume political significance as Tamil Nadu gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The AIADMK-BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has intensified its political outreach in the state, and PM Modi's tribute to the late AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister is being viewed as an effort to connect with her enduring support base.

Jayalalithaa, fondly called "Amma" by her supporters, remains an influential figure in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, even years after her passing.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the unveiling of a statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari during the Rajaji Festival at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He framed this as part of a national effort to shed colonial symbols and embrace Indian culture. The statue of the first Indian Governor-General will be placed in the central courtyard, alongside an exhibition on his life. Rajagopalachari was a key freedom fighter, comrade of Gandhi, and a recipient of the Bharat Ratna.

PM Modi announces statue of C Rajagopalachari, India's first Indian Governor-General, to be unveiled during Rajaji Utsav, marking a move away from colonial symbols.

New Delhi, February 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that "Rajaji Festival" will be celebrated in Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 23 with the unveiling of the statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General of independent India.

During the 131st 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, PM Modi said that the nation is leaving the symbols of slavery behind and beginning to relate to the Indian culture.

"During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I spoke of the 'Panch-Pran' from the Red Fort. One of them is freedom from the mentality of slavery. Today, the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture. Tomorrow, on 23rd February, Rajaji Festival will be celebrated in Rashtrapati Bhavan..." he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the statue of the first Governor-General of independent India will be unveiled in the central courtyard of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. An exhibition related to Rajagopalachari will also be held from February 23 to March 1.

"On the occasion, a statue of C Rajagopalachari will be unveiled in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India. Unfortunately, even after the independence, the statues of British administrators remained in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, but no place was given to the sons of India. During the Rajaji Festival, an exhibition based on Rajagopalachari will also be put up. The exhibition will run from February 24 to March 1..." he stated.

C Rajaopalachari was born on December 10, 1878, in Madras Presidency. He was a lawyer and intellectual among many other things. He is regarded as an early political comrade of Mahatma Gandhi, who left his legal practice to join the Indian National Congress and later participated in various protests against the British Crown.

Most popularly, Rajagopalachari agitated against the Rowlatt Act, non-cooperation, and the Civil Disobedience movement.

He was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Madras on a Congress ticket. He was part of the sub-committee on minorities and was conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 1954.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat address to warn citizens about the persistent threat of digital fraud and "digital arrest" scams. He emphasized that while awareness has increased, innocent people, including senior citizens, continue to lose their savings to these crimes. The Prime Minister urged people to update their KYC only through official bank branches or apps, and never via unsolicited calls or links. He also advised regularly changing passwords and heeding the Reserve Bank of India's ongoing financial literacy campaign.

PM Modi cautions citizens on digital arrest scams in Mann Ki Baat, advises updating KYC only through official bank channels to protect savings.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned citizens against rising incidents of digital fraud and "digital arrest" scams, urging people to remain vigilant and follow proper banking procedures to safeguard their savings.

Speaking during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said he had earlier discussed the issue of digital arrest at length and noted that while awareness had increased, troubling incidents were still being reported.

"In 'Mann Ki Baat', I have spoken to you at length about Digital Arrest. After this, a lot of awareness was generated in our society regarding Digital Arrest and Digital Fraud, but still, such incidents are happening around us that are unpardonable," PM Modi said.

Highlighting the impact of such crimes, he said innocent people continue to fall victim to online fraud.

"Innocent people are being targeted through Digital Arrest and Financial Fraud. Many a time, we come to know that a senior citizen has been swindled of their lifelong earnings. At times, someone is defrauded of the money one had saved to pay children's fees," he said.

"We also come across news of fraud with businessmen. Someone calls up and says, 'I am a big officer. You have to share some details'. After this, innocent people do just that. Therefore, it is very important for you to remain alert and vigilant," he added.

Referring to the KYC (Know Your Customer) process, the Prime Minister addressed common concerns among bank customers.

"You all must be familiar with the process of KYC (Know Your Customer). Sometimes, when you receive messages from your bank asking you to update KYC or re-KYC, the question arises in your mind -- I have already done KYC, then why this? I urge you not to fret; this is just for the safety of your money," he said.

Emphasising the growing integration of financial services with bank accounts, PM Modi said, "We all know that nowadays everything from pension, subsidy, insurance, UPI, everything is linked to the bank account. This is why banks periodically perform re-KYC to ensure your bank account remains secure. Yes, here too, you must remember one thing: criminals make fake calls, send SMS and links."

"Therefore, we must remain vigilant and not fall prey to such fraudsters. KYC or re-KYC should be done only through your bank branch, official app, and authorised medium," he added.

The Prime Minister further advised citizens not to share sensitive information such as OTPs, Aadhaar numbers or bank account details with anyone.

He also recommended updating passwords regularly. Drawing a simple analogy, he said that just as food and clothing change with each season, people should make it a habit to change their passwords periodically.

PM Modi also mentioned that the Reserve Bank of India recently observed a Financial Literacy Week focusing on such issues.

"This financial literacy campaign will now continue throughout the year. Therefore, pay heed to the Reserve Bank of India's message and keep your KYC updated. Remember: Correct KYC, timely re-KYC keeps your account safe. Become an empowered citizen, because only empowered citizens build a strong and Atmanirbhar Bharat," he added.

- IANS
The Indian Union Muslim League has formally requested five seats from the DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections during seat-sharing talks. The DMK's negotiation committee, comprising several senior leaders, is holding discussions with alliance partners. Meanwhile, the Naam Tamilar Katchi has released its full list of 234 candidates, promising gender parity with 117 men and 117 women. The AIADMK has also begun its campaign preparations by announcing a set of five election promises for the 2026 polls.

IUML meets DMK for seat-sharing talks ahead of TN Assembly polls, demanding 5 seats. NTK releases full candidate list, AIADMK announces promises.

Chennai, February 22 Indian Union Muslim League president KM Kader Mohideen met DMK representatives on Sunday for seat-sharing talks ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls here and demanded that five seats be allotted to them to contest the elections under the coalition.

Speaking to reporters, IUML President KM Kader Mohideen said, "On behalf of IUML, we met the DMK representatives and demanded that five seats should be allotted to us."

The DMK's seat-sharing negotiation committe held discussions with alliance partners ahead of the upcoming elections. Senior leaders T.R. Baalu, K.N. Nehru, E.V. Velu, Tiruchi Siva, R.S. Bharathi, and M.R.K. Panneerselvam were present.

The committee members had earlier met the Chief Minister at the camp office for consultations before proceeding to the party headquarters.

Also, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) on Saturday released its full list of 234 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections at the 'Maatrathai Virumbum Makkal Maanadu' held at Alampatti Pudur in Tiruchirappalli.

The party's Chief Coordinator, Seeman, introduced all the candidates on stage and announced that he will be contesting from the Karaikudi Assembly constituency.

According to the party, the list comprises 117 men and 117 women candidates, ensuring equal representation of men and women in the electoral fray. Party leaders said the move reflects NTK's commitment to gender equality in politics.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Thursday also announced a set of five election promises for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to elections this year. In the 2021 polls, the DMK secured 133 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance to victory, while the AIADMK won 66 seats.

- ANI
Actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam holds a key meeting in Vellore. Party urges only invitees to attend following past stampede tragedy.

Vellore, February 22 Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will hold an administrators' meeting at Agaramcheri village in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district on Monday ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The meeting will be addressed by party chief Vijay.



TVK Campaign Management General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna and senior leaders Sengottaiyan, CTR Nirmala Kumar visited the location to take stock of the preparations for the meeting.



TVK leader CTR Nirmal Kumar urged that people invited to the meeting should only attend.



"All our cadres had been working for more than one and a half months to select the venue and get approval. We got the approval 30-40 minutes ago from the District Police Department. We have to look at the conditions that they have given, but we wanted to inform the people that only those who have been given an invitation need to attend. We request all the people who don't have an invitation - please don't attend this program, and we request them not to come. Everything will be broadcast, and they can see through TV or YouTube," Nirmal Kumar told ANI.



Nirmal Kumar's advisory came in the backdrop of the Karur stampede last year, which claimed the lives of 41 individuals in a TVK rally.



In the run-up to the Assembly elections, although the party's General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna requested Vijay contest in one of the North Chennai constituencies, AIADMK turncoat and senior TVK leader KA Sengottaiyan clarified that, "Aadhav Arjuna have placed a request to our Party General Secretary Anand, our TVK Cader overwhelmed the request. The same situation is seen in all the constituencies of Tamil Nadu; no power can stop TVK from winning the 2026 election in Tamil Nadu. We will witness the victory the very moment the election date is announced."



Meanwhile, the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026, where the TVK will look to turn it into a three-way contest, taking on the ruling MK Stalin-led alliance and the Opposition's BJP-AIADMK alliance.



In the 2021 polls, the DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others won eight seats. The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by DMK, which consisted of Congress, won 159 seats collectively.



While the NDA won 75 seats, the AIADMK emerged as the largest party in the alliance with 66 seats.





- ANI
US President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24. The speech outlines the administration's legislative and policy priorities for the coming year. Democrats have selected Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to deliver the formal televised rebuttal. The address is a major political event, closely tracked for signals on trade, immigration, and foreign policy.

President Donald Trump delivers his first SOTU of his second term on Feb 24. Democrats name Abigail Spanberger for the official rebuttal. Key policy priorities expected.

Washington, Feb 22 US President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24, returning to Congress at a politically charged moment in Washington.

The address comes as Democrats prepare to mount a formal rebuttal. On February 19, 2026, Democrats announced that Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would deliver the Democratic response.

The annual speech, delivered before a joint session of Congress, traditionally outlines the administration's legislative and policy priorities for the year ahead.

As with previous years, a member of the president's Cabinet is designated to remain at an undisclosed location outside Washington to ensure continuity of government in the event of an attack. A designated survivor for Trump's address had not been announced.

The State of the Union has evolved over more than two centuries into one of the most closely watched moments in American politics. Historical records show presidential addresses to joint sessions dating back to 1790, including annual messages and wartime speeches.

Trump himself addressed joint sessions of Congress multiple times during his first term, including State of the Union addresses in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

This year's speech will be Trump's first formal State of the Union address of his second term, following an address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025.

The event will also feature the official Democratic response, a televised rebuttal that offers the opposition party an opportunity to counter the president's narrative and policy claims.

For international observers, including in India, the address is closely tracked for signals on trade, immigration, defence, and foreign policy priorities.

The State of the Union requirement stems from the US Constitution, which mandates that the president "from time to time" provide Congress with information on the state of the country and recommend measures deemed necessary and expedient. Over time, the address has become a nationally televised prime-time event, often watched by millions and followed by an official response from the opposition party.

- IANS
The TVK party, led by actor Vijay, will hold its executive council meeting in Vellore's Agaramcheri after police directives forced a change from a large public rally. Attendance is strictly limited to 4,900 delegates who must present QR-coded identity cards for entry. Extensive security and logistical preparations include 900 police personnel, 10 medical teams, and traffic diversions near the national highway. Actor Vijay's travel convoy from Chennai will also be under strict security to prevent unauthorized followers.

Actor Vijay's TVK holds executive council meet in Vellore with 4,900 attendees under strict police conditions and heavy security arrangements.

Vellore, Feb 22 The executive council meeting of TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, will be held on Monday at Agaramcheri in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district.

The party has confirmed that 4,900 delegates will participate in the meeting, which has now been categorised as an administrative session instead of a public rally.

The event was initially planned as a large-scale public meeting, with expectations of nearly 25,000 people to attend. Preparations were underway to level a 33-acre site at Agaramcheri to accommodate the anticipated crowd. However, after inspecting the venue, Vellore Superintendent of Police N.U. Sivaraman issued a notice imposing 20 conditions and sought a written clarification from the party.

TVK submitted its response, following which the format of the event was revised. In compliance with police directives, the proposed public rally was converted into a closed-door executive council meeting.

Attendance has been restricted to 4,900 members, all of whom will be issued identity cards embedded with QR codes. Only those carrying authorised ID cards will be permitted entry into the venue.

The meeting is scheduled to take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday. As part of the arrangements, canopies will be installed at 10 designated locations within the venue, along with adequate seating facilities.

Organisers have arranged for the distribution of 50,000 water bottles and installed 6,000-litre drinking water tanks to ensure participant comfort.

Medical preparedness has been strengthened, with 10 medical teams comprising 30 doctors, 100 nurses, and 100 medical assistants deployed at the site. Fifteen ambulances will remain on standby. Additionally, 500 volunteers, including 50 women, will assist in maintaining order.

The volunteers recently underwent security training conducted by retired police sub-inspector Sabiyullah. The police department has announced that 900 personnel will be deployed to ensure security.

As the venue is located near the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway, traffic flow on the highway and service roads will be maintained, though the Agaramcheri-Pallikuppam road will witness diversions.

Authorities have also stated that since Vijay will travel by road from Chennai on Monday, strict measures will be in place to prevent unauthorised vehicles from following his convoy.

- IANS
The High Commission of India in London hosted a vibrant celebration at India House to mark the Foundation Days of ten Indian states. The event coincided with International Mother Language Day, highlighting India's linguistic richness. Members of the UK-Indian community showcased unique traditions and folk arts from their home states. The gathering aimed to strengthen diaspora bonds and foster a collective Indian identity through cultural diplomacy.

High Commission of India in London hosts grand celebration for Foundation Days of 10 Indian states and International Mother Language Day.

London, February 22 In a vibrant display of India's cultural tapestry, the High Commission of India in London hosted a grand celebration to mark the Foundation Days of ten Indian states alongside International Mother Language Day, according to an official press release.

The event, held on Friday at the historic India House in Aldwych, brought together the Indian diaspora to honour the heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh.

The evening was a testament to the vision of Unity in Diversity, with attendees dressed in traditional attire, transforming the High Commission into a microcosm of India.

The celebrations underscored the enduring spirit of cooperation and togetherness that defines the Indian community abroad.

The event coincided with International Mother Language Day, highlighting the linguistic richness of the participating states, the press release stated.

Members of the UK-Indian community showcased the unique traditions, folk arts, and shared history of their respective home states.

The gathering served as a platform to strengthen the bonds between the diaspora and their roots, fostering a sense of collective Indian identity.

The High Commission of India, London, emphasised that such celebrations aim to showcase the vibrant spirit that unites Indians across the globe, regardless of their regional or linguistic backgrounds.

As the sun set over Aldwych, the echoing sentiments of "Proud to celebrate our united India" resonated through the halls of India House, the press release added, marking another successful chapter in India's cultural diplomacy in the United Kingdom.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has begun a three-day official visit to Singapore aimed at attracting global investment and forging strategic partnerships. The visit is aligned with the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership roadmap, focusing on economic cooperation, digitalisation, and sustainability. He will hold high-level meetings with Singapore's political leadership and engage with major institutional investors and business leaders. The trip will culminate in a mega roadshow to position Uttar Pradesh as a prime destination for investment in digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath begins a 3-day Singapore visit to attract global investment in digital, green energy, and manufacturing.

Lucknow, Feb 22 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, began a three-day official visit to Singapore, aimed at attracting global investment, forging strategic partnerships, and positioning the state as a premier hub for industrial, digital, and green energy development, government officials said.

The visit underscores the state's ambition to leverage international expertise and capital to accelerate economic growth and strengthen India-Singapore cooperation at both the national and sub-national levels.



The visit, scheduled from February 22 to 24, 2026, is aligned with the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap, which identifies priority pillars including economic cooperation, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, advanced manufacturing, and skill development.



During the visit, Chief Minister Adityanath is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Singapore's political leadership, including Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore; Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore; Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower of Singapore; and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore.



The programme includes engagements with leading institutional investors, including Temasek and Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), as well as business leaders from digital infrastructure, logistics, aviation services, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.



Focus areas include the development of AI-enabled data centres near Noida International Airport (Jewar), aviation-linked industrial development, skill development through technical and vocational education, and green energy and sustainability initiatives.



The visit will culminate in an Invest UP Mega Roadshow, bringing together investors, private equity funds, and industry leaders to showcase Uttar Pradesh as a scalable investment destination with opportunities in digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, logistics, aviation, and renewable energy.



Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and one of its fastest-growing large economies, has a projected Gross State Domestic Product of nearly Rs 36 lakh crore in 2025-26.



The state provides an investor-friendly framework, including digital single-window systems and sector-specific policies.



Singapore, India's largest FDI source, contributed $14.94 billion in FY 2024-25 and remains a key partner in infrastructure, logistics, financial services, and digital investments.



Through this visit, Uttar Pradesh aims to convert high-level engagement into concrete project pipelines and expand India-Singapore economic cooperation at the sub-national level.





- IANS
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on an official visit to Singapore to strengthen economic and institutional partnerships. The visit focuses on attracting investment into sectors like AI-ready data infrastructure, aviation services linked to the new Noida airport, and renewable energy. He will meet Singapore's top political leadership and engage with major sovereign wealth funds and business leaders. The trip culminates in a mega investment roadshow to position Uttar Pradesh as a prime destination for Singaporean capital.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visits Singapore to attract investment in digital infrastructure, aviation, and renewable energy sectors.

Lucknow, February 22 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is undertaking an official visit to Singapore from 22 to 24 February to deepen economic cooperation, institutional partnerships and sector-specific collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Singapore.

According to an official statement, the visit is aligned with the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap, which identifies priority pillars including economic cooperation, digitalisation, skills development, sustainability, connectivity and advanced manufacturing.

During the visit, the Chief Minister will hold high-level meetings with Singapore's political leadership, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan; Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore, as stated in the release.

The program also includes engagements with leading sovereign and institutional investors, including Temasek and GIC, as well as business leaders across data infrastructure, logistics, aviation services, financial services and advanced manufacturing.

Discussions during the visit are structured around translating national-level frameworks into project-level collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the following sectors:

Singapore-based operators are in a multi-year expansion cycle in India, particularly in AI-ready digital campuses. Uttar Pradesh is positioning land parcels near the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar) as potential sites for hyperscale and AI-enabled data infrastructure.

With the development of the Noida International Airport, Uttar Pradesh is exploring partnerships with Singapore's aviation ecosystem. Site visits to aviation and logistics facilities in Singapore are part of the programme to understand best practices and potential collaboration pathways.

The Chief Minister's visit includes engagement with Singapore's technical and vocational education ecosystem, including ITE Singapore Skill development remains a key pillar of India-Singapore cooperation, with ongoing collaborations across multiple Indian states.

Singapore's expertise in sustainability and green supply chains aligns with Uttar Pradesh's focus on renewable energy zones and integrated industrial corridors.

Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state and one of its fastest-growing large economies. Its Gross State Domestic Product rose to 30.25 lakh crore in 2024-25 and is projected to reach approximately 36 lakh crore in 2025-26. The state offers a comprehensive investor facilitation framework, including digital single-window systems and sector-specific policies. Singapore is India's largest source of FDI, contributing USD 14.94 billion in FY 2024-25 and remains a key partner in infrastructure, logistics, financial services and digital investments.

The Singapore leg of the visit culminates in an Invest UP Mega Roadshow bringing together data centre operators, logistics and infrastructure developers, renewable energy companies, private equity funds, and sovereign wealth institutions. The event will showcase sectoral opportunities in digital infrastructure, aviation-linked industrial development, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and logistics, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a competitive and scalable investment destination within India.

The visit reflects Uttar Pradesh's intent to play a proactive role in expanding India-Singapore economic cooperation at the sub-national level. Discussions are expected to focus on establishing structured follow-up mechanisms, including dedicated account management and sectoral task forces, to convert high-level engagement into concrete project pipelines .

- ANI
The US Supreme Court has issued a landmark decision invalidating the President's use of a 1977 emergency act to impose tariffs, a move SBI Research says could reshape the policy landscape and increase uncertainty. In response, the executive branch has quickly invoked a separate authority under the 1974 Trade Act to impose a new 10% global tariff on most imports for 150 days, starting in February 2026. The court's decision casts doubt on existing trade deals worth trillions of dollars facilitated by the now-invalidated tariffs, potentially disrupting agreements with nations like China, the UK, and Japan. SBI Research notes that ultimate authority now rests with a finely balanced US Congress, forcing countries to adopt strategic, counter-intuitive negotiations during this interim period.

US Supreme Court invalidates tariff structure, prompting new 10% global import levy. SBI Research warns of policy uncertainty and complex negotiations.

New Delhi, February 22 The United States court's move to invalidate the tariff structure could reshape the policy landscape and alter the trajectory of uncertainty, SBI Research said.

The report noted that countries may need to adopt "counter-intuitive" negotiation strategies to position themselves during the interim period, as ultimate authority over tariffs rests with a finely balanced US Congress.

It added that the interaction between inter-sovereign treaties and actions by juristic persons on tariff matters could create complexity, if not disruption, in determining an effective tariff framework.

"Unscrapping of the tariff structure by the Court(s) can upend uncertainty going forward while jurisdictions need to put in place counter intuitive negotiation to position themselves strategically in the intermittent period where ultimate power lies with a delicately balanced US Congress," the report noted.

The US Supreme Court issued a landmark decision that invalidated the POTUS/Administration's use of imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977. The act had never before been used by a President to impose tariffs and does not find much footing in peacetime.

However, the executive has quickly invoked Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose new 10% global tariff on all imports to US for 150 days (note: this will be the first time Section 122 authority has ever been used). This temporary measure will start from 24 Feb 2026 and ends in July should the Congress not ratify the imposition.

Under the trade Act, President can impose temporary import surcharges (up to 15%) or quotas to fix US balance of payment issues. It lasts up to 150 days max, unless Congress extends via legislation.

The new 10% tariff has exemptions, including goods from Canada and Mexico that comply with the USMCA, as well as specific, already-in-place national security tariffs.

It is expected that during this time, the Administration would complete investigations and levy tariffs using Section 301 and Section 232, the report noted.

SBI Research noted that with respect to tariffs in particular, the Court's decision might not prevent President from imposing most if not all of these same sorts of tariffs under other statutory authorities.

A second issue is the decision's effect on the current trade deals. Because IEEPA tariffs have helped facilitate trade deals worth trillions of dollars--including with foreign nations from China to the United Kingdom to Japan, the Court's decision could generate uncertainty regarding various trade agreements. That could be difficult, it said.

- ANI
The United States and India have launched a significant AI partnership aimed at shaping the next technological revolution through collaboration. The joint statement rejects a fear-based approach to AI governance, advocating instead for a pro-growth, pro-entrepreneurship model. A central focus is aligning regulatory regimes and strengthening the physical "AI stack," including semiconductors, critical minerals, and energy. The pact emphasizes that the AI revolution should be propelled by private-sector innovation and cross-border investment.

US and India announce a major AI partnership focusing on regulatory alignment, supply chains, and private-sector innovation to lead the technology.

Washington, Feb 22 In a decisive signal to the world, the United States and India have unveiled a new AI partnership that rejects what they call the "paralysis of fear" and instead backs a pro-growth, pro-entrepreneurship model to lead the artificial intelligence race.

Under a Joint Statement on the US-India AI Opportunity Partnership - a bilateral addendum to the Pax Silica Declaration - the two largest democracies of the world pledged to align regulatory systems, strengthen semiconductor and energy supply chains, and drive private-sector innovation to ensure they shape, rather than follow, the next technological revolution.

The two governments said they acknowledge "a shared vision for their innovation ecosystems", linking the pact to the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and the India-US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership and Accelerated Commerce and Technology) for the 21st century.

Recognising that this century is likely to be defined by "the physical backbone for artificial intelligence-from critical minerals and energy to compute and semiconductor manufacturing", the two sides said the future of AI should rest on "a foundation of trusted collaboration, economic security, and free enterprise".

Echoing the vision outlined by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technologies initiative (TRUST), the statement said both countries aim "to move beyond the paralysis of fear in favor of the dynamism of AI opportunity to promote innovation and to deploy it for human prosperity".

"The two sides share the belief that a significant risk facing the free world is not the advancement of AI, but the failure to lead it," it added.

A central pillar of the agreement is regulatory alignment.

"Both sides pledge to adopt and mainstream regulatory regimes that advance technological innovation and promote investment. They aim to champion a pro-growth regulatory environment that fosters AI innovation and empowers builders, coders, creators, startups, and the platforms that enable them, in both countries, to test, deploy, and scale rapidly to build secure and trusted AI ecosystems," the joint statement said.

The partnership focuses on strengthening what it calls the "Physical AI Stack".

According to the statement, India and the United States plan to deepen cooperation under the Pax Silica framework, including joint research and development projects to expand reliable energy infrastructure, produce critical minerals, harness skilled workforces, and accelerate the development of trusted semiconductor ecosystems.

The statement also emphasised "Driving Free Enterprise", with both governments seeking to ensure that the AI revolution is propelled by the private sector. They intend to facilitate cross-border venture capital flows and R&D partnerships, enable investments in next-generation data centres, cooperate on development and access to compute and processors for AI, and advance innovation in AI models and applications.

"This partnership signals a new era in which the world's oldest and largest democracies stand aligned not only in defence of liberty, but in the purposeful pursuit of prosperity and harmony for their peoples," the statement said. "Together, the two aspire to build an AI future that serves their citizens, strengthens their economies and societies, and reflects their shared values of freedom, openness, and the rule of law."

The announcement comes at a time when global debates over AI governance, semiconductor supply chains, and critical mineral security are intensifying.

- IANS
Oman's Foreign Minister has confirmed that fresh US-Iran nuclear negotiations are scheduled for February 26 in Geneva. This diplomatic push occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with the US strengthening its military footprint across the Middle East to protect its forces. Iran has issued stern warnings through the UN, stating all US assets in the region would be legitimate targets if attacked. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump has given Iran an ultimatum to finalize a deal within 10 to 15 days.

Fresh US-Iran nuclear negotiations are scheduled for Geneva as the US strengthens its military posture in the Middle East. Key details inside.

Muscat, February 23 Fresh negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Geneva on Thursday, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

"Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal," Badr Al Busaidi said in a post on X.

The announcement comes as the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region, sparking concerns about a potential broader conflict with Iran.

The New York Times reported that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, according to information provided by Pentagon officials.

Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Government officials are reportedly apprehensive that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed within the region could serve as the primary target of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war.

Military experts consulted on the matter suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities provided the US with advance notice.

The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, ''all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.''

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces and interests.

This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to come to terms with the US on the nuclear deal within 10 to 15 days or "it's going to be unfortunate."

Interacting with the reporters on Thursday, the US President said, "We're either going to get a deal, or it's going to be unfortunate for them... 10-15 days would be enough time."

- ANI
The United States has begun strategically redeploying hundreds of troops from bases in Qatar and across the Middle East amid heightened fears of a direct military conflict with Iran. The move is a response to explicit threats from Iran that all US bases and assets in the region would be considered legitimate targets in the event of war. In a defensive buildup, the US is shifting air defense systems into the region and positioning aircraft carriers at a distance from Iranian territory to avoid retaliation. While the Trump administration publicly seeks diplomacy, internal planning has reportedly become more granular, with the President floating the idea of regime change in Iran.

US moves troops and air defenses across Middle East bases as tensions with Iran escalate. Pentagon adjusts posture amid threats of retaliation.

Washington, DC, February 22 The United States has commenced the strategic movement of military personnel stationed at various installations across the Middle East for undisclosed missions.

This redeployment comes amidst growing anxieties regarding a potential direct military conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, a recent disclosure from The New York Times indicates that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, according to information provided by Pentagon officials.

Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Government officials are reportedly apprehensive that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed within the region could serve as the primary target of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war.

Military experts consulted on the matter suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities provided the US with advance notice.

The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, ''all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.''

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces and interests.

This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation.

The Jerusalem Post noted that these manoeuvres reflect a high level of preparedness for a potentially prolonged engagement.

While the Trump administration officially remains dedicated to seeking a diplomatic resolution to the standoff, several insiders believe that current offers from Tehran are not enough to deter US President Donald Trump from initiating military strikes.

The Jerusalem Post further indicated that internal planning has become increasingly granular and ambitious as the President has recently floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.

- ANI
An SBI Research report states that refunding the $160-175 billion in US tariffs could be a logistical "mess." However, it argues this process would create a psychological deterrent against imposing similar tariffs in the future. The analysis follows a US Supreme Court decision striking down much of the earlier tariff structure. The report highlights the complex interplay between sovereign treaties, legal entities, and shifting bilateral relations in global trade.

SBI Research says US tariff refunds could be chaotic but act as a psychological deterrent against future tariff impositions, impacting global trade.

New Delhi, Feb 22 The tariffs collected from various jurisdictions by the US administration range from $160-175 billion, and the refund could be a 'mess' but it would also be a psychological deterrent in imposition of future tariff structure, according to a new SBI Research report.

US President Donald Trump has now raised global tariffs to 15 per cent, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a move that escalates his trade offensive a day after the US Supreme Court struck down much of his earlier tariffs.

According to the report, unscrapping of the tariff structure by the court can upend uncertainty going forward while jurisdictions need to put in place counter intuitive negotiation to position themselves strategically in the intermittent period where ultimate power lies with a delicately balanced US Congress.

"The convergence between inter-sovereign treaties and juristic persons on effective tariff structure can be a melee if not a mess," it argued.

Under the Trade Act, the US President can impose temporary import surcharges (up to 15 per cent) or quotas to fix US balance of payment issues. It lasts up to 150 days max, unless Congress extends via legislation.

The new tariff has exemptions, including goods from Canada and Mexico that comply with the USMCA, as well as specific, already-in-place national security tariffs.

"It is expected that during this time, the Administration would complete investigations and levy tariffs using Section 301 and Section 232," said the report.

Indian companies, as also the world, face Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium, automobiles and copper, etc as the section has not been scrapped.

"It will be intriguing to watch how the trade deals among multiple sovereigns are interpreted at private, independent legal, artificial, or "juristic" persons end (the firms who filed the case and won a favourable judgement for refund and scrapping of the tariff structure) and how the shifting sands of the bilateral relations add or abate the landscape," said the report.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Meerut to inaugurate major infrastructure projects. He flagged off the Meerut Metro and dedicated the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System corridor. The projects, worth approximately 12,930 crore, include India's first RRTS with a design speed of 180 kmph. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Prime Minister for this "revolutionary visit."

PM Narendra Modi flags off Meerut Metro & India's first Namo Bharat RRTS, inaugurating projects worth 12,930 crore in Uttar Pradesh.

Meerut, February 22 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Meerut on Sunday. CM Yogi went to the airport to receive the PM Modi and felicitated him with a bouquet.

In a post on X, Yogi wrote, "A heartfelt welcome and felicitation to the world's most popular politician, the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, who is ceaselessly serving to make the lives of 1.45 billion Indians seamless, simple, and effortless, on his revolutionary visit to Meerut."

The Prime Minister flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station. PM Modi is set to undertake a Metro Ride till Meerut South Station.

PM Modi is set to inaugurate and dedicate projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore. PM will also inaugurate India's first Namo Bharat RRTS and dedicate the entire Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the Nation.

The Prime Minister will dedicate the entire 82 Km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. He will inaugurate the remaining sections of India's first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). These include the 5 km section between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

With a design speed of 180 km per hour, Namo Bharat is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System. It will connect major urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut with Delhi at a faster pace.

Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations to be commissioned with this inauguration. It is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and Ring Road. The other three Namo Bharat stations, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, being commissioned are in Meerut.

According to the release, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram, operating on the same infrastructure as Namo Bharat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Meerut Metro will be India's fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. Metro will cover the entire stretch in just 30 minutes, with all the scheduled stoppages enroute.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Meerut Metro and the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail corridor on Sunday calling it a major gift for the people of the national capital.

- ANI
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan is visiting Tamil Nadu to attend a foundation stone laying ceremony for a statue of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and visit local heritage sites. On International Mother Language Day, he released updated translations of the Indian Constitution in Tamil and Gujarati, aiming to enhance democratic participation. Speaking at a CSR summit, he highlighted India's economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moving from the 10th to the 4th largest global economy. He emphasized that Corporate Social Responsibility is now central to national progress and called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and civil society.

VP C.P. Radhakrishnan visits Tamil Nadu, releases Tamil & Gujarati Constitution, highlights India's economic growth and CSR's role in national development.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will visit Tamil Nadu on Sunday to attend a foundation stone laying ceremony for the statue of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai at Vandiyur in Madurai.

During the visit, the Vice-President will also visit the Thirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple and Rani Velu Nachiyar Palace in Sivaganga, the official said in a statement.

Earlier, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day on Saturday, Vice-President Radhakrishnan released the updated versions of the Constitution of India in Tamil and Gujarati, along with the eighth edition of the Legal Glossary (English-Hindi).

Describing Tamil as one of the world's most ancient classical languages with a rich literary legacy, and Gujarati as a language of profound cultural and philosophical depth, he said that this initiative will take the Constitution to the people in their own languages, thereby strengthening democratic participation and awareness.

The Vice-President appreciated the Ministry of Law and Justice for the extensive work undertaken in bringing out these translations and making the Constitution more accessible to citizens across the country, a statement said on the social media.

During another event related to National CSR Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Vice-President said that when institutions work together, society and the nation move forward collectively, and emphasised that such collaboration is crucial at this transformative moment in India's journey.

Highlighting India's progress over the last decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that India has moved from being the 10th largest economy to the fourth largest economy in the world and is on course to become the third largest.

He underlined that structural reforms, inclusive expansion, digital connectivity, financial inclusion and infrastructure development have brought more than 25 crore citizens out of extreme poverty and raised aspirations across regions and communities.

He remarked that the next phase of development demands deeper partnership among government, industry and civil society.

Stating that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is no longer peripheral but central to national progress, Vice-President Radhakrishnan described CSR as the space where enterprise meets empathy, where balance sheets meet human stories, and where growth acquires purpose.

- IANS
Businessman Vicky Jain shared a series of romantic photos with his wife, actress Ankita Lokhande, taken during a break from filming the show 'Laughter Chefs'. In the playful post, he asked fans if their cooking skills were at 'MasterChef level' or 'Maggi-in-2-minutes level'. The couple, who married in a grand Mumbai ceremony in December 2021, have previously appeared together on reality shows like 'Smart Jodi' and 'Bigg Boss 17'. Their relationship was a focal point of public discussion during their stint in the Bigg Boss house.

Vicky Jain shares adorable behind-the-scenes photos with wife Ankita Lokhande from Laughter Chefs set, asking fans to rate their cooking skills.

Mumbai, Feb 22 Businessman Vicky Jain and TV superstar Ankita Lokhande's husband shared on his social media how he stole a few romantic moments with his 'Baiko' Ankita amid hectic shooting on the sets of 'Laughter Chefs'.

Sharing romantic glimpses from the set, Vicky treated his fans to a series of pictures capturing some lovestruck glimpses of the adorable two.

He wrote, "In between shoot break I still managed to do some Photoshoot and steal some time to make a little love with my Baiko.

Are you guys enjoying Laughter Chefs?

And honestly... how would you rate me & Ankita as chefs?

MasterChef level or Maggi-in-2-minutes level?

#commentbelow Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... you know that famous laugh!"

In the photos, Vicky is seen dressed in a rust shirt paired with a brown waistcoat and matching trousers, looking smart.

One picture captures him hugging Ankita, and in another heartwarming moment, he is seen making little love with Ankita. Another frame shows the two sharing an intimate look while smiling at each other and gently holding each other close.

For the uninitiated, Ankita Lokhande tied the knot with businessman Vicky Jain in December 2021. Their wedding was a grand affair held in Mumbai, spread over multiple days.

It was attended by the who's who of television. Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut with whom Ankita has worked in the movie Manikarnika had also attended the wedding.

The couple post marriage appeared together on various reality shows like Smart Jodi, which they won. They were seen in Bigg Boss 17, where their relationship came under intense public scrutiny.

- IANS
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay will contest from a North Chennai constituency in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMDK has formally sealed an alliance with the ruling DMK, with seat-sharing details to be finalized. The state is heading for a triangular contest involving the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-BJP-led NDA, and Vijay's new party TVK. The elections for the 234-member assembly are scheduled for the first half of 2026.

TVK chief Vijay will contest from North Chennai in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, as alliances shift with DMDK joining DMK.

Chennai, February 22 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay will contest in one of the North Chennai constituencies in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections this year, stated the party's General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna on Sunday.

Earlier on February 9, Arjuna had also stated that Vijay is ready to make his political presence felt on the ground, asserting that the leader is prepared for extensive public outreach and direct engagement with voters across Tamil Nadu, which is heading into Assembly polls this year.

Addressing a press conference in Chennai, Arjuna said, "Our leader Vijay is ready to run. He is ready to be on the ground and connect with people."

However, he raised concerns about police Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for public meetings.

"According to police SOPs, party organisers are responsible for public safety. But every district has armed police, whose responsibility is also to ensure people's safety," Arjuna said.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026. In the 2021 elections, the DMK-Congress alliance won 151 seats.

As the political sphere is gearing up for the high-stakes polls this year, parties have intensified their strategies.

A major development was the DMDK joining the DMK alliance, which is led by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, along with DMDK Treasurer LK Sudish, on Thursday met the Chief Minister at the DMK headquarters 'Arivalayam' in Chennai.

After the meeting, Premlatha Vijayakanth stated that the DMK and DMDK have sealed an alliance, and the details about the number of seats will be decided after discussion between the two parties. The seats will be allocated by the DMK President, MK Stalin.

"We have sealed an alliance with DMK. Our party cadres also wished for this alliance. It should have been formed when Captain Vijayakanth was alive. The number of seats will be decided after both parties form election committees and hold talks on it. Today, we have formed an alliance with DMK," she said."We are sure that our alliance will win in more than 200 seats," she added.

Meanwhile, the NDA led by AIADMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu, along with other parties, will look to defeat the ruling DMK-Congress alliance. The election will feature a triangular contest after actor-turned-politician Vijay has launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and is eyeing the top spot.

- ANI
Valued at a market cap of $17.4 billion, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII) is a Newport News, Virginia-based company that designs, builds, overhauls, and repairs military ships.

This aerospace and defense company has significantly outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Shares of HII have rallied 147.3% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 11.7%. Moreover, on a YTD basis, the stock is up 29.4%, compared to SPXs marginal rise.

More News from Barchart

Zooming in further, HII has also notably outpaced the Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA), which soared 54.9% over the past 52 weeks and 15.3% on a YTD basis.

www.barchart.com

On Feb. 5, shares of HII plunged 10.6% despite delivering stronger-than-expected Q4 results. Both its sales and service revenue of $3.5 billion and EPS of $4.04 handily topped the consensus estimates. Moreover, compared to the year-ago quarter, its top line improved 15.7%, and its bottom line grew 28.3%. Nonetheless, its shares recovered 7.7% in the subsequent trading session.

For fiscal 2026, ending in December, analysts expect HIIs EPS to grow 11.6% year-over-year to $17.18. The companys earnings surprise history is promising. It topped the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters.

Among the 12 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy, which is based on five Strong Buy and seven "Hold ratings.

www.barchart.com

The configuration is more bullish than a month ago, with one analyst suggesting a "Moderate Sell rating.

On Feb.12, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) upgraded HII to Neutral and raised its price target to $400.

While the company is trading above its mean price target of $383.40, its Street-high price target of $465 suggests a 5.3% 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
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, hailed the successful AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi as a turning point for global AI. He highlighted how the summit displayed India's capabilities, including AI applications in dairy farming and the digital preservation of ancient knowledge. The Prime Minister noted the launch of three 'Made in India' AI models and the enthusiastic participation of global leaders and youth. He stated the event allowed the world to witness India's remarkable advancements in the artificial intelligence field.

PM Modi says the world witnessed India's remarkable AI capabilities at the AI Impact Summit, highlighting innovations from dairy tech to ancient manuscripts.

New Delhi, Feb 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the recently concluded AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam and said that through this, the world witnessed "Bharat's remarkable capabilities" in the field of artificial intelligence.

India hosted the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16-20, focusing on human-centric AI, global cooperation, and ethical frameworks like the New Delhi Declaration.

Addressing the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi said, "This is a strong platform to bring forth achievements of the country and its people. One such achievement was recently seen during the AI Impact Summit that was held in Delhi. Leaders, industrialists, innovators and people from the start-up sectors arrived in the Bharat Mandapam for this summit."

"This summit is a turning point in how the world will use the power of AI in the future. I got the opportunity to meet the world leaders and tech leaders. At the AI Summit Exhibition, I showcase many innovations to the world leaders," he said.

During the summit, the Prime Minister noted that two products "impressed leaders from all over the world." The first was showcased at the AMUL booth, demonstrating how AI is assisting dairy workers in caring for their animals and managing their businesses. The second product, he mentioned, is related to culture, highlighting ways to preserve ancient knowledge, traditions, and scriptures while adapting them for future generations.

Mentioning the display of 'Sushruta Samhita' during the exhibition, PM Modi mentioned, "The first step showed how the image quality of the manuscripts was enhanced with the help of technology to make them readable. In the second step, this text image was made machine-readable. In the next step, the text was read by an AI Avatar. And then, in the next step, we also showed how this evaluation of knowledge can be translated into Indian and foreign languages with the help of technology."

"The world leaders showed great interest in learning about Bharat's ancient knowledge through a modern avatar," he added.

The Prime Minister said that through this summit, the world "witnessed Bharat's remarkable capabilities in the field of AI". He mentioned that at this summit, India also launched three 'Made in India' AI models.

"This in itself has been the biggest AI Summit to date. The enthusiasm and excitement of the youth for the summit were truly worth seeing. I congratulate all countries on the success of this summit," he added.

- IANS
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Why do some people feel chills when listening to music, reading poetry, or viewing a powerful work of art, while others do not? New research by Giacomo Bignardi and his colleagues from Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) published in PLOS Genetics reveals that part of the answer lies in our genes.

Charles Darwin once described how hearing an anthem in King's College Chapel gave him "intense pleasure so that [his] backbone would sometimes shiver." Vladimir Nabokov (despite his notorious dislike for music) later celebrated the same sensation, calling it 'the telltale tingle' required to truly appreciate literary genius. Thanks to Lifelines, a large, multi-generational cohort study of individuals from the northern Netherlands, MPI researchers were able to gather and analyze data on emotional reactions to cultural experiences from over 15,500 participants with available genetic information. The study focused on 'aesthetic chills': those sometime goosebump-inducing moments often triggered by art, music, or literature.

Aesthetic chills

Aesthetic chills are moments of peak pleasure often accompanied by goosebumps or shivers. Because they are clear, measurable events that link subjective emotional experience with bodily responses, scientists have increasingly used them as a model for studying how humans respond to art. Previous research has shown that chills triggered by music and poetry engage neural systems similar to those involved in processing biologically meaningful stimuli, and that stable individual differences in chills correspond to measurable variation in physiology and brain function.

Building on this foundation, the new study analyzed genetic data to examine whether DNA variation helps explain why some individuals are especially prone to these reactions.

Family-linked factors

The researchers found that approximately 30% of the variation in experiencing chills is related to family-linked factors. About one-quarter of this familial influence is attributable to common genetic variants, demonstrating a significant genetic contribution to emotional sensitivity to art.

Some genetic influences were shared across music, poetry, and visual art, and were associated with broader personality traits such as openness to experience, including general artistic engagement. Other genetic effects appeared to be not shared across artistic domains, suggesting that different biological mechanisms may shape how people respond to music versus poetry or visual art.

These findings suggest that genetics may offer an additional way to better understand why people can sometimes subjectively experience the same sensory world so differently. However, much work remains to clarify how the genetic underpinnings of these experiences interact with environmental exposure and social dynamics." Giacomo Bignardi, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics

By demonstrating that genetics plays a meaningful role in proneness to chills from visual art, poetry and music, the study opens the door to future research on the biological foundations of emotional experience, and why art impacts some people - quite literally - to their core.
The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) announces the award of a research grant to University of Denver, Denver, Colo. The grant will support a three-year study entitled, "Prenatal Massage: A Complementary Approach for Maternal Health and Mental Health," led by Primary Investigator Galena Rhoades, PhD.

The study will be conducted through a partnership between the University of Denver and Thriving Families, a Denver-based nonprofit organization serving perinatal women and birthing people from under-resourced and minority backgrounds. The project will evaluate the impact of incorporating prenatal massage into MotherWise, an evidencebased, traumainformed, and culturally responsive maternal wellness program. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the standard MotherWise program, while the second will receive the same program along with six 20minute prenatal massage sessions provided by licensed massage therapists specially trained in prenatal care. Outcomes will be compared to determine whether massage therapy provides additional benefits to the program.

Specifically, investigators aim to (1) assess potential benefits including decreasing rates of postpartum depression (primary outcome) and improving scores for anxiety, pain, sleep, stress, preterm birth, and infant birth weight, and (2) examine the implementation of prenatal massage to inform recommendations for scalability to other similar community-based contexts. For Aim 2, qualitative data from focus groups and interviews as well as quantitative data from validated measures will assess implementation processes (e.g., barriers and facilitators) and outcomes (e.g., feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and adoption).

"Evidence suggests that prenatal massage confers meaningful health and mental health benefits, and we need rigorous research about what it looks like when prenatal massage is integrated into real-world, community programs. This grant allows us to partner with Thriving Families to evaluate whether adding brief, prenatal massage sessions to MotherWise can reduce postpartum depression and inform a scalable model for equitable maternal care," said study Primary Investigator Galena K. Rhoades, PhD.

"We are very excited to support this study, which has the potential to increase the evidence supporting the significant benefits of prenatal massage, and provide guidance for putting it into practice in community settings. The findings will be an important step in reducing disparities in maternal health and mental health outcomes for marginalized and underserved communities," said Kim Kane-Santos, MTF President.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), with the support of Massage Envy, is funding this groundbreaking research project. The study is part of AMTA's broader commitment of $2.5 million over the next five years to support innovative massage therapy research. These efforts advance scientific understanding in priority areas such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), pediatric sleep, traumainformed care, and the integration of massage therapy into health care settings.
Chronic pain lasts longer for women than men, and new research suggests differences in hormone-regulated immune cells, called monocytes, may help explain why.

In a new paper in Science Immunology, researchers at Michigan State University found a subset of monocytes release a molecule to switch off pain. These cells are more active in males due to higher levels of sex hormones such as testosterone, the team found.

Females, however, experienced longer-lasting pain and delayed recovery, because their monocytes were less active. Geoffroy Laumet, MSU associate professor of physiology, and Jaewon Sim, a former graduate student in his lab, discovered the same pattern in both mouse models and human patients.

These findings, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense, could mean those immune cells can be manipulated into producing more signals to calm pain. While a new treatment is likely decades away, Laumet hopes this research could one day help millions of people experience relief with non-opioid treatments - and ensure women's pain is taken seriously.

The difference in pain between men and women has a biological basis. It's not in your head, and you're not soft. It's in your immune system." Geoffroy Laumet, MSU associate professor of physiology

Pain results when neurons found throughout your body are activated by stimulation. Most of the time they're silent, but they become activated when you stub your toe or fall off a bike. But for those with chronic pain, the sensors may be activated with mild stimulation, or even no stimulation at all.

Doctors still rely on patients rating their pain on a scale of one to 10. The problem is everyone experiences pain differently. So, when more women than men complain of long-lasting or chronic pain, the difference is often chocked up to perception or reporting.

Laumet has devoted his lab to studying pain for six years. His team was researching a small pilot project when they noticed higher levels of interleukin-10, or IL-10, in males. When the second test again showed higher levels of the substance that signals to neurons to shut down pain, they realized they were onto something.

"That was the turning point for me," Sim said. "I feel extremely fortunate that we trusted those early, uncertain findings and chose to pursue them further."

Laumet's lab dove into the research using a sophisticated technique called high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry. They learned that monocytes, long thought to be precursor cells without much of a function, play an essential and direct role in communicating with pain-sensing neurons by producing IL-10. Laumet's team found that IL-10-producing-monocytes were much more active in males than females. When they blocked male sex hormones, they received the opposite result.

"This study shows that pain resolution is not a passive process," Laumet said. "It is an active, immune-driven one."

Laumet's team performed at least five types of tests on mouse models to make sure what they saw wasn't an anomaly. Each time, the results were the same.

That's when he reached out to Sarah Linnsteadt, a colleague at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who was studying the psychological outcomes of people in car accidents. Her research showed a similar pattern - men had more active IL-10-producing-monocytes and resolved pain faster.

This new evidence illuminates the immuneneural pain resolution pathway, shifting the thinking from how pain starts to why pain persists. The next step is to investigate how treatments could target this pathway and boost IL-10 production. These treatments could help pain resolve faster instead of just blocking pain signals.

"Future researchers can build on this work," Laumet said. "This opens new avenues for non-opioid therapies aimed at preventing chronic pain before it's established."
An article by Mississippi State Professor of Anthropology Molly Zuckerman and her graduate student Lydia Bailey has been published in Science, one of the foremost scientific journals in the world.

Zuckerman and Bailey's piece examines new evidence from ancient DNA that pushes the origins of diseases closely related to syphilis back more than 5,000 years and strongly supports an American rather than European origin for a close relative of the disease. Drawing on recent paleogenomic discoveries from Colombia and Mexico, the article demonstrates how advances in ancient DNA research are transforming long-standing debates about human disease, evolution and global health. The article is available at www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.aee7963.

Zuckerman said the research is important because it "moves us further into understanding the origins and adaptability of a disease that is harmfully resurging in human populations, especially in the U.S., and thus its potential for future change."

Zuckerman said her career was profoundly shaped by her graduate mentor who intentionally included her in research on the origins of syphilis. She said now her inclusion of Bailey in current research is "a meaningful way to pay that mentorship forward" by providing the same kind of hands-on, scholarly opportunity that once helped launch her own research path.

An applied anthropology master's student from Lafayette, New Jersey, Bailey said her inclusion in the project highlights how examining infectious diseases "in deep time can inform how we think about the roles of human mobility, environment and behavior in shaping infectious disease spread today." As she pursues a research career focused on children's health and public policy, she said publishing in "Science" is especially significant because it allows the team to share these insights "beyond anthropology and into public conversations that can help destigmatize infectious disease," ultimately supporting more informed and equitable public health efforts.
Scientists have uncovered an elegant biophysical trick that tuberculosis-causing bacteria use to survive inside human cells, a discovery that could lead to new strategies for fighting one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases.

Tuberculosis kills more than a million people each year and remains a major public health crisis, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The disease is caused by mycobacteria, which have evolved sophisticated ways to hijack human immune cells and avoid being destroyed.

Tuberculosis is rampant in India. I grew up in a state where tuberculosis outbreaks are a major problem, and I was always curious about how these diseases spread. That's what drew me to this research." Ayush Panda, formerly a graduate student in the laboratory of Mohammed Saleem at the National Institute of Science Education and Research, India

The research, which will be presented at the 70th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco from February 2125, 2026, and was recently posted on bioRxiv, reveals that mycobacteria release tiny packages called extracellular vesicles that fuse with the membranes of immune cells. These vesicles contain specialized lipids-fatty molecules-that make the cell membrane more rigid.

Normally, when our immune cells engulf harmful bacteria, they trap them in a compartment called a phagosome, which then fuses with another compartment called a lysosome. Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down and destroy the bacteria. However, the team discovered that by stiffening the phagosome membrane, mycobacteria prevent this fusion from occurring-essentially building a protective bunker around themselves inside our own cells.

"If the membrane becomes more rigid, it becomes much harder for the phagosome to fuse with the lysosome," Panda explained. "It's an elegant biophysical mechanism: the bacteria remodel the membrane architecture to escape the very process that would have killed them." The researchers also found that these vesicles are not limited to infected cells. They can affect nearby immune cells, weakening them even before they come into contact with the bacteria.

What makes this discovery particularly significant is that it represents an entirely new way of understanding how mycobacteria survive. Previous research focused primarily on proteins that the bacteria disrupt. This study takes a lipid-centric approach, showing that the introduction of bacterial lipids into host cell membranes is sufficient to induce immune dysfunction.

"The most surprising finding was when we introduced mycobacterial lipids into membranes that mimic the host phagosome, we saw remarkable physical changes-the membrane properties were completely altered," Panda said.

The researchers also observed similar extracellular vesicle-mediated membrane effects in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved strategy among pathogens. The findings open several promising avenues for developing new treatments. Researchers could potentially target the proteins involved in the production of these bacterial vesicles or find ways to counteract the membrane-stiffening effects.

"Now that we understand how the bacteria protect themselves, we can start looking for ways to stop them," Panda said. "If we can block the bacteria from stiffening those membranes, our immune cells might be able to do their job and stop the infection."
By Manoj Kumar

NEW DELHI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - India has delayed plans to send a trade delegation to Washington this week, chiefly because of uncertainty after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, a source in its trade ministry said on Sunday.

One of the first concrete reactions among Asian nations to the decision, it follows Trump's move on Saturday to levy a temporary tariff of 15%, the maximum allowed by law, on U.S. imports from all countries, following the court's rejection.

"The decision to defer the visit was taken after discussions between officials of the two countries," said the source, who sought anonymity as the matter is a sensitive one. "No new date for the visit has been decided."

The delay came mainly from the uncertainty over tariffs following Friday's judgment, the source added.

The delegation had been set to leave on Sunday for talks to finalise an interim trade deal, after both countries agreed on a framework for Washington to cut punitive tariffs of 25% on some Indian exports linked to New Delhis Russian oil purchases.

U.S. tariffs on Indian goods were set to be cut to 18%, while India agreed to buy U.S. items worth $500 billion over five years, ranging from energy supplies to aircraft and parts, precious metals and technology products.

India's opposition Congress party had called for the interim pact to be put on hold, urging a renegotiation and questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to issue a joint statement before the courts ruling.

On Saturday, the Indian trade ministry said it was studying the implications of the judgment and later U.S. announcements.

Last week, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the interim pact could take effect in April, after outstanding issues were resolved during the delegations visit to Washington.

(Reporting by Manoj Kumar; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Assam Rifles seize methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 11.85 cr in Mizoram

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:15 IST

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Kolkata, Feb 22 (PTI) Assam Rifles have seized banned methamphetamine tablets worth around Rs 11.85 crore in Mizorams Lawngtlai district and apprehended four people, including three Myanmar nationals, a defence statement said on Sunday.

The arrests and seizures were made on Friday after the four persons entered India with the contraband items by crossing the Koladyne River on a boat.

Acting on a tip-off, a check-post was set up at Kakichhuha village and the four persons, including three Myanmarese and one Indian, were apprehended. Around 80,000 methamphetamine tablets weighing 3.9 kg were seized from their possession, the statement said.

The seized meth tablets and the apprehended individuals were handed over to the Mizoram Police for further legal action, it added.

Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant used as a recreational or performance-enhancing drug. PTI AMR ACD

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:15 IST

News agency-feeds Assam Rifles seize methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 11.85 cr in Mizoram

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Bengal: Seven detained for assaulting elderly man over loud music in New Town

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:15 IST

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Kolkata, Feb 22 (PTI) Seven persons, including four women, were detained on Sunday for allegedly assaulting an elderly man at an apartment in New Town near Kolkata after he asked them to lower the volume of music during a late-night party, police said.

The group were allegedly partying on the ground floor apartment from midnight till the early Sunday morning hours, a police official said quoting the complaint of neighbours.

When the elderly man, identified as Saokat Ali, approached the group around 3 am to request them to reduce the volume of the music, he was allegedly attacked by six youths and the group also charged at other protesting neighbours, the official added.

Ali suffered deep gashes on his head and had to be treated at local health centre before being discharged.

We had politely requested them to lower the high pitch music as there is a cardiac patient at our home but they turned aggressive. Probably they were under influence of liquor," an elderly man of an adjacent standalone building said. PTI SUS MNB

First Published: February 22, 2026, 21:15 IST

News agency-feeds Bengal: Seven detained for assaulting elderly man over loud music in New Town

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India condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 00:00 IST

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New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) India on Sunday strongly condemned Pakistans fresh airstrikes on Afghan territory that resulted in civilian casualties.

New Delhi described the strikes as another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures", and reiterated its support for Afghanistans sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India strongly condemns Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," he said in response to media queries on the issue.

Pakistan said the airstrikes were carried out to target at least seven militant hideouts in Afghanistan in retaliation for the recent rebel attacks in the country.

Islamabad claimed that at least 70 terrorists were killed in the military strikes.

Afghanistan has long been exporting terrorism. Pakistan is taking all actions to secure the life and property of its citizens," Pakistan State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry told Geo News. PTI MPB DIV DIV

First Published: February 23, 2026, 00:00 IST

News agency-feeds India condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory

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Major reshuffle in Bangladesh army after formation of new govt: reports

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 00:30 IST

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Dhaka, Feb 22 (PTI) There was a major reshuffle at the top level in the Bangladesh Army on Sunday, including the appointment of a new Chief of General Staff (CGS), local media reported. The changes, issued by Army Headquarters, came days after Prime Minister Tarique Rahmans new government assumed power on February 17, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The reshuffle affects key strategic commands as well as the countrys premier military intelligence agency.

Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman has been appointed as the CGS while he was previously serving as the chief or General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), Prothom Alo reported, quoting sources in the defence ministry.

As per the reshuffle, the principal staff officer (PSO), Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, was replaced by just-promoted Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman.

Hasan has been attached to the foreign ministry to be appointed as an ambassador abroad.

Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury has been appointed director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the report said.

Currently serving as a brigadier general at Army Headquarters, he will assume the post upon his promotion to major general.

Defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, was called back to take charge as the GOC of an infantry division with the elevated rank and status of major general.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) bagged a two-thirds majority in the crucial February 12 elections. Rahman, 60, took oath on February 17, ending the 18-month Muhummad Yunus rule. PTI AR RD RD RD

First Published: February 23, 2026, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds Major reshuffle in Bangladesh army after formation of new govt: reports

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Massive fire breaks out at plastic factory in UP's Hapur; no casualties reported

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 04:30 IST

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Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 23 (ANI): A massive fire broke out at a factory in the Dhaulana area of Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday evening, officials said. Firefighting operations are currently underway.Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Hapur Ajay Sharma said that the fire department received information about the blaze at around 7:20 pm.At about 7.20 pm, Fire Station MG Road received information about a fire at RRK Polymers Factory. Fire vehicles reached the spot. The fire was massive. Plastic sacks are manufactured here and the fire had spread to their second unit too. Three fire vehicles from Ghaziabad and Hapur, and three from Ghaziabad were asked for here. Fire has been brought under control to some extent. No injuries or casualties have been reported. Fire will be extinguished soon", he said.He added that additional fire tenders were requisitioned from nearby districts to control the blaze.Three fire vehicles from Ghaziabad and Hapur, and three from Ghaziabad were asked for here."The fire has been brought under control to some extent. No injuries or casualties have been reported. Further details are awaited. (ANI)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 04:30 IST

News agency-feeds Massive fire breaks out at plastic factory in UP's Hapur; no casualties reported

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Pak strikes seven terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan after recent rebel attacks

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 08:15 IST

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Islamabad, Feb 22 (PTI) Pakistan in a midnight military action targeted at least seven terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan in retaliation for the recent rebel attacks, it emerged on early Sunday.

In the latest terrorist incident, an army lieutenant colonel and a soldier were killed in a suicide attack in the Bannu area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan has conclusive evidence that these acts of terrorism, including at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, one each in Bajaur and Bannu, followed by another incident in Bannu on Saturday, were allegedly perpetrated by Khwarij on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

Responsibilities for these attacks were also claimed by Afghanistan based Pakistani Taliban belonging to Fitna al Khwarij (FAK) and their affiliates, and Islamic State of Khorsan Province (ISKP)," the ministry said.

It said that despite repeated efforts by Pakistan to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take verifiable measures to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups and foreign proxies to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan, it failed" to undertake any substantive action against them.

In this backdrop, Pakistan in a retributive response, has carried out intelligence based selective targeting of seven Terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of FAK and its affiliates and ISKP at the border region of Pakistan Afghan border with precision and accuracy," it said.

The minister added that Pakistan expects and reiterates interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations.

Pakistan also expects the international community to play a positive and constructive role by urging the Taliban regime to stand by its commitments as part of the Doha Agreement to deny use of its soil against other countries; an act vital for regional and global peace and security, it stated.

It further said that Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time, the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority".

Relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have deteriorated due to the alleged failure of Kabul to stop terrorists from using its soil to attack Pakistan.

Last year in October, the two sides were briefly engaged in an armed conflict in which 23 Pakistan soldiers and over 200 Afghanistan Taliban soldiers were killed, according to the Pakistan army. PTI SH MNK MNK

First Published: February 22, 2026, 08:15 IST

News agency-feeds Pak strikes seven terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan after recent rebel attacks

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Shah Rukh Khan departs from Lilavati Hospital after meeting Salim Khan

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 04:30 IST

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 22 (ANI): Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday visited Salim Khan at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, showing support to Salman Khans family during a concerning time. Salim Khan, 90, was admitted on February 17 and is recovering slowly. Shah Rukh Khan was seen departing from Lilavati Hospital after visiting veteran Salim Khan, who has been admitted there since February 17.Salim Khan is a famous screenwriter, actor, and film producer. He wrote the screenplays, stories and scripts for numerous Bollywood films. He is best known as one half of the prolific screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, along with Javed Akhtar. Together with Javed Akhtar, he revolutionised Indian cinema in the 1970s, creating the Angry Young Man" archetype and penning blockbusters like Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer.Earlier, on February 19, Aamir Khan also visited the hospital along with his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to check on the senior writers health.Salim Khan, 90, was admitted on Tuesday after he suffered a minor brain haemorrhage. Doctors confirmed on Wednesday that his condition is stable and that he is being kept under close watch in the intensive care unit (ICU). Dr Jalil Parkar clarified that no surgery was performed.There was no surgery performed. It was a procedure which we usually do. Yes, he had a brain haemorrhage, which was very minimal, which did not require any surgical intervention.There was no need for any surgery," he said, adding that the haemorrhage was very minimal."According to an official statement issued by the hospital yesterday, Salim Khan was admitted at 8.30 am under the care of Dr Jalil D Parkar, Pulmonologist, Department of Chest Medicine.He was brought to the emergency department by the family doctor, following which he was shifted to the ICU for monitoring. Several well-known names from the film industry have been visiting Salim Khan since his admission.Veteran writer Javed Akhtar was seen at the hospital on Wednesday to meet his longtime friend. Politician Rahool N Kanal and actor Lulia Vantur also paid visits. (ANI)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 04:30 IST

News agency-feeds Shah Rukh Khan departs from Lilavati Hospital after meeting Salim Khan

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Two brothers shot dead at wedding reception in Patna

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 01:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Patna, Feb 22 (PTI) Two brothers were shot dead by unidentified assailants at a wedding reception in a village here late Sunday evening, police said.

According to preliminary investigation, Manjeet Kumar and Manish Kumar, aged between 25 and 27, were killed over an old dispute, police said.

The incident took place in Shahpur village, under the jurisdiction of Gopalpur police station.

Police received a call that two brothers were shot at by some unidentified persons at the wedding reception of the son of a local resident, Daulat Rai. Police immediately reached the spot and took the duo to the nearest government hospital, where they were declared brought dead," Superintendent of Police, Patna East, Parichay Kumar told reporters.

Police recovered three spent cartridges from the spot and efforts are being made to nab the accused. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, the officer said.

Prima facie it appears that the two were killed over some old dispute, probably related to property, Kumar said. PTI PKD DIV DIV

First Published: February 23, 2026, 01:00 IST

News agency-feeds Two brothers shot dead at wedding reception in Patna

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Ukraine strikes Russia's key missile plant in Udmurt

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 03:15 IST

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Kyiv [Ukraine], February 22 (ANI): Ukrainian forces carried out a strike on a key industrial facility, which produces ballistic missiles, in Russias Udmurt region, DW reported, citing Ukrainian General Staff.Udmurt Republic head Alexander Brechalov confirmed the incident, stating on Telegram that one of the republics facilities was attacked by drones" launched by Ukraine.The Ukrainian military said it deployed domestically developed Flamingo missiles to hit the site, located around 1,400 kilometres from Ukraine.DW, citing Russian news Telegram channel Astra, reported that the intended target was the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a state-owned facility known for producing Iskander ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).Footage shared by residents showed thick black smoke billowing over the area, with several buildings in Votkinsk sustaining damage, including shattered windows. Authorities temporarily suspended operations at multiple airports in the region following the strike.In a separate statement, the Ukrainian military said it also struck a gas processing plant in Russias Samara region, DW reported. The attack comes days after US-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv concluded in Switzerland without any breakthrough. The meeting marked the third round of discussions facilitated by Washington, following earlier sessions in Abu Dhabi that officials had termed constructive but yielded no concrete progress.Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia launched a massive strike with 29 missiles and about 400 drones According to a statement by Zelenskyy, nine people, including children, were injured in the attack.In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy slammed Moscow, saying that the strike shows its true intent." The Ukrainian President claimed that Kyiv shot down 25 of 29 missiles fired by Russia.He said, In the massive strike with which the Russians began the day, 29 missiles of various types were fired, and 25 were shot down. This is an important result for our air defence, and once again, we emphasise that air defence is a daily necessity. I thank all our partners who understand this. Russia greets with a strike even the very day new formats begin in Genevatrilateral and bilateral with the United States. This very clearly shows what Russia wants and what it is truly intent on. Almost 400 drones were launched as well. (ANI)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 03:15 IST

News agency-feeds Ukraine strikes Russia's key missile plant in Udmurt

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US-Iran nuclear talks to be held in Geneva on February 26

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 01:45 IST

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Muscat [Oman], February 23 (ANI): Fresh negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Geneva on Thursday, Omans Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal," Badr Al Busaidi said in a post on X.

Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal. Badr Albusaidi    (@badralbusaidi) February 22, 2026

The announcement comes as the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region, sparking concerns about a potential broader conflict with Iran.The New York Times reported that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, according to information provided by Pentagon officials.Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navys 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.Government officials are reportedly apprehensive that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed within the region could serve as the primary target of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war.Military experts consulted on the matter suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities provided the US with advance notice.The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces and interests.This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation.US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to come to terms with the US on the nuclear deal within 10 to 15 days or its going to be unfortunate."Interacting with the reporters on Thursday, the US President said, Were either going to get a deal, or its going to be unfortunate for them 10-15 days would be enough time." (ANI)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 01:45 IST

News agency-feeds US-Iran nuclear talks to be held in Geneva on February 26

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Whenever tensions rise between Iran and the United States, one narrow waterway moves to the centre of global attention  the Strait of Hormuz.

The worlds largest warship, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, is heading to the Gulf, joining one of the largest US military build-ups in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This time, Iran is in Washingtons crosshairs.

This month, Tehran signalled how it might respond to an attack when it announced the temporary closure of sections of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow gateway linking the Gulf to open seas.

Iranian authorities carried out live-fire military drills in the corridor, through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies are shipped.

The move marked a rare suspension of activity in parts of the strait. It served as a pointed warning about the economic consequences if Washington proceeds with its threats to strike Iran, highlighting how quickly a regional confrontation could spill into global markets.

Where is the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is the worlds most critical oil chokepoint.

The curved waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. It is roughly 50km (31 miles) wide at its entrance and exit and narrows to about 33km (20 miles) at its tightest point. It forms the only maritime link between the Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

Despite its narrow width, the channel accommodates the worlds largest crude carriers. Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.

INTERACTIVE - Strait of Hormuz Map Iran Israel-1750677677

How much oil and gas pass through the strait?

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20 million barrels of oil transited through the Strait of Hormuz each day in 2024. That equates to nearly $500bn in annual energy trade, underlining the waterways central role in the global economy.

The crude passing through the strait originates from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Any prolonged disruption would rattle producers and the economies that depend on their exports.

The strait also plays a critical role in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. In 2024, roughly a fifth of global LNG shipments moved through the corridor with Qatar accounting for the vast majority of those volumes, according to EIA data.

Where does it all go?

The strait handles LNG flows in both directions. Kuwait and the UAE import supplies sourced outside the Gulf, including shipments from the US and West Africa.
YES Bank looks to exit FY26 with ROA of 1 pc: CFO

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 15:15 IST

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New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) Private sector lender YES Bank which is on the recovery path expects to close the ongoing financial year with a return on assets of 1 per cent, the banks Chief Financial Officer Niranjan Banodkar said.

Return on assets (ROA) is a profitability metric that measures how efficiently a bank uses its assets to generate profit. A higher ROA indicates better asset utilization and an increase in the bottom line.

The bank will exit the current fiscal year with an ROA of 1 per cent, and on an annual basis, the ROA will exceed 1 per cent in the next fiscal year," he told PTI.

For the December quarter, the bank reported a net profit of Rs 952 crore, registering a growth of 55 per cent on an annual basis and 45 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

The reported annualised return on assets (ROA) for the quarter further improved to 0.9 per cent against 0.6 per cent in the previous quarter as well as the corresponding quarter last year.

The annualised reported ROA for nine months has improved to 0.8 per cent against 0.5 per cent for 9 months of the last financial year.

Last year, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan acquired a 24.9 per cent stake in the bank for about Rs 16,000 crore.

Following the acquisition, SMBC nominated Shinichiro Nishino and Rajeev V Kannan as Non-Executive Non-Independent Directors on the banks board.

We want to be a bank that anchors around a 15 per cent growth rate. Clearly with SMBC coming in, there is an opportunity for an upside. Do we take growth higher or do we accelerate profitability those are the nuances which we will try and balance in the next few months," Banodkar said.

He also said that a critical component of the banks profitability improvement is the resolution of the legacy priority sector lending (PSL) shortfalls.

Since FY24, the bank has maintained a 100 per cent compliance across all PSL subcategories, ensuring that no incremental burden is added to the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) stock.

As a result, he said, the banks RIDF balances have continued their steady decline from a peak of about 11 per cent in FY24, to around 6.9 per cent in the third quarter, and the bank remains well on track to further reduce it to below 5 per cent of total assets by FY27.

As these low-yielding RIDF assets mature, he said, the bank would systematically retire higher-cost borrowings while redeploying funds into higher-yielding advances. PTI DP TRB TRB

First Published: February 22, 2026, 15:15 IST

News agency-feeds YES Bank looks to exit FY26 with ROA of 1 pc: CFO

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Two Jodhpur Sisters, Aged 25 And 23, Die By Suicide On Their Wedding Day

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 12:41 IST

Shobha and Vimla, sisters from Manai village in Jodhpur, died by alleged suicide after consuming poison on their wedding day.

Representative image/ credit: PTI

Two sisters  Shobha (25) and Vimla (23)  allegedly died by suicide on their wedding day in the Manai village of Rajasthans Jodhpur, NDTV reported.

According to the report, citing officials, the sisters allegedly consumed poison. They were set to be married on Saturday, and the preparations for the wedding were in full swing on Friday night, when the tragedy occurred.

Upon finding the sisters unconscious, family members rushed them to a private hospital in Jodhpur, where doctors declared them dead.

According to ADCP (West) Roshan Meena, the wedding celebrations at their home continued until late Friday night. Around midnight, both brides went to bed.

At around 4 A.M., their health suddenly deteriorated, prompting the family members to take them to a private hospital. After the two women were declared brought-dead, their bodies were brought back home, where funeral preparations began, he said, as reported by NDTV.

When police were alerted, they arrived at the scene and halted the funeral preparations. The bodies were then sent for a post-mortem examination and later handed back to the family.

Prima facie, the sisters may have died due to consuming poison. However, the exact cause of the death is yet to be ascertained.

A further probe is underway into the matter.

Suicide Prevention. News 18. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)

Location : Jodhpur, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 12:41 IST

News cities jaipur Two Jodhpur Sisters, Aged 25 And 23, Die By Suicide On Their Wedding Day

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Mumbai Police Detain 1,758 Illegal Bangladesh Immigrants Over 3 Years; 1,238 Deported So Far

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 16:24 IST

Police revealed that at least 113 Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Mumbai were detained between January 1 and February 20, and 27 of them have been deported.

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File photo of Mumbai police. (Representative image)

The Mumbai Police have detained at least 1,758 Bangladeshi nationals who have allegedly been residing illegally in the city over the past three years, according to a police official. Of these, 1,238 Bangladeshis have been deported, and proceedings are underway to deport the remaining individuals.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary revealed that 113 Bangladeshi nationals were detained between January 1, 2026, and February 20, 2026, of whom 27 have already been deported. The deportation process for the rest was underway.

In 2025, police deported Bangladeshi nationals, and 150 cases were registered involving 224 accused, Chaudhary said. All these cases are currently pending before the court, after which the deportation process for these individuals will be initiated.

In 2024, a total of 156 Bangladeshi nationals were deported. During the same year, 165 cases were registered, and the accused will be deported in accordance with court orders. Mumbai Police made it clear that the operation targeting individuals staying in the city unlawfully will persist, emphasizing that there will be zero tolerance when it comes to upholding law and order.

This came as eight suspects were arrested by national security agencies in India for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack, with investigators pointing to suspected links with Pakistans ISI and Bangladesh. Some of the arrested individuals are stated to be Bangladeshi nationals, as per reports.

ALSO READ: Eight Arrested For Plotting Terror Attack In India; Links To Pakistans ISI, Bangladesh Being Probed

Six of the suspects were arrested from Tamil Nadu  two from Uthukuli, three from Palladam, and one from the Thirumuruganpoondi area, while two persons were picked up earlier during follow-up action linked to the same case.

According to police, preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were allegedly using fraudulent Aadhaar cards to conceal their identities and secure employment in the Tiruppur garment industry. Currently, all the accused are being brought to Delhi under tight security, where they will be interrogated in detail.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 16:24 IST

News cities mumbai-news Mumbai Police Detain 1,758 Illegal Bangladesh Immigrants Over 3 Years; 1,238 Deported So Far

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Over 1 Lakh Motorists to Get Rs 5.16 Crore Toll Refund After 33-Hour MumbaiPune Expressway Jam

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 23:43 IST

MSRDC will refund Rs 5.16 crore in toll to over one lakh motorists stranded for 33 hours after a gas tanker accident on the MumbaiPune Expressway, crediting FASTag accounts soon.

Vehicles stuck in a traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway after a gas tanker overturned in the Khandala Ghat section in Raigad on Wednesday. (PTI)

More than one lakh motorists stranded during a major traffic jam on the MumbaiPune Expressway earlier this month will receive a toll refund amounting to Rs 5.16 crore, a senior official of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said on Sunday.

The massive disruption followed an accident on February 3, when a gas tanker overturned on the Khopoli stretch of the expressway. The incident led to a traffic standstill that lasted nearly 33 hours. Vehicles were stuck for several kilometres, and many passengers reported running short of drinking water, food and other basic necessities during the long wait.

After the mishap, authorities ordered the immediate suspension of toll collection. However, toll fees had already been deducted from the FASTag accounts of several motorists before the suspension fully took effect.

It has been decided to refund the entire amount collected from vehicle owners even after the order to halt toll collection was issued. The refund of Rs 5.16 crore will be processed by MSRDC. The amount will be directly credited to FASTag accounts of affected vehicle owners in the next few days," the official told PTI.

The official said the refund would apply to tolls collected on both highways and that the toll operator has been directed to provide complete FASTag transaction records.

Some transactions may have been automatically processed before the toll plaza barriers were fully opened despite instructions to stop collection. All such transactions are being scrutinised and the amounts will be returned to the concerned motorists," the official added.

The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of commuters who faced hardship during the prolonged traffic crisis.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 23:43 IST

News cities mumbai-news Over 1 Lakh Motorists to Get Rs 5.16 Crore Toll Refund After 33-Hour MumbaiPune Expressway Jam

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The Dark Web Death Warrant: How UP POCSO Case Crossed Judiciary's Rarest Of Rare Bar

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 08:30 IST

A UP couple has been sentenced to death by a special POCSO court for sexually assaulting, filming, and selling abuse material of 33 children on the dark web

Bhawan did not merely seek to satisfy his own perversions; he turned his crimes into a lucrative global enterprise. Using high-end recording equipment, he filmed the assaults and sold the footage on the 'dark web'. (Representational Image)

The sentencing of Ram Bhawan, a former junior engineer in the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, and his wife Durgawati, marks a watershed moment in the Indian judicial systems battle against digital-age depravity. On February 20, a special POCSO court in Banda awarded the death penalty to the couple, concluding a case that the presiding judge described as unparalleled in its cruelty and calculated malice". The verdict follows an investigation that spanned several years and multiple continents, eventually exposing a decade-long operation that targeted the most vulnerable members of society. To understand why this case met the stringent rarest of rare" legal threshold for capital punishment, one must examine the staggering scale, the technological sophistication, and the systemic betrayal of trust involved.

A Decade of Calculated Depravity

The core of the prosecutions case rested on the sheer magnitude of the abuse. For over ten years, Ram Bhawan utilised his position of relative authority and middle-class stability to lure children, some as young as three years old, into his home in Chitrakoot. The court heard harrowing testimony regarding how at least 33 young boys were subjected to systematic sexual assault. What elevated this case beyond even the most severe instances of local predatory behaviour was the commercialisation of the abuse. Bhawan did not merely seek to satisfy his own perversions; he turned his crimes into a lucrative global enterprise. Using high-end recording equipment, he filmed the assaults and sold the footage on the dark web" to buyers in approximately 47 different countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.

Navigating the Rarest of Rare Doctrine

The legal justification for the death penalty in India is predicated on the rarest of rare" doctrine, established by the Supreme Court in the 1980 Bachan Singh case. For a crime to qualify, the court must determine that the conscience of the community" is so profoundly shocked that any punishment less than death would be a miscarriage of justice. In the Banda verdict, the judge highlighted that the pre-meditated and cold-blooded" nature of the operation left no room for the possibility of reformation. The fact that the abuse continued uninterrupted for a decade, involving the serial victimisation of dozens of children, demonstrated a level of sociopathic consistency that the court deemed a permanent threat to society.

The Architect in the Shadows

Furthermore, the role of Durgawati, Bhawans wife, was pivotal in the courts decision to award her an identical sentence. Rather than being a passive witness, the evidence showed she was an active architect of the syndicate. She was responsible for grooming" the victims, using small gifts such as chocolates and electronic gadgets to lure them away from their families. When victims attempted to speak out, she reportedly used intimidation and threats to ensure their silence. The judiciary found that her participation subverted the traditional societal expectation of maternal protection, making her culpability equal to that of her husband.

From Local Predation to Global Scrutiny

The international dimension of the case also played a significant role in its classification. The investigation was triggered by an Interpol red notice after digital footprints of the abuse were tracked by law enforcement agencies in Europe. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) eventually took over the probe, uncovering a hoard of digital evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, and hard drives containing thousands of illicit files. The court noted that by exporting these videos abroad, the couple had brought international shame to the nation, further justifying the ultimate sanction.

A Judicial Benchmark for the Digital Age

Ultimately, the death sentence serves as a grim acknowledgement of the changing face of crime in the 21st century. It recognises that the combination of physical brutality and digital exploitation creates a form of trauma that is both permanent and expansive. By sending Ram Bhawan and Durgawati to the gallows, observers say the special POCSO court has signalled that when technology is weaponised to destroy the innocence of children on a global scale, the law will respond with its most absolute and irreversible power.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 08:30 IST

News explainers The Dark Web Death Warrant: How UP POCSO Case Crossed Judiciary's Rarest Of Rare Bar

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Karnataka Minister Hints Congress High Command Have Come To Conclusion On Leadership Row

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News18.com Edited By: Aanchal Sinha



Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 11:42 IST

Jarkiholi emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that the local leadership had clearly communicated the need for a swift resolution.

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Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar (R) and CM Siddaramaiah (L) (Image: X)

The long-standing leadership uncertainty within Karnatakas ruling administration appears to be reaching a definitive conclusion following a pivotal meeting in the national capital.

Minister Satish Jarkiholi, accompanied by former minister KN Rajanna, met with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to brief him on the prevailing confusion and several critical issues impacting the state unit.

Speaking to the press after the high-level deliberations, Jarkiholi confirmed that the partys central leadership has finalised its stance on the internal friction that has dominated the states political discourse for months.

During the interaction, Jarkiholi emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that the local leadership had clearly communicated the need for a swift resolution.

We brought the developments in the state to his notice and requested that the confusion be resolved at the earliest," Jarkiholi said. He revealed that the AICC President offered specific suggestions and firm assurances that the matter would be addressed without further delay, marking a shift in the central leaderships tone.

Highlighting the weight of the conversation, Jarkiholi noted, For the first time, he has said that we have come to a conclusion."

The minister further stressed that the entire party and its grassroots workers are currently awaiting clarity on the issue to ensure organisational stability.

The news of the High Commands conclusion" was met with a positive response from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru. Speaking to reporters at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, the DCM expressed his relief regarding the progress made in New Delhi.

I am happy about AICC President Mallikarjun Kharges assurance to Satish Jarkiholi on resolving leadership issue in Karnataka," Shivakumar stated, suggesting a readiness to move forward under the partys new directive.

Despite the sense of resolution, the political atmosphere remains sensitive to ongoing internal communications. When questioned about the Chief Ministers recent article and a series of high-profile tweets that have fuelled further speculation, Shivakumar remained tight-lipped.

I dont have any information on that," he remarked, choosing to focus on the central leaderships upcoming formal announcement.

As the state government awaits the official implementation of the High Commands decision, the focus shifts to how this conclusion" will reshape the power dynamics within the Karnataka Congress

First Published: February 22, 2026, 11:40 IST

News india Karnataka Minister Hints Congress High Command Have Come To Conclusion On Leadership Row

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'Opened A Massage Parlour?': 3 Northeastern Women Allege Racial Harassment In Delhi's Malviya Nagar

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:29 IST

The complainants alleged they suffered mental harassment and humiliation and demanded a formal apology from the accused.

The complainants alleged they suffered mental harassment and humiliation and demanded a formal apology from the accused. (Photo: X)

In a disturbing incident in South Delhis Malviya Nagar, three women from Arunachal Pradesh faced racial abuse and intimidation from their neighbours over a minor repair work dispute in their rented apartment, police reported on Sunday.

The incident occurred on February 20, around 3:30 pm, when drilling and electrical installation work was being carried out in the womens fourth-floor apartment. According to a senior police officer, dust and small debris from the drilling work fell onto the floor below, leading to objections from residents Harsh Singh and his wife.

Instead of resolving the matter peacefully, the women alleged that the couple resorted to hurling abuses and making derogatory and racial remarks targeting them due to their northeastern origins. They claimed offensive stereotypes were used and their modesty was insulted during the confrontation.

Several videos of the incident surfaced on social media, with netizens demanding justice for the victims. In one video, a woman is heard allegedly asking one of the Arunachal women if she is a sex worker, questioning, Were you sitting here to do business? Have you opened a massage parlour at home?" The victim responded, Everyone heard what you said about my image. You made false allegations that I drink alcohol. Go check my room if you find any bottles there." When she called out the male neighbour, allegedly Harsh Singh, for making such allegations, the accused woman responded in a derogatory manner.

Police have registered an FIR at the Malviya Nagar police station under sections 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intentions) and 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Harsh and his wife.

The officer added that no physical injuries were reported, but the complainants alleged they suffered mental harassment and humiliation. Following the incident, sources revealed that the women were informed by a building broker they would have to vacate the flat within two months due to future repair work.The victims have demanded a formal apology from the accused, stating that the remarks were not only directed at them but at the entire northeastern community.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:33 IST

News india 'Opened A Massage Parlour?': 3 Northeastern Women Allege Racial Harassment In Delhi's Malviya Nagar

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From Metro Posters To Arrests: How Delhi Police Foiled Pakistan-Linked Terror Plot

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:44 IST

The plot came to light after anti-national posters appeared at several metro stations, including Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, on February 7.

Suspects who were nabbed for allegedly plotting a major terror conspiracy. (PTI photo)

The Delhi Polices Special Cell has foiled a major terror module linked to Pakistans Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and arrested eight suspects, seven of whom are Bangladeshi nationals.

The 10-day operation prevented a possible attack in Delhi and Kolkata, according to police sources.

The plot came to light after anti-national posters appeared at several metro stations, including Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, on February 7. The posters carried slogans echoing terrorist messages, prompting the CISF to alert the Metro Police, which immediately informed the Special Cell.

Additional CP, Special Cell, Pramod Kumar Kushwaha, said in a press conference, A team from the Special Cell busted a module that was being handled by a Lashkar handler based in Bangladesh. A major untoward incident has been prevented."

Lashkar Handler Behind The Plot

The arrested suspects, Umar Farooq and Robil Ul Islam, revealed that they were directed by Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a Kashmiri terrorist residing in Bangladesh.

Lone, previously arrested in 2007 with an AK-47 and grenades, escaped to Bangladesh after his release in 2019.

Initial investigations have revealed that he reconnected with the LeT leadership and re-established his organisation to carry out terrorist activities," Kushwaha said.

Follow-Up Arrests In Tamil Nadu

Further probe led to the arrest of six more Bangladeshi nationals in Tamil Nadu, who were allegedly part of Lones network. He (Lone) reassembled his men and conducted dry runs with these men. He had posters put up in various locations. He did so not just in Delhi, but also in Kolkata," Kushwaha said.

Police stated the suspects were preparing to be planted in terrorist activities before they could act. All suspects worked in garment units and used fake Aadhaar cards to avoid detection.

Mobile Phones, SIM Cards Recovered

During searches, eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards were recovered, which are now being analysed to map the network and confirm foreign links.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the module was in touch with handlers linked to Pakistans ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist outfits.

Intelligence Inputs

Security agencies had issued alerts about a potential attack near the Red Fort after intelligence suggested LeT could target prominent religious sites in India. The sources said the operation was carried out following specific intelligence inputs about a module suspected to be planning subversive activities in different parts of the country.

The operation comes in the backdrop of a deadly car blast near the Red Fort on November 10, 2025, which killed 13 people and injured more than 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:44 IST

News india From Metro Posters To Arrests: How Delhi Police Foiled Pakistan-Linked Terror Plot

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Imperils India's Image: Delhi Court Rebukes Youth Congress Over AI Summit Protest

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta



Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 14:10 IST

Around 10 activists of the Congresss youth wing had entered the AI Summit venue in New Delhi and staged a shirtless protest, raising slogans against PM Modi.

Top police sources told News18 that prime facie, it appears to be a planned protest. (Photo:X/@blsanthosh)

A Delhi Court came down heavily on four members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) over their shirtless protest" inside Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit 2026, saying that their conduct was not legitimate dissent, rather a blatant assault on public order" that imperilled Indias diplomatic image.

Judicial Magistrate Ravi made the observation when the four IYC workers were produced before his court. The court sent the four accused to five days of police custody.

While allowing the Delhi Polices plea for custodial interrogation, the magistrate said that the alleged actions of the accused imperil not merely the events sanctity but also the Republics diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders, rendering it wholly unprotected by constitutional safeguards."

According to the court order, as accessed exclusively by CNN-News18, the IYC members orchestrated a premeditated intrusion into the high-security precincts of Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit 2026.

the accused persons are alleged to have orchestrated a premeditated intrusion into the high-security precincts of Bharat Mandapam during the Al Summit 2026, a premier international conclave hosting global delegates and dignitaries," the courts order said.

While seeking custody of the arrested activists, the Police told the court that the accused donned provocative T-shirts bearing slogans such as India US Trade Deal Compromised", raised slogans, obstructed public servants, and allegedly assaulted police personnel, causing injuries substantiated by medico-legal reports.

They further said that protests were inspired by Nepals violent Gen Z movement that toppled the government there.

This is a larger conspiracy that has taken inspiration from the Gen Z protests in Nepal. The accused need to be confronted with each other as well as with digital evidence. This is a very important investigation," police said.

The court said custodial interrogation was essential to unearth a larger conspiracy, funding sources, digital evidence and possible absconding associates. It noted that the accused hailed from remote regions, raising concerns about flight risk.

The magistrate said the alleged offences warrant stringent scrutiny" as they posed a grave threat to public order and state security at an international forum.

What Happened In AI Summit?

India hosted the worlds largest artificial intelligence conclave, the AI Impact Summit-2026. The summit that began on February 16 has seen packed halls and long queues, as tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists thronged the Bharat Mandapam.

Around 10 activists of the Congresss youth wing had entered the AI Summit venue in New Delhi and staged a shirtless protest, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the India-US trade deal. The protesters wore or carried white T-shirts printed with images of PM Modi and US President Donald Trump along with slogans targeting the government.

Security personnel quickly intervened and the protesters were later arrested for disrupting the high-profile summit, which was attended by global technology leaders including Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai.

The protest sparked a political row, with BJP leaders condemning it as anti-national" and accusing the Congress of harming Indias global image, while the Congress defended the demonstration as legitimate democratic dissent reflecting youth anger.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 14:10 IST

News india Imperils India's Image: Delhi Court Rebukes Youth Congress Over AI Summit Protest

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India Shows How AI Can Work At Scale, But Inclusion Remains The Challenge: World Bank | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 20:51 IST

The World Bank said it is prioritising what it calls "small AI" solutions that are affordable, practical, and effective even where connectivity and infrastructure are limited

Paul Procee (L), acting country director for India at the World Bank, and Mahesh Uttamchandani (R), regional practice director for digital and AI across East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia, World Bank. (Image: World Bank Group)

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, industry leaders, multilateral institutions, and technologists at an unprecedented scale, signalling a shift in the global conversation around artificial intelligence.

Moving beyond hype and model size, the summit focused squarely on how artificial intelligence (AI) can deliver real-world development outcomes, from jobs and productivity to public service delivery, while confronting risks around inequality, exclusion, and trust.

For the World Bank Group, the summit was a key moment to advance its vision of AI as a tool for inclusive growth. As governments across the Global South race to embed AI into welfare systems, education, healthcare, and governance, the World Bank has positioned itself at the centre of debates on responsible adoption, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, and global safeguards. Its emphasis on small AI", practical, affordable systems that work in low-resource settings, reflects a broader push to ensure AI narrows, rather than widens, development gaps.

CNN-News18 spoke with Paul Procee, acting country director for India at the World Bank, and Mahesh Uttamchandani, regional practice director for digital and AI across East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia. The conversations ranged from the risks of AI-led exclusion and algorithmic bias to Indias role in shaping global AI norms, the governance challenges of deploying AI at the state level, and the uncomfortable truths policymakers still avoid when it comes to AI and inequality.

Excerpts from the interview:

The World Bank increasingly frames AI as a development tool, but many argue it risks widening inequality in low-capacity states. How do you ensure AI projects backed by the World Bank do not end up benefiting governments and vendors more than vulnerable populations?

Mahesh Uttamchandani: At the World Bank Group, our focus is clear  AI must drive inclusion, not deepen divides. That means designing AI that works for people at the margins, not just for governments or tech vendors. We are prioritising what we call small AI" solutions that are affordable, practical, and effective even where connectivity and infrastructure are limited.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, we are working with governments and partners to assess AI-powered learning tools that help students build job-ready skills. In Uttar Pradesh, AI tools are helping farmers reach wider markets, raise incomes, and create new employment opportunities. These initiatives show that when AI is grounded in local realities, it can deliver immediate gains in health, education, and agriculture, and directly strengthen communities rather than bypass them.

Indias digital public infrastructure is often held up as a global model. As AI gets embedded into welfare delivery, health, and education systems, what specific risks of exclusion or error worry the World Bank most in the Indian context?

Paul Procee: India has emerged as a global benchmark for digital public infrastructure. Platforms like Aadhaar and unified payments interface (UPI) show how technology can deliver services at scale with speed and transparency. But as AI is embedded into welfare delivery, health, and education, new risks come into focus.

The biggest concern is exclusion by design. Algorithmic bias, weak local-language data, or systems trained on non-representative datasets can unintentionally lock out certain communities. There are also serious cybersecurity risks. Attacks on AI-enabled systems could disrupt essential services or expose sensitive personal data, undermining public trust.

For the World Bank Group, the priority is to put responsible AI governance and cybersecurity at the core, not as an afterthought. That means strong data governance, transparency around how algorithms are deployed, effective grievance redress mechanisms, and clear lines of accountability.

India has already taken important steps in this direction. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act establishes clear rules on consent, data handling responsibilities, and cross-border data sharing. Building on this emphasis on trust, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the AI Impact Summit, called for a glass box" approach to AI. The idea is simple but powerful  AI systems should be open, explainable, and governed by visible and verifiable safety rules, not hidden behind opaque black boxes.

Several Indian states are now experimenting with AI in policing, education, and social services. Is the World Bank engaging directly with state governments on AI deployment and, if so, how does it ensure consistency with national and global safeguards?

Paul Procee: AI governance cannot stop at state or national borders. Data flows freely across jurisdictions, and risks such as cyber threats or misinformation do not respect boundaries. That is why regulation must be rooted in local realities, but anchored in shared global principles.

The World Bank Group follows a layered approach. At the state level, AI deployment must comply with national laws. At the same time, it should reflect global best practices on fairness, transparency, accountability, and data privacy.

States need room to tailor AI tools to local needs, but within a common safeguards framework. The approach we advocate is risk-based, principles-driven, and aligned with each countrys institutional capacity and level of digital maturity.

This philosophy extends globally. For instance, we have supported the development of the African Union AI Continental Strategy, which strikes a balance between regional coordination and national flexibility.

AI may be borderless, but governance cannot be one-dimensional. It has to operate simultaneously at the local, national, and global levels to ensure innovation moves forward safely, inclusively, and with shared standards of trust.

India increasingly positions itself as a voice for the Global South on technology governance. Does the World Bank see India as a co-architect of global AI norms, or mainly as a test case whose lessons are later exported elsewhere?

Paul Procee: India is both a co-architect of global AI norms and a proving ground for inclusive AI at scale. Its strength lies in its ability to pilot innovation through regulatory sandboxes and targeted programmes, and then rapidly scale what works. That transition from proof of concept to nationwide impact offers powerful lessons for other developing economies.

More importantly, India is helping reframe the global AI conversation. Instead of focusing only on ever larger models or greater computing power, it is pushing the debate toward development outcomes such as jobs created, productivity gains, and better public service delivery. The World Bank Group is partnering with India in this shift by supporting small AI": task-specific, multilingual systems that function on low bandwidth and basic smartphones.

Indias leadership also matters at the regional and Global South level. Not every country can build large-scale computing infrastructure on its own, but shared facilities, common standards, and open-source partnerships can expand collective capacity. With its scale, technical talent, and policy ambition, India is shaping how AI governance and digital development evolve across the Global South.

Finally, after listening to leaders and industry voices at the AI Impact Summit, what is the most promising signal youve seen for AI-led development  and what is the most uncomfortable truth about AI and inequality that policymakers still prefer to avoid?

Mahesh Uttamchandani: The most promising signal is the growing recognition that AI can create jobs and expand opportunity when it is designed for inclusion. Small AI", practical and affordable tools, is already showing results. We see students receiving personalised learning support, farmers accessing better advisory services, small entrepreneurs building digital credit histories, and clinics extending care to underserved communities. These applications boost productivity and open new pathways to employment for people who are often left behind.

To turn this potential into real jobs and opportunity, countries need to learn from one another. That is why the World Bank Group, together with six other multilateral development banks, has launched the AI Repository. It brings together real-world AI applications in development, allowing governments to adapt, replicate, and scale what is proven to work.

The uncomfortable truth is that inclusion also increases exposure. As the poorest and most vulnerable are brought into digital systems, risks are unavoidable, from fraud and misinformation to algorithmic bias. Policymakers still tend to treat safeguards as secondary. That is a mistake. Responsible regulation, strong consumer protection, transparency, accountability, and human oversight must be built in from the start. AI can be a powerful force for development, but managing its risks is not optional. It is a shared responsibility.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 20:51 IST

News india India Shows How AI Can Work At Scale, But Inclusion Remains The Challenge: World Bank | Exclusive

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Investing.com  A senior leader in Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has cast a skeptical eye on the escalating trade friction in Washington, labeling the current U.S. tariff environment "a real mess."

Itsunori Onodera, the LDPs tax research chief, warned on Sunday that the recent cycle of Supreme Court rulings and subsequent retaliatory hikes by President Trump, which saw baseline tariffs jump to 15%, is creating a climate of extreme uncertainty for Japanese exporters.

Despite the volatility, Tokyo is signaling a cautious "wait-and-see" approach rather than rushing to the negotiating table. Onodera specifically ruled out a broad renegotiation of the current bilateral trade deal.

His primary concern remains protecting the automotive sector, Japans largest export engine. Last years agreement successfully lowered auto tariffs from 27.5% to 15%. Officials fear that any attempt to reopen talks amidst the current "mess" could result in those rates being hiked back up by the White House.

Protecting Japans auto core and $550B in investment

The stakes for Japan are tied to a massive $550 billion investment fund pledged to the U.S. in exchange for lower trade barriers. Just this week, the Trump administration announced the first wave of these projects, including a U.S.-based data infrastructure hub and a semiconductor-grade synthetic diamond facility.

However, Onodera warned that this capital flow is not guaranteed if the U.S. domestic situation remains unstable. He cautioned that Japanese businesses might begin shifting away from U.S. markets if the "messy" trade environment persists.

For investors, the immediate focus is on how this instability impacts the bottom lines of major Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda. While these companies would naturally seek refunds for tariffs recently ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court, Onodera noted that such recoveries would likely be tied up in lengthy court battles.

Geopolitical stakes ahead of the Washington summit

The diplomatic tension comes at a delicate time for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is scheduled to meet President Trump in Washington next month. The summit was intended to reaffirm that the trade deal remains on track, but the recent 48-hour surge in tariff rates has shifted the agenda toward crisis management.

Takaichi must now balance the need to support Japanese industry with the necessity of maintaining a stable relationship with Japans most critical security ally. Market participants are watching for any signs of a "tit-for-tat" response from Tokyo, though the LDPs current rhetoric suggests they prefer de-escalation.
Jaish Commander Saifullah Among 3 Terrorists Killed During Kishtwar Encounter In J&K

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:39 IST

Security forces identified one of the three terrorists killed as Pakistani national and Jaish commander Saifullah, responsible for several attacks in the Doda-Kishtwar belt

Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah was killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar region on February 22, 2026. (Image: News18)

In a big win for security forces, Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah was one of three terrorists gunned down during an intense encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar region on Sunday.

Security forces identified one of the three terrorists killed in the encounter as Jaish commander Saifullah, who was responsible for several attacks in the Doda-Kishtwar belt.

According to security forces, Saifullah was a Pakistani national and infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir a few years ago. He was instrumental in recruiting youth in the area and had proven to be highly evasive over past encounters.

The Indian Army said Saifullah and the other terrorists were affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). They were killed in a remote area in Kishtwar district during the Trashi-I operation in the general area of Passerkut in Chatroo belt, while arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, were also recovered.

Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from J-K Police, IB (Intelligence Bureau) and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area. Following successful contact established earlier, troops of CIF (Counter-Intelligence Force) Delta, in close coordination with police and CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists today at approximately 11 am in challenging terrain," the Armys White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

The army said the security forces displayed tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression, and dominated the encounter site wherein two terrorists have been successfully neutralised.

The hunt continues  those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary," it said.

The officials said the terrorists were found hiding inside a mud house on the foothills of a hill and opened fire on the approaching search parties, leading to an intense gunfight. The search operation in the area is now over.

ALSO READ | Eight Arrested For Plotting Terror Attack In India; Links To Pakistans ISI, Bangladesh Being Probed

The Chatroo forest belt witnessed nearly half a dozen gunfights between terrorists and security forces last month, resulting in the killing of a soldier and a terrorist. With this encounter, a total of six JeM terrorists have been eliminated by security forces in separate encounters in Jammu region this year. Earlier, two terrorists were killed in Udhampur and one in Kathua district.

(With PTI inputs)

Location : Kishtwar, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 15:20 IST

News india Jaish Commander Saifullah Among 3 Terrorists Killed During Kishtwar Encounter In J&K

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Comms Breakdown, Remote & High-Altitude Hideouts Exposed: Jaish In 'Panic Mode' After J&K Encounter | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:40 IST

Sources said the Jaish-e-Mohammed has been pushed "below threshold level" in Jammu region following 'Operation Trashi-I', which led to the death of Jaish commander Saifullah Baloch

Sources said the elimination of Jaish commander Saifullah and his two aides, has effectively dismantled the local command structure of the JeM and severely crippled its ability to plan future strikes. (Image: PTI/File)

The Jaish-e-Mohammed network in the Jammu region has suffered a massive blow after security forces gunned down three terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based group in Kishtwar on Sunday.

According to top intelligence sources, the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been pushed below threshold level" in Jammu following Operation Trashi-I, in which one of the three terrorists killed was Jaish commander Saifullah Baloch.

The intelligence sources told News18 that Indian security forces have successfully pushed the JeM into panic mode" by striking local command structure and communications, as well as by focusing on their remote and high-altitude hideouts in the Doda-Kishtwar belt. Saifullah Baloch, a Pakistani national, was described as a notorious infiltrator" responsible for orchestrating multiple attacks against security forces in this region over recent years.

The sources said Saifullahs elimination, alongside two Pakistani aides, has effectively dismantled the local command structure of Jaish and severely crippled its ability to plan future strikes.

ALSO READ | Eight Arrested For Plotting Terror Attack In India; Links To Pakistans ISI, Bangladesh Being Probed

INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN DATA KEY TO TRACKING TERRORISTS

The sources said Operation Trashi-I took place in the remote, forested Passerkut area of the Chatroo belt.

They said multi-agency teams  the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police, and CRPF  used intelligence-driven data to track the terrorists to a nomadic hut. During a fierce gunfight, this hideout caught fire, and security forces subsequently recovered two AK-47 rifles along with a significant cache of ammunition.

The success of this operation, the sources said, is a turning point in regional security. Intelligence reports indicate that the remaining JeM elements have been forced into a panic mode", characterised by a total breakdown in their logistical and communication frameworks. The group has been stripped of its sophisticated equipment; instead of using secure ultra sets or satellite phones, they have been reduced to the primitive tactic of snatching mobile phones from local residents due to an intense fear of detection.

This operation shows the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination, precise intel, and forward deployment in denying space to terrorists," a source said, highlighting that the group now has limited ability to execute large-scale attacks or expand its footprint".

With six Jaish terrorists eliminated in the Jammu region this year, sustained operations have successfully contained the threat, the source said.

By focusing on remote and high-altitude hideouts, security forces have prevented infiltration reinforcements and maintained a dominant posture, the sources said. This strategic containment ensures that hostile actors are denied the space required to reinforce their presence, leaving the JeM network with minimal capacity to operate in the eastern districts of Jammu.

Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:33 IST

News india Comms Breakdown, Remote & High-Altitude Hideouts Exposed: Jaish In 'Panic Mode' After J&K Encounter | Exclusive

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Kashmiri Pandits Demand Stronger Security After Threat Posters Spark Fear In J&K

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:48 IST

Fresh terror posters allegedly from the Falcon Group of the Resistance Front threaten Kashmiri Pandits, prompting KPSS to demand urgent safety measures.

Image udsed for representation

Fresh tension has gripped parts of Kashmir after alleged terror posters surfaced, reportedly warning of attacks on the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The development has triggered concern among members of the minority group, many of whom chose to remain in the valley despite the mass migration of 1990.

The Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS), which represents Pandits who did not leave the region, has demanded immediate preventive steps to ensure their safety.

The organisation has also appealed to international human rights bodies to keep a close watch on the situation.

According to reports, posters linked to the so-called Falcon Group of The Resistance Front (TRF), described as a Pakistan-backed terror outfit, recently appeared in parts of the valley.

The posters allegedly threatened to target Kashmiri Pandits, creating fear within the community.

In a statement, the KPSS said the threats represent a calculated attempt to undermine peace and communal harmony in Kashmir. Such groups thrive on fear and instability, repeatedly projecting the peaceful and indigenous Kashmiri Pandit minority as symbolic targets to sustain their violent relevance."

The group pointed out that in 2021 and 2022, several targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits had taken place. Security forces later eliminated most of those accused in counter operations. Since then, this is the first time such open threats have reportedly emerged again.

Police officials said they are verifying the authenticity of the posters. However, they stressed that strong security arrangements are already in place to protect minorities.

We have a robust security arrangement for minorities in place. Both Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF are deployed for the protection and safety of minority pickets," said Inspector General of Police VK Birdi.

Despite these assurances, KPSS expressed concern over what it described as lapses in preventive security.

At a time when democratic governance led by the BJP asserts normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, these recurring threats expose serious gaps in preventive security and administrative responsiveness. The continued indifference displayed by sections of the system under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the government of Jammu and Kashmir raises troubling questions about minority protection mechanisms," the KPSS said.

The organisation further alleged that extremist elements avoid confronting armed forces and instead issue threats to unarmed civilians.

The persistent targeting of Kashmiri Pandits creates a painful perception that minority lives are being reduced to expendable statistics  whether due to geopolitical narratives or administrative complacency," it said.

Calling the situation a matter of human rights, the KPSS added, We urge the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch to closely monitor developments affecting minority safety in Kashmir"

First Published: February 22, 2026, 21:40 IST

News india Kashmiri Pandits Demand Stronger Security After Threat Posters Spark Fear In J&K

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Nalasopara Murder: Man Stabbed, Crushed With Stone; CCTV Footage Surfaces

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 11:50 IST

Victim was stabbed in the thigh and then his head and face were crushed with a stone.

31-Year-Old Killed in Nalasopara; Five Arrested, Main Accused Absconding. (Photo: Screengrab from CCTV footage)

A 31-year-old man was crushed to death with a stone in Nalasopara near Mumbai. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced in the murder case of Shubham Mishra.

The incident took place around 11.30 p.m. on Friday. It is suspected that the killing was linked to an old dispute.

Argument before the attack

Shubham Mishra lived in the Gala Nagar area of Nalasopara East. On the night of the incident, he was sitting in a hotel with his friends when an argument broke out over some issue.

After this, he was allegedly called to a stall in front of Hanuman Temple in Nalasopara West on the pretext of having a cigarette.

When Mishra arrived by rickshaw, the accused followed him on a bike. He was stabbed in the thigh and then his head and face were crushed with a stone.

After receiving information, a team from Nalasopara police station reached the spot and carried out the panchnama.

Arrests made

Based on a complaint by Ankit Brijesh Pandey, a case has been registered against Roshan Singh, Jagan Mehendi, Sunil Malusare alias Bigshow, Suraj Singh alias Kabate, Tinkle Mishra and others.

So far, Nalasopara Police have arrested five accused in the case. The main accused, Roshan Singh, is absconding. Police are searching for him and other related accused on the basis of CCTV footage.

Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 11:50 IST

News india Nalasopara Murder: Man Stabbed, Crushed With Stone; CCTV Footage Surfaces

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One Terrorist Killed After Gunfight With Security Forces In J-K's Kishtwar

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 13:13 IST

A terrorist was killed in a gunfight with security forces in a remote forest in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

A gunfight broke out between security forces and terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar

A terrorist was killed after a gunfight with security forces in a remote forest area in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district on Sunday. The terrorists have been surrounded from all directions, and all entry/exit points have been sealed to prevent them from escaping.

The gunbattle began when the security forces launched a search operation in the Chatroo forest belt after receiving inputs regarding the presence of two to three terrorists.

According to a report by India Today, citing sources, Saifullah, a dreaded terrorist, is among those who were engaged in a gunfight with troops.

#WATCH | J&K | Security Forces conduct cordon & search operation as an encounter has started between security forces and terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar(Visuals deferred by unspecified time; no live operational details disclosed) pic.twitter.com/AkHiUKaDQo  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

The operations is being conducted by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Polices Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Meanwhile, search operations have been underway in the snow-covered Chatroo forest belt for the past 15 days.

Last month, the forest area witnessed nearly half a dozen encounters between terrorists and security forces.

Location : Kishtwar, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 13:03 IST

News india One Terrorist Killed After Gunfight With Security Forces In J-K's Kishtwar

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PM Modi To Flag Off Namo Bharat Train, Meerut Metro Today | Check Full Itinerary

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 09:56 IST

PM Modi will inaugurate the Namo Bharat train and Meerut Metro in Uttar Pradesh, launching major urban transit projects and development works worth Rs 12,930 crore in Meerut.

Rapid Read

PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation for multiple development projects in Meerut worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore. (File photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Namo Bharat train and Meerut Metro services in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, marking a significant step in the states urban transit development.

The Namo Bharat train is part of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), aimed at offering high-speed, frequent connectivity between Delhi and Meerut. The initiative is part of the Centres broader strategy to expand regional rapid transit networks, reduce travel times, ease traffic congestion, and promote sustainable urban mobility.

Ahead of a public event in Mohiuddinpur, PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation for multiple development projects in Meerut worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore.

Check Itinerary Here

According to the district administration, the Prime Minister will arrive at Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad at 11 am. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will reach Mohkampur helipad near Shatabdi Nagar station at 11.15 am to receive him.

PM Modis helicopter is expected to land there at 11.30 am.

At 12.30 pm, the Prime Minister will flag off the Namo Bharat train and the Meerut Metro from Shatabdi Nagar station, after which he and the Chief Minister will travel on the metro to Meerut South station.

From Meerut South, PM Modi will proceed by road to Mohiuddinpur, where he is expected around 1 pm.

Before addressing the public gathering, he will inaugurate various development projects and lay foundation stones for ongoing initiatives.

After spending about an hour at the venue, he will depart from the Mohiuddinpur helipad at around 2.10 pm to return to Hindon Airport.

Golden Chapter In New UPs Development Journey: CM Yogi

CM Adityanath called the launch a milestone in the states growth, describing it as the start of a new golden chapter" for New Uttar Pradesh."

Respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji will flag off the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train in the revolutionary land of Meerut, giving momentum to the development journey of New Uttar Pradesh. At the same time, he will gift the district of Meerut  which is witnessing modern connectivity  with various development and public welfare projects worth approximately 12,930 crores," CM Yogi tweeted.

Location : Meerut, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 09:56 IST

News india PM Modi To Flag Off Namo Bharat Train, Meerut Metro Today | Check Full Itinerary

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Projects Under BJP Dont Face Delays': PM Modi Flags Off Namo Bharat, Hits Out At Congress

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 14:30 IST

The Prime Minister said the Namo Metro Rail project will benefit nari shakti, as key positions will be given to women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Photo/ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off Indias first Namo Bharat RRTS in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and attacked the opposition, saying projects under the BJP do not face delays and that earlier governments were involved in scams.

He inaugurated the entire Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor and the Meerut Metro (Meerut South-Modipuram), dedicating projects worth around Rs 12,930 crores to the nation.

Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said, Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat is gaining momentum."

He said the inauguration reflects the double engine commitment of the BJP. He added that projects undertaken during their tenure do not get delayed like they used to earlier.

He said the BJP is focused on working for the benefit of the people and passengers. He claimed that under Congress and SP, such development was not possible and that those parties were indulged in scams.

Benefits for Meerut and connectivity

The Prime Minister said the project will benefit the people of Meerut and that the new connectivity will make it easier for people to travel to Delhi.

He said his government has taken the metro network to up to 25 cities.

The Prime Minister said he spoke with students and other passengers during the visit and that they were amazed to witness the development.

He also said that law and order has become better.

Focus on women and development

The Prime Minister said the Namo Metro Rail project will benefit nari shakti, as key positions will be given to women.

Hitting out at the opposition, he said, Lets fight on development." He added that for his government, the nations development has always been the only priority.

Narendra Modi said the world is looking towards India with huge respect and that developed nations are now eager to associate with the country for development. He said there was a time when Congress could not build associations with developed nations, but today countries want to work with India. He added that the governments deals will benefit small industries. PM on AI Summit The Prime Minister said India conducted the worlds biggest AI Summit, with representatives from different parts of the world gathering for the event. He said the summit was organised for the development of the nation. He added that the AI Summit belonged to the nation and was not a BJP event. Attack on Congress The Prime Minister alleged that Congress and its ecosystem stooped low with gandi and nangi politics" to destroy Indias image. He said, The whole nation knows Cong pehle se nangi hai." He claimed that Congress leaders hate him and abuse his mother and the NDA. He said Congress has humiliated the nation. He also said the media should not defend Congress in the name of opposition. The Prime Minister added that it is only Congress and its sarfere neta" who are destroying the nation. He said that if someone wants to become Prime Minister, they must work hard on the ground. He further said, Congress desh ke liye bojh ban gayi hai." Watch more videos Share this Article

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Location : Meerut, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 14:12 IST

News india Projects Under BJP Dont Face Delays': PM Modi Flags Off Namo Bharat, Hits Out At Congress

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Eight Arrested For Plotting Terror Attack In India; Links To Pakistan's ISI, Bangladesh Being Probed

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 12:07 IST

The arrests were made during a joint intelligence-based operation in Tamil Nadu, where security personnel swooped in on multiple locations and apprehended the suspects.

Two accused were arrested from Uthukuli, three from Palladam, and one from the Thirumuruganpoondi area. (ANI)

National security agencies in India arrested at least eight suspects for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack, with investigators pointing to suspected links with Pakistans ISI and Bangladesh, official sources told news agency PTI.

As per the news agency, six of the suspects were arrested from Tamil Nadutwo from Uthukuli, three from Palladam, and one from the Thirumuruganpoondi area, while two persons were picked up earlier during follow-up action linked to the same case.

According to officials, some of the arrested individuals are stated to be Bangladeshi nationals.

The arrests were made during a joint intelligence-based operation in Tamil Nadu, where security personnel swooped in on multiple locations and apprehended the suspects before the alleged plot could be executed.

According to police, the arrested individuals, identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal, were involved in anti-social activities and used to post content in support of Pakistan-based terrorist organisations.

#WATCH | Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu | Visuals of the six arrested accused, namely Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal from Tamil Nadu, being taken to Delhi, yesterday.The six accused were arrested by the Delhi Police. https://t.co/SAkLoE8Bji pic.twitter.com/PykAiqRrOv  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

According to police, preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were allegedly using fraudulent Aadhaar cards to conceal their identities and secure employment in the Tiruppur garment industry.

The operation followed an investigation into online posts supporting terror activities, which led the team to Tiruppur with the assistance of the local police. Investigators found that the six individuals were working in garment factories in the region and were carrying fake Aadhaar cards," the Delhi Police Special Cell said about the operation in Tamil Nadu.

Authorities seized eight mobile phones and sixteen SIM cards from the accused during the operation, which were allegedly used to establish contacts and networks in various parts of the country.

The agencies suspected that the group was in touch with handlers linked to Pakistans ISI and certain Bangladesh-based outfits.

Currently, all the accused are being brought to Delhi under tight security, where they will be interrogated in detail.

All accused are being brought to Delhi by train; the investigation is ongoing. These accused, suspected of aiding terrorists, conducted a recce of several cities. Posters of Free Kashmir" were put up in Delhi," Delhi Police said in a statement.

Investigating agencies are working to determine the motive behind the conspiracy and which areas of the country could have been targeted.

Another Suspect Held In Samba

Additionally, the police have detained an individual in Jammu and Kashmirs Samba over alleged links with Pakistani individuals.

During preliminary questioning, officials reportedly found several contact numbers with the Pakistani country code (+92) stored in his mobile phone.

Police said the suspect has been handed over to Police Post Rakha for further interrogation, and an investigation is currently underway to ascertain the nature of the contacts and any possible links.

LeT Planning Attack In India?

The arrests were made a day after intelligence agencies warned of a potential Lashkar-e-Taiba conspiracy aimed at religious and tourist locations in Delhi.

According to intelligence inputs, sensitive areas in Old Delhi, including locations around Chandni Chowk, could be among possible targets.

Intelligence agencies also warned of possible coordinated IED strikes on major Hindu shrines in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh by Pakistan-backed terror groups, with temples including Akshardham Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple identified as potential targets.

The primary focus of the alleged plot is on temples in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, selected for their symbolic and cultural importance. Apart from Akshardham and Kashi Vishwanath, other locations under watch include the Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple Delhi and the Ram Mandir Ayodhya, sources said.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 09:50 IST

News india Eight Arrested For Plotting Terror Attack In India; Links To Pakistan's ISI, Bangladesh Being Probed

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Top Naxal Commander Devuji Surrenders Before Police, Says Chhattisgarh Deputy CM

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:24 IST

Thippiri Tirupati alias Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy surrendered to Telangana Police, marking a major victory against Naxalism,.

Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma. (ANI)

In a significant breakthrough, top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati alias Devuji has reportedly surrendered before the Telangana Police, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has said.

Citing local media reports, Sharma termed it a big victory" in the fight against Naxalism. He said the reported surrender of Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy  also known as Sangram  was a significant breakthrough in the ongoing national campaign against Left-wing extremism.

Sharma said the anti-Naxal strategy led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the national level and the operational freedom given to the Chhattisgarh government under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had strengthened efforts against insurgency. He claimed that Naxalism was nearing its end, adding that only a few top leaders remained active and that talks were ongoing with others.

As per reports, another senior Maoist leader, Malla Raji Reddy, along with several cadres, has also laid down arms.

Sharma noted that Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy had been active for decades in Abujhmad and Gadchiroli regions and their reported surrender marked a major milestone in the campaign against extremism.

Devuji, a native of Jagtial district in Telangana, was earlier described by police as a key strategist of the CPI (Maoist). In his 60s, he is believed to have taken over as the General Secretary of the banned organisation after the death of Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju in May 2025.

According to reports, Devuji carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore. He is said to have created the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and later became a Central Committee member and politburo member of the Maoist party.

Earlier this week, security agencies assessed that four top leaders and around 300 armed cadres were considered the final challengers sustaining Left-Wing Extremism in the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Naxal violence is breathing its last" and will be eliminated by March 31, 2026. While addressing the Delhi Police Raising Day function, Shah said that the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a golden era" for Indias internal security.

He said Naxalism, which once spread across 11 states, has now been significantly curtailed.

We are very close to completely eradicating Naxalism, and we will certainly succeed in making the entire country free from Naxal violence by March 31, 2026," he said.

In the Northeast as well, over 10,000 youth have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream, and through over 12 peace agreements, the Centre has done significant work in establishing peace", he said.

During the Budget Session of the Parliament, the Home Ministry informed that Naxal violence has declined by 88 per cent since 2010 and is now confined to only eight districts nationwide. The government said the number of affected districts has fallen from 126 in 2018 to just eight by December 2025, with only three classified as most affected".

According to the home ministry, violence incidents have dropped from a peak of 1,936 in 2010 to 234 in 2025, while civilian and security force deaths have declined by 90 per cent during the same period. In 2025 alone, security forces neutralised 364 Naxals, arrested 1,022 and facilitated 2,337 surrenders.

The Centre has simultaneously expanded surrender-cum-rehabilitation schemes that offer financial assistance, vocational training and stipends to former cadres, alongside large-scale road, telecom, education and financial inclusion projects in previously affected districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Raipur, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 14:35 IST

News india Top Naxal Commander Devuji Surrenders Before Police, Says Chhattisgarh Deputy CM

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UP CM Yogi Adityanath Begins 3-Day Singapore Visit To Strengthen Strategic Partnerships

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:51 IST

Yogi Adityanath visits Singapore, meets leaders to boost investment, focusing on digital infrastructure, aviation, skill development, and sustainability.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. (PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on an official visit to Singapore from 22 to 24 February to deepen economic cooperation and institutional partnerships. The visit aligns with the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap, which focuses on priority areas such as economic growth, digitalisation, skills development, sustainability, connectivity and advanced manufacturing.

During the visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to meet Singapores top leadership, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The meetings are expected to explore ways to strengthen collaboration at both national and state levels.

Investor Meetings And Business Outreach

The programme includes interactions with major sovereign and institutional investors such as Temasek and GIC. Adityanath will also meet business leaders from sectors including data infrastructure, logistics, aviation services, financial services and advanced manufacturing.

The Singapore leg will conclude with an Invest UP Mega Roadshow. The event will bring together data centre operators, renewable energy firms, logistics developers, private equity funds and sovereign wealth institutions. It will showcase investment opportunities in digital infrastructure, aviation-linked industrial development, renewable energy and manufacturing.

Focus On Digital Infrastructure

Singapore-based companies are currently expanding in India, particularly in AI-ready digital campuses. Uttar Pradesh is offering land parcels near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar for hyperscale and AI-enabled data centres. The discussions aim to convert national-level frameworks into specific projects in the state.

Aviation And Logistics Collaboration

With the development of the Noida International Airport, Uttar Pradesh is seeking partnerships within Singapores aviation ecosystem. The Chief Ministers schedule includes visits to aviation and logistics facilities in Singapore to study best practices and explore collaboration pathways.

Skill Development And Sustainability

The visit also highlights cooperation in skill development. Engagements with Singapores technical and vocational education institutions, including ITE Singapore, are planned. Skill training remains a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.

Singapores expertise in sustainability and green supply chains aligns with Uttar Pradeshs push to develop renewable energy zones and integrated industrial corridors.

Economic Growth And Future Roadmap

Uttar Pradesh is Indias most populous state and one of its fastest-growing large economies. Its Gross State Domestic Product reached Rs 30.25 lakh crore in 2024-25 and is projected to rise to around Rs 36 lakh crore in 2025-26. Singapore continues to be Indias largest source of foreign direct investment, contributing USD 14.94 billion in FY 2024-25.

Officials said discussions during the visit are expected to focus on creating structured follow-up mechanisms to ensure that high-level meetings translate into concrete investment projects.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:51 IST

News india UP CM Yogi Adityanath Begins 3-Day Singapore Visit To Strengthen Strategic Partnerships

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A heavyweight of Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party called US tariffs a real mess after President Donald Trump hiked levies in response to a Supreme Court decision that his previous tariffs were illegal.

Most Read from Bloomberg

To be very frank, its a real mess, Itsunori Onodera, a former defense minister who currently serves as chairperson of the partys tax research group, said Sunday during a live broadcast on Fuji TV.

Onodera shunned the possibility of Japan seeking a renegotiation of the trade deal. He pointed out that the crux of trade negotiations last year was lowering tariffs on autos  Japans largest source of exports and a key provider of jobs and investment.

For Japan, the top priority was autos at the time, but those auto tariffs are not covered by this Supreme Court decision. It wouldnt be good if we started seeing an impact there because we try to renegotiate the deal, he said.

He added that any renegotiation would require a thorough and careful discussion.

Onoderas comments were the first public comments by a senior LDP member after the Supreme Court ruled that Trumps so-called reciprocal tariffs were illegal. Trump subsequently hit out at the ruling, imposing a fresh 10% tariff on foreign goods Friday, before hiking that to 15% on Saturday.

The turbulence over Trumps tariffs comes a month before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to fly to Washington to meet with Trump and reaffirm that the trade deal is on track.

The trade deal agreed last summer lowered auto tariffs to 15% from 27.5% in exchange for a $550 billion fund for investments into the US.

The initial batch of projects, announced just earlier this week by Trump, includes investments in a data infrastructure project, a deep sea oil terminal, and a facility to manufacture synthetic diamonds used for semiconductors, all based in the US.

Onodera said it would only be natural for companies to seek a refund of the tariffs, but added that the details of such a refund would be decided in court.

Im worried that businesses will shift away from the US even further if the domestic situation there remains this messy, he added.

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'We May Have Internal Rifts But...': Akhilesh Yadav Calls Congress Protest At AI Summit 'Shameful'

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 09:00 IST

Youth Congress workers on Friday carried out a "shirtless" protest inside the venue, waving t-shirts with protest messages targeting 'compromised Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav | File Image

Samajwadi Party chief and Congress INDIA bloc ally, Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday criticised the shirtless protest" by the Indian Youth Congress at the AI Impact Summit, saying it should have avoided actions that could project India negatively before foreign delegates at Bharat Mandapam.

Speaking to reporters in Jhansi, the SP chief said that such actions bring shame" to the nation.

We may have internal rifts; the whole nation knows that the BJP lies. But, they should have refrained from doing something that brings shame to our country in front of foreign delegates and world representatives," Yadav said.

YSR Congress Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also posted on X, stressing the need to present a united front to the world despite political differences.

Yesterday at the AI Summit, the Youth Congress made us all feel ashamed. Where is our politics heading! No one should ever demean our country. Whatever our political differences may be, we should always present a united face to the world," he wrote.

This comes after Youth Congress workers on Friday carried out a shirtless" protest inside the venue, waving t-shirts with protest messages targeting compromised Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

The protest quickly spiralled into a political flashpoint, triggering counter-demonstrations and clashes between Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress workers in Puducherry and Indore.

Congress Reacts

Meanwhile, the Congress leaders came forward to defend the Youth Congress move.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said the manner of protest staged by the Indian Youth Congress may not have been in the right spirit", but the BJP should instead be embarrassed over the controversy surrounding the display of alleged Chinese products at the event.

The Patiala House Court on Saturday dismissed the bail pleas of four arrested Indian Youth Congress workers and remanded them to five days of police custody.

(With inputs from ANI)

Location : Jhansi, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 09:00 IST

News india 'We May Have Internal Rifts But...': Akhilesh Yadav Calls Congress Protest At AI Summit 'Shameful'

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Who Was Aalin Sherin Abraham? Keralas Youngest Organ Donor Remembered By PM Modi In Mann Ki Baat

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 11:20 IST

While addressing his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that the pain of losing a very young child is very deep and inconsolable.

The child, identified as Aalin Sherin Abraham, was critically injured in a road accident on February 5 near Pallam in Kottayam. (File image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered Aalin Sherin Abraham, a 10-month-old girl from Kerala who became the youngest organ donor in the state after her parents chose to donate her organs after she passed away.

In the 131st episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that the pain of losing a very young child is very deep and inconsolable.

There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing ones own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper. Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala," he said.

During the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi says, There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing ones own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper. Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala Awareness pic.twitter.com/BWx2ss6D6G ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

PM Modi hailed Aalins parents decision and emphasised the importance of organ donation. He said that awareness about the cause is steadily increasing across the country.

Awareness regarding organ donation is increasing Medical research is also getting a boost There are many people like Aalin who has given another life to someone by organ donation," he added.

Who Was Aalin Sherin Abraham?

Aalin Sherin Abraham has become a symbol of courage that Kerala will remember for years. A 10-month-old child from Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district suffered severe injuries in a road accident on February 5 near Pallam in Kottayam while travelling.

The baby was travelling with her mother and grandparents when a car coming from the opposite direction rammed into their vehicle near a junction. The impact left the child critically injured, and the family was also seriously hurt.

Despite treatment at hospitals in Changanassery and Thiruvalla, she was later shifted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for advanced care. However, she was declared brain-dead on February 13 after several days of intensive treatment.

Her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John from Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district, agreed to donate her organs soon after doctors explained her condition.

Her liver, two kidneys, heart valve and two eyeballs were recovered.

The liver is set to save a six-month-old baby undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital, making him the youngest child in the state to receive a liver through posthumous donation. The kidneys will help a child at Thiruvananthapuram Medical Colleges SAT Hospital. The heart valve will be transplanted at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, while the corneas will remain at Amrita Hospital.

Meanwhile, Kerala Police accorded a Guard of Honour to the infant, recognising her contribution. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the familys decision was an act of compassion and a message to society about organ donation.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi and state officials paid their respects during the funeral at St. Thomas CSI Church in Nedungadappally, where many locals gathered to honour the child.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 11:18 IST

News india Who Was Aalin Sherin Abraham? Keralas Youngest Organ Donor Remembered By PM Modi In Mann Ki Baat

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World Thinking Day 2026: Theme, History, Quotes And Celebrations

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 07:30 IST

World Thinking Day is celebrated today, February 22, under the theme Our Friendship, marking 100 years of global sisterhood, leadership and unity among Scouts and Guides worldwide.

World Thinking Day 2026 theme is Our Friendship. (AI generated image)

World Thinking Day 2026: Observed annually on February 22, World Thinking Day acts as a wonderful opportunity for girls and women across the world to come together and embrace the values of sisterhood, friendship and human compassion for each other. A womans life is never easy, and World Thinking Day emerges as an occasion when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across the globe can highlight issues that affect her lives.

World Thinking Day promotes female collaboration and active involvement in the eradication of problems and socio-political obstacles that plague their progression in todays world. The day also encourages widespread understanding about girls struggles and how we can all participate in making it easier for them to progress, live with freedom and contribute to different spheres of life.

World Thinking Day 2026: History And Significance

The origins of World Thinking Day date as far back as 1926. That was the year when delegates from across the world met for the 4th World Conference at Camp Edith Macy, now called the Edith Macy Conference Centre in New York. The formal discussions led to the idea of establishing a day for Girl Scouts and Guides.

The date February 22 was chosen for the occasion as it coincided with the joint birthdays of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout and Guide movement, and his wife, Olave, the World Chief Guide.

Initially called the Thinking Day, it was converted to World Thinking Day back in 1999 after a Dubai Conference of global representatives. Today, World Thinking Day is considered a wonderful opportunity to address major issues that affect girls and young womens lives. It also promotes global unity and collective effort, while highlighting different challenges women face.

World Thinking Day 2026 Theme

In 2026, the World Thinking Day theme is Our Friendship, which is a perfect way to mark the 100 years of its establishment. The theme was announced by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), promoting global unity, leadership, and sisterhood.

World Thinking Day 2026: How To Celebrate

If youre a Girl Scout or Guide, you can wear your uniform proudly to signify your support for World Thinking Day. One can take an active part in educating girls and young women about the importance of their contribution to the cause and why they should take up leadership roles to make a real difference.

Schools and other educational institutions can organise cultural programmes, essay competitions and speeches to promote womens empowerment. In the digital age, one can use the power of social media to spread the message and tell people about World Thinking Day.

World Thinking Day 2026: Quotes

She has fought many wars, most internal. The ones that you battle alone, for this, she is remarkable. She is a survivor."  Nikki Rowe

A strong women is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done."  Marge Piercy

Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men."  Katherine Johnson

A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman."  Melinda Gates

As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and well all be better off for it."  Sandra Day OConnor.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 07:30 IST

News lifestyle events World Thinking Day 2026: Theme, History, Quotes And Celebrations
Alia Bhatt Makes A Glamorous Debut At BAFTA Film Awards 2026

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 23:32 IST

Alia Bhatt graced the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards red carpet in a silver sequinned gown.

Alia Bhatt marked another international milestone as a presenter at the 79th edition of the BAFTA Film Awards. (Images: X)

Alia Bhatt made her 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards debut looking like a glamorous dream in a sequinned silver gown from Gucci.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) announced Alia Bhatt as one of the presenters, and the Bollywood stars appearance didnt disappoint. Alia joined the likes of Aimee Lou Wood, Aaron Pierre, Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Ethan Hawke, Glenn Close and Kate Hudson, among others, who took to the stage to celebrate the best in the world of cinema.

Alia Bhatt is the epitome of grace and glamour, and the contemporary silhouette adorned by Alia celebrated her stardom with panache on the global stage.

She has always been a champion of exploring styles that break conventional norms, and this bold silhouette gave the diva her much-deserved glamorous debut.

Decoding Alia Bhatts 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Red Carpet Look

Alia Bhatts 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards red carpet style featured a silver sequinned gown from Gucci. The halter neck and the backless silhouette was not only a showstopper look for Alia, but also brought diva energy to her red-carpet look. She completed the shimmery style with a white fur stole (we really hope it was faux).

While the silver sequins sparkled as she graced the red carpet, Alia kept her jewellery minimal yet timeless. Alia adorned a pair of dangling diamond earrings and a diamond ring.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by News18.com (@cnnnews18)

Glam It Up With Alia Bhatt

A sparkling debut! Alias glam team made sure she not only sparkled in the silhouette, but also that her hair and makeup added value to her BAFTA Awards debut. The soft, minimal makeup with subtle shimmer on the eyes enhanced Alias gorgeous features on the red carpet. Her cascading hairstyle with her signature middle parting completed her stylish red carpet look.

Hosted at the Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards was attended by Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio Rose Byrne, Timothee Chalamet, Kerry Washington, Aimee Lou Wood, Aaron Pierre, Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Ethan Hawke, Glenn Close, Kate Hudson, Sarah Niles, Milly Alcock, Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna, Alicia Vikander, Monica Bellucci, Alan Cumming, and Chase Infiniti among others.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 22:34 IST

News lifestyle fashion Alia Bhatt Makes A Glamorous Debut At BAFTA Film Awards 2026
Influencer Sachin Awasthi Says He Was Treated Like Criminal During 38-Hour Detention In South Korea

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 08:33 IST

Sachin Awasthi and Deepshikha Mishra were detained in Jeju Island, South Korea and China for 38 hours, facing harsh conditions and costly return.

Sachin Awasthi Claims He Was Denied Entry And Held In Jeju Island

Indian social media influencer Sachin Awasthi has alleged that he and his wife were detained and denied entry during a recent international trip, describing the experience as distressing and mentally exhausting. Awasthi shared details of the incident through a series of posts on Instagram, stating that the couple was held for nearly 38 hours in South Korea and during transit through China.

According to Awasthi, he and his wife, Deepshikha Mishra, had travelled to Jeju Island in South Korea for a holiday. We landed in Jeju Island, South Korea excited and ready for our trip. Within a few hours, everything changed," he wrote.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sachin Awasthi (@sachinawasthiunscripted)

He said that soon after arrival, they were refused entry and taken to a holding facility. Awasthi claimed that officials did not provide a clear explanation for the decision. Describing the conditions, he stated that the space felt like confinement. It was similar to a jail with no sunlight & no access to outside," he wrote.

The influencer further alleged that they were pressured into purchasing an expensive return ticket. During their transit through China, he said, the couple faced additional restrictions. He claimed they were not allowed to use their phones freely and were given minimal food and water.

Detailing the circumstances, Awasthi wrote, No use of phone and no food and limited water. Sleeping conditions were worst. Even the use of restrooms was monitored with a police official who had a bodycam and went to the washroom with us (sic)."

He added that by the time authorities informed them they would be sent back, they were emotionally drained. The return ticket, he said, cost nearly ten times the usual fare, but they chose to pay in order to leave safely.

Awasthi clarified that his intention in sharing the experience was not to attract sympathy or drama," but to highlight the reality behind travel. He wrote, Travel looks glamorous online. But sometimes, things change in a few hours and test you emotionally in ways you never expect." He has also posted a detailed account of the episode on his YouTube channel.

Following his posts, several followers expressed support in the comments section and encouraged wider awareness of the issue.

Sachin Awasthi is known for his lifestyle, fashion and travel content across Instagram and YouTube, where he collaborates with various brands and regularly documents his experiences abroad.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 08:33 IST

News movies bollywood Influencer Sachin Awasthi Says He Was Treated Like Criminal During 38-Hour Detention In South Korea
Malaika Arora Spent Valentine's Day With New Boyfriend Harsh Mehta In Italy? UNSEEN Photo Goes Viral

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Last Updated: February 21, 2026, 12:24 IST

However, many Redditors also wondered if the image was staged for a PR stunt.

Rapid Read

Malaika and Harsh are reportedly dating.

Malaika Arora has been hogging headlines for quite some time now for her alleged relationship rumours. Now, an unseen photo of Malaika with a man has gone viral on social media sites, especially Reddit, where netizens are wondering if the Bollywood diva spent Valentines Day in Italy with her new boyfriend.

A Redditor shared a photo of Malaika with her new man and wrote, Malaikas Valentine at Trevi Fountain?? Spotted Malaika Arora with her (not so) little boyfriend at Trevi Fountain on 14th February" In the photo, the man can be seen taking a selfie with Malaika in front of the famous Trevi Fountain. However, many Redditors also wondered if the image was staged for a PR stunt. Have a look here:

Last year, a video of Malaika Arora attending a concert in Mumbai surfaced on social media, showing her interacting with a mystery man. The clip quickly stirred up gossip, fueling rumours about her alleged new relationship. Some Instagram accounts went on to claim that the man is Harsh Mehta, a 33-year-old diamond merchant. However, News18 cannot independently verify these claims. We also couldnt verify whether Malaika spent Valentines Day with Harsh.

Earlier this year, during a chat on The Namrata Zakaria Show, Malaika said about the mystery man, People like talking. If you are spotted with somebody, you go out, and it becomes a huge discussion. I dont really want to give chatter unnecessarily, too much fuel. I dont want to do that because it really doesnt serve any purpose."

She continued, Trust me, every time I have stepped out, even if its a longtime friend, a gay friend, a married friend, an old friend, a manager or anybody, I am immediately linked to that person. We laughed and it and joked about it. My mother calls me and asks, Who is this now, baby? Who are they talking about? It has just become laughable."

She added, My relationships have always been spoken about, and theyve always made headlines. At one point, I remember saying that my life is much more than just my personal life. It was becoming too much of a centre of attention. Unfortunately, people forget that because it doesnt make a headline or copy. I am at that stage of life now, where I dont need to prove anything, but I need to do things that make me happy, and I want people to see that." Malaika said that celebrity lives have become too accessible now.

First Published: February 21, 2026, 12:24 IST

News movies bollywood Malaika Arora Spent Valentine's Day With New Boyfriend Harsh Mehta In Italy? UNSEEN Photo Goes Viral
Opinion | Indian Civil Aviation Sector: An Impressive Growth Story At A Point Of Inflection

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 20:14 IST

This growth needs careful planning, execution, and policy enablement but, beyond that, it requires a carefully crafted governance structure

The aviation sector is a key enabler to sustaining economic heft while a nation takes a leap towards becoming fully developed. (Image for representation: PTI)

India, the worlds fourth largest economy, is soon edging to become the third largest, or possibly the second as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while he was meeting the Indian diaspora in Malaysia earlier this month.

Likewise, its aviation growth exhibits impressive statistics as the third largest globally and the fastest growing, with a forecast 8 to 9 percent passenger growth over the next decade and close to tripling both its passenger growth and aircraft numbers over the next 15 to 20 years. Similarly, its aviation infrastructure is set to become even more robust with the number of airports set to exceed 200 from the current 160 in the next 10 years.

The aviation sector is a key enabler to sustaining economic heft while a nation takes a leap towards becoming fully developed. It supports business travel, trade, and movement of time-sensitive cargo for a rapidly growing economy.

The sector can also evolve into a microcosm of the overall economy with various ancillary activities that contribute to high income remuneration for those who are employed to participate in these activities. This is evidenced in the growing clout of the Indian maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) space, which is forecast to grow into a USD 9.5 billion sub-sector by 2035, tripling in size from what it is today.

Recent headlines, however, have begun to highlight some of the growing pains" that India has begun to experience. Reports ranging from overstretched pilots to aircraft operating with lapsed certifications only point toward symptoms of a lack of capacity to accommodate the rapid growth of the third largest aviation market.

This growth needs careful planning, execution, and policy enablement. But, beyond that, it requires a carefully crafted governance structure that will not only help drive the growth but also secure the space for the nation that depends on this vital enabler.

Despite the burgeoning top-line growth figures, Indian aviation remains under-served with lower per capita air travel statistics as compared to its more developed market peers. The air travel per capita comparison, Trips Per Person Per Year statistics compared to India here appear quite stark: Brazil three to four times higher; China four to five times higher; Japan six to eight times higher; US 15 to 20 times higher; and the UK 20 times higher.

This highlights that the majority, particularly the lower strata of the middle class has never flown, making air travel highly income sensitive. Policies may need to address affordability factors, particularly for a rapidly growing middle class. Also, it may require out-of-the-box business models that allow for better access and connectivity to third and fourth tier cities and to larger less-developed or rural districts.

With Indias growing heft when it comes to aircraft orders and evolving strategic collaborations with select aircraft manufacturers, it clearly has volume leverage. With its renowned engineering institutional heft, India should begin detailing aircraft design modifications and, quite possibly, introduce innovative designs to better suit its market conditions to help boost air connectivity for such a promising aviation market.

With a wealth of human talent, particularly among its growing young population, India needs to develop a structured human capital development programme that will not only meet its current demands but future as well.

As an example, Indian airspace which needs critical management has a shortfall of over 23 percent air traffic controller (ATC) spots. Pilots, too, are in short supply with 1,150 to 1,450 of them required to enter the sector annually. India is forecast to require 14,000 to 34,000 aircraft engineers in the next eight to 15 years, two to five times its current strength of 7,000.

Further, certified and qualified Indian technical talent is always a prime target for foreign air carriers, particularly those based in the Middle East. This makes the need for urgent structural changes in human capital development programmes even more of a strategic necessity.

With growing affluence and the changing palate of the average Indian traveller, who is traversing the world, customer delight and specific people-handling skills become a necessity not only in the skies but also on the ground across the airport space. The need to better understand the craft of managing the discerning Indian traveller to manage airport facilities to match or beat regional competitor gateways, has become an imperative.

The MRO space, as mentioned earlier, is set to grow into a USD 9.5 billion sector. Indian MRO costs may stack up at 20 to 30 percent lower than its regional competitors.

The lower productivity driven by limited training and certification; reduced emphasis on lean production practices; and supply chain bottlenecks with critical spares and equipment, the cost arbitrage is offset by longer turn around times (TAT), the opportunity cost for the airline not being able to effectively deploy the aircraft assets. Clearly, this is an area that requires focused attention to detail to capture the USD 9.5 billion prize and to grow it to offer greater global aviation one-stop-centre MRO services.

Upscaling the time-sensitive air cargo market is yet another area that needs to be explored and expanded. With Indias push into higher end manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor space, ensuring improved air cargo connectivity becomes an imperative. In addition, with the growing affluence of the Indian consumer, sales of premium luxury products are said to be growing at a fast pace of 10 percent annually.

This is set to expand to five times its current size in the next 10 years. Further, e-commerce and online luxury could surpass a 25 percent share of purchases among millennials in India with rapidly rising digital adoption.

This suggests a lucrative air cargo market that could even justify stand-alone cargo airports interconnected with multimodal ground logistical interchanges.

Current global gateways and transit hubs are in Southeast Asia and the Gulf countries in the Middle East. Doha and Dubai stand out as the most transit intensive hubs at over 74 percent and close to 50 percent of estimated transit share, respectively.

Collectively, they act as a cross-continental bridge connecting Europe, Asia, Americas, and Africa. Whilst Singapore with a slightly lower estimated transit share of 30 percent acts as the cross-continental bridge connecting East Asia, Australasia, America, and Europe.

India, geographically at the centre of both these prime transit hubs, is blessed with a hinterland for substantial origin and destination traffic. It only appears befitting to explore the possibility of some of its large gateway airports transforming into global transit hubs.

Albeit there may be a need to review the airspace constraints due to geopolitical circumstances in and around the neighborhood of the subcontinent. The prospect of generating global transit and trans-shipment possibilities will only work toward bolstering Indias aviation growth story.

(The writer is an aviation management, policy and governance specialist, the former COO at the GMR Hyderabad International Airport, and a senior correspondent for the Malaysia Gazette. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 20:14 IST

News opinion Opinion | Indian Civil Aviation Sector: An Impressive Growth Story At A Point Of Inflection

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'Bring 100 MLAs, Become CM': Akhilesh Yadavs Offer To UP Deputy CMs Sparks Political Storm

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 19:11 IST

Akhilesh Yadav offered Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak a chance to be Chief Minister if they gather 100 MLAs, sparking BJP criticism.

Akhilesh Yadav (SP): Akhilesh Yadav is the President of Samajwadi Party (SP). He has been serving as the national party head since 2017. Earlier, he served as the youngest Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017. He is 52-year-old.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday sparked a political storm just hours before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths scheduled foreign visit.

Speaking at a public event, Akhilesh Yadav said he was once again offering the two Deputy Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh  Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak  a chance to become Chief Minister if they could gather the support of 100 MLAs. He remarked that whoever brings 100 legislators would naturally be in a position to claim the top post.

Bring 100 MLAs and become Chief Minister for a week, but offer is for a limited time," he was heard saying.

The statement quickly triggered a political response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Party leaders described the comment as a reflection of frustration within the opposition camp.

BJP leader and spokesperson Manish Shukla criticised Akhilesh Yadav, saying his remarks showed political desperation. Shukla said the Samajwadi Party president appeared less like a serious politician and more like a cartoon character, adding that people tend to smile when they see him on television. He alleged that Akhilesh treats even serious matters lightly and claimed that the public no longer takes him seriously.

The BJP spokesperson further stated that the comment revealed confusion and disappointment about Akhilesh Yadavs political future. According to him, the people of Uttar Pradesh are looking for development and stability rather than sarcasm and political statements.

Yogi Adityanaths Singapore Visit

UP CM Yogi Adityanath embarked on a three-day visit to Singapore. During his visit, he will also meet Singapores top leadership, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 19:11 IST

News politics 'Bring 100 MLAs, Become CM': Akhilesh Yadavs Offer To UP Deputy CMs Sparks Political Storm

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Congress, BJP Workers Clash In Telanganas Kamareddy Over Land Row; Leaders Car Overturned

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 07:04 IST

BJP Telangana President N Ramchander Rao condemned the incident, calling it political violence.

Car Damaged, Several Detained After Congress-BJP Clash in Kamareddy

Tension erupted in Kamareddy, Telangana, after workers of the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed over a land dispute. The confrontation followed a verbal exchange between state government adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir and BJP MLA K Venkata Ramana Reddy.

Slogans and violence

The chaos took place near the BJP MLAs camp office. Former sarpanch and Congress leader Giri Reddy Mahender Reddy and his supporters gathered there and raised slogans of MLA down, down". Ali Shabbir had alleged that the BJP MLA encroached upon the land in question.

Ramana Reddy challenged him to an open debate. During the unrest, Mahender Reddys car was damaged and overturned. Police were seen trying to control the crowd.

VIDEO | Telangana: Congress, BJP workers clash over a dispute related to the assets of a government degree college in Kamareddy.(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/mZ9Ind1NPM  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 21, 2026

Political reaction

BJP Telangana President N Ramchander Rao condemned the incident, calling it political violence. He said he would visit the site but later told ANI that he had been placed under house arrest as a preventive measure.

Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao posted on X, The ghastly attack by Congress workers at the Kamareddy BJP MLA K Venkat Ramana Reddy garus Camp Office is deeply condemnable and shocking"

BJP MLA Umesh Sharma Kau says, There was no fistfight or manhandling. This has been well-planned by an officer who is about to retire. A family donated land for a school free of cost. The head of the family passed away. For 7-8 months, members of the family have been demanding that the school be renamed after him. I wrote several letters for the same. His family waited for 2 hours yesterday but they were misbehaved withI was informed that the officer is present today, so I thought I should come to him and ask about the progressToday too, he misbehaved with the family in front of meA few people barged in and threw a telephone at meHe wasnt injured then. He had locked me up in a room and I was later rescued by people."

Kamareddy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Chandra said some people were detained and arrests are under way.

Location : Telangana, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 07:04 IST

News politics Congress, BJP Workers Clash In Telanganas Kamareddy Over Land Row; Leaders Car Overturned

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BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA) is among the 11 Newly-Listed NYSE Stocks to Buy Now.

Jefferies Upgrades BETA Technologies, Inc. (BETA) to Buy

On February 11, 2026, Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu upgraded BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA) to Buy from Hold, previously with a $30 price target. Sheila Kahyaoglu said the shares look compelling at current levels following recent risk-off trading and ahead of several potential catalysts. These include awards anticipated in March for the DOT-FAA eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, planned motor certification in the first half of 2026, and the launch of the Eve Holding (EVEX) flight test program after the previously announced 10-year $1 billion contract for Betas pusher motors in December.

Separately, a regulatory filing from Amazon.com (AMZN) detailed its investments as of December 31, 2025. During the quarter, Amazon acquired a new $331.58M position in BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA). As of year-end 2025, Amazons largest equity holdings included Rivian (RIVN), BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA), Astera Labs (ALAB), Marvell (MRVL), and Nautilus Biotechnology (NAUT).

On January 27, 2026, Surf Air Mobility announced a partnership with the Hawaii Department of Transportation and BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA) on a request for proposal application for the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, or eIPP, a federal public-private initiative under the White Houses Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy. Surf Air Mobilitys airline subsidiary, Mokulele Airlines, the largest commuter airline in Hawaii by scheduled departures, operates high-frequency interisland service across 10 routes and nine destinations. Together with HDOT and Beta, the company aims to combine airline operations, SurfOS software, and community connectivity with Betas electric aircraft technology. Betas ALIA aircraft is designed for short-haul routes such as those flown by Mokulele, with initial plans focused on cargo missions between existing route pairs. If selected, the eIPP initiative would support infrastructure development, operational readiness, and early electric aircraft deployment in Hawaii.

BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA) develops and manufactures electric aircraft platforms and propulsion systems in the United States, including electric aircraft, advanced propulsion systems, charging infrastructure, and related components for the aviation industry.
Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah Formally Joins BJP In Guwahati Ahead Of Polls

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 12:28 IST

Bhupen Kumar Borah, former Assam Congress Chief, joined BJP in Guwahati.

Bhupen Kumar Borah

Former Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the partys Assam headquarters in Guwahati.

Along with Bora, young Congress leaders, including Sanju Baruah and Sarbanarayan Deori, also joined the BJP in the presence of Assam BJP chief Dilip Saikia.

The development comes as the 126-member Assam Assembly is set to undergo assembly polls later this year.

WHO IS BHUPEN KUMAR BORAH?

A veteran politician, Bhupen Bora had been in the Congress party for the last 32 years. He served as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly for two consecutive terms between 2006 and 2016.

A predecessor of Gaurav Gogoi, He also served as the former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) from 2021 and 2024.

He also worked as a spokesperson and parliamentary secretary for the Government of Assam during Tarun Gogois tenure.

In 2013, he was named president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND

Born on October 30, 1970, in Pohumora, Lakhimpur, Borah pursued graduation from North Lakhimpur College and Dibrugarh University.

Borah gained prominence during his time at Dibrugarh University. Union Minister and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was also studying at Dibrugarh Universtity at the same time as Borah.

The duo was a part of the All Assam Students Union (AASU).

WHY BORAH QUIT CONGRESS?

Bhupen Borah quit the party this week, citing party MP Rakibul Hussain as a major reason behind his decision. Borah alleged that the reins of the Assam Congress were in the hands of Hussain and that Gaurav Gogoi was merely a figurehead.

Hussain has not directly responded to the allegations, stating he would discuss the matter in a few days. Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, spoke to Borah, persuading him to re-consider his decision.

However, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma later visited his residence and announced that he would be joining the BJP on February 22.

Post Borahs resignation, Gaurav Gogoi stated his exit from the party would not harm its prospects. Congress is like an ocean; we are all just water drops in it. Congress was there long before our fathers and forefathers existed. Bhupen Borahs leaving will not impact our partys prospects in the assembly polls," he had said.

Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 12:10 IST

News politics Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah Formally Joins BJP In Guwahati Ahead Of Polls

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'Felt Humiliated': Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Bohra Joins BJP; Oppn Downplays Switch

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:46 IST

Bhupen Kumar Borah, who had been in the Congress for 32 years, formally joined the BJP today at the party's headquarters in Guwahati ahead of state elections.

Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah (Centre) joined the BJP on Sunday. (PTI)

Former Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, who formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday at the partys headquarters in Guwahati, said he felt humiliated by leaders within the party after stepping down and pledged to devote his political career to serving the people of the state.

Borah joined the BJP at the Vajpayee Bhawan in the presence of BJP President Dilip Saikia and Baijayant Panda. Young Congress leaders, including Sanju Baruah and Sarbanarayan Deori, also joined the BJP. The development comes as the 126-member Assam Assembly is set to undergo assembly polls later this year.

While leaving his residence for the BJP office, Borah said more Congress members will join the BJP after the party releases the names of candidates for the upcoming polls.

ALSO READ: Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Resigns, Blames Gaurav Gogois High-Handedness

I did not resign to join the BJP. had hoped that my leaders would introspect and correct themselves, but that did not happen. I felt neglected and humiliated, but then Assam CM reached out to me. Whatever time remains in my political career, I will dedicate it to serving my state and its people, if the party provides me a platform," he said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has publicly assured that Bhupen Borah will contest on a BJP ticket in the upcoming election. According to sources, Borah will be contesting from Bihpuria, which is Borahs home constituency in Lakhimpur district, and he had been MLA on two occasions on behalf of the Congress party.

Assam Congress Downplays Switch

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Assam assembly, Debabrata Saikia, on Sunday downplayed concerns over Borah joining the BJP, saying it would not hurt the partys prospects in the upcoming elections.

Saikia said Borahs departure would not impact the party as local leaders and workers from his constituency had chosen to stay back. It will not cause any harm because the leaders and workers of his constituency, from where he had been preparing to contest for the last three years, did not decide to go with him. They said that even if he leaves, we will remain in Congress. Therefore, we will not suffer any harm," he told news agency ANI.

Bhupen Borah had been in the Congress party for the last 32 years. He served as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly for two consecutive terms between 2006 and 2016. In 2013, he was named president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

Borah quit the party this week, citing party MP Rakibul Hussain as a major reason behind his decision. Borah alleged that the reins of the Assam Congress were in the hands of Hussain and that Gaurav Gogoi was merely a figurehead.

Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 17:23 IST

News politics 'Felt Humiliated': Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Bohra Joins BJP; Oppn Downplays Switch

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'Mamata Banerjee Leader Of INDIA Bloc': Mani Shankar Aiyar's Fresh Salvo At Rahul Gandhi

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 23:23 IST

Mani Shankar Aiyar fired a fresh salvo at Rahul Gandhi by saying that Mamata Banerjee was the actual leader of the INDIA Bloc and he should let others handle the position.

Rapid Read

Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Rahul Gandhi. (PTI)

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, known for his controversial remarks, fired a fresh salvo at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the real leader of the INDIA bloc, and the alliance would perish without her.

Speaking to IANS, Aiyar remarked, Without Mamata di, the I, N, D, I, A of the INDIA alliance will be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance. Along with her, there are two to four others who can achieve this position."

I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties  whether its Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh, Tejashwi, or someone else  Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it," Aiyar further mentioned.

Kolkata, West Bengal: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar says, Without Mamata di, the I, N, D, I, A of the INDIA alliance will be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance. Along with her, there are two-four others who can achieve this position. I pic.twitter.com/d2jtl9KBud IANS (@ians_india) February 22, 2026

The veteran Congress leader also recalled that he was Mamata Banerjees first National Secretary in Trinamool Congress (TMC). I joined the party here at the end of December 1997. But within three weeks, I realised that this party belongs to Bengalis and I am not a Bengali. So then what would I do there? Thats why I left," he said.

What can I tell you about the Congress? I only hope that Mamata Didi once again gives such a crushing reply to the BJP leaders that they are left without a face," he said on the upcoming state elections.

This came days after Aiyar openly criticised Rahul Gandhis leadership of the Congress, saying, 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 also attracted the ire of the Congress after he praised the LDF government in Kerala and expressed confidence that CM Pinarayi Vijayan would secure a third consecutive term. Aiyars comments were welcomed by Vijayan, but the Congress distanced itself from the remarks.

West Bengal Congresss Response

Congress leaders in West Bengal responded sharply to Aiyars remarks, saying he was no longer attached to party activities. Let us make it clear in the beginning  for a long time, Mani Shankar Aiyar is no more attached with the activities of Congress Party. Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bengal are vacant now. Was that a reason behind such a comment from Mani Shankar Aiyar?" Congress state general secretary Suman Roy Chowdhury told NDTV.

Mani Shankar ji, do you know Mamata Banerjee acts as behind the curtain stooge of BJP against whom the INDIA bloc is fighting? I dont think after staying away from the party, you have any stakes to make any decision of the Congress Party," he added.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said the governments primary duty is to decisively defeat the BJP and ensure that the government is formed here for the fourth time under Mamata Banerjee, adding that the entire country is watching who is giving the BJP a proper ideological battle."

West Bengal is gearing up for Assembly elections in the first half of 2026, with a heated battle on the cards between the TMC and BJP. The TMC will also face the Congress, which has opted to go solo without allying with the CPI(M) this time.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 23:23 IST

News politics 'Mamata Banerjee Leader Of INDIA Bloc': Mani Shankar Aiyar's Fresh Salvo At Rahul Gandhi

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Stalling SIR To Protect Infiltrators: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Targets Mamata Banerjee; TMC Hits Back

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 20:34 IST

Rekha Gupta accused Mamata Banerjee of blocking SIR to protect infiltrators and failing on womens safety. TMCs Shashi Panja countered, citing Delhis crime under Guptas rule.

Left: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta; Right:Senior TMC minister and national spokesperson Dr Shashi Panja

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of trying to block the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to prevent the identification of infiltrators.

Addressing the Nari Sankalp Yatra organised by the BJPs womens wing at Science City auditorium in Kolkata on February 22, 2026, Gupta alleged that Banerjee had approached the Supreme Court to stall the process.

She wants to perpetuate this and hence is trying to stall the SIR exercise, which aims at identifying and deporting infiltrators. Imagine a chief minister going to the apex court to argue against an exercise meant to ensure free and fair polls,"Gupta said.

She further claimed that people in West Bengal had decided to remove the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from power.

Allegations of Appeasement and Infiltration

The Delhi Chief Minister alleged that the TMC governments hands-off" and appeasement policies had allowed thousands of infiltrators to enter the State in recent years. According to her, this had affected basic facilities and rights of genuine citizens.

She claimed that access to water, electricity, ration, education, livelihood and even voting rights had come under strain due to the alleged influx.

Gupta also alleged that appeasement politics had reached an alarming level" under the current regime.

Womens Safety Under Scanner

Raising concerns over womens security, Gupta said women were not safe in the State despite having a woman Chief Minister. She referred to the rape-murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital and alleged that the government had failed to respond effectively.

She also mentioned the alleged rape of a woman medic in Durgapur and another law student on a Kolkata college campus, claiming that criminals had become emboldened.

Criticising welfare schemes such as Kanyashree, she described them as being built on false claims" and said women needed real security rather than promises.

Centre-State Tussle Over Schemes

Gupta accused the State government of blocking central welfare schemes. She alleged that funds worth lakhs of crores of rupees" had not reached the poor because programmes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission were not implemented in West Bengal.

You are only interested in renaming projects and taking credit," she said.

She also alleged that the education system had suffered, claiming several State-run schools had shut due to a shortage of teachers and that the government opposed the National Education Policy.

Now It Is Your Turn to Bid Farewell to Didi

Drawing a comparison with Delhi, Gupta said, People have already voted out Bhaia [a reference to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal]. Now it is your turn to bid farewell to Didi."

Calling upon women to stand up against what she termed strong-arm tactics", she urged them to show their strength, invoking Goddess Durga.

Bengal has the right to live with dignity, and women have the right to live with dignity," she added.

TMC Counters Rekha Gupta, Questions Delhis Womens Safety And Governance

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) hit back at Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta after her remarks targeting the West Bengal government, accusing her of ignoring serious issues in the national capital while criticising Bengal.

Senior TMC minister and national spokesperson Dr Shashi Panja said the Delhi Chief Minister delivered big lectures" on womens empowerment during her Kolkata visit, but the ground reality in Delhi paints a worrying picture.

She came to Kolkata and gave long lectures on womens empowerment. But the situation in Delhi is alarming. Recently, in Sarita Vihar, a 35-year-old woman and her teenage child were murdered and their bodies were stuffed inside a box. This is the condition of Delhi under her government. What is the state of womens safety there?" Panja said.

She further claimed that in the first 15 days of January 2026 alone, 807 girls were reported missing in Delhi.

You are the Chief Minister of Delhi. What steps have you taken? Instead of addressing your own failures, you are lecturing Bengal," she added.

Defending her State, Panja asserted, Women are safe here."

The TMC leader also alleged that the BJP visits Bengal only during election time and questioned law and order in Delhi.

If there was a blast in Delhi during your tenure, should that not be answered by the Home Minister?" she asked.

Raising the issue of pollution, Panja said, People in Delhi are struggling to breathe, and you do not even understand what AQI means. Instead of fixing Delhis problems, you are trying to defame Bengal."

First Published: February 22, 2026, 20:32 IST

News politics Stalling SIR To Protect Infiltrators: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Targets Mamata Banerjee; TMC Hits Back

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'You Are Already Naked': PM Modi Hits Out At Congress's Shirtless Protest At AI Summit

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 15:53 IST

PM Modi slammed a shirtless protest by members of Youth Congress at the AI Summit, saying the party turned a global event into a platform for dirty politics.

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PM Modi addressing a public event in Meerut. (PMO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Congress over a shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi, accusing the party of turning a global event into a platform for dirty and naked politics.

Just now, you saw that the worlds largest AI Impact Summit took place in India. Representatives from more than 80 countries around the world came to Delhi. Such a conference has never happened before in any of the developing countries of the world," PM Modi said while launching development projects in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut.

However, Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests. I ask the Congress people, the country knows that you are already naked, so why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?" he remarked.

#WATCH | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says,  The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests. I ask the Congress people, the country https://t.co/fa5yKag8oq pic.twitter.com/81zAr1Qsar ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Congress Leaders Hate Modi

The Prime Minister further said the incident showed the extent to which the Congress had become ideologically bankrupt, that it was busy defaming its own country. Congress leaders hate Modi, they want to dig my grave. They dont even hesitate to insult my mother. They oppose the BJP and NDA, but it is understandable. However, the Congress should have remembered that the AI Global Summit was not a BJP event, and no BJP leader was present at that time. This event was for the country," he said.

The Congress crossed all limits the day before yesterday. Today, across the entire country, people are condemning this conduct of the Congress. But look at their misfortune  instead of feeling ashamed, the leaders of such an old party are shamelessly boasting."

ALSO READ: Drama As Dissent: Aside From Youth Congresss Shirtless Stir, How 5 Times Political Protests Went Off-Script

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction that Congresss allies had shown the courage to criticise the party for the incident, adding that the grand old party had become a burden on the country.

Congress Shirtless Protest

PM Modis remarks came two days after Youth Congress workers stormed the AI Impact Summit shirtless at Bharat Mandapam, drawing condemnation from BJP, YSR Congress Party chief, Mayawati among others.

Visuals showed the protesting workers walking inside Bharat Mandapam with their shirts in their hands, raising slogans like Compromised PM" and Pax Silica" as they marched through the venue. Police detained around 10 protesters and took them to Tilak Marg police station.

The protest lasted only a few minutes but caused heated exchanges between some attendees and protesters, surprising visitors who had gathered for the high-profile international event. Even Congresss allies opined that the global event was not the right place for the protest.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said that creating ruckus is wrong, and expressed solidarity with the government. Creating a ruckus is wrong; it insults our country in front of foreign delegates. When delegates from around the world are present, we should not create such a disturbance, he said.

Former Uttar Pradesh CM and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Supremo Mayawati called the incident disgraceful and reprehensible". YSR Congress Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said the Youth Congress made us all feel ashamed."

Location : Meerut, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 15:36 IST

News politics 'You Are Already Naked': PM Modi Hits Out At Congress's Shirtless Protest At AI Summit

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Hero On Four Paws: Army Dog Tyson Took First Bullet, Led Troops To Jaish Hideouts In J&K

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 20:27 IST

The 2 Para Special Forces sniffer dog helped track terrorists despite being wounded, as forces killed three terrorists including a Jaish commander.

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Tyson was injured while leading troops to a terrorist hideout during the Kishtwar encounter that ended with three terrorists killed. (IMAGE: News18 Hindi)

In the ongoing Kishtwar operation in Jammu and Kashmir that saw security forces eliminate terrorists in the forested belt, one of the most talked-about heroes is not a soldier but a specially trained sniffer dog named Tyson  who continued the mission even after being shot.

According to officials, Tyson, attached to 2 Para Special Forces, was the first to confirm the presence of terrorists in the operation zone on Sunday morning. As troops advanced through the dense terrain, the dog moved ahead of the column to track the hideout and was hit by a bullet in his leg, News18 Hindi said in a report.

Despite the injury, Tyson stayed with the team and helped forces establish contact with the militants, playing a key role in guiding troops to the hideout, officials said. He was later airlifted to the Army hospital in Udhampur, where he is now stable and recovering, according to a separate report by Jammu and Kashmir-based Daily Excelsior.

Army officials told News18 Hindi that Tyson has been part of several major operations and is trained to detect explosives, identify suspicious locations and assist in tracking terrorists during search missions. His role has repeatedly helped troops locate hideouts in difficult terrain.

The Kishtwar encounter itself resulted in a major success for security forces, with Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah among three terrorists killed during the operation in the Passerkut area of the Chatroo belt. Saifullah, a Pakistani national, had been active in the Doda-Kishtwar region for years and was linked to multiple attacks, according to security officials.

Weapons and ammunition, including assault rifles, were recovered from the site, the Army said, describing the operation as a significant blow to militant activity in the region.

Location : Kishtwar, India, India

First Published: February 22, 2026, 20:08 IST

News viral Hero On Four Paws: Army Dog Tyson Took First Bullet, Led Troops To Jaish Hideouts In J&K

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Bangladesh Army Announces Major Reshuffle In Top Ranks After Tarique Rahman's Election

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 19:54 IST

Bangladesh Army reshuffles senior leadership after Tarique Rahmans election.

Bangladesh Army reshuffles senior leadership after Tarique Rahmans election. (Image: reuters)

The Bangladesh Army has carried out a significant reshuffle in its senior leadership soon after the new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahmans election. The Army Headquarters issued an official order on Sunday afternoon, as reported by local media.

Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman has been appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS). He previously served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC).

In another key move, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, who had been serving as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and posted as an ambassador. Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, formerly the GOC of the 24th Infantry Division, will take over as the new Principal Staff Officer.

The reshuffle also includes changes at the divisional level. Major General J M Imdadul Islam has been moved from the 55th Infantry Division to the East Bengal Regimental Centre. Meanwhile, Major General Ferdous Hassan, who was serving as Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre, has been appointed GOC of the 24th Infantry Division.

Additionally, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, previously posted at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, has been promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed as the GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.

The appointments reflect a broad reorganisation of key operational and administrative posts within the Bangladesh Army.

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: February 22, 2026, 19:54 IST

News world Bangladesh Army Announces Major Reshuffle In Top Ranks After Tarique Rahman's Election

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Bangladesh Army Reshuffle Aims To Stabilise New Regime As BNP-Linked Officers Take Key Roles

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News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 03:13 IST

Sources say the changes aim to stabilise the command structure of the Bangladesh Army, strengthen political-military coordination and refocus the army on core defence roles.

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Army personnel sit in a vehicle as they patrol the streets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Bangladeshs military has undergone a major reshuffle that appears aimed at internal consolidation and regime stability, according to top intelligence sources in Dhaka.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the changes are not meant to reorient Bangladesh toward a PakistanChina security axis, but rather to stabilise the command structure as political dynamics shift.

Generals seen as close to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have taken on key roles, a move that sources say strengthens Tarique Rahmans influence over the military by reassigning or sidelining officers perceived to be aligned with the Yunus interim administration.

The restructuring is intended to ensure the army backs the elected BNP leadership, particularly after the removal of Sheikh Hasina exposed weaknesses within state institutions, sources added.

A key appointment is that of Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury as the new chief of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), signalling a push to recalibrate military intelligence and focus on internal security threats.

Sources said the BNPs primary concern remains the Jamaat, which they described as politically disruptive and capable of destabilising governments.

Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasans transfer to the foreign ministry removes a figure backed by the Yunus camp, reducing factional risks while leveraging his experience in a diplomatic role  a move seen as shifting certain portfolios from military to civilian oversight.

Meanwhile, the elevation of Maj Gen Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, believed to be close to the BNP, as Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division is expected to deepen coordination between the political leadership and the military.

Changes in divisional commands, particularly in the 24th and 55th Infantry Divisions, are aimed at addressing border pressures linked to instability in Myanmar. Officers such as Ferdous Hasan and Hafizur Rahman are being positioned to manage potential spillovers from Arakan Army activity, sources said.

The reshuffle also reflects the army chiefs preference for officers like Lt Gen Mainur Rahman over more contested candidates, signalling an emphasis on merit-based leadership and cohesion within the ranks.

For India, the changes could open a window for improved border coordination, intelligence sharing and confidence-building measures along the Northeast frontier, according to sources familiar with regional security assessments.

Overall, the restructuring is seen as an effort to restore the militarys focus on core defence responsibilities after prolonged involvement in internal security roles, thereby enhancing operational readiness.

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: February 23, 2026, 03:13 IST

News world Bangladesh Army Reshuffle Aims To Stabilise New Regime As BNP-Linked Officers Take Key Roles

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Go To US Congress If: Indian-Origin Lawyer Neal Katyal On Trump's 15% Global Tariffs Order

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 12:46 IST

Neal Katyal criticised Donald Trumps 15 percent global tariffs urging Congress involvement for such sweeping measures.

Neal Katyal called it a defining affirmation of constitutional limits on presidential authority.

Indian-origin attorney Neal Katyal, who successfully argued against US President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs before the Supreme Court, on Sunday (local time) lashed out at Trump over his decision to impose 15% global tariffs, saying that he cannot bypass Congress while taking such measures.

While questioning the Presidents reliance on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, he said that Trumps decision to impose tariffs contradicts the administrations own earlier position before the Supreme Court of the United States.

He pointed out that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had previously told the Court that Section 122 was not suited for situations involving trade deficits, which are different from balance-of-payments deficits.

Seems hard for the President to rely on the 15 percent statute (sec 122) when his DOJ in our case told the Court the opposite: Nor does [122] have any obvious application here, where the concerns the President identified in declaring an emergency arise from trade deficits, which are conceptually distinct from balance-of-payments deficits," he said in a post on X.

Seems hard for the President to rely on the 15 percent statute (sec 122) when his DOJ in our case told the Court the opposite: Nor does [122] have any obvious application here, where the concerns the President identified in declaring an emergency arise from trade deficits, which Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) February 21, 2026

Calling out Trump for his decision to rely on executive orders to impose sweeping global tariffs, Katyal, a former Acting Solicitor General who represented small businesses challenging the tariffs in the top court, also called for the US President to act the American way.

If he wants sweeping tariffs, he should do the American thing and go to Congress. If his tariffs are such a good idea, he should have no problem persuading Congress. Thats what our Constitution requires," Katyal asserted.

Economist and former IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath also supported Katyals analysis on X and pointed out that trade deficits and balance-of-payments deficits are not the same.

@neal_katyal speaking International Economics 101:Nor does [122] have any obvious application here, where the concerns the President identified in declaring an emergency arise from trade deficits, which are conceptually distinct from balance-of-payments deficits," she said.

.@neal_katyal speaking International Economics 101:Nor does [122] have any obvious application here, where the concerns the President identified in declaring an emergency arise from trade deficits, which are conceptually distinct from balance-of-payments deficits." https://t.co/lQyeKGJ4Hi Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) February 21, 2026

Trump Raises Global Tariff To 15%

His remarks came after the US President announced an increase in the proposed global tariff rate from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, sharply criticising a recent US court ruling and calling it anti-American".

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the higher tariff would take effect immediately. He accused several countries of exploiting the US for decades and claimed the revised rate was legally sound.

As President of the United States, I will be raising the worldwide tariff from 10% to the fully permitted and legally tested 15% level," Trump wrote, adding that the move was aimed at countering what he described as unfair trade practices.

He said that his decision was based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court."

Who Is Neal Katyal?

The son of Indian immigrants, Katyal emerged as a central figure in the landmark judgment that struck down Trumps use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on imports from nearly all trading partners.

The case, backed by small businesses and supported by the Liberty Justice Center, challenged Trumps argument that tariffs were justified under emergency economic powers.

Katyal described the outcome as a milestone not tied to any single presidency.

Born in Chicago to immigrant parents from India, Katyal has argued more than 50 cases before the Supreme Court and previously served as the US governments top courtroom advocate under President Barack Obama. He is currently a partner at Milbank LLP and a law professor at Georgetown University.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 12:46 IST

News world Go To US Congress If: Indian-Origin Lawyer Neal Katyal On Trump's 15% Global Tariffs Order

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India Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes In Afghanistan, Backs Kabuls Sovereignty

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:46 IST

New Delhis condemnation comes after cross-border strikes that Kabul says hit civilian areas. Pakistan said it targeted Pakistan Taliban terrorists.

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Taliban security personnel search for victims after an overnight Pakistani air strike hit a residential area at the Girdi Kas village in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province. (IMAGE: AFP)

India on Sunday condemned Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory, saying the strikes had resulted in civilian casualties including women and children during the holy month of Ramadan.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks were another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures" and reiterated Indias support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

India strongly condemns Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," the statement released by the ministry said.

The reaction comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan in the early hours of Sunday, targeting multiple locations along the Durand Line, with fighter jets hitting suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts, CNN-News18 has learned. Sources said at least 28 TTP fighters were killed in the strikes across eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. A Pakistani security source told AFP on Sunday that airstrikes on neighbouring Afghanistan killed more than 80" militants.

Pakistani aircraft struck the Barmal district of Paktika province, where multiple explosions were reported, including successive blasts in the Margha area. Missiles were also reportedly fired at the Banusi Madrasa in Bermal, raising concerns about casualties and damage, though there has been no official confirmation.

Afghanistan condemned the strikes, calling them a clear violation" of sovereignty and international law. Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the attacks hit a religious seminary and residential areas in Nangarhar and Paktika, leaving dozens of civilians, including women and children, killed or injured.

Taliban authorities are assessing the damage and have warned of retaliation, sources close to the leadership told CNN-News18. Pakistan has violated Afghan airspace," a source said, adding that Kabul has the right to retaliate" and senior leaders have convened urgent meetings in Kabul and Kandahar.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 21:38 IST

News world India Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes In Afghanistan, Backs Kabuls Sovereignty

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After the November 2025 U.S. government shutdown and subsequent bad weather conditions affecting airlines and flights, it looks like the travel industry faces another turbulent ride.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry as the partial government shutdown, which began Feb. 14, continues. Starting the morning of Feb. 22, these fast-pass programs are temporarily suspended at airports across the country, the Associated Press reported.

The partial government shutdown commenced after lawmakers and the White House were unable to agree on legislation related to DHS funding. The disagreement largely centers on how federal immigration officers should operate following recent high-profile incidents.

How are TSA PreCheck suspension and partial government shutdown affecting travelers?

According to TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, potential consequences include:

No fast lanes: even passengers who have PreCheck of Global Entry would likely have to wait in the standard security lines.

Staffing shortage: TSA officers are once again expected to work without pay, which may result in fewer workers, causing longer lines.

Other delays: Screening for checked luggage might be slower and lead to potential flight delays.

Source: Financial Express

Shutdowns have serious real world consequences, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement, adding that TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.

Further complicating travel across the United States, major airlines have begun canceling thousands of flights due to another monster winter storm.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jet Blue and other carriers cancel thousands of flights due to winter storm Hernando. Photo by SAUL LOEB on Getty Images  Photo by SAUL LOEB on Getty Images

Major airlines cancel thousands of flights due to winter storm Hernando

The National Weather Service issued a major winter storm warning, highlighting that it will impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast and cause inclement weather in the Pacific Northwest.

A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast that may cause impossible travel conditions and power outages," reads the official announcement.

Related: Marriott drops special promotions for loyal members

"Blizzard conditions are possible along coastal areas from the DelMarVa Peninsula through southeastern New England. Wet weather and strong winds return to the Pacific Northwest and north-central California.

More than 2,915 U.S. flights have been canceled for Sunday, Feb. 22, and over 1,875 have been delayed as of 10:40 a.m. EST, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.
Iran Refuses To Export Enriched Uranium Stockpile, Offers To Dilute It Instead: Report

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:06 IST

Iran currently holds uranium enriched to 60%, near weapons grade, but is offering to down-blend it to 20% or below.

An Iranian woman walks past a mural of an Iranian flag in Tehran on February 22, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Iran has refused to export its 300kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium but says it will lower its purity under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iranian sources said that the proposal is expected to form the core of Irans offer to the US in the coming days, as US President Donald Trump weighs whether to take military action amid his naval buildup in the Middle East, The Guardian reported.

The announcement comes as protests broke out on Saturday at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and at least two universities in Tehran, leading to new clashes in the streets. The universities had been reopening after being closed amid fears of demonstrations.

At Sharif University, students chanted slogans including Javed Shah" and Death to the dictator." The university president urged students to stop, warning that authorities would enforce classes if protests continued.

ALSO READ: Khamenei Planning For Assassination Scenario? Iranian Leader Appoints Longtime Loyalist As Successor

The gatherings follow a mass protest movement last month that was met with a heavy government crackdown, leaving thousands dead, according to media reports.

Iran currently holds uranium enriched to 60%, near weapons grade, but is offering to down-blend it to 20% or below. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there had been no US demand to end domestic enrichment. The main focus is on the purity of the uranium and the number of centrifuges Iran would be allowed to operate.

Reports that the stockpile could be sent to Russia or linked to an overseas consortium have been denied by Iranian sources. An Iranian diplomat told state-linked media, We emphasised this position during the negotiations that nuclear materials will not leave the country."

The level of access given to the IAEA will be a major factor in whether Trump feels the need to pursue military options.

Araghchi also denied that Iran had proposed suspending enrichment for two to three years, contradicting the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, who said the US seeks zero enrichment" by Iran.

Location : Iran

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:06 IST

News world Iran Refuses To Export Enriched Uranium Stockpile, Offers To Dilute It Instead: Report

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Is AI Replacing All Jobs? No, Sam Altman Doesn't Think So

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 13:20 IST

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Sam Altman said firms blame AI for layoffs, but it may create new opportunities.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take away our jobs  a statement thats been ringing in our ears for the past few months. Tech giants, including Google, Amazon, and TCS, have already laid off thousands of employees, citing a shift towards an AI-driven era.

However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is at loggerheads with the statement. According to him, AI is likely not the reason for all the job losses.

During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the OpenAI chief remarked that firms may be using AI as an excuse for laying off employees, something which he described as AI washing".

Speaking to CNBC TV18, I dont know what the exact percentage is, but theres some AI washing where people are blaming AI for layoffs that they would otherwise do."

AI BEHIND JOB LOSSES?

Altman signalled that many companies may be using AI as a reason for laying off workers. Sam acknowledged many jobs were in fact being impacted directly by AI. However, he didnt specify the roles.

The OpenAI Boss reckoned that while AI may impact jobs, there is a possibility of new opportunities.

Well find new kinds of jobs, as we do with every tech revolution," he said. But I would expect that the real impact of AI doing jobs in the next few years will begin to be palpable."

Earlier, a report from consulting firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, showed that approximately 55,000 layoffs were because of AI in 2025. Although the number sounds humungous, it actually represents less than 1 per cent of job losses that year.

Other leaders in the AI space have also been vocal about their views on the matter. According to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, this cannot be guaranteed if AI will create as many jobs as it displaces.

Microsofts AI chief Mustafa Suleyman hints that all white collar jobs may be replaced by Artificial Intelligence within the next eighteen months.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 13:20 IST

News world Is AI Replacing All Jobs? No, Sam Altman Doesn't Think So

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'It Was Actually Inedible': JD Vance Reveals 'Best And Worst' Dishes He Cooked For Wife Usha

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 14:03 IST

JD Vance jokes about his attempt at making crescent roll pizza for Usha. The couple met at Yale Law and have three kids.

The couple, who had met at Yale Law School in 2010, are parents to three children. (Photo Credit: YouTube)

US Vice-President JD Vance recently offered a candid and humorous take on his cooking journey, revealing the best and worst" dishes he has ever cooked for his wife, Usha Vance. The conversation turned to food as Usha Vance had previously suggested that he did not know how to cook much" before they met.

In an interview with Fox Newss Lara Trump, Vance said that naming the worst [dish] is very easy."

LARA TRUMP: Usha once said that you did not know how to cook much before you met her: So what is the best and worst dish that you ever cooked for your wife?"JD VANCE: The worst is very easy. Ushas a vegetarian and I am not. So Im like thinking to myself, what does a pic.twitter.com/3Gmxs83aA0  Fox News (@FoxNews) February 22, 2026

Ushas a vegetarian and I am not. So Im like thinking to myself, what does a vegetarian eatSo I went to the grocery store. I got those crescent rolls. I rolled them out like into a pizza shapeIt was disgusting. Like it was actually inedible," the US Vice-President further said.

Looking back, he joked about the rocky start, saying, Its amazing that the relationship lasted because that was the first time that I ever cooked for her."

Since then, Vance said, his skills have come a long way. The best thing that Ive ever cooked? Im pretty good at cooking now. But I can make a pretty good brioche bread."

Usha Vance highlighted another of his recent kitchen successes. Most recently its been Shokupan, which is the Japanese milk breadhes been working on it for a while and he does it really well," she stated.

The light-hearted exchange offered a glimpse into their family life. The couple, who met at Yale Law School in 2010, are parents to three children  Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel  and are expecting a fourth child later this year.

Vance also spoke warmly about his wifes role in his life and career. I know her most of all as a great mom and a great wife, as a person who supports me, whos so good to the kids, who makes it possible for them to grow up as normal kids," he said.

He added, This is a person who doesnt really care about the limelight, whos not trying to sort of get out there in front of the crowds all the time, who just wants to give her kids a good life and who wants to be as good a public servant as possible."

I think thats what we should want out of our public leaders and certainly they have it in our second lady," he further said.

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 14:02 IST

News world 'It Was Actually Inedible': JD Vance Reveals 'Best And Worst' Dishes He Cooked For Wife Usha

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Khamenei Planning For Assassination Scenario? Iranian Leader Appoints Longtime Loyalist As Successor

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 17:08 IST

Ayatollah Khamenei set succession plans and named Ali Larijani to oversee key affairs as Iran faces US and Israeli threats, reports The New York Times.

File photo of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (IMAGE: AFP FILE)

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly instructed senior associates on how to respond if he is killed in potential US or Israeli strikes, outlining contingency measures that include layered succession plans and emergency chains of command, according to The New York Times.

The report, citing interviews with senior Iranian officials, members of the Revolutionary Guards and former diplomats, says Khamenei moved to secure continuity of leadership during a period of heightened tensions and domestic unrest.

At the height of nationwide protests last month and amid rising US threats of military action, Khamenei is said to have elevated longtime loyalist Ali Larijani, a former Revolutionary Guards commander and veteran politician to a central governing role. The move effectively placed Larijani at the helm of key state affairs.

Since then, Larijani has reportedly overseen the governments crackdown on protests, handled sensitive nuclear diplomacy with Washington, and coordinated closely with regional allies including Russia, Qatar and Oman. He is also said to be leading wartime planning as Iran braces for possible US military action.

While Larijani is not considered a likely successor to the supreme leader as he is not a senior Shiite cleric he is described in the report as one of Khameneis most trusted crisis managers.

According to The New York Times, Khamenei has named multiple layers of successors for key military and political positions and delegated decision-making authority to a tightly knit inner circle in the event communications are severed or he is assassinated.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran has reportedly placed its armed forces on high alert, deployed missile systems near Iraq and along the Persian Gulf, and conducted military drills in preparation for a potential conflict.

Publicly, Khamenei has maintained a defiant tone, warning that any attack on Iran would be met with a powerful response.

Location : Tehran, Iran

First Published: February 22, 2026, 17:08 IST

News world Khamenei Planning For Assassination Scenario? Iranian Leader Appoints Longtime Loyalist As Successor

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King Charles Warned In 2019 About Andrews Secret Business Deals, Royal Name Misuse: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 08:32 IST

Email record claims controversial financier David Rowland was benefiting from his links to former Prince Andrew.

As public anger mounted, King Charles faced renewed calls to act over Andrews controversial past with Jeffrey Epstein, which led to the stripping of the title of 'Prince'. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

A whistleblower warned King Charles III in 2019 that the business relationships of Prince Andrew risked exploiting the Royal Familys name, according to documents cited by the Daily Mail. The reported email was sent to Charles when he was Prince of Wales through royal lawyers Farrer & Co. It alleged that controversial financier David Rowland was benefiting from his links to Andrew.

What the whistleblower alleged?

The email claimed Andrews conduct suggested he viewed his relationship with Rowland as more important than that of his family" and warned of the abuse of the Royal Familys name". A follow-up email, copied to palace aides and legal representatives, reportedly stated that evidence unequivocally proves" such misuse.

It also alleged that Rowland paid Andrew to help secure a Luxembourg banking licence for his private bank, Banque Havilland, and included what were described as Andrews bank details. Rowland has rejected wrongdoing and dismissed the licensing claim.

Business links

Emails reviewed by the Daily Mail appear to indicate that Rowland and his son Jonathan joined Andrew on overseas trips during his tenure as the UKs taxpayer-funded trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. The visits included China and former Soviet states, where Andrew allegedly highlighted business opportunities connected to his official role.

The report further said Rowland provided financial assistance linked to Andrews former wife Sarah Ferguson and later paid off a 1.5 million loan for the prince.

Scrutiny and arrest

The revelations come amid renewed attention on Andrews past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations he shared sensitive information with him, claims Andrew has repeatedly denied.

According to the report, Andrew was arrested on Thursday local time on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released under investigation. Authorities have not provided further details.

Palace response

A Buckingham Palace source told the newspaper that, given the ongoing police inquiry, it could not comment on the whistleblower email and said any relevant material should be shared with investigators.

UK politicians cited in the report called for police to examine the latest claims. Victims lawyer Gloria Allred told the BBC that members of the Royal Family should cooperate with investigators if requested.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, prompting debate over whether legislation should remove him from the line of succession as investigations continue. Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing.

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 08:32 IST

News world King Charles Warned In 2019 About Andrews Secret Business Deals, Royal Name Misuse: Report

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Largest US Bank JPMorgan Chase Closed Donald Trump's 50 Accounts In 2021. Here's Why

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 08:21 IST

Until now, JPMorgan had never formally acknowledged closing Trump's accounts after Jan. 6, previously speaking only in general terms about account closures and citing privacy laws.

Rapid Read

US President Donald Trump addressing the White House on Friday. (Reuters)

JPMorgan Chase has for the first time publicly acknowledged that it closed President Donald Trumps bank accounts and those of several of his businesses in the months after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, marking a significant shift in its stance over the issue known as debanking."

The disclosure was made in a court filing submitted this week in Trumps lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and its CEO, Jamie Dimon. The president is seeking $5 billion in damages, claiming his accounts were shut down for political reasons, causing significant disruption to his business operations.

In February 2021, JPMorgan informed Plaintiffs that certain accounts maintained with JPMorgans CB and PB would be closed," JPMorgans former chief administrative officer Dan Wilkening wrote in the court filing. The PB" and CB" stands for JPMorgans private bank and commercial bank.

Till now, JPMorgan has never admitted it closed the presidents accounts in writing after Jan. 6. The bank would only speak hypothetically about when the bank closes accounts and its reasons for closing accounts, citing bank privacy laws.

A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase declined to offer additional comment beyond the banks statements in its court filings.

Trump initially filed the lawsuit in Florida state court, where he now maintains his primary residence. The latest filings are part of JPMorgans push to shift the case from state to federal court and to transfer jurisdiction to New York, where the accounts were held and where Trump conducted much of his business until recently.

Originally, Trump accused the bank of trade libel and violating state and federal unfair and deceptive trade practices.

In the original lawsuit, the president said he tried to raise the issue personally with Dimon after the bank sent him notices that JPMorgan would close his accounts, and that Dimon assured Trump he would figure out what was happening. The lawsuit alleges Dimon failed to follow up with Trump.

Additionally, Trumps attorneys claim that JPMorgan Chase placed the president and his businesses on a reputational blacklist," which they allege is shared within the bank and possibly with other financial institutions to prevent future account openings. However, the presidents legal team has not yet clearly defined or detailed the nature of the alleged blacklist.

If and when Plaintiffs explain what they mean by this blacklist," JPMorgan will respond accordingly," the banks lawyers said in a filing.

JPMorgan Chase has previously said that while it regrets that Trump chose to file suit, it believes the case is without merit.

At the heart of the dispute is the issue of debanking"  the practice of a financial institution closing a customers accounts or declining to provide services such as loans. Once a relatively little-known concept in banking, debanking has in recent years become politically contentious, with conservative lawmakers alleging that banks have unfairly targeted them and affiliated groups.

In a devastating concession that proves President Trumps entire claim, JPMorgan Chase admitted to unlawfully and intentionally de-banking President Trump, his family, and his businesses, causing overwhelming financial harm," the presidents lawyers said in a statement. President Trump is standing up for all those wrongly debanked by JPMorgan Chase and its cohorts, and will see this case to a just and proper conclusion.

Debanking first emerged as a national controversy when conservatives accused the Obama administration of pressuring financial institutions to cut off services to gun retailers and payday lenders under the initiative known as Operation Choke Point.

Trump and other conservative figures have alleged that banks cut them off from their accounts under the umbrella term of reputational risk" after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Since Trump came back into office, the presidents banking regulators have moved to stop any banks from using reputational risk" as a reason for denying service to customers.

This is not the first time Trump has taken legal action against a major financial institution over alleged debanking. In March 2025, the Trump Organization filed a similar lawsuit against credit card company Capital One. That case remains pending.

(With inputs from AP)

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 08:21 IST

News world Largest US Bank JPMorgan Chase Closed Donald Trump's 50 Accounts In 2021. Here's Why

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Latest US-Iran Talks To Be Held On February 26 In Geneva: Oman

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 23:48 IST

Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced US-Iran nuclear talks will resume Thursday, aiming for a deal on sanctions relief.

Omans Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi (AFP File)

Days after the US-Iran talks in Geneva, Oman Foreign Minister on Sunday said there will be another round of talks on Thursday.

AFP quoted Badr Albusaidi saying in a social media post, talks would resume with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal".

The Oman-mediated talks are aimed at curbing Irans nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, a longstanding demand from Tehran.

Also Read: Iran Says US Stance On Nuclear Issue More Realistic Ahead Of Second Round Of Talks

During the previous round of talks, officials said they agreed on a set of guiding principles that could form the basis of a broader deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as more constructive" than previous rounds, saying both sides would now begin drafting texts for a potential agreement. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also said good progress" had been made but cautioned that significant work remained.

Also Read: Amid Nuclear Talks, Iran Signals Openness To Verification As US Military Build-Up Heightens Tensions

Previously, Irans Supreme Leader warned the country has the capability to sink a US warship, while US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened consequences" if a deal is not reached.

Washington has stepped up its military presence in the region, deploying the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Gulf and indicating a second carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, would follow soon. Satellite imagery has previously shown US carrier strike groups operating within range of Iran.

The West has long suspected Irans nuclear programme could be aimed at developing a bomb, an allegation Tehran continues to deny as negotiations move forward amid the threat of further escalation.

Location : Oman

First Published: February 22, 2026, 23:48 IST

News world Latest US-Iran Talks To Be Held On February 26 In Geneva: Oman

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12 Children Among All 23 Members Of Afghan Family Killed In Pakistan Strike, Taliban Blames 'Poor Intel'

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:50 IST

While Pakistan said the mission was a "precision targeting" operation aimed at TTP and ISIS-K hideouts, the Afghan Taliban officials condemned the act as "indiscriminate"

Afghan residents dig mass graves for the victims, killed in an overnight Pakistani air strike, during a funeral ceremony at the Girdi Kas village in Behsud district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on February 22, 2026. (Image: AFP)

The Taliban condemned lack of intelligence on part of Pakistan and alleged the midnight strikes by the neighbouring country wiped out an Afghan family of 23, including 12 children.

The airstrike by Pakistan sent shockwaves through the region, even as the Afghan Taliban said it has led to the loss of civilians in the Behsud region of Nangarhar province.

According to top Taliban sources, the strike killed a family of 23, including 12 children aged between one and 17. The incident took place in the dead of night, reducing a residential accommodation to rubble while local residents later held a mass funeral for the 23 victims pulled from the debris.

While Islamabad has categorised the mission as a precision targeting" operation aimed at Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-K hideouts, the Afghan Taliban officials condemned the act as indiscriminate".

The Taliban sources told News18 that evidence from the ground suggests a failure in intelligence gathering by Pakistani forces. The location targeted in Behsud is a settled residential area situated far from the established insurgent camps typically found in remote border zones like Bermal. An assessment showed that while Pakistan may have relied on drone surveillance or human intelligence, the strike on a civilian home implies critical errors in target identification, the sources added.

The sources said this tragedy follows a pattern in Nangarhar where unilateral airstrikes have been found to disproportionately affect families, leading to mass displacement and a surge in anti-Pakistan sentiment. Islamabads military is reportedly under immense pressure from internal security threats following a series of suicide bombings claimed by the TTP.

Pakistani officials, the sources said, have hinted that Afghanistans refusal to cooperate on the extradition of TTP leaders has forced them into these unilateral, cross-border actions. The resulting fallout has significantly intensified geopolitical tensions along the volatile Durand Line.

Afghanistan has responded with uncharacteristically blunt rhetoric, promising retaliation for the loss of innocent lives. Experts warned that this could lead to direct cross-border skirmishes or increased proxy support for militant groups, further destabilising the region and potentially drawing in regional powers such as India or Iran, the sources said.

The experts further said both Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be using the airstrikes to bolster their own political narratives. Islamabad is using the operation to justify its hard-line military stance amid domestic security pressures, while the Taliban leadership is leveraging the civilian deaths to consolidate domestic support and frame Pakistan as an aggressor.

Location : Kabul, Afghanistan

First Published: February 22, 2026, 21:43 IST

News world 12 Children Among All 23 Members Of Afghan Family Killed In Pakistan Strike, Taliban Blames 'Poor Intel'

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They Bombed Innocent Civilians: Afghanistan Vows Response After Dozens Killed In Pakistani Airstrikes

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 09:19 IST

Kabul's Ministry of National Defence said it that considers safeguarding the countrys sovereignty and the security of its people its religious and national responsibility.

Pakistan has carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika & Nangarhar province. (X)

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict: Afghanistan on Sunday condemned airstrikes carried out by Pakistan along the border against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, calling them a clear violation" of the countrys sovereignty and international law.

In a post on X, Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistani strikes on border regions hit a religious seminary and multiple residential homes in which dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were killed and injured.

Last night, they bombed our civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, martyring and wounding dozens of people, including women and children," he said in a post on X.

               ...                          (      )     pic.twitter.com/3JIUFX5Nkb         (@MoDAfghanistan2) February 22, 2026

Kabuls Ministry of National Defence said it that considers safeguarding the countrys sovereignty and the security of its people its religious and national responsibility, and warned that an appropriate and calculated response will be given at the proper time.

Attacks on civilian targets and religious centres are clear evidence of the Pakistani armys intelligence and security failures, and such repeated aggressions will never conceal their internal shortcomings," it said in a post on X.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes along the border with Afghanistan in the wee hours of Sunday, targeting TTP fighters blamed for recent deadly attacks in the country.

Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the military conducted what he described as intelligence-based, selective operations" against seven camps belonging to the TTP and its affiliates. He added that an affiliate of the Islamic State group was also targeted in the border region, Associated Press reported.

Read More: Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes Across Afghan Border, 28 TTP Fighters Dead

Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region," Tarar said in a post on X, but stressed that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.

Regime change in #Afghanistan is under way. This beautiful nation will be soon liberated. #PAKISTAN has always been Afghans saviour and will always be of every Muslim on globe. pic.twitter.com/fEjItLPefm  ???? ???? (@SquatJogz) February 22, 2026

Islamabad did not specify the exact locations of the strikes, however top sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in Bermal and Argun districts of Paktika province, and in Khogyani, Bahsod and Ghani Khel districts of Nangarhar province

Several blasts were heard in quick succession in the Margha area, indicating a coordinated operation.

Reports also said missiles were fired by an unidentified aircraft at the Banusi Madrasa in Bermal, raising concerns about casualties and material damage.

Sources confirmed that at least 28 TTP fighters were killed in the strikes, which were carried out across eastern and southeastern Afghanistan.

Pakistani broadcaster Geo News, quoting the Ministry of Information, reported that the strikes targeted camps of Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), its affiliates and Daesh Khorasan Province (DKP), claiming the action was conducted with precision and accuracy" in response to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu during Ramzan.

The latest escalation followed a series of deadly attacks in northwestern Pakistan. In Bajaur district, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Hours later, another attack in Bannu killed two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Authorities said the Bajaur attacker was an Afghan national.

Tarar said that Pakistan had conclusive evidence" that the recent attacks, including a suicide bombing targeting a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 worshippers, were carried out by militants acting on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers."

Read More: Will Strike Back At Perfect Time: Taliban Vows Response After Pakistan Airstrikes | EXCLUSIVE

He said that Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan and called on the international community to press Kabul to honour commitments under the Doha Agreement.

Pakistans Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said earlier this week that Islamabad very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan," adding that while Pakistan was exercising patience, all options would obviously remain on the table."

Relations between the two countries have remained tense since last year amid rising cross-border violence despite a Qatar-mediated ceasefire that has largely held in recent months.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: February 22, 2026, 07:25 IST

News world They Bombed Innocent Civilians: Afghanistan Vows Response After Dozens Killed In Pakistani Airstrikes

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Part Of Effort To Create Alliance Against Radical Outfits: Netanyahu On PM Modis Israel Visit

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:13 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Israel from February 25 to strengthen its strategic and defence partnership with Tel Aviv.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Reuters File Image)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his friend" Indian PM Narendra Modis upcoming visit to Israel will boost economic cooperation, diplomatic cooperation, and security cooperation". He said the visit was part of creating an alliance against radical outfits in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India, my friend Narendra Modi, will arrive in Israel. In the vision I see before my eyes, we will create a complete system of alliances around or within the Middle East. An axis of countries that see reality, the challenges, and the goals with one eye, facing the radical axes," Netanyahu said at the opening of a government meeting.

      :     ,   .     ,           .      ,       . pic.twitter.com/W0ebBpa4pK     (@IsraeliPM_heb) February 22, 2026

Netanyahu said the special relationship that has developed in recent years between Israel and India, and called PM Modi a personal friend. I visited India, and Modi visited here. We have swum in the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since thenin the Mediterranean, in the Ganges, and in the Jordan," he said.

The Israeli Prime Minister said Modis visit will result in closer economic, diplomatic and security cooperation, along with that in high-tech, in AI and quantum processes.

Netanyahu says that Israel will create an entire system  essentially a kind of hexagon of alliances  around or within the Middle East," listing India, Greece, Cyprus, and unnamed Arab, African and Asian countries.

The intention here is to create an axis of countries that see reality, the challenges, and the goals in the same way, in contrast to the radical axes," he said. Both the radical Shiite axis, which we have hit very hard, and also the emerging axis  the radical Sunni axis. All these countries share a different outlook, and cooperation between us can yield very great fruits and, of course, also ensure our strength and our future."

ALSO READ: From Hosting Top Leaders To Mega AI Summit, A Busy Foreign February Awaits PM Modi

PM Modis Israel Visit

PM Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Israel from February 25 as New Delhi is preparing to strengthen its strategic and defence partnership with Tel Aviv significantly. The two sides are likely to sign an MoU on security cooperation.

India is particularly interested in jointly developing advanced anti-ballistic missile systems under Mission Sudershan, aimed at shielding Indian territory from long-range missile threats. Israels expertise in layered missile defence makes it a key partner in the domain.

Israel has also reportedly agreed to provide cutting-edge technologies, including advanced laser-based defence systems and other high-precision stand-off weapons, according to reports. Beyond defence, the visit is expected to deepen cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, water management, and emerging fields like quantum computing.

Location : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:04 IST

News world Part Of Effort To Create Alliance Against Radical Outfits: Netanyahu On PM Modis Israel Visit

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McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is included among the 16 Best Dividend Stocks with Rising Payouts.

McDonalds (MCD) Upgraded to Buy by Argus on Strong Competitive Positioning

On February 13, Argus analyst John Staszak upgraded McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD) to Buy from Hold and set a $380 price target. In a research note, he said the company is in a strong position to attract budget-conscious customers through its value menus and promotional offers. He also pointed to McDonalds investments in its digital platform and new product launches, which he believes could support comparable sales growth above peers.

Following the companys Q4 2025 earnings report, analysts across Wall Street responded positively. Many maintained a bullish view and see further upside in the stock.What else could you want? Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo wrote in response to the results. JPMorgan analyst John Ivankoe said McDonalds is making efforts to recapture attention lost to specialists. He added that the value strategy is gaining traction and expects stronger franchisee profitability to drive alignment around new initiatives in 2026 and beyond, including beverages, chicken offerings, and restaurant remodels.

JPMorgan kept an Overweight rating on the shares. Morgan Stanley maintained an Equal Weight rating, while Deutsche Bank reiterated its Buy rating.

McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD) operates as a global foodservice retailer. Its business is organized into the U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of MCD 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: 13 Best Roth IRA Stocks to Buy Now and 13 Cheapest Dividend Aristocrats to Invest in

Disclosure: None.
Putin Wanted Kyivs Top Officials Killed, Ukraine Alleges $100,000 Bounty Plot

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 09:45 IST

Kyiv and Moldova arrested 10 suspects for plotting assassinations of Ukrainian leaders on Moscows orders.

File photos of Zelenskyy/Vladimir Putin (AP)

Kyiv has said that 10 people were arrested in Ukraine and Moldova on suspicion of planning to assassinate senior Ukrainian leaders on Moscows orders, with promised payouts of up to $100,000.

Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraines Prosecutor General, said a joint investigative team of Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement agencies uncovered an organised group preparing contract killings of well-known Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals, news agency AFP reported.

As part of the work of a joint investigative team of Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement officers, an organised group has been exposed that was preparing contract killings of well-known Ukrainian citizens and foreigners," Kravchenko said in a statement.

He said that authorities conducted 20 searches and seized cash, weapons, explosives and evidence of communications with alleged Russian handlers. Seven suspects were detained in Ukraine, while three others  including the alleged organiser  were arrested in Moldova.

Moldovan officials confirmed the joint investigation into what they described as a plot aimed at the physical liquidation of several public figures in Ukraine." There was no immediate response from Moscow to the allegations.

Kyiv named one intended target as Andriy Yusov, a senior official responsible for strategic communications in the Ukrainian military and for coordinating prisoner exchanges with Russia.

Kravchenko said the alleged perpetrators were promised payments of up to $100,000, depending on the prominence and influence of the intended victim.

The case adds to a broader series of investigations across Europe into alleged Russian-linked operations targeting Ukrainian officials since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Kyiv has previously accused Russia, which invaded Ukraine four years ago, of plotting to kill several senior officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the head of Ukraines intelligence service. Moscow, in turn, has accused Kyiv of orchestrating assassinations of military and political figures in Russian-controlled areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Kyiv, Ukraine

First Published: February 22, 2026, 09:45 IST

News world Putin Wanted Kyivs Top Officials Killed, Ukraine Alleges $100,000 Bounty Plot

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Russian Drones, Missiles Hit Energy, Railways Across Ukraine, 1 Dead

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 16:08 IST

Russia launched 50 missiles and 300 drones on Ukraine, targeting energy, rail, and residential sites. One died, dozens injured.

President Zelenskyy said nearly 300 attack drones, most of them shaheds, and 50 missiles of various types, a significant share of them ballistic, were launched against Ukraine on Tuesday. (Zelenskyy/X)

Russia on Sunday fired scores of missiles and drones across Ukraine, striking energy and rail infrastructure and residential buildings, killing one and injuring dozens of people.

According to AFP, a series of blasts were heard in Kyiv from around 4:00 am (local time), shortly after an air raid alert was issued, with the air force later widening the alert nationwide citing the threat of missiles.

Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media, saying that Russia launched about 50 missiles and 300 drones overnight.

Response and recovery efforts are ongoing following Russias overnight attack. Nearly 300 attack drones, most of them shaheds," and 50 missiles of various types, a significant share of them ballistic, were launched against Ukraine. The strikes targeted Kyiv and the region, the pic.twitter.com/3Rnkh3WQDd Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) February 22, 2026

He further said: The main target of the attack was the energy sector. Ordinary residential buildings were also damaged, and there is damage to the railway."

The police said a 23-year-old policewoman, Viktoria Shpylka, was killed and about a dozen, including four children, were injured in and around the capital.

Also Read: Putin Wanted Kyivs Top Officials Killed, Ukraine Alleges $100,000 Bounty Plot

CNN quoted Lvivs regional prosecutors office saying it has launched an investigation into a terrorist act that caused serious consequences," but added that the circumstances were unclear.

Meanwhile, temperature dropped to nearly -10C when the capital was struck.

Ukraines energy ministry said consumers in six eastern and southeastern region were without power after the strikes.

AFP quoted the Russian army stating that it had carried out a mass strike targeting facilities used by Ukraines military, saying all targets were hit, in a standard comment for such attacks.

The Russia-Ukraine war will enter the fourth year on February 24, 2022.

Also Read: Boris Johnson Urges UK, Allies To Deploy Troops To Ukraine Now To Flip A Switch In Putins Mind

Meanwhile, Ukraine said that 10 people were arrested in Ukraine and Moldova on suspicion of planning to assassinate senior Ukrainian leaders on Moscows orders, with promised payouts of up to $100,000.

Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraines Prosecutor General, said a joint investigative team of Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement agencies uncovered an organised group preparing contract killings of well-known Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals, news agency AFP reported.

He said that authorities conducted 20 searches and seized cash, weapons, explosives and evidence of communications with alleged Russian handlers. Seven suspects were detained in Ukraine, while three others  including the alleged organiser  were arrested in Moldova.

Kyiv has previously accused Russia of plotting to kill several senior officials, including President Zelenskyy and the head of Ukraines intelligence service. Moscow, in turn, has accused Kyiv of orchestrating assassinations of military and political figures in Russian-controlled areas.

Location : Kyiv, Ukraine

First Published: February 22, 2026, 16:02 IST

News world Russian Drones, Missiles Hit Energy, Railways Across Ukraine, 1 Dead

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'So It's A Loss?': How Trump Reacted After Learning Of Tariff Blow During White House Meeting

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 17:10 IST

Shortly afterwards, Trump cut short a question-and-answer session and left the meeting, saying he needed to prepare a response.

US President Donald Trump addressing the media after the Supreme Court verdict on tariffs. (White House)

US President Donald Trump was in the middle of a closed-door meeting with governors at the White House when he first learnt that the Supreme Court of the United States had struck down his global tariff programme.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, a trade adviser quietly handed Trump a note during the session in the State Dining Room on Friday. The note informed him that the court had ruled his sweeping tariffs illegal.

So its a loss, then?" Trump asked, according to people in the room. When the adviser confirmed the decision, the president told the governors that he appeared calm on the outside, but was angry inside. He called the ruling as a disgrace", those present said.

Shortly afterwards, Trump cut short a question-and-answer session and left the meeting, saying he needed to prepare a response.

ALSO READ: Most Americans Unhappy With Trumps Handling Of Key Issues Including Tariff And Immigration: Poll

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court had delivered a 6-3 ruling against the presidents tariff policy. In a decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court said Trump had overstepped his authority by using a 1977 emergency economic powers law to impose broad reciprocal tariffs". The justices held that the law did not permit such sweeping trade measures.

The ruling marked a rare setback for Trump at a court that has often sided with him since his return to office. It also struck at the centre of his economic agenda, which has reshaped US trade policy over the past year.

In public remarks on Saturday, Trump criticised the justices who ruled against him, calling the decision extraordinarily anti-American". He also said he would raise a temporary tariff on imports from 10% to 15%, the highest level allowed under the law.

The move came less than 24 hours after he announced a 10% across-the-board tariff following the courts decision.

The new levies are based on a separate and largely untested law known as Section 122. It allows tariffs of up to 15% but requires approval from Congress if they are to remain in place beyond 150 days. No president has previously used this provision, and its use could trigger further legal challenges.

Tariffs have been central to Trumps economic policy. He has argued they are needed to reduce trade imbalances, boost US manufacturing and push other countries to change their behaviour.

(With inputs form agencies)

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 16:58 IST

News world 'So It's A Loss?': How Trump Reacted After Learning Of Tariff Blow During White House Meeting

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South Korea Protests Japan For Hosting Event Over Disputed Islands

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 17:14 IST

Seoul condemned Japan's Takeshima Day event, protesting claims over disputed islands known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, urging Japan to abolish the ceremony.

The small islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, have been a source of tension between both countries since Japan's colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. (AFP)

South Korea on Sunday slammed Japan for commemorating a cluster of disputed islands between the two countries, calling the move an unjust assertion of sovereignty over its territory.

Reuters quoted the foreign ministry stating in a statement that it strongly objected to the Takeshima Day event held by Japans Shimane prefecture and to the attendance of a senior Japanese government official, urging Japan to immediately abolish the ceremony.

The small islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, have been a source of tension between both countries since Japans colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

The islands consist of two main islands and about 30 smaller rocks. A South Korean coastguard detachment has been stationed there since 1954.

In 2005, Japans Shimane prefecture set up a dedicated Takeshima Day", prompting protests from South Korea.

Dokdo is clearly South Koreas sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international law," the ministry said while urging Japan to drop its claims.

South Korea also summoned a top Japanese diplomat to the ministry building in Seoul to lodge a protest.

According to Reuters, Seoul has repeatedly objected to Japans territorial claims over the islands, including a protest issued on Friday over comments by Japans foreign minister during a parliamentary address asserting Tokyos sovereignty over the islets.

Seoul has claimed that the disputed territory lies in fertile fishing grounds and may sit above enormous deposits of natural gas hydrate that could be worth billions of dollars.

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: February 22, 2026, 17:14 IST

News world South Korea Protests Japan For Hosting Event Over Disputed Islands

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10% To 15%, Never-Used Law, India Impact, And The Politics Of It: How Trump's Tariffs Look After SC Ruling

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 17:18 IST

Many major economies, including India, China, South Korea, and Brazil, are likely to witness their tariffs temporarily lowered to 15% from previously higher "reciprocal" levels

President Donald Trump remained defiant in the face of the SC ruling, claiming that his administration has "great alternatives" that could bring in "more money" and make the US "a lot stronger". (Image: AFP)

The drama continues as US President Donald Trump escalated his trade offensive by increasing global tariffs to 15 percent, hours after the Supreme Court struck them down as illegal.

Following what he called a terrible decision" by the US Supreme Court, President Trump signed a proclamation, first on Friday (February 20) for a 10 percent levy only to jack it up to the statutory maximum of 15 percent on Saturday (February 21) via social media.

Trump remained defiant in the face of the SC ruling, claiming that his administration has great alternatives" that could bring in more money" and make the United States a lot stronger". He lashed out at the judiciary, saying he was ashamed" of the conservative judges who ruled against him and labelling the liberal wing a disgrace".

Now, his latest move creates a complex shift in the global trade landscape. Many major economies, including India, China, South Korea, and Brazil, are likely to witness their tariffs temporarily lowered to 15 percent from previously higher reciprocal" levels.

For instance, as per a report published by The Indian Express, Indias effective incidence of duties, which had reached as high as 50 percent for some goods, is now set to drop to this flat 15 percent rate starting February 24. Conversely, countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Saudi Arabia will face higher tariff rates than before.

While some critical products like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and aerospace goods remain exempt, the US expects trading partners to continue abiding by previous concessions even as their negotiated agreements are superseded by this global levy.

ALSO READ | Who Is Neal Katyal? Indian-American Lawyer Who Challenged Trumps Tariffs In US Supreme Court

Here is all you need to know:

How Will Trumps Global Tariffs Work Now And What Comes Next?

The Trump administration has implemented the new 15 percent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a provision intended to address large and serious" balance of payments deficits.

Unlike Trumps previous strategy, this authority is strictly temporary, lasting for only 150 days unless the US Congress votes to extend it. To ensure the tariffs remain durable beyond this five-month window, he has ordered the US Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate new investigations under Section 301 into unfair" trade practices.

These investigations, which can take up to a year, are intended to pave the way for more legally durable" and potentially higher country-specific duties. In the interim, the administration will continue to use Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to maintain industry-specific taxes on steel and aluminium for national security reasons.

What Is The Impact Of The Newest Tariffs On India And Other Countries?

For India, the ruling and subsequent 15 percent pivot represent a significant strategic reset. Previously, Indian imports faced a 25 percent reciprocal levy, which rose to 50 percent for products linked to Indias purchase of Russian oil.

According to reports, under the new flat rate, however, roughly 55 percent of Indias exports to the US will be freed from these high reciprocal duties, reverting to standard rates plus the 15 percent surcharge.

China, Mexico, and Canada will also witness the removal of specific trafficking tariffs" related to fentanyl, though Mexican and Canadian goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be largely exempt. But experts have warned that this shift diminishes Trumps negotiating leverage, as partners may now reconsider or abandon trade deals that were originally negotiated under the threat of the now-illegal IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) levies.

What Is The Law Trump Used Now Versus The Original Law?

The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump overstepped his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose taxes.

The court held that the US Constitution assigns the power to create taxes to Congress, not the president, and that the IEEPA was intended for regulating commerce during emergencies  such as placing sanctions  rather than raising revenue. To circumvent this, Trump turned to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a never-before-used statute designed for balance-of-payment emergencies.

While Section 122 allows for faster action than other trade laws, it is limited by a 15 percent cap and a 150-day duration, whereas the IEEPA had allowed him to unilaterally impose tariffs of up to 50 percent indefinitely.

What Is The Refunds Issue Outlined By The Supreme Court?

The invalidation of the IEEPA tariffs has caused a massive financial and legal headache regarding $130 billion to $175 billion in collected revenue.

While the SC struck down the tariffs, it offered no guidance on how to return the money, leaving the issue to be decided by lower courts. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the revenues are now in dispute" and the refund process could be dragged out for weeks, months, years".

Businesses must sue individually to recover their funds, a process that has already witnessed more than 1,000 corporate entities initiate legal action. Trump has predicted that these potential refunds will be locked up in litigation for the next five years.

What Are The Political Implications For Trump?

Politically, the ruling is being viewed as a major rebuke of Trumps go-it-alone" approach and a rare check on his executive power.

The timing is particularly sensitive as the midterm elections approach in November, with Republicans defending slim majorities in Congress. While Trump has claimed that the ruling makes him stronger", it actually curtails his fastest tool for imposing broad economic penalties.

Public opinion has also soured, with polls showing 62 percent Americans disapproving his tariff policy as costs rise for consumers. Some tariff-sceptical Republicans may now feel emboldened to break ranks, viewing the courts decision as a gift in disguise" that allows the party to distance itself from unpopular trade gambits that have contributed to stagnant GDP growth, as reported by CNN.

The crisis reached a head following a rapid sequence of events: on Friday morning, the SC issued its 6-3 ruling striking down the IEEPA-based tariffs as an unconstitutional exercise of Congressional power. By Friday afternoon, Trump reacted by signing an executive order for a 10 percent global tariff to replace them immediately. Finally, on Saturday, he said on social media, he has increased that rate to 15 percent.

(With agency inputs)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 14:30 IST

News world 10% To 15%, Never-Used Law, India Impact, And The Politics Of It: How Trump's Tariffs Look After SC Ruling

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UK Police Seek Information From Andrew's Protection Officers Amid Epstein Files Probe

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 14:58 IST

Andrew Mountbatten-Windor, the former prince, was arrested on his 66th birthday over ties with dead sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

While Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the transition of this case from civil litigation to a high-stakes criminal probe marks the most precarious chapter in his long-running fall from grace. Image/Reuters

British police Friday announced they were contacting former protection officers who worked for King Charles younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windor  who was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The police also urged anyone with allegations of sex offences related to late offender Jeffrey Epstein to come forward, Reuters reported.

Andrews arrest came in connection with his association with Epstein and allegations that he leaked confidential information related to the British government. The former prince consistently denied any wrongdoing and was subsequently released under investigation.

According to a British official, the Britains government would consider new legislation to remove the former prince from the line of royal succession once the police investigation into his ties with Epstein is over, said the report.

OFFICERS SEEK INFORMATION

As part of a completely separate inquiry, Londons Metropolitan Police said on Friday that it was identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have been associated or worked with the royal family, Reuters reports.

They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us," the police said.

They added that any allegations will be taken seriously" and assessed and investigated.

We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate".

ANDREWS ASSOCIATION WITH EPSTEIN

With the release of the latest cache of the so-called Epstein Files, the royal family of England came under public scrutiny as the documents showed Andrew had remained friends with the sex-offender long after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.

The files suggested he had sent Jeffrey Epstein British government reports about investment opportunities in Afghanistan and assessments of Vietnam, Singapore and other places.

King Charles, who stripped his brother of his title of prince and threw him out of his Windsor home last year, emphasised on Thursday that the law must take its course.

Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," he had said, as quoted by Reuters.

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: February 22, 2026, 14:58 IST

News world UK Police Seek Information From Andrew's Protection Officers Amid Epstein Files Probe

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US Navy Sailor Airlifted From Nuclear Submarine Off Greenland After Medical Emergency

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 22:57 IST

Officials said the nuclear-powered vessel broke from its mission to enable the rescue off Greenlands coast.

Rapid Read

The submarine surfaced near Nuuk to allow a Danish helicopter evacuation. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

A US Navy sailor was medically evacuated from an American nuclear-powered submarine near Greenland on Saturday, after the vessel surfaced close to Nuuk to allow a rescue operation, according to US and Danish officials.

The submarine broke from its mission and surfaced roughly eight miles off Greenlands capital  a rare move for a platform designed to remain submerged and operate in secrecy.

The sailor was airlifted by a Danish Defence Seahawk helicopter launched from the patrol ship Vdderen and taken to a hospital in Nuuk. Officials said the medical emergency was not combat-related, though no further details were disclosed.

Denmarks Joint Arctic Command said the evacuation took place about seven nautical miles off the coast, where the crew member was transferred to the helicopter and flown to the city for treatment.

While such rescues are not unprecedented, public confirmation of a submarines location is unusual and reflects the seriousness of the situation.

The incident comes in waters that have grown in strategic importance for military planners, linking sea routes between North America, Europe and Russia and drawing increasing attention as Arctic ice recedes.

It also unfolds at a time of strain in US-Denmark relations after renewed political debate in Washington over the future of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory with significant strategic and mineral value.

Also late Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy a hospital ship to the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland, alleging that many people there are sick and not receiving care  prompting a defense of Denmarks health care system from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, referring to his special envoy for Greenland.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, speaking to public broadcaster DR, said Danish authorities had not been informed that the ship was on its way.

Location : Copenhagen, Denmark

First Published: February 22, 2026, 22:57 IST

News world US Navy Sailor Airlifted From Nuclear Submarine Off Greenland After Medical Emergency

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We Dont Want A New Cold War: Brazil President Lula Urges Equal Treatment For All Countries

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 21:30 IST

Lula urges the US to avoid a new Cold War, seeks fair treatment for all nations, and anticipates improved Brazil US relations ahead of his March meeting with Trump.

Brazil President Lula. (Pics: AFP)

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a pointed appeal on Sunday for the United States not to spark a new Cold War," calling on Washington to treat all nations equally as he prepares for talks with US President Donald Trump in early March.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi after concluding a three-day visit to India, Lula said Brazil does not seek confrontation or interference in other countries affairs. I want to tell U.S. President Donald Trump that we dont want a new Cold War," he said, adding that Brazil wants all countries to be treated fairly in global affairs.

Lula said he expects to meet Trump in Washington in the first week of March. The Brazilian leader outlined a broad agenda for the talks that includes trade, immigration, investment, and deeper cooperation between universities.

Although Lula has clashed with Trump on several issues, from US tariff policies to differing positions on the war in Gaza and the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, he expressed optimism about the future of USBrazilian relations. Lula declined to comment directly on a recent US Supreme Court decision that invalidated many of Trumps previous tariffs, which the US president has since said he will replace with a 15 % global levy under a different statute.

Despite these disagreements, Lula said he believes ties between Brasilia and Washington could improve following the upcoming summit.

First Published: February 22, 2026, 21:12 IST

News world We Dont Want A New Cold War: Brazil President Lula Urges Equal Treatment For All Countries

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Will Block EU's New Sanctions Against Russia Unless Ukraine Re-Opens Key Oil Pipeline: Hungary

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026, 18:08 IST

Hungary will block the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia unless Ukraine reopens a key oil pipeline to Budapest, as stated by Viktor Orban and Peter Szijjarto.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban (AP File)

Hungary on Sunday announced that it will block the European Unions latest set of sanctions against Russia unless Ukraine re-opens a key oil pipeline that supplies to Budapest.

No support for sanctions; the 20th sanctions package will be rejected," Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted on X.

As long as the Ukrainians do not resume deliveries of oil to Hungary, we will not approve important decisions for them," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto posted on Facebook.

On Friday, European Unions foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: Europes security is more uncertain than it has been in decades. Russia poses a major threat that is clear for everybody. The Middle East remains unstable, and China is a long-term challenge, and the transatlantic link is being redefined."

Also Read: Ukraines Partners Unhappy: Hungary, Slovakia Slam Zelenskyy For Blocking Russian Oil Flow

She was speaking at a joint press conference following the E5 Defense Ministerial Meeting in Krakow, Poland, with ministers from Italy, Germany, the UK, Poland, and France, alongside NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska.

Anadolu Agency quoted Kallas saying that while Russias military is stalled in Ukraine, its hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and drone incursions, is intensifying in Europe.

But Europe is also responding. We are sanctioning those responsible. We have tightened controls of the movements of Russian diplomats. We have stepped up actions against Russias shadow fleet, and we deployed hybrid response teams to partner countries at risk," she said.

Regarding sanctions, Kallas said: Next Monday, we aim to adopt the 20th sanctions package against Russia. Sanctions are working. They are severely hurting Russias economy, and each new measure further limits its ability to wage the war."

(Russian President Vladimir) Putin wont end this war until the costs are higher than the benefits, and that is the point we must reach," she added.

Location : Budapest, Hungary

First Published: February 22, 2026, 18:07 IST

News world Will Block EU's New Sanctions Against Russia Unless Ukraine Re-Opens Key Oil Pipeline: Hungary

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Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan and Austria are strengthening ties through collaboration in music education and cultural exchange, AzerNEWS reports.

A high-level meeting on this topic took place between Murad Huseynov, Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister, and Wolfram Rosenberger, Director of the Innsbruck City Music School. The discussion also included Leyla Gasimova, head of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center.

The meeting focused on organizing music education programs for children and adolescents, training professional staff, and developing students' skills and knowledge. Both Azerbaijani and Austrian representatives explored initiatives such as hosting local and international competitions at the school level. They also discussed conducting summer and winter music courses, workshops and seminars, scientific conferences, and other experience-sharing programs.

Deputy Minister Huseynov emphasized the role of music education in shaping young peoples worldview and highlighted the long-standing traditions of music schools in Azerbaijan. He noted that exposure to international practices and professional exchange is critical for maintaining the relevance and quality of music education.

Wolfram Rosenberger provided an overview of the Innsbruck City Music School, describing it as the largest music school in Austria, with more than 4,700 students enrolled.

The school offers a broad spectrum of music education, including programs for keyboard, string, wind, percussion, and folk instruments, as well as vocal training and ensemble work. Students also have access to symphonic orchestra, jazz, and rock ensembles, making the school a vibrant cultural institution that integrates students actively into musical life.

During the meeting, participants discussed ways to further develop children' s musical skills, improve school management, and strengthen cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides expressed commitment to building a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of music education and expanding opportunities for students in Azerbaijan and Austria.
Full Podium Sweep for Team Monster Energy with Schaar Claiming 1 st Place, Monster Army's JD Sanchez 2 nd Place, and Kieran Woolley 3 rd Place in the 25 th Anniversary of the Grassroots Event

Ruby Lilley Claims 2 nd Place in Women's Bowl Contest, Monster Army's Asahi Kaihara 3 rd Place

Men's Skateboard Vert: Moto Shibata Takes 1 st Place, JD Sanchez 2 nd Place; Asahi Kaihara Claims 2 nd Place in Women's Skateboard Vert

Liam Pace from Arizona Awarded MVJ (Most Valuable Jammer) Performance Prize

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Major wins Down Under! Monster Energy congratulates team rider Tom Schaar on taking first place in the Belco Bowl Jam skateboarding competition. In the 25th Anniversary edition of the bowl skating event outside Canberra, Australia, the 26-year-old from Malibu, California, claimed the victory for the third consecutive year. Schaar also took first place at Spot 2 of the street Best Trick competition on Friday.

Full Podium Sweep for Team Monster Energy with Tom Schaar Claiming 1st Place, Monster Army's JD Sanchez 2nd Place, and Kieran Woolley 3rd Place in the 25th Anniversary of the Grassroots Event

The victories continued in the Men's Skateboard Vert event on Sunday with 30-year-old Moto Shibata from Osaka, Japan, taking first place for the second year in a row.

From February 20-22, the 2026 Belco Bowl Jam attracted the world elite of vertical skateboarding to the legendary bowl in Canberra for a special celebratory event with a $60,000 prize purse. Established in 2001, the annual event celebrated 25 years as Australia's longest-running skateboarding competition and culture festival.

Supported by Monster Energy, this year's edition of Belco Bowl Jam also featured a halfpipe contest, Best Trick competitions at street locations, as well as concerts, skate video premieres, and DJ sets. Here's how the action unfolded for Team Monster Energy in Australia this weekend:

In the Belco Bowl Jam, Tom Schaar dropped in as the two-time defending champion with plenty of new tricks up his sleeve. Tricks, including kickflip Indy to fakie, alley-oop Caballerial disaster revert over the channel, alley-oop backside 540 melon the channel, frontside bluntslide, tailgrab to fakie the channel, blunt to fakie, and switch kickflip earned Schaar the repeat title of King of Belco Bowl Jam.

Schaar also took first place at Spot 2 of the street Best Trick competition on Friday with a frontside blunt over the channel of the wall ride obstacle.

Also bringing the heat to Australia, 16-year-old Monster Army rider JD Sanchez from Pleasanton, California, took second place by stringing together high airs and technical lip tricks. Standouts such as alley-oop ollie, massive backside tailgrab, heelflip frontside air, and kickflip Indy finger flip earned the newly minted team rider his spot on the podium. Sanchez also took the win in the Highest Air competition.
Saudi singles once risked religious-police scrutiny just for flirtingnow they're swiping. The Wall Street Journal reports that as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's social reforms loosen long-standing restrictions, dating apps are quietly reshaping courtship in the conservative kingdom. Over the past five years, millions have downloaded Tinder and similar platforms, with top dating apps generating nearly $16 million in net in-app revenue and 3.5 million downloads in 2025 alone, according to market-intelligence firm Sensor Tower. The shift marks a dramatic change from an era when most young people met potential spouses through family-arranged introductions and premarital romance was off-limits. "People are still getting used to the concept of dating," said Tala Alarfaj, a 23-year-old from Saudi Arabia's East Coast.
Cocaine is staging a record-breaking global comeback. NPR reports that after years of decline, the world is now experiencing a historic boom in cocaine supplyone that researchers say has cut prices and fueled thousands of additional overdose deaths in the US. The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime recently found that "Global cocaine production has hit an all-time high once again, accompanied by significant increases in cocaine seizures, cocaine users andmost tragicallycocaine-related deaths in many countries." The surge is showing up in places like suburban Los Angeles, where a routine traffic stop in Upland uncovered 66 pounds of cocaine hidden in a carabout 30 kilograms, which is a massive haul typically linked to large-scale trafficking.

Researchers Xinming Du, Benjamin Hansen, Shan Zhang, and Eric Zou trace the surge to policy changes beginning around 2015. Colombia ended its US-backed aerial fumigation campaign targeting coca crops over health concerns, then signed a peace deal with the guerrilla group FARC in 2016. When FARC demobilized, a power vacuum opened in coca-growing regions, and rival armed groups moved in. The economists wrote, "These new traffickers actively encouraged local farmers to plant more coca as they consolidated control." A crop-substitution program meant to pay farmers to uproot coca backfired when growers planted more to qualify for aid. By 2022, Colombia's coca cultivation and potential cocaine output were more than triple 2015 levels.

The researchers estimate that without Colombia's post-2015 cocaine surge, the US would see roughly 1,500 fewer overdose deaths each year. Hansen says that even when restricting the data to deaths involving only cocaine, the relationship still holds, suggesting this isn't merely a fentanyl spillover effect. Policymakers are paying attention: The surge has contributed to tensions between the US and Colombia, and earlier this month President Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro met, with fighting the cocaine trade high on the agenda. One implication of the research, Hansen argues, is that supply-side crackdowns can matter at the source. "They're going to respond to the bottom line," he says of traffickers. "And if you make it a lot harder to produce things, well, they're gonna probably scale back production." Read the full piece at NPR.
Vanishings in Mexico aren't just frequent; they're surging. A new analysis by think tank Mexico Evalua finds that disappearances have jumped more than 200% over the past decade, with the number of cases rising from 4,114 in 2015 to 12,872 in 2025. Researchers say the spike aligns with the spread and evolution of criminal groups: Bodies killed in the pursuit of taking new territory are dissolved, burned, or put in clandestine graves in an effort to erase evidence of those homicides; cartels have also moved beyond drug trafficking into activities that can involve vanishings, like forced recruitment, human trafficking, and organ trafficking.

Analyst Armando Vargas describes the problem as "uncontrollable at the national level." While the government created a National Search Commission in 2018 and a public registry of the disappeared, it has been hobbled by low funding. With the vast majority of crimes going unsolved, many relatives, often mothers, now lead their own searches for mass graves; the Guardian recounts how one mother has discovered 11 bodies in the search for her son, who vanished while waiting for a bus in 2022none of them his.

The AP recently reported on the search for 10 employees of a Canadian-owned silver and gold mine who were abducted in January. The bodies of five of the missing workers have been found among 10 bodies uncovered in one location; four more sites held remains. As for who they could belong to, the AP notes "there are many missing": It recounts seven tourists and a business owner who were taken in Mazatlan since October; only two have been found alive.
A US appeals court has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms to take effect, per the AP . The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the law in 2024. However, the court said it was too early to make a judgment call on the constitutionality of the law. That's partly because it's not yet clear how prominently schools may display the religious text, if teachers will refer to the Ten Commandments during classes, or if other texts like the Mayflower Compact or the Declaration of Independence will also be displayed, the majority opinion said.

Without those sorts of details, the panel decided it did not have enough information to weigh any First Amendment issues that might arise from the law. In other words, there aren't enough facts available to "permit judicial judgment rather than speculation," the majority wrote in the opinion. In a concurring opinion, Circuit Judge James Ho, an appointee of Republican President Trump, wrote that the law "is not just constitutionalit affirms our nation's highest and most noble traditions."

The six judges who voted against the decision wrote a series of dissents, with some arguing that the law exposes children to government-endorsed religion in a place they are required to be, presenting a clear constitutional burden. Circuit Judge James L. Dennis, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, wrote that the law "is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent." The ACLU of Louisiana, one of several groups representing plaintiffs, pledged to explore all legal pathways to continue fighting the law.
Most critics of President Donald Trump view him as the ultimate threat to American democracy. But to Nobel Prizewinning economist Daron Acemoglu, Trump is merely a fever, the result of an infection thats been brewing for years before he rode down the golden escalator to announce his presidency.

The MIT economist has spent decades studying the origins of economic and political decay, specializing in how institutions foster inclusive growthor succumb to extractive systems. In the 2012 book Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, Acemoglu and coauthor James A. Robinson argue that nations prosper because of their political institutions. In 2024, Acemoglu won the Nobel Prize in economics, alongside Robinson and Simon Johnson, for demonstrating how political and economic institutions shape prosperity.

More from Yahoo Scout What makes Trump a symptom rather than root cause? What defines a pro-worker AI development agenda? Why does Acemoglu advocate for wealth taxes now? How could AI development threaten American democratic institutions?

Acemoglu argued that while Trumps authoritarian tendencies are weakening the countrys institutions, the president is not the root cause of the broader structural problems. He warned the country is headed down a grim path and outlined two shifts relative to AI development he sees as critical to avoiding deeper decline: cracking down on economic inequality and tempering job destruction. If we go down this path of destroying jobs [and] creating more inequality, U.S. democracy is not going to survive, he told Fortune.

One: The proliferation of economic inequality

According to Acemoglu, AI-driven job displacement could be catastrophic and further entrench inequality. He notes the U.S. is currently seeing unprecedented levels of wealth inequality, and traditional policy has failed to close the gap. We may need wealth taxes, because anything else we do today is still going to lead to this huge wealth gap that exists in this country.

The economist pointed to Californias proposed billionaire tax, a ballot initiative which would impose a one-time 5% wealth tax on all individuals in the state with a net worth of $1 billion or more. But even that doesnt go far enough, according to the economist. Its not enough to tax the rich, he said. You really need ways in which workers of all sorts of skills can take part in the growth process.

But AI proponents say Acemoglus diagnosis of AI development is counterintuitive. Adam Thierer, senior fellow at the think tank R Street Institute and longtime advocate for technological innovation, believes AI will spawn opportunities, driving the economy into the future. The way we get new and better jobs and opportunities is through technological improvements in society and our economy, Thierer told Fortune.
President Trump might have just turned a Colorado primary into a litmus test on tariffs. On Saturday, Trump revoked his endorsement of GOP Rep. Jeff Hurd, blasting the first-term lawmaker in a lengthy Truth Social post for his "lack of support" of the administration's tariff policies, reports the Hill . Trump called Hurd a "RINO" and threw his support instead to Hope Scheppelman, a fellow Republican challenging Hurd in Colorado's 3rd District. Hurd's office did not respond to a request for comment.

The Republican lawmaker angered Trump on two related fronts: Earlier this month, Hurd joined five other House Republicans in voting to end tariffs on Canada. And on Friday, Hurd tweeted his support for the new Supreme Court decision invalidating many of Trump's global tariffs, saying the ruling "underscores the need for Congress to play its proper role in trade policy," per NBC News. In his own post, Trump said Hurd has "let me and our Country down," adding that the lawmaker "is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America."

Scheppelman, a Navy veteran and former vice chair of the Colorado GOP with a long career in health care, welcomed Trump's endorsement. She criticized Hurd and "liberal judges" for, in her words, working against Trump and the American people. The primary is June 30.
Thirteen years after a Russian official convicted of fraud was declared dead, she has turned up very much alive. Marianna Stupina, once a top housing official in Russia's Astrakhan region, vanished in 2012 after receiving a seven-year sentence, reports People, citing Russian media outlets Komsomolskaya Pravda and Izvestia. She then concocted an elaborate ruse to fake her own death, according to prosecutors. She allegedly fled to Tatarstan, monitored missing-persons reports until a woman with a similar appearance turned up dead, then had her husband falsely identify the body as hers to secure a death certificate.
In the 1970s, the US agency that provides health care to Native Americans sterilized thousands of women without their full and informed consent, depriving them of the opportunity to start or grow families. Decades later, the state of New Mexico is set to investigate that troubling history and its lasting harm, per the AP. New Mexico legislators approved a measure this week to have the state Indian Affairs Department and the Commission on the Status of Women examine the history, scope, and continuing impact of forced and coerced sterilizations of women of color by the Indian Health Service and other providers. The findings are expected to be reported to the governor by the end of 2027.
Hours after the TSA PreCheck was supposed to be halted, the agency announced that the airport program will remain in operation. With the Department of Homeland Security unfunded and partially shut down, the agency had announced that it was stopping new enrollments and renewals for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry starting Sunday and was redirecting staff to regular airport screening. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem framed the change as necessary to shift focus to the "general traveling population," the Washington Post reports, while also suspending perks like police escorts for members of Congress and scaling back nonemergency work at FEMA. The fate of Global Entry wasn't clear, per the AP .

DHS funding lapsed Feb. 14 after congressional Democrats and the White House hit an impasse on new limits for immigration enforcement agencies, including body cameras, stricter warrant rules for home raids, and a code of conduct. Both parties accuse the other of using travelers as leverage. Airline and travel industry groups warn the abrupt pause in trusted traveler programs will snarl airports, with Airlines for America. The shutdown affects only DHS but still covers about 13% of the civilian federal workforce, most of whom are expected to work without pay if the standoff drags on.

Employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Coast Guard aren't being paid during the shutdown. Most staff members will stay on the job anyway, per NBC News, because their work is classified as critical. This story has been updated with the TSA's reversal.
With what sounded like an offhand line about Israel's borders, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has touched off a regional firestorm. When pressed on whether Israel had a right to land stretching across parts of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan in a chat with host Tucker Carlson, Huckabee said it "would be fine if they took it all." Carlson, in the interview posted on X and YouTube, characterized that involving "basically the entire Middle East," CNN reports. The US envoy later said the nation is not seeking to seize neighboring states, but he said Israelis want to keep territory they "now occupy, now live in, now own legitimately."

A joint statement led by the United Arab Emirates and endorsed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and others blasted his comments as "dangerous and inflammatory" and a "flagrant violation of international law." Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and additional Muslim-majority countries also signed on. The Palestinian foreign ministry said the remarks defy international law and even President Trump's stated opposition to Israel annexing the West Bank. The backlash raises fresh questions about whether Huckabee's personal views align with official US policy; CNN asked the State Department to clarify.

Huckabee later posted on X that a viral clip taken from the interview lacked the full context of the two-hour conversation, per NBC News. He described the exchange as a "very twisty and frankly confusing discussion about the meaning of Zionism." He had been asked "as a former Baptist minister about the 'theology' of Christian Zionism," Huckabee posted. Carlson, he said, "kept dragging it to discussions about other topics, literally other countries, things that have nothing to do with theology and certainly not with Israel, Zionism, or anything else."
Denmark put an exclamation point on its "thanks anyway" after President Trump's announcement that he's sending a hospital ship to Greenland to help patients receiving inadequate care by saying it just intervened to help a US government employee in need of medical treatment. Denmark's military said in a Facebook post that its Arctic command forces evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland on Saturday for urgent medical treatment, the AP reports. The Facebook post said the crew member was picked up by a Danish Seahawk helicopter off Nuuk and taken to a hospital in the city.

On Saturday night, Trump, who has said he wants the US to take over Greenland, had announced on Truth Social that he dispatched a "great hospital boat" there to help treat patients he claimed aren't receiving adequate health care. He included an image of the USNS Mercy, which he said was already on its way, per the Guardian. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen of Greenland responded on Facebook on Sunday, saying, "That will be 'no thanks' from us," and stressing that Greenland has a taxpayer-funded public health system with free care for residents.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen backed that up, writing that she is glad to live in a country with universal access to treatment, and noting that Greenland follows the same model. Greenland, whose population is under 60,000, has six hospitals and recently signed a deal with Copenhagen to expand access to Danish hospital services. Denmark's defense minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said Greenlanders either receive care locally or, for more complex needs, in Denmark, adding that there is no need for a special US medical mission. He also noted the attention from the US president, saying in an interview, "Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland."
One of the world's most sought-after drug traffickers, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, has been killed in a security operation, Mexican media reported Sunday. Newspaper accounts said the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed during an army operation to capture him in the western state of Jalisco, reportedly near the town of Tapalpa, about 80 miles southwest of Guadalajara. The reports did not specify how Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, per the Guardian . President Claudia Sheinbaum said only her security cabinet would conduct a public briefing.

Oseguera's death represents the most significant takedown of a Mexican drug capo since the capture of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was recaptured in 2016, per the Los Angeles Times. The former head of the Sinaloa cartel now is imprisoned in the US. Oseguera Cervantes headed the CJNG, widely seen in recent years as Mexico's most powerful criminal organization, per the Guardian. It's accused of moving large volumes of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine into the US, which had posted a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in US District Court for the District of Columbia, per the AP.

Reports of his killing were followed by widespread unrest across several states. Authorities and media outlets described coordinated roadblocks made from burning buses, trucks, and cars in at least Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Tamaulipas, per the Guardian. In Guadalajara, armed men set vehicles on fire, prompting chaotic scenes as people fled. Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain indoors, halted public transport, and warned against road travel. The US Embassy in Mexico City issued a security alert advising US citizens in affected areas to shelter in place amid security operations, blockades, and associated criminal activity.
Novartis (NYSE: NVS) is a major Swiss drug company with a market capitalization of over $300 billion. Its focus areas are extensive, spanning oncology, immunology, neuroscience, respiratory care, and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. With a strong operating history and a diversified business,

The pharmaceutical giant could be an attractive stock for more conservative investors. Let's dive in and take a closer look to see why.

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 

Novartis has a lot to work with

Novartis is one of the world's largest healthcare companies. That alone doesn't make it worth buying, but it speaks to the scale of the business and its historical success. A company doesn't achieve this level of scale and industry dominance by accident. Management is doing something right, and the drugmaker has been operating at a high level for years.

Image source: Getty Images.

Notably, Novartis is currently offering investors an attractive 2.9% dividend yield. That is far above the 1.1% of the S&P 500 index and the 1.7% average for the pharmaceutical sector.

The dividend has been steadily increasing, though not annually, for over 20 years. Meanwhile, the payout ratio is around 45%, which is entirely reasonable. Notably, over the past two decades, the payout ratio has never exceeded 100%. Basically, this is a relatively high-yield pharmaceutical stock that has a pretty conservative dividend profile.

There are going to be ups and downs

So, from a big-picture perspective, Novartis is the kind of dividend stock that will let you sleep well at night. However, investors shouldn't ignore the fact that it operates in a highly technical and competitive industry. The drugs it develops also have limited patent-protection windows, so it has to innovate constantly. And right now, older drugs are losing share to generic competition, leading revenue to flatline.

However, the company has also highlighted five drugs that are advancing through the pipeline or are gaining new indications. Basically, Novartis looks well on its way to offsetting the future revenue losses that come with patent expirations. In the end, this is just the way the pharma industry works, and Novartis is used to navigating these ebbs and flows while rewarding dividend investors well for sticking around.

A core holding for conservative dividend investors

Novartis isn't likely to be an exciting stock. That's purposeful, as management is clearly trying to build a sustainable, industry-leading business. If you invest for income and don't want to worry about sleepless nights, this giant pharma stock could be the perfect addition to your diversified dividend-stock portfolio.
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Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High -2F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low -27F. Winds light and variable.
TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - Yuki Nishimiya, 45, a member of the music duo Def Tech who was arrested and indicted for possessing dried cannabis, has been released on bail from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Departments Mita Police Station.

I sincerely apologize for the trouble and concern I have caused everyone. I am very sorry, Nishimiya said, bowing deeply as he left the station.

Nishimiya, who performs under the name Micro as part of the duo Def Tech, had been arrested in the act for possessing several grams of dried cannabis at his home in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and was indicted on February 20th on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

The Tokyo District Court later approved a bail request from Nishimiyas legal team, and he was released at around 8 p.m. on February 21st.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - Emperor Naruhito turned 66 on February 23rd, marking the occasion with a press conference in which he reflected on the state of the nation and expressed his concern for people affected by natural disasters, as tens of thousands later gathered at the Imperial Palace for a public greeting held under unseasonably warm weather.

Ahead of his birthday, the Emperor addressed reporters at a press conference in the Ishibashi-no-Ma hall of the Imperial Palace, noting that this year marks 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, and said, "The impact of disasters differs for each person and carries a weight that cannot be measured simply by the passage of time. I would like to continue keeping those in disaster-hit areas in my thoughts."

He spoke about communities still recovering from recent calamities and reiterated his hope that reconstruction efforts will continue steadily, conveying sympathy for those who have suffered damage and loss and stressing the importance of remaining close to people facing hardship.

On February 23rd, the Emperor and Empress appeared on the palace balcony together with Princess Aiko and members of the Akishino family for the annual public greeting, with Prince Hisahito attending the Emperors birthday greeting for the first time following his coming-of-age ceremony in 2025. The Imperial family appeared on the balcony three times, and about 21,000 well-wishers gathered to celebrate the Emperors birthday.

In remarks to the crowd, the Emperor said, "I am truly grateful that you have come here on my birthday and offered your congratulations. I feel that each day brings us closer to spring. I hope it will be a gentle spring for each and every one of you." The Emperor and Empress responded to the cheers with calm smiles, while Princess Aiko, dressed in coordinated tones with the Empress, stood beside Princess Kako and waved to visitors.

Temperatures in central Tokyo rose to 22.9 degrees Celsius on February 23rd, comparable to early May, as clear skies drew large crowds to the Imperial Palace and other leisure spots on the final day of the three-day holiday weekend. The Japan Meteorological Agency also announced that the first spring wind had blown across the Kanto region for the first time in two years.

The full, unedited video of the Emperors press conference has been released, providing a comprehensive account of his remarks as he marked his 66th birthday and reflected on the nations recovery from past disasters.

Source: FNN
TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - Gold prices continue to surge, while Chinas restrictions on rare earths and other developments are drawing renewed attention to mineral resources, prompting a closer look at resource strategies in an increasingly geopolitical era through an interview with Sumitomo Metal Mining President Shinsuke Matsumoto.

At a gold-themed event held last month at a department store in Tokyo, a gold sculpture of Shohei Ohtani drew crowds of onlookers, with the pair of gold statues priced at 55 million yen and made using roughly 3,000 gold coins. Interest in gold has intensified alongside rising prices and Ohtanis global fame. Often referred to as a safe-haven asset, gold has surged to roughly four times its level before Russias invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Amid this backdrop, Japans only operating gold mineSumitomo Metal Minings Hishikari mine in Kagoshima Prefecturehas gained prominence. Development began in the early 1980s, with the first ore vein discovered at a depth of 100 meters in 1985, marking roughly 40 years since production started. From the mine entrance, workers descend to a depth of 345 meters, comparable to the height of Tokyo Tower.

At the site, geothermal hot spring water plays a crucial role in gold formation. Gold contained in magma during volcanic activity about one million years ago was carried near the surface by hot water, forming one of the worlds highest-grade gold veins. The mines total tunnel length extends about 170 kilometers, and advanced machinery is used to precisely locate narrow veins embedded in hard rock. Automated equipment assists with drilling and explosive placement, while workers monitor subtle changes in vein direction and rock hardness.

Ore extracted here averages about 20 grams of gold per tonmore than ten times the grade of major global mines. Quartz containing gold is sorted and transported to a refinery in Ehime Prefecture to be processed into gold products. Sumitomo Metal Mining produces roughly 3.5 tons of gold annually from the mine.

Matsumoto said the Hishikari mine remains a valuable asset for the company, which has extracted about 270 tons of gold there over the past four decades. An estimated 154 tons may still remain, and ongoing exploration is under way around the site. While gold prices are currently elevated, Matsumoto noted that financial market dynamics often drive demand, with about 30% of the roughly 5,000 tons of gold produced globally each year used for investment purposes. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty has pushed funds into gold as a stable asset.

The companys performance has been strong, with net profit for the fiscal year ending March 2026 expected to be about 8.5 times higher than the previous year, while its share price has more than doubled over the past year. Still, Matsumoto stressed that as a manufacturing-oriented company, Sumitomo Metal Mining aims to focus on producing materials rather than relying solely on price fluctuations.

Beyond gold, the company mines copper, nickel and other resources overseas, mainly in South America, North America and Australia, often in partnership with major global mining firms. It operates eight overseas mines and is also expanding its materials business. One example is a functional material called Solament, which absorbs infrared radiation while allowing light to pass through and has been incorporated into products such as umbrellas that were sold at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Matsumoto said the global environment has shifted from an era of free-flowing globalization to one marked by geopolitical competition, making resource acquisition overseas more difficult and costly. For Japan, which lacks domestic resources, building partnerships by offering advanced refining and production technologies will be key to securing access. Improving productivity and reducing costs at refining facilities are also essential to maintaining competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Matsumoto emphasized the importance of developing human resources to ensure the companys continued growth over the next 400 years, noting that even as AI advances, human judgment remains critical in process development and new product creation.

Japans only active gold mine has produced about 270 tons of gold so far and still holds significant potential, with exceptionally high ore grades by global standards. As gold prices soar and geopolitical tensions reshape supply chains, the mines role in preserving mining technology and supporting Japans resource security has taken on renewed significance.

Source: TBS
MIE, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - A 21-year-old navigation officer was arrested after a cargo vessel collided with a recreational fishing boat off the coast of Toba, Mie Prefecture, leaving two men dead and multiple others injured.

Police arrested Sugimoto Nami, a navigation officer with Hiroshima-based shipping firm Shinsei Kaiun, on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death and injury following the accident that occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on February 20th while she was operating the cargo ship Shinsei Maru.

Investigators allege Sugimoto failed to keep a proper lookout ahead while steering the vessel, causing it to collide with the fishing boat Kosei Maru and resulting in the deaths of Yukichi Taniguchi, 84, and another passenger.

The impact of the collision threw 13 people into the sea, including the two victims who later died, while 10 others suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Sugimoto admitted to investigators that she had been at the helm and that the vessel collided with the fishing boat.

The Japan Coast Guards Toba office is also questioning the 66-year-old captain of the fishing boat on a voluntary basis as part of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Source: FNN
European Procurement of US-Made Fighter Jet Wingmen, NGAD Successors, High-End Drones & Response to Starship Dominance

Europe is not going it alone on next-generation airpower. Instead, it is pursuing a pragmatic hybrid: buying cutting-edge US technology quickly while insisting on local final assembly, software sovereignty, and industrial offsets to satisfy political strategic autonomy demands.

General Atomics (YFQ-42A) announced European-built variant (July 2025) with a German subsidiary doing final assembly in Oberpfaffenhofen.

Kratos (XQ-58 Valkyrie) has an Airbus partnership for European version. It is already flying with European payloads.

No country has placed firm multi-hundred orders yet. Europe wants US autonomy software + performance now but with 4060 % local workshare. Procurement is moving fast via bilateral deals and urgent operational requirements rather than slow multinational programs.

NGAD / Next Generation Export Plane After F-35

US NGAD (F-47 manned fighter) is US-only for the foreseeable future. Boeing won the manned component. First prototype flight targeted 2028. No export policy announced (similar to F-22 restrictions). The USAF is prioritizing it over additional F-35 buys. F-35 orders drop to ~18 in FY2028.

Europes own programs is the FCAS (Future Combat Air System with France/Germany/Spain). It is circling the drain. Germany open to more F-35s and possibly joining GCAP (UK led group). There will soon be three Europe future fighter programs (french group, german group and UK group).

Full GCAP fighter prototype (actual production-representative aircraft) is expecting first flight around 2030. This is not the 2027 tech demo. Italy/Japan are also building their own national flight-test aircraft. Actually could be four or more next generation fighters.

This was reported two days ago by Euronews.

Germany, France and Spain have been working on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) for nearly a decade now to replace the Eurofighter and Rafale jets by 2040. The programme has been stalled due to disagreements between Airbus and Dassault. Dassault is seeking up to 80% of the NGF development and production work in France. The overall FCAS program is in deep crisis. Airbus (Germany and Spain) has publicly said it is open to a two-fighter solution. Separate French and German-led jets under a loose umbrella to keep some pretend cooperation alive.

These dates assume France commits serious funding in the 20272030 window.



Unit Price Estimate for Dassault Future Fighter

220320 million flyaway cost (2026 euros) per aircraft in a French-only or French-led run of ~200250 units.

Higher than Rafale (~80120M) because it is a true 6th-gen platform.

Comparable to early F-35 estimates but for much lower volume.

Hopes and Promises of True 6th Gen Fighter

This chart has some Dassault spin and BS.



The US has been secretly flying full-scale NGAD technology demonstrators for 5+ years. These were risk-reduction vehicles (not the final F-47 configuration, but very close). This is why Boeing could start building the real F-47 prototype so quickly after winning the contract in March 2025.

Dassault has zero equivalent flying hardware for the NGF. They are still at the digital design and subsystem testing stage. Their we can build it alone and fly in 2029 claim assumes they get immediate full funding and leadership in the next few months  which is not yet guaranteed. Dassault is making a gen 4.5 fighter with the Rafale.

Actually having a plane that can be used is targeting 2042-2045. IF there is no funding and scheduling delays. 12-20 years behind the F-47.

Dassault is talking a big game right now because the tri-national FCAS is collapsing and they want to force a French-led (or solo) path.

The US F-47 program is in a different league right now, F047 has expensive prototypes flying in secret. Dassault is still mostly on paper and PowerPoint. The PowerPoint software is also american software.

GCAP (UK/Italy/Japan) is nominally on track for 2035 service entry. We will see. All advanced weapon systems have problems. You can believe it when you see them.

The F-35 remains the only realistic high-end export fighter until ~2035+. Germany is actively considering additional F-35 tranche precisely because FCAS is delayed.

There is no US next-gen manned fighter being offered for export right now. Europes sixth-gen efforts are fragmented and years behind.
Coming into 2026, the consensus view among oil analysts was that the crude market was entering a period of deep oversupply, likely to keep depressing prices throughout the year. In 2025, oil prices fell by roughly 20% as the glut widened.

Instead, oil prices have seen an unexpected rally through the start of the year on a combination of geopolitical shocks and stronger-than-expected demand. Prices are now higher than they were six months ago, leaving traders "focused on why a large global surplus ... has not translated into a sustained Brent price decline in 2026 year-to-date," Goldman Sachs strategists wrote in a note to clients.

More from Yahoo Scout Why are oil prices rising despite oversupply forecasts? What geopolitical factors are driving oil price increases? What are analysts' current price targets for oil? How has oil demand performed compared to expectations?

But those two metrics don't necessarily have to move together, analysts told Yahoo Finance.

"My thinking here is that those two things ... they could live together," Jorge Leon, the head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad Energy, told Yahoo Finance.

Futures on Brent crude (BZ=F), the international pricing benchmark, have gained roughly 15% since the start of the year, while those on US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude (CL=F) are up a slightly smaller 14%.

As of January, the International Energy Agency has estimated that the oil market would be oversupplied by roughly 3.7 million barrels per day (bpd), what Macquarie analysts called an "extraordinary oversupply" in a recent client note.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC+, spent much of 2025 unwinding production cuts. In the Americas, US shale production has remained at record volumes alongside growth from other exporting nations in the region, while global demand for hydrocarbons was expected to broadly decline as the world turned toward electrification and other forms of green energy.

But prices have risen anyway as traders have priced in a variety of unexpected supply constraints and upticks in demand forecasts.

Sanctions from the US Treasury Department on Rosneft and Lukoil, two of Russia's largest oil producers, appear to have taken roughly 600,000 bpd off the market, while exports from the CPC pipeline, which runs between the Caspian and Black seas, have dropped by roughly 440,000 bpd to the lowest level in at least seven years after drone strikes at the Black Sea-side exporting terminal.

At the same time, growing prospects of military action by the US against Iran have sent oil prices surging on the possibility of disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint that sees roughly 20 million bpd of petroleum products cross its waters. Attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have rerouted tanker traffic around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, tightening physical delivery markets and increasing freight costs for oil products moving between Europe and Asia.
The US military-industrial complex (MIC) operates in a highly protected, alliance-driven market, not a free global competition. The claim that Europe building its own gear will harm the US MIC is indeed absurd in scale and ignores structural imbalances, NATO interoperability requirements, Buy American rules, and massive US export dependence on European demand. Below is the precise breakdown, historical context, and forward outlook.

1. US Military Procurement: Overwhelmingly Domestic

Total US defense budget: FY2025 ~$935980 billion (NATO/SIPRI figures); FY2026 projected ~$962 billion+.

Procurement/equipment spending (weapons, vehicles, aircraft, munitions, R&D): ~$170300 billion annually (varies by definition; McKinsey 2025: ~$300B equipment portion).

Domestic share is about 7595%+ stays in the US due to Buy American statutes, Berry Amendment (specialty metals), and national security carve-outs. Only a small fraction leaks to foreign suppliers, mostly allies under strict controls.

The US MIC employs ~23 million directly/indirectly and captures nearly all this spending.

2. US Sales to European Allies: Huge and Growing (Ukraine War has Tripled US Military exports)

US global arms exports is at record levels.

FY2024 Foreign Military Sales (FMS, government-to-government) = $117.9 billion (up 46% from $80.9B in FY2023  highest ever).

Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) authorizations = $200.8 billion.

Europe/NATO share:

20202024, Europe accounted for 35% of total US arms exports (SIPRI).

US supplied 64% of all European NATO imports (up from 52% in 20152019).

FMS notifications to European allies. Averaged ~$11B/year (20172021)  $6876 billion in 2024 alone.

Top recent buyers: Poland, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Norway (F-35s, Patriots, HIMARS, munitions, etc.).

Europes post-Ukraine surge (defense spending 343B in 2024  381392B in 2025, targeting 3.5% GDP by 2035) has tripled US exports to the continent in some categories. This is revenue for the US MIC, not competition. Despite this financial benefit to the Military Industrial complex Trump is trying to end the Ukraine war.

European spending boosts US industry far more than it displaces it in the near term.

3. Dual-Use Capacity: The Real Economic Engine (Commercial-Military Overlap)

The US MIC is not a pure guns-only sector  it thrives on civilian spin-on/spin-off:

Jet engines: US firms (GE, Pratt & Whitney, CFM International  GE 50% partner) control ~88% of global market. Same core tech powers F-35/F-22 (military) and Boeing 777/787, Airbus A320/A350 (commercial). Military R&D subsidizes commercial reliability.

Aircraft platforms: Boeing KC-46 tanker = commercial 767 derivative. Lockheed C-130J has huge commercial logistics overlap.

Other dual-use: GPS, advanced materials, avionics, semiconductors, software (AI for targeting = commercial AI).

Scale: Commercial aerospace (~$300400B global market) cross-subsidizes military R&D and sustains skilled workforce/supply chains. US dominates this overlap; Europe (Airbus) competes but relies on US engines/suppliers in many programs.

This shared industrial base makes Europe goes it alone economically self-defeating for high-end systems.

4. Historical Reality: Controlled Markets, Not Open Competition

Avro Arrow (Canada, 1959). Canadas advanced supersonic interceptor (Mach 2+, delta-wing, Iroquois engines) was cancelled by PM Diefenbaker. Completed airframes were destroyed. Canadian aerospace talent migrated to US firms/suppliers and NASA. Canada became a parts/supplier hub for US programs and still is today.

Airbus (1970 consortium of France, Germany, UK, Spain) took 30+ years and massive government launch aid/subsidies to reach parity. Boeing dominated until the 1997 McDonnell Douglas merger diluted engineering culture. Boeings recent quality crises (737 MAX, 20242025 strikes/delays) handed Airbus temporary delivery leadership (793 vs Boeing ~600 in 2025). But Boeing rebounded in orders (1,173 net in 2025 vs Airbus 889). Market is oligopolistic with heavy state involvement  not free trade.

Allied programs succeed or fail based on US alignment, scale, and politics, not pure merit.

5. What Has Happened and Will Happen

What happened:

Ukraine war triggered European spending surge (doubled equipment budgets).

Europe bought US high-end gear en masse (F-35 fleets in 10+ countries, Patriots, ATACMS) because its available now, interoperable, and battle-proven.

EU strategic autonomy is talk (European Defence Fund, PESCO, ReArm Europe 800B plan) produced talk but fragmented execution. 170+ weapon systems vs US ~30. 6078% of recent EU procurement is still mostly US.

What will happen (20262035)

Europe will increase domestic production. Germany has a Europe First plan. New programs like FCAS, MGCS, Eurofighter successors. But delays and cost overruns are guaranteed  historical pattern.

High-end systems (stealth fighters, hypersonics, integrated air defense) will remain US-dependent for decades due to tech gaps and NATO standardization.

Is Europe going to create its own military industrial complex. Are they going to generate their own foreign wars? Is that what Europe really wants. Many in the US would like to get away from it.

The F35 program

European Procurement of Next Gen Fighter Tech

Europe is not going it alone on next-generation airpower. They are buying cutting-edge US technology quickly while insisting on local final assembly, software sovereignty, and industrial offsets to satisfy political strategic autonomy demands.
Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT) is one of the 10 Best Stocks to Buy in 2026 According to Reddit.

Reddit (RDDT) Director Buys 50,500 Shares in Major Insider Purchase

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The company saw significant insider activity on February 12, 2026, when director Sarah Farrell disclosed the purchase of 50,500 shares of Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT) stock, valued at $7.48 million. With this purchase, Sarahs ownership in the company has increased by approximately 630%.

Conversely, in what could be part of a string of routine insider sales, Steve Ladd Huffman, CEO of Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT), filed a disclosure on February 18, 2026, mentioning the sale of 18,000 shares of the companys stock, in a transaction valued at $2,498,580. Post-completion, the CEOs stake in the company has been reduced to 448,576 shares, which were valued at approximately $62.27 million.

Despite a 3.86% decrease in the CEOs stock ownership, Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT) maintains a Buy rating from multiple analysts. CNN recorded 67% of 33 analysts assigning a Buy rating on the stock, with a 1-year median price target upside of 71.08%, as of February 19, 2026.

Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT), founded in 2005, is a social news aggregation and discussion platform powered by a network of communities called subreddits. The company operates globally with headquarters in California.

While we acknowledge the potential of RDDT 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 12 Dividend Stocks With High Insider Buying

Disclosure. None.
Investing.com  Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is signaling a massive shift in the U.S. regulatory landscape, placing a 90% probability on the passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (H.R. 3633) by the end of April.

Speaking in a recent interview with Fox Business, Garlinghouse noted that despite months of Senate-induced delays, a "logjam" in Washington is finally breaking. The White House has reportedly set a March 1 negotiation deadline to finalize terms, particularly regarding stablecoin provisions.

Breaking the Washington "logjam"

The Clarity Act, which passed the House in July 2025 with a significant bipartisan majority (294-134), has been stalled in the Senate over jurisdictional disputes. However, Garlinghouse highlights a change in momentum following high-level meetings between banking leaders and crypto executives. He believes the industry can no longer run on enforcement alone; it requires codified rules to thrive.

Key regulatory bodies also appear to be aligning. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins recently confirmed that the SEC and CFTC are coordinating through "Project Crypto." This initiative suggests that the era of "regulation by enforcement" is giving way to a structured framework, providing a clearer lane for both agencies to operate without overlapping jurisdictions.

The Ripple chiefs 90% confidence interval significantly outpaces current sentiment in decentralized prediction markets. Currently, these markets price the bills passage at approximately 78% by year-end. Garlinghouse acknowledges the primary hurdle remains the debate over stablecoin yield incentives, an issue that previously slowed Senate Banking discussions, but he maintains that the urgency for federal guardrails will prevail.

Market impact: what this means for XRP

For XRP investors, the passage of the Clarity Act represents the "final box to check" for institutional adoption. While Ripple secured a landmark court ruling that XRP is not a security, federal legislation would codify that status into law. This would effectively remove the "gray zone" that has kept conservative institutional capital on the sidelines for years.

Garlinghouse noted rising interest from corporate treasurers in stablecoins and cross-border payment utility. These entities are not waiting for the "perfect" market, but they do require federal guardrails before moving serious capital. The CEO noted that Ripple is not standing still while Washington debates, having deployed $3 billion into acquisitions since 2023 to bolster its custody and treasury infrastructure.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court decision striking down President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs has added a wrinkle to already complicated U.S.-China relations, with both countries navigating shifting ground to avoid an all-out trade war that would disrupt the global economy while still jostling for a position of strength in negotiations.

Friday's court ruling would seem to strengthen Chinas hand, but analysts predict that Beijing will be cautious in exploiting the advantage, knowing that Trump has other ways of levying taxes. Both sides also want to maintain a fragile trade truce and stabilize ties ahead of Trumps highly anticipated trip to Beijing.

It will give China a moral boost in their negotiations with Trump's team ahead of the summit, but they are prepared for the scenario that nothing actually changes in reality," said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank.

Furious about the defeat, Trump said first he was imposing a temporary 10% global tariff before raising it to 15% as well as pursuing alternative paths for import duties. He made the case for tariffs by pointing to China, which poses the biggest challenge to U.S. economic, technological and military dominance.

China had hundreds of billions of dollars in surpluses with the United States. They rebuilt China. They rebuilt the army. We built Chinas army by allowing that to happen, Trump told reporters Friday. I have a great relationship with President Xi, but he respects our country now.

The White House has confirmed that Trump will travel to China on March 31 through April 2 to meet President Xi Jinping.

China is looking beyond tariffs

Xi is unlikely to flaunt or brandish the Supreme Court ruling forcefully when meeting Trump, likely choosing instead to try to strengthen his rapport with the U.S. president, said Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy adviser focused on U.S. policy toward China at the International Crisis Group.

The more that Xi can do that, "the more likely it is that the fragile trade truce between the United States and China will take hold in earnest and that Trump will be amenable to security concessions that give China greater freedom of maneuver in Asia, Wyne said.

Asked for comment on the implications of the court ruling, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said only that tariff and trade wars serve neither countrys interest. He called for Beijing and Washington to work together to provide greater certainty and stability for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and the global economy.
Rowcroft Hospices latest, massive fund-raising campaign was gaining momentum today but the message to supporters was: Please keep going.

Rowcroft Hospices latest, massive fund-raising campaign was gaining momentum today but the message to supporters was: Please keep going.

The hospice is calling on people across South Devon to support its inaugural 36-hour Every Moment Matters Appeal, with donations doubled in value during the campaign period thanks to local sponsors.

The appeal and donations period started at 10am today (Sunday February 22) and will run until 10pm on Monday February 23. Organisers describe it as an upbeat, exciting 36 hours and say everyone is welcome.

The hospice hopes to raise 200,000 to fund specialist end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses across the region. An initial 100,000 has already been pledged by match funders, meaning donations made during the appeal window will be doubled until that pot is used.

A spokesman said this afternoon: We have been thrilled to see how much the community has got behind us so far.

In the first five hours of the appeal, we have had 33,000 of donations  which of course is matched and so that is 66,000 of care that we can give to patients and families.

But we still have a way to go, so we would love for our community to dig deep and help us reach our goal of 200,000 by 10pm on Monday.

By 4pm today the total donated was past the 80,000 mark. Rowcroft and the Torbay Weekly have set up a live website page to keep a check on the running total. Go to: https://www.charityextra.com/rowcrofthospice/torbayweekly

As part of the campaign, 80 community champions will be fundraising across the 36 hours, supported by six sponsors and the matched funding donors.

Champions say the appeal is about just using your voice and shouting about it and encouraging people in their social circles to give what they can - even 1 each. There is no minimum or maximum donation, and gifts can be made anonymously.

The hospice is using the Charity Extra digital crowdfunding platform, which allows supporters to track donations in real time. Donors receive a thank-you email and a follow-up call from Rowcroft.

People can donate online during the 36-hour window. Donations can also be made by phone, bank transfer, cash or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Rowcroft Hospice. Offline donations can be added to individual fundraising pages so they still count towards totals.

Anyone wishing to donate by phone can call 01803 217450. Queries can be emailed to everymomentmatters@rowcrofthospice.org.uk.

The appeal comes at a challenging time for hospices nationally. Across the UK, two in five hospices are planning service cuts due to rising costs, limited government funding, falling donations and increasing demand for end-of-life care.

Rowcroft says increases to National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage added 225,000 to its annual costs last year. Only 24 per cent of its income is funded by the NHS, with the remainder raised through fundraising and donations.

Rowcroft estimates that 49 could fund three meals a day for a patient in its Inpatient Unit.

Local sponsors backing the appeal include Brothwell Irvine Building Services Engineering, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Exeter Finance, VX3, Wollens and Inter-Line.

Once the matched funding total has been reached, or after the 10pm deadline on Monday 23 February, donations will still be gratefully received but will not be doubled.

Rowcroft provides care for around 2,500 patients and their loved ones each year across 300 square miles of South Devon, from Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor. Most care is delivered in peoples homes, supporting those who wish to spend their final days in familiar surroundings.

Michelle Lewis-Clarke from Kingsteignton said the hospices support came at a crucial time for her family.

Her husband, Jim, a retired police officer, was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2017 but continued to enjoy life.

We had the most incredible support from Rowcroft, Michelle said. Our palliative care nurse, Tracey, was our saviour.

When Jims condition worsened in 2024, Rowcrofts Community Team stepped in. When pain became too much to manage at home, he was admitted to the hospices Inpatient Unit.

From the moment we walked through the doors, Jim said, Im in the right place, Michelle recalled.

The hospice later made it possible for Jim to return home.

They arranged everything so quickly: the bed, the care team, the equipment, said daughter Emily.

He was at home, surrounded by love, and we had four more wonderful months together, Michelle added.

During that time, the family enjoyed trips to the beach, walks on Dartmoor, fish and chips and even a ceremony to renew their wedding vows.

When Jim suffered a stroke in January 2025, Rowcrofts Hospice at Home Team provided round-the-clock care.

We called them our whispering angels, Michelle said.

Emily added: They gave us a real sense of peace, as every single nurse was just so experienced All Dads friends were able to come and say their goodbyes. It was very special and enabled everyone to have a moment with Dad in their own way.

Jim passed away peacefully at home, holding the hands of the people he loved.

We were all there. It was exactly what he wanted, and Rowcroft made it possible, Michelle said. As a service to the local community, Rowcroft is a godsend.

Organisers say if the campaign gains momentum online, it has the potential to go viral, helping the hospice deliver what they describe as the biggest fundraiser in the shortest time possible.

With just 36 hours on the clock, they say every moment - and every pound - really does matter.
A CALL for the removal of the Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin was made by members of Offaly County Council during their February monthly meeting.

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick (Independent) began the discussion on the matter when he called upon the Council to write a letter to the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon demanding Mr Murrin's removal because of a conflict of interest regarding the importation of Brazilian beef.

He said he agreed with farming organisations which are stating that Mr Murrin is acting as CEO of Dawn Farms, a company that sources Brazilian beef, and holding these two roles is a blatant conflict of interest. The Councillors agreed with the position of farming organisations that Bord Bia is responsible for promoting and protecting Irish food, therefore its Chair must fully support local farmers and not have business interests that work against them.

During the Council's discussion it was obvious that the Fine Gael Councillors and at least one Fianna Fail Councillor felt divided because Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had supported Mr Murrin, voting against an opposition motion in the Dail calling for his removal. Eventually, though, the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail Councillors did not object to the Council sending a letter to the Minister for Agriculture calling for Mr Murrin's resignation.

READ NEXT: THE LONG READ: The Bishop who died in Offaly after eating mushrooms following confirmation service

Councillors agreed with the position taken by the IFA regarding the Mercosur deal and Brazilian beef coming into Ireland. The IFA believes that the Mercosur deal will threaten the farming industry because farmers will be facing unfair competition. The IFA also points out that Brazilian beef comes with food safety concerns, including the unregulated use of veterinary medicines and hormones banned in Ireland. The Councillors also agreed with the IFA's position that Irish farmers work hard to produce the highest quality beef and they deserve full backing, not to be undercut by imports linked to the Bord Bia Chairs business.

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick pointed out that Bord Bia Quality Assurance farm inspections are strict and are stressful for the farmers subjected to them. Therefore, to see that the Bord Bia Chair is also CEO of Dawn Farms sticks in the craw and implies a double standard, or at best a lack of due regard and support for Irish farmers. It really doesn't add up for the farming community. In Ireland we produce very high standard products. Brazil doesn't comply with these high standards. I know that some people are saying the IFA are going over the top with this, but I don't agree. The IFA feels very strongly about this, and rightly so.

Cllr Hughie Egan (Fine Gael) said the controversy has been going on for weeks and he recently talked to Minister Heydon about it. The two sides of the argument are deeply entrenched about the issue, he remarked. It's backs to the wall stuff and is going nowhere fast. They need to find an outside mediator or facilitator and find common ground. The Government is not going to sack Mr Murrin. Cllr Egan pointed out that if farmers don't get the Bord Bia Quality Assurance stamp of approval then they lose significant amounts of money at the abattoirs.

Cllr Neil Feighery (Fine Gael) said Irish farmers produce world class food. He said the optics of double standards in Bord Bia is not a good look. The Councillor pointed out that 1400 people are employed by Bord Bia, 700 of them in the agency's Headquarters in Naas. He commended the IFA's position but advised that everyone take the heat out of the battle and enter into a mediation process.

Cllr Fitzpatrick commented that Cllr Feighery's advice could be the way forward. Dialogue and mediation might help the situation.

Cllr Aoife Masterson (Sinn Fein) pointed out that her party has led the charge against the Mercosur deal for years. To get the Quality Assurance mark is a very demanding challenge for farmers. Our beef is world class. It beggared belief that Sinn Fein's motion calling for Mr Murrin's removal was defeated in the Dail. She didn't agree with the Fine Gael Councillors' call for mediation and dialogue. The time for mediation is gone; we need to see the Chair's removal. The farming community is being very clear about that. The present state of affairs is an insult to the farming community. The Council should call on the Minister to seek Mr Murrin's resignation.

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Cllr Fergus McDonnell (Independent Ireland) said the government's position on the controversy reminded him of Trumpism, where you say one thing and act in another. Why the government is nailing its colours to the mast behind the Bord Bia Chair defies logic. The Chair has to go.

Cllr Claire Murray (Sinn Fein) said she agreed with Cllr Masterson. Mediation is not the way forward because the Chair's position is unsustainable. I have heard that the IFA are going to hold a number of protests outside the Bord Bia headquarters in Naas in the near future.

Cllr Feighery said he preferred mediation to calling for a head. Is it a sign of where our society's public discourse is at, this unwillingness to seek dialogue and diplomacy?

Cllr John Leahy (Independent) said the matter has been discussed for weeks and there's no sign of a resolution. I don't see how any more dialogue could work.

Cllr Peter Ormond (Fianna Fail) urged more dialogue and for everyone to get around the table and sort this out.

Finally, however, the Council agreed to send the following letter to the Minister: Dear Minister Heydon, At the meeting of Offaly County Council held on 16th February, the members of Offaly County Council agreed to support the IFA on its call for the Government to remove the Chairperson of Bord Bia, Mr Larry Murrin, from his position in light of the ongoing controversy and protest. I would be obliged for your consideration and response on the above so that I can advise the Elected Members of same. Yours faithfully, Evan Fennell, Meetings Administrator, Corporate Services, Offaly County Council.

The letter was posted to the Minister on Wednesday last.
BALLYSKENACH Drama Group return to the stage of the Citeaux Hall (E53 AE02) in

Ballyskenach from Thursday February 26th to Saturday February 28th at 8pm each evening.

Over the years, since they reformed in 2007, they have produced some of the Irish greats including, The Field, Sive and Big Maggie, to name but a few. The cast has remained consistent for many years now and they welcome a couple of returning members while others have a well earned break!

However, this year is the turn of Sam Cree's hilarious comedy  Widows Paradise. Over the past three decades Ballyskenach Drama Group have welcomed thousands to the Citeaux Hall, never leaving the loyal crowds disappointed and this year will be no different! They sincerely thank all those who travel near and far to support them annually and to all their generous sponsors and patrons for their continued support annually, without all these efforts the production would not go ahead. After months of rehearsing and digesting the scripts they are ready for the stage!

Widows Paradise takes place in a luxury caravan, with five ladies embarking on a strictly women only holiday in the tranquil Donegal countryside.

READ NEXT: Audiences go 'ga ga' for Tullamore Musical Society's tribute to Queen 'We will rock you'

The holiday is thrown into disarray with a case of mistaken caravan identity and the arrival of no-nonsense, alpha-male Harry and four other men. So what was supposed to be a scene of peace and restfulness turns into a riotous clash of the sexes, each with their own story to tellWidows Paradise is action-packed and guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat and in tears of laughter until the final curtain call.

The cast includes Betty Murphy as Ruby, Carmel Bergin as Sylvia, Orlaith Middleton as Vanessa, Sally Carney as Rachel, Mairead King as Lucy, Gerry McAulliffe as Ernie, Paddy Delaney as Harry, Fergal Keeshan as Alan, John Doherty as Wilfred and Jim Bolger as John.

The production will begin at 8pm sharp each evening however, booking is essential

please call/ whatsapp (087) 710 7307 to secure your seat. There will be a raffle on the night and refreshments served afterwards. Proceeds on the night will go to local causes.

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Saks Global took a big step forward in its bankruptcy case on Friday when a federal judge gave the final sign-off on the debtor-in-possession financing meant to see it through the Chapter 11 process and back to solvency.

The first-day hearing last month was a dramatic affair, with Amazon trying to hold up the financing over a commercial agreement that it said was backed by the retailers famed Fifth Avenue flagship. Amazon invested $475 million into Saks when it bought Neiman Marcus Group in late 2024, but has since soured on the relationship and has threatened to sue the retailer if warranted.

More from WWD

But the final sign-off was relatively drama-free and had lawyers for both the retailer and key vendors praising the process and the compromises made along the way on the $1.75 billion DIP package, provided by the companys bondholders.

With the signature of Houston-based Judge Alfredo Perez, the DIP package unleashed $330 million in funds that are expected to go to certain vendors with past-due bills within two weeks. Like the companys initial appearance in court, Fridays second-day hearing was held virtually.

Debra Sinclair, the Saks Global attorney from Willkie Farr & Gallagher, stressed the importance of the retailers relationship with its brand partners  a group that was hit hard as the company fell behind on payments and ultimately filed for Chapter 11 protection.

As of today, we have more than 100 brands that have either executed or are coming close to executing trade agreements with the company, Sinclair said. Our brand partners  are at the heart of our business and were generating great momentum with them.

She said Saks Global has also refocused on their core commitment to luxury retail over the past month and is ahead of schedule in closing 57 Saks Off 5th stores. The company is also shuttering nine full-line stores and has saved money by rejecting contracts while in bankruptcy.

The company has been outperforming the DIP budget in terms of top-line revenue and merchandise receipts and weve also been working actively with our lenders, Sinclair said. Were on track to meet our DIP milestones with respect to the business plan and a Chapter 11 plan. So its been a very productive first month of the case and we plan to keep making significant progress with our creditors and other stakeholders.
With the BAFTA Film Awards approaching fast, prediction markets are already shaping the record. Bettors are backing clear favourites in Best Film, Acting, and Director, while a few categories remain wide open.

The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) are nearly here, and theyre looking to be something special, especially with Paddington Bear confirmed as a host! For bettors who care more about the prop market than the fuzzy marmalade lover, there are massive opportunities with 25+ active props driving more than $665K in volume.

Lets dive in and see what 22 February has in store!

What The BAFTAs Represent

The BAFTA Awards, founded in 1947, exist to celebrate excellence in the screen arts and nurture emerging talent. Often called Britains answer to the Oscars, BAFTA hosts separate ceremonies for film, television, and games. Winners receive the iconic bronze theatrical mask designed by Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955.

The 79th BAFTA Film Awards will take place in London on 22 February 2026, with global attention firmly fixed on the nominees.

Across prediction platforms like Polymarket, multiple awards-related props circulate at any given time. The BAFTA Film Awards alone account for 25 active markets with more than $655.5K in total volume.

Top 5 Polymarket BAFTA Props

Here are our top five prediction markets to watch.

1. Best Film Winner ($74K+ Volume):

One Battle After Another commands a strong 68%, suggesting bettors see it as the clear frontrunner. Hamnet follows at 26%, with Sinners and Marty Supreme barely denting the market. Unless sentiment shifts dramatically, this looks like one of the more decisive races.

2. Best Supporting Actress ($89.4K+ Volume):

This category is the tightest of the headline markets. Teyana Taylor and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas sit neck-and-neck at 45% and 42% respectively. Wunmi Mosaku trails at 10%, while Odessa AZion sits at 3%. When probabilities mirror each other this closely, late industry buzz can flip the board overnight.

3. Outstanding British Film ($52.2K+ Volume):

Hamnet dominates here with 88%, towering above Swear (9.6%), Pillion (5.5%), and Ballad of a Small Player (1.0%). The confidence gap is striking, pointing to a likely homegrown triumph.

4. Best Leading Actor ($53.2K+ Volume):

Timothee Chalamet leads comfortably at 78%. Leonardo DiCaprio (10%) and Robert Aramayo (8.9%) hover as distant challengers, while Michael B. Jordan sits at 2.1%. Acting races can surprise, but this one currently looks anchored.

5. Best Original Screenplay ($44K+ Volume):

Sinners edges ahead at 51%, narrowly over Sentimental Value at 46%. Swear and Marty Supreme remain long shots, coming in under 4%. This is one of the few markets where true competition still exists, making it appealing for bettors hunting value.

Top 10 Trending and New BAFTA Props

Beyond the headline categories, several newer betting markets are gathering pace. Heres how the top ten stack up:

CATEGORY VOLUME TOP PICK PROBABILITY Best Director Winner $45K+ One Battle After Another 91% Non-English Language Film $37K+ Sentimental Value 86% Best Special Visual Effects $23K+ Avatar: Fire and Ash 93% Best Original Score $32K+ Sinners 83% Best Supporting Actor $26K+ Stellan Skarsgard 74% Best Cinematography $27K+ Frankenstein 46% Best Documentary $20K+ The Perfect Neighbour 47% Best Leading Actress $27K+ Jessie Buckley 96% Best Costume Design $24K+ Frankenstein 94% Best Production Design $20K+ Frankenstein 49%

All these competitive probabilities could swing as campaign momentum builds.

Other BAFTA Props Drawing Activity

Smaller film and media categories are quietly building volume, offering sharper bettors more angles:

Best Outstanding British Film: Hamnet (88%) - $55k+ Vol.

Hamnet (88%) - $55k+ Vol. Best Editing: F1 (53%) - $25k+ Vol.

F1 (53%) - $25k+ Vol. Best Sound: F1 (81%) - $18K+ Vol.

F1 (81%) - $18K+ Vol. Outstanding Debut: Pillion (50%) $25K+ Vol.

Pillion (50%) $25K+ Vol. Best Animated Film: Zootropolis 2 (78%) - $25K+ Vol.

Zootropolis 2 (78%) - $25K+ Vol. Best Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another (78%) - $23K+ Vol.

One Battle After Another (78%) - $23K+ Vol. Best Casting: One Battle After Another (36%) - $21K+ Vol.

These BAFTA markets rarely grab headlines, but they often provide the sharpest opportunities.

How to Get Involved

Before the final 79th BAFTA Film Awards envelopes are opened, compare odds, track shifting probabilities, and position yourself - awards season has a habit of rewriting scripts at the last moment.

Looking to add extra excitement to the ceremony? Now is the perfect time to explore platforms that offer awards markets. Check out our curated selection of crypto bonuses and betting offers to boost your bankroll.

Awards night only happens once. Make sure youre not just watching the winners - be ready to bet on them.


An Alliance of Socialists and Conservatives Against Liberal Centrism

(Image by Socialist Planning Beyond Capitalism) Details DMCA



Author, Bruce Lerro, Co-Founder and Co-Organizer for Socialist Planning Beyond Capitalism

Orientation

The socialist left trashes attempts to unite the left and right

Is it possible to oppose this centrist drift to the middle of the political spectrum by uniting socialists and conservatives? In the United States socialists howl at the prospect of uniting with conservatives. "How stupid" they might say. "Conservatives are pro-capitalists, pro-war and anti-communist. Besides, conservatives want to bring back the power of the church, the aristocrats and the king. What a dumb idea! How could any socialist find common ground with conservatives?" In the first place, our socialist leftist have mixed together two kinds of conservatives, neoconservatives on one hand and reactionaries on the other. There is a very different type of conservative I will be advocating for that comes out the work of Alain De Benoist and the New Right in Europe in his book The Populist Moment which I will discuss later in this article. But first, let's be explicit about what reactionaries and neocons really stand for.

Reactionaries

Reactionaries have the following characteristics:

They oppose time and irreversible history.

They see progress as an illusion.

For reactionaries, technological development is not an elixir.

Descartes' division of the world into subject and object is a disaster.

They oppose the mechanistic world of Newton and support an organic view of nature and society.

They oppose science which reduces quality to quantity.

They prefer education of arts and humanities to education in the sciences.

Nostalgia for reactionaries is a program for actual return.

Reactionaries mostly support religion.

Reactionaries are usually supported by wealth based on land as opposed to trade.

Reactionaries are usually an expression of kings, aristocrats and the Church power elites.

Theoreticians include de Maistre, de Benoist or Maurras.

In the 19th century people like Louis de Bonard and Joseph de Maistre denounced the tyranny of popular sovereignty because they claimed power can only come from above.

De Benoist asks how has the right, naturally attached to conservation been able to consistently support a capitalist system so destructive of what it intends to conserve? How has it been able to believe that this capitalist system could be reconciled with conservative, patriarchal or even feudal values? De Benoist contends that conservativism has not been able to implant itself durably in France because the revolution of 1789 conservatives never succeeded in distinguishing itself from the reactionary characteristics above. What has resulted in the obliteration of the political space conservatives could have occupied between the liberals and the reactionaries. According to de Benoist, conservatives have never enjoyed a good press since the end of the 19th century. He claims that ever since the old aristocracy was devoured by the bourgeois class, the Right has supported capitalism because feudalism was not coming back and they had nowhere else to go. When conservatives speak of property, they are thinking of patrimony, especially land, often associated with family. Over time patrimony and wealth based on land died out. Between the wars conservativism was confused with fascism. In World War II right-wing leaders fell into the orbit of conservative and petty-bourgeois nationalism. They were very far from their original conservative home.

After 1945 the context of the Cold War and anti-Sovietism led the right to assume solidarity with the "free world" dominated by U.S. imperialism. It supported the worst dictatorships. After the Second World War liberal ideas never stopped gaining ground on the right. The few times the right has developed an economic and social doctrine it has always been with a declared intention of putting an end to class struggle by supporting corporatism, a unity of state and unions. For the right, none of their proposals were accompanied by any fundamental analysis of the nature of capitalism. They spoke of "just wages", recommended good works and paternalism. De Benoist points out acidically that the right are imbeciles who think it is possible to defend both traditional values and a market economy that never stops destroying such values.

What About the Neocons?

As I wrote in my article on Dugan:

Dugin does not support the liberal conservatives of the United States because they do not condemn liberalism across the board. Rather, they say yes and no to liberal proposals. Liberal, because when it says yes it merely attempts to step on the brakes; "let's go slower", "let's not do that now" it says. They agree with the general trends in modernity especially around capitalism and individualism.

William Kristol was one of the founders of neoconservatism. The Project for New American Century includes projects of the Greater Middle East and Greater Central Asia where the goal is to uproot inertia, national, political, social, religious and cultural models and their replacement by the operating principles of American economic liberalism. For neocons liberalism must penetrate the depths of all societies. Contemporary neo-conservatives call for a global liberal revolution rejecting all isolationism. They do not like leftists and continue to fear communism. Neither do they like right-wingers like Evola and Guenon who we will discuss as part of the new right.

Where are we going?

My goal in this article is to reveal how an alliance between the new right conservatives and socialists is not as far-fetched as it seems. My first step was to distinguish the new right from both reactionaries and neocons. From that point on:

I want to describe the increasing unpopularity of centralists parties throughout the West. I discuss Alain's statistical report on the voting patterns in Europe over the past 20 years which show the declining numbers of people who are voting for centrists.

I want to describe how populism is a reaction to the dead-end of centrist politics but without a clear party alternative whether it is of the right or left.

I will defend the meaning of the much-maligned political term "populism". I discuss stereotypes of word, what populists say they want and the history of populism in Russia and in the United States.

I will then describe the characteristics of the new right in Europe and how it differs from liberal centrism.

I proceed to make a direct comparison between liberal centrists and across 17 categories including: attitude towards capitalism; political intermediate bodies; attitude toward progress; the rights of humanity; the type of democracy and what is human nature.

Up until now de Benoist has been content to distinguish the new right and populism from centrism. However, at the end of his book he demonstrates how he questions the validity of the political spectrum itself.

The very division of the political spectrum into left vs right is obsolete and only benefits centrists.

Socialism and leftism are not the same thing. In fact, there was socialism 50 years before leftism. Leftism was a strategy used by socialists and liberals specifically at the end of the 19 th century. But this alliance has turned into an ideology of leftism benefiting centrist liberals and weakening socialists. It has been a strategy to keep socialists and conservatives from uniting.

century. But this alliance has turned into an ideology of leftism benefiting centrist liberals and weakening socialists. It has been a strategy to keep socialists and conservatives from uniting. It is necessary today for socialists make a break with any kind of leftism which opens the door to an alliance with the European right.

Centrism in Trouble

In his book The Populist Moment: The End of Right vs. Left, Alain de Benoist writes that in September 2016 a poll revealed that 85% of Frenchmen in the presidential election of May 2017 would be disappointed no matter what the result. In the same year, the share of Frenchmen describing themselves with no party preference was continuing to rise among the young 35%; blue collar 37% and white collar students at 38%. In France 71% of Frenchmen admitted to having a poor opinion of their leaders. 76% have no confidence in their leaders and 49% judge them as corrupt. Seven out of ten Frenchmen say they have no confidence in either the right or the left. People's attitude commonly oscillates between lack of interest and rejection, abstention and systematic opposition. This dissatisfaction goes a long way back. In the presidential election of 2002 less than half of the French voted in both rounds. In the first round 64% chose neither Chirac nor Jospin. We have to go back 40 years to find anti-system candidates not receiving much attention. In 1981 anti-system candidates received only 2% of the vote but 21 years later there is quite a different story. 34% voted for an anti-systemic candidate in 2002, 2007 and 2012. The result is that today's majorities of major parties receive barely 25% of the peoples' vote.

Problems for political centrism are not unique to France. In Italy Christian Democrats and the Communist Party have practically disappeared. In Austria the two government parties, the Social Democrats and the Christian Social Party, received only 22% of the vote in the Presidential election of 2016. Alternative for Germany, a far-right populist party created only 3 years ago got 21% of the vote. Centrist parties have no prestige left. Labor unions enjoy little credit and office holders enjoy no prestige. We can even speak of an adamantine contempt for representative democracy. Among the elites, in the recentering of party programs there is a neutralization of political discourse. In fact, another poll carried out in 2006 shows that 6 and 10 French people are no longer able to tell the left from the right.

In fact centrism has infected the entire region of Europe with the presence of the European Union since its beginning in the 1980s. EU policies in the service of global capitalism has resulted in the disappearance of whole layers of state sovereignty The EU deprived them of the ability to make sovereign national decisions regarding monetary policy. Thanks to globalization, Europeans are thrown into competition with underpaid workers of the Third World. The EU has destroyed the collective bargaining power of workers.

In Great Britain the leadership of both big parties, Conservatives and Labor, were favorable to remain (not Brexit). In the United States the Democratic Party has become a center-right party since the mid 1980s. In fact, de Benoist tells us that staunch right-wingers like Paul Wolfowitz and Robert Kagan showed in the end they had would have no problem voting for Hillary Clinton, once thought of as the queen of feminist liberalism.

In most Western countries the liberal representative democracy has won out.

This consists of substituting parliamentary sovereignty for popular sovereignty

It is an aggregate form of democracy that sees in the political filed merely a conglomeration of interests.

Individuals and groups are expected to maximize their best interests politically without any concern for the common good.

They limit popular participation as much as possible to an electoral ritual.

According to centrist liberals, the people are not well-suited to make their own political decisions. However, somehow they think the same people are perfectly capable of choosing their representatives. How convenient for these representatives! When democracy is defined as concentrating the laws of numbers, representational democracy will be as a lesser evil since it drastically reduced the number of deciders. Rousseau wrote that a people can only lose its sovereignty the moment it was turned over to representatives. For more on the differences between liberal representative democracy and participatory democracy see my articles Liberal Democracy At the End of Its Rope I and II

In short, the political centrist elites have gradually distanced themselves from what is popular by way of class contempt. The official centrist right left have settled in the upper middle classes. All the big parties of right and left are saying more or less the same thing. For centrist liberals the only institution called upon to regulate relations between people and social contract between people are commercial exchange and legal contract. There is a regrouping of formerly antagonistic governmental parties at the top who today realize that nothing any longer really separates them.

Seeing through the division of left and right has a long history among elite theorists. The left-right divide is scarcely mentioned by the first great elitist political scientist Robert Michels. The entire elitist school of political science of Vilfredo Pareto, Robert Michels and C. Wright Mills has demonstrated how the system of representation and parliamentary democracy unavoidably leads representatives to constitute themselves as an elite or oligarchy. On the other hand, an electorate drawn from both right and left is forming at the base. Liberal centrism provokes popularism.

What is Populism?

Stereotypes of popularism

Having become a political insult populism is presented as a sort of permanent infantile disorder of democracy. It has been called a "flattering of people's base instincts." Brexit is the victory of the most rancid sovereigntist and the most stupid nationalism". For liberal centrists the solution is to quarantine certain complex matters such as foreign politics by removing them from the voting process. Populists are attacked for either not knowing what they want or when they do express preferences it is not reason enough to take them into account. Populists are seen as uneducated, malicious, xenophobic, and backward.

Populism has been characterized as the new clothes of the extreme right - maybe a yearning for dictatorship or a return to monarchy. The Enlightenment philosophers had nothing but disdain for the people. The socialist left is no better. De Benoist describes populism as the name the left gives the people whenever they do something the left doesn't like. As a category of political science, populism has already been the object of a significant number of studies, but the specialists do not agree among themselves. At its best the word refers to confidence in the people which one encounters in Robespierre's speeches or in Michelet's writings.

Populism should not simplistically be associated with the right wing. Populism is fundamentally directed against elites while the right has nearly aways defended them. Other characteristics include:

The nostalgic reappropriation of values inherited from the past.

The demand for direct democracy - often based on referendum. It is not about the quantity of votes, suffrage, elections nor representation.

It carries a taste for charismatic leaders in the service of incarnate democracy.

It includes the virtues of honesty, solidarity, generosity, the spirit of giving, the sense of gratitude, honor, a taste of reciprocity and mutual assistance.

Yet it would be a mistake to make populism a matter of mere demagogy. Accusation of it forgets that demagogy is just as possible as r epresentative centrist democracy as in the case of Obama in the United States. Populism contradicts liberal centrist democracy by aspiring to the political body's unity, whereas liberal representative democracy institutionalizes differences as with the separation of powers. Populism appears in a tempest of rapid social change and immediacy as opposed to movements of long duration. It is inaccurate to say that populism expresses a disgust or rejection of politics. Those who disgust populists are liberal centrist politics.

De Benoist tells us that populists feel a triple exclusion: political, social and cultural.

Experientially it is as when you partly feel, rightly or wrongly like a foreigner in your own land. You also might feel your neighbor as a threat because of their ethno-cultural origin or religion. Among the popular classes restlessness is not a result of ignorance but of repeated disappointment with the liberal center combined with no political outlet. De Benoist writes that great historical disasters have more often had their origin in the failure of elites than the blindness of the people. Centrist liberals imagine that in politics expertise is what matters. But in the participatory politics, competence does not reside in technical knowledge but in the ability to decide between several possibilities in their capacity for making good decisions about what is to be done in the short-term and the long-term. Being an expert does not necessarily mean the quality of decisions is automatically good.

Left-wing populism

Populism should not be associated with the right-wing because there is a left popularism represented by Christopher Lasch as in The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy. Others include a left-wing conservativism that includes Orwell, Jean Claude Michea, Jacques Ellul, Ivan Illich, Gunther Anders and Piers Paolo Pasolini. Left-wing popularism can also be found in the resurgence of republicanism of antiquity and the Renaissance which wanted virtue to be the foundation of citizenship. Conservatives of the left criticize a left that limits itself to class struggle. Marxists are unable to explain the persistence of religion, pro-family, personal responsibility and reduce it to false consciousness.

Which social classes are part of populism?

De Benoist declares that if we add white collar workers, small farmers and other ill-paid and threatened groups to the working class we get most of the economically active population. This is why nearly all populist movements defend both living standards and ways of life. Poverty, distress a feeling of abandonment all explain the breadth of the crisis. Populists are infuriated when the sole response to their concerns is they result from xenophobic fantasies. Populism expresses not a horizontal left-right opposition but a vertical one, the people against the elites.

Conditions for the arrival of popularism

Populist movements found themselves confronted with dramatic demographic, cultural and economic challenges which the obsolete left-right party political spectrum fails to address. Centrist liberals no longer engage the reality and depth of capitalist crisis as it affects the middle and lower classes.

History of Populism in Russia and the United States

Most historians agree that historically speaking populism appeared at the end of the 18th century, both in Russia and the US. Between 1860-1880 the Narodniki (narod = people) were Russian socialists who wanted to "go to the people" bringing basic literacy to the peasant masses. They were hostile to westernization and they considered the peasantry the only revolutionary class. The principle representatives of Russian populism were Alexander Herzen, Nikolai Chernyshevsky and Dmitry Pisarev.

Yankee populism asserted itself as a rural movement in the second half of the 19th century. It was created in 1867 by Oliver Hudson Kelley. The Grange movement sought to enlarge agricultural workers' social rights as well as protect small producers' autonomy. This was followed by the People's Party, an agrarian populist party founded in 1891. Its ideas rested on the Jeffersonian dream of smallholders' autonomy. The Narodnik opposed the rural way of life to capitalism while the Grangers denounced the finance capital of the banks that reigned in the large cities. Latin American populism included Mexican Cardenismos or Argentine Peronism.

The New Right of de Benoist

The conservative revolution in Europe

There have been many conservatives in European history who are neither reactionaries nor neocons. Among the theorists was Arthur Moeller, van den Bruck, Ernst and Friedrich Junger, Carl Schmitt, Oswald Spengler, Werner Sombart, Othmar Spann and Friedrich Hielscher. They also included Titus Burckhardt and Leopold Ziegler. Dugin informs us that the Conservative Revolution is a term first coined by Hugo von Hofmannsthal which has come to designate a loose confederation of anti-liberal German thinkers who wrote during the Weimar Republic. They are opposed to capitalism and communism in favor of a synthesis of aristocratic traditions and spiritual values with socialism. Dugin names de Benoist as one of the pioneers of the European New Right. Dugin says they write with uncompromising consistency and persistence and not with the thoughts of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Unlike neoconservatives in Yankeedom, the New Right in Europe does not trust the state and identifies more with intermediate organizations the way Tocqueville did. Historically, The Enlightenment philosophy of liberals began in the 17th - 18th centuries by attacking organic communities. This constituted the ideological basis of the rights of man. While neoconservatives distance themselves from any kind of attachment other than nationalism, the New Right identifies with "the common good". While neocons identify with capitalism, the New European Right is critical of capitalism.

While liberal centrists stress the independence of individuals, the New Right in Europe recognizes individual autonomy but within a larger whole. Like reactionary conservatives, the New Right is dead set against any liberal notion of linear progress. The New Right is also against the rights of man if rights are understood as abstract, universal flight from any concrete community. Unlike liberal's individualism, for the New Right, individuals are not understood as a creature of social contract, a pre-social being which has to construct themselves from nothing. Liberalism considers humans interchangeable because it only conceives of them in a generic, abstract manner. For liberals, the common good has no meaning beyond the sum of individual self-interest. Liberal individualism does not see citizen participation in the political community is an intrinsic good, constitutive of the good life. The Revolution of 1789 openly aimed at uniformizing France in order to replace the vestiges of a shameful past with the superior devices of reason to destroy the provincial spirit and the ripping out of loyalty to regional dialects. They want to be free from all forms of rootedness.

For the New Right, all the way back to Aristotle the individual is socially rooted and grounded in politics. For liberals all relations are associative and voluntary and the foundation is based on both commercial exchange and legal contract, not politics. For the New Right all relations, such as in Hegel are organic and holistic. While liberty for the liberal is based on the individual, for the New Right the framework for liberty are institutions.

What is the common good? For associative liberalism there is no recognition of the common good beyond the general interest. The general interest is only the addition of particular interests. For the New Right the common good is a historically grounded in a local political community with ethnic, regional attachments that the individual is born into. Yet like many reactionaries the New Right sees:

human nature is imperfect (as opposed to liberal belief in perfectibility);

some identities are already here when we are born and we cannot be whatever we like;

what is best is what has accumulated from past experience and is not to be taken lightly and

what is most valued is what is concrete and particular, not what is abstract and universal.

See a summary in table form that compares liberal centrists with the new right on Socialist Planning Beyond Capitalism

Socialism Beyond Leftist Linear Progress

How to stop being a progressive without being a reactionary

For centrist liberals all reference to the past is dismissed as nostalgia. As de Benoist says anyone who looks back is excommunicated. But as recently as the end of the 19th century when most of France was still largely rural, workers balked at the working methods of industry. Workers, whether they were socialists or not were quite often reserved about the ideology of progress. The first socialists saw themselves as forces of resistance to modernization. The first socialists were not enemies of the past either. Jean-Claude Miche'a writes that French workers rightly contested the hierarchies of the French Ancien Regime but were in no way willing to abandon the solidarity, forms of mutual aid and social bonds that allowed people to face up to those hierarchies within traditional societies. They refused to set sail with liberal linear notions of progress. People still cherished the stability of long-term marital and intergenerational commitments. They honored common sense. De Benoist claims the conservative rehabilitation of popular precapitalist values is perfectly legitimate provided it is not accompanied by idealization or nostalgia. This is a dialectical view of the past. For the people, the past helps them to judge the value of proposals and innovations. Furthermore, in the past a good number of popular revolts have originated in a clear commitment to defend popular customs against the Church, the bourgeoisie and the princes.

Left vs right in the service of the center

De Benoist informs us that In 1980 only 30% of Frenchman thought the concepts of right and left were dated. But six years later the number had gone up to 45%. By 1989 the relevance of "Left vs Right" had gone up another 11% to 56% and by 2016 73% of the French people thought that the concepts of left and right really didn't matter. It was in France that the concepts of left and right are generally thought to have been born within the French revolution. However, the concept of "the left" was not part of the revolutions of 1830, 1848 or the Paris Commune. Miche'a recalls that socialism was originally neither of the Left or the right.it never would have occurred to Proudhon, Marx, Bakunin or Georges Sorel to define themselves as men of the left. The left at that time meant nothing beyond radicals.

It was only in the very last years of the 19th century that the dyad left-right took on its current meaning. During the Dreyfus Affair (1894 -1899) there was an alliance between socialism and the progressive left liberals out of a concern for a republican defense against the monarchist clericals and nationalist right. Specifically, it was a historical alliance that was formed between German social democracy, then by Marxism and the progressive left.

Benoist contends three great debates that kept the left/right debate alive for two centuries have today been concluded. The first debate was at the end of the 18th century beginning with the French Revolution. It concerned institutions of Republican constitutional monarchies vs those of a Divine Right of Kings. The second debate a little less than a century later was in the 1880s over the question over a clerical vs secular order. The 3rd debate was a social question of the impact of the First Industrial Revolution. In all these conditions, being on the left was not only a matter of being Republican or secular. It was how to be a socialist or communist. It was in the 20th century that the Left-Right divide experienced a golden age.

It was the theory of linear progress that blocked the socialists from joining with the right. Linear progress implies the repudiation of all archaic forms of belonging. In the progressive view any possible evaluation of the world as it was before, it necessarily comes from a nostalgic idealization of the past. To be on the Left one had to class oneself among those who on principle refused to look back, just as Orpheus was forbidden by Hades to look back on the pain of losing his beloved forever.

The Left-Right political spectrum today still cripples discussion between socialists and conservatives by the polemical use of some of these labels. For example:

For liberals, socialists and fascists belong to the same category - totalitarian.

For socialists, fascists and liberals belong to the same category - capitalists.

For fascists, socialists and liberals belong to the same category - The Enlightenment.

For liberals and socialists conservatives are labelled fascists.

Born of modernity in the West, the left/right divide is disappearing along with it. Deep social transformations induced by changes in the capitalist system into monopoly finance capital are most responsible for the rendering the Left-Right divide moth-eaten.

The Weakness of the Left

De Benoist throws down the gauntlet and states that the socialist left today is in no position to join with the New Right. In 1905 the socialist party's goal was to socialize the means of production and exchange. Since then, the Social Democratic Left has mutated increasingly to socialist liberals. Socialists who identify as left are no longer socialist but progressive. The great weakness of the left is that it is tagging along like a caboose attaching itself to liberal ideas of progress even while it claims to renounce some aspects of progress. Virtually every left socialist thinks liberals are closer to them than conservatives. It alienates itself from the working-class population by imagining that the suppression of all norms is somehow synonymous with greater freedom. It celebrates endlessly the transgression of all moral and cultural limited inherited from past generations, whether it be mental illness, use of drugs or changing genders. De Benoist claims the new social movements of feminism, gay rights, welfare rights and agitation against racial discrimination have nothing in common. Their only coherent demand aims at inclusion in the dominant structures rather than a revolutionary transformation of social relations. Hatred of limits, contempt for norms people and compulsive praise for uprootedness is no answer.

Socialist-Conservativism with Heart

All Jean-Claude Michea's work is an effort to rediscover the spirit of that original socialism and the left socialist subsequent discrediting of the values of rootedness and organic structures. Miche'a is a libertarian socialist who supports participatory democracy and aspires to live in a classless society. He appeals to the followers of Marcel Mauss, George Orwell and Christopher Lasch, not of de Bonard or Joseph de Maistre and still less to Maurras. The virtue celebrated by Jean Jaures involves generosity, the sense of honor and solidarity to give, receive and give back which Marcel Mauss made the basis of the logic of gift and counter-gift.

Miche'a refers to "common decency" which could be found in the work of Victor Hugo, Jack London, Elisee Reclus, Georges Sorel and Pierre Proudhon. He says the popular classes are still relatively protected from liberal egoism. They keep the most invasive forms of possessive individualism at bay from day to day In practices of mutual aid and systems of solidarity. There is ancient ethic of honor, which certain mental attitude and forms of behavior are simply dishonorable. Christopher Lasch says that ordinary men and women have a more developed sense of limits than the higher classes. But loyalty and solidarity are only effective if anchored in a social fabric of physical proximity, local places. Loyalty needs to attach itself to specific people and places, not to an abstract ideal of universal rights. It involves turning back to find a foothold the better to launch oneself forward.

Where Might the Socialist-Conservative Alliance Take Place?

It could take hold in Europe where the New Right conservatives have a foothold. A lot depends on whether the socialists in Europe can overcome:

their confusion between conservatives and fascists;

between reactionaries and the New Right and

their assumptions that liberal centrists are any closer to socialism than the new right is to them.

A socialist conservative alliance also has promise among the BRICS countries and their allies. After all, state socialist countries like China, Cuba and North Korea have to find a way to get along with Shia and Sunni Muslin countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as the Hindu fundamentalists in India.

The United States is the least likely part of the world where a socialist-conservative alliance might be possible, both because the socialist left has few roots in the working class and because the presence of the neocons monopolized what conservativism exists here.

Conclusion

My goal in this article is to explain how an alliance between the New Right conservatives and socialists is not far-fetched. I began with some cynical comments by left-socialists in the United States about what they might say about why alliances with conservatives were ridiculous. In response, the first thing I did was to distinguish between reactionary conservatives, neoconservatives and then later in my article, the New European right. Then I pointed out the declining support for centrist parties throughout Europe while at the same time contending that the lack of clear political alternatives to centralism drives something called populism which I defended against attacks by liberal centrists and to a lesser extent left socialists.

Up until now de Benoist is content to distinguish the new right and populism from centrism. But then at the end of his book he questions the validity of the political spectrum itself which only benefits centrists. Following Jean-Claude Michea, de Benoist points out that socialism and leftism are not the same thing. In fact, there was socialism 50 years before there was leftism. The joining of socialist to liberalism as "the left" benefits centrist liberals while weakening socialists. It has been a strategy of centrist liberals to keep socialists and conservatives from engaging each other and joining forces. I closed by pointing out the places in the world where a socialist-conservative alliance has the most promise.
Photographer: Eric Thayer/Bloomberg

A noisy, unsettled Wall Street is doing what years of simply owning the index rarely has: made the smart money look smart again.

In a market rattled by tariff whiplash, AI disruption fears, a brewing Middle East conflict and stretched valuations, getting tactical has paid off in ways that a decade of devotion to buy and hold did not.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Hedge funds are outperforming. Active stock-pickers are beating benchmarks at rates not seen since 2007. Quantitative strategies, return-stacking strategies, risk-parity allocators  all ahead of mainstream indexes.

Put simply, bond yields, credit spreads and the S&P 500 have been all but motionless for weeks. Its a different story for the tactical trades beloved by the pros.

Their opportunity set has been rich. Software stocks have been routed on fears that AI agents could hollow out the subscription-revenue models on which entire software empires were built  a selloff that spread fast into insurance, real estate, trucking and anywhere else a labor-intensive business model looked vulnerable. Meanwhile, oil settled this week near its highest level since August after President Donald Trump warned Iran it had as little as two weeks to reach a nuclear deal, backed by a military buildup in the region on a scale not seen since 2003. Gold has climbed back above $5,000.

Friday added another layer. The Supreme Court struck down the bulk of Trumps global tariffs  his biggest legal defeat since returning to the White House  only for him to pledge a new 10% global levy within hours. Stocks advanced. Bonds and the dollar held losses. Investors head into the weekend with no respite, with Trump weighing a limited strike on Iran.

The majority of the policy uncertainty out of the administration is noise. Could this approach backfire? Yes, said Jim Thorne, chief market strategist at Wellington-Altus. Stress signals are hiding in plain sight, he argues: a weakening dollar, gold near records, and investors piling into Walmart Inc. at lofty valuations. Trump needs to turn down the noise. Investors need to be more tactical.

Its barely seven weeks into the year, and the history of active strategies sustainably beating passive is not an encouraging one. Markets that reward complexity have a habit of reverting before the lesson fully sinks in.
A commemorative event marking the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide is set to take place on February 25 at the conference hall of the Press, Publications and Public Relations Department of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, AzerNEWS reports.

The ceremony, dedicated to honoring the victims of the tragic events, has been initiated by the TurkiyeAzerbaijan Friendship, Cooperation and Solidarity Foundation, which operates in Ankara.

The gathering will be held under the patronage of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, with organizational support from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkiye.

The human rights commissioners (Ombudsmen) of both Azerbaijan and Turkiye are also expected to participate in the event.

The tragic events occurred on February 2526, 1992, when Armenian armed forces, with direct support from the 366th regiment of the former USSR stationed in Khankandi in Azerbaijan's Garabagh region, launched a brutal attack on Khojaly from multiple directions.

The attack had devastating consequences: approximately 613 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed.

In addition, around 1,000 people were left disabled, eight families were completely wiped out, 25 children were orphaned, and 130 children lost at least one parent.

Furthermore, 1,275 innocent individuals were taken captive, and the fate of 150 people remains unknown to this day.
Soybeans were down 3 to 4 cents in the front months, as Marc was up 4  cents this week. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 7 1/2 cents at $10.76 1/2. Soymeal futures were up $5 to $5.30 in the front months, with March up 60 ents this week. Soy Oil futures were down 70 to 75 points with March up 184 points this week. We are closing in on the final week for the crop insurance spring base price discovery, with the average November soybean close during February at $11.03 so far. This is up 49 cents from last year.

Soybean sales picked up for old crop in the week ending on February 12, with bookings at 798,216 MT. That was well above the week prior and 66.2% above the same week last year. The largest buyer was China at 415,500 MT, with 226,900 MT sold to Egypt and 87,100 MT to Japan. New crop sales totaled 66,000 MT.

More News from Barchart

Meal sales were tallied at 480,937 MT, exceeding trade estimates of 220,000-450,000 MT. Sales for bean oil were at 11,134 MT, near the top end of expectations of net reductions of 10,000 to sales of 16,000 MT.

CFTC data showed a total of 40,463 contracts added to the managed money net long position in the week of 2/17. That took the net position to 163,611 contracts.

Earlier on Friday, the US Supreme Court ruled the President cannot use the IEEPA for tariff purposes. The market took to risk off mode following the new, as this likely give some leverage to China. President Trump later responded by indicating he will issue a 10% blanket tariff, which would expire after 150 days.

Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $11.37 1/2, down 3 1/2 cents,

Nearby Cash was $10.72, down 3 1/2 cents,

May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.53 1/4, down 2 3/4 cents,

Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.66, down 2 cents,

New Crop Cash was $10.53 1/4, down 3 3/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder 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
March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) today is up +0.19 (+1.35%), and May London ICE white sugar #5 (SWK26) closed is up +1.30 (+0.32%).

Sugar prices are climbing today, with NY sugar posting a 1.5-week high. Sugar prices jumped today after the US Supreme Court struck down President Trumps tariffs, potentially allowing Brazil to export more sugar to the US that would shrink global supplies. Todays weaker dollar ($DXY) is also supportive for most commodity prices, including sugar.

More News from Barchart

Signs of lower sugar output in Brazil are also supportive of sugar prices, after Unica on Wednesday reported that sugar production in Brazils Center-South in the second half of January fell by 36% y/y to only 5,000 MT. However, cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through January is up by +0.9% y/y to 40.24 MMT. Also, the ratio of cane crushed for sugar rose to 50.74% in 2025/26 from 48.14% in 2024/25.

Last Thursday, sugar prices extended their 5-month-long plunge and posted 5.25-year nearest-futures lows on concern that a global sugar surplus will persist. Last Wednesday, analysts from sugar trader Czarnikow said they expect a global sugar surplus of 3.4 MMT in the 2026/27 crop year, following an 8.3 MMT surplus in 2025/26. Also, Green Pool Commodity Specialists said on January 29 that they expect a 2.74 MMT global sugar surplus for 2025/26 and a 156,000 MT surplus for 2026/27. Meanwhile, StoneX said last Friday it expects a global sugar surplus of 2.9 MMT in 2025/26.

Consulting firm Safras & Mercado said on December 23 that Brazils sugar production in 2026/27 will fall by -3.91% to 41.8 MMT from 43.5 MMT expected in 2025/26. The firm expects Brazils sugar exports in 2026/27 to fall by -11% y/y to 30 MMT.

The India Sugar Mill Association (ISMA) reported January 19 that Indias 2025-26 sugar output from Oct 1-Jan 15 was up +22% y/y to 15.9 MMT. The ISMA on November 11 raised its 2025/26 India sugar production estimate to 31 MMT from an earlier forecast of 30 MMT, up +18.8% y/y, as India experienced its strongest monsoon season in five years. The ISMA also cut its estimate for sugar used for ethanol production in India to 3.4 MMT from a July forecast of 5 MMT, which may allow India to boost its sugar exports. India is the worlds second-largest sugar producer.
Ali Rockett covers the city of Charleston, from inside City Hall to outer West Ashley. She previously worked at papers in Virginia and her home state of North Carolina.
Valerie Nava is part of the Post and Courier's Education Lab in Charleston. She holds an M.A. from the University of Missouri.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. High 79F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Fog developing late. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 21, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. ("Kyndryl" or the "Company") (NYSE:KD). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Kyndryl and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until April 13, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Kyndryl securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 9, 2026, Kyndryl filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-5 announcing that it would be unable to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 within the necessary time. The late filing notice also revealed the existence of an investigation by the SEC into the Company's financial reporting. Separately, Kyndryl announced that "David Wyshner departed from his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and Edward Sebold departed from his position as General Counsel of the Company, effective immediately. In addition, on the same date, Vineet Khurana stepped down from his position as Senior Vice President and Global Controller of the Company and assumed a different role at the Company." On this news, Kyndryl's stock price fell $12.90 per share, or 55%, to close at $10.59 per share on February 9, 2026.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Passive income investing is a way to earn a steady stream of income by investing in businesses that consistently pay dividends to shareholders. One company with a long history of increasing its dividend payments to investors is ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), which has grown its annual dividend payout for 43 consecutive years.

Based on its current dividend yield of 2.7%, for every $10,000 you invest in ExxonMobil, you would earn $273 in dividend payments annually. If this sounds appealing to you, here's what you need to know about investing in ExxonMobil.

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ExxonMobil has a highly efficient oil and gas business

ExxonMobil is a giant in the oil and gas industry. The company has an integrated business model that includes upstream operations, which are exploration and drilling, along with downstream operations of turning raw materials into fuels, petrochemicals, plastics, and more.

The oil and gas giant is aggressively shifting its portfolio toward what it calls advantaged assets, which have low production costs and high returns; these are expected to comprise 65% of its upstream production by 2030, up from 59% in 2025.

Image source: Getty Images.

The company also leverages technology to extract more value from similar resources than competitors do. For example, in the Permian Basin, the company uses cube development, which is drilling multiple wells at once to maximize recovery. It also uses a proprietary, lightweight proppant, which helps improve economics and make drilling more efficient. This proppant technology was used in 25% of its wells in 2025, and it expects to use it in 50% of its wells by late 2026.

Another advantage of ExxonMobil is its scale. Its centralized global projects organization executes three times as many mega-projects as its nearest competitor on average, helping it deliver lower costs. These efforts have helped ExxonMobil achieve $15.1 billion in cumulative structural cost savings since 2019.

ExxonMobil is positioned to deliver for investors

Production in the Permian reached a record 1.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. Looking forward, CEO Darren Woods stated, "Simply put, there is no near-term peak Permian for us," and projects production could exceed 2.5 million oil-equivalent barrels per day by 2030 thanks to continued drilling productivity gains and recovery-efficiency improvements.

ExxonMobil is an oil and gas giant that can be subject to fluctuations in the spot prices of these commodities. However, it has done an excellent job of managing its balance sheet and investing in high-yielding, high-performing oil wells and related technology. Its investments in lower-cost assets yield strong returns and keep it profitable even if oil prices fall from here, and it looks set to continue delivering for dividend investors for years to come.
PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-22 00:01:12

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 21, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Bath & Body Works, Inc. ("Bath & Body Works" or the "Company") (NYSE:BBWI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton atnewaction@ pomlaw.comor 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Bath & Body Works and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until March 16, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Bath & Body Works securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On August 28, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported its second quarter 2025 financial results. Among other items, the Company reported earnings per diluted share of $0.30, representing a decline of 55.8% year over year and missing the Company's prior guidance on the low end by $0.03. Bath & Body Works also reported net income of $64 million, a decline of 57.9% year over year. The Company also announced that it was cutting its full year guidance for earnings per diluted share by $0.03 at the midpoint, to a range of $3.28 to $3.53.On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $2.18 per share, or 6.9%, to close at $29.36 per share on August 28, 2025.Then, on November 20, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported third quarter 2025 financial results. The Company reported a 1% year over year decline in revenue, missing its guidance of 1-3% growth for the quarter. Bath & Body Work's net income also declined, falling 26% to $77 million. Finally, the Company announced that it was slashing full year guidance for net sales from a previously positive 1.5%-2.7% to negative "high single digits." Bath & Body Works also cut expected earnings per diluted share from a range of $3.28 to $3.53 to "at least $2.83." In an investor presentation published the same day, the Company announced a new business strategy and admitted that its strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" had "not grown our total customer base." On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $5.22 per share, or 24.8%, to close at $15.82 per share on November 20, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. Seewww.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and the Dangote Group have forged a renewed strategic alliance designed to accelerate energy security, deepen domestic refining capacity and drive long-term economic prosperity.

In a significant move aimed at reshaping Nigerias energy landscape, the two companies renewed the alliance on Saturday.

This deal was reached when the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Bashir Ojulari, led the NNPCs delegation to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

The visit was for high-level discussions that culminated in a renewed commitment to strategic collaboration between the two companies.

The visit, which included a facility tour, focused on strengthening operational and commercial relationships between NNPC Limited and the Dangote Refinery, with both organisations reaffirming their shared vision for Nigerias energy future.

Mr Ojulari, in a statement, commended the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his vision and perseverance in delivering the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, a project that positions Nigeria as a major downstream hub in Africa.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr Ojulari described the strategic alliance as one that will unlock synergies across assets, infrastructure, capital and markets.

It will also provide visibility of all NNPC-Dangote business relations, he added.

He further revealed the expansive potential of the collaboration, noting that there is a huge opportunity for both companies to expand upstream and move into trading, shipping, and gas supplies, among other fronts.

Mr Ojulari expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in the oil and gas sector.

He said the presidents policy clarity, investor-friendly reforms and commitment to sectoral transformation had signalled seriousness to both domestic and international investors, creating an enabling environment for partnerships of this scale to flourish.

According to the Chairman of Dangote Group, Mr Dangote, Nigerians will be the beneficiaries of the synergy between Dangote Group and NNPC Ltd, because the collaboration will achieve economies of scale and unlock value across markets.

READ ALSO: Dangote Foundation distributes school materials to pupils in Lagos communities

The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in pursuit of shared objectives, ensuring energy security, driving industrial growth and delivering value to Nigerians.

NNPC Ltd. currently holds a 7.25 per cent stake in the Dangote Refinery.

The shareholding is considered to be a strategic investment that aligns with NNPC Ltds downstream growth objectives and commitment to domestic refining capacity.

(NAN)
The recently concluded 2026 Global AI Summit in India has confirmed what many policymakers and experts have already sensed but few have fully internalised: that artificial intelligence has entered its industrial phase. The conversation has shifted as AI is no longer primarily about model releases, chat interfaces, or startup valuations. It is now about compute capacity, energy infrastructure, mineral supply chains, governance architecture, and national competitiveness. And in that equation, Africa is not peripheral but foundational.

The Minerals Beneath the Algorithms

It is no longer news that artificial intelligence runs on chips, chips run on critical minerals, data centres run on energy, and hardware depends on complex global supply chains. At the heart of this supply chain is Africa, sitting centrally and strategically, powering the innovation of the 21st century. Africa holds a disproportionately large share of the worlds critical mineralsthe raw materials needed for batteries, semiconductors, and electronics that power AI hardware.

For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo supplies roughly 70 per cent of the worlds cobalt  a critical component in lithium-ion batteries and high-performance electronics. Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Nigeria are expanding lithium exploration; Madagascar and Mozambique are major sources of graphite. In 2021, they were the third-largest producers of graphite, each accounting for 6 per cent of global production. South Africa remains central to manganese production, with an estimated 70 per cent of the worlds known manganese resources. Several African states hold rare earth element reserves vital to advanced electronics and semiconductors. This deep mineral endowment gives Africa a structural advantage in the materials economy of AI if that advantage is strategically harnessed rather than simply exported.

The International Energy Agency has repeatedly warned that demand for critical minerals is set to multiply as digital technologies, electric vehicles, and AI infrastructure expand. This means the AI revolution is materially dependent on African resources.

Yet Africa captures only a small fraction of the downstream value generated from these inputs. According to research, African states collectively hold roughly 30 per cent of the worlds critical mineral reserves (including cobalt, lithium, graphite, nickel, and rare earth elements), but capture only about 10 per cent of the revenue generated from them globally.

Raw materials are only exported from these countries, while processing, chip fabrication, model training, and AI platform dominance occur elsewhere.

If this pattern persists, the continent risks becoming the mineral base of the AI economy while importing the intelligence layer built on top of its own resources. That would be digital extractivism, a familiar story in a new technological form.

AI Is Now Industrial Policy

At the India summit, the most consequential signals were not product demonstrations. Rather, there have been commitments around compute capacity, data centre expansion, and formalised governance frameworks. India is positioning itself as a major AI infrastructure hub, building large-scale digital public infrastructure and encouraging private investment in hyperscale data centres. This approach aligns AI with its national economic planning.

Globally, AI is being discussed alongside energy policy, telecommunications infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. This reframing and global AI strategy matters deeply for Africa. If AI is industrial policy, then African AI strategy cannot remain confined to innovation hubs and pilot projects. It must intersect with mineral policy, energy strategy, trade negotiations, industrial processing capacity, higher education reform, digital public infrastructure, and regional economic coordination. Anything less will limit value capture and make Africa less competitive in the long run.

Compute Sovereignty: The Hidden Variable

One of the most understated but decisive issues in the AI era is compute. Training advanced AI systems requires enormous processing power. Running inference at scale requires cloud infrastructure. Hosting AI applications for government use demands secure data environments. Today, many African startups and public institutions rely on foreign cloud providers. While this is pragmatic in the short term, it creates a structural dependency. Only countries that invest in domestic or regional computing capacity gain leverage as they reduce cost volatility, strengthen data governance and build local expertise. The reality is, Africa does not need to replicate the Silicon Valley model; what it needs is a coherent compute strategy. Regional GPU clusters shared across economic blocs, incentives for hyperscale data centre development, energy infrastructure planning aligned with digital growth, and public-private partnerships that ensure technology transfer. Without compute capacity, AI ambition remains aspirational on the continent.

Digital Public Infrastructure as a Foundation

Indias experience demonstrates a structural truth about artificial intelligence: AI scales most effectively when layered on top of digital public infrastructure  interoperable identity systems, payment rails, secure data exchange frameworks, and standardised digital protocols. In Indias case, platforms such as Aadhaar (digital ID), UPI (unified payments interface), and public data exchange layers created the rails upon which AI applications could operate at population scale. AI is not replacing infrastructure; it is amplifying infrastructure that already works.

For Africa, this distinction is crucial. While the continent has made notable progress in digital public infrastructure over the past decade. Mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa in Kenya and similar systems across East Africa have transformed financial inclusion, integrating millions of previously unbanked citizens into formal digital economies. According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly half of global mobile money accounts, illustrating how foundational payment rails can scale rapidly when aligned with regulatory support.

National digital identity systems are also expanding. Nigerias National Identification Number (NIN) initiative and Kenyas Huduma Namba programme represent attempts to establish population-scale identity frameworks. Meanwhile, digital tax systems, e-procurement portals, and government service digitisation efforts are emerging across countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa.

These are important building blocks. However, building blocks are not yet systems.

Integration remains uneven as databases are often siloed within ministries. Health records may not communicate with identity systems. Agricultural registries may not connect to payment platforms. Social protection databases may not integrate with tax systems. In some cases, legacy systems coexist with newer digital platforms without interoperability standards. Artificial intelligence systems depend on reliable, structured, and interoperable data flows. Predictive agriculture models require integrated weather, land, and farmer data. Health diagnostics systems require standardised electronic medical records. Automated tax compliance systems require linked business, identity, and financial records. AI-based targeting for social protection depends on harmonised population and income datasets.

Where data is fragmented, AI cannot scale responsibly as weak interoperability limits automation gains in agriculture, healthcare, taxation, social protection, and urban planning. AI models trained on incomplete or inconsistent datasets produce unreliable outputs. Public trust erodes when digital systems fail to reflect lived realities.

Moreover, AI amplifies both strengths and weaknesses. If underlying digital systems are efficient and interoperable, AI enhances productivity. If they are fragmented and inconsistent, AI magnifies inefficiency. This is why digital public infrastructure must be treated as strategic national capital and not merely an ICT modernisation project. It is the backbone of future governance capacity.

For African governments, this implies three shifts.

First, interoperability must become a design principle, not an afterthought. Identity systems, payment systems, health registries, education databases, and land records must communicate through secure, standardised data exchange protocols. This requires cross-ministerial coordination and technical standards frameworks.

Second, data governance must evolve alongside integration. As systems connect, privacy safeguards, cybersecurity protocols, and clear legal mandates become essential. Digital public infrastructure cannot scale sustainably without trust.

Third, digital public infrastructure investment must be embedded in fiscal and industrial planning. It should sit alongside energy, transport, and telecommunications in national development strategies.

If AI is to meaningfully improve public service delivery in Africa  reducing leakages in social protection, increasing tax compliance, optimising agricultural subsidies, improving health diagnostics, and strengthening urban planning  it must operate on reliable digital rails. Those rails do not build themselves.

Governance Is Strategic Power

The India summit also reflected a global shift toward formalising AI governance frameworks. Now, Responsible AI is moving from principle to architecture. International institutions, including the United Nations, have emphasised the risk of widening digital divides and called for multibillion-dollar efforts to help developing countries build AI capacity  including skills development, data access, and affordable compute infrastructure.

Governance, in this context, is not a constraint. It is leverage. If global AI standards are defined without meaningful African participation, the continent will adapt to frameworks written elsewhere. That weakens strategic autonomy.

African Union institutions and sub-regional bodies can play a stronger role in coordinating continental AI governance principles, building shared regulatory expertise and presenting unified positions in global AI negotiations

Fragmented engagement diminishes influence. Coordinated engagement increases it.

The Execution Gap

Africas demographic dividend is real. The continents median age is under 20 in many countries. Startup ecosystems are expanding in Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali, Cairo, and Cape Town. Universities are increasingly integrating AI into research agendas.

Nigeria has developed a National AI Strategy. The Nigeria AI Collective is fostering cross-sector coordination. These are meaningful foundations, but foundations are not systems. The structural risk for Africa is fragmentation  overlapping initiatives, donor-driven projects without national integration, and parallel policies across ministries.

For AI to scale in Africa, execution discipline will determine outcomes. AI must move beyond sectoral enthusiasm and become a whole-of-government priority, embedded in budgeting processes, industrial planning, procurement reform, and measurable targets.

Perhaps the most urgent strategic adjustment for Africa is to link mineral policy to digital sovereignty. Mineral agreements should not focus solely on royalties and export volumes. They should embed important nuance like local processing requirements, technology transfer provisions, research partnerships with African universities, workforce development commitments and integration with regional manufacturing strategies

If Africa is central to the AI hardware supply chain, it must negotiate for participation in downstream segments of that chainbattery manufacturing hubs, semiconductor assembly, and AI research centres co-located with mineral processing facilities. Mineral leverage is only powerful when strategically deployed.

A Continental Strategy for Value Capture

Five priorities emerge for African leaders:

First, integrate mineral policy with industrial technology strategy. Resource extraction must translate into manufacturing and digital capability, not just fiscal revenue.

Second, invest in regional compute infrastructure. Shared facilities can reduce costs and increase bargaining power in global negotiations.

Third, strengthen digital public infrastructure. Interoperable systems are prerequisites for AI adoption at scale.

Fourth, build human capital across the AI value chain  from data science to semiconductor engineering, governance design, and energy systems.

Fifth, coordinate continentally. The African Continental Free Trade Area provides a framework for deeper integration. AI strategy can be embedded within it.

The AI era is accelerating with supply chain consolidation and massive capital mobilisation. Today, governance norms are hardening, and Africa sits at the base of this technological transformation. But foundations can either anchor power or remain invisible beneath it. The continent that fuels the hardware of artificial intelligence cannot afford to remain absent from its intelligence layer.

African leaders face a defining choice: continue exporting raw inputs while importing finished systems, or leverage mineral centrality to build downstream capacity and digital sovereignty.

The AI race is not simply about who builds the most advanced models; it is about who builds the most coherent systemsaligning resources, infrastructure, governance, capital, and talent. Africa has the resources, the demographics, and emerging innovation ecosystems. What remains is strategic coordination and disciplined execution. If Africa supplies the minerals, it must also claim the value. The AI reckoning is not coming; it is here, and the decisions made now will determine whether the continent remains a resource base or becomes a strategic power in the age of artificial intelligence.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a warehouse stocked with banned, counterfeit and unregistered cosmetic products valued at over N3 billion at the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.

In a post on Sunday via its X account, the agency noted that the facility was concealed within an unfinished building and was allegedly used to store products for distribution while evading regulatory scrutiny.

Seized items

Among the items recovered were 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap and quantities of Extract Gold whitening soaps, brands previously banned by the federal government due to safety concerns.

NAFDAC also found assorted perfumes, body oils and cooking oils.

The agency said these products have been placed on hold pending further regulatory assessment. It noted that all seized goods have since been evacuated to prevent them from entering the market.

The warehouse manager, the post noted, has been invited to be questioned as investigations continue.

NAFDAC warned that the sale and use of banned and unregistered cosmetic products pose serious health risks, including skin damage and exposure to harmful chemical substances.

Pattern of enforcement

The latest discovery adds to a string of enforcement operations reported by PREMIUM TIMES in recent weeks.

In early February, the agency announced what it described as one of its most significant enforcement operations after seizing over 10 million doses of fake malaria drugs and cosmetic products, also valued at about N3 billion, from a warehouse in the Trade Fair Market area of Lagos.

During that operation, NAFDAC officials uncovered injectable anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics, banned products such as Postinor and Analgin, some prohibited in Nigeria for nearly 15 years, packed in alarming quantities in a three-storey building masquerading as a spare parts warehouse.

Only days after the Lagos operation, NAFDAC sealed 18 warehouses in Bida, Niger State, uncovering large quantities of expired food and beverage products valued at over N100 million.

Officials said the expired items, including non-alcoholic beverages, dairy products, bottled water, candies and pasta, were found in facilities around Ndazabo White House along Minna Road and behind Bida Modern Market.

Growing concern over cosmetics

NAFDAC has repeatedly raised concerns over the influx of potentially harmful substances.

READ ALSO: CJN to inaugurate Oyewole as new Supreme Court justice

The concealment of the Lagos warehouse within an unfinished structure, officials say, highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods operators are using to bypass regulatory checks.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to sustained enforcement, warning that offenders would face prosecution under relevant laws.

The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious storage or sale of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) national panel and Governor Peter Mbah have commended the Enugu State chapter of the party for conducting peaceful and democratic local government congresses.

Speaking after monitoring the election of a new local government party executive and three-man national delegates at Amagunze, Nkanu East LGA, on Saturday, Chairperson of the national panel for APC Ward and Local Government Congresses in Enugu State, Solomon Funkekeme, extolled the unity, conviviality, and transparency that prevailed, describing the states chapter of the APC as a model worthy of emulation by other states.

First, I will commend the governor, who has shown leadership in the party. The first attempt to go forward is to unite, and that is what we have seen here today. This panel has observed that efforts have been made to ensure that people go together.

Again, the conduct of the congress here is marvellous. The environment is electric. Everybody is happy and our job was made easier because we did not see anybody dissenting. No dissenting voice here, and I commend the people of this local government.

I want to appeal that every other local government should take a cue from Nkanu East Local Government for peaceful congresses that will lead to the continued delivery of the dividends of democracy by the governor himself. Nobody can develop a state without peace and harmony, Mr Funkekeme stated.

Also speaking at the congress where Abel Nwigwe emerged as the new Chairman of the party in Nkanu East, Governor Mbah thanked party leaders and faithful for demonstrating that Enugu APC had grown into one big family.

What we have just witnessed here is a model that I believe should be emulated by all. We have demonstrated a deep sense of unity, and that this congress is a brotherly affair.

This is also a model which is not just peculiar to Nkanu East, as the reports I have received so far show that what we have witnessed here today is exactly what is going on across the other 16 LGAs of Enugu State.

We have not come to struggle for power. We have identified those we want to go and represent us as party executives in our local government. We have also elected those we want to represent us as national delegates. And you all stood up and affirmed it.

So, this is what we mean when we talk about consensus in action. I want to commend you all highly. I also want to congratulate all the executives that have been elected as our party executives from the chairman to all the other members. I also congratulate my fellow national delegates, the governor stated.

Mr Mbah, who was received by Nkanu East Council Chairman, Okechukwu Edeh; Member representing Nkanu East State Constituency, Okey Mbah, among other political heavyweights and office holders from the local government, also reassured the people of the state of the continued delivery of democracy dividends to all sectors of the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah had also earlier stopped over at Agbani, venue of the Nkanu West LGA APC congress, where he equally commended the party leaders and delegates for putting the party first.

Mr Mbah, who was received by the Council Chairman, John Ogbodo, among other party chieftains such as Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Nnolim Nnaji, and the Secretary, Police Service Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, among a host of others, described the peace and cordiality witnessed in Nkanu West APC as a great asset.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the elected chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The Collation Officer for AMAC, Andrew Abue, said that Mr Maikalangu, who is the incumbent AMAC chairman, was returned elected, having scored the highest number of votes cast, 40,295 out of the total number of Valid Votes of 62,861 in the election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 3,398 votes.

According to Mr Abue, a professor, the rejected votes are 2,336, and the total valid votes are 62,861, while the total votes cast are 65,197.

He added that the number of registered voters in AMAC was 837,338, while the total number of accredited voters was 65,676.

That Maikalangu of the APC, having certified the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, Mr Abue said.

According to him, the scores of the 12 political parties and their candidates that contested the AMAC chairmanship election are:

Agbon Vaniah of the Accord (A)-403 votes

Nemiebika Tamunomiesam of the Action Alliance (AA)-108 votes

Paul Ogidi of African Democratic Congress (ADC)-12,109 votes

Richard Elizabeth of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) -588 votes

Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-40,295 votes

Eze Chukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-1,111 votes

Chukwu Promise of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM)-122 votes .

Ugoh Michael of the Action Peoples Party(APP)-32 votes

Thomas Happiness of the Boot Party (BP)-43 votes.

Jibrin Alhassan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-1,694 votes.

Samson Usani of the National Rescue Movement (NRM)-73 votes.

Dantani Zanda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-3,398 votes

Iber Shimakaha of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)-90 votes

Simon Obinna of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)-2,185 votes

Madaki Robert of the Young Progressives Party (YPP)- 421 votes; and

Swani Buba of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)-189 votes.

Speaking in an interview with journalists immediately after the announcement of results, the APC Collation Agent, Gambo Babale, described the election and collation process as credible.

INEC have done so well. Weve seen the processes across all the polling units, the ward coalition centres and here at AMAC area council coalition centre. Everything was done perfectly well.

Theyve tried. Theyve done everything humanly possible. I believe this high level of transparency occurred in all the coalition exercises that took place in AMAC.

PDP won about two ward councillors, Karu and Karishi. That is to tell you the level of transparency that happens in this election, he said.

While congratulating the winner, he said the victory was for Mr Maikalangu to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of AMAC.

Mr Babale said that the results were an indication that the APC was ready for victory in 2025.

The YPP Ward Collation Agent, Abdullahi Ibrahim, also described the collation process as transparent, while congratulating the winner.

The result sheets were signed by the ADC, APC, APGA, YPP and NNPP party agents present at the collation centre.

(NAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Bwari Area Council chairmanship election.

Mohammed Nurudeen, the Returning Officer for the Bwari chairmanship election, who announced the results on Sunday in Bwari, disclosed that Mr Ishaku polled a total of 18,466 votes and therefore declared him the winner.

I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Bwari chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026.

That Joshua Ishaku, having certified the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, he said.

Mr Nurudeen, a professor, also said that the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored a total of 4,254 votes, while that of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) scored 3,515 votes to come second and third places, respectively.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairmanship election was conducted in 10 wards of the council, namely: Igu, Shere, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Kubwa, Usuma, Bwari Central and Kawu.

(NAN)
Daniel Nuhu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Kwali Area Council chairmanship election with 17,032 votes.

Mr Nuhu secured victory across a majority of the wards to defeat Haruna Pai of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 8,575 votes to come second in the election.

The results were declared by the INEC presiding officer, Olympus EJue, a professor, at Kwalis final collation centre on Sunday morning.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that elections were held in all ten wards of Kwali on Saturday.

APC have won four in five. Only Kuje left

The win in Kwali means APC has now won in four of the five area councils, whose results have been announced. Apart from Kwali, APC also won in AMAC and Bwari area councils, while the PDP won in Gwagwalada.

The Kwali Contest

Nine candidates cleared by INEC contested the Kwali Area Council chairmanship election held on Saturday, four years after the last council poll in 2022.

They include Mr Nuhu of the APC, Haruna Pai of the PDP, Bandoji Jeremiah of the ADC, Agada Ojonugwa of the ADP, Yakubu Dogara of the APGA, and Umar Yakubu of the APM.

Others are: Kari Hassa of the NNPP; Obiako Patrick of the Action Alliance; and Oniono Israel of AA.

Among the over 30,000 votes counted.

The APC secured the majority of the votes, while the PDP trailed.

The ADP polled 3,225 votes, while the ADC secured 1,073.

APGA recorded 47 votes, A 37, NNPP 28, AA 23, and APM 18.

Observations across polling units showed the outcome did not come as a surprise. Many voters who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES after voting on Saturday openly declared support for the APC ahead of the final coalition.

Based on the collation keenly observed by this paper, the APC won all 10 wards: Dafa, Kwali Central, Gumbo, Yangoji, Pai, Kilankwa, Kundu, Ashara, Wako, and Yebu.

The PDP did not secure victory in any ward, and no other political party won in the council.

The pattern of results across the wards showed a clear and consistent lead for the APC, which ultimately translated into a wide margin of victory at the council level.

However, the election process is also as important as the outcome, because voters interviewed during the election explained that they participated for various reasons.

Some cited development, believing that whoever wins would bring progress to the area, while others stressed that voting is their civic right.

After voting, 95-year-old Isah urged leaders to focus on community development. I am voting for the future of my children.

Similarly, 35-year-old market woman Amina Garuba said she voted to exercise her civic right and to support development in Kwali.

The process that led to APCs victory

As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, most areas in Kwali were very quiet, in line with the directive that there should be no movement on election day. The polling units area was busy with people eager to vote.

There was a particularly high turnout among elderly men and women. Electoral officials appeared well-prepared, guiding voters through accreditation and ballot collection, while party agents closely monitored the processes. Security agents maintained calm.

However, the election was not without challenges.

There were also delays and low turnout in places like Kilankwa ward and LEA primary school, where polling units 027 and 025 had seen little activity by 11 a.m.

In the Kwali Central wards, many voters complained that their names had been shuffled and were challenging to locate.

At the Pai ward, elderly men and women, as well as nursing mothers, endured the sun to vote, as PU 001 and 006 were crowded around noon due to a malfunctioning BVAS, which hindered facial and fingerprint verification.

BVAS issues were less pronounced in semi-urban areas like Kwali, Kilankwa, and Dafa, but Yebu ward, according to a collation officer, experienced the worst BVAS network problems.

In Dafa ward, however, a presiding officer, Sadiq Abdulrazaq Yusuf, whom PREMIUM TIMES interviewed at Dafa primary school, lamented that villagers protested discrepancies in the register at PU 011 in Fuka community, Dafa Ward, and refused to vote.

Mr Yusuf said, They got angry and said that they will not vote. INEC officials received threats to be careful and left by 11 a.m. for security.

Vote buying occurred in Yangoji and Kilankwa wards, though it was discreet. Individuals suspected to be APC and PDP members wrote voters names on sheets, suggesting they might receive cash later.

Some women in Kilankwa told our reporter that they would not vote until they received money, arguing that winners would ultimately do nothing after the elections.

Though it appeared to be a high voter turnout, election figures show that participation fell below expectations. There were over 80,000 registered voters in the Kwali Area Council, yet only over 30,000 votes were cast on Saturday.

Violence disrupts collation at Ashara ward.

Tension erupted at Ashara Ward during the FCT Area Council elections on Saturday following a violent attack on electoral officials.

An INEC officer said the incident at Ashara ward happened between 4 and 5 p.m. on Saturday as votes were almost fully counted.

Surprisingly, some groups of armed thugs invaded the ward with cutlasses and big sticks, said one officer who was among those attacked and injured.

They beat us to stupor, confiscated voting materials, including ballot papers, and burnt the 18-seater bus that INEC officials brought, he added. The assailants also assaulted police officers. Before the military could intervene, the attack ended, he said.

A collation officer, Mustafa Garba, explained that the ward has 18 polling units, but the attack disrupted voting and collation in eight of them. Only 12 results were later collated, he said, highlighting the impact on the electoral process.

We expected the other offices to bring the remaining results. We later heard that about three INEC officials were injured. I am not sure whether anyone was killed. The police did their best to contain the situation, but they couldnt, he added.

Despite these setbacks, residents of the Kwali area council demonstrated awareness of their rights and the importance of participating in the election. Perhaps if these challenges had not occurred, parties like the PDP or ADP might have narrowed APCs margin or posed a stronger challenge.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Abubakar Abdullahi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the chairmanship election for Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

INEC Presiding Officer for the area council, Muhammad Usman, announced that Mr Abdullahi, the incumbent chairman of the area council, was returned to office after securing a total of 15,535 votes.

The candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Loko Angulu, came second with 5,357 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sokodabo Bilyaminu, followed with 4,547 votes. The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Aminu Sadiq, secured 53 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mohammed Ibrahim, polled 37 votes.

Umar Abdullahi Abubakar of APC, having satisfied the requirement by the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected, the presiding officer declared.

Abaji Area Council was one of the areas that recorded a large voter turnout in the FCT election. Voting commenced as early as 8:00 a.m. in many polling units and, in some cases, continued until 6:30 p.m. due to the high turnout

Haruna Saidu, a voter at Polling Unit 004, UNG Hussaini Wanzami I in Abaji North-east Ward, told PREMIUM TIMES during the election that the community lacked potable water and electricity.

Mr Saidu, a truck driver, urged whoever emerged as chairman of the Abaji Area Council to prioritise the provision of potable water and electricity.

We dont have water in our streets and we dont have electricity. We have been complaining about that for a long time but no changes. The government should look into it and help us, he said.

Meanwhile, when Mr Abdullahi, the council chairman, arrived to vote at Polling Unit 015, UNG Hussaini Wanzami II in Abaji North-east Ward, he came in a convoy of six luxury vehicles, including a Range Rover Sport, Toyota Prado, Lexus SUV, Hilux, and GAC.

Victory in Abaji means the APC has now won in four of the six area councils where elections were held. The PDP has won in one while the result of the last area council (Kuje) was still being collated at the time of this report.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says he has no personal issues with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, insisting all contractors must comply with ministry policies and pricing regulations.

Mr Umahi spoke on Saturday while updating journalists on the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos.

He said the ministry remained committed to fairness and equal treatment, stressing that no contractor would receive special consideration under the current administration.

Julius Berger thinks I have anything personal against them. I have nothing personal against them. Everybody has to accept the policies of the Federal Ministry of Works, he said.

Mr Umahi stated that if the ministry could hold HiTech Construction Company to strict technical standards and national commitment, it would apply the same measures to others.

According to him, HiTech, Julius Berger and other firms handling federal projects must adhere strictly to the governments approved pricing framework.

He recalled past concerns over inflated project costs and unequal treatment, noting that the administration had directed that all contractors be treated fairly.

You cannot take away the good job they are doing. Yesterday, they said they are the highest in quality. I said no, HiTech is highest in quality. Come and test it, he said.

The minister commended progress on the Iddo Bridge, describing the project as vital to public safety and traffic management.

He explained that the bridges low headroom had caused repeated accidents and fatalities, necessitating urgent structural redesign.

Mr Umahi expressed confidence that the rehabilitation would be completed between May and June.

On the Third Mainland Bridge Extension handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, he said the government was satisfied with the pace of work.

He disclosed that structural deflection at the return walls had prompted the ministry to demolish and reconstruct the affected sections.

We are going to destroy that and rebuild the service lanes. Then we will rebuild the return walls and ramps with concrete, he said.

Mr Umahi reiterated that quality, safety and value for money remained the ministrys guiding principles on all federal road and bridge projects.

(NAN)
In a major move to solidify the America First industrial strategy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 18, mobilizing the Defense Production Act (DPA) to secure the domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.

Phosphorus Designated As A Scarce Material

The President officially designated elemental phosphorus as a scarce material that is critical to national defense and security, citing its pervasive role in military readiness and agricultural productivity.

The U.S. relies on a single domestic producerBayer AG (OTC:BAYRY), which acquired Monsanto in 2018, leaving the defense industrial base and food supply vulnerable to foreign actors.

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By invoking the DPA, the administration aims to curb dependence on imports, particularly from China and Russia, which dominate global production.

Bayer And Agribusiness Markets In Focus

The order places Bayer's U.S. operations, often referred to as its Monsanto division, under a protective federal umbrella.

The directive specifically instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that no government regulation puts the corporate viability of any domestic producer at risk.

Bayer has long been embroiled in litigation over its glyphosate-based Roundup. The companys Monsanto Unit recently proposed paying $7.25 billion to settle lawsuits claiming that its weed killer Roundup was causing cancer, as per a press release on Tuesday.

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Following the announcement, agribusiness ETFs like the VanEck Agribusiness ETF (NYSE:MOO) and iShares MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF (NYSE:VEG) may see increased investor interest as the sector shifted toward a government-protected status.

New Frontier For National Defense

Ensuring robust domestic elemental phosphorus mining is central to American economic and national security, the order stated.

Beyond farming, phosphorus is a key input for defense technologies, including smoke and illumination devices, semiconductors for radar, and modern lithium-ion batteries for weapon systems.

The order delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of Agriculture, acting in consultation with the Secretary of War, to prioritize contracts and allocate materials necessary to ensure a continued and adequate supply of these critical inputs.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Wednesday swear in a new justice of the Supreme Court, Joseph Oyewole.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Courtroom Two of the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, according to a statement shared on Sunday by the courts Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande.

Mr Oyewole, until his elevation, served as Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.

Mr Akande said the appointment reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the Supreme Court with experienced jurists capable of delivering fair and timely judgements.

He brings a wealth of legal expertise and integrity to the apex court, the statement said, adding that the judiciary remains committed to upholding justice, fairness and judicial independence.

Invited guests were advised to comply strictly with court protocols and security arrangements.

Background

Mr Oyewoles appointment follows his recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at its 110th meeting held in January and presided over by the CJN.

He was the only judicial officer recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court at the meeting, which also approved 35 candidates for various judicial offices across the country.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the NJC spokesperson, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said the recommendations followed a rigorous screening process, including public input, background checks and interviews conducted by a seven-member committee, in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.

The NJC recommended Mr Oyewole to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Subsequently, in January, Mr Tinubu wrote the Senate to screen Mr Oyewole and confirm his appointment.

On 3 February, the Senate confirmed the proposed appointment following the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central).

Mr Oyewoles inauguration will restore the Supreme Court bench, currently with 20 justices including CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to its full complement of 21 justices.

Mr Oyewole, who hails from Ila Orangun, Osun State, began his judicial career as a High Court judge in Lagos.

Incidentally, he was appointed to the Lagos State High Court bench by Mr Tinubu as then-governor of Lagos State on 24 May 2001.

Reputed for judicial courage and high-level ethics and professionalism, Mr Oyewole, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal bench on 24 March 2014, has been in the limelight since his days as a High Court judge, handling sensitive, high-profile cases.

In 2005, he jailed Emmanuel Nwude, Nzeribe Okoli, and Amaka Anajemba for their roles in defrauding a Brazilian bank of $242 million.

The scam, considered to be one of the largest financial frauds globally at the time, was perpetrated under the guise of constructing a fictitious airport in Nigeria. The fraud led to the collapse of Banco Noroeste in 2001.

He also sentenced Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, widely known as Reverend King, to death by hanging at the on 11 January 2007, for the murder of church member Ann Uzoh and the attempted murders of others.

In October 2009, he sentenced Bode George, a stalwart of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to 30 months imprisonment for conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, abuse of office and alleged illegal award of contracts worth N84 billion while he was chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In January 2011, the Court of Appeal, affirmed the judgement considered to be courageous at the time. But the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and sentence in December 2013.
Arab and Muslim nations, on Saturday, condemned the statement made by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, supporting Israeli expansion in the Middle East.

They described Mr Hackabees comment as a threat to regional security and stability and as inciting religious and national sentiments.

Mr Huckabee made the comments in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday, when asked to clarify his stance on the biblical promise of the land from the Nile to the Euphrates to the descendants of Abraham.

That would be the Levant, so that would be Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon. It would also be a big part of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Mr Carlson said to him.

To this, Mr Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel, said, Not sure wed go that far. I mean, it would be a big piece of land. It would be fine if they took it all.

Mr Huckabee said, Israel, however, was not looking to expand its territory and has a right to security in the land it legitimately holds.

These remarks drew swift condemnation from neighbouring Egypt and Jordan, as well as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the League of Arab States.

In a statement on Saturday, the OIC described Mr Huckabees comment as dangerous and irresponsible.

The body, to which Nigeria is a party, described his remarks as an unacceptable call for the expansion of Israel, an occupying power. This would mean the seizure of additional Palestinian and Arab lands.

It said the remark was based on a false and rejected historical and ideological narrative and claims that violate the sovereignty of states, diplomatic norms, principles of international law, UN resolutions and the UN Charter.

The OIC also warned against the use of extremist ideological rhetoric that would fuel extremism and encourage the Israeli occupation to continue its illegal measures based on displacement, settlement, and attempts to impose annexation on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which threatens security and stability in the entire region.

Saudi Arabias foreign ministry referred to the comments as unacceptable and extremist rhetoric, noting that the US State Department must clarify its stance.

This extremist rhetoric portends grave consequences and threatens international peace and security by antagonising the countries and peoples of the region and undermining the foundations of the international order collectively established by nations to put an end to devastating wars that claimed millions of lives and that uphold respect for the geographical borders of states and their sovereignty over their territories,

Egypt said Mr Hackbees comment was a blatant violation of international law.

Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or other Arab lands.

According to the League of Arab States, Statements of this nature  extremist and lacking any sound basis  serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions.

In a joint statement co-signed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, the statement said the inflammatory remark contradicts the vision of US President Donald Trump as documented in the 20-point comprehensive peace plan for Gaza.

These plans are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people have their own independent state.

However, neither the US nor Israel has yet commented.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it rescued 1,075 injured crash victims and impounded 17,169 vehicles for traffic offences across Lagos State in 2025.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the statement, the rescues were carried out along major traffic corridors through rapid response strategies, coordinated inter-agency operations, and targeted deployment of personnel to high-risk areas. The interventions ensured accident victims received prompt and life-saving assistance.

A breakdown of the impounded vehicles showed that 5,581 were private cars, while 10,825 were commercial vehicles. Offences ranged from reckless driving and overloading to mechanical defects, obstruction, and other traffic violations.

The agency also arrested 760 motorists for driving against traffic, commonly referred to as one-way violations.

The numbers reflect a shift towards proactive traffic governance, said LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki. Our officers frequently risk their safety to secure crash scenes, coordinate with medical responders, and prevent secondary accidents.

According to the agency, many crashes involved excessive speed, mechanical failure, driver fatigue, impaired driving, and hazardous manoeuvres such as one-way driving. Impounding vehicles is part of a broader deterrence strategy to remove unsafe vehicles from the roads and reinforce compliance with traffic laws.

While enforcement remains central, LASTMA stressed that improving road safety requires cooperation from motorists, transport unions, fleet operators, and the public.

LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to life-saving interventions, disciplined enforcement, and public education to reduce road crashes and improve traffic safety across Lagos State.

Background

In February 2025, Mr Bakare-Oki told Punch in an interview that over-concentration on road transport contributes to congestion and increases the risk of accidents, including tanker collisions.

He advocated the deconcentration of road transport through greater use of rail and pipeline systems for the movement of petroleum products and other cargoes, arguing that reducing pressure on roads would significantly curb accidents.

Earlier, in 2024, LASTMA rescued 1,075 individuals from road traffic incidents and responded to 2,051 crash cases involving 3,754 vehicles.

The incidents included 143 fatal, 502 severe, and 1,406 minor accidents. The agency also resolved 5,108 vehicular breakdowns, covering cars, buses, trucks, tankers, and trailers, preventing traffic gridlock and secondary crashes.

As part of efforts to improve public engagement and accountability, LASTMA inaugurated a toll-free hotline (080000527862), enabling Lagosians to report traffic obstructions, breakdowns, emergencies, and complaints against personnel.

The hotline received 3,567 calls, resolving more than 3,450 cases. Its Physical Complaint Centre addressed 1,968 of 2,056 submitted complaints.

The measures form part of a broader strategy to deploy technology, enhance officer training, and improve responsiveness in traffic management across Lagos State.
A former National Commissioner of INEC, Lai Olurode, has criticized the presence of public office holders at polling units during elections, saying they have no constitutional or statutory role in the process beyond casting their votes.

Mr Olurode, a retired professor of sociology at the University of Lagos, said any attempt by serving officials to move around polling areas under the guise of monitoring amounts to an improper use of their office.

Mr Olurodes remarks come amid controversy over the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who was seen moving across several polling units during Saturdays area council elections in Abuja, a development that has triggered criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Wike monitored several polling units during Saturdays FCT area council elections. He also commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, despite noting low voter turnout in some areas.

However, speaking on the development to PREMIUM TIMES, the retired University of Lagos sociology professor said the Electoral Act makes no provision for ministers or other public officials to act as election monitors.

According to him, the Electoral Act does not recognise ministers or other political office holders as election officials, observers or monitors.

The Electoral Act makes no provision for any public office holder. He is not an election official. He is not part of INEC. He is not an observer. He is not a monitor. Why should he be going around? he asked.

He said such conduct could create an atmosphere of intimidation and distort the level playing field required for credible elections.

Elections are meant to create a level playing ground for everybody. You can imagine if members of the opposition happen to be going around. Its not a correct act at all. Its an undue exercise of the power of incumbency, he added.

Mr Olurode recalled that during his tenure at INEC, he confronted a sitting governor who was moving around polling areas during an election in a state under his supervision.

He said the governor, whom he identified as Kayode Fayemi during his time as Ekiti State governor, acknowledged the concern and left the area.

I challenged him. A gentleman that he was, he said he regretted his action and he returned immediately back to either his office or home, Mr Olurode said.

He maintained that public office holders who are registered voters should cast their ballots and leave like other citizens.

Everybody, if registered in Abuja, should just cast his vote and return home, he said, adding that he would further review the Electoral Act but remains convinced that ministers have no role in election monitoring.

Political actors, parties fault Wikes presence at polling units

Several political actors and parties also criticised Wikes movement around polling units during the FCT area council elections.

A report by Sahara Reporters on Saturday quoted human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong as saying Mr Wike is not a registered voter in Abuja and has no constitutional role in supervising elections in the territory.

Mr Effiong decried the ministers presence at polling units, arguing that the conduct was inconsistent with the legal framework governing elections in the FCT.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also accused the minister of direct interference in the electoral process by visiting multiple polling units under the guise of monitoring, The Cable stated.

In a statement, the party said Mr Wike had no constitutional role in the election exercise and described his presence at active voting locations as vexatious and meddlesome.

It warned that such actions could intimidate voters and election officials.

The ADC further alleged that the ministers movements came against the backdrop of restrictions on movement across the FCT, which it linked to low voter turnout. The party also cited reports of voter suppression and alleged collaboration between some security personnel and agents of the ruling party.

Similarly, the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, had criticised Mr Wikes declaration of a curfew and movement restrictions ahead of the elections.

Mrs Kingibe described the decision as authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society. She said that sweeping restrictions imposed without broad stakeholder consultation amounted to a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged the dominant party in the just concluded are council elections across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, winning five of the six available chairmanship seats across the capital city.

PREMIUM TIMES deployed reporters across the six area councilsAbaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Kuje and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Five of the area councils have 10 wards each, while AMAC has 12.

A total of 637 candidates from 17 political parties ran for the 68 positions  62 councillorship seats and six chairpersons seats. Out of the 1,680,315 registered voters in the territory, 1,587,025 had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and were eligible to vote. Voting took place across 2,822 polling units, with 4,345 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines deployed to support the process.

Almost a sweep

The APC nearly swept all the chairmanship positions in the area councils in the just concluded elections. But the total number of the councillorship seats won by the various political parties could not be ascertained yet as of the time of filing this report. But the trend is likely to be similar to outcome of the chairmanship elections across the six council areas.

Results declared by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the councils show that the APC secured victories in Abaji, Kwali, Bwari, AMAC and Kuje, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in Gwagwalada.

In Abaji Area Council, the incumbent chairman, Abubakar Abdullahi of the APC, was returned elected after polling 15,535 votes. He defeated candidates of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and PDP, who came next to him with 5,357 and 4,547 votes, respectively.

The APC also recorded a decisive win in Kwali Area Council, where its candidate, Daniel Nuhu, secured 17,032 votes. His closest challenger, Haruna Pai of the PDP, garnered 8,575 votes. The results showed that the APC swept all the wards in the council, underlining its strong grassroots structure and voter mobilisation in the area.

In Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku of the APC clinched the chairperson seat with 18,466 votes, defeating his PDP rival and other contestants in an election that political observers described as competitive but orderly. The victory further strengthened the APCs dominance in the northern flank of the FCT.

The party also retained control of AMAC, the most populous and politically strategic council in the territory. Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was declared winner, returning for another term after defeating candidates from rival parties. AMAC, which covers the city centre and several densely populated districts, is often seen as a political barometer for the FCT, making the APCs victory there particularly significant.

In Kuje Area Council, the APCs Danjuma Samuel secured 17,269 votes to defeat the PDP candidate by a margin of over 1,400 votes.

The PDP prevented APCs complete sweep of the area councils with its only triumph in Gwagwalada where its candidate, Mohammed Kasim, polled 22,165 votes to defeat the APCs Yahaya Shehu, who scored 17,788 votes.

With the conclusion of results collation and official declarations, the outcome of the elections signals a clear advantage for the APC at the grassroots level in Abuja. Winning five of the six chairmanship seats not only reinforces the partys organisational strength within the FCT but also positions it strongly ahead of future political contests in the territory. For the PDP, the victory in Gwagwalada offers a foothold and a potential base for rebuilding in the capitals local political landscape.

The 2026 FCT area council elections were conducted across the six councils amid tight security.

There were concerns about irregularities observed during the polls. Observers flagged logistical lapses, low voter turnout and isolated cases of vote-buying in the elections.

Low voter turnout, other challenges observed

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, which deployed observers across the 62 wards of the FCT to monitor the polls, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election. However, it said there was a general low turnout.

The group said logistical challenges significantly affected the timely commencement of voting, particularly in the AMAC. Delays in deploying personnel and materials led to late openings at several polling units, especially in Wuse and Gwarinpa wards.

It also raised concerns about missing elections materials and reassignment of voters to newly created polling units without proper notification. This, it said, resulted in overcrowding in some polling units.

Even though there was a heavy security presence across the capital city, Yiaga flagged isolated cases of vote buying and early closure of exercises in some locations.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has described the surge in Nigerias capital importation in the third quarter of 2025 as a positive outcome of recent macroeconomic reforms, noting it will restore investors confidence.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigerias capital importation climbed to $6.01 billion in the third quarter of 2025.

The surge represents a significant rise from the $1.25 billion recorded in the same period of 2024. The capital inflows also increased on a quarter-on-quarter basis, rising by 17.46 per cent to $5.12 billion from $4.34 billion in the second quarter of 2025.

While responding to the development, the CPPE, in a statement signed by its CEO, Muda Yusuf, on Sunday, said the surge reflects the results of the governments recent macroeconomic reforms, particularly foreign-exchange market liberalisation, tighter monetary policy, and improved liquidity conditions in the domestic financial system.

But the think tank also warned that the surge is largely portfolio-driven and concentrated mainly in the financial sector. The CPPE noted that the increase in capital inflows underscores the need for structural reforms to channel them into durable, long-term economic transformation.

Portfolio dominance

The CPPE stated that the resurgence largely relies on portfolio investments rather than foreign direct investment, noting that it is sensitive to global interest-rate movements, risk sentiment, and policy credibility.

The think tank noted that while portfolio flows provide liquidity and stability to financial markets in the short term, they are volatile and prone to sudden reversals. It added that the current structure reflects cyclical financial recovery rather than structural economic transformation.

The resurgence in capital importation is overwhelmingly portfolio-led. More than 80 per cent of total inflows in Q3 2025 were portfolio investments, while foreign direct investment (FDI) accounted for less than five per cent. This composition raises important concerns.

Sustainable economic growth, job creation, and export expansion depend not on short-term capital but on stable, long-horizon FDI tied to production, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology transfer, the statement read.

Weak transmission

The CPPE also faulted the limited allocation to manufacturing, infrastructure, and other productive activities, while the banking and financial sectors experienced the bulk of inflows. It argued that this pattern points to structural weaknesses in the economy rather than a meaningful expansion of productive capacity.

Without stronger capital flows into industry, agro-processing, logistics, energy, and export-oriented manufacturing, the broader economy will see limited gains in employment, productivity, and inclusive growth.

Financial deepening without real-sector expansion risks creating a liquidity-driven recovery that does not fundamentally alter Nigerias productive base, it stated.

Concentration, Risks

The CPPE further noted that the heavy concentration of foreign inflows among a few countries (the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa) exposes Nigeria to policy shifts, monetary tightening cycles, and changes in investor sentiment within a limited set of jurisdictions.

The CPPE argued that the concentration of capital inflows through a limited number of Nigerian banks creates both concentration and transmission risks, particularly in the event of shifts in correspondent banking relationships or changes in global liquidity conditions.

A more resilient capital-flow structure requires both geographic diversification and broader financial intermediation channels, the CPPE noted.

The think tank further revealed that the current capital-flow structure exposes the Nigerian economy to several risks, including sudden portfolio reversals, persistently weak FDI, external concentration risks, and financial-system transmission risks. It stated that the present rebound may prove fragile unless structural reforms accelerate.

Liquidity conversion

The CPPE advised the government to maximise the opportunities from capital inflows through policies that convert portfolio-driven inflows into FDI-led industrial expansion.

It also urged governments to intensify efforts to improve macroeconomic stabilisation.

According to the CPPE, reliable electricity supply, efficient transport and logistics systems, predictable regulatory frameworks, and improved contract enforcement mechanisms are indispensable to attracting durable, productive investment.

The government must also deliberately incentivise capital flows into export-oriented manufacturing, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, industrial parks, and infrastructure development.

Without such policy direction, foreign capital will remain concentrated in short-term financial instruments rather than real economic assets.

The CPPE added that there must be diversification of capital sources, such as Gulf sovereign wealth funds, Asian institutional investors, and intra-African investment flows under the AfCFTA framework.

It argued that diversifying capital sources will broaden Nigerias capital base and reduce the countrys vulnerability to foreign financial-cycle volatility

This would broaden Nigerias capital base and reduce vulnerability to Western financial-cycle volatility. Increased inflows into the banking system must translate into long-term credit for infrastructure, SMEs, and manufacturing enterprises. Financial-sector gains must support real economic transformation, it stated.

Investment outlook

It warned investors to remain cautious about global risk repricing and policy-continuity risks, despite opportunities in Nigerias fixed-income and money-market instruments.

Over the medium to long term, subdued FDI presents early-entry opportunities in reform-sensitive sectors such as power and energy infrastructure, agro-processing, logistics, digital financial services, and export-oriented manufacturing.

Sustained macroeconomic stability will be the decisive factor in converting financial inflows into durable real-sector returns, the statement said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Saturday, arrested 20 suspects for sundry electoral offences in during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections.

The February 2026 FCT area council elections were conducted across the six councils of the FCT on Saturday.

The six area councils are Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Kuje and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Five of the area councils have 10 wards each, while AMAC has 12.

The EFCC announced in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, thee arrest of suspects for vote buying involving over N17 million, among other electoral offences.

The suspects were arrested across the FCT for offences ranging from vote buying and vote selling to obstruction of officers, involving the sum of N17,218,700, the statement said.

It added that five of the suspects were arrested in Kwali, including one arrested with a sum of N13.5 million in a car parked beside a polling booth in the Kwali area council.

Two others were arrested in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada and four in Kuje.

The statement did not share the names of the suspects or the political parties to which they were still affiliated.

But Mr Oyewale said the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced winners across the councils.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, secured victory in five of the six area councils: AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje: consolidating its hold on the territory.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won only in the Gwagwalada area council.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, which deployed observers across the 62 wards of the FCT to monitor the polls, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election. However, it said there was a general low turnout.

Even though there was a heavy security presence across the capital city, Yiaga flagged isolated cases of vote buying and early closure of exercises in some locations.

The group said logistical challenges significantly affected the timely commencement of voting, particularly in the AMAC. Delays in deploying personnel and materials led to late openings at several polling units, especially in Wuse and Gwarinpa wards.

It also raised concerns about missing elections materials and reassignment of voters to newly created polling units without proper notification. This, it said, resulted in overcrowding in some polling units.
As Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu state, Lawrence Agubuzu, stood before him last week, President Bola Tinubu must be fascinated by his bravery. He had been there before. Igwe Agubuzu was delivering a goodwill message at the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health. It held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The president sat, cosseted by a panoply of power and no-smiling spies and operatives.

Standing confidently before the microphone, the Igwe asked Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He offered alternatives. He could return him to Kenya, where his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, arrested and interdicted him to Nigeria. According to the Igwe, Kanus continued detention is stoking the fire of quarrellous agitations among youths in the south-east. Though he didnt say as much, Igbo tend to see the Nigerian state as a reincarnate of British overlords whom his people fought to a standstill. It was along this narrative that Igwe Agubuzu accused Yorubas revered monarch, the Ooni of Ife, of hypocrisy. 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 him as a counterpart of Nnamdi Kanu, Agubuzu said.

Tinubu himself possesses such Agubuzu bravery. I once witnessed it. In January, 2013, power surge had turned some sections of the palace of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, the Alaafin of Oyo, into smouldering ruins. Leaders after leaders came to commiserate with the foremost monarch remarkable for his brilliance. A few days after, leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) were in the palace. They were led by its then National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; National Leader, Tinubu; Governor Abiola Ajimobi and many others.

When Tinubu was handed the microphone, just like the Igwe, he spoke the unthinkable and the unpleasant. While what the world saw reported the second day in the media was Tinubus statement that The most unfortunate thing has happened, and we are here to sympathize with our history. We sympathize with the people of Oyo as the custodian of the great history of the Yoruba race, Tinubu broke the calabash of dried corn (Igba yangan) into unrecognizable pieces. He said, in Yoruba, Kabiyesi, we are here as your children. We know that no palace got burnt. You just wanted to see your children and we are here. There was pin drop silence. What was Tinubu insinuating!? Kabiyesi merely looked at him with superfluous wonderment. He who begets a murderous child will have to back the child.

Chinua Achebe was one of the first post-colonial Nigerian writers to open the curtains for a global peep into the heroism of the Igbo race. In his 1958 famous book, Things Fall Apart, Achebe didnt only portray pre-colonial Igbo society as sophisticated, the book became a canvas with which he painted a peoples structured culture, complete with their tradition, dignity and laws. Essentially, the book redrew the map of British invaders stereotypes of a savage African tribe. With the same paint brush, Achebe portrayed the white man as a destructive force which came to dismantle Igbo culture through its strange religion, economic systems and god, divisive government, and how its imposition of its ways succeeded in breaking centuries-old communal living and destruction of a noble culture. Achebes defining quote which captures the white mans destruction, was, He (the white man) has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.

In his picture of the Igbo society before the advent of the white man, Achebe put at the core of this portrayal the heroism of his people. In the Igbos resistance to British colonialism, he revealed the vulnerability of the Umuofia clan. Through the lens of Okonkwo, a warrior, farmer and traditional title holder, Things Fall Apart deployed Okonkwos tragic heroism to signpost the strength of Igbo people.

Pre-colonial Igbo society indeed had heroes. Though it didnt operate, for instance, the Yoruba war model of a standing army with centralised military command, Igbo autonomous communities and village groups dictated warfare. They had local heroes, age groups who defended trade routes, their land and autonomy. Ohafia and Abam had warriors. They were renowned for their skills and bravery in battle and dreaded across Igboland. Their wars were prosecuted by mercenaries. With a war dance called the Ikpirikpi ogu, they brought home heads of their enemies, a bravery that qualified them for the highly regarded Ogbu-Isi society.

Apart from the Ohafia warriors, there were also the Ekumeku Warriors. They operated in the Anioma area of Igboland and were remarkable for their formidable bravery. As warriors secret society, their guerrilla tactic of night raids and hit-and-runs came to the fore during their 31-year fight against British colonial expansion that lasted from 1893 to1914. This is not to forget the Ezza warriors whose war prowess consisted in usage of frightening charms known as Owaka and Evuma. Lastly are the Aro fighters who, with their intelligence network, fought a war of resistance against the British in the famous 1901 to 1902 Aro-British War.

Last Wednesday, in Igwe Agubuzu, there was a re-enactment of those Igbo acts of bravery. The internet immediately went abuzz with a viral video of the traditional ruler. The Igwe had looked at Tinubu in the face and delivered what he said was the candid voice of his Igbo people. It was a refreshing departure from the familiar face of Igbo leadership which kow-towed before power for a morsel to fill its stomach. Co-incidentally, I was in the South-East about this time. From every nook and cranny of Igboland last week, Agubuzu was garlanded as an archetypal hero of his people who, unlike other leaders, spoke truth to power unfazed.

However, there are two kernels of the Igwes submissions that needed interrogation. While the first is his comparison of Nnamdi Kanus agitations with Sunday Igbohos, the second is the general call for Kanus release which, I confirm, is an agitation that has gained currency in Igboland.

Nnamdi Okwu Kanu and Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, famously known as Sunday Igboho, have points of convergence. Both born during and immediately after post-war period Nigeria of 1967 and 1972, they are products of the long-held acrimony of their people against the skewed foundation of the Nigerian state. They are both self-determination activists who believe in the advocacy for an independent Yoruba and Igbo nations and freedom from the manacles of the fiefdom of the Nigerian state.

Kanu, British-born, through his advocacy for the independence of Biafra from Nigeria, founded the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), which has now been proscribed. Igboho, on the other side, a barely literate thug of politicians who equally terrorized the people of Oyo State by snatching their lands, morphed into his current activism during the tyranny of Fulani herders who made life miserable for the people of the northern part of the state. His notoriety had earlier been established during the Ife-Modakeke war, in which he fought as a mercenary.

Igbohos fame made a meteoric rise in January 2021 when, upon the brutal murder of one Dr. Aborode, he gave an ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate Ibarapa area of the state. He enforced this decree. Full stop. While both Igboho and Kanu preach violent seizure of power from oppressors of their people, their modus operandi differ. Igbohos anger and violence were directed solely at the oppressors of his people. Kanus are not. While in the southeast, I stumbled on baffling statistics of Kanus Igbo people who have been violently unalived, either directly by his orders or through his body language.

There are obvious systemic wrongs done Nnamdi Kanu and his Igbo people by the Nigerian state. It is obvious that the state hasnt forgiven Igbo for the sins of the civil war. If not, why would it have the least of the states in the regions that make up Nigeria? His ancestral home in Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, was raided by the Nigerian military on multiple occasions, most notably on n September 2017, in what the Nigerian Army described as Operation Python Dance II. The invasion followed widely circulated images of the IPOB leader inspecting members of the Biafra Security Service (BSS) dressed in combat uniforms, which his followers celebrated as a counterweight to the State Security Service (SSS). This was a blatant affront to Nigerias sovereignty.

During this period, a violent clash occurred between IPOB members and soldiers, resulting in numerous casualties that remain unaccounted for. There were also allegations of disappearance of some individuals which included traditional rulers. Again, in February 2020, soldiers surrounded Kanus family home as he prepared to bury his parents, leading to renewed tension in the area. There were alleged killings on that occasion.

Since 2012 when Kanu began his violent advocacy, thousands of his own brothers and sisters have been killed and sources of livelihood castrated. A pathetic case of an Lagos-based businessman from Enugu who came home in 2021 is always recalled with dread running down spines. He had gone to the Amechi Road, Awkunanaw Enugu area on a Monday and was shot dead by Kanus bloodthirsty IPOB/ESN hounds. Igbo policemen killed within the period must be in their hundreds. His five-year Sit-At-Home order has led to tremendous economic asphyxiation of his people. On the sixth day of assumption of office, precisely on June 5, 2923, the Enugu government, under Governor Peter Mbah, mowed heavily IPOB and Simon Ekpa-led IPOB faction known as Auto Pilot, resulting in the rout of that malady in the Coal City. Till today, a substantial part of the Southeast is still under the excruciating hold of that Kanu pronouncement.

At various times, Kanu breathed fire, proclaimed violence and killing like a psychopath. In September 2015, in a heated address he delivered to the World Igbo Congress in Los Angeles, he thundered, we need guns and we need bullets to prosecute war against Nigeria. In same 2015, shortly after Dr William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, like all clergies, proclaimed the continued unity of Nigeria, Kanu threatened the old mans life for what he said was his audacity. Pastor Kumuyi should be stoned and dealt with thoroughly if he comes to Aba for his planned crusade, he said.

In another instance in 2017, a video of his blowing hot and proclaiming open death threat to ex-Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, went viral. This same Obasanjo had received threats from his own people for his Igbo-centric persuasion. Reacting to growing threat that Kanus IPOB posed to Nigeria, Obasanjo had told a gathering in Abuja that everything humanly possible must be done to stop IPOB. In a reply to the ex-president, as he talked to a gathering of supporters in his Afaraukwu Ibeku home, Kanu asked IPOB to eliminate Obasanjo and his lineage if any harm comes to him. In another viral video, he was seen boasting to his followers that he was ready to march to Abuja and return with President Buharis head, as they cheered him on.

On some other documented occasions, this same Kanu had said, Nigeria should prepare for war, we are coming to annihilate you, my secret service are already studying the zoo and strategising and If you find anybody in your village asking after Radio Biafra, kill the baboon Hausa, Fulani or Yoruba bastard. Let them keep searching as we keep tweeting for #Biafra. Other ethnic groups, even his own Igbo people of Enugu, received his deathly rhetoric. Niger Deltans, he once said, are cowards; we know what to do to them. Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Cross Rivers states are our territory, and anybody who tries to oppose us will be crushed.

So also are rhetoric such as, Yoruba Pentecostalism is the reason why Fulanis are invading us today and Any army they (the Federal Government) send to Biafraland will die there. None will return alive. even if it require sacrificing my people I will do it. On several occasions, Kanu called for attacks and killing of Yoruba people and destruction of their properties and businesses in Lagos. Its height was during the EndSARS riots when he was specifically had on tape ordering the burning and destruction of key infrastructure in Lagos. In 2020, he announced the creation of a non-state sanctioned paramilitary organisation called the Eastern Security Network (ESN) which essentially coordinated the killing of his own Igbo people.

In April 2021, Ikonso, an ESN Commander, was killed by a tactical team of the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, and Department of State Services (DSS), in a joint operation. His body, festooned with charms and cowries, was paraded to the world. Few days after, on a Radio Biafra broadcast where he threatened retaliation, Kanu praised and eulogised him and ordered that, as a warrior, 2000 heads must be buried with him. An arrested ESN member later on told the court during Kanus trial that the group had recorded 20 heads already. A top investigative officer told me in the southeast last week that the charges the federal government levelled against Kanu were slap-on-the-wrists. According to him, if government had contacted state criminal investigation units in Igbo land, it would have had more harrowing charges against him. Kanus conduct was so beastly that no responsible government could stand by and watch the level of his animalism.

Apart from Igbo politicians who capitalize on herd support for Kanu among the people for votes, respected Igbo elders avoid him like a plague. While some think he is on drugs, others question his sanity. Ike Ekweremadu, as Deputy Senate President, was a strong supporter of the effort to secure the release of Kanu. At the risk of his office, with a Buhari who had rank hatred for the Igbo, Ekweremadu was reported to have met the then president repeatedly to canvass for his freedom. In August 2019, Kanu organised his IPOB residents in Nuremberg, Germany, to embarrass Ekweremadu.

A pathetic video of a traumatised Ekweremadu running for dear life even as the bloodhounds tore his clothes and hit him endlessly, trended. Enyinnaya Abaribe, who today is at the fore of Kanus advocacy, had issued a release lamenting that it was un-Igbo for IPOB to have thus maltreated Ekweremadu. Obviously this is not how to repay a man, an outstanding leader of men, an unpretentious Igbo leader who gave all, even going as far as deploying his means to arrange for the bail of Kanu, not minding the repercussion to his illustrious political career, he said. Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, also condemned it, extolling Ekweremadu for fighting for the release of Kanu. In his reaction, not only did he ask IPOB to give (Nyesom) Wike the Ekweremadu treatment if he travels abroad, Kanu said the treatment Ekweremadu got was a lesson to Igbo leaders.

The hurtful truth that may be bitter on the tongue of Southeast leaders is that Nnamdi Kanu is a threat to human peaceful living and no human society would allow his kind to roam free. Tinubus challenge wouldnt be releasing Kanu. The message that will be sent out by doing so and his nil redemptive spirit to abandon a life of pursuit of violence are the main challenge.

Sunday Igboho indeed sowed tears into the lives of his people during his land-grabbing pursuit. I am a living witness. He however never killed his own people, nor did he go overboard like Kanu in threatening the Nigerian state. Unless Kanu turns a new leaf and government is convinced that he is now genuinely an apostate of his blood-sucking views, the Sokoto gulag should continue to house his kind.

Aiyedatiwas Years of the Locusts

Until last weeks bloody clash, governance in the Sunshine State of Ondo was the proverbial upholstery (timutimu) which shielded a generation of filth (egbin) from the glimpse of the world. The ward congress of the State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, which left two people dead and several others injured, brought out all the hidden muck. The bloodbath was attributed by many stakeholders to the State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwas now well-known inordinate ambition to stay-put, in the lingo of Pidgin English speakers, for a third term.

D aring ones among the people of the state even claim that the disruption of a stakeholders meeting presided over by the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin , by political thugs said to be emissaries of the governor were part of his ploy to reincarnate the narration of General Sani Abachas self-perpetuation in office. Raphael , Adetimehin s brother, was brutally attacked by the suspected political thugs at his ward in Idanre. H e was said to have been shot and stabb ed , in an operation in which the party chairman was thought to have been the one brutalized. Adetimehin senior, who is not in Aiyedatiwas good books, was said to be the target.

S ince Aiyedatiwa came into the saddle two years ago, having replaced late Rotimi Akeredolu, his boss, it has been sorrowful tale of retarded and arrested development for Ondo State. R ecently, inhabitants of the state covered their faces in shame as government rolled out celebration of what it said were its achievements in office. An ear-marked commissioning of road projects that Akeredolu had almost completed and ones that even a local government would be less proud to hoist for mention was all Aiyedatiwa could boast of in two years. They were Igoba, SIB Extension, Afunbiowo Housing Estate, Ayegunle Iwaro-Oka, and a couple of other roads. State-wide condemnation stampeded government into suddenly putting the commissioning under wraps. F or an oil-producing state, Aiyedatiwa is disgracing Ondo State tremendously due to his gross incompetence and incapability.

T hose who accused previous governments in the state of failure to jump-start the state for it to compete with other states of the Southwest see Aiyedatiwas fare as governor as intolerable and the limit. O f all of past governors of the state, Olusegun Agagu and Olusegun Mimiko are hoisted for their remarkable developmental strides. T he situation now is such that, apart from tokenism, Ondo State is so backward developmentally, so much that it cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with any state in the west.

But, is the fault in the peoples star? Why are Ondo people always this unlucky? Y es, Aiyedatiwa is an accidental leader. I t is why every people must ensure that spare tyres are not put forward as deputy governorship candidates. As proven now, situations could change and what was thought to be spare becomes the original. Ondo States experience in this regard has been distressing. T here is absolutely no new development that can be pointed to since the incumbent came into power, despite the billions of Naira accruals from IGR and federal allocations. T he rumour in town is that the states wealth is tethered in the pockets of SANs who are helping to process in court Aiyedatiwas puerile arguments to reincarnate as Sani Abacha.

Indeed, the Aiyedatiwa years are appearing as the years of the locusts. The onus is on the people to guard their loins. Anybody angling to lead the state must be known to have resounding pedigree of commitment. No longer should vultures with talons soaked in blood and greed be ever allowed to mount the saddle of the Alagbaka Government House. As a writer-wayfarer friend of mine often says as signature tune of his Facebook narratives: This, too, is my 10 kobo advice.

Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist.
Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, the Chairperson of the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, Enugu State, has congratulated Amedu Ejike on his emergence as the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as the other executive members of the party in the area.

Mr Ejike and others were elected on Saturday at the APC congress in the area.

I congratulate Hon. Chief Amedu Ejike on his emergence as the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Chairman of our great party, the APC and other members of the newly elected executive, Mr Ukwueze stated in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Your emergence is not just a victory, but a call to greater responsibility, sacrifice and inclusive leadership in the interest of our party and our people.

He assured the new APC leadership of his administrations cooperation and synergy to strengthen the party across all wards in Igbo-Eze South, positioning the party for greater success.

Mr Ukwueze, a lawyer and deputy chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, commended the APC members in the area for the peaceful, orderly, and mature manner in which the congress was conducted.

The presence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission further emphasised our commitment to due process and internal democracy, he added.

The council chairperson thanked Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his purposeful and transformational leadership in the state.

His (the governors) commitment to infrastructure development, security and economic growth continues to inspire us at the grassroots to align with the broader vision of building a more prosperous and secure state, he stated.

May I also acknowledge and appreciate the Director General of Peter Mbah Campaign Organisation, Chief Ikeje Asogwa; High Chief Engr James Ajibo, Member, ESUT Governing Council and CEO, JP Energy Services; Hon. Mrs Favour Asogwa, Member, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Ishiwu, and all other party stalwarts, leaders and stakeholders who were part of the successful congress.

Our gratitude also go to the Electoral Committee headed by Mr Sydney Eze for their transparent conduct of the exercise

Together, we will deepen unity, strengthen our structures and advance the collective progress of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Mr Ukwueze stated.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the bye-elections into the Ungogo and Kano Municipal State Assembly constituencies in Kano after the main opposition in the state, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), opted out of the polls.

The bye-elections were held on Saturday to fill vacancies created by the death of two lawmakers last December: Aminu Saadu (Ungogo) and Sarki Aliyu (Kano Municipal). Both men were members of the NNPP, which was the ruling party in the state until Governor Abba Yusuf defected to the APC last month.

The sons of the deceased lawmakers  Aminu Saadu Jr. and Nabil Daneji  contested to succeed their fathers on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both men had been nominated on the NNPP platform until the governor switched to the APC, and they joined him in the new party.

Mr Daneji scored 7,484 votes to win the Kano Municipal Constituency seat and will represent the constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly.

The Returning Officer, Ibrahim Siraj, announced the result and declared Mr Daneji duly elected.

Also, in Ungogo Constituency, the APC candidate, Mr Saad, secured 8,975 votes to clinch the seat.

The Returning Officer for the constituency, Ali Abdullahi, declared Mr Saad the winner and returned him elected.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how voters apathy marked the elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano State, Abdu Zango, attributed the low voter turnout recorded during the polls to the timing of the elections and limited participation by political parties.

Speaking to journalists while monitoring the exercise, Mr Zango described the elections as generally peaceful, though marked by low participation in several polling units.

First of all, I think the timing, maybe Ramadan. Second, I think the general feeling is that this is a very small election involving only two candidates and very few parties. Nine contestants, I think, Mr Zango said.

Road to the elections

The NNPP had initially nominated the sons to replace their late fathers.

However, following Governor Yusufs defection from the NNPP to the APC, the two young contestants shifted their loyalty to the governor and opted to run under the APC banner instead.

While a faction of the NNPP led by Abdullahi Abiyawhich opposes state party leader Rabiu Kwankwasoclaimed to have fielded its own candidates, the mainstream NNPP loyal to Mr Kwankwaso declined to do so.

The spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Mailemu, stated in a statement that the NNPP chose not to substitute the names of the original candidates after their move to the APC.

This decision followed a directive from Mr Kwankwaso, who maintained that the children of the deceased lawmakers should be supported in returning to the State Assembly, regardless of their current political platform.

Mr Mailemu said that Mr Kwankwasos decision to refrain from fielding opposing candidates was rooted in compassion, loyalty, and respect, rather than political expediency.

Despite these developments (the candidates defection to APC), our National Leader, in his characteristic statesmanship and respect for the bereaved families and their longstanding commitment to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, resolved to honour his original stand.

He maintained that the children of the deceased members should be allowed to return to the State Assembly, irrespective of the political platform they now stand on. This was a decision rooted in compassion, loyalty, and respect, not political expediency.

Consequently, the NNPP deliberately refrained from substituting their names, even after they resigned from the party. This action clearly demonstrates that there is only one recognised legitimate NNPP structure in the state. Had there been any other faction with lawful standing, as falsely claimed in some quarters, its sponsored candidates would have appeared on the ballot.

The fact that the NNPP does not have a candidate in this bye-election, as recognised by INEC and is conspicuously absent from the ballot papers, puts to rest all speculation and misinformation. The electoral bodys records speak for themselves.
After boasting for months about its preferential trade deal with US President Donald Trump, the UK is at risk of becoming the biggest loser in the aftermath of the Supreme Courts decision to strike down his global tariffs.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Britain had enjoyed a relatively lower reciprocal tariff rate at 10% compared with other countries  giving it a competitive advantage  but Trumps promise to reimpose the levies at 15% for all nations means businesses may now face even higher duties. The UK will see the largest increase as a result, followed by Italy and Singapore, according to Global Trade Alert, while Brazil, China and India stand to benefit the most.

At the moment, we have no clarity on whether the 10% tariff agreed will be honored  but until and unless the US gives a steer, weve got to assume its 15%, said Sam Lowe, a trade specialist at strategic advisory firm Flint Global in London.

UK officials are now anxiously trying to persuade the US administration to exempt it from the higher rate. The British Chambers of Commerce estimates that it will raise the cost on UK exports to the US by as much as 3 billion ($4 billion) and will impact 40,000 British companies.

We are having conversations at the highest levels to make sure that what we regard as being in our national interest is heard loud and clear with our American counterparts, cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson told Sky News on Sunday. She acknowledged the uncertainty it does cause for UK businesses.

Trumps new tariff regime, imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, can apply for a maximum of 150 days unless Congress extends it. The tariff exemptions on steel, pharmaceuticals and automotives  which was previously agreed between the UK and US  are expected to remain in place, giving Britain continued preferential status on those key sectors.

The government said in a statement that it expected the privileged trading position it negotiated with the US under last years so-called Economic Prosperity Deal to continue under any scenario.

Its a rapidly evolving situation, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers spokesman, Tom Wells, told reporters on Monday. Still, we dont expect this ruling to impact the majority of trade under the EPD, including the sectoral tariffs weve already agreed to.
The long-running dispute over offshore oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states has resurfaced, with both states restating opposing legal and political positions  Akwa Ibom denying any reallocation of the oil wells and Cross River insisting it must not be denied its rights.

Akwa Ibom officials dismissed reports suggesting oil wells attributed to the state would be returned to Cross River, while Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River maintained that fairness must prevail in the aftermath of the Bakassi Peninsulas cession to Cameroon.

Akwa Ibom: No oil well ceded

Addressing journalists in Uyo, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom, Uko Udom, SAN, said the controversy stemmed from misinterpretation of a draft report submitted by a Federal Government inter-agency committee to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

He said the commission clarified that what it received on 13 February 2026 was only a draft, not a decision or approved recommendation.

The Commission has described the circulating claims as speculative and not reflective of any final position, Mr Udom said.

He anchored the states position on two Supreme Court judgements, which conclusively settled the maritime boundary and oil wells dispute.

The legal position, therefore, stands firmly established, he said, stressing that under Section 235 of the Constitution, Supreme Court decisions are final and binding.

No inter-agency committee, no technical panel, and no institutional process can alter, amend, reinterpret, or sit in appeal over a judgment of the Supreme Court, Mr Udom added.

He declared: No oil well has been ceded. No Supreme Court judgement has been overturned. No constitutional provision has been amended.

No cause for alarm  Governor Eno

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom also urged residents to remain calm, dismissing claims of any transfer of oil wells.

There are two Supreme Court judgements that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells. We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroon, and the Nigerian Supreme Court has said so twice to establish this fact, he said.

The governor added, There is no cause for alarm. The people on the other side may cook up any story they want; raise propaganda, but this propaganda has no effect in the face of the two Supreme Court decisions establishing our ownership of the oil wells. This is not about sentiments.

He expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubus commitment to the rule of law, stating, I believe in the administration of President Tinubu; I believe that the rule of law will be respected; I believe that we cannot throw away Supreme Court decisions twice on this particular matter.

Cross River: We wont be denied our rights

Governor Otu said Cross River should not suffer economic loss following the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

Speaking on Monday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, he said the decision to cede Bakassi for national peace should not deprive Cross River of oil resources, Tribune newspaper reported.

The ceding of part of Bakassi was for the peace of the country. It was not for Cross River State to lose its oil wells. We are full-fledged Nigerians. Nobody can deny us our rights, and that time has come, Mr Otu said.

Background

The oil wells dispute between the two neighbouring states dates back decades and is rooted in boundary interpretations following Nigerias implementation of the 2002 International Court of Justice judgement that ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

Akwa Ibom maintains the ruling removed Cross Rivers littoral status and offshore derivation rights  a position it says was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2005 and 2012.

RMAFC has also refuted claims that any oil wells were ceded, describing such reports as false and misleading.

Both states signalled they would continue to pursue their positions through lawful and constitutional means as the dispute remains politically and economically significant.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Henrietta Bulabari, has won the Khana 2 State House of Assembly Constituency bye-election in Rivers State, polling 7,647 votes.

The Returning Officer, Angela Briggs declared Ms Bulabari the winner, saying that she had satisfied the requirements of the law.

According to results announced, the votes received by parties are: AA (46), APC (7,647), NNPP (37), YPP (23), and ZLP (47).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that out of 71, 914 registered voters, only 7,834 accredited voters cast their ballots.

The total valid votes cast were 7,800, while rejected votes were 34. Party agents were present to witness the declaration of results.

Ms Bulabari said she was extremely happy with the result, adding that the election was free, fair, and peaceful.

She promised to make her constituency happy by carrying out impactful constituency projects.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Henrietta Bulabari, has won the Khana 2 State House of Assembly Constituency bye-election in Rivers, polling 7,647 votes.

The Returning Officer, Angela Briggs, declared Ms Bulabari the winner, saying, she satisfied the requirements of the law.

According to the results announced, the votes received by parties are: AA (46), APC (7,647), NNPP (37), YPP (23), and ZLP (47).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that out of 71,914 registered voters, only 7,834 accredited voters cast their ballots.

The total valid votes cast were 7,800, while rejected votes were 34.

Party agents were present to witness the declaration of results.

Ms Bulabari said she was extremely happy with the outcome of the result, adding that the election was free, fair, smooth, peaceful, and successful.

She promised to make the people of her constituency happy by carrying out impactful constituency projects for them.

(NAN)
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has endorsed his nephew, Ukpong Akpabio, for a second term in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Ukpong, a lawyer, represents Essien Udim State Constituency. He was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last June alongside Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.

In his remark after endorsement, Mr Ukpong thanked Mr Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu for their love for the people of the area.

Mr Akpabio announced the endorsement on Saturday in Essien Udim during the APC Local Government Congress, where party chapter executives were elected.

From 2007 to 2015, when Mr Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ukpong worked as his special assistant on general duties.

Endorsement for federal lawmaker

Mr Akpabio also announced that Patrick Umoh, the lawmaker representing Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, would return for a second term in 2027.

Theres really nothing substantial that he (Mr Umoh) will bring to the people except that hes a ranking member, Mr Akpabio said in vernacular.

He referenced Tony Esu from Obot Akara Local Government Area, who previously served a single term in the House of Representatives, noting that Mr Umoh also hails from the same council.

Since Mr Esu began a single term in the Federal Constituency, I stand here today as the Senate president and your leader and say that Obot Akara should return for a second term, he said.

Zoning arrangement announced

Elected offices in Akwa Ibom are often informally zoned among local government areas and constituencies, a practice political actors say is intended to promote equity.

Citing what he described as a principle of fairness, Mr Akpabio declared: What is done to the Israelites will also be done to the Gentiles.

Therefore, after his second term, Essien Udim will take over and serve for eight years, he added, warning that nobody from Obot Akara should challenge Essien Udims turn in 2031.

Obot Akara began one term. It has returned to Obot Akara. Mr Umoh hails from there. He has finished one term, and we are giving him a second term, and after that, he will hand over to Essien Udim. Whoever emerges (from Essien Udim) will serve for eight years uninterrupted, he said.

He further declared: Today weve made a covenant with God that whoever from Obot Akara or Ikot Ekpene that will challenge Essien Udim turn, Holy Ghost fire.
A former senator and the 2023 governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Akwa Ibom State, John Akpanudoedehe, has criticised the Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Enos handling of the renewed controversy over the states 76 oil wells.

Mr Akpanudoedehe warned against any loss of the disputed 76 oil wells.

The long-running dispute over offshore oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states has deepened as both governments restated opposing legal and political positions.

Akwa Ibom State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, had dismissed reports suggesting that the oil wells may be returned to Cross River, insisting there was no constitutional or legal basis for such claims.

Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, however, maintained that fairness must prevail, and that his state should not be denied its rights.

Akpanudoedehe faults Eno

The former senator, who is the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, criticised Governor Eno in a Facebook video, warning of political consequences if the oil wells were lost.

Before now, a lot of people in our polity, those who are alive and those who are dead, worked so hard in terms of resource control for the general interest of the Niger Delta, he said.

He credited former governors Victor Attah and Godswill Akpabio for defending the states oil interests, saying, Former Governor Victor Attah, under his watch, would not allow and did not allow (the oil wells) to be taken away from us under his watch, he would not allow it.

Mr Akpanudoedehe, without providing evidence, alleged a compromise by a federal committee.

Now youve allowed the committee that I am very sure has been compromised by any standard to reach a conclusion against the Akwa Ibom people, he said.

He warned: If you allow these 76 oil wells to be taken away from us I want to tell you that youll not be forgiven.

He added, You may see me as an opposition person, but I have the interest of the Akwa Ibom people at heart. Do everything within your power not to allow what I am hearing to come to pass.

No oil well ceded  Akwa Ibom govt

The Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom, whose office is handling the oil wells matter, did not respond to a request for comments on concerns raised by Mr Akpanudoedehe.

But while addressing reporters on Monday in Uyo, Mr Udom, SAN, said the controversy stemmed from a misinterpretation of a draft report submitted by a Federal Government inter-agency committee to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

He said the commission clarified that what it received on 13 February 2026 was only a draft, not a decision or approved recommendation.

The Commission has described the circulating claims as speculative and not reflective of any final position, Mr Udom said.

He anchored the states position on two Supreme Court judgements, which, according to him, conclusively settled the maritime boundary and oil wells dispute.

The legal position, therefore, stands firmly established, he said, stressing that under Section 235 of the Constitution, Supreme Court decisions are final and binding.

No inter-agency committee, no technical panel, and no institutional process can alter, amend, reinterpret, or sit in appeal over a judgment of the Supreme Court, Mr Udom added.

He declared, No oil well has been ceded. No Supreme Court judgment has been overturned. No constitutional provision has been amended.

No cause for alarm  Governor Eno

Governor Umo Eno also urged residents to remain calm, dismissing claims of any transfer of oil wells to Cross River.

There are two Supreme Court judgements that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells. We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroon, and the Nigerian Supreme Court has said so twice to establish this fact, he said.

The governor added, There is no cause for alarm. The people on the other side may cook up any story they want; raise propaganda, but this propaganda has no effect in the face of the two Supreme Court decisions establishing our ownership of the oil wells. This is not about sentiments.

He expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubus commitment to the rule of law, stating, I believe in the administration of President Tinubu; I believe that the rule of law will be respected; I believe that we cannot throw away Supreme Court decisions twice on this particular matter.

Cross River: We wont be denied our rights

Governor Otu said the state should not suffer economic loss following the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

Speaking on Monday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, he said the decision to cede Bakassi for national peace should not deprive Cross River of its oil resources, Tribune newspaper reported.

The ceding of part of Bakassi was for the peace of the country. It was not for Cross River State to lose its oil wells. We are full-fledged Nigerians. Nobody can deny us our rights, and that time has come, Otu said.

Background

The oil wells dispute dates back decades and is rooted in boundary interpretations following Nigerias implementation of the 2002 International Court of Justice judgment that ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

Akwa Ibom maintains that the ruling removed Cross Rivers littoral status and offshore derivation rights  a position it says was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2005 and 2012.

RMAFC has also refuted claims that any oil wells were ceded to Cross River.

Both states and key political actors continue to press their positions as the controversy remains politically and economically significant.
The Ebonyi State Government has rescued five homeless male children who were seen wandering in various parts of the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwamkpuma, disclosed this at a briefing in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Saturday.

Mrs Nwamkpuma said the rescued children were currently in the care of the state government and that efforts had been intensified to locate their parents.

She explained that the children were picked up at various locations by police operatives in the state.

The commissioner said the rescued children were subsequently handed over to the ministry for investigation and possible reunification with their families.

Mrs Nwamkpuma, who was represented at the briefing by the Head of the Child Development Department, Emmanuel Nkwuda, spoke at the Ebonyi State Juvenile Remand Home in Ugwuachara, Abakaliki.

She said the five boys, aged between 3 and 14, had been roaming aimlessly before their rescue.

The commissioner said some of the children had been at the Ebonyi State Juvenile Remand Home for at least four years while others had spent between two months and one year.

She called on parents and guardians searching for missing children to visit the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in the state with relevant evidence for proper identification and possible reunion.

According to her, the remand home is not designed to serve as a long-term shelter for children who are not crime suspects.

Ordinarily, they are not expected to remain here beyond one or two months. Prolonged stay could pose security concerns, especially as the facility also houses underage suspects, she said.

Mrs Nwamkpuma warned that if no parents or relatives come forward within a reasonable period, the ministry may initiate adoption or fostering processes in line with Section 4 of the Ebonyi State Child Rights Law, which places the best interest of the child as paramount.

Their best interest at this stage of life is to grow up in a proper home where they can enjoy parental care, education, dignity, and a sense of identity.

Every child has a right to a name and protection. We cannot allow them to grow up without meaningful engagement, she stated.

The commissioner advised parents to birth only the number of children they can adequately care for, considering their financial capacity and schedules.

She also urged heightened vigilance amid rising cases of child abduction.

READ ALSO: Lawmaker dismisses genocide allegations against Ebonyi gov

The official gave an instance of a recent incident in the Nkwagu Axis of the state where unidentified women allegedly deceived mothers and made away with three children.

Mrs Nwamkpuma cautioned parents to be security-conscious and wary of strangers offering to assist or take their children on errands.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to the welfare, protection, and promotion of childrens rights in the state.

She appealed to Nigerians to assist in reconnecting the rescued children with their families.

This is not the first time homeless children have been rescued in Ebonyi.

In February 2024, for instance, 13-year-old boy Goodluck Onwe was rescued after he was seen wandering on the streets of Abakaliki.
BRUSSELS, Feb. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson RED Auckland has officially opened, marking the brand's bold arrival in Australasia and Radisson Hotel Group's highly anticipated debut in New Zealand. Anchored in the heart of Auckland's Arts District, the hotel infuses bold design, artistic energy and the country's largest rooftop space into one of the city's most creative precincts.

Radisson RED Art Standard Room View

Located at 33 Lorne Street, Radisson RED Auckland is crowned by a vibrant rooftop bar seamlessly connected to dynamic rooftop event spaces, setting the scene for bold social moments above the city. As one of Auckland's few pet-friendly hotels, it welcomes guests to bring their four-legged companions along for the stay. Design-driven and community-minded, Radisson RED Auckland sets a new benchmark for modern hospitality in the heart of the Central Business District.

A hotel built for Auckland's creative heartbeat

Radisson RED Auckland channels the theatrical pulse of the surrounding Art District straight into its public spaces and guest experience. The hotel features 322 guest rooms and suites, bold gallery-style installations, immersive lighting, and sensory design moments inspired by Auckland's creative culture, performance arts, and urban energy.

The central location puts guests just minutes from major attractions including the Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island and the West Coast beaches. Some of the city's best cafes and restaurants are right on the doorstep, creating an effortless base for both leisure and business travelers.

"Radisson RED thrives in cities fueled by creativity, culture, and community, and Auckland captures that spirit perfectly. This opening marks a major milestone for our growth in Australasia and a proud moment for our upper-upscale Radisson RED brand, which brings a playful twist to the conventional. As Radisson Hotel Group's debut in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, we can't wait for everyone to see Auckland in RED and experience a hotel bursting with energy, design, and unforgettable moments," says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group.

A bold, theatrical take on Auckland's arts culture

Radisson RED Auckland's design blends attitude with artistry. Corridor lighting mimics stage spotlights. Lounge seating draws inspiration from opera boxes. Contemporary installation pieces nod to the city's vibrant gallery scene. Guest rooms echo an actor's dressing room, layered textures, expressive colours, curated artwork and sensory lighting that sets the tone the moment guests walk in.

Higher-floor rooms offer skyline views, while the Suite Panorama presents sweeping vistas of Auckland City, Albert Park, and the harbour.

Social spaces shaped for connection

Radisson RED Auckland offers guests a vibrant all-day dining venue and bar for relaxed, casual moments. It's soon to open Rooftop Restaurant & Bar set to be the largest outdoor rooftop space in New Zealand, boasts sweeping open-air views of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, positioning it as one of the city's most engaging bar destinations. From bespoke cocktail evenings to dynamic social gatherings, the rooftop offers a striking setting for memorable dining experiences and events, reflecting the hotel's bold, design-led approach to hospitality.

The outlet reflects RED's love for Share & Connect, a concept where food, music, and mixology create the spark for natural interaction and community. With spacious zones and state-of-the-art equipment guests can also stay active in Radisson RED Auckland's fitness centre open daily from 5AM to 11PM.

A rooftop built for play, performance, and possibility

Perched above the city and with capacity for up to 219 guests in a cocktail style setup, this rooftop stands out as a series of meeting and event spaces designed to feel a creative playground, perfect for celebrations, live performances, popups, weddings, and business sessions alike. The venue can be configured into four flexible rooms, each filled with natural light, allowing it to shift effortlessly from polished corporate functions to relaxed social occasions.

"Opening Radisson RED Auckland marks an exciting new chapter for the city, one that celebrates creativity, connection, and a bold new way to experience hospitality. We've designed Radisson RED Auckland to be far more than a place to stay, it's a creative hub where locals and travelers can plug into the heartbeat of the CBD and feel the city's culture, color, and energy from the moment they arrive. Every space has been shaped to spark inspiration, encourage connection, and bring a sense of play back into travel. We're proud to open our doors and introduce a fresh, dynamic experience to Auckland, one that reflects the spirit of the city and the attitude of RED," concludes Reinout Engel, General Manager, Radisson RED Auckland.

For more information or to book, click here.

Download high-resolution pictures here.

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP

Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson  brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:

LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X

ABOUT RADISSON RED

Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that's waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests. Radisson RED hotels are designed to meet the needs of our guests by giving them endless opportunities to tune in and out, switching effortlessly between business and pleasure. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson RED by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson RED is part of the Radisson family of brands, which includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson  brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

For reservations and more information, visit our website. Or connect with Radisson RED on:

LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X

SOURCE Radisson Hotel Group
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
Woman in a convenience store reaching up for groceries on a shelf - jordisalas.net/Shutterstock

A transaction in October of 2024, between an American company and a Mexican one, resulted in a chain of U.S.-located gas station convenience stores being owned by the Mexican firm. The American company is Delek US Holdings, Inc., which sold its retail operations for $385 million. These retail operations consisted of 249 convenience stores that operated under the DK brand, located in New Mexico, Arkansas, and Texas. Delek is an energy company involved in petroleum and renewable fuels. As an oil products producer, it has a refining capacity of 302,000 barrels each day. It is also one of five owners of the 650-mile oil pipeline that goes from Wink to Webster in the Permian Basin in Texas, moving over one million barrels per day of crude oil and condensate to the Gulf Coast.

The Mexican company that bought the convenience stores at Delek's gas stations is called FEMSA. It's a huge conglomerate that includes the OXXO chain of 28,800 convenience stores located in Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. FEMSA also owns the largest volume Coca-Cola products franchise bottler in the world. It has a total of over 392,000 employees located in 18 countries, including Europe, having purchased the food retail company Valora in 2022. FEMSA is also involved in many other business ventures, including retail drugstores and digital financial services.

Read more: Popular Synthetic Oil Brands Ranked Worst To Best

How FEMSA's acquisition affected DK convenience stores

OXXO convenience store on sunny day with clouds in sky - JRomero04/Shutterstock

FEMSA has now rebranded many DK stores, which now operate as OXXO, a well-known brand near the Mexican border. By 2027, all of the stores in the El Paso area, which adjoins the border, will be rebranded as OXXO stores. Once the OXXO brand starts to expand beyond its initial footprint, it may build even larger stores, following the trend of U.S. gas stations turning into massive convenience stores.

As far as the supply of fuel products to the stores, FEMSA has continued to purchase them from Delek after the ownership change. Delek continues to operate hundreds of gas stations under both the DK and Alon brands, positioning itself as a locally sourced, high-quality fuel supplier with a lower carbon footprint. While this acquisition may have been FEMSA's first attempt to plant its flag in the U.S., the company has said it has plans to become a major player in the U.S. market. FEMSA is not the only foreign operator to land here; the Speedway gas station chain is owned by a Japanese company.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
Cairo, Feb 22 : The Arab League, Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned remarks by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Israel has the right to claim control over the entire Middle East.

Huckabee's remarks, being illogical and irrational, are "inconsistent with the fundamental principles and established norms of diplomacy," Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said in a statement.

Those remarks "serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions" when countries are exploring ways to implement the Gaza ceasefire and "seize the opportunity to launch a serious political process towards peace," he said.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed its "astonishment" over the remarks, describing them as a "blatant violation" of international law and the United Nations Charter, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Egypt's long-standing position that Israel holds "no sovereignty" over occupied Palestinian territory or any other Arab lands, voicing its "categorical rejection" of any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also condemned Huckabee's comments on Saturday, saying such statements set a dangerous precedent and reflect a disregard for the relations between the countries of the region and the United States.

"This extremist rhetoric portends grave consequences and threatens international peace and security by antagonizing the countries and peoples of the region and undermining the foundations of the international order," the minister said on X.

In a contentious interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson posted on Friday, Huckabee said Israel has a "biblical right" to claim control over the entire Middle East, or at least most of the region.

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will visit Tamil Nadu on Sunday to attend a foundation stone laying ceremony for the statue of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai at Vandiyur in Madurai.

During the visit, the Vice-President will also visit the Thirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple and Rani Velu Nachiyar Palace in Sivaganga, the official said in a statement.

Earlier, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day on Saturday, Vice-President Radhakrishnan released the updated versions of the Constitution of India in Tamil and Gujarati, along with the eighth edition of the Legal Glossary (Englisha"Hindi).

Describing Tamil as one of the world's most ancient classical languages with a rich literary legacy, and Gujarati as a language of profound cultural and philosophical depth, he said that this initiative will take the Constitution to the people in their own languages, thereby strengthening democratic participation and awareness.

The Vice-President appreciated the Ministry of Law and Justice for the extensive work undertaken in bringing out these translations and making the Constitution more accessible to citizens across the country, a statement said on the social media.

During another event related to National CSR Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Vice-President said that when institutions work together, society and the nation move forward collectively, and emphasised that such collaboration is crucial at this transformative moment in India's journey.

Highlighting India's progress over the last decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that India has moved from being the 10th largest economy to the fourth largest economy in the world and is on course to become the third largest.

He underlined that structural reforms, inclusive expansion, digital connectivity, financial inclusion and infrastructure development have brought more than 25 crore citizens out of extreme poverty and raised aspirations across regions and communities.

He remarked that the next phase of development demands deeper partnership among government, industry and civil society.

Stating that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is no longer peripheral but central to national progress, Vice-President Radhakrishnan described CSR as the space where enterprise meets empathy, where balance sheets meet human stories, and where growth acquires purpose.
Washington, Feb 22 : In a decisive signal to the world, the United States and India have unveiled a new AI partnership that rejects what they call the "paralysis of fear" and instead backs a pro-growth, pro-entrepreneurship model to lead the artificial intelligence race.

Washington, Feb 22 (IANS) In a decisive signal to the world, the United States and India have unveiled a new AI partnership that rejects what they call the "paralysis of fear" and instead backs a pro-growth, pro-entrepreneurship model to lead the artificial intelligence race.

Under a Joint Statement on the US-India AI Opportunity Partnership  a bilateral addendum to the Pax Silica Declaration  the two largest democracies of the world pledged to align regulatory systems, strengthen semiconductor and energy supply chains, and drive private-sector innovation to ensure they shape, rather than follow, the next technological revolution.

The two governments said they acknowledge "a shared vision for their innovation ecosystems", linking the pact to the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and the India-US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership and Accelerated Commerce and Technology) for the 21st century.

Recognising that this century is likely to be defined by "the physical backbone for artificial intelligencefrom critical minerals and energy to compute and semiconductor manufacturing", the two sides said the future of AI should rest on "a foundation of trusted collaboration, economic security, and free enterprise".

Echoing the vision outlined by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technologies initiative (TRUST), the statement said both countries aim "to move beyond the paralysis of fear in favor of the dynamism of AI opportunity to promote innovation and to deploy it for human prosperity".

"The two sides share the belief that a significant risk facing the free world is not the advancement of AI, but the failure to lead it," it added.

A central pillar of the agreement is regulatory alignment.

"Both sides pledge to adopt and mainstream regulatory regimes that advance technological innovation and promote investment. They aim to champion a pro-growth regulatory environment that fosters AI innovation and empowers builders, coders, creators, startups, and the platforms that enable them, in both countries, to test, deploy, and scale rapidly to build secure and trusted AI ecosystems," the joint statement said.

The partnership focuses on strengthening what it calls the "Physical AI Stack".

According to the statement, India and the United States plan to deepen cooperation under the Pax Silica framework, including joint research and development projects to expand reliable energy infrastructure, produce critical minerals, harness skilled workforces, and accelerate the development of trusted semiconductor ecosystems.

The statement also emphasised "Driving Free Enterprise", with both governments seeking to ensure that the AI revolution is propelled by the private sector. They intend to facilitate cross-border venture capital flows and R&D partnerships, enable investments in next-generation data centres, cooperate on development and access to compute and processors for AI, and advance innovation in AI models and applications.

"This partnership signals a new era in which the world's oldest and largest democracies stand aligned not only in defence of liberty, but in the purposeful pursuit of prosperity and harmony for their peoples," the statement said. "Together, the two aspire to build an AI future that serves their citizens, strengthens their economies and societies, and reflects their shared values of freedom, openness, and the rule of law."

The announcement comes at a time when global debates over AI governance, semiconductor supply chains, and critical mineral security are intensifying.
Washington, Feb 22 : US President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24, returning to Congress at a politically charged moment in Washington.

The address comes as Democrats prepare to mount a formal rebuttal. On February 19, 2026, Democrats announced that Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would deliver the Democratic response.

The annual speech, delivered before a joint session of Congress, traditionally outlines the administration's legislative and policy priorities for the year ahead.

As with previous years, a member of the president's Cabinet is designated to remain at an undisclosed location outside Washington to ensure continuity of government in the event of an attack. A designated survivor for Trump's address had not been announced.

The State of the Union has evolved over more than two centuries into one of the most closely watched moments in American politics. Historical records show presidential addresses to joint sessions dating back to 1790, including annual messages and wartime speeches.

Trump himself addressed joint sessions of Congress multiple times during his first term, including State of the Union addresses in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

This year's speech will be Trump's first formal State of the Union address of his second term, following an address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025.

The event will also feature the official Democratic response, a televised rebuttal that offers the opposition party an opportunity to counter the president's narrative and policy claims.

For international observers, including in India, the address is closely tracked for signals on trade, immigration, defence, and foreign policy priorities.

The State of the Union requirement stems from the US Constitution, which mandates that the president "from time to time" provide Congress with information on the state of the country and recommend measures deemed necessary and expedient. Over time, the address has become a nationally televised prime-time event, often watched by millions and followed by an official response from the opposition party.
Washington, Feb 22 : A fight over a $330 million estate has turned into a broader clash over how a New York court operates.

Brandon Bishunauth, 23, is challenging the handling of his late father's estate in Queens Surrogate's Court. His father, real estate businessman Mohammad Malik, died in February 2023.

Court papers describe the estate as worth $330 million based on assessed value.

An investigative report published in January 2025 examined the case and raised questions about political influence in Queens judicial circles. It said the law firm Sweeney, Reich & Bolz has long played a role in selecting judges in the borough.

The report noted that in Queens, the local Democratic Party does not use an independent screening panel. Instead, partners from the firm are said to make up two-thirds of a party panel that vets judicial candidates.

Bishunauth's appellate filings accuse Surrogate Judge Peter J. Kelly of "Repeated, Purposeful and Knowing" violations of law. The filings say Kelly used a "Secret Court Docket" instead of the state's electronic filing system, NYSCEF.

They allege this blocked a January 24, 2024, cross-motion from being uploaded and considered. The filings say this obstructed "As-of-Right Appeals" and violated due process rights.

Under Malik's 2023 will, Bishunauth was left $25,000. Most of the estate was left to his sister, Yasmin Malik.

Under New York law, if the wills are invalidated, the estate could pass to the son.

Bishunauth argues that a December 5, 2023, proceeding resulted only in what he calls "an agreement to agree". He says key conditions were not met before a decree granting probate was issued.

Joint affidavits filed by his mother, aunt, and uncle say the judge imposed what they describe as "Judicial Lifetime Gag Orders" on non-parties present in court. They say these orders were imposed before any final written settlement was signed.

The appellate filings also claim that notices of motion were refused docketing despite being presented. They argue this prevented proper appellate review.

The case now sits before the Appellate Division, Second Department. The court must decide whether the decree and sealing order stand and whether any procedural violations occurred.

Surrogate's Courts in New York handle wills and estate disputes. Queens Surrogate's Court has faced criticism in the past over its ties to local political structures.

This case has revived those concerns.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended birthday greetings to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, wishing him good health and a long life.

The Prime Minister conveyed his message through a post on X, which was followed by a series of greetings from senior Union ministers and BJP leaders for the Mizoram Chief Minister.

"Best wishes to Mizoram CM Pu Lalduhoma on his birthday. Praying for his long life and good health," PM Modi posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes, posting on X, "Birthday greetings to Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma Ji. Wishing you good health and strength to continue serving the people of Mizoram."

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also posted on X, "Warm birthday greetings to Hon'ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Lalduhoma Ji. May you be blessed with good health and continued strength in your dedicated service to the people of Mizoram."

BJP MP Sambit Patra also extended birthday wishes, posting on X, "Warm birthday greetings to Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma Ji. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath Ji bless you with good health, strength and wisdom as you continue serving the people of Mizoram with dedication and commitment."

The birthday wishes come as Lalduhoma continues to focus on strengthening infrastructure and connectivity in the northeastern state. Recently, he inaugurated the Lengtekai bridge over the Tlawng River, linking the capital city Aizawl with the state's lone Lengpui airport and the Mamit district bordering Tripura.

Officially named the Faith Bridge, the project was constructed with funding from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways at a cost of Rs 43.83 crore. The 100-metre-long bridge, measuring 7.5 metres in width with 1.5-metre footpaths on both sides, is designed to carry loads of up to 385 metric tonnes. The infrastructure asset is expected to significantly enhance transport safety, improve vehicular capacity and boost regional connectivity, facilitating smoother movement of people and goods across the state.

A former IPS officer, Lalduhoma, led his party, the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), to a landslide victory in the 2023 Assembly elections and was sworn in as CM on December 8, 2023.
Mumbai, Feb 22 : The month-long Budget session, starting February 23, is expected to be stormy with the opposition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, gearing up to challenge the Mahayuti government on several fronts.

For the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena-Shinde, and NCP-Sunetra Pawar), the Budget session is a high-stakes exercise in maintaining political momentum especially in the wake of its stellar performance in the recently concluded local body elections while managing a significant leadership transition.

This session is particularly significant as it marks a transition in the state's political leadership and faces a unique legislative vacuum following the untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar.

On the other hand, despite being numerically weaker and lacking a formal Leader of the Opposition (LoP), the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP), plans to use the session to put the government on the defensive. They are expected to take on the government on a range of issues regarding onions, paddy, soybeans, and cotton, present state of finances amid rising public debt, revenue and fiscal deficits, dip in capital expenditure and non payment of dues to contractors of ongoing development projects.

The Budget session, starting Monday, will continue until March 25. Following the Governoras address on the first day, a condolence motion will be moved for late Ajit Pawar, with discussions expected to last throughout the day. Regular legislative business will commence on Tuesday.

The session will be the first since the death of former Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, will debut in the legislature as Deputy Chief Minister.

The opposition, led by (NCP-SP) leader Rohit Pawar , is expected to demand a transparent probe or a CBI inquiry into the crash, alleging that Ajit Pawaras death was not accidental but potential political conspiracy.

Despite the ruling party's overwhelming majority compared to the opposition's smaller numbers - which allowed the government to maintain dominance in the last three sessions of the past year - Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar became a target of criticism regarding the selection of questions and the number of "Calling Attention" motions. Even ministers expressed concern over the rising number of such motions.

Allegations by Shiv Sena-UBT leader Bhaskar Jadhav, claiming that money was taken to ask questions, had previously caused a stir.

The opposition has devised a strategy to corner Speaker Narwekar. Allegations were made that during the filing of nominations for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections, Narwekar was present at the municipal office and used intimidating tactics to ensure three members of his family were elected unopposed. A video of this incident was also circulated on social media. Following this, another video emerged from Alibaug showing Narwekar leaving the site after a farmer objected to a land survey.

Shiv Sena Group Leader Bhaskar Jadhav stated that the opposition would demand answers from Narwekar on both incidents.

Jadhav further alleged that Narwekar has compromised the dignity of the Speaker's post. Additionally, since Narwekar has not made a decision on the opposition's proposal for the Leader of the Opposition in the past year, they are unlikely to miss any opportunity to hold him accountable.

Following the accidental death of Ajit Pawar, the Finance portfolio is currently held by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who will present the state Budget on March 6.

Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the Congress Legislative Party, said that they will question the Chief Minister on various issues, such as the 36 hour traffic halt on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to a tanker overturning and a portion of Metro work collapsing in Mulund killing one person and injuring three others.

He further added that the opposition will emphasise how these accidents in Pune and Mulund prove the governmentas claims of planned infrastructure developement are hollow. Issues related to the agriculture department, such as cotton, paddy, onions, and soybeans, will be debated. Although aid was announced for farmers affected by unseasonal rain last year, it has not yet reached them.Many farmers are yet to receive benefits from the 2017 loan waiver.

The opposition plans to hold the government accountable, noting that CM Fadnavis had promised a decision on farm loan waivers by June.

The Congress party will raise the issue of the impact of the India-US trade agreement on the state's farmers. The opposition will also question when the monthly subsidy for the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana will be increased to Rs 2,100 from the present Rs 1,500.

As far as the Mahayuti government is concerned, it will counter the opposition by listing a number of achievements not just in electoral politics but also to achieve the much ambitious target of one trillion dollar economy by 2030 and five trillion dollar economy by 2047 as a part of Viksit Maharashtra mission.

CM Fadnavis however, faces the daunting "tightrope walk" of maintaining populist welfare schemes while managing a state debt that has crossed Rs 9 lakh crore. The government is set to continue with the major allocation for the Ladki Bahin Yojana to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to the eligible women beneficiaries. The substantial allocation is expected on the Pune-Nashik High-Speed Rail, the Mumbai Water Metro, and the Vadhavan Port project. In addition, the government is likely to announce a "climate-resilient agriculture" package to address erratic weather in Marathwada and Vidarbha while using artificial intelligence.

CM Fadnavis has already said that Maharashtraas finances are under strain owing to different welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, but claimed that the state continued to meet all key indicators of economic stability and remained among the strongest state economies in the country. While presenting budget, the chief ministeras primary goal will be to prove that Mahayuti can fund massive welfare schemes without crashing the state's fiscal health.

Parallel to the Budget discussions, the legislature will hold elections for seven Rajya Sabha seats on March 16. High-profile names whose terms are ending include Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A). The ruling Mahayuti alliance is expected to secure six out of the seven seats based on current Assembly numbers. Since the MVA can only win one seat, the internal tussle between Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) over who gets that seat (potentially Sharad Pawar) will be a sub-plot that the ruling party will try to exploit.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 : Five police personnel lost their lives, while three others sustained serious injuries in a tragic road accident in front of the Sadar Police Station in Jharsuguda district early Sunday morning.

The deceased officers have been identified as Kashiram Bhoi (APR), Niranjan Kujur (Drill Sub-Inspector), Debadatta Sa (APR), Lingaraj Dhurua (APR Havildar), and Bhaktabandhu Mirdha (Home Guard).

The policemen who were seriously injured in the mishap are Dubaraj Mirig (APR), Akash Naik (APR), and Rajiv Bharsagar (Sergeant).

The accident occurred when a speeding iron rod-laden trailer truck collided head-on with a Bolero vehicle carrying police personnel. The accident happened in front of the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station.

"A severe accident occurred today on National Highway 49 in front of the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station, in which five policemen who were returning to duty after attending a marriage party lost their lives. The families of the five deceased policemen were devastated after losing their breadwinners in the mishap," a local resident told media persons.

The injured cops are currently undergoing treatment at the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital.

Meanwhile, local residents raised questions about the alleged apathy of the government and NHAI authorities regarding the long-standing demand to expand the highway from two lanes to four lanes.

"Thousands of light and heavy vehicles ply on this road every day to Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, Nagpur, and other places. There has been a demand for the past two decades to expand the road to four lanes. However, everything remains only on paper, and no steps have been taken on the ground to make it a four-lane highway. Such road mishaps occur regularly on this road. The government should pay immediate attention to the problem," the local added.

Following the mishap, police launched an investigation, detaining the driver and seizing the truck involved in the incident.
Kolkata, Feb 22 : The Trinamool Congress has alleged that its party workers were attacked by Indian Secular Front (ISF) activists in Polerhat area in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, police said on Sunday.

The Trinamool Congress claimed that the incident occurred when they were holding the meeting in the area on Friday night.

Two Trinamool Congress leaders were reportedly injured in the attack and were rushed to Jirengacha Rural Hospital.

Doctors said that the condition of the injured is being monitored.

According to local sources, Trinamool Congress had organised a meeting in that area to strengthen the organisation ahead of Assembly polls. At that time, a group of miscreants suddenly entered the meeting venue and started arguing, leading to a fight.

Allegedly, the attack was carried out by ISF activists with sticks.

Car of Trinamool leader Khairul Islam was vandalised in the clash. A large force of Kolkata Police reached the area after receiving the news.

On the other hand, after receiving the news of the incident, Canning Purba Assembly constituency MLA and Trinamool observer for Bhangar, Saokat Molla quickly reached the spot. He went to the hospital and met the injured workers.

Allegedly, his car was also attacked. Saokat Molla claimed that one round of bullet was fired.

"The attack was carried out with the help of ISF MLA Nawsad Siddiqui. We want a proper investigation into the attack," said Molla.

However, ISF MLA of Bhangar Assembly constituency, Nawsad Siddiqui refuted this allegation. He claimed, "The one who is saying this attacked our workers in the area. He is trying to disturb the peace in area ahead of the elections."

He further demanded an impartial investigation into this incident.

A large police force has been deployed in different parts of Bhangar since Saturday night. So far, no one has been detained or arrested in connection with these two incidents yet. Police are investigating the matter and the situation is being monitored.

It is worth mentioning that Siddiqui is the lone ISF MLA in 294-seat West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

In 2021 state Assembly polls, ISF had contested the election in alliance with the CPI(M)-led Left Front and Indian National Congress. While both Left and Congress drew a blank in the Assembly election, ISF won only one seat.

Siddiqui had won the election from Bhangar Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district. It was only Assembly seat in 31-seat strong South 24 Parganas district which Trinamool Congress lost in 2021. Since then, there has been frequent clashed between TMC and ISF workers in Bhangar area to gain control of the constituency.
Performance was driven by a 26% surge in Consumer Services, specifically travel money and bill payments, which helped offset a 9% decline in adjusted revenue from the Consumer Money Transfer segment.

Management attributes retail headwinds in The Americas to shifting geopolitical environments and immigration policy changes, though transaction growth rates in the U.S.-Mexico corridor improved by hundreds of basis points relative to Q3.

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The new 'Beyond' technology platform enabled the flawless implementation of the U.S. retail remittance tax across all channels, while also accelerating the shift toward digital funding at retail points of sale.
Jammu, Feb 22 : A gunfight erupted on Sunday between the security forces and the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

Nagrota headquartered White Knight Corps of the Army said on X today, "    |   -  Troops of #WhiteKnightCorps, alongwith @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, in a joint operation, established contact with terrorists in the general area of Passerkut, #Kishtwar. Firefight is on. Troops have cordoned off the area. Operation continues."

The Army has code-named the operation against terrorists in the Chatroo area as 'Operation Trashi-I'.

Officials said the security forces, including the Army, J&K Police and the CRPF, launched a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) in the forest area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district after receiving intelligence input about the presence of two to three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists hiding in the densely forested area.

"When the surrounding joint forces came close to the hiding terrorists, they fired, triggering an encounter which is now going on. Reinforcements have been rushed to the snowbound area," officials said.

This is the second encounter in this area this month. Earlier, a gunfight broke out in the same densely forested area on February 4.

More than a dozen encounters have taken place during the last year between the security forces and the terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.

It is believed that a group of foreign terrorists are operating in the area, who keep on changing location between Kishtwar, Doda and Udhampur districts.

The Army, J&K Police and the CRPF are on a hot chase of this group of Pakistani terrorists, and it is precisely because of this that the group is moving from one place to another instead of trying to attack the security forces.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has given clear orders for neutralisation of Pakistani terrorists in the hilly districts of the Jammu division.

The Union Home Minister called for a mission-mode approach to usher in complete peace in the union territory during his last visit to Jammu on February 7.
Meerut, Feb 22 : A large number of people gathered in Meerut on Sunday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rally, where he is set to inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth around a12,930 crore to the nation. The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting later in the day.

Meerut, Feb 22 (IANS) A large number of people gathered in Meerut on Sunday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rally, where he is set to inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth around 12,930 crore to the nation. The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting later in the day.

Enthusiastic Supporters, local residents, and party workers began assembling at the venue hours before the programme, many waving flags and chanting slogans. Enthusiasm was particularly high over the launch of the Namo Bharat rapid rail and Meerut Metro, which are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity.

One attendee described the project as a "big gift" for the region, saying it would benefit not only Meerut but also neighbouring districts such as Shamli and Muzaffarnagar, along with parts of Uttarakhand including Haridwar. "Now, Meerut will no longer feel far from Delhi," the attendee said, highlighting hopes of faster daily commutes.

An RLD worker present at the site termed the development "historic," noting that commuters had long struggled with severe traffic congestion on routes connecting Meerut to the national capital. "People used to be stuck in long traffic jams. Now they will be able to reach Delhi from Meerut in record time," he said while thanking the Prime Minister.

According to officials, PM Modi will flag off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train from the Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station at around 12:30 p.m. He will then inaugurate the entire 82-km DelhiMeerut Namo Bharat Corridor.

Key sections include the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, as well as the 21-km segment between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

Officials noted that the corridor will reduce travel time, ease road congestion, and spur economic growth across the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, with 82.15-km long train route, is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), linking Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

Meerut Metro is 23-km long stretch, that will run within the city and share tracks and infrastructure with the Namo Bharat rapid rail in the Meerut section. This will make go a long way in integrating the train commute for thousands of passengers, allowing them to switch between the two services without leaving the station area.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : A poster at Congress headquarters in Uttar Pradesh backed its youth wing's "shirtless" protest during the recent India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

The poster read, "We are proud of you all," and featured a shirtless photograph of Youth Congress members protesting at the summit venue in Delhi.

The protest, which took place during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, drew sharp reactions from several BJP leaders, who accused the Congress of attempting to embarrass the country during a major international event.

On the Youth Congress protest at the AI Summit, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, "This should absolutely not happen. Congress has become issue-less. The way Congress is losing the trust of people across the country, continuously losing elections, they are doing all this out of frustration..."

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha also criticised the protest, saying, "...This is not Gandhi ji's Congress anymore. This is the Congress afflicted with a foreign mentality, which has no love for the nation, which hates nationalism..."

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Anyone with even a shred of decency, even if politically opposed, will never support Rahul Gandhi's Congress party for this behaviour, which has tarnished Indiaas image globally."

Bihar Minister Sanjay Singh said, "Somewhere, through this, these people have worked to embarrass the country. At a time when national media were present, people from across the country had gathered, and even Presidents and dignitaries from several nations were in attendance, the way Bihar and India were presented before them was not appropriate from any perspective..."

BJP National Spokesperson R. P. Singh claimed that it was done as part of a deliberate and planned conspiracy to defame India. "This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly carried out such actions, which harm India's reputation," Singh told IANS.

BJP MLA Shailendra Beldale said that the AI Summit in Delhi, organised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was a huge success and attracted significant global investment to India. "However, the protest by Youth Congress workers at Bharat Mandapam during such an important global event is condemnable," he said.

The AI Impact Summit, attended by global leaders, innovators and industry representatives, was projected by the government as a major step in positioning India as a global hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Hyderabad, Feb 22 : Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao was taken into custody by police here on Sunday when he tried to leave for Banswada town in Kamareddy district, which witnessed a communal clash on Friday.

Ramchander Rao, who was placed under house arrest since Saturday night, tried to leave for Banswada but was stopped and taken into custody by the police.

Tension prevailed at his house in the Tarnaka area when his supporters tried to resist the police. Police arrested some of the protesters.

The BJP leader was shifted to Bollarum Police Station.

Earlier, Ramchander Rao told the media that he would visit Kamareddy to express solidarity with BJP MLA K. Venkata Ramana Reddy, who was allegedly attacked. He alleged that in Banswada town, 100 BJP workers were arrested during a bandh called by Hindu organisations.

Following his arrest, Ramchander Rao alleged that there is an emergency in Telangana. "The Anti-Hindu, Muslim League Maoist Congress has arrested me and are taking me to Bollarum PS for standing up for the Hindus of Banswada and for our karyakartas in Kamareddy," reads a post by the BJP leader on X.

He earlier wrote that in Congress-ruled Telangana, it appears that standing up for the Hindu victims of Banswada and raising a voice for our karyakartas in Kamareddy has become a "crime".

"Let it be clear, Congress is the New Muslim League, it has reduced itself to lower and lower levels of appeasement. By its actions, it seems determined to outdo even the worst chapters of divisive politics in our history. If Congress believes that confining me to my home will silence me or allow it to escape accountability, it is gravely mistaken. I will continue to stand firmly with our people - no matter the pressure," he said.

Banswada town saw a clash on Friday evening after a youth raised an objection to the playing of a devotional song in a supermarket. The employees of the supermarket assaulted the youth. Later, members of both the communities near the supermarket indulged in stone pelting, resulting in injuries to two police personnel.

Following the clash, police deployed additional forces in the town to prevent further clashes.

Police registered two cases and arrested 12 accused involved in rioting.
Kabul, Feb 22 : Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence on Sunday accused the Pakistani military regime of carrying out deadly airstrikes in various residential areas of the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in the death of several civilians.

According to the Ministry, the strikes targeted a madrasa and multiple residential homes, killing and injuring "dozens of civilians", including women and children.

The violation of Afghan airspace comes amid what Kabul describes as repeated acts of Pakistani aggression.

Condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, the Afghan Ministry called it a blatant violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty and a clear breach of "international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, and Islamic values".

The Ministry of National Defence affirmed that safeguarding Afghanistan's sovereignty and the security of its people are both its "religious obligations and national duties", while warning that "an appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time."

"Attacks against civilian populations and religious institutions stand as undeniable evidence of the intelligence and security failures of the Pakistani military, and such repeated acts of aggression will never be able to conceal their internal shortcomings," the Ministry stated.

The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) raised alarm over verified reports of a devastating airstrike in the Behsud district of Nangarhar.

Citing local sources, the rights body stated that a Pakistani military strike targeted a civilian home, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 members of a single family. The victims -- men, women, and children -- ranged in age from a one-year-old infant to an 80-year-old individual.

"Two children miraculously survived the attack, and at least one other individual was injured. This represents not just a loss of life, but the complete annihilation of a family lineage," IHRF stated.

The rights body called for an immediate, independent, and transparent international investigation into this airstrike.

Additionally, it demanded accountability for those who ordered and executed this attack, along with unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected families in Behsud.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, the IHRF urged that the rights and lives of Afghan civilians be respected.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa as a "widely admired and beloved leader", recalling her administrative legacy and their personal friendship during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Chennai, Feb 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa as a "widely admired and beloved leader", recalling her administrative legacy and their personal friendship during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The Prime Minister described Jayalalithaa as a towering figure in Tamil Nadu politics whose contributions would be remembered as a powerful symbol of women's leadership.

"Jayalalithaa was a great leader who was deeply loved by the people. My friendship with her is like a sacred tree in my heart," PM Modi said during the broadcast.

Highlighting her governance style, the Prime Minister noted that Jayalalithaa had taken firm steps to maintain law and order in Tamil Nadu and had earned the trust of the people through decisive leadership.

He said her public service would always be remembered as an example of women's empowerment in Indian politics.

With Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary falling on February 24, PM Modi said he continues to feel the affection the people of Tamil Nadu hold for her whenever he visits the state.

"Even today, when I travel to Tamil Nadu, I can sense the deep connection the people have with Jayalalithaa. When her name is mentioned, one can see a special spark among the people," he said.

Recalling his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, PM Modi said, "Every meeting and every conversation with Amma Jayalalithaa is still fresh in my mind. She also attended two of my swearing-in ceremonies in Gujarat, in 2002 and 2012. When we were both Chief Ministers of our respective states, we often discussed topics like good governance. Her thinking was crystal clear, and her thoughts were uncluttered. This was a significant characteristic of hers. Many years ago, she invited me to Chennai over lunch on the auspicious occasion of Pongal. That affectionate gesture will remain unforgettable for me."

PM Modi said Jayalalithaa had extended strong support to Gujarat during his time in office.

"She had great devotion to the nation and worked with commitment for its progress," he added.

The Prime Minister's remarks assume political significance as Tamil Nadu gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The AIADMK-BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has intensified its political outreach in the state, and PM Modi's tribute to the late AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister is being viewed as an effort to connect with her enduring support base.

Jayalalithaa, fondly called "Amma" by her supporters, remains an influential figure in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, even years after her passing.
Hyderabad, Feb 22 : Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday termed the developments in Telangana as "deeply worrying" and accused the Congress government of murdering democracy.

Kishan Reddy condemned the alleged attack on the camp office of BJP MLA in Kamareddy and subsequent house arrests of party MPs, MLAs and state BJP president N. Ramchander Rao and termed these as attack on democratic rights.

He said that the house arrest of several MPs and MLAs, including BJP state president who wanted to go to Kamareddy in solidarity with the MLA K. Venkata Ramana Reddy, is reminiscent of an undeclared emergency in Telangana.

The BJP leader alleged that the Congress government is misusing power for revenge politics as it is afraid of the BJP's rise in the state politics.

"Unable to digest the verdict given by the people, it is conspiring to suppress the voice of the opposition. Political differences are natural in a democracy. But the suppression of the voice of the opposition is a testament to the intolerance of the Congress government," he said in a statement.

The Central minister alleged that making baseless allegations against the MLA and placing him under house arrest after his challenge to prove the allegations is a clear case of bias. He said Congress leaders ramming their car into the gate of the MLA's camp office shows breakdown of law and order in the state.

Stating that the law should be equal for all, he accused the Congress government of targeting political opponents by misusing the police machinery.

Kishan Reddy made it clear that the BJP leaders and workers will not be afraid of these tactics. He said the BJP will make its voice heard more strongly on public issues in Telangana.

He demanded that the state government immediately stop political arrests and respect democratic rights "Otherwise, the people of Telangana will come forward to protect democracy. The people themselves will give a befitting reply to every attempt to suppress democracy," he added.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar also strongly condemned the "illegal" arrest of Telangana BJP president Ramchander Rao.

Bandi Sanjay said Ramchander Rao was set to visit Kamareddy MLA and meet families injured in the Banswada violence.

"Instead of acting against attackers, the Congress government has chosen to confine an opposition leader. Congress and MIM taking the law into their own hands is condemnable. Is this Praja Palana or police raj? It appears that Emergency-like days have begun in the state," the MoS posted on 'X'.

"Let Congress be clear. Threats and arrests will not scare us. MIM and Congress are together creating lawlessness. BJP workers must be prepared to resist these unlawful acts. We will stand with every victim and expose this government's bias," he added.
Chennai, Feb 22 : AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday strongly criticised the DMK government in Tamil Nadu following reports that eight persons, allegedly involved in planning a terror attack in Tiruppur, were arrested by the Delhi Police.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Palaniswami referred to media reports claiming that the Delhi Police had apprehended eight suspects who were allegedly plotting a terrorist strike in Tiruppur.

He accused the State government of failing to maintain law and order and said the incident reflected a serious security lapse under the DMK regime led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

"The Stalin-model DMK government has reduced Tamil Nadu to a state where law and order has deteriorated sharply. Beyond rising incidents of murder and robbery, the situation has now escalated to alleged terrorist plots," Palaniswami said.

Recalling the 2022 Coimbatore car blast, he alleged that the DMK government had initially downplayed the incident as a "cylinder explosion" instead of acknowledging the possibility of a terror angle.

He claimed that such an approach demonstrated a lack of seriousness in dealing with extremist threats in the State.

Palaniswami further questioned what steps the Tamil Nadu government and its Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had taken to prevent such activities.

"When central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are repeatedly arresting terror suspects in Tamil Nadu, what proactive measures has the State government undertaken? Why did it require the Delhi Police to intervene and make arrests?" he asked.

The AIADMK leader also warned that if what he described as the "stubborn Stalin-model DMK" continued in power, there was growing apprehension among the public that incidents similar to the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts could recur.

He asserted that restoring peace and ensuring public safety in Tamil Nadu required a change in governance.

"If law and order is to be safeguarded and people are to feel secure, this DMK government must be brought to an end," Palaniswami said.

The DMK government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations at the time of publication.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : All India Imam Organisation chief, Maulana Sajid Rashidi, on Sunday slammed Swami Avimukteshwaranand, saying the recent special court order for registering an FIR against him under the POCSO Act for alleged sexual abuse of minors exposes the shocking reality that revered religious leaders, often worshipped like gods, may hide a dark and criminal side.

Rashidi called the development "deeply disturbing" and demanded strict action, warning that no spiritual status should protect anyone from the law.

Speaking to IANS, Rashidi said that while Avimukteshwaranand previously appeared in the public eye as an honest and open religious leader, the court directive for registering an FIR under the POCSO Act had come as a "shocking revelation". He noted that many religious leaders, revered like gods, may not always be what they appear, calling the situation "extremely unfortunate".

The cleric stressed that such individuals should be kept out of public view and held accountable. "Whatever the case, anyone committing such acts must face the strictest action. But now their influence protects them because they are religious leaders or high-ranking Shankaracharyas," he added. He also suggested a thorough investigation of all ashrams and religious establishments to ensure no wrongdoing is overlooked.

The statement comes a day after a Special POCSO Court in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj ordered registration of an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, his disciple Mukundanand, and two others over allegations of child sexual abuse. Special POCSO Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia directed the Jhunsi Police Station to file the FIR based on a complaint by Ashutosh Brahmachari. Two minors were presented during the in-camera hearing.

Rashidi emphasised that the government must take strong cognisance of such matters, warning that similar incidents involving religious leaders cannot be ignored.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the reported India-US trade understanding, with senior leaders alleging that the proposed arrangement is "one-sided", detrimental to farmers, and amounts to yielding under pressure rather than securing a balanced deal.

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the reported IndiaUS trade understanding, with senior leaders alleging that the proposed arrangement is "one-sided", detrimental to farmers, and amounts to yielding under pressure rather than securing a balanced deal.

Speaking to IANS, Congress General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh warned that the agreement would lead to immediate liberalisation of imports while offering uncertain export gains in the distant future. "Imports will happen now, exports after 20 years  what is the point?" he asked, arguing that a genuine deal must be based on balanced give-and-take.

He also criticised what he described as an uneven tariff structure, noting that the United States frequently revises duties while India appears to be making significant concessions. Ramesh said anxiety among farmers across states  including Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra  reflects fears that the agreement could adversely impact agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Echoing similar concerns, Congress MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari questioned reports that the US may impose a 1015 per cent tariff on Indian goods even as India has reduced duties to zero on around 70 items. "If we are reducing tariffs to zero while they continue to impose duties, the government must clarify what kind of trade deal this is," he said, calling for transparency in negotiations.

Ramesh further asserted that opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, were raising concerns based on facts rather than political rhetoric. "When you give more and receive very little, that cannot be called an agreement," he said.

He also criticised the government over the functioning of Parliament, stating that ensuring smooth proceedings is primarily the government's responsibility. He alleged that disruptions were being allowed while "baseless and offensive" remarks against opposition leaders and former Prime Ministers went unchecked.
The wheat complex was in rally mode to round out the week. Chicago SRW futures posted 13 to 14 cent gains at the close, with March up 24  cents on the week. KC HRW futures were 6 to 9 cents higher on Friday, as March rallied 29  cents this week. MPLS spring wheat was 4 to 5  cents in the green at the close, with the March rally at 15  cents for the week.

Export sales data from this morning showed 287,974 MT of wheat sold in the week of 2/12. That was down 40.99% from last week and a 45.94% drop from the same week last year. The top buyer was Mexico at 59,000 MT, with 55,000 MT sold to the Philippines, and 46,200 MT to the Dominican Republic.

More News from Barchart

Commitment of Traders data indicated spec funds slashing 17,618 contracts from their net short position in Chicago wheat in the week of 2/17, taking the total position to 68,037 contracts. In KC wheat, they trimmed 8,887 contracts from their net short to 10,609 contracts.

A majority of the US HRW area is expected to be drier in the next week, with a longer term 90 day CPC outlook from NOAA released on Thursday showing warmer temps in the southern and dryness through May.

French soft wheat ratings are pegged at 88% good/excellent according to FranceAgriMer, down 3 points from last week.

Mar 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.73 1/2, up 14 cents,

May 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.80 1/4, up 13 1/2 cents,

Mar 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.72 1/4, up 6 3/4 cents,

May 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.85 1/4, up 8 1/2 cents,

Mar 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $5.87 1/4, up 4 3/4 cents,

May 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $6.00, up 5 1/2 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder 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
Patna, Feb 22 : Celebrations turned sour for two families in Bihar's Nawada when three people lost their lives in a horrific road accident while on their way to attend a 'Tilak' ceremony.

The accident took place near Katghar village under Sitamarhi police station area around 11 p.m. on Saturday, plunging two families into mourning and casting a pall of gloom over the region.

According to the SHO of the Sitamarhi police station, the three victims were residents of Gayaji district.

The incident occurred when they were travelling from Rivala village to Mohgay village in Nawada district to attend a 'Tilak' ceremony.

The trio was proceeding to Mohgay village on a motorcycle.

According to eyewitnesses, as the bike approached Katghar village, the motorcycle rider lost control over the vehicle and crashed into an electric pole.

The eyewitness said that the accident occurred as the motorcycle was being driven at a high speed.

The impact was so severe that the motorcycle was completely damaged, and all three riders died on the spot.

The deceased have been identified as Sonu Kumar, Pratap Kumar, and Indal Manjhi.

Sonu Kumar and Pratap Kumar were uncle and nephew, while Indal Manjhi was accompanying them to the ceremony.

The deaths of the two men from the same family have left their relatives inconsolable.

On receiving information, police rushed to the spot, took possession of the bodies, and sent them to Nawada Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The family members reached Nawada Sadar hospital on Sunday, where the post-mortem examination of the deceased was being done.

The damaged motorcycle has been seized, and further investigation is underway.

Following the incident, a large number of villagers and relatives gathered at the accident site and later at the hospital. A pall of gloom descended on the families of trio.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Rivala village, where the wedding celebrations have now turned into mourning.
Chennai, Feb 22 : Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday paid tributes to Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, an official said.

The Vice President said that Rani Velu Nachiyaras bravery and sacrifices are being celebrated across the country.

He added that Rani Nachiyar's life and legacy will guide the nation in its journey towards Viksit Bharat.

He also interacted with the descendants of Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar.

At another event, the Vice President paid floral tributes to Raja Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sasivarna Periya Udaya Thevar at Sivaganga Palace.

Radhakrishnan also visited the Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple in Thirukoshtiyur, Sivaganga and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of all, said a statement on social media.

A day earlier, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, VicePresident Radhakrishnan released the updated versions of the Constitution of India in Tamil and Gujarati, along with the eighth edition of the Legal Glossary (Englisha"Hindi).

Describing Tamil as one of the world's most ancient classical languages with a rich literary legacy, and Gujarati as a language of profound cultural and philosophical depth, he said that this initiative will take the Constitution to the people in their own languages, thereby strengthening democratic participation and awareness.

The Vice-President appreciated the Ministry of Law and Justice for the extensive work undertaken in bringing out these translations and making the Constitution more accessible to citizens across the country, a statement said on the social media.

The Vice-President said that it was a matter of great pleasure to release the updated versions of the Constitution in Tamil and Gujarati on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.

He observed that releasing these editions on this significant day underlines the importance of mother tongues in shaping identity, thought, and cultural continuity.

Highlighting Bharatas linguistic richness, the Vice-President said that every language of the country from Tamil to Kashmiri, from Gujarati to Assamese, carries centuries of heritage.

He noted that the Constitution of India recognises this diversity and celebrates multilingualism as a strength.

He remarked that nowhere else in the world would one find a country where the Constitution is made available in so many languages.
Hyderabad, Feb 22 : Three people were injured as a Ferrari car ran amok in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills on Sunday.

Hyderabad, Feb 22 (IANS) Three people were injured as a Ferrari car ran amok in Hyderabadas Jubilee Hills on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Road No. 45 near the residence of popular Tollywood actor Nandamuri Balakrishna.

The Ferrari car, said to be worth Rs 3.5- 4 crore, lost control and hit an electric pole on the divider before ramming into a car coming from the opposite direction. Few cars and other vehicles coming behind the car hit by Ferrari were also damaged in the collision.

Three persons sustained injuries in the accident, which led to a huge traffic jam on the busy road.

On receiving information, the police rushed to the spot, shifted the injured to a private hospital. The condition of the injured is said to be stable.

The traffic police diverted traffic on the stretch for some time and later cleared the jam.

Jubilee Hills Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Ferrari, which was heading to Kondapur from Jubilee Hills, was allegedly being driven at a high speed. At least three cars and a few two-wheelers were damaged in the collision.

Preliminary investigation shows that a brake and engine malfunction led to the crash. The transport authorities were conducting an inspection.

The man behind the wheels tested negative for alcohol. He was on way to attend a wedding.

The Ferrari is registered in the name of one E. Venkata Raja Reddy.

Meanwhile, a farmer was killed in a hit-and-run case in Pahadi Shareef on the outskirts of Hyderabad in the early hours of the day.

According to police, the farmer was suspected to be hit by an auto-rickshaw in Sardar Nagara area.

The incident occurred when the farmer was returning home after finishing work in his field. He sustained grievous injuries in the head and succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Mumbai, Feb 22 : Trading activity in GIFT Nifty touched a new record on Friday -- highlighting the strong growth momentum in India's equity derivatives market, it was informed on Sunday.

Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) Trading activity in GIFT Nifty touched a new record on Friday -- highlighting the strong growth momentum in Indiaas equity derivatives market, it was informed on Sunday.

The index recorded its highest-ever single-day trading volume of 457,989 contracts, with a turnover of $23.48 billion, or around Rs 2.13 lakh crore.

This surpassed the previous record turnover of $22.88 billion achieved on January 23, 2024. The milestone reflects rising participation and growing global interest in India-linked derivatives traded at GIFT City.

Trading turnover on NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) has been increasing sharply since the full-scale launch of GIFT Nifty operations on July 3, 2023.

Since then, the contract has recorded a cumulative trading volume of over 60.05 million contracts, with a total cumulative turnover of $2.76 trillion.

Market participants said the steady rise in volumes underlines GIFT Niftyas emergence as a key benchmark reflecting the growth story of the Indian equity market.

The exchange expressed satisfaction over the achievement and thanked investors and traders for their continued support in making the contract a success.

NSEIX is an International multi assets exchange set up at GIFT City on June 5, 2017, and recognised by International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA).

NSE International Exchange holds a dominant market share of over 99.6 per cent -- highlighting extensive leadership in GIFT IFSC.

NSEIX offers a diversified portfolio of products including Indian Single Stock Derivatives, Index Derivatives, Currency Derivatives, Depository Receipts and Global Stocks.

The exchange provides a comprehensive range of primary market products including listing of Equity Shares, SPAC, REITs, InvITs, Depository Receipts, Debt Securities and ESG Debt Securities under the regulatory framework of IFSCA (Listing) Regulations, 2024.

Meanwhile, the exchange informed last year that its international Nifty futures contract, GIFT Nifty, witnessed a record monthly turnover of $106.22 billion in the month of October.

The October turnover of 2.11 million contracts exceeded the previous high of $102.35 billion reached in May 2025, according to the exchange.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack at Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday, over an FIR lodged against 'Shankaracharya' Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and accused the administration of acting with a malicious intent to embarrass and humiliate the Hindu seer.

Addressing a press conference at the party office, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the state government instead of making amends for its irresponsible conduct during the Magh Mela, has resorted to raking up of a 20-year-old case to trouble the 'Shankaracharya' of Jyotirmath (Uttarakhand).

"Our most revered Shankaracharya ji - what treatment is being meted out to him by the government? This exercise that you are witnessing these days - some people have suddenly set out to show respect," he said while cautioning that it wasn't appropriate to stoop to this level of accusation.

In the FIR filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the seer and some of his disciples have been accused of sexually abusing and exploiting two minor children at his ashram, repeatedly for more than a year.

"If the complainant is a disciple of another saint, then it was a mistake to withdraw a previously filed case," Akhilesh remarked.

The SP chief said that first the Shankaracharya was prevented from bathing in river Ganga during the Magh Mela and when he protested, the state govt acted in a manner that reeks of malice and vengeance.

"Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand sat on protest for several days despite cold weather, but the administration did not treat him with respect. The entire incident appears to be motivated by political malice and that the government has now lost its credibility among the public," he said.

Akhilesh also accused the ruling party of vitiating the state's atmosphere ahead of the elections.

The SP supremo also lashed out at the Yogi government on other issues, claiming mismanagement and irregularities in various infrastructure projects.

Akhilesh said that his government had initiated plans to clean the Gomti and Hindon rivers, but the current dispensation is not pursuing development projects.

"The underground pipeline project is a pipeline of corruption," he said while cornering the govt over escalating costs of developmental projects.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's proposed visit to Japan, he said, "He's going to Japan, but not Kyoto."
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday the pleas filed by Meta Platforms and WhatsApp challenging a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore imposed on them by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over their privacy policy.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, is likely to take up the matter.

Earlier, on February 3, the court made strong remarks against the two companies, saying they cannot "play with the right to privacy of citizens in the name of data sharing."

The bench observed that the platforms appeared to be creating a monopoly and misusing users' private information.

Expressing concern over WhatsApp's privacy policy, the court referred to "silent customers" who are unorganised, digitally dependent and often unaware of the impact of data-sharing rules. The judges said they would not allow the rights of citizens to be harmed.

The case relates to a CCI order that imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on the companies over alleged violations linked to WhatsApp's privacy policy.

On November 4, 2025, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) set aside a part of the CCI order that had barred WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta for advertising purposes for five years. However, the tribunal upheld the monetary penalty.

Later, the NCLAT clarified that its decision on privacy and consent safeguards would also apply to the collection and sharing of user data for non-WhatsApp purposes, including both advertising and non-advertising activities.

The Supreme Court had earlier said it would pass an interim order on February 9 and directed that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology be made a party to the appeals filed by the two companies.

The court is also hearing a cross-appeal filed by the CCI, which has challenged the NCLAT ruling to the extent that it allowed WhatsApp and Meta to continue sharing user data for advertising purposes.
Ahmedabad, Feb 22 : Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Sunday reviewed major power projects of the group in eastern India.

During his visit to Godda in Jharkhand, Gautam Adani inspected the 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant built with an investment of over Rs 16,000 crore.

The project, located in a tribal-dominated area, has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs and improved rail connectivity in the region.

The power plant supplies electricity exclusively to Bangladesh under a long-term agreement, giving it cross-border importance.

The Adani Group Chairman also visited Bihar, where the Group is planning a 2,400 MW ultra-supercritical power project at Pirpainti near Bhagalpur.

The proposed project involves an investment of over Rs 27,000 crore and is expected to be completed within the next four to five years. It aims to meet the growing industrial and urban power demand in the state.

With these projects, the Adani Group has emerged as one of the largest private infrastructure investors in Jharkhand and Bihar.

Both states are rich in mineral resources but have historically seen limited large-scale industrial investment.

At the Godda plant, Gautam Adani interacted with engineers, technicians and frontline workers, appreciating their efforts.

He also met tribal women from nearby communities -- underlining what he described as a people-first approach as the Group expands its operations.

Earlier in the day, Gautam Adani offered prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, calling it the fulfilment of a long-held personal wish.

He spoke about the idea of "Seva hi Sadhana Hai", meaning service itself is devotion.

"Visiting Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar felt as if centuries-old faith is still pulsating in the same vibrant form today," Gautam Adani wrote on his X handle, sharing a picture of him performing rituals there.

"The realisation of why Mahadev is regarded as a symbol of strength, restraint, and resolve becomes even stronger upon arriving here," he added.

In recent years, the Adani Group has also been associated with major spiritual and public events such as the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Emphasising the life-saving impact of organ donation, National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Director Anil Kumar on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal in the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat as a "noble campaign" that can transform public awareness and participation across the country.

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) Emphasising the life-saving impact of organ donation, National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Director Anil Kumar on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal in the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat as a "noble campaign" that can transform public awareness and participation across the country.

Speaking to IANS, after the 131st edition of the monthly broadcast, Anil Kumar said the Prime Minister's decision to spotlight real-life transplant success stories, including the case of a 10-month-old child whose organs saved four lives, sends a powerful message to society.

"This is a truly noble campaign, for which we are deeply grateful to the Prime Minister. By presenting such inspiring examples before the nation, he has highlighted the urgent need for organ donation and public participation," he said.

The NOTTO chief noted that emotionally resonant stories help overcome hesitation, myths, and social taboos associated with organ donation, encouraging families to consider donation as an act of compassion that can give multiple patients a second chance at life.

He also underscored that organ donation must transcend social divisions. "Everyone should get involved, regardless of community, caste, or religion. This is a humanitarian cause that benefits society as a whole," he said.

Highlighting improvements in India's transplant ecosystem, Anil Kumar said the country now has an integrated national network linking transplant hospitals, organ retrieval centres, tissue banks, state authorities, and regional organisations through a single digital platform. This system, he said, enhances coordination, transparency, and equitable allocation of organs.

He further stressed the importance of "Jan Bhagidari", people's participation in building a robust national movement. According to Anil Kumar, sustained government focus, combined with community engagement and awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, is essential to bridge the gap between organ demand and availability.

"Success stories of transplant recipients leading active lives again not only inspire confidence but also strengthen medical research and healthcare outcomes," he added.

Anil Kumar said NOTTO will continue to leverage the Prime Minister's appeal to expand outreach programmes nationwide, ensuring ethical standards, transparency, and wider access to transplantation services.
Mumbai, Feb 22 : Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar celebrated 4 years of marital bliss with the woman 'who makes everything feel better', wife Shibani Akhtar, with a special social media post.

Farhan took to his Insta handle and dropped some romantic couple photos with his better half.

He also penned a heartfelt note on the photo-sharing app, saying, "To the woman who makes everything feel better.. happy fourth anniversary Shu .. love you @shibaniakhtar (sic)."

The primary picture in the post showed Farhan placing a kiss on Shibani's cheeks.

This was followed by an adorable selfie of the lovebirds posing in matching night suits.endlessly. (sic)"The final click had Farhan and Shibani, making an elegant couple as they faced the camera while standing on the stairs.

Not just Farhan, but Shibani also wished her husband on the special day with a warm note that read, "8 and 4...Happy Anni @faroutakhtar To forever and beyond...Love you".

For the unaware, Farhan and Shibani tied the knot at Farhan's family farmhouse in Khandala in February 2022, after being in a relationship for around 3 years.

Farhan was earlier married to celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani. Married in 2000, these two decided to part ways in 2017. They are also parents to two daughters, Shakya and Akira.

On the professional front, Farhan is all set to make his Hollywood debut in Sam Mendes' four-film franchise based on the life of The Beatles.

Spilling his excitement on social media, the 'Dil Chahta Hai' maker wrote, "Honoured and grateful to be part of the ever-expanding legacy of @thebeatles and of Pandit Ravi Shankar ji. Their creative genius is a rite of passage for generation after generation of listenersa Thank you Sam Mendesa been an ardent admirer of all your work and to be directed by you in this film, is the stuff dreams are made of".

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kolkata, Feb 22 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched a sharp attack on her West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee, alleging deterioration in law and order and claiming that people in the state have made up their minds to remove the Trinamool Congress from power in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event in Kolkata, the BJP leader criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government over alleged atrocities against women and what she described as "politics of hooliganism".

"I think that the politics of terrorism, hooliganism and greed will come to an end in West Bengal. This election will bring about a change in Bengal. The way people are being tortured here, the way the honour of sisters and daughters is at stake, the way people are being looted and attacked, and the way the administration is functioning, people have decided to oust Mamata Banerjee from power," Gupta said.

The Delhi Chief Minister was in Kolkata to attend the BJP's Mahila Sammelan at the Science City auditorium. Earlier in the day, she visited the Kali Temple at Kalighat in south Kolkata and offered prayers.

Criticising the West Bengal government over infiltration, Gupta alleged that the state administration was shielding infiltrators.

"No matter how much Mamata Banerjee tries to hide behind infiltrators, she cannot suppress the voice of the people. People have made their decision, and change is inevitable," she said.

The Trinamool Congress, however, hit back strongly, citing recent crime incidents in the national capital and questioning Gupta's remarks.

In a post on social media platform X, the party referred to a recent blast in Delhi, rising air pollution levels, and reported crimes against women.

"Last time we checked, a deadly terrorist blast had just ripped through the national capital, claiming innocent lives. AQI levels had reached alarming highs, choking the city in toxic smog. More than 500 women and girls vanished in just 15 days. Rape has become the grotesque new normal," the TMC said.

The party also referred to a recent double murder case in Delhi.

"As recently as yesterday, a 35-year-old woman and her six-year-old daughter were murdered, and their bodies were recovered from their residence. Clearly, serious questions arise regarding governance and law enforcement," the TMC added.

The Trinamool Congress further accused Gupta of making politically motivated remarks and advised her to focus on governance in Delhi instead of criticising West Bengal.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 : Odisha farmer Hirok Patel, whose ingenuity Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded in his latest 'Mann Ki Baat', has transformed limited land into a high-yield farming mode by combining modern techniques with traditional knowledge to successfully double his income, while inspiring farmers across the country to innovate and optimise resources.

Hailing from a village in Odisha's Sundargarh district, Patel admitted that his formal education was limited. "I haven't had much formal education; I studied only up to matriculation. My parents farmed traditionally on one acre, and I joined them, learning gradually," he said.

Patel began experimenting with modern farming techniques in 2015 and, by 2018, had fully embraced technical farming. Facing constraints of limited land, he constructed three ponds and developed raised beds over them to grow climber crops such as bottle gourd. "Since land was limited, I thought about how to double the income on less land. The Prime Minister has said farmers' income should double. That motivated me to innovate using ponds for cultivation," he said.

The farmer currently grows vegetables in one pond while cultivating fruit-bearing plants like banana, ber (Indian jujube), and guava in other areas. He also practices mixed farming, including mushroom cultivation, effectively combining five to six types of crops. On average, his monthly income ranges between Rs 4 to 5 lakh, depending on the yield.

Patel credits his father for inspiration and said the Prime Minister's vision for farmers also motivated him. "I want to tell young farmers to work hard. Success comes only through effort," he added.

He revealed that he was unaware of being mentioned on 'Mann Ki Baat' until the Prime Minister named him while he was in Patna. "I was very happy," he said.

Patel has benefited from several government schemes and institutional support, which he says have greatly aided his farming innovations and overall productivity.
Coimbatore, Feb 22 : Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, asserting that the people of the state would decisively reject the saffron party in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing a meeting of DMK Youth Wing West Zone executives at Kaniyur in Coimbatore district, Udhayanidhi said Tamil Nadu would deliver a fitting political response to the BJP.

"In the Assembly elections, the people of Tamil Nadu will blacken the BJPas face," he declared, drawing loud cheers from party cadres.

He praised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, describing him as a leader who has shown the way for India in governance and politics.

"Leaders from various states have expressed that under our leaderas guidance, a democratic battle must be waged nationally against the BJP," he said.

Taking a dig at the state's opposition parties, Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked that some were conducting surveys without even knowing the number of polling booths in Tamil Nadu.

He accused AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of compromising his partyas independence. "For selfish political gains, the AIADMK has been sold to the BJP," he alleged.

The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the DMK was not intimidated by central agencies or Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We are not afraid of the ED, of Modi. The BJP is attempting to block developmental projects by citing elections as an excuse," he said.

Criticising Prime Minister Modi, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that whenever the Prime Minister appears on television, it creates anxiety among the public. He referred to the sudden announcement of the Covid-19 lockdown and demonetisation, claiming both decisions caused widespread fear and hardship.

"The DMK government is one that gives to the people, whereas the BJP government takes money from the people," he charged.

He also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, mocking his recent visit to Karaikal.

'You may paint as much as you want, but the people of Tamil Nadu will only blacken your face in the Assembly elections," he said.

Udhayanidhi Stalin dismissed claims that the DMK could be weakened. "Some people dream of destroying our movement. But no one can ever dismantle it," he asserted.
Dehradun, Feb 22 : Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma on Sunday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and various welfare schemes have laid a strong foundation for integrating Divyangjan into the mainstream, an official statement said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 30th edition of the Divya Kala Mela at Rangers Ground in Dehradun, Verma said that Rs 375 crore has been allocated in the current Budget through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) for the purchase and fitting of assistive devices, directly benefiting a large number of persons with disabilities.

Pradeep A., Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), said that the Mela is a comprehensive initiative aimed at connecting Divyang entrepreneurs with markets, financial support, and employment opportunities.

He added that assistive device registrations, institutional awareness stalls, and employment fairs are being organised during the event to further strengthen empowerment initiatives for Divyangjan.

Uttarakhand Governor Lt. General Gurmit Singh highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and technological innovation in creating new opportunities for persons with disabilities, emphasising that technology serves as an equaliser and does not discriminate.

The Governor also stressed the importance of promoting products created at the Mela in global markets to ensure international recognition for the talent of Divyang artisans.

"With determination and capability, Divyangjan can achieve excellence in any field. Divya Kala Mela is not merely an event but a powerful platform of inspiration and enthusiasm that highlights the significant role of Divyangjan in contributing to India's economic growth," he said.

Tehri MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah described the Divya Kala Mela as more than just an exhibition, calling it a catalyst for social transformation and empowerment.

She appreciated the efforts of the Government of India and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in providing national recognition to such initiatives and bringing the event to Uttarakhand.

Referring to India's achievements in the Paralympics, she said that talent among Divyangjan continues to bring pride to the country and demonstrates that opportunities and support can enable excellence.

Legislator Khajan Das termed the Mela a commendable initiative that provides dignity and opportunity to Divyangjan, adding that such platforms help boost confidence and promote social inclusion.

The 30th edition of the Divya Kala Mela in Dehradun marks an important milestone in the nationwide series of such events. So far, 29 editions organised across the country have seen participation from around 2,362 Divyang entrepreneurs, generating business worth over Rs 23 crore.

The government has also sanctioned loans exceeding Rs 20 crore to support Divyang entrepreneurs, reaffirming its commitment to their economic empowerment. In addition, employment fairs organised as part of the initiative have witnessed participation from approximately 3,131 candidates, with 1,007 shortlisted and more than 313 receiving job offers.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Pakistan has long been accused of employing transnational repression to silence dissidents living abroad, with the frequency of such incidents rising since General Asim Munir assumed command of the army in November 2022, as per a media report.

Several analysts and global watchers argue that Munir has personally steered this "dangerous" approach and openly warned individuals associated with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to a report in Greek City Times.

By portraying opponents as existential threats, Munir justifies surveillance and violence against Pakistani citizens overseas, it said.

Pakistanas 27th Constitutional Amendment, enacted in late 2025, granted Munir "lifetime immunity, created a puppet court, and stripped judicial oversight", leaving him with sweeping power to target dissidents worldwide.

"Pakistanas military establishment is running a dirty transnational repression campaign against dissidents in Western countries. This is not speculation; it is a pattern under which the Pakistani state critics are hunted, threatened, assaulted, and terrorised in their homes abroad, while their families inside Pakistan are squeezed as leverage," the report detailed.

"The militaryas goal is simple: break critics psychologically, force them into silence, and warn everyone else that exile does not protect them. It is an extension of Pakistanas domestic coercion model into Western streets, using criminal proxies and deniable intimidation," it added.

The report highlighted that since Munir took command of the Pakistani Army, the transnational repression has intensified, evolving from legal harassment to coordinated acts of violence across Western capitals. The attacks, it said, include the use of firearms, arson, acid, and trained operatives acting in apparent confidence that democratic governments will not intervene.

"The most recent and clearest evidence is in the United Kingdom. In January 2026, the local media reported that Scotland Yardas counter-terrorism command took over an investigation into ahighly targeteda attacks on Pakistani dissidents living in the UK, including prominent supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan," the report mentioned.

"The attacks were violent and sustained, including assault, a firearm incident, attempted arson, and repeated property damage. One victim, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a human-rights lawyer and former cabinet member under Khan, was attacked after the assailant confirmed his identity and then punched him repeatedly in front of his family," it stated.

The report emphasised that despite mounting evidence indicating the Pakistani stateas alleged role in transnational repression, Western responses have been "woefully" inadequate.
Lucknow, Feb 22 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, began a three-day official visit to Singapore, aimed at attracting global investment, forging strategic partnerships, and positioning the state as a premier hub for industrial, digital, and green energy development, government officials said.

The visit underscores the state's ambition to leverage international expertise and capital to accelerate economic growth and strengthen India-Singapore cooperation at both the national and sub-national levels.

The visit, scheduled from February 22 to 24, 2026, is aligned with the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap, which identifies priority pillars including economic cooperation, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, advanced manufacturing, and skill development.

During the visit, Chief Minister Adityanath is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Singapore's political leadership, including Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore; Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore; Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower of Singapore; and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore.

The programme includes engagements with leading institutional investors, including Temasek and Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), as well as business leaders from digital infrastructure, logistics, aviation services, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.

Focus areas include the development of AI-enabled data centres near Noida International Airport (Jewar), aviation-linked industrial development, skill development through technical and vocational education, and green energy and sustainability initiatives.

The visit will culminate in an Invest UP Mega Roadshow, bringing together investors, private equity funds, and industry leaders to showcase Uttar Pradesh as a scalable investment destination with opportunities in digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, logistics, aviation, and renewable energy.

Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and one of its fastest-growing large economies, has a projected Gross State Domestic Product of nearly Rs 36 lakh crore in 2025-26.

The state provides an investor-friendly framework, including digital single-window systems and sector-specific policies.

Singapore, India's largest FDI source, contributed $14.94 billion in FY 2024-25 and remains a key partner in infrastructure, logistics, financial services, and digital investments.

Through this visit, Uttar Pradesh aims to convert high-level engagement into concrete project pipelines and expand India-Singapore economic cooperation at the sub-national level.
Quetta, Feb 22 : Human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has strongly condemned the alarming surge in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and staged "fake encounters" across Balochistan during the month of February.

Quetta, Feb 22 (IANS) Human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has strongly condemned the alarming surge in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and staged "fake encounters" across Balochistan during the month of February.

In its latest report, the BYC confirmed that 19 individuals have been extrajudicially killed, while noting that additional cases have yet to be independently verified or officially documented.

"Children, youth, and elders are being targeted. Families seeking truth face intimidation, harassment, and threats. The rights to life, liberty, security, and justice are being systematically and deliberately violated," it stated.

According to the rights body, due to severe restrictions on media coverage, limited social interaction, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, only a fraction of cases are formally registered or publicly documented.

Condemning the incidents, the BYC said: "These acts are unlawful, inhumane, and constitute grave violations of fundamental human rights. They represent a direct assault on the dignity, security, and collective existence of the Baloch people. Families across Balochistan are living in constant fear. Children, students, workers, and ordinary civilians are being targeted, abducted, and killed without explanation, due process, or accountability."

"Lives are being taken with impunity. We demand justice. Every life lost must be accounted for. Those responsible must be identified, investigated, and brought before independent courts of law," it added.

Citing one such brutal incident, the BYC revealed that 24-year-old student Hamdan Baloch was killed on February 18 in a staged "fake encounter" in Karachi, along with three others.

Hamad was taken from the Golimar area in Karachi by personnel of Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on December 29, 2025. After weeks in unlawful custody, he was presented before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi and was later extrajudicially killed while the trial was ongoing.

"His killing raises serious questions about due process, custodial responsibility, and the rule of law," the BYC stated.

The rights body has called upon the international community and global human rights institutions, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations, to urgently condemn these grave human rights violations across Balochistan and take immediate action.
Hyderabad, Feb 22 : Harvard Kennedy School in the US has invited Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to participate as a speaker at the prestigious AI Policy Symposium to be held at the prestigious business school on March 27, Chief Minister's Office said on Sunday.

The invitation was extended by the organising team of the AI Policy Symposium, hosted by the Business and Government Programme in collaboration with the AI and Tech Policy Caucus at the Harvard Kennedy School, with support from leading Harvard-based research centres and think-tanks.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been invited to speak on the panel titled "AI as Infrastructure & Compute Power: Impact on Livability & Workforce".

The session will deliberate on AI as strategic infrastructure, focusing on data centres, energy systems, compute corridors, publica"private coordination, and workforce pathways required for responsible AI expansion.

The invitation acknowledges Telangana's proactive leadership in advancing its vision of building an AI City as part of the Bharat Future City initiative.

The organisers noted that the Chief Minister's governance experience and policy direction in fostering AI ecosystems through land allocation, power infrastructure, skill development, regulatory frameworks, and investment partnerships would provide valuable practical insights to global policymakers and industry leaders.

The AI Policy Symposium aims to bring together senior leaders from the government, industry, and academia to deliberate on AI governance, geopolitical competition, enabling infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration.

The invitation reflects growing international recognition of Telangana's emerging leadership in artificial intelligence, technology policy, and innovation-driven development.

The event aims to bring together leading figures from the government, industry, and academia to deliberate on AI governance, geopolitics, the knowledge economy, and enabling infrastructure.

During the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent visit to the US, the organisers met him and discussed the symposium in detail.
Jammu, Feb 22 : Three terrorists, including a top commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, were killed in a joint operation by the security forces in J&K's Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said.

Jammu, Feb 22 (IANS) Three terrorists, including a top commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, were killed in a joint operation by the security forces in J&Kas Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said.

"THIRD TERRORIST KILLED | UPDATE In continued operations under #OpTrashi-I in Kishtwar, troops of CIF (D) #WhiteKnightCorps, in coordination with @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, have neutralised the third terrorist", the Army's Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps said on X.

"The remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered. The pursuit continues - no space, no sanctuary for those who seek to undermine stability. We Serve, We Protect", it added.

An official said that top JeM commander, identified as Saifullah, was among the three terrorists killed today during the gunfight with a joint team of J&K Police, the Army, and the CRPF.

Intelligence agencies have described the killing of Saifullah as a major success in the anti-terrorist operations in the Jammu division.

In an earlier post on X, the White Knight Corps had reported that two terrorists were killed in Operation Trashi-1. It said that "pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from #JKP, #IB and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under Operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area".

"Following successful contact established earlier, troops of CIF Delta #WhiteKnightCorps, in close coordination with @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists today at approximately 11:00 AM in challenging terrain. Displaying tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression, troops dominated the encounter site wherein two terrorists have been successfully neutralised. War-like stores including 02 x AK-47 rifles have also been recovered," it had said.

This is the second encounter in this area this month. Earlier, a gunfight broke out in the same densely forested area on February 4.

More than a dozen encounters have taken place during the last year between the security forces and the terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.

It is believed that the group of foreign terrorists had been operating in the area, who kept on changing locations between the Kishtwar, Doda, and Udhampur districts.

The Army, J&K Police and the CRPF are on a hot chase of this group of Pakistani terrorists, and it is precisely because of the intense trail that the group is moving from one place to another instead of trying to attack the security forces.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has given clear orders for neutralisation of Pakistani terrorists in the hilly districts of the Jammu division.

The Union Home Minister called for a mission-mode approach to usher in complete peace in the union territory during his last visit to Jammu on February 7.

--IANS
Kolkata, Feb 22 : Two youths have been arrested from West Bengal's Murshidabad district on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistan, officials said on Sunday.

Kolkata, Feb 22 (IANS) Two youths have been arrested from West Bengalas Murshidabad district on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistan, officials said on Sunday.

Both were arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police, which also recovered several mobile phones and SIM cards from their possession.

According to police sources, one of the accused, identified as Juhab Sheikh, a resident of Murshidabad, was arrested a few days ago after his activities came under suspicion during surveillance. During interrogation, investigators allegedly found evidence suggesting his links with handlers based in Pakistan.

Based on information obtained during questioning, another youth, identified as Suman Sheikh, was arrested on Saturday from Berhampore in Murshidabad district. Police sources said both the accused were involved in the business of selling SIM cards.

Investigators alleged that the accused procured SIM cards using identity documents of unsuspecting individuals and used those numbers to create WhatsApp accounts. They allegedly shared the one-time passwords (OTPs) generated during the verification process with their handlers in Pakistan, enabling remote control and operation of those accounts.

According to investigating officers, the accused are suspected to have shared OTPs at least seven times in this manner. In return, they allegedly received substantial payments, which were traced to their bank accounts.

Officials suspect that the accounts created using such SIM cards may have been used by Pakistan-based operatives to gather information about individuals in India. Investigators are examining whether any sensitive information or data was accessed or transmitted through these accounts and whether more individuals were involved in the network.

STF cyber experts played a key role in identifying the alleged operation and tracking the activities of the accused.

Officials said central intelligence agencies had earlier flagged similar cases involving OTP diversion and illegal use of SIM cards in different parts of the country. Investigators are also probing whether the arrested youths had links with any international terror organisations or militant groups.

Further investigation is underway.
Washington, Feb 22 : The recent attacks by Baloch armed groups against Pakistan's security forces underscore the shortcomings of Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir's coercive state policy amid the near-total suppression of dissent across Balochistan, a report said on Sunday.

Writing for American media outlet 'PJ Media', Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut argued that the February 1 attack by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) exposed a Pakistani intelligence lapse in failing to preempt an attack of that scale, indicating a breakdown in the intelligence network and hinting at growing local support for armed Baloch outfits.

"Pakistan is fighting a domestic war, and the outcomes appear deadly. The province of Balochistan (in the southwestern part of Pakistan) has experienced yet another insurgency, with the appearance of a series of gun and grenade attacks that have left more than 50 people dead. In a rare admission, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the Pakistan army is 'handicapped' in its fight against Baloch rebels," Bulut stated.

"On February 1, a series of gun and bomb attacks across Balochistan province killed 31 civilians and 17 security service personnel, according to the region's Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebel group stated that it was behind the attacks, and they claimed that dozens of soldiers were killed," she added.

Citing 2025 reports, Bulut noted that armed separatist groups in Balochistan  most particularly the BLA and its allies under the Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) alliance  have shifted from hit-and-run attacks to temporarily seizing control of towns, infrastructure, and sections of highways. This, she said, reflects the Pakistani Army's inability to maintain a sustained presence in Balochistan.

According to the report, Balochistan has endured decades of severe human rights abuses, the systemic exploitation of local natural resources, political repression, a lack of autonomy, and confrontation with Pakistani security forces.

"This situation has fueled ethnic discontent and severe anger against the Pakistani government. Local Baloch activists state that Pakistan's government keeps them poor while looting regional wealth. In response, instead of recognising the Baloch right to self-rule, Pakistan's security establishment violently suppresses the Baloch, engaging in acts such as enforced disappearances," it mentioned.

The report highlighted that over the past two decades, tens of thousands of ethnic Baloch people, including students, activists, and professionals, have been subjected to enforced disappearances by Pakistani security forces.

"The victims are frequently denied access to legal representation, held incommunicado, and subjected to torture, inhumane treatment, or even extrajudicial execution. Although some return after years, they are traumatised and broken. Many never return. Others are found in unmarked graves, their bodies so disfigured that they cannot be identified," it stated.
Mumbai, Feb 22 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday challenged the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to substantiate its allegations against the government on the floor of the state legislature, ahead of the Budget Session beginning this week.

Addressing a press conference after attending a Cabinet meeting, Shinde criticised the opposition for making allegations outside the legislature and urged them to raise the issues during official proceedings.

He said if the opposition had credible evidence of corruption or administrative lapses, it should present it in the legislature, where it could be discussed and addressed formally.

Shinde also questioned the oppositionas organisational unity, referring to the absence of officially recognised Leaders of the Opposition in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.

He said decisions regarding the appointment of Leaders of the Opposition would be taken by the Assembly Speaker and the Chairman of the Legislative Council, rejecting claims that the government was obstructing such appointments.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government remained focused on development and welfare initiatives, citing schemes such as the Majhi Ladki Bahin programme. He said the governmentas performance would stand scrutiny during legislative discussions.

Shinde also criticised a recent protest by Youth Congress workers at the AI Summit in New Delhi, alleging that such actions were inappropriate and reflected negatively on the countryas image.

Referring to the recent collapse of a pillar at an under-construction Metro site in Mulund, Shinde said the state government had taken immediate action, including suspending the Executive Engineer concerned and ordering a comprehensive safety audit of ongoing infrastructure projects.

He said the government had announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who died in the incident and full medical coverage for those injured. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had also announced additional compensation of Rs 15 lakh.

Shinde said the upcoming Budget for 2026a"27 would focus on public welfare and development and expressed confidence that it would benefit citizens across the state.
Hyderabad, Feb 22 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday dismissed the allegations of BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister T. Harish Rao that he is supporting Andhra Pradesh to divert river waters and made it clear that there will be no compromise on the state's water rights.

Hyderabad, Feb 22 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday dismissed the allegations of BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister T. Harish Rao that he is supporting Andhra Pradesh to divert river waters and made it clear that there will be no compromise on the stateas water rights.

He urged the BRS leaders not to politicise issues related to people and water by making cheap allegations.

In his remarks at a meeting to review the Devadula project at the Mulugu district, the Chief Minister said he and his ministers sit with neighbouring states and hold discussions, but protect Telanganaas interests.

Stating that the government is ready to discuss Godavari River waters in the Budget session of the Assembly, he advised KCR and Harish Rao to give their valuable suggestions.

The Chief Minister said that the Godavari water issue has been politicised. Taking a dig at BRS leaders, he said if projects were completed during their 10-year rule, there would have been no disputes.

He said projects to utilise 960 TMC of water should have been utilised. At least now the projects should be completed to make the state prosperous.

CM Revanth Reddy said the BRS government spent Rs 1.10 lakh crore on the Kaleshwaram project and neglected other projects. After the Medigadda barrage sank, water could not be lifted from Kaleshwaram. He said that, though the Kaleshwaram project had become useless, the state is producing the maximum paddy.

He also stated that an expert committee has been formed on the Kaleshwaram project. "We will not let the Kaleshwaram project go unused. Agencies are examining all aspects. We are taking precautions to prevent any damage in the future," he said.

"Kaleswaram is not their own property. Itas people's money. Let's not throw it away. We will bring it back into use," he added.

He admitted that there has been a shortage of funds to complete projects, but promised that all pending projects will be completed in two years. He announced that funds will be released soon.

The Chief Minister noted that the Devadula project started with an estimate of Rs 6,000 crore, but today it has gone up to Rs 18,500 crore. He announced that Rs 600 crore will be sanctioned before June 2 for land acquisition.

He said all estimates must be placed before the government and approved in the Budget. He assured a special corpus fund for land acquisition for all projects. Stating that compensation will be released through a green channel, he said land issues cannot stall project works.

Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Seethakka, MP Balram Naik, local MLAs and other leaders accompanied the Chief Minister.
Bhopal, Feb 22 : Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme reflects positive change and highlights people's participation in nation-building.

Addressing trainee police officers and newly recruited constables at the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy ahead of the broadcast of the programme, the Governor said 'Mann Ki Baat' is not merely a radio broadcast but a platform that showcases inspiring stories from across the country.

He said the programme brings attention to individuals who contribute to society despite challenges, offering examples of dedication and public service.

"Through 'Mann Ki Baat', inspiring stories from across the country are highlighted. Such examples can help members of the police force develop greater sensitivity and a stronger sense of duty in their professional responsibilities," Patel said.

He urged the trainees to listen to the programme regularly and draw inspiration from the experiences shared, rather than treating it as a routine or formal event.

The Governor emphasised that the training period plays a crucial role in shaping the future careers of police personnel.

"The uniform is not merely a symbol of authority, but a pledge to serve the person standing at the last rung of society," he said.

Patel said the police must strive to build public trust and ensure that their conduct reflects both professionalism and empathy.

He added that listening to stories of social initiatives and achievements featured in 'Mann Ki Baat' demonstrates how individual efforts can contribute to broader societal change.

The Governor also stressed that police personnel should maintain discipline, courtesy, and promptness in their conduct so that citizens feel secure when approaching law enforcement authorities.

He encouraged the trainees to reflect on how they could incorporate the programme's messages into their professional and personal lives and expressed confidence that they would uphold the values of public service and contribute to strengthening the police force.
Mumbai, Feb 22 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday rejected corruption allegations related to the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0, describing them as politically motivated and factually incorrect.

Addressing a press conference after the customary tea meeting and Cabinet meeting on the eve of the Budget Session of the state legislature, the Chief Minister responded to allegations made by opposition parties regarding the implementation of the solar power scheme.

The Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 aims to provide reliable daytime solar power to agricultural consumers by solarising agricultural feeders and reducing dependence on conventional electricity supply.

Fadnavis said claims of a Rs 10,000 crore scam were "mathematically impossible" and clarified that the scheme operates on a private investment model, under which the government pays only for the electricity generated rather than making upfront capital expenditure.

He said all bank guarantees submitted by participating companies are verified through the Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) before contracts are finalised.

The Chief Minister added that strict action is taken if discrepancies are detected, including blacklisting companies found violating norms. He said action had already been initiated in certain cases flagged during scrutiny.

Fadnavis said the primary objective of the scheme is to ensure reliable daytime electricity supply to farmers through solar power, thereby improving agricultural productivity and reducing energy costs.

During the briefing, he also announced the launch of 'Mahavistar', an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to monitor solar feeder installations, provide transparency in implementation, and enable tracking of energy generation and consumption data.

He said the platform would also help ensure transparency in bidding and procurement processes related to the scheme.

The Chief Minister said the Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislature would proceed as scheduled despite the opposition's objections and added that the government was prepared to respond to issues raised during legislative discussions.

He said the Budget for 202627 would focus on development and public welfare.

Fadnavis also acknowledged the contribution of former Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in preparing previous budgets and said the government would continue to build on existing policy priorities.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of five police personnel who were killed in a road accident in Jharsuguda district earlier in the day.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the financial assistance will be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to support the next of kin of the deceased personnel.

"The tragic road accident in Jharsuguda, which claimed the lives of five on-duty police personnel, is deeply saddening. The Chief Minister has expressed profound grief over the incident and announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 5 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the families of the deceased," the CMO said.

The accident occurred on National Highway 49 near Katapali, close to Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station, when an iron ore-laden trailer truck collided head-on with a Bolero vehicle carrying police personnel.

Five personnel died on the spot, while three others sustained serious injuries. The injured were initially taken to nearby medical facilities, with two later shifted to a private hospital in Bargarh district and another referred to a medical facility in Burla, Sambalpur, for advanced treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Kashiram Bhoi (APR), Niranjan Kujur (Drill Sub-Inspector), Debadatta Sa (APR), Lingaraj Dhurua (APR Havildar), and Bhaktabandhu Mirdha (Home Guard).

Police sources said the personnel were returning after completing night duty in the Rengali area when the accident occurred.

Police have detained the driver of the truck involved in the accident and seized the vehicle. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the collision.

Chief Minister Majhi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences over the deaths of the police personnel.

Meanwhile, local residents raised concerns over road safety on the highway and reiterated long-standing demands for its expansion.

Residents said the highway witnesses heavy traffic movement daily and urged authorities to expedite widening and safety improvement measures to prevent further accidents.
New Delhi/Imphal, Feb 22 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, accompanied by his two Deputy Chief Ministers -- Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, on Sunday, held a meeting with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed various issues, including the rehabilitation of violence-affected Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), officials said.

A senior official in Imphal said that the Union Home Minister discussed with the three Manipur leaders the steps taken by the new state government to remove barriers between different communities and restore peace and harmony.

"Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government was installed in Manipur, the state government has undertaken several outreach programmes with the aim of fostering peace and harmony among communities," the official said, referring to the discussions held during the meeting at the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence in New Delhi.

The union Home Minister assured Chief Minister Khemchand Singh and the Deputy Chief Ministers -- Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho -- of all possible assistance from the Central government to help restore peace and normalcy in the state.

Union Minister Shah also assured the Chief Minister that the Centre would extend all necessary support for the overall development and progress of Manipur, the official added.

The Union Home Minister also directed Chief Minister Khemchand Singh to accord utmost priority to the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons affected by ethnic violence and assured full support from the Centre in this regard.

This was the first meeting between CM Khemchand Singh and Union Home Minister Shah after the former assumed office as Manipur's Chief Minister on February 4 this year.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his two Deputy Chief Ministers -- Losii Dikho of the Naga People's Front, and Nemcha Kipgen of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community and hails from the tribal-inhabited Kangpokpi district, is the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.

After the meeting with the Union Home Minister Shah, CM Khemchand Singh took to social media platform X and wrote: "We had a detailed and constructive discussion on key issues concerning Manipur, including measures for peace, stability, rehabilitation and progress."

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed his firm assurance that the Central government will extend every possible assistance to ensure the early resettlement and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)," the Chief Minister said.

"On behalf of the people of Manipur, I express my sincere gratitude to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his continued support, guidance, and commitment towards the welfare of our State," he added.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal tribute during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where Netanyahu described PM Modi as a "dear friend" and hailed his upcoming visit as a milestone in bilateral ties.

Responding on his X handle, PM Modi expressed gratitude and affirmed that India deeply values its enduring friendship with Israel, a partnership built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress.

He added that he looks forward to meaningful discussions during his two-day visit beginning February 25, 2026.

Netanyahu, in remarks to his cabinet and later shared online, framed PM Modi's arrival as a historic moment, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

He spoke of a vision to forge a broader "axis of nations" in the Middle East -- an alliance of like-minded countries united "against radical forces" and committed to stability, security, and technological advancement.

Highlighting his personal rapport with PM Modi, Israeli PM Netanyahu noted their frequent exchanges and mutual visits, calling the Indian leader not just a partner but a "personal friend".

The visit's agenda reflects the depth of cooperation; PM Modi will address the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), join Netanyahu at Yad Vashem, and participate in a high-tech innovation event spotlighting collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and emerging technologies.

This marks PM Modi's second trip to Israel after his ground-breaking 2017 visit, which opened new avenues in defense, agriculture, and water management.

Netanyahu's reciprocal visit to India in 2018 further cemented ties, and the upcoming engagement is expected to expand cooperation in trade, cybersecurity, and regional security.

Against the backdrop of Middle East tensions, Modi's visit signals India's strategic recalibration and convergence with Israel on counter-terrorism and defense.

While some opposition voices in Israel have raised procedural concerns about his Knesset address, the broader narrative remains clear; two democracies are poised to elevate their partnership, reinforcing what Netanyahu has called a "tremendous alliance" rooted in shared values and common goals.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 : The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday criticised the Odisha government over the alleged sexual assault of a minor student at a private school in Kendrapara district and raised concerns about women's safety and law and order in the state.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, senior BJD leader and former Minister Tukuni Sahu termed the incident serious and alleged that incidents involving crimes against women and minor students have raised concerns in recent months.

She alleged that the law-and-order situation in the state has deteriorated and demanded stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of women and children.

"The incident involving a minor student in Kendrapara district has caused deep concern. We have been consistently urging the government to take effective steps to ensure women's safety and prevent such incidents," Sahu said.

She said a BJD fact-finding team visited the victim's family and interacted with police officials, urging authorities to ensure a fair and speedy investigation.

According to police officials, five persons  four teachers, including a woman teacher, and a peon  have been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a Class 7 student at a private English medium school in Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district.

Police said the victim's mother lodged a complaint at Rajkanika Police Station on February 21, alleging that her 12-year-old daughter had been subjected to repeated sexual assault by school staff.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and arrested the accused persons.

Officials said the Deputy Superintendent of Police attached to the Investigative Units on Crimes Against Women (IUCAW), Kendrapara, has been assigned to supervise the investigation.

Police said further investigation is underway.
Patna, Feb 23 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday criticised the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, alleging failures in addressing poverty, crime, corruption, and unemployment in the state.

Addressing a programme in Patna on the occasion of Sant Ravidas Jayanti, Tejashwi Yadav accused the government of neglecting the concerns of the poor and marginalised sections.

He alleged that policies of the current government were adversely affecting economically weaker sections and claimed that adequate support was not being extended to vulnerable communities.

"The government has no sympathy for the poor and is not working in their interest," Tejashwi Yadav said while addressing the gathering.

He also referred to the teachings of Sant Ravidas and urged people, especially youth, to learn from his life and ideas.

Tejashwi Yadav alleged that corruption remains widespread in government offices and claimed that people face difficulties in accessing basic services without paying bribes.

He further alleged that despite the prohibition law being in force, illegal liquor trade continues, and action is often taken against economically weaker sections.

Raising concerns over unemployment, he alleged irregularities in recruitment processes and claimed that deserving candidates were being deprived of opportunities.

He also criticised the state's healthcare and education systems, alleging deficiencies in public service delivery.

Referring to his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav said that employment opportunities were created during that period, including the recruitment of teachers.

He accused the present government of failing to maintain administrative efficiency and alleged that governance was being influenced by political considerations.

Tejashwi Yadav also criticised the ruling alliance and alleged that political and administrative decisions were not being taken independently.

He said issues related to governance, employment, and public welfare would remain key concerns ahead of future political developments in the state.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Amaravati, Feb 23 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday mooted distribution of electric bicycles to Gramin Dak Sevaks.

Participating in Gramin Dak Sevak Conference in Guntur along with Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to provide electric bicycles to Gramin Dak Sevaks, stating that it would reduce pollution and help them perform their duties more efficiently.

Chandrababu Naidu said that Gramin Dak Sevaks are serving as one of the most vital logistics systems in the country.

He observed that even with the growth of technology and the advent of Artificial Intelligence, no one can replace the role of Dak Sevaks.

The Chief Minister stated that the logistics services of Gramin Dak Sevaks from Kashmir to Kanyakumari are commendable.

He noted that no postal organization in any other country has a network as vast as the Indian postal system. He said that out of more than 1.64 lakh post offices in the country, nearly 90 percent are located in rural areas and around 2.7 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks working across them.

In Andhra Pradesh alone, more than 9,100 post offices operate with over 17,000 Gramin Dak Sevaks. He appreciated that about 33 percent of financial assistance through DBT is delivered via Dak Sevaks. The Chief Minister described Dak Sevaks as the backbone for achieving Viksit Bharat and Swarna Andhra.

The Chief Minister said that Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is working to enhance the dignity of Dak Sevaks. He recalled working with Scindiaas father, Madhavrao Scindia, in the past and mentioned that an area in Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam, is named after Scindia, inviting the Union Minister to visit it soon.

He reiterated that despite technological advancement, Dak Sevaks perform their duties with a human touch. He appreciated the introduction of a dress code for Dak Sevaks and requested the Union Minister to provide them with electric bicycles.

The Chief Minister stated that the state is witnessing rapid development under a double-engine government, with welfare being delivered in the last 20 months and development progressing swiftly. He said good governance has been initiated and government services are being delivered to citizensa doorsteps through WhatsApp Governance.

CM Naidu posted on aXa that the government is committed to strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas and providing broadband connectivity to every Gram Panchayat. Taking a major step in that direction, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Digital Bharat Nidhi, marking a significant partnership between the Central and State Governments to accelerate rural digital connectivity through the Amended BharatNet Project.
Akbar Novruz

Washington is weighing potential military action against Iran, with senior officials confirming that the Pentagon has presented President Donald Trump with a range of strike options amid escalating regional tensions.

According to AzerNEWS, citing Axios, a senior Trump adviser said the Pentagon had offered a variety of options, including one scenario that would involve targeting Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely viewed as a possible successor, as well as senior clerical figures. The suggestion underscores the gravity of the deliberations now under way inside the White House.

International media outlets, citing two sources familiar with internal planning discussions, reported that a US strike on Iran could take place as soon as this weekend. Trump has also publicly acknowledged he is considering what he described as a limited strike, a formulation that suggests a more contained military operation rather than a broad campaign.

Israels public broadcaster has likewise reported that a US attack is seen as increasingly likely, adding to mounting speculation that Washington may be preparing to intervene more directly in a volatile regional confrontation.

The White House has not confirmed specific operational plans, but Trump has scheduled a high-level meeting with US Air Force Commander General Kenneth Wilsbach in the coming hours. The president also cancelled a planned weekend trip to Florida, opting instead to remain in Washington for consultations in the Oval Office.

Such last-minute schedule changes have often preceded significant national security decisions. While officials caution that planning does not necessarily equate to imminent action, the combination of military briefings, regional alerts and media reports has intensified expectations of a potential escalation.

The prospect of US strikes on Iran raises the risk of wider regional fallout. Tehran has previously warned that any direct attack on its leadership or territory would prompt retaliation against American interests and allies in the Middle East. Analysts note that even a limited strike could trigger responses from Iran-backed groups across the region, potentially widening the conflict.

The deliberations also carry domestic political implications. A decision to launch military action would mark a defining moment in Trumps foreign policy, testing his administrations appetite for confrontation at a time of already heightened geopolitical instability.

For now, officials insist that all options remain under consideration. But with reports pointing to accelerated planning and the president remaining in Washington for urgent military consultations, attention is fixed on whether the coming days will bring diplomacy  or escalation.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 23 : A day after the disturbing incident of gang rape of a minor student by her teachers at a private school in Kendrapara district came to light, fresh reports emerged on Sunday regarding a complaint filed by one woman alleging sexual abuse by a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer in Bhubaneswar, further shocked the state.

Acting on the complaint lodged on February 19, the Commissionerate Police has launched an investigation into the allegations by registering a case in this regard on February 20.

The victim woman, who hails from Kujanga in Jagatsinghpur district, alleged in her complaint that she along with the accusedas cousin sister had gone to the IRS officeras official quarters at Satsang Vihar under Saheed Nagar police station area on January 15.

Meanwhile, the young woman was left alone in the quarters as the IRS officeras wife and cousin reportedly went out for some work. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused IRS officer allegedly showed some objectionable contents on his laptop and insisted that she keep sexual relations with him. The victim lady later claimed that upon her denial, the accused raped her after locking the door. She initially did not divulge anything fearing social stigma.

She also claimed that the accused clicked some objectionable photos of her and used those to blackmail her into keeping a relationship with him, which she denied.

The victim, however, claimed that after the accused made viral her objectionable photos, she was forced to file a complaint with the police in this regard.

Answering to queries on the incident, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh on Sunday told media persons that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated, and that anyone found guilty would face consequences, while no one would be punished merely on the basis of accusations.
Washington, Feb 22 : US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has sought to calm global nerves after the Supreme Court struck down a key plank of President Donald Trump's tariff regime, telling allies and trading partners that existing agreements remain safe and that Washington's trade policy "hasn't changed" despite a shift in legal tools.

Washington, Feb 22 (IANS) US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has sought to calm global nerves after the Supreme Court struck down a key plank of President Donald Trump's tariff regime, telling allies and trading partners that existing agreements remain safe and that Washington's trade policy "hasnat changed" despite a shift in legal tools.

In an interview to a top US television channel on Sunday, Greer signalled that while the Trump administration is pivoting from emergency powers to other statutory authorities, the substance of US trade strategy will endure.

"The policy hasn't changed, just the tools have changed," he said, underlining that the White House expects continuity even as it transitions to Section 122 tariffs and prepares additional investigations under Section 301 and other provisions.

Greer confirmed he has been in direct contact with major partners following the apex court's court judgment and President Trump's decision to impose a 15 per cent global tariff under Section 122.

"I spoke with my counterpart from the European Union this weekend," he said.

"I spoke to my counterparts in other countries."

South Korea and the European Union convened emergency meetings with US government officials in Washington.

Greer said such consultations were "totally normal" but insisted that the underlying trade deals were not contingent on the outcome of the litigation.

"The deals were not premised on whether or not the... emergency tariff litigation would rise or fall," he added.

"I've been telling them for a year whether this case, whether we won or lost, we were going to have tariffs. The President's policy was going to continue."

Greer stressed that no US ally had formally withdrawn from trade agreements.

"I haven't heard anyone yet come to me and say, the deal's off," he said.

"They want to see how this plays out. I'm in active conversation with them on it."

While acknowledging that the US administration no longer enjoys "the same flexibility that International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) gave us," Greer said, adding that the Congress has already delegated "enormous tariff-setting authority" to the President under other statutes.

"Congress has already put out statutes allowing the President to impose tariffs," he said.

"We're not going to stop our programme. We'll just use the Congressional authorities they've extended already for now."

On the decision to raise the Section 122 global tariff from 10 per cent to the maximum 15 per cent, Greer said the strategy itself remained intact.

"The strategy didn't change, because the problem remains the same," he added, citing what he described as "a huge, huge unfairness, huge disparity, huge imbalance between the United States and its trading partners".

"Although Section 122 tariffs expire after five months, unless extended," Greer said the US administration expects investigations launched during that period to provide a bridge.

"Yeah, that's one way to put it," he added, when asked whether new probes would "pick up where they left off".

Greer defended President Trump's remarks that foreign interests were involved in efforts to overturn the tariffs, citing foreign companies that participated in litigation.

"It's foreign companies that are benefiting from the tariffs being struck down," he said.
Chennai, Feb 23 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin met senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal on Sunday ahead of formal seat-sharing talks between the two parties, signalling the start of crucial negotiations within the ruling alliance ahead of the Assembly elections.

The meeting took place at the Chief Ministeras residence in Chennai and comes at a time when discussions over seat allocation and alliance coordination are expected to intensify.

Venugopal, the All India Congress Committee (Organisation) general secretary, was accompanied by senior Congress leaders, including Tamil Nadu Congress screening committee chairman T.S. Singh Deo, sources said.

Sources indicated that the meeting was aimed at strengthening coordination between the alliance partners before structured negotiations on seat distribution begin.

Formal seat-sharing discussions between the two parties are expected to be conducted by designated committees appointed by both the DMK and the Congress.

The meeting assumes significance as the Congress is expected to seek a larger share of seats compared to the previous Assembly elections, when it contested as part of the DMK-led alliance.

Sources said discussions also covered broader alliance-related issues, including political coordination and electoral preparedness.

Earlier in the day, the DMK initiated seat-sharing talks with alliance partners by holding preliminary discussions with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) at the party headquarters.

The ongoing consultations are expected to play a key role in shaping the alliance structure and seat distribution for the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.

The meeting is expected to focus primarily on seat-sharing arrangements between the DMK and the Congress as part of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which is led by the DMK in the state.

The Congress, a key ally of the DMK, had constituted a five-member committee in November last year under the leadership of Girish Chodankar to negotiate seat-sharing terms with its alliance partner.

For nearly three months, the party had been urging the DMK to formally constitute its own negotiation panel to initiate discussions.

Responding to these developments, DMK general secretary Duraimurugan recently announced a seven-member seat-sharing committee headed by party treasurer and former Union Minister T.R. Baalu, MP, to hold discussions with alliance partners.

The committee has already initiated talks, beginning with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). A five-member IUML delegation led by its leader Kader Mohideen met the DMK panel earlier on Sunday for preliminary discussions on seat-sharing.

Sources indicated that during the meeting with Stalin, the Congress is expected to press for a larger share of seats than it was allotted in the 2021 Assembly elections. In that election, the Congress had contested 25 seats as part of the DMK-led alliance and secured victory in 18 constituencies.

Sources further said that Venugopal is likely to present a list of priority constituencies to Stalin as part of the ongoing negotiations.

Following the meeting, further rounds of discussions are expected to take place between the DMK's seat-sharing committee and the Congress negotiation panel to finalise the arrangement.

Although the DMK had earlier indicated that formal alliance talks would begin from February 22, Sundayas meeting suggests that negotiations have now entered a crucial phase.

The outcome of these discussions is expected to play a key role in shaping the final contours of the DMK-led alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Washington, Feb 23 : US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sought to shift the spotlight away from whether the Trump administration will refund nearly $134 billion collected under now-invalidated emergency tariffs, saying that the Supreme Court's decision was "very narrow" and that the White House is moving quickly to new tariff authorities that keep 2026 revenue projections "unchanged".

In an interview with the CNN on Sunday, Bessent rejected the premise that refunds are the central issue after Friday's 6-3 Supreme Court ruling against President Donald Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs.

The Treasury Secretary said: "Let's just level-set here. What the Supreme Court did was a very narrow reading of the President's authority under the IEEPA tariffs."

He added that other tools remain available.

"We have other tariff authorities which have been functioning, Section 232 tariffs and Section 301 tariffs," he said.

The CNN repeatedly pressed Bessent on whether importers will get their money back.

Bessent insisted the Trump administration will not move without court direction.

"The Supreme Court didn't even address that," he said, adding that the case was "remanded... down to a lower court" and "that could be weeks or months when we hear them".

"It is not up to the administration," Bessent said, adding that "it is up to the lower court".

When the CNN cited a prior Justice Department guidance suggesting refunds could follow if tariffs were held unlawful, Bessent replied: "Again, I'm not going to get out ahead of the court. We will follow the court's direction."

He said the US administration's broader focus is unchanged.

"The President, the administration remains undeterred in reshoring American factories and getting rid of these massive trade imbalances," Bessent said, adding, "We are immediately going to go to Section 122 tariffs, and that the revenue for the US Treasury for 2026, the projections, are unchanged."

President Trump has announced a global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, initially at 10 per cent and then raised to 15 per cent.

Bessent described the Section 122 move as temporary.

"This Section 122 authority is good for 150 days," he said.

During that window, the Treasury Secretary said, the US administration expects the Commerce and US Trade Representative Departments to establish longer-lasting tariffs under other authorities.

"During that time, we will do a study on Section 232... Section 301," Bessent said, adding: "It is very likely that those studies will result in higher 232s, higher 301s, and it will get us back to the same tariff level."

He also said that the new global tariff is a "bridge" rather than a permanent policy that would require US Congressional votes to continue.

"The 122 is likely a five-month bridge... and I'm highly -- I think it's highly likely that those tariffs will rise up and that the 122s could disappear after five months," Bessent added.

He pushed back at the CNN's reading of the Supreme Court's message on executive authority.

"What the Supreme Court said is that the President cannot use the IEEPA.... to do this," Bessent said, adding that "The President does have other authorities".

He called it "very interesting" that, in his telling, the court limited tariff revenue collection but left broader Presidential powers intact.

"It's very interesting that the Supreme Court said that the President can't raise one dollar of revenue with tariffs, but he can put on a full embargo," Bessent said.

"They reaffirmed his ability to block all trade. He just cannot accept one dollar for the trade."

Claiming gains from the US administration's trade posture, Bessent said: "We have seen our -- the goods sector, the deficit with our trading partners drop by 17 per cent."

He added: "We have seen our bilateral deficit with China drop substantially," and said the United States is "seeing trillions of investments in factories coming back to the US because of the tariffs".
New Delhi/Imphal, Feb 23 : Assam Rifles Director General (DG), Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera held a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi and discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the state, officials said.

An official in Imphal said on Sunday that during the meeting, held at Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi, the Assam Rifles DG briefed Chief Minister Khemchand Singh on the role and activities of the country's oldest paramilitary force in Manipur.

The Assam Rifles is responsible for guarding the Indiaa"Myanmar border across four Northeastern states -- Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.

Manipur shares a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.

The Chief Minister lauded the Assam Rifles for its crucial role in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

Besides border guarding duties, the Assam Rifles troops are also deployed to assist in maintaining the law and order in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the ongoing National Integration Tour organised by the Assam Rifles under its civic action programme for representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Tengnoupal, Chandel and Kakching districts of Manipur, as part of its Northeast phase, reached Dimapur in Nagaland.

A Defence Spokesman said that the delegation of 23 members, accompanied by 68 officials and troops, is undertaking a 15-day journey aimed at fostering national unity, strengthening civila"military cooperation and broadening perspectives on governance and development.

On February 21, the group interacted with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps, Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, in Dimapur.

The discussions highlighted the importance of civila"military synergy and the constructive role played by CSOs in community development, conflict resolution and nation-building.

Participants were also given first-hand insights into the responsibilities of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and progress in the Northeastern region.

The interaction provided a valuable platform for open dialogue, enabling the exchange of ideas on regional issues, security dynamics and developmental initiatives.

It reinforced trust between the armed forces and civil society, underlining the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in sustaining peace and stability.

"Following the engagement, the delegation proceeded to Kohima by bus to continue the next phase of the National Integration Tour, which remains a significant initiative in strengthening people-centric engagement and harmonious relations across the region," the Spokesman added.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Mumbai, Feb 23 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that Maharashtra is the first state in India to organise a dedicated Artificial Intelligence conference for the comprehensive benefit of farmers.

"Farmers must confidently use digital services. Through various digital apps introduced for farmers, they can now communicate in their own language and receive immediate answers to agriculture-related queries. The state government is working to improve farmers' livelihoods by bringing together universities, research institutions, and industries through the Maha-AI Innovation Centre to create a digitally empowered ecosystem," the Chief Minister said on Sunday at the inauguration of the "Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investors' Summit (AI for Agri 2026)" held under the "Maharashtra Agricultural Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025a"2029".

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has given significant importance to digital infrastructure and AI for national development.

The India AI Mission aims to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and large-scale impact through technology, he added.

"Agriculture is connected to every household and every individual. Maharashtra has resolved to lead the AI revolution in agriculture and is the first state to announce a comprehensive AI-based agriculture policy. The government has developed "Maha-Vistar AI" as a digital companion for farmers. Through this platform, farmers can access crop advisory, weather updates, pest management information, market price trends, and government schemes. So far, three million (30 lakh) farmers have accessed the app, and registrations are increasing," the Chief Minister said.

He emphasised that Maharashtra will not merely be an AI user but will become a leader in responsible and impactful AI usage.

"Since not every farmer owns a smartphone or prefers only Marathi, the state government has introduced multilingual and voice-based digital services."

The aim is to expand these services to every taluka and village in the state, CM Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne emphasised that even in this era of technology, the farmer must remain at the centre of agricultural innovation.

"Integrating AI, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) with farmers' traditional knowledge can make Maharashtra's agriculture a global model."

"Maharashtra has allocated nearly Rs 500 crore for implementing the AI-based Agriculture Policy (2025a"2029). More than three million farmers have downloaded the MahaVistar app. The state aims to use AI to ensure food security, tackle climate change, empower women, and promote sustainable farming. Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Centres will be established to deliver AI-based services across districts," he added.

The state government on Sunday launched AI Applications, including Maha Agri-X (Maha-Agri Data Exchange), LLM for Bhili Tribal Language, MahaVISTAAR Voice Telephony App and AI-Based Pest and Disease Detection System: Identifies crop diseases and pests using image-based recognition technology.

Meanwhile, a tripartite MoU was signed between One Step Foundation and the World Bank to document the architectural design, governance frameworks, implementation lessons, and open standards of Maharashtra's AI-enabled digital public infrastructure "MahaVISTAAR".

Another MoU was signed with Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in The Netherlands, under Maharashtra's Agri AI Policy 2025a"2029 to promote responsible and effective AI usage in agriculture.

This collaboration will strengthen cooperation between Maharashtra's agricultural universities and international institutions.
Itanagar, Feb 23 : In a significant step towards resolving the long-pending inter-state boundary dispute, the first border pillar along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border was erected at Seijosa, officials said.

The installation of the border pillar was closely monitored by officials from both states on Sunday to ensure accuracy and mutual agreement on the ground.

Among those present during the erection of the pillar were the Deputy Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh's Pakke Kessang district, Beni Lego; and Deputy Commisioner of Assam's Biswanath district, Munindra Nath Ngatey; senior police officials, community leaders, and village heads.

The border pillar has been installed in accordance with the Namsai Declaration, signed in July 2022, which laid the foundation for resolving the decades-old boundary dispute along the 804-km inter-state border between the two Northeastern states.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the installation of the first border pillar as a significant step that reflects the spirit of the Namsai Declaration.

Taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote: "A historic milestone has been achieved in the Arunachal Pradesha"Assam boundary resolution process with the successful installation of the first official border pillar at Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district."

He said that the development marks a transition from decades of uncertainty towards peaceful coexistence, clarity and stability for communities living along the border areas.

"The initiative was closely coordinated by a joint team of senior officials from both states, ensuring mutual agreement and accuracy on the ground. The achievement is a result of sustained dialogue and proactive leadership, particularly by Minister Biyuram Waghe, Chairman of the Regional Committee for Pakke Kessang, along with the dedicated efforts of district administrations and local representatives," CM Khandu added.

He said that the Seijosa border pillar sets a blueprint for the remaining demarcation process, strengthens cooperation between the two Northeastern states and paves the way for lasting harmony, development and confidence among people residing in the border regions.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu had signed an agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi in April 2023 to resolve the inter-state border dispute.

Union Home Minister Shah had earlier said that since 2018, the Union government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has signed several accords, including agreements for the settlement of Reang refugees in Tripura and initiatives to end violence in the Northeast region.

Assam also has inter-state border disputes with Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram, and separate discussions are currently underway with the respective states to address those issues.
Education

Resonance Waves Its Flag High Again in JEE (Main) 2026

Resonance has once again reaffirmed its academic excellence with outstanding results in JEE (Main) 2026  January Session. Continuing its legacy of producing top performers in engineering entrance examinations, Resonance students have delivered an impressive performance this year as well.

In the results declared thus far, a total of 105 (classroom: 99 | Distance Learning: 6) students from the institute have secured 99 percentile and above, significantly strengthening their prospects for top ranks in JEE (Advanced) 2026.

Among the high achievers from the Kota centre are Snehil Anand (99.9924416), Vansh Arora (99.9501285), Harshvardhan Raghuvanshi (99.8778898), Divyansh Agarwal (99.8381853), Kulveer Singh (99.8277885), Swayamdeep Sahoo (99.7905524), Paarijaat Chaturvedi (99.7868529), Anupam Pal (99.7827488), Aditya Raj (99.6901144), Harsh Agarwal (99.6800322), Gautam Anand (99.5962123), Lakshya Shukla (99.4840725), Anant Tripathi (99.4149380), Parth Kumar (99.3631558), Mayank Raj (99.3347760), Aditya Anand (99.2638111), Pratham Suman (99.2344896), Naman Mittal (99.2319791), and Ujjwal Kumar (99.1253553), who achieved this remarkable feat alongside their Class XII studies.

Students from other teaching centres of Resonance across the country, including Bangalore and Hyderabad, have also secured 99+ percentiles in significant numbers, further reinforcing the institutes strong academic ecosystem and consistent performance standards nationwide.

Following the declaration of the results, students celebrated their achievement with faculty members. On this occasion, the Managing Director, Mr. R. K. Verma, congratulated all successful students and emphasized that the results reflect disciplined effort, focused preparation, and expert academic mentorship. He encouraged students to remain fully focused on the upcoming JEE (Advanced) and other competitive examinations.

To support aspirants in the next phase, Resonance has announced free expert guidance sessions for students aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming JEE (Main) April attempt. Any interested student appearing in JEE Main 2026 may avail this facility by sending the name via WhatsApp to +91 73400 10345.
Disney/Christopher Willard

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/21/2026



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple have shared an update on dating long distance and their plans to get married.Joan and Chock took to Instagram on Monday, February 16 and conducted a Q&A session with fans, whose main question for the couple was, "When are you getting married?"Joan and Chock -- who got engaged on , which aired its finale in November 2024 -- both laughed and said simultaneously, "We get that all the time!"Considering Joan had a big wedding for her oldest son in 2025 and she has another son getting married in 2026, Chock shared, "So we elected not to compete with them.""That's true," Joan agreed."So you might look for something in 2027," Chock noted."Yeah, 2027," Joan echoed, adding how Chock also has a son who may possibly get married soon."And then my daughter has her wedding planned for September 2027. She just doesn't have the guy yet," Chock quipped.Joan therefore said, "We'll get married some time when our kids aren't getting married."When asked if they have plans to live in the same city , Chock replied, "At some point we do, yeah."Joan admitted she and Chock, however, haven't figured out which city yet."We're so busy. I've got a business and Joan does her thing, but then we're traveling all the time," Chock explained. "So it's going to come!"Joan predicted that she and Chock won't end up in her native Maryland or Kansas, where Chock currently leads staff in selling business insurance."I think we will probably keep our houses," Joan said."And have a love shack," Chock interjected with a big smile.Chock, for his part, said Joan has a trip to Florida coming up and so she'll probably realize that she wants to live there."But Florida is big and you've got to find the right place," Chock, who has lived in Florida before, pointed out."And you're extra motivated when you're living in freezing cold Maryland -- in four feet of snow," Joan noted.Joan -- who shared how her kids get along very well with Chock's children -- went on to explain how long distance doesn't negatively impact her romance with Chock."We love each other and we talk every day," Chock said."Multiple times a day," Joan added."And then also, we get to see each other a lot. It's every other week, and I think two times, we went three weeks [apart]," Chock elaborated, adding how they both stay busy.Joan said her relationship with Chock is also really fun because instead of visiting each other's homes, they travel to new places such as Punta Cana, where they conducted this Q&A session."It's been a lot of fun," Chock agreed."We're doing it and I don't think we're ready to stop that yet!" Joan said. "So the long distance actually makes getting together really fun."Prior to falling in love on in 2024, Joan had competed for Gerry Turner 's heart on The Golden Bachelor's first season.Joan chose to quit Gerry's season after a great one-on-one date to be there for her postpartum daughter back home.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
My first week on staff at The Red & Black was memorable for a few reasons: the prospect of a new job, covering major campus events and UGA winning back-to-back national championships. What had a lasting impact, however, was that, during my first week as the breaking news reporter, I helped cover the car crash that killed UGA football player Devin Willock and recruitment staffer Chandler LeCroy.

At the time, I naively thought this was an isolated event  a singular tragedy that held dire consequences. But then, another player was arrested for driving-related charges. Then, it happened again, and again and again. Now, as I reflect on all the times Ive covered, read about or heard of these charges, two more playersChris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbonhave been arrested on reckless driving charges.
A Delhi court has ruled that the Indian Youth Congress protest at the AI Impact Summit was not legitimate dissent but a 'blatant assault on public order' that also harmed India's diplomatic image, leading to arrests and police custody.

IMAGE: Indian Youth Congress workers stage a protest at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi. Photograph: Indian Youth Congress/ANI Video Grab

Key Points Delhi court deems Indian Youth Congress protest at AI Impact Summit a 'blatant assault on public order'.

The court granted five days of police custody for IYC workers involved in the 'shirtless' protest at Bharat Mandapam.

The protest, involving offensive slogans and physical altercations, jeopardised the AI Summit's sanctity and India's diplomatic image.

The court cited concerns about the accused absconding and potential external conspiracy links in its decision.

Accused face charges including deterring public servants from duty and criminal conspiracy, carrying potential imprisonment.

The conduct of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers arrested for protesting at the AI Impact Summit venue was not legitimate dissent, rather a 'blatant assault on public order' that also hurt the country's 'diplomatic image', a Delhi court said.

Judicial Magistrate Ravi made the observation on Saturday when the four IYC workers who were held for the 'shirtless' protest at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi were produced before his court.

The court allowed five days of custody to the police to question them.

Summarising the reasons for allowing the Delhi Police's plea seeking custodial interrogation, the magistrate said that the accused hailed from remote parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana, posing a high risk of their absconding.

This was 'further heightened by early investigation findings suggesting external conspiracy links', the court said.

A portion of the order passed by judicial magistrate Ravi, accessed by PTI, said that the protest imperilled or jeopardised not only the event's sanctity, but also the country's diplomatic image.

'...the accused persons are alleged to have orchestrated a premeditated intrusion into the high-security precincts of Bharat Mandapam during the Al Summit 2026, a premier international conclave hosting global delegates and dignitaries,' the court's order said.

It said the protestors allegedly 'donned provocative T-shirts bearing offensive slogans such as 'India US Trade Deal Compromised', vociferously raised incendiary chants, obstructed public servants in the execution of their duties, and perpetrated physical assaults causing grievous injuries to police personnel, as substantiated by the medico-legal cases (MLCs) on record'.

The magistrate said, "Such conduct palpably transcends the ambit of legitimate dissent, metamorphosing into a blatant assault on public order. It imperils not merely the event's sanctity but also the Republic's diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders, rendering it wholly unprotected by constitutional safeguards."

Multiple associates could be absconding: Court

The magistrate said the probe reveals that multiple associates could be absconding, which could tamper digital footprints, financial trails, and co-accused disclosures.

Citing a 1980 Supreme Court verdict, the magistrate said, "Bail discretion must safeguard investigation integrity, particularly pre-chargesheet."

He also underlined that the alleged offences 'warranted stringent scrutiny' as they posed a grave threat to public order and state security at an international forum and attracted punishment exceeding three years of imprisonment under BNS Sections 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty) and 61 (2) (criminal conspiracy).

"In view of the above, the application, for police custody remand of all four accused persons is allowed for five days with effect from today, i.e., till February 25," the magisterial court said.

India hosted the world's largest artificial intelligence conclave, the AI Impact Summit-2026. The summit that began February 16 has seen packed halls and long queues, as tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists thronged the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Details of the arrests

On Friday, police arrested Krishna Hari, national secretary of Youth Congress from Bihar; Kundan Yadav, state secretary of Bihar; Ajay Kumar, state president of Uttar Pradesh; and Narasimha Yadav from Telangana for holding a 'shirtless protest' inside an exhibition hall at the Summit.

The accused and others were holding T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal.

They also allegedly engaged in a protracted scuffle with security personnel and police staff deployed at the venue.
While initial medical examination did not reveal external injuries, a post-mortem conducted on Saturday indicated strangulation and smothering as cause of death



IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Police have identified a neighbor, Deen Dayal, as the primary suspect in the double murder case.

The victims were found concealed inside a bed, and post-mortem reports indicate strangulation and smothering as the cause of death.

Multiple police teams are conducting raids to locate and apprehend the accused neighbor.

The case is registered under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A 35-year-old woman and her six-year-old daughter were found murdered inside their residence in southeast Delhi's Sarita Vihar area, with the police identifying a neighbour as the prime suspect and launching raids to nab him, an official said on Saturday.

A PCR call was received around 10.30 pm on Friday regarding discovery of two bodies at a house in Aali Vihar, he said.

The police rushed to the spot and found the bodies of a middle-aged woman and a young girl concealed inside the box storage of a bed at the residence. The victims were rushed to AIIMS Hospital, where doctors declared them dead, the official said.

Multiple operational teams have been deployed to probe the case. Crime and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have examined the scene and collected evidence, he added.

The deceased were identified as Jyoti (35), and her six-year-old daughter.

While initial medical examination did not reveal external injuries, a post-mortem conducted on Saturday indicated strangulation and smothering as cause of death. The final post-mortem report is awaited, police said.

Following preliminary investigation and local enquiry, Deen Dayal (35), an accountant residing in the same building, has been identified as the prime suspect in the case, officials said.

The police said a case is being registered under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Ajay Kumar Giri, a local and the victim's neighbour, said a husband and wife lived in the house with their three children. Two of the children had gone to school and were safe.

The neighbour, the absconding accused, is said to be a nephew of the family.

He said the husband came home at night and saw two of his children sitting outside.

"The gate was closed for a long time and the children were sitting outside. When he (husband) realised something was wrong, he broke open the gate and went inside," Giri said.

He further said that when they entered the house, household items were scattered everywhere, but nothing is said to be missing.

A thorough search of the house revealed the bodies hidden inside the bed, the neighbour said, adding that the police arrived around 10-11 pm.

Another neighbour, Mukesh Kamat, said the victim's husband returned around 9-9:30 pm and found the door closed from inside. "He knocked many times but there was no response."

Some of their relatives had also arrived at the door as the woman had been unreachable for the entire day and the children were worried, Kamat said, adding that everything was scattered inside the house.

"Under the bed, the bodies of the mother and the youngest daughter were found," he said, adding that police were informed after the discovery of the bodies.

"The body in the bed was that of the mother and the youngest daughter. The girl was around six years old and the mother was about 35. The nephew is unmarried," he added.

Dedicated police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations to trace and arrest the accused, officials said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Police said the timely arrests have potentially averted terror strikes in India. The module had conducted reconnaissance of important installations and was in the process of arranging weapons.

IMAGE: The arrested suspects at a railway station in Tamil Nadu before being taken to New Delhi, February 22, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police dismantled a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module operating across Delhi, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

8 operatives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India illegally, have been arrested.

The investigation began after pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters featuring Burhan Wani were pasted at multiple locations in Delhi.

The module was allegedly controlled from Bangladesh by Shabir Ahmad Lone, a trained LeT operative previously arrested in 2007, who is accused of reviving sleeper cells and directing reconnaissance of key installations.

Police seized incriminating material, forged Indian identity documents, Bangladeshi passports, bank cards and POS machines, and are investigating possible hawala funding and wider terror links.

In a major counter-terror operation spanning three states, the Delhi Police has dismantled a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module comprising eight operatives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered India and procured forged identity documents, an official said on Sunday.

The arrests followed coordinated raids in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, after investigators traced the group's involvement in putting up pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters, featuring photographs of terrorist Burhan Wani, at multiple locations in Delhi.

The module was being handled from Bangladesh by Shabir Ahmad Lone alias Raja alias Kashmiri, a trained LeT terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir who was previously arrested by the Delhi Police's Special Cell in 2007 in a case involving the recovery of arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle and grenades, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said.

He said Lone, who hails from Kangan in Srinagar, had fled to Bangladesh after his release from Tihar Jail in 2018 and was working to revive the LeT's terror network in India by activating sleeper cells of Bangladeshi operatives residing illegally in the country.

"The investigation began on February 8, after a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) shift in-charge submitted a written complaint at the Supreme Court Metro police station regarding pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters pasted at the Janpath metro station. Similar posters were later found at other locations in Delhi," Kushwah said.

The posters featured photographs glorifying slain Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist Wani and carried messages, such as 'India stop genocide' and 'Free Kashmir', along with Urdu slogans translating to 'Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai' and 'Kashmiri Ek Jut-ta Divas'.

A first information report (FIR) was registered and further investigation launched by the Special Cell.

LeT recruited Bangladeshi nationals who assumed Indian identities

The initial groundwork was carried out by a team of the Delhi Police's Metro unit and the probe was later transferred to the Special Cell.

Kushwah said the Special Cell, already tracking activities of LeT operatives with Bangladeshi connections in the wake of recent developments in Bangladesh, intensified human intelligence and technical surveillance.

Based on analysis, a team traced two suspects to Majherpara at Hatiara Gote in Kolkata.

On February 15, a raid was conducted and two accused -- Umar Faruk (31), a resident of West Bengal's Malda, and Robiul Islam (31), a native of Bangladesh -- were arrested.

"On February 21, simultaneous raids were carried out in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, leading to the arrests of six more operatives, identified as Mohammad Mizanur Rehman (32), Mohammad Sefayat Hossain (34), Mohammad Zahidul Islam (40), Mohammad Liton (40), Mohammad Uzzal (27) and Umar (32) -- all natives of Bangladesh's Bogura district," the officer said.

He said preliminary interrogations revealed that Faruk came in contact with Lone in March 2025 and was indoctrinated by him.

Lone allegedly appointed Faruk to spearhead LeT operations in India, using Bangladeshi nationals who had assumed Indian identities.

In December 2025, Faruk was directed to conduct reconnaissance of vital installations in India and send videos to his handler.

"After completing the reconnaissance, he was instructed to visit Bangladesh for further directions and recruiting more Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India," the Additional CP said.

Police said Faruk rented a hideout in Kolkata in accordance with Lone's instructions and shared its details with him.

The premises were meant to serve as a base for terror activities. Lone also directed Faruk to arrange weapons, for which he began contacting local sources.

On February 6, Faruk and Robiul Islam boarded a plane from Kolkata to Delhi via Patna.

On the night of February 7, they pasted the pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters at 10 locations in Delhi, recorded videos of the act and sent those to Lone.

They returned to Kolkata by train on February 8.

"Lone congratulated them and instructed them to replicate the act in Kolkata. The duo later pasted similar posters at multiple locations in the West Bengal capital and shared videos with him. Lone had another accomplice, Saidul Islam, a Bangladeshi national currently in a foreign country who facilitated his illegal entry into Bangladesh and arranged his hideout there. Saidul Islam also provided details of the Tamil Nadu-based group to Lone and Faruk," Kushwah said.

Pro-Pak, pro-terror posters seized during raids

During searches, police seized pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters from the rented accommodations of the accused, along with 10 mobile phones containing incriminating material.

They also seized 25 credit and debit cards, five point-of-sale (POS) machines and Bangladeshi passports and identity cards.

Officials are probing the financial transactions and possible hawala links.

Police said the accused had procured Indian identity documents to mask their Bangladeshi origin and entered the country illegally.

Kushwah said Lone, a resident of Srinagar, was arrested by the Special Cell in 2007 under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act.

At the time of his arrest, he was found to have direct links with Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and his deputy, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

He had undergone basic (Daura-e-Aam) and advanced (Daura-e-Khaas) terror training at an LeT camp in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Police said Lone was backed and funded by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to recruit Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India for planning terror plots.

In addition to the 2007 case, Lone is also facing proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is named in another criminal case registered at Delhi's Hari Nagar police station in 2011.

Police said the timely arrests have potentially averted terror strikes in India.

The module had conducted reconnaissance of important installations and was in the process of arranging weapons.

Further investigation is underway to identify other associates of the arrested accused.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly anticipated visit to Israel is now entangled in a political controversy, with the opposition threatening a boycott over the exclusion of the Supreme Court chief from Modi's address to the Knesset.

IMAGE: Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day visit. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel is facing potential disruption due to a dispute over inviting the Supreme Court President to his Knesset address.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid is threatening to boycott Modi's address if Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit is not invited, citing protocol.

The controversy stems from ongoing political tensions in Israel regarding judicial reforms and the Justice Minister's refusal to recognise the authority of the Supreme Court President.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana accuses Lapid of harming Indo-Israel relations for political gain, while Lapid insists the government is creating the crisis.

The opposition emphasises that they are not calling for a boycott but urging the Prime Minister to resolve the issue to avoid embarrassment during Modi's visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to Israel is getting entangled in the country's domestic politics, with opposition leader Yair Lapid threatening to boycott his parliamentary address unless the Supreme Court chief is invited for it, as per convention.

Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day visit, during which he is likely to address the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

Leader of Opposition Lapid has insisted that Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit be invited to the Knesset when Modi addresses the House.

Sources in the opposition maintain that it is not a call for boycott, instead the government is 'intentionally trying to force us into a bad situation'.

"We spoke to the Indian embassy ... They are in panic from this. Prime Minister of India, Modi, is invited to the Knesset next Wednesday, something that is a matter of honour for all of us," Lapid told the Knesset recently.

"If the coalition boycotts the President of the High Court during the special session with the Prime Minister of India, we will not be able to attend the debate," Lapid told the lawmakers, stressing that another public boycott of Amit by the coalition would cause "enormous embarrassment" to the legislature.

"We do not want India to be embarrassed by us, with the Prime Minister of a nation of a billion people standing here in front of a half-empty Knesset," Lapid emphasised.

Israel's political divide over judicial overhaul

Israel's domestic politics is embroiled in a heated debate over judicial overhaul, a divisive issue that has also sharply split the population for over two years.

The country faced large protests on the issue before the October 7 attack by Hamas two years ago, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the streets every weekend for almost 10 months.

Following Amit's election as court President in January 2025, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has refused to recognise his authority as the Chief Justice and has refused to meet him or address him as head of the court.

The State Gazette has also not published his name as the Chief Justice, as required by law.

This has led to Amit's exclusion from multiple Knesset events -- including addresses by US President Donald Trump and other world leaders -- to which he would have traditionally been invited.

Two weeks ago, the opposition boycotted a Knesset session to celebrate its 77th anniversary due to Amit's exclusion.

Lapid was the only member of the opposition to address the plenum, using his speech to attack Netanyahu over his treatment of the court President.

Political reactions and accusations

The Leader of opposition's (LOP) threat has led to heated exchanges in the political circles with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana accusing Lapid of harming the Indo-Israel relations in order to score domestic political points.

'If the leader of the opposition, MK Yair Lapid, wants to harm the foreign relations of the State of Israel with an important friend of ours, who is also one of the most important powers in the world, that is his choice. An unfortunate, wrong choice, and I hope he will reverse it,' Ohana posted on X, calling such threats 'illegitimate weapons in an internal political struggle'.

The Knesset Speaker also called upon the opposition leader to explain to the Indian government why he did not choose to boycott appearances by Argentinian President Javier Milei and US President Trump, 'even though Justice Amit was not invited' to their speeches.

Lapid responded by issuing a public appeal to Netanyahu, agreeing that boycotting a foreign leader was indeed 'an illegitimate weapon in an internal political struggle' but arguing that the fault lay with the Knesset speaker.

To prevent harm to ties between Jerusalem and New Delhi, Netanyahu 'must immediately instruct Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to also invite Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit to the ceremonial meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi', Lapid asserted.

"Ohana's boycott of Justice Amit is also a boycott of the opposition, and will not allow us to attend the meeting," he said, insisting that he had 'no desire' to harm the standing of the country, Knesset and Prime Minister but he was being 'push[ed] into a corner'.

Senior sources in the opposition told PTI that 'they (the government) are intentionally trying to force us into a bad situation'.

"We are not calling for a boycott. We are calling on the PM and speaker to invite the President of the Supreme Court in accordance with the protocol," a source said.

"We hope that the prime minister resolves this and avoids embarrassment during such an important visit by a great friend and strategic ally. Everyone in Israel greatly values the relationship and friendship with India," the source said.
The Maharashtra government has appealed to the Tamil Nadu authorities to expedite the search and rescue operation.



Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A Maharashtra student drowned in the sea in Chennai, and another is missing.

The incident occurred when a group of 26 students visited the seashore.

Maharashtra government is working with Tamil Nadu authorities to expedite the search and rescue operation for the missing student.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is overseeing relief efforts and has contacted the Tamil Nadu government for assistance.

A student from Maharashtra drowned and another went missing after venturing into the sea at a beach in Chennai, officials said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Saturday, they said, but did not specify which institution the students were from.

The Maharashtra government has appealed to the Tamil Nadu authorities to expedite the search and rescue operation.

A group of 26 students went for a stroll at the Golden Beach in Chennai where three of them entered the waters, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' Office said on X, quoting information received from the Tamil Nadu government.

Mayuri Chaudhari, from Bhandara district in Maharashtra, drowned, while Jay Patil went missing and a search was underway for him on a war footing, it said.

Another student, Raj Kedari, has been safely rescued, the CMO said.

After receiving information about the incident, Chief Minister Fadnavis immediately contacted the Tamil Nadu government and is continuously monitoring the relief and rescue operations.

Fadnavis expressed grief over Chaudhari's death. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to expedite the search and rescue operation and provide all possible assistance.

Patil's relatives have reached Chennai, while Chaudhari's family has left Nagpur for the Tamil Nadu capital, the CMO said.

The state administration is in constant touch with the affected families and is providing all necessary help, it added.
The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can, the Secret Service said.



IMAGE: A sign for the recently renamed President Donald J Trump Boulevard is seen outside Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on February 1, 2026. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

Key Points A man in his early 20s was shot and killed after allegedly entering the secured perimeter of Mar-a-Lago while carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.

Agents of the US Secret Service and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confronted the individual; shots were fired during the encounter.

Authorities confirmed no law enforcement personnel were injured and no Secret Service protectees were present at the time.

The FBI, Secret Service, and local sheriff's office are investigating the incident.

A man in his early 20s was shot and killed by agents of the United States Secret Service and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office after allegedly entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago early on Sunday, authorities said.

The perimeter was cited to be around 'Trump's Florida home' by CNN.

According to a statement from the Secret Service, the incident occurred at approximately 1.30 am when the individual was observed near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.

'On February 22, around 1.30 am, a male in his early 20s was shot by US Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) following an unauthorised entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago. The individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced deceased,' the US secret service said in an official statement.

The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can, the Secret Service said.

The agents and a PBSO deputy confronted the individual and shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter.

No US Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured.

There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident.

The incident, including the individual's background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Law enforcement personnel confronted the man, and shots were fired during the encounter.

The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

'No US Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured,' the agency said, adding that there were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident.

The shooting is under investigation by the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said the probe will examine the individual's background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force during the incident.

'In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,' the statement said.
The absence of NCP-SP leaders from a key Maha Vikas Aghadi meeting in Maharashtra has ignited concerns about opposition unity ahead of the crucial budget session and upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

IMAGE: Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar working president Supriya Sule. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points NCP-SP leaders were absent from a crucial Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting, casting shadows on opposition unity in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena-UBT cited a 'communication gap' for the NCP-SP absence, attempting to downplay any potential discord within the MVA alliance.

The MVA is preparing for upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, but faces challenges due to its reduced strength in the Maharashtra assembly.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA will secure a majority of the Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra.

Sharad Pawar's recent hospitalization adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leaders on Sunday remained absent from a Maha Vikas Aghadi meeting aimed at projecting Opposition unity ahead of the Maharashtra legislature's Budget Session, with the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray attributing it to a 'communication gap'.

MVA comprises the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP and the Sena-UBT, headed by Uddhav Thackeray.

The budget session of the state legislature will be held from February 23 to March 25.

Sena-UBT leader Bhaskar Jadhav said he had personally spoken to senior NCP-SP leaders Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad about the meeting.

The NCP-SP leaders had conveyed that prior commitments would delay their arrival in Mumbai, said Jadhav.

They had suggested that the MVA proceed with its meeting and decisions ahead of the budget session, he said.

Jadhav claimed that he had also spoken to Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule on the matter.

"There was a bit of a communication gap as well, but we are all together," he insisted, attempting to quell speculation of discord within the opposition alliance.

Awhad, who represents the Mumbra-Kalwa constituency in Thane, said he was preoccupied with work related to the Thane Municipal Corporation, where the leader of the opposition would be picked on Monday.

The NCP-SP has 10 MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly.

Its chief Sharad Pawar (85) was admitted to a hospital in Pune earlier on Sunday after suffering from mild dehydration, marking his second hospitalisation in the city this month.

Rajya Sabha Polls Loom

At the same time, the MVA is gearing up for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.

Though the terms of seven Rajya Sabha members, including Pawar and three others from MVA, end in April, the Opposition can potentially elect only one candidate due to its depleted strength.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti has 232 MLAs, the combined Opposition has just 48 legislators in the House.

Rajya Sabha members are elected by MLAs.

Earlier, Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut had claimed that Pawar had expressed his wish to be renominated to the Upper House of Parliament.

However, his party colleague Aaditya Thackeray subsequently suggested that the arithmetic favours his party over its MVA allies Congress and NCP-SP to stake claim to the lone Rajya Sabha seat they could secure.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence, claiming that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance would win six of the seven Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra that will fall vacant soon.

Sharad Pawar and Fauzia Khan of the NCP-SP, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT, Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India-Athawale, BJP's Bhagwat Karad, Congress' Rajani Patil and NCP's Dhairysheel Patil are set to retire from Rajya Sabha in April.
Punjab Police dismantled a sophisticated heroin trafficking network, arresting six individuals, including an Army man and a dismissed police personnel.

IImage used only for representation. Photograph: Pexels.com

Key Points Punjab Police busted a major heroin trafficking network, arresting six individuals including an Army personnel and a dismissed police officer.

The drug smuggling operation involved Pakistan-based smugglers using drones to transport heroin into India.

Police seized 4.8 kilograms of heroin, weapons, and vehicles used in the drug trafficking operation.

Investigations revealed the accused were using their official IDs to bypass security and involved women as accomplices.

The mastermind behind the heroin smuggling ring is a dismissed police officer with a history of criminal activity.

An Army man, a dismissed Punjab Police personnel and two women were among six people arrested on Sunday as the state police unearthed a well-organised heroin trafficking network.

The accused were involved in multiple drug trafficking cases, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said.

In an X post, he said, 'In a major breakthrough, Faridkot Police, after a two-month-long jail-based interception, busts a well-organised heroin trafficking network, apprehends six accused, including one Army personnel and one dismissed police personnel, and recovers 4.8 kilograms of heroin, one weapon, and a Thar and an XUV.'

The Director General of Police said a first information report (FIR) has been registered and further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages.

In a later statement, he said the breakthrough was the result of a meticulously planned, intelligence-led operation and a two-month-long jail-based interception that exposed the cartel's deep-rooted linkages.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, who used drones to push heroin consignments into the Indian territory, Yadav said.

According to a statement from the Punjab Police, those arrested have been identified as Jarnail Singh alias Goldy, a Ludhiana resident currently serving in the Indian Army; Amardeep Singh alias Boxer, a Punjab Armed Police cadre employee who was dismissed in 2021; Dimple Rani of Ferozepur; and Ramandeep Kaur, Sarabjit Singh alias Sabba and Amritpal Singh alias Abhijot, all residents of Moga.

Details of the arrest and seizure

Addressing a news conference in Faridkot, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pragya Jain said that apart from the contraband, the police seized drug money worth Rs 30,000 and impounded two vehicles -- Thar and XUV-500 -- which the accused were using for drug trafficking.

Jain said the involvement of a serving Army personnel and a former police official points to a sophisticated network capable of exploiting institutional knowledge for drug trafficking.

"They misused their official identification cards for easy passage through nakas and toll plazas. Taking along women accomplices in the vehicles while transporting the consignment also points to a well-thought-out modus operandi," she said.

The two women -- Dimple Rani and Ramandeep Kaur -- were actively involved in the drug network and used to travel with the other accused, she added.

Investigation and mastermind

The SSP said they established backward linkages and found that the mastermind was Boxer, the dismissed policeman, who was a habitual offender with nine previous criminal cases registered against him, while most other members also have significant criminal records under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Arms Act.

"Boxer faces nine cases, of which two are registered in Haryana's Sirsa and one case by Punjab's Counter-Intelligence," she said.

Explaining the origin of the police probe, she said that sometime ago, Faridkot Police had arrested a person and recovered some weapons from him. The subsequent probe into this network and human intelligence led to the successful busting of the current network, she said.

In the early hours of February 21, police intercepted the Thar in which Army man Jarnail Singh was travelling along with Sarabjit Singh, Amritpal Singh and Ramandeep Kaur. On checking the vehicle, they recovered 1.08 kilograms of heroin and Rs 30,000 worth of drug money.

During sustained questioning, the four people revealed that Boxer was the mastermind of the smuggling network. He was traced and arrested along with Dimple Rani. An XUV 500, over 3.7 kilograms of heroin, an illegal weapon and cartridges were recovered from them, SSP Jain said.

"We found hooks on the heroin packets, indicating that the consignment was a drone-dropped delivery," she said, adding, "A jailed person is involved in the module. We will bring him on a production warrant and gather more information."

On the person's identity, Jain said it cannot be disclosed at the moment as it could hamper the ongoing investigation.

"It was found that the module was using a mobile phone in jail, through which this person was issuing instructions. We have brought up the matter with the jail authorities," she added.

Police have obtained remand of all the accused. Further investigation will specifically focus on handlers operating from across the border and local distribution points, she said.
Afghanistan, in a statement, warned that the Pakistani strikes on the provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar will be met with a 'necessary and measured response'.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ISPR/Handout via Reuters

Key Points Pakistan said it carried out intelligence-based strikes on seven militant hideouts in Afghanistan, killing 70 alleged terrorists in retaliation for recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu.

Islamabad accused Afghanistan-based factions of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as Fitna-al-Khwarij, and Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) of orchestrating the attacks.

Kabul termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty and international law, summoned Pakistan's ambassador, and warned of a 'necessary and measured response'.

India strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory.

Pakistan on Sunday claimed to kill 70 terrorists in the military strikes targeting at least seven militant hideouts in Afghanistan in retaliation for the recent rebel attacks in the country.

"Afghanistan has long been exporting terrorism. Pakistan is taking all actions to secure the life and property of its citizens," Pakistan State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said while speaking on Geo News' programme.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the strikes in retaliation to the recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu, even as Kabul warned of a 'necessary and measured response' to the strikes.

In the latest terrorist incident, an army lieutenant colonel and a soldier were killed in a suicide attack in the Bannu area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan has conclusive evidence that these acts of terrorism, including at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, one each in Bajaur and Bannu, followed by another incident in Bannu on Saturday, were allegedly perpetrated by Khwarij on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

"Responsibilities for these attacks were also claimed by Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban belonging to Fitna-al-Khwarij (FAK) and their affiliates, and Islamic State of Khorsan Province (ISKP)," the ministry said.

Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Most of the 70 terrorists killed were Pakistanis: Chaudhry

It said that despite repeated efforts by Pakistan to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take verifiable measures to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups and foreign proxies to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan, it 'failed' to undertake any substantive action against them.

"In this backdrop, Pakistan, in a retributive response, has carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of FAK and its affiliates and ISKP at the border region of Pakistan-Afghan border with precision and accuracy," it said.

Chaudhry said that most of the 70 terrorists killed were Pakistani nationals.

"There is ample evidence suggesting that most of the slain terrorists were Pakistanis," he said.

He emphasised that during the 2020 Doha accords, the Afghan Taliban had promised the world that they would not allow their soil to be used for terrorism, but the Kabul interim government had failed to live up to their promise to stop terrorism.

Pakistan on Sunday said that it expects and reiterates that the interim Afghan government fulfil its obligations.

Pakistan also expects the international community to play a positive and constructive role by urging the Taliban regime to stand by its commitments as part of the Doha Agreement to deny use of its soil against other countries; an act vital for regional and global peace and security, the ministry stated.

It further said that Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, but at the same time, the 'safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority'.

Afghanistan vows 'necessary and measured response'

Following the attacks, the Taliban foreign ministry summoned Pakistan's ambassador to Kabul, Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani, and handed him a protest note over the attacks, according to sources.

Afghanistan, in a statement, warned that the Pakistani strikes on the provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar will be met with a 'necessary and measured response'.

"Our borders and the security of our people is our sacred religious and national duty," Afghanistan's Defence Ministry said, adding that 'at the appropriate time, a necessary and measured response will be delivered to these aggressions'.

It termed the strikes as a 'clear violation' of Afghanistan's national sovereignty, international law, principles of good neighbourliness, and Islamic values, adding that the attacks targeted civilian and religious centres, calling them 'clear evidence' of intelligence and security failures within Pakistan.

The statement said that Afghanistan will not remain silent in the face of continued cross-border violations and reaffirmed the country's right to defend its territorial integrity.

Relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have deteriorated due to the alleged failure of Kabul to stop terrorists from using its soil to attack Pakistan.

Last year in October, the two sides were briefly engaged in an armed conflict in which 23 Pakistan soldiers and over 200 Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed, according to the Pakistan army..

India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to media queries regarding Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan, said on Sunday that India strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.

The spokesperson in an official statement said, "India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan."

Jaiswal further said that it was another attempt by Pakistan to "externalise its internal failures."

The statement said, "It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures."

Emphasising the reiteration of support of India towards Afghanistan's sovereignty, Jaiswal said, "India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence."
The move follows a quiet visit by National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

IMAGE: The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, January 12, 2026. Photograph: ISRO Official Social media/ANI Video Grab

Key Points Government has set up a high-level committee to investigate the failure of ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission.

On January 12, 2026, ISRO's PSLV-C62 failed during flight.

PSLV-C61, carrying the 1,696-kg earth observation satellite RISAT-1B, deviated shortly after third-stage ignition.

The government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the recent failure of the Indian Space Research Organisation's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which was carrying a strategic payload, according to reliable sources.

The panel will be chaired by K Vijay Raghavan, former principal scientific adviser to the prime minister, with S Somanath, former ISRO chairman, serving as co-chairman.

The move follows a quiet visit by National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

On January 12, 2026, ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the strategic hyperspectral satellite Avnesha (EOS-N1), failed during flight.

Along with EOS-N1, 15 other satellites from Indian and international customers were lost.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the vehicle encountered a disturbance toward the end of the third stage.

While the first two stages performed nominally, a deviation in trajectory occurred near the completion of the third-stage burn.

An internal ISRO committee has been examining flight data to determine the root cause.

The PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle that alternates between solid and liquid propulsion: The first and third stages use solid propellant, while the second and fourth stages are liquid-fuelled.

In a new development, evidence suggests that the fourth stage may have ignited even as the vehicle was descending.

Spanish space company Orbital Paradigm, which had launched its Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) aboard the rocket, stated in its post-flight report titled 'The KID Survived' that the fourth stage began thrusting after separating from the third stage despite the vehicle already being on a downward trajectory.

However, the company said it lacks trajectory data for that phase of flight and does not have precise information on when and where the upper stage -- carrying KID -- re-entered the atmosphere to around 120 km altitude.

Third Consecutive Setback

The January 2026 setback appears similar to the failure of PSLV-C61 in May 2025. "The failure of PSLV-C62 seems to mirror that of its predecessor PSLV-C61," a rocket expert said on condition of anonymity.

In May 2025, the PSLV-XL variant (PSLV-C61) lifted off with the 1,696.24-kg earth observation satellite RISAT-1B. Roughly six minutes into flight, shortly after third-stage ignition, the vehicle deviated from its intended path.

At the time, Narayanan said the first two stages had performed as expected, but an 'observation' during the third stage prevented the EOS-09 mission from being completed. He later confirmed a drop in third-stage chamber pressure.

A former senior ISRO official suggested the third-stage anomaly could have stemmed from a faulty primary or redundant valve, or another component that caused the pressure drop.

The PSLV-C62 failure marks the third consecutive setback involving missions tied to India's strategic interests.

In January 2025, the 2,250-kg navigation satellite NVS-02 was placed in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit but became stranded after a pyro valve failed to open and feed oxidiser to the engines, despite the fuel pumps functioning normally.

A defect in an electrical connector is suspected, though the exact cause remains unclear.

The report of the Failure Analysis Committee headed by former ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar, set up to examine the NVS-02 anomaly, has yet to be made public -- a departure from ISRO's earlier practice.

The string of failures in strategically significant missions has raised serious concerns within the space establishment.

"Once it is an accident, twice it is a failure -- and the third time?" a retired senior ISRO official remarked, questioning the absence of accountability when missions worth hundreds of crores of taxpayers' money are lost.

Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at venkatacharijagannathan@gmail.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the replacement of British architect Edwin Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan with a statue of C Rajagopalachari.

IMAGE: C Rajagopalachari's portrait at the Parliament house. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Prime Minister Modi announced that a statue of C Rajagopalachari will replace Edwin Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The decision reflects a move away from colonial symbols and a greater emphasis on honoring Indian leaders and culture.

The 'Rajaji Utsav' will be celebrated on February 23 with the unveiling of Rajagopalachari's statue.

An exhibition on Rajagopalachari will be held from February 24 to March 1 as part of the 'Rajaji Utsav'.

Modi highlighted the importance of freeing oneself from the mentality of slavery during the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, which has stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be replaced by a statue of C Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general of independent India.

During his monthly radio address, 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi noted that, unfortunately, even after independence, statues of British administrators remained in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, while those of India's great leaders were not honoured with a place there.

However, the country is moving away from symbols of colonial rule and is beginning to embrace symbols of Indian culture, the prime minister stated.

"A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari)," he said.

Modi mentioned that during the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' he had discussed the 'Panch-Pran' from the Red Fort, highlighting the importance of freeing oneself from the mentality of slavery.

Affirming that the Rashtrapati Bhavan is taking a significant step forward in this regard, he announced that the 'Rajaji Utsav' will be celebrated on February 23, during which the statue of C Rajagopalachari will be unveiled in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"Rajagopalachari was among those who saw power not as a position but as a service. His conduct, self-restraint, and independent thinking in public life inspire us even today," the prime minister said.

Additionally, an exhibition on Rajagopalachari will take place during the Rajaji Utsav, running from February 24 to March 1. "Do pay a visit there, to have a look, whenever possible," Modi said.

Who was Edwin Lutyens

Edwin Lutyens, in collaboration with Sir Herbert Baker, designed several monumental buildings in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and India Gate.

In recognition of his contribution, a part of New Delhi is also known as 'Lutyens' Delhi'.
Devji hails from Telangana's Jagtial district and his surrender can be seen as a deadly blow to the outlawed organisation, which now lacks leadership.



IMAGE: Weapons being displayed after the surrender of 12 Maoist cadres in Bijapur. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati, known as Devji, has surrendered to Telangana Police, dealing a significant blow to the CPI-Maoist organisation.

Devji, a key strategist and believed successor to the late CPI-Maoist general secretary, carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.

The surrender occurs ahead of the Union government's March 2026 deadline to eliminate Naxalism in the country, intensifying pressure on remaining Maoist leaders.

Devji's surrender follows internal divisions within the Maoist ranks regarding the continuation of armed struggle, highlighting the challenges faced by the organization.

Telangana Police have been actively encouraging Maoist leaders and cadres to surrender, offering rehabilitation and assistance under the state government's scheme.

Top Maoist commander and the organisation's key 'strategist' Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji has surrendered, a top police official said on Sunday.

Devji hails from Telangana's Jagtial district and his surrender can be seen as a deadly blow to the outlawed organisation, which now lacks leadership.

Devji (62) is believed to have succeeded the late Communist Party of India-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, who died in May 2025.

Another senior Maoist leader, Malla Raji Reddy, along with several cadres of the CPI-Maoist have also surrendered.

Their surrender comes days before the Union government's March 2026 deadline to eliminate Naxalism in the country.

"The surrender will be officially shown in a couple of days...they are with Telangana Police," the official told PTI.

According to reports, Devji, carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, created the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and went on to become a key Central Committee member of the CPI-Maoist and the politburo member of the Maoist party.

Who is Devji

Devji, presently working as the in charge of Central Military Commission (CMC), operated from Maad in Chhattisgarh.

In 1982, while studying Intermediate in Korutla in Jagtial District, he was attracted towards the Radical Student Union (RSU), sources said.

During the same period, clashes occurred between RSU and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members in Karimnagar district and Devji was named as an accused in the case, they said.

In 1983, Devji joined CPI ML (PWG) and went underground.

During 1983-1984, he worked as a Dalam member in Gadchiroli Dalam and in 1985 he was elevated to area committee member. He was then elevated as central committee member in 2001 and was in charge of CMC in 2016, the sources added.

Internal conflicts and calls for ceasefire

One of the influential strategists in the proscribed organisation--Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Sonu, a native of Telangana, who surrendered before police along with 60 other cadres in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district in October 2025, had called for 'temporarily renouncing armed struggle' and said they were ready for a ceasefire.

His stand was met with resistance from other senior cadres, with Devji and other leaders 'appearing to favour continuing the armed struggle'.

The 'division' in outlook between the two sections within the Maoists is 'very clear' in view of the statements coming out, the sources had then said.

Operation 'KGH 2'

Security forces led by the Central Reserve Police Force had launched an extensive operation named 'KGH 2' spread across areas like Nambi and Korgotalu Hills (KGH), also known as Karregutta Hills, along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border on February 17.

About 300 Naxals, including top four central committee (CC) members of the outlawed CPI-Maoist, including Misir Besra alias Bhaskar, Devji, Rammanna alias Ganpathi alias Laxman Rao and Raji Reddy are the last among those whom the security forces were looking for, officials earlier said.

Officials said they should either surrender or the forces will eliminate them during intensified operations to meet the March 2026 deadline.

Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy on February 15 called upon all underground CPI (Maoist) leaders and cadre, including some 15 remaining ultras from Telangana to give up arms.

He had stated that those who choose to join the mainstream will be extended immediate assistance and benefits under the state government's 'Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme'.

Over the past two years, 588 Maoist leaders and cadres at various levels have rejoined normal life through the sustained efforts of Telangana Police, Reddy earlier said.
This American redeployment comes amidst growing anxieties regarding a potential direct military conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photograph: Reuters/ANI Photo

The United States has commenced the strategic movement of military personnel stationed at various installations across the Middle East for undisclosed missions.

This redeployment comes amidst growing anxieties regarding a potential direct military conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Key Points Hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, according to information provided by Pentagon officials

Military experts consulted on the matter suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025.

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, a recent disclosure from The New York Times indicates that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, according to information provided by Pentagon officials.

Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Government officials are reportedly apprehensive that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed within the region could serve as the primary target of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war.

Military experts consulted on the matter suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities provided the US with advance notice.

The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in case of an American attack, ''all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.''

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly augmenting its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces and interests.

This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation.

The Jerusalem Post noted that these manoeuvres reflect a high level of preparedness for a potentially prolonged engagement.

While the Trump administration officially remains dedicated to seeking a diplomatic resolution to the standoff, several insiders believe that current offers from Tehran are not enough to deter US President Donald Trump from initiating military strikes.

The Jerusalem Post further indicated that internal planning has become increasingly granular and ambitious as the President has recently floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.
Tiruppur Exporters' body said that the arrests were unexpected and assured that they would restart the awareness drive among all the members to check before they appoint the migrant labourers in their units.

IMAGE: The arrested suspects at a railway station in Tamil Nadu befire being taken to New Delhi by train, February 22, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA) president KM Subramanian on Sunday, expressed concern over the arrest by the Delhi Special Police of six Bangladeshi workers from factories in Tiruppur city in Tamil Nadu.

He stated that the association has already instructed its members to be cautious while hiring migrant labourers.

Key Points The exporters' body said it will raise awareness among exporters and domestic manufacturers to verify the identity of workers

The association stated that it has already instructed its members to be cautious while hiring migrant labourers

Six Bangladeshi workers were arrested from various Tiruppur factories by the Delhi Special Police and two from other TN towns

"We came to know that six Bangladeshi workers were arrested from various Tiruppur factories by the Delhi Special Police. This is unacceptable, and we already gave a lot of instructions to all our members, exporters and other stakeholders in Tiruppur. But this was unexpected. We will again raise awareness among all our members to double-check before they appoint the migrant labourers..." while speaking to ANI.

He said that TEA will also conduct a meeting to raise awareness among exporters and domestic manufacturers to verify the identity of workers.

"We will conduct a meeting again, and we will give awareness to all our exporters and domestic manufacturers to be very cautious".

The Delhi police on Sunday arrested six individuals in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu for allegedly posting content in support of Pakistan-based terrorist organisations, officials said.

According to the police, the arrests followed intelligence reports and a special team's investigation, revealing that the suspects used fake Aadhaar cards to hide their identities and work in the garment industry.

A special team of the Delhi Police Q Branch arrived in the district to lead the investigation. During the probe, officials tracked down the six suspects from various locations -- two from Uthukuli, three from Palladam, and one from the Thirumuruganpoondi area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were allegedly using fraudulent Aadhaar cards to conceal their identities and secure employment in the Tiruppur garment industry.

Authorities seized eight mobile phones and sixteen SIM cards from the accused during the operation.

The arrested individuals were taken to Delhi by train for further investigation.

Earlier, an intelligence alert was issued in the national capital following inputs warning of a possible terror threat near the Red Fort, with sources stating that terrorists may target a temple in the Chandni Chowk area.

According to intelligence sources, key religious places, including areas around the Red Fort and parts of Chandni Chowk, remain on the radar of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT).

Inputs suggest that the group may be plotting an improvised explosive device (IED) attack and that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be a potential target.

Sources further indicated that the outfit is allegedly seeking to avenge a February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, and may be planning a major strike in India.

"Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6th mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba," Intelligence sources said.

Sources further stated that prominent temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba, indicating that prominent religious places remain on the group's radar.
BJP-Congress clashed at several locations across the country as the Youth Congress AI Summit protest drew sharp criticism not only from rival parties but also from within the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies

IMAGE: BJP workers clash with Congress workers during a protest over the Indian Youth Congress protest at the India AI Impact Summit, in Bhopal, February 21, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress workers clashed in several places across India on Saturday as the ruling party took to the streets to protest against the Indian Youth Congress' "shirtless" agitation at the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam.

Key Points The Bhopal police booked seven BJP workers over a clash involving stone-pelting and physical assault between the BJP and Congress members at MPCC office

BJP Yuva Morcha members gathered in large numbers in different cities to protest against the Congress, demanding that MP Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation

Shiv Sena workers also protest against Rahul Gandhi in Pune

Cadres of the Indian Youth Congress on Friday staged a 'shirtless' protest stunt against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticising the AI Impact Summit and accusing the PM of being "compromised" over the India-US trade deal framework.

The Patiala house court rejected the bail applications of all four arrested Indian Youth Congress workers and sent the accused to police custody for five days.

The Bhopal police on Saturday booked seven BJP workers at the Habibganj Police Station over a clash involving stone-pelting and physical assault between the BJP and Congress members at the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh also witnessed a tense atmosphere amid confrontation between the party workers.

Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha members gathered in large numbers in different cities to protest against the Congress, demanding that MP Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation.

Shiv Sena workers also protest against Rahul Gandhi in Pune, Maharashtra.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticised the Congress as "anti-youth." Vaishnaw stated that all of them had condemned the act by the Indian Youth Congress.

"In the AI summit, various technical solutions have been presented, startups that performed very well...There is a huge enthusiasm even on the fifth day of the summit...When I interacted with many exhibitors, they said that the way the youth Congress workers created a ruckus in the summit, they all condemned it and called it shameful. This shows that they (Congress) are stooping so low in politics. The Congress party is anti-youth," Vaishnaw said.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Congress leaders of justifying such "obscene" rather than apologising to the nation. Speaking to the reporters in the national capital, Rijiju said that at a time when the whole global community and tech leaders are in India and praising the country's leadership in the field of Artificial Intelligence, the Congress workers were indulging in "obscene" behaviour at the AI Summit venue.

"Yesterday (Friday) at Bharat Mandapam, when people from the global AI and tech community had come to India and were praising India, under the leadership of India's Prime Minister, India had taken a very positive initiative to unite the world and move it forward under India's leadership. There was praise everywhere, and heads of state, heads of government and many well-known personalities from leading countries of the world were appreciating India and working together in unity," Rijiju said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also lashed out at the IYC, alleging that the act has tarnished the country's reputation on the global stage.

Fadnavis said, "The Youth Congress has defamed the nation. There is a discussion all over the world of the AI Summit. I condemn this protest. The Congress party has lost its mental balance, and they are not even able to see what is in the best interests of the nation."

Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva said, "Rahul Gandhi has stooped to a level where now they have started protesting against the nation just to protest against PM Modi. The AI summit was not a political level; it was an international event."

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, "They have violated the norms of democracy. Are they anti-Modi or have they now become anti-India? Congress is defaming India on the international stage. What kind of politics is this?... Rahul Gandhi, while opposing Modi, has started opposing India."

Criticism for Congress poured in from all directions, where not only BJP's ally in the National Democratic Alliance, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagm, called the act "irresponsible," but also other parties condemned the protest at Bharat Mandapam, to an extent where INDIA bloc ally, Samajwadi Party, also stated that the protest brought "shame" to the nation.

Speaking to reporters in Jhansi, Akhilesh Yadav said that Congress should have refrained from such an act before foreign delegates at Bharat Mandapam.

He said, "We may have internal rifts; the whole nation knows that the BJP lies. But, they should have refrained from doing something that brings shame to our country in front of foreign delegates and world representatives."

Meanwhile, Maharashtra SP chief Abu Azmi maintained that the Congress has the right to protest and there was "no need to make a big issue out of it."

Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working president KT Rama Rao called it a "deplorable" attempt by the protestors to showcase their "petty political theatrics."

YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said the Youth Congress' actions brought shame to the country and added that political differences should not undermine India's image on the global stage.

In a post shared on X, Reddy said, "Yesterday at the AI Summit, the Youth Congress made us all feel ashamed. Where is our politics heading! No one should ever demean our country. Whatever our political differences may be, we should always present a united face to the world."

However, Congress MP Manickam Tagore B hit back at YS Jagan Reddy, saying his criticism of the Indian Youth Congress was to seek applause from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre.

Manickam Tagore, in an X post, maintained that criticising the government does not amount to demeaning the country.

Tagore wrote, "Condemning protest to please those in power like Modi and Shah may win applause from rulers -- but it weakens democracy. From Mahatma Gandhi to Nelson Mandela, dissent has strengthened nations, not shamed them. Criticising a government is not demeaning the country. Silencing protest is far more dangerous than hearing uncomfortable questions. When farmers' interests are compromised, what should the Indian Youth Congress do? Stay silent -- or protest? Democracy demands courage, not selective outrage. Well done, IYC."

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said the manner of protest may not have been in the "right spirit", but the BJP should instead be embarrassed over the controversy surrounding the display of alleged Chinese products at the event.

Reacting to protests by the Indian Youth Congress and the subsequent political row, Kharge said, "Whatever happened yesterday, I'm not sure that was in the right spirit. But if the Government of India or the BJP is so embarrassed, they should have been embarrassed when a university and a few other companies projected Chinese products as their own."
This Is The One Alzheimer's Warning Sign That People Mistake For A Character Flaw, And It's Actually Breaking My Heart

Alzheimers is a horrible disease that has uniquely devastating effects on the people who have it and their loved ones.

Monty Rakusen / Getty Images

Affecting roughly 72 million Americans firsthand, common symptoms include memory loss; struggling to plan, complete tasks, or solve problems; feeling confused; experiencing new problems with speaking and writing; misplacing items; making poor judgment calls; social withdrawal; and more.

While those symptoms are ones we often hear about, they arent the only ones. Theres a symptom that many caregivers arent aware of and think is a result of bad caregiving: agitation.

Its critical to first appreciate that agitation is a symptom of brain changes caused by Alzheimers disease, not poor caregiving, said Dr. Richard Stefanacci, the medical director of Inspira LIFE, a senior living program.

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The brain damage from Alzheimers makes people prone to agitation regardless of how loving caregivers are, said Stefanacci, who also specializes in older populations and Alzheimers.

According to information the Alliance of Aging Research sent to HuffPost, agitation in this sense can present itself in a variety of ways: pacing, trying to leave, angry outbursts, profanity, hitting, mood swings, throwing items and more. Caregivers may blame themselves, AAR continued, thinking its a result of their burnout, introducing a new routine or not being patient enough.

Dr. Nikhil Palekar, the director of the Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimers Disease at Stony Brook Medicine, said theres a stigma when it comes to this specific symptom.

Caregivers often feel they might be doing something wrong, which is causing their loved one with Alzheimers to react in an uncooperative, hostile or agitated manner, without realizing that agitation in Alzheimers is very common, with rates ranging from 56% in early stages to 68% in the moderate-severe stage of the disease, he said.

How Alzheimers Can Cause Agitation Symptoms

Related: 50 "Fatal" Safety Mistakes You Make Every Day (And What To Do Instead), Straight From First Responders

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Related: People Are Sharing The "Adult Problems" They Were Totally Not Prepared For, And It's Soooo Relatable

Like with other Alzheimers symptoms, it all comes down to the brain.

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Alzheimers disease is the result of brain damage to areas of the brain that control emotions, decision-making and behavioral responses, Stefanacci said. This neurological damage explains why people with Alzheimers may react strongly to situations that wouldnt have bothered them before the disease progressed to this point.

More specifically, were looking at neurotransmitters. Alzheimers disease results in dysregulation and a decrease in three neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain  serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine  resulting in symptoms of agitation, Palekar said. Keeping in mind that those neurotransmitters help with mood, motivation, energy, anxiety and more, this makes sense.

We also have to consider environmental factors. For example, the holiday season  or other high-commotion events  can exacerbate agitation and its causes.

Large gatherings with unfamiliar faces, disrupted routines, unusual foods and changes to previously familiar environments can cause agitation in someone with Alzheimers, especially [in] later stages of the disease, Stefanacci continued. Most critical is to make adjustments and accommodations to reduce the stress, such as maintaining routine and familiarity.

There Is Hope For Alzheimers Agitation

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Related: "We Immediately Clock This": Women Are Revealing The Common, Everyday Things They Do That Have Men Confused, Shocked, Or Baffled

Whether you experience agitation from Alzheimers or love someone who does, know that hope is not lost. Below, doctors share tips and other helpful information that can help you manage this symptom together:

Create and maintain routines.

Consistent daily schedules with meals, activities and bedtime are key, according to Stefanacci. When you do have to prepare your loved one for a change, he encourages doing it ahead of time if/when you can and trying to maintain other routines.

Avoid arguing when possible.

If the person with Alzheimers has a harmless belief, Stefanacci recommended not arguing with them about it. Rather, he said to focus on the emotion behind what theyre saying and remember that you cant reason with an Alzheimers-damaged brain.

Use calming approaches.

While difficult at times, staying calm and helping the person with Alzheimers stay calm is important. Speak in a calm, reassuring voice, play familiar music they enjoy and reduce confusing noise, Stefanacci said.

Know that there are helpful treatments available.

Its easy to feel hopeless when someone has Alzheimers, and to think that small interventions wont make a difference. Thats understandable  and thankfully not true.

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This symptom can be effectively treated with behavioral interventions as well as medication, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of agitation in Alzheimers disease, Palekar said.

To get to that point, he recommended discussing any agitation-like symptoms with the patients medical provider.

Similar to the tips above, Palekar listed some specific, non-pharmacological interventions that can decrease agitation, too:

Maintaining a daily routine and structure

Reducing noise and clutter

Gentle touching

Soothing music

Reading

Walking (ideally outside in the sunlight)

Staying busy with distractions, like snacks, objects, or fun activities

Avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, late in the day.

Take care of yourself as a caregiver.

Ronnie Kaufman / Getty Images

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Related: Medical Professionals Are Sharing 20 Patients Who Turned Out To Be Correct About Wild Self-Diagnoses

Being a caregiver is hard work, to understate it. Stefanacci urges these individuals to seek support from other caregivers, support groups and counseling. He also mentioned giving yourself permission to simplify or skip holiday traditions that are simply too overwhelming.

In short, its normal for someone with Alzheimers to show agitation  and thats on Alzheimers, not anything the caregiver has done. As someone with Alzheimers or their loved one, know that you are not alone, and that people are available and want to support you.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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Several villages in western Serbia, known for their agricultural production, have found themselves on the route of a highway to Montenegro, which is being built by the Chinese company CCCC. But expropriation process has triggered a string of lawsuits as the Serbian government looks to connect to one of China's largest infrastructure projects in the Balkans.
BRUSSELS -- Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western policymakers have debated whether diplomatic pressure and sanctions could persuade China to curb its support for Moscow.

But as the war enters its fifth year, China's support has deepened, providing Russia with a vital economic lifeline through energy purchases, critical minerals for drone production, and a steady flow of dual-use goods such as microelectronics and industrial equipment, senior European officials told RFE/RL.

"That's why we have a constant dialogue with the Chinese to point them toward this unavoidable point," said an EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Officials and analysts who spoke to RFE/RL say China has stopped short of providing direct military aid but has steadily expanded economic, technological, and diplomatic cooperation with Moscow. That deepening relationship, they said, is likely to grow further this year and has made efforts by European governments to influence Beijing increasingly difficult.

Analysts say Chinese officials were initially concerned about an economic fallout from the war but have since concluded that the conflict benefits Beijing by keeping Europe focused on Ukraine rather than Asia. Any predicted economic impact has also so far been minimal for Beijing, confined to small independent oil refineries and private companies without major linkages to the broader economy.

"China doesn't expect any major consequences because there haven't really been any yet," Eva Seiwert, a senior analyst at the Berlin-based think tank MERICS, told RFE/RL. "China knows that Europe likely won't sanction it fully and aims to keep its support below a threshold that won't trigger a larger response."

Avoiding Full Western Retaliation

Since February 2022, Brussels has added Chinese companies to blacklists, viewing them as part of supply chains or financial flows linked to Russia's battlefield efforts. The list is expected to expand further in the EU's upcoming 20th sanctions package, which will be made public on February 24, the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

A draft version seen by RFE/RL shows it contains several new Chinese entities.

But those measures have not curtailed Chinese support. Even as India, a top buyer of Russian oil, recently began to slash its purchases, Beijing has stepped in to fill the void. According to data analytics firm Kpler, Russia's oil imports to China reached a record high in February after increasing over the last three months.

Benjamin Schmitt, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and Perry World House, told RFE/RL that "there simply hasn't been sufficient sanctions and technology export controls enforcement to match the stated policy goal of curbing Beijing's support of Moscow."

He said the gap reflects a broader problem: Sanctions have expanded faster than Western governments' ability to enforce them.

"This means that the policy impact of both sanctions and export controls often lags badly behind the scope of the sanctions policy enacted by lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic," said Schmitt, who is a former US State Department official.

China now accounts for more than 40 percent of Russia's oil exports and has become the main supplier of high-priority dual-use goods. On top of that, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has helped counter diplomatic pressure against Russian President Vladimir Putin by interacting with him 19 times through in-person meetings or phone calls since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Artur Kharitonov, president of the Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine, told RFE/RL that because of the flow of goods and technologies from China, "Russia can continue this war for as long as necessary."

The two countries have also sought to bypass Western sanctions by shifting trade into rubles and yuan. Russian officials say 99 percent of bilateral trade in 2025 used the two currencies.

The EU has also avoided sweeping sectoral sanctions on Beijing due to the strong economic ties between the bloc and China.

EUChina trade reached about $785 billion in 2024, underscoring why European leaders have been cautious about sweeping sanctions on Beijing.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told RFE/RL this leaves Europe somewhat dependent on China and forced to decide between protecting its economy or "shooting itself in the foot" by hitting China harder with sanctions and export controls.

Tsahkna visited Beijing in November as part of an Estonian delegation, and he said Tallinn and other European capitals continue to push Chinese officials to influence Putin and his actions toward Ukraine.

Europe's China Dilemma

European officials have argued that only by engaging with Xi can they hope to influence his position on security issues.

"In all my dialogue with [Chinese Foreign Minister] Wang Yi, our prime minister's with Xi Jinping, and even publicly, we have always said that we expect [Beijing] to use their influence," Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told RFE/RL.

But amid trade tensions with Washington, European leaders have recently stepped up engagement with Beijing, with French President Emmanuel Macron traveling to China at the end of 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visiting this year, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set to visit this month.

US President Donald Trump is also expected to meet Xi in China in April.

Wang looked to capitalize on any diplomatic openings when he spoke at the Munich Security Conference on February 14 and said China is not a party that's directly involved and "doesn't have the final say" on any political settlement in Ukraine, but that Beijing "will, in our own way, give our full support for the peace process."

Wang met with multiple European officials in Munich, including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who told RFE/RL that Kyiv is "interested in further developing this track of mutually beneficial cooperation" with Beijing. China is Ukraine's top individual trading partner, with $21 billion in trade last year.

"China doesn't want to see Russia defeated, but they also don't want to have a triumphant Russia next to them," Gunnar Wiegand, a former senior EU official and fellow at the German Marshall Fund, told RFE/RL. "So they don't want to give up their links to Ukraine, and still underline that they support Ukraine's territorial integrity."

China and Russia's relationship has shifted over recent decades, from Cold War rivalry to closer alignment under Xi and Putin.

Western officials said distrust remains between Beijing and Moscow but their shared opposition to Western pressure outweighs those differences.

"China is not rescuing Russia, but at the same time it is not rescuing Ukraine, either," Vita Holod, a board member of the Ukrainian Association of Sinologists, told RFE/RL. "It's a kind of strategic Chinese neutrality."
The Iranian government, facing pressure at home with a growing opposition and globally with threats of a US military strike, appears ready for a third round of Omani-mediated talks with American negotiators in the upcoming week.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi on February 22 said talks would resume on February 26 in Geneva "with a positive push to go the extra mile toward finalizing the deal" over Iran's nuclear program.

In separate remarks, the Iranian government suggested talks in the Swiss city on that date. US officials did not immediately comment.

The US administration has been pressuring Iran to agree to curtail its nuclear program, which Tehran insists is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes such as electricity generation. Washington, along with Israel and others in the West, has accused Tehran of intending to build atomic weapons.

Trump Warnings On Protests

US President Donald Trump has also warned Tehran against further violence against anti-government demonstrators and threatened military action against the regime.

Trump dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups, with dozens of fighter jets and bombers to the region, and other military planes and supporting forces have been spotted flying into air bases in the Middle East.

In a speech broadcast live by state TV on February 21, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian said his country would not give in to pressure from world powers.

"World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads.... But we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us," Pezeshkian said.

'Encouraging Signs'

However, in a social media post on February 22, Pezeshkian -- considered a relative moderate by many observers -- said previous talks had "yielded encouraging signals."

Tehran has said it was in the process of drafting a proposal for an agreement that would avert military action.

"I believe that when we meet, probably [February 26] in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told CBS-TV on February 22.

"If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves," Araqchi said. Still, he added, "there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution."

Trump 'Curious' About Iranian Stance

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff said Trump has questioned why Tehran has not "capitulated" in the face of a massive buildup of the US military near Iran.

In a Fox News interview recorded on February 19 and broadcast on February 22, Witkoff said Trump was "curious" about Iran's position after he had issued warnings of a military attack should the country's leaders fail to agree to a new nuclear deal.

"I don't want to use the word 'frustrated,' because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't...I don't want to use the word 'capitulated,' but why they haven't capitulated," Witkoff said.

"Why, under this pressure, with the amount of sea power and naval power over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'? And yet it's sort of hard to get them to that place."

Iran in 2015 agreed to a landmark nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon in return for an easing of economic sanctions.

However, it started rolling back its commitments after Trump, during his first term, withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran

Massive Street Protests

At home, the Iranian government in recent months has seen a growing opposition. At least 7,000 people were killed during nationwide protests that erupted in late December 2025, according to human rights groups, although the real death toll is believed to be significantly higher.

Most of the killings reportedly occurred from January 8-10, the peak of the crackdown.

The latest protest erupted on February 22 outside the Amir Kabir University of Technology as students confronted soldiers from the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force that has played a prominent role in quashing past political protests.

The students could be heard chanting anti-government slogans, according to the social media videos. Others could be seen waving the Iranian national flag.

Similar rallies were previously reported at five other universities across the country, including Tehran's Sharif University.

Universities in Tehran have often been the scene of student protests that have taken place since the 1979 revolution and resulted in brutal crackdowns by the security forces.

Iran-Russia Arms Deal Reported

Meanwhile, in a report that could further inflame tensions with the United States and the West, The Financial Times reported that Iran agreed to a secret $589 million arms deal with Russia to acquire thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles.

The report said the agreement was signed in Moscow in December and commits Russia to provide 500 soldier-portable Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over three years.

The FT cited as its sources leaked Russian documents it had seen and several people familiar with the deal.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, and AFP
Afghanistan's Taliban rulers said they are preparing "an appropriate and calculated response" to Pakistani air strikes that killed at least 18 people in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Afghan officials said "dozens of people" were injured in the overnight attacks on February 22, "including women and children."

Pakistan said it had launched strikes on seven militant sites inside Afghanistan in a "retributive response" to recent suicide attacks it said were carried out by Afghan-based extremists. Pakistan claimed the strikes killed as many as 80 militants. Taliban-run Afghan security structures rejected the claim as "false."

As tensions escalated between the two South Asian neighbors, Islamabad said it had "conclusive evidence" that recent attacks inside Pakistan were carried out by Afghan-based extremists from the Tehrik-e Taliban (TTP) who were allegedly acting on instructions from "their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers."

The Pakistani ministry said it targeted the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, along with the TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, in the strikes. It did not immediately provide details of the attacks or describe the evidence it said its intelligence agencies had gathered.

The claims from either side could not immediately be verified.

The renewed violence comes after hopes had been raised for an easing of tensions days earlier when Kabul released three Pakistani soldiers in a Saudi-mediated move following months of border clashes in the remote regions.

A Village Mourns

In the district of Bihsud in Nangarhar Province, 18 members of one family were killed in the strikes, according to authorities and local residents.

Nezakat, a 35-year-old farmer in Bihsud, who only gave one name, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that bodies of 13 members of his family were recovered following the attack, while five more were missing.

"It was midnight when the attack happened. I was in my room, and my wife was with me. When I came out, I carried my aunt out and heard my son calling for me to carry him as well. He was injured," he said.

As residents joined rescue workers to search for bodies under the rubble, they told Radio Azadi that the youngest of the dead was 1 year old and the oldest was 80.

"We came and pulled out four people from the rubble who were unfortunately dead. Later, we called a squatter to pull out the other bodies," said Raz Wali, an eyewitness to the incident.

"People here are ordinary people. The residents of this village are our relatives. When the bombing happened, one person who survived was shouting for help," said Nezakat's neighbor Amin Gul Amin, 37.

Local police said that the bombing started around midnight and hit three districts in the region.

Suicide Attacks Inside Pakistan

A least four suicide attacks have been carried out in recent weeks. Three were in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, and one was in the capital, Islamabad, killing dozens of civilians and security personnel.

Islamabad alleged the extremist Taliban leaders of Afghanistan had failed to take "substantive action" against TTP militants despite repeated requests.

It urged Kabul to prevent the use of its territory for attacks against Pakistan by terror groups.

Afghanistan denies Pakistan's accusations that it is sheltering the Pakistani Taliban, which is an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban but appears to operate separately.

Tensions have escalated between the two countries since Pakistan conducted air strikes on Kabul in October 2025 and followed up with additional attacks on Afghan territory.

Dozens of soldiers from both sides were killed in artillery clashes and heavy gunfire last year before a cease-fire was agreed through Qatari mediation.

Lack Of Long-Term Solution

However, several rounds of talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey aimed at easing the tensions along the border have failed to bring about a long-term breakthrough.

Among the most serious attacks was a February 6 suicide bombing at a Shi'ite mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 32 people as they observed Friday Prayer.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for that attack, which was the deadliest terror strike since 2008 in the Pakistani capital.

Fighting along the 2,600-kilometer frontier has forced the closing of several key border crossings and disrupted trade and movement.

Afghan's Taliban rulers have not been recognized by most of the world community as the legitimate government in the country and have been accused of extensive human rights abuses, especially against women and girls.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Azadi, Reuters, dpa, and AFP
A police officer was killed and dozens of other people were wounded after two blasts in Ukraine's major western city of Lviv, described by the authorities as a "terrorist act."

Early on February 22, Ukraine's national police said that an emergency call had been made shortly after midnight reporting a break-in at a local store.

It added that after a patrol unit arrived at the scene, an explosion occurred and was followed by a subsequent explosion when a second unit arrived.

"It has been preliminarily established that homemade explosive devices detonated," the police said on the Telegram.

Police said the blasts killed 23-year-old patrol officer Viktoria Shpylka, who began working in the region in 2023 and married another patrol officer in autumn 2025.

At least 25 other people were injured in the incident, 12 remain hospitalized. Speaking in a televised interview, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said three people were in "critical" condition.

Olha Pidtserkovna, an ER doctor at the local hospital, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that these three people had been placed on ventilators.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the incident a "terrorist attack" and said police had detained a couple of suspects. He later added that Ukrainian intelligence indicates "the Russians intend to continue carrying out such actions  attacks on Ukrainians," and called on local communities to be pro-active and vigilant against attempts by Russian agencies to recruit Ukrainians for acts against their country. According to Zelenskyy, "the perpetrators were recruited via Telegram."

Klymenko added that further "operational measures and investigative actions" were ongoing: "Authorities are identifying other individuals involved in committing this crime."

"Police officers respond to calls every day and night, never knowing what awaits them. But they rush to help because protecting people is their primary duty," Klymenko wrote on Telegram.

In later comments, he added there was "every reason to believe that the crime was carried out on Russia's orders."

Russia Attacks Ukraine With 50 Missiles

Meanwhile, the Russian military launched 50 missile and 297 drones in overnight attacks against Ukraine, the country's air force said on February 22.

Zelenskyy said seven regions were struck, adding attacks on the Kyiv region killed one person and injured at least 17 others, including four children.

According to rescuers, many injured people were pulled from under the rubble following the attack, while one man died from his injuries on the way to the hospital.

"The main target of the attack was the energy sector. Ordinary residential buildings were also damaged, and there is damage to the railway," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Ukraine's power grid operator Ukrenergo reported Russian attacks have again prompted emergency power outages in a number of regions, including the capital.

Amid unusually cold winter temperatures, Russia has repeatedly hit power and heating facilities in Kyiv and throughout the country, leaving millions of Ukrainians struggling to stay warm and go about their lives.

The strikes came days after the latest round of US-brokered peace talks in Geneva ended with no breakthrough to end the Russian invasion, which on February 24 will reach the four-year mark.

While a new round of talks might happen again in the near future, Zelenskyy said that by massively attacking Ukraine Moscow continues "to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy."
WASHINGTON -- Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbor, hundreds of Ukraine's supporters gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, transforming the heart of the US capital into a sea of blue and yellow.

What began in 2022 as a spontaneous outpouring of shock and solidarity has evolved into what participants on February 21 described as a "heartbreaking tradition."

For the fourth consecutive year, Ukrainians and their supporters assembled in the US capital to mark the anniversary of the war with prayer, song, and defiant chants before marching toward the Russian ambassador's residence.

Organizers said the aim was to demonstrate a united front in Washington and to urge continued US engagement in efforts to end the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

For many Ukrainians in attendance, the rally was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a painful reminder of the destruction still unfolding at home.

One woman, who relocated her family to the United States during the war, said it remains vital to remind the American public of the daily hardships and existential threats Ukrainians endure.

The message repeated throughout the afternoon was clear: The war is about more than territory -- it is about survival.

'A Heartbreaking Tradition'

The rally was organized by leading Ukrainian-American organizations in cooperation with the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington.

Maryna Baydyuk, president of United Help Ukraine, which has held annual events to mark the invasion's anniversary, argued that Ukraine must be viewed not as a supplicant but as a strategic partner.

"We need the support of Americans, but we also need the support of the US government and the current administration," she told RFE/RL.

"We should see Ukraine not just as a country at war, a beggar. We should see Ukraine as an allystanding in front of a massive Russian army, holding the line -- not just for Ukraine, but for the rest of Europe and for the rest of the free world."

Nova Ukraine, one of the largest US charities providing humanitarian aid to the country, also participated.

Its chief executive officer, Ambassador Erin McKee, told RFE/RL that its goal was to highlight urgent winter needs on the ground -- ranging from basic humanitarian assistance to amplifying the voices of children, teachers, and doctors living through the conflict every day.

Since 2014, the organization says, it has disbursed approximately $150 million in assistance.

European Support on Display

European diplomats joined the rally, underlining what speakers described as essential transatlantic unity.

Jovita Neliupsiene, the EU's ambassador to Washington, echoed the sentiment that the annual gathering has become a "heartbreaking tradition."

"Sometimes we forget that this war is really happening," she told RFE/RL, warning that Moscow continues to "weaponize the winter."

She urged a sustained effort to "push back" and ensure international voices remain united in support of Kyiv.

Asked about the state of Western unity, Neliupsiene noted that while no one wants the war to persist, the challenge lies in achieving a "sustainable, long-lasting, and fair peace."

"If we continue to support Ukraine, if we continue to put massive pressure on Russia via sanctions and other economic measuresand if the aggressor knows that aggression cannot just go away without accountability for war crimes, that would be the right message and the show of unity," she said.

Her message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was direct: "This war can actually stop right now if Russia stops the aggression."

Calls for Peace -- And Accountability

Among the speakers was Pastor Mark Burns, a prominent spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump. Addressing the crowd, Burns questioned how Russia's leadership could justify attacks on civilians and houses of worship while claiming to uphold Christian values.

"How can you be a Christian when you bomb little children who are just walking to church to worship the name of the Lord Jesus?" Burns asked.

"How can you be a Christian when you allow Russian soldiers to rape women? How can you be a Christian when you bomb more than 700 churches in Ukraine?. That's not the kind of Christianity that I believe in."

Speaking to RFE/RL, Burns said he had visited Ukraine and shared his firsthand accounts of the atrocities he witnessed -- including in Bucha -- with Trump.

"The last conversation I had with the [US] president was a couple of days ago, and he said to me, 'We are very, very close to having a cease-fire,'" Burns said.

He rejected suggestions that Trump favors Moscow, calling such claims false, and asserted that the president is working toward a resolution.

"President Trump wants peace," Burns said. "He knows you cannot trust Russia."

Denys Sienik, deputy chief of mission at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, said Kyiv seeks a "credible, lasting, and just peace backed by clear security guarantees.

Thats all Ukrainians want, he told RFE/RL, while accusing Russia of continuing to wage a campaign of terror against civilians.

Sienik stated that Ukraine remains committed to negotiations and expressed gratitude to the Trump administration and other partners involved in peace efforts. However, he stressed the necessity of strengthening Ukraines defenses to save lives while talks proceed.

Washington Should Not Look Away

Some demonstrators expressed fears that American attention is waning as the war enters its fifth year. Others argued that Ukraines fate has implications reaching far beyond its borders.

Sienik pointed to the size and diversity of the crowd as evidence of enduring support in the United States. "I'm really proud to see not only Ukrainians, but Americans, with us today, as well as Europeans and nationals from other countries," he said. "Every word matters."

As the sun set over the National Mall, thousands began their march from the Lincoln Memorial toward the Russian ambassadors residence -- a visible show of unity tinged with grief.

Four years ago, few in this crowd imagined they would be standing there again, pleading for the world's attention.
Just ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, demonstrators rallied in Washington, DC, to show their solidarity and call for US support in ending the war. EU representatives and other participants asked Western governments not to turn their attention away from Ukraine, stressing that its fate matters to other democratic countries.
Don't tuck in for the night without these smart strategies. (Getty)

My parents, God bless em, were not strict enforcers of bedtime. At the tender age of 10, I was falling asleep to Nick at Nite most evenings, well past 11 p.m. I learned the hard way what an all-nighter can do to your body in high school, and by the time I got to college, I was keeping crazy hours managing schoolwork, a part-time job and a social life. Eight hours of sleep? Ha!

Perhaps you were taught all the right ways to prepare your body for rest. Or maybe youre one of the lucky few blessed with those fall-alseep-anywhere genes. I havent had the benefit of either, so as an adult, prioritizing sleep has become really important to me. Recently, I was lucky enough to talk to experts across the country, picking their brains for tried-and-true insights on what people should know to achieve a good nights rest. Heres what they had to say:

Keep a consistent bedtime

Chances are youve heard this one before, but it bears repeating. The most effective way to fall asleep faster is to support your bodys natural sleep rhythm. That starts with consistency through going to bed at the same time every day, explains Dr. Jose Puangco, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at Hoag, a health care system in Southern California. And just in case youre wondering, yes, this includes the weekends too!

Dont sleep in

Now this one, many people might not know. A consistent wake time is even more important than bedtime because this anchors your circadian rhythm, according to Dr. Meredith Broderick, a sleep neurologist based in Seattle. After youre awake, prioritize exposing your body to sunshine. Get bright light early in the day (especially outdoor light). It helps your brain understand when daytime starts, so nighttime sleep comes more naturally, she adds.

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And before youre tempted to stay in bed a little longer because you didnt sleep well the night before, dont! Trying to make up sleep by sleeping in often worsens insomnia the next night, Broderick says.

Cut your caffeine intake

Its 3 p.m., there are still two hours of work left, and youre fading fast. Weve all been there. But before you grab coffee, tea or a Red Bull to get you over the finish line, consider your sleep. Limit caffeine after noon to ideally zero, advises Dr. B. Stephen Sanders, a board-certified mens health physician based in Florida. Caffeine hangs around a lot longer than you think  the half-life is roughly six to eight hours. That means that quick afternoon coffee is absolutely still in your system when youre trying to initiate sleep.

Dont use alcohol to wind down

As tempting as curling up with a good book and a bottle of wine may be, before bed is not the time to do it. Using alcohol as a sleep aid is a mistake, Puangco notes. While it may help you fall asleep initially, it disrupts deeper, more restorative sleep later in the night. Broderick agrees, adding that alcohol fragments sleep and worsens 2 to 4 a.m. awakenings.

Put away the gadgets

I know, I know  easier said than done. But every doctor I spoke to said screens are seriously bad for your sleep quality.

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Using phones or tablets before bed is one of the biggest issues, as blue light emitted from devices suppresses melatonin and keeps the brain alert, Puangco says. He recommends retiring screens for the day 30 to 60 minutes before bed and using that time to do calming, low-stimulation activities in dim light.

For those of you wondering, What about those fancy schmancy spectacles they make these days? Nice try, but no dice. While blue-light blocking glasses can help, often the stimulation from what youre watching can also impact sleep or even increase your wake-ups through the night, says Dr. Aman Saini, a board-certified sleep medicine doctor based in New York.

And just for the record, screens should stay stashed away all night. That means if you wake up at 2 a.m. to use the bathroom, dont bring your phone with you and dont be tempted to scroll just a bit when you crawl back into bed. The phone-in-bed habit is a sleep killer, Sanders says. When youre in bed scrolling Instagram or watching YouTube, that consistent light and activity is basically telling your brain: Stay on.

If youre having trouble falling back asleep in the middle of the night, doctors recommend boring, low-light activities to pass the time. Think reading a boring book, listening to soft music, journaling or knitting.

Clear your mind

So, what the heck are you supposed to do with no phone an hour before bed? Unwind! That means no working, no problem solving and no consuming of stressful content. Instead, Broderick has a genius suggestion: Do a brain dump where you write down whats on your mind and one next step you can accomplish another day. This reduces the mental loop, she explains.

Set the scene

Last but not least, vibes people! Creating the right sleep environment matters. The bedroom should be cool, dark and quiet, says Dr. Harneet Walia, medical director of sleep medicine at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

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Dr. Angela Holliday Bell, a board-certified physician and certified clinical sleep specialist based in Chicago, says the ideal bedroom temperature is between 62F and 68F, and she encourages people to choose their bedding wisely. Breathable cotton bedding can help support temperature regulation by allowing airflow and preventing heat from building up against the skin, which makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, she explains.

Shop top-rated bedroom essentials

With Holliday Bells recommendation in mind, nows the time to upgrade your bed with these shopper-loved cotton finds.

Target Threshold Printed Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set, Queen Full disclosure, I am one of the more than 8,000 fans who've given this bestselling Target sheet set a perfect five-star rating. I've been sleeping on these sheets for years, and I have no desire to branch out and try anything else  they're that good. I love how soft they are, and they hold up well wash after wash. My favorite feature, though? The fitted sheet has tags that indicate the top and bottom, so you can put it on the bed correctly the first time. Genius! Related: The 8 best bed sheets of 2026, tested and reviewed $55 at Target

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.




February 22, 2026 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

February 22, 2026 UPDATE

Newsroom, 22.02.2026, 20:00

VISIT The PM of Romania Ilie Bolojan will make a visit to Brussels next week, where he will meet with the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, official government sources announced. The information is also confirmed by the agenda of the EC president. The visit takes place as Romanias ruling coalition is currently holding talks regarding the draft state budget law for 2026, which also takes into account the European funding that will contribute to the investment component of the budget. At the same time, in the next 2 to 3 weeks, Romania is to receive an official response from the European Commission regarding the National Recovery and Resilience Plan funds related to the magistrates pension reform, i.e. EUR 231 million. The government is also waiting for the European Commissions approval regarding payment request no. 4 in the recovery programme, amounting to EUR 2.6 billion.

FILM Two Romanian films were awarded on Saturday at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival. Atlas of the Universe, directed by Paul Negoescu, a Romanian-Bulgarian co-production, was awarded the jurys Honourable Mention in the Generation Kplus section. The film follows a ten-year-old boy in search of his lost left shoe, offering young audiences a story about courage, friendship and self-discovery. The cast includes Matei Donciu, Johanna Mild, Calin Petru, Sofia Marinescu, Marin Grigore. Another Romanian film, On Our Own directed by Tudor Cristian Jurgiu, a Romanian-Italian co-production, received the Art Cinema Award in the Forum section. The award, presented by the International Confederation of Art Cinemas (CICAE), rewards contemporary art house cinema and supports the distribution of the film in the global network of art house cinemas. On Our Own is the story of a group of teenagers from a small town in Romania, whose parents work abroad. Lacking support and prospect, the youngsters build their own community, take comfort in other children and teenagers in similar situations, according to the films synopsis. The cast includes Denisa Vraja, Vlad Furtuna, Mara Diaconu Ducica, Sofia Vasiliu, Dominique Toma, Steliana Balacianu and Robert Radoveneanu.

POLL As many as 73.1% of Romanians believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction, according to the latest survey conducted by INSCOP Research, between January 28 and February 6. Only 22.2% of the respondents believe things in Romania are going in the right direction, and 4.7% do not know or do not answer. 32.2% of Romanians name corruption as the countrys most important problem, 23.6% mention price rises, 13.4% the state of their own and familys health, and 11.7% the state of the education system. According to the poll, 54.9% of the interviewees believe that Russia is to blame for starting the war across Romanias border, 14.1% indicate Ukraine, 7.7% the United States and 9% the European Union. Asked to what extent they believe that various entities/countries would defend Romania in the event of an attack by Russia, 66.6% of the respondents indicated NATO, 47.7%  France, 46.6%  the US, 44.6%  Germany, and 38.1%  the UK. According to the survey, 67.1% of the participants agree with the introduction of compulsory military service in Romania, 30.5% are against it, and 2.4% do not know or do not answer. In the event of an attack on Romania, 48% of the respondents said they would fight to defend their country, 19.7% would leave the country, 10.5% would hide until the war was over, 4.7% would get a medical certificate qualifying them as unfit for combat. Another 10% did not answer the question.

COOPERATION Romanias deputy PM and interior minister Catalin Predoiu Friday had a bilateral meeting with the US secretary of homeland security, Kristi Noem, as part of his visit to the USA. The two officials discussed the joint cooperation agenda of the Romanian Interior Ministry and the Department of Homeland Security. According to a news release issued by the Interior Ministry on Sunday, during the meeting topics like migration management, border security, fighting organised crime and emerging threats, including risks linked to cross-border crime, were discussed. Also, the role of the Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in Bucharest was highlighted, a structure created by the two institutions and unique in the region, which works as a regional hub covering the Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The Visa Waiver programme was also on the agenda of the talks. The Romanian side emphasised the major public interest that this topic has in Romania and presented the technical tools already operational. The two officials agreed to carry on dialogue and cooperation on this subject.

GREENLAND The US plans to send a hospital ship to Greenland, for people who are not being taken care of, the US president Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on Saturday. The statement could increase tensions between NATO allies the US and Denmark, according to news agencies. On Sunday the Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the Arctic island of the Kingdom of Denmark does not need such an initiative. Donald Trump said he was working with Jeff Landry, who was appointed US special envoy for Greenland in December. The US Navy has two hospital ships with 100 beds each, including 80 for intensive care, generally deployed after natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes. With a population of about 57,000, Greenland has not reported significant medical needs recently that would justify the presence of a hospital ship. The US president has threatened several times in recent weeks to annex Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory rich in rare metals, straining transatlantic relations. European countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom and France have supported Denmark and Greenland, rejecting the idea of turning the Arctic island into US territory.

IRAN Iran once again sees public protests criticising or challenging the Islamic Republic, as 40 days of mourning are observed for those killed in the January protests. Students with several Iranian universities have staged anti-government demonstrations and even clashed with pro-regime volunteer militias. News agencies report that the regime in Tehran continues to face public discontent and risks new rallies, amid a deepening economic crisis and after the crackdown on last months protests, with tens of thousands of people arrested or summoned to give statements, according to human rights organisations in Iran. Separately, the Iranian foreign ministry announced that Iran has designated the naval and air forces of all EU member states as terrorist organisations, in response to the blocs decision on Thursday to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its list of terrorist organisations. This decision triggers restrictive measures under the EUs anti-terrorism sanctions regime, including the freezing of funds and other financial assets or economic resources of the IRGC in member states. The EUs decision comes amid heightened tensions in the West Asia region in recent days, with the US increasing its military presence and repeatedly threatening possible military strikes against Iran. (AMP)
February 20, 2026

The National Federation of Indian Women strongly condemns the reported penal code introduced in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule and authority of Hibatullah Akhundzada, and stands in solidarity with the Afghan women in their struggle for justice.

The new code is the legalising of domestic violence - permitting husbands to physically punish wives and children so long as there are no broken bones or open wounds. This represents a grave assault on the fundamental principles of womens rights, human dignity, justice, and equality before the law. It institutionalises violence within the family and strips women of their most basic human right: the right to live free from fear and bodily harm. Conditioning accountability on a womans ability to prove abuse in court, while requiring her to appear fully covered and accompanied by a male guardian, further entrenches systemic discrimination and silences survivors.

Equally alarming is the formal stratification of society into categories based on religious or social status, where punishment varies according to whether the accused is considered a religious scholar, elite, middle class, or lower class. Such a system violates the universal principle of equality before the law, enshrined in international human rights standards including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Justice cannot coexist with a hierarchy that shields the powerful and intensifies punishment for the marginalized.

The abolition of the 2009 Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) dismantles hard-won protections that recognised gender-based violence as a crime rather than a private matter. The 2009 EVAW law criminalised many forms of violence against women. Replacing legal safeguards with clerical corporal punishment and suppressing public discussion of the code undermines due process, freedom of expression, and the rule of law itself.

From a human rights perspective, these measures collectively amount to State-sanctioned gender discrimination and normalization of domestic abuse. In addition, there is denial of equal protection under the law and suppression of any civic and legal recourse. Any legal system that legitimises violence against women and creates caste-based justice stands in direct contradiction to international norms of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination.

Afghanistans history demonstrated a progressive stance toward gender equality within its society. Women have voted, studied, legislated, and led in Afghanistan before. The current regression is therefore an enforced political misogynistic choice. There was a time when girls education was promoted and Afghan women were sent abroad for higher studies. Forced marriages were discouraged. Constitutional reforms were made promoting modernization. Women served in parliament, judiciary, media, and civil society

Womens rights, human rights, and equality before the law are universal rights/standards and should not be allowed to be so easily dismantled by a regressive patriarchal society.

The international community, including the United Nations and global human rights bodies, must urgently examine mechanisms of accountability, humanitarian protection, and diplomatic pressure to prevent further regression in the rights and safety of Afghan women and girls.

Thanking you,

Dr. Syeda Hameed, President

Nisha Siddhu, General Secretary
HPE is pushing a new architectural concept it calls the AI factory grid - a vision in which multiple AI data centres are interconnected to operate as a single, distributed AI system.

The company argues that while todays AI factories focus on scaling up and scaling out within a single facility, future demand will exceed the physical limits of power, cooling and space at any one site. The answer, HPE says, is to scale across.

Using high-performance Ethernet fabrics and advanced routing, AI factories in different locations can be linked together so workloads, models and data can move seamlessly between sites.

HPE positions NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet as the foundation for this scale-across layer, while Juniper routing platforms provide the long-distance, multi-cloud connectivity needed to build metro-to-regional AI grids.

The company describes its approach as 3-2-1 integration: three silicon platforms, two vendors, one solution  combining NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet with Juniper Express and Trio silicon.

For Australia, where distance is a defining characteristic and data sovereignty is increasingly important, the AI factory grid concept has practical implications. It points to interconnecting metro regions, enabling regional resilience, and supporting hybrid and multi-cloud AI architectures that reflect how organisations actually operate.

In short, HPE is betting that the network will become as important to AI performance as the GPU - and that enterprises will need architectures designed for distributed AI from day one.
The UK risks losing its position as a major manufacturing hub after a sharp rise in energy costs forced around 40% of firms to scale back investment, according to a report from the CBI and Energy UK, cited by The Guardian.

The report delivered a blunt warning to ministers, saying businesses across sectors  from chemicals to hospitality  were being undermined by the failure to cap prices and modernise the country's ageing gas and electricity networks. It also called for a comprehensive overhaul of outdated energymarket regulations to unlock investment and support economic growth.

Energy UK said electricity costs for businesses remain about 70% above preUkrainewar levels, while gas prices are still 60% higher. Nearly 90% of companies surveyed reported higher energy bills over the past five years, with four in ten cutting investment as a result. Without meaningful reductions in energy costs, the report warned, the risk of job losses, production cuts, plant closures and offshoring will continue to rise.

Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would raise the temporary tariff rate on all US imports from 10% to 15%, less than a day after the US Supreme Court ruled that he had exceeded his authority in imposing his earlier tariff regime, according to The Guardian.

The court ruled on Friday that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs was unlawful, prompting an angry response from the president, who criticised the justices and immediately ordered a fresh 10% levy under a separate statute.

In a subsequent post on Truth Social, cited by The Guardian, Trump said he would lift the new acrosstheboard tariff to the "fully allowed" 15% level under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 - a provision that has never previously been used. The law permits a temporary tariff of up to 15% for 150 days, though legal challenges are possible. Trump said his administration would use that period to develop new "legally permissible" tariff measures.

Lawyers for Ghislaine Maxwell have moved to block the release of around 90,000 pages of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that new legislation requiring their disclosure is unconstitutional, according to The Independent.

The legal challenge, filed in Manhattan federal court, seeks to prevent the publication of material from a decadeold civil defamation case brought by Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell's team contends that the newly enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act breaches the US Constitution's separationofpowers principle, claiming Congress cannot override the judiciarys authority to control access to its own records.

According to The Independent, Maxwell's lawyers say the documents - which include more than 30 deposition transcripts - contain private financial and sexual information relating to Maxwell and other individuals, and should remain sealed.

UK defence secretary John Healey has said he hopes to be the first minister to deploy British troops to Ukraine once the war ends, according to The Independent. Writing ahead of the fouryear anniversary of Russia's invasion, Healey told the Telegraph that "2026 must be the year this terrible war ends", adding that the deployment of UK forces would only take place after a negotiated peace.

"I want to be the defence secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine  because this will mean that this war is finally over," he said, as reported by The Independent. "It will mean we have negotiated peace in Ukraine. And a secure Europe needs a strong, sovereign Ukraine."

Healey said he was "proud" of the UK's leadership and "determined" to help make 2026 the year the conflict concludes. His comments follow remarks from former prime minister Boris Johnson, who argued that the UK should send noncombat troops to Ukraine immediately and that it had been "too slow" to respond to Russian aggression.

A takeover bid for troubled craft brewer BrewDog by its cofounder James Watt could preserve a stake for thousands of retail investors who have backed the company over the years, according to The Times.

Watt, who launched BrewDog in 2007, is reportedly seeking to regain control of the business after it brought in restructuring specialists from AlixPartners to oversee a sale following several years of losses. The Times said Watt has secured privateequity support for a proposal that would retain parts of the pub estate as well as the firm's manufacturing site in Ellon, Scotland, where hundreds of staff are employed.

Under plans understood to have been discussed, around 20% of the company currently held by retail investors could be rolled over into the new structure, with Watt taking roughly half the equity and his financial backers the remainder. The bid is also thought to include reinstating the Real Living Wage - 13.45 per hour nationally and 14.80 in London - after BrewDog scrapped the rate in 2024, prompting a backlash from employees, The Times reported.

Brompton Bicycle has scaled back its US presence and shifted investment towards China, citing uncertainty created by Donald Trump's policies, according to The Times. The British foldingbike maker closed its stores in New York and Washington last year when their leases expired, while simultaneously expanding in China  opening a new site in Shenzhen over the summer and doubling the size of its Shanghai store following a major refurbishment before Christmas.

Managing director Will ButlerAdams told The Times that the company had changed its US strategy because the policy environment had become too unpredictable. He said Brompton was unwilling to commit to long leases when tariff policy could shift abruptly.

"Everything that is coming out of the US is too unpredictable," he said. "Whether tariffs are on or off, I wouldn't trust them. I'm not going to sign a fiveyear lease in this environment [] It's very difficult for business." He added that Brompton's own stores sell only its products, meaning any tariff increase - potentially up to 25% - could immediately render the business uncompetitive.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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Updated BusinessCompaniesTrump diplomacy Unjustified: Australia rejects Trumps latest tariff hit Chris Zappone February 22, 2026  1:57pm 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

Trade Minister Don Farrell will press the case against US President Donald Trumps decision to increase the tariff rate on Australian goods from 10 to 15 per cent when he visits the United States this week. Farrells long-planned trip, beginning on Tuesday, has coincided with the aftermath of Trumps decision to strike back against the US Supreme Courts rejection of his broader tariff regime by imposing a blanket 15 per cent tariff rate on the whole world. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell will be in the United States this week. Aaron Francis Farrell said in a statement that Australia had consistently advocated against these unjustified tariffs. Australia believes in free and fair trade, he said. We are working closely with our embassy in Washington to assess the implications and examine all options.

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Trade Trump to raise new worldwide tariff to 15 per cent after Supreme Court loss Trumps late night announcement of the global tariff escalation, following the legal defeat of his first global tariff in a Supreme Court ruling that found the president did not have the power to impose import taxes unilaterally, has not moved past the stage of a social media post on Truth Social. A second global tariff has not been issued as an executive order. Farrell will depart on Tuesday for a previously scheduled trade mission to support the GDay USA tourism event in Los Angeles, where he is expected to also meet with senior US government officials. Australia had the lowest baseline tariff rate available under Trumps previous regime at 10 per cent, though the administration had also negotiated varying deals on different types of imports with a range of countries.

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Innes Willox, chief executive of industry representative group AiG, said the tariffs would have mixed consequences for Australian businesses. Some will get an immediate advantage, others will miss out, depending on how they trade and who they compete with, Willox said. But one experience will be universal, and that is dealing with the consequences of the uncertainty, which is cruelling investment, delaying purchasing decisions and creating unnecessary red tape. Almost 20 years ago, the top 20 economies came together to collectively respond to the Global Financial Crisis. The US is host of the G20 this year, and the rules-based trading system needs to be on the agenda. Businesses capacity to endure this kind of economic volatility is diminishing. CSL, one of Australias largest exporters to the United States, was contacted for comment, as were several mining, manufacturing and agricultural groups and companies.

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A BlueScope spokesperson said the company didnt provide running commentary on possible tariff changes. Weve been navigating tariffs since the previous Trump administration and well continue to do so, he said. Related Article Updated

Trade wars Australian beef exempted from US tariffs as Trump cops cost-of-living backlash Opposition frontbencher James Paterson said Trumps tariffs were contrary to Australias free trade agreement with the US and the nations long history of friendship with the superpower. I would hope that the president would consider an exemption for Australia from that tariff, and I hope that the Albanese government, with their new ambassador, Greg Moriarty, shortly to start in Washington DC, are able to secure that exemption for Australia, Paterson said. Canada and Mexico are exempt from Trumps latest round of tariffs, though the president has also quarrelled with those nations.

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Updated BusinessConsumer affairsAir travel Technically British: UK visa rule change unleashes confusion for dual citizens Chris Zappone Updated February 22, 2026  4:30pm ,first published 1:58pm 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

Dual Australian-British citizens are discovering that nearly forgotten family links to the UK and Ireland may prevent them from entering the countries with a cheap online pass and instead require them to take out a foreign passport or certificate costing more than $1000. The rule change, which affects anyone who is technically a British or Irish citizen regardless of whether they have taken steps to claim that nationality in practice, comes into effect on February 25 and has already upended itineraries. The welcome for dual nationals at Londons Heathrow Airport may be changing. AP As a result, dual citizens are ineligible for the inexpensive 16 ($30.50) ETA that now lets them travel to Britain. Instead, they will need a British or Irish passport. British citizens, including those who hold dual nationality, are not eligible to apply for an ETA, even if their other nationality (such as Australian) would normally require one, the British High Commission stated. This is because British citizens already have the right of abode in the UK.

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Dual citizens also have the option of obtaining a Certificate of Entitlement from the British government for a one-time fee of 589 ($1135), which can be used alongside a non-UK passport to enter the country. The Certificate of Entitlement can be applied for whether someone is within the UK or abroad. Sydney travel agent Lynton Jones has been battling to get answers for his clients. Max Mason-Hubers The rule change has set off a string of panicked conversations between travel providers and Australians heading to the UK who may be unwitting British citizens by descent. Lynton Jones, of Sydney-based travel agency The Savvy Traveller, said he had one customer born in 1943 to a father from the UK who immigrated to Australia in 1913 as a toddler. The customer never had, nor thought he could have, nor wanted a UK passport, Jones said. Now in his 80s, it would seem that he is technically classed as British by the UK government.

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More than 1.1 million people who were born in the United Kingdom were living in Australia in 2023, which makes it the largest migrant community in Australia, on ABS figures. More than 2 million people in Australia have one or both parents born in the UK, 2021 Census figures show. A traveller walks through Terminal 5 of Londons Heathrow Airport. Bloomberg The UK government warns: If you or your parents were born in the UK, you might automatically be a British citizen. Irish-Australian dual citizens are also included in the rule change because of the long-standing Common Travel Area that provides reciprocal arrangements and shared travel area between the UK and Ireland. Jones, the travel agent, says that although his client successfully applied for his ETA online, Jones noted that his information is technically wrong.

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If it was queried, he could be denied entry under the new rules upon arrival, even with his approved ETA in place. With less than two months until departure, it is not clear what he should do. As a travel professional, I dont want to give him wrong information, especially with the trip costing tens of thousands of dollars, Jones said. Related Article Updated

Tourism Heading to Italy or France? Get ready to pay a new $35 fee In another instance, a travel agent had to cancel and rebook a familys long-awaited UK holiday when the travellers realised too late that they required UK passports and could not obtain them in time. The postponement came at considerable financial and emotional expense, the Australian Travel Industry Association wrote. One affected traveller posted on a UK visa forum that they were born in the UK but had lived in Australia for 15 years. They applied for British passports for their two sons at the start of the year but have seen no progress. It has been nearly a month since any update on our applications after sending them every bit of supporting documentation they need. Im starting to panic now, they wrote.

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A UK passport  which requires periodic renewal  costs 108 for an online adult application in Australia and 70 for a child, plus a 19.86 courier fee (about $240 all up for an adult renewal). A typical four-week turnaround begins once initial documents are received. An Australian adult passport costs $422. Related Article England One of the most stunning, underrated parts of the UK is a delight While the change affects 85 countries, it has sparked a firestorm among British and Irish Australians. I think there is some confusion, said Anthony Goldman, joint managing director of the Goldman Group, a travel agency that focuses on corporate and luxury travel. Not everyone is going to register the change. The changes will also affect Australians with no claim to British citizenship. While ETAs have been used since October 2023, the new rule means they will be strictly enforced by British customs effective February 25. The ETA will become mandatory to board a plane for the UK. Flight Centre notes: Airlines will be legally required to verify an ETA before allowing travel for short visits, including tourism, business and transit.

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Despite the confusion, bookings remain strong. Flight Centre Corporate data shows bookings in January 2026 are up compared with a year ago. The British government maintains that the introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security ... and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK. Related Article Opinion

UK What you need to know about UKs new entry rules starting this week Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Goldman noted that Australians are generally used to different visa entry requirements, citing recent updates to European travel rules. The difference is that this affects a lot of Australians because theyre British citizens by descent, he said. If someone has a father born in the UK 80 years ago, theoretically they will now need a UK passport. To clear up the confusion, the government has provided a Check if youre a British citizen webpage, allowing travellers to confirm which documents they need and which queue they should join upon arrival. Underscoring the complexity of citizenship rules, numerous Australian politicians were ejected from office in 2017-18 because they unwittingly were subjects of other countries. The constitution requires parliamentarians to hold only Australian citizenship.

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with Caitlin Fitzsimmons The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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EnvironmentClimate changeClimate crisis Released emails reveal heavy political lobbying as massive gas project extended Bianca Hall February 23, 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

Woodside engaged in a concerted lobbying campaign to convince Environment Minister Murray Watts department to water down conditions designed to reduce emissions emanating from its North West Shelf project  one of the largest gas projects in the country. Emails released under freedom-of-information laws show the conditions attached to Watts approval of Woodside extending the plants operation to 2070 were changed several times after the gas giants lobbying. The future of Woodside Energys operations in Karratha has been assured. Save Our Songlines In May last year, Watt said he had imposed strict conditions on his provisional approval of Woodsides bid to extend its North West Shelf operation in Karratha to 2070. At the time, he refused to reveal the conditions, he said, so Woodside had the opportunity to respond to the terms. The documents show his department was negotiating the terms of those conditions with Woodside until September 6, 2025, before Watt announced on September 12 the 48 conditions upon which his approval of the North West Shelf extension rested.

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The released emails show Woodside was particularly opposed to two conditions: that it monitor levels of various emissions in real time, and that it reduce emissions on five-yearly intervals. On August 26, a Woodside official, whose name was redacted from the documents released by the Environment Department, wrote to department deputy secretary Rachel Parry to complain about several conditions the department was seeking to impose. The scattered rock art of Murujuga, with Woodsides Karratha plant in the background. Save Our Songlines As discussed in our meeting with the minister yesterday we received your revised document with highlighted mark-ups on Sunday and note some of the conditions that we had previously advised as needing change have not been addressed, the Woodside official wrote. One of those proposed conditions would have compelled Woodside to demonstrate at five-year intervals that it had reduced carbon monoxide, methane and particulate matter emissions to lower levels than had been emitted over the previous 12 months.

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According to Woodside: Condition 8 does not recognise that emissions intensity will, in fact, increase year-on-year as NWS production declines. Our projections indicate we will be unable to meet this requirement from 2026 onwards. The five-yearly component of that condition was later dropped, with Watts final condition requiring Woodside to maintain carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and particulate matter emissions at levels no greater than during the 12 months before Watts approval. Environment Minister Murray Watt. Alex Ellinghausen The government gave Woodside a partial win on its bid to have the departments preference for continuous emissions monitoring dropped and replaced with predictive monitoring systems for existing fuel processing. The department argued in emails with Woodside that predictive models offered a high potential for inaccurate emissions data, not allowing for the detection of emissions spikes or deviations from normal operations.

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Watts approved condition allows Woodside to implement continuous emission monitoring or predictive emission monitoring of air emissions by June 30, 2030, though Woodside will be required to implement continuous monitoring of air emissions before starting third-party gas processing. The emails offer a rare glimpse into the relationship between the energy giant and the government. On June 12, 2025, a Woodside official wrote to departmental executives to request a 10-business-day extension to respond to Watts conditions. The company asked the government department to align its public messaging with Woodsides media statement. Can you please confirm your agreement to the extension via return email as in our media statement tomorrow, we are looking to state that an extension was agreed, not specifying that it has been requested, an official wrote.

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Wed appreciate [it] if your media statement was aligned. Woodsides Karratha gas-processing plant is less than 1 kilometre from Murujuga, an ancient rock art site that holds more than 1 million petroglyphs documenting some 47,000 years of human history. More than 1 million petroglyphs are scattered around Murujuga National Park. Bianca Hall Murujuga was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025, after successful lobbying efforts by Watt. Watts intervention came after the World Heritage Committee published a recommendation last May to knock back the sites inclusion on the list over fears that industry  including the gas-processing plant  was damaging the petroglyphs.

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Related Article Climate crisis Gas giant faces strict pollution limits to protect ancient rock art Watts approval of the North West Shelf project extension is being challenged in the Federal Court of Australia and the WA Supreme Court by community group Friends of Australian Rock Art. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper, a Murujuga traditional custodian and spokesperson for Save our Songlines, said she was surprised that anyone still believes a word this government says. The government have basically given Woodside everything theyve asked and rolled out the doormat for them to keep trashing Murujuga. A spokeswoman for Watt said: The minister accepted the advice and recommendations of his department and imposed 48 strict conditions on Woodside. As this matter is currently before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

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A Woodside spokesperson said the Australian governments approval of the North West Shelf Extension followed a comprehensive and extended assessment by both Commonwealth and West Australian state regulators in accordance with statutory processes. There are three separate legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia challenging the federal governments environmental approval of the North West Shelf Extension. Woodside will vigorously defend its position in these proceedings, but as these matters are before the court we will not comment further. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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Exclusive Eating outRestaurant news Saint Peter chef Josh Niland parts ways with high-profile Singapore restaurant The departure from Fysh comes after Tetsuya Wakudas Dubai venture closed after less than two years. Scott Bolles February 23, 2026 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The see-sawing performance of Australian chefs trying to crack the Singapore dining market has taken another turn, with Josh Niland parting ways with Singapores high-profile Fysh restaurant after just two years. Niland, co-owner with wife Julie at Sydney restaurant Saint Peter, confirmed their contract had ended at Fysh, where his scale-to-tail seafood philosophy and wider repertoire were showcased after its late 2023 opening at Singapores Edition hotel. Edition is the dream child of US entrepreneur Ian Schrager. The decision to end the contract was a mutual agreement by both parties. Singapore has long been a magnet for top-shelf Australian culinary talent, but the longevity of Tetsuya Wakudas Waku Ghin and David Pynts Burnt Ends has been matched by chefs whove jettisoned Singapore ventures, including David Thompsons Long Chim and Clayton Wells short-lived Blackwattle restaurant. Josh Niland said the time felt right to hand over to the local team.

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It took a bit of time to get going, Niland said of Fyshs early days. The grind of travelling to Singapore while juggling family and a demanding top-shelf Sydney restaurant also took a toll. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Niland said Singapore is an extremely competitive market, where diners have plenty of choice with an abundance of cheaper hawker-style food and a lot of great restaurants. Celebrity chef Luke Mangan, who is among the band of Australian chefs to close venues in Singapore, agreed that the plethora of great restaurants coupled with lots of good cheap offerings made it a tough market to crack. And rents are extremely high, he said. Choice of partner is also important. I sold all my Salt [restaurants] to my Japanese partner in 2019, sadly they all went under after COVID, Mangan said. However, he remains optimistic about Singapores upside as an international dining city, snaring a yet-to-be-disclosed Singapore site where hell open Lukes Bar & Grill in early 2027. Singapores location and efficiency had advantages, Niland said. Some of the fish out of Western Australia was quicker to the door than Saint Peter.

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Fysh showcased Josh Nilands scale-to-tail seafood philosophy. Niland had a number of options on the end date to his contract, but felt the timing was right to hand over to the local team. At the end of the second year I was happy, the business had kicked on, he said. Meanwhile, Wakudas ambitious international restaurant stable includes his Waku Ghin fine diner and Wakuda venue in Singapore, plus a Wakuda restaurant in Las Vegas. However, his Dubai outpost, Sagetsu by Tetsuya, which opened in 2024, is listed online as permanently closed. Sagetsu, which picked up a Michelin star in its first year, was reported by local media to have closed last year, along with two other restaurants, at The Link, a 120-metre cantilever in the sky between two Dubai towers. Wakuda, who etched his name on the Sydney dining scene at the now-closed Tetsuyas restaurant, was approached for comment. The Nilands move follows a busy few years for the couple, with Saint Peter relocating from Oxford Street to a larger, more elegant space at The Grand National Hotel in Paddington and a number of their spin-off ventures closed. Saint Peters north-side sibling, the more accessible Petermen restaurant, shut, as did Rose Bay takeaway shop Charcoal Fish and the Fish Butchery outlet in Paddington.

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Coalition pushes new laws to bar ISIS brides from Australia

The Coalition wants to make it illegal to help ISIS brides return to Australia, under proposed new laws.
Greece is working with four other European countries to set up deportation centers in third countries, most likely in Africa, for migrants whose asylum applications are rejected, AzerNEWS reports citing AP News.

Thanos Plevris said on Greek state broadcaster ERT television that Greece was working with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark for the creation of so-called return hubs, preferably in Africa. Ministers from the five countries had already met to discuss the issue, and technical teams would be meeting next week, he said.

We are not speaking theoretically any more, we are speaking practically, Plevris said. He didnt specify which countries were being considered to host the return hubs, and said the choice of the African continent was not binding. It was the larger European countries that were speaking directly with the countries where the return hubs could be located, but we are participating too, he added.

The use of return hubs would be for people whose asylum applications are rejected and whose countries of origin will not take them back, the minister explained. He said their existence would act as a deterrent to prospective migrants who are unlikely to be granted asylum. The minister said the aim was for an initial plan to be in place in the next few months, although it wasnt clear when any such return centers could be up and running.

Located on the southeastern fringe of Europe, Greece for decades has been one of the main entry points into the EU for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Tens of thousands make it into the country each year, the vast majority on dangerous sea journeys either from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in the Aegean, or making the much longer Mediterranean crossing from north Africa to the southern Greek islands of Gavdos and Crete.

Athens has taken an increasingly hard line in dealing with migration, and its coast guard has often been accused of carrying out so-called pushbacks: summary deportations of new arrivals without allowing them to apply for asylum. The government strenuously denies it carries out such practices.

Plevris said there had been a 21% reduction in people arriving in the country illegally in 2025 compared to 2024, or 13,000 fewer arrivals last year compared to the previous year, and a 40% reduction over the last five months.

Last week, European lawmakers voted to approve new immigration policies allowing nations to deny asylum and deport migrants because they either hail from a country designated safe or could apply for asylum in a country outside the 27-nation bloc.

Plevris said the government was now focusing on returns of those whose asylum applications are rejected. The country already carries out around 5,000-7,000 returns per year, but with around 40,000-50,000 new arrivals each year, roughly half of whose asylum applications are rejected, Plevris said the current rate of return was not enough.

The Greek minister said he would be travelling to Rome next week for meetings with his Italian and Spanish counterparts. He said they would also meet with the equivalent minister from Pakistan as part of talks with countries of origin for greater cooperation on returns.
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NationalNSWBondi shooting Ahmed Al Ahmed reveals what he said to Bondi gunman when he turned his weapon on him Anne Worthington Dimity Clancey and February 22, 2026  8:45pm 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

From suburban businessman to global hero, Ahmed Al Ahmed says he will never forget the moment he stared evil in the eye and he says it was the sound of women and children screaming for help that gave him the courage to take on a terrorist. In an Australian first interview with 60 Minutes, the 44-year-old revealed what he said to gunman Sajid Akram after he tackled him to the ground, and how he is still living with two bullets from the December 14 terror attack at Bondi lodged in his shoulder. Loading He also detailed his snap decision to tackle Sajid Akram and wrestle a high-powered gun from the shooters hands. He didnt say anything. Only I can see with his teeth, showing anger, as a devil, you know? he told 60 Minutes.

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The former tobacco shop owner from Sydneys south visited Bondi Beach that Sunday evening almost by accident, searching for an afternoon coffee with his cousin Hothefa, when they came across the Chanukah by the Sea gathering at Archer Park. As Ahmed retraced his steps through the park for the first time since that fateful summer evening, he recalled the sound of happy families celebrating the Jewish tradition of light over darkness. Ahmed Al Ahmed says he will never forget the moment he stared evil in the eye when he wrestled terrorist Sajid Akrams gun from him at Bondi. 60 Minutes Ahmed can also vividly remember the moment when joy turned to terror, as rapid gunfire erupted. Im hearing heavy, heavy shooting, like a war. I can hear all the kids, women, everyone crying, you know, screaming, he said.

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Ahmed Al Ahmed wrestles the gun from Bondi terrorist Sajid Akram. Nick Castellaro/60 Minutes As Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram carried out their lethal attack from the footbridge, Ahmed took cover between two parked cars, metres from the armed men. Trying to shield himself from relentless bullets being aimed directly at the crowd, Ahmed says it was the harrowing sound of cries for help that propelled him into action. Ahmed Al Ahmed after he had taken the gun from Bondi terrorist Sajid Akram. Nick Castellaro/60 Minutes Footage from that day captured the chilling twist when Sajid Akram left the footbridge and crept along the parks edge towards hundreds of terrified and helpless people cowering nearby.

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Ahmed said he couldnt see the attacker approaching, but that another innocent bystander crouching nearby mouthed to him that the gunman was on his way. This guy kept telling me, Hes coming, hes coming and then he said, Hes here. Related Article Bondi shooting The world knows how they died. Their families share how they lived I asked God, help me. I didnt think, I just saw it, do it. Ahmed can still feel Sajid Akrams strong and muscular frame when he leapt onto his back and forced him to the ground.

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I run into him and hit him with my hand, right hand in his head and grab him into my arm, you know, his, his face, his neck, try to hold him, you know, with my arm, Ahmed said. Ahmed reveals for the first time what he said to Sajid Akram as he snatched the weapon out of the terrorists hands and turned it back on the shooter. Motherf---er, stop what you doing  You motherf---er, piece of shit, Ahmed said. Ahmed said he does not regret not shooting at the terrorist himself. Because Im a human being, and I dont wanna put my hand in blood, he said. My target was just to take the gun and stop him from killing a human being.

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Fifteen people were killed and 40 more were injured, including Ahmed, who was shot five times in his left shoulder, which he said was payback for trying to stop the atrocity and save lives. In this moment, I start screaming, help and then asking my God, Give me power, give me patience, he said. I start feeling hot, my heart starts pumping, and then I start feeling sweaty. I was thinking Im gonna die. Still recovering from his critical gunshot wounds, the reality of what Ahmed survived that day is only starting to set in for him. The murder of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest of the 15 innocent victims, haunts him the most. The youngest Bondi victim, 10-year-old Matilda. I think all the time about this girl, I cry. Why? Why to the little girl, an angel like her, Ahmed said. I think all the time about this girl, I cry. Why? Why to the little girl, an angel like her, Ahmed said.

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Two months on from Australias deadliest terror attack, Ahmed is still in a lot of pain, two of the five bullets remain lodged within his shoulder and his left hand has little to no feeling. Medical tests cant detect any nerve activity yet, adding to Ahmeds fear that he might never get full use of his hand back. But asked if he would do it again, the ordinary man who did something extraordinary doesnt falter. I will do it again and again and again. And anywhere in the world. If I have power and I have a life, I will do it. *Nine is the publisher of this masthead. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalNSWExtremism Editorial Former neo-Nazi groups rap sheets are unsuitable for politics The Herald's View Editorial February 23, 2026  5:00am

February 23, 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 National Socialist Network formally disbanded in January to avoid designation as a hate group, but amid the fetid debate erupting over immigration and race, the former leadership still has ambitions to form a political party. However, an investigation by the Heralds Michael McGowan and Sherryn Groch has revealed many former members with histories of violence remain active in Australias far-right ecosystem, continuing to play a prominent role in the anti-immigration March for Australia protests. The National Socialist Network rally outside the NSW parliament on November 8. Flavio Brancaleone The Australian neo-Nazi group inflicted massive self-harm by holding an anti-Jewish rally outside NSW Parliament just weeks before the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, and it quickly folded under new laws passed by the Albanese government to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism. Members had spent the previous six years testing the limits of free speech by infiltrating anti-immigration protests to push a white supremacist agenda, performing Nazi salutes, inciting violence against Jews and Muslims and attempting to establish a White Australia political party and even stooping to storming a First Nations camp in Melbourne.

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Our reporters found that the old NSN rollcall included serious domestic violence offenders, drug dealers, stalkers and an accused paedophile. Many served time in jail: one of the organisations most prominent members, Joel Davis, is currently behind bars after last year allegedly telling followers to rhetorically rape Wentworth MP Allegra Spender. His previous form included being convicted for drug supply after he was caught selling ecstasy to an undercover police officer at a music festival in 2013. Related Article Extremism How neo-Nazis slipped the net and used NSW parliament for their vile ends In a statement to the Herald, Jack Eltis, who headed the NSW chapter of the NSN, downplayed members criminal records, saying he had not personally witnessed any criminal behaviour and that he was honoured to be associated with them. He also said any future political party would involve more extensive background checking. But not all are so blind. The wider community has been rightly horrified by the rise of such repugnant movements. The fight against extremism will not be won by police action and tough words from politicians alone. We need a national reckoning against the appeal of this dangerous ideology, especially to young men, and how people are recruited and radicalised.

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A century ago, Adolf Hitler assembled a not dissimilar group of right-wing thugs, playing on the loneliness, grievance and distrust of a lost generation. Related Article Investigation

Right-wing extremism A scary time: Nazi terror links revealed as disbanding sparks fears of violence Eighty-one years after the end of World War II  when some 40,000 Australians died fighting fascism  it is inconceivable that neo-Nazi organisations still have a siren song for some who reject traditional values. In reality, these misguided men remain small in number, and most other Australians will instantly see through their rhetoric. They do not stand for freedom of speech or to protest. These are precisely the freedoms they wish to deny the very groups they demonstrate against under coverage of the social cohesion and unity that is part of the Australian way of life.

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These dregs are hardly the sort of bedrock membership with which to establish a political party. Noise, discord and violence are theatre, not policy. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.

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For subscribers The Herald's View  Since the Herald was first published in 1831, 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.
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Exclusive NationalNSWCrime Fresh hope for Cheryl Grimmer family as DPP considers re-opening murder case Perry Duffin February 23, 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 NSW Director of Public Prosecutions is considering reopening the case of Cheryl Grimmer, a toddler who vanished from a beach south of Sydney, after the trial of her alleged killer collapsed on a technicality almost seven years ago. The Grimmer family, who have endured five decades of heartbreak, have already begun sending fresh evidence to police in the hope of starting the prosecution anew. Paul and Linda Grimmer pose for photos with a framed photograph of Paul and his younger sister Cheryl in the 1970s. Dan Peled Cheryl was just three when she disappeared from Fairy Meadow beach in 1970 after swimming with her family. The following year, a teenage boy confessed to police: I took her by the hand and put one hand around her mouth and carried her around to the sand hills.

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However, the confession sat in a box for five decades until a review of the cold case unearthed the document and police arrested a Victorian taxi driver in 2017. His identity was suppressed to the pseudonym Mercury because he had not yet turned 18 at the time of Cheryls death. The prosecution abruptly ended just two years later when a Supreme Court judge ruled Mercurys confession was inadmissable because no parent was in the room. The ODPP, believing its case was doomed to fail, dropped the charge. Director of Public Prosecutions Sally Dowling has now penned a letter to the Grimmer family saying she was prepared to review the decision to abandon the case. Dowling said she could revisit the case based on either how the evidence stood in 2019, when Mercury walked free, or on the back of fresh evidence collected by the family.

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I also note your reference to fresh information received by your family from potential witnesses which you consider relevant or potentially relevant, she wrote to the Grimmer family late last week. I would invite you to consider whether you wish to progress with a review ... which would be based on the brief of evidence available at the time of the initial decision to discontinue proceedings, or whether you would prefer to refer the fresh information that your family has received to the NSW Police for investigation. Three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer was abducted from Fairy Meadow beach on January 12, 1970 The DPP was not an investigatory body and could not receive the fresh information directly from the family, Dowling said. Rather, it had to go through the NSW Police first. In the event that the NSW Police thereafter obtained additional relevant and admissible evidence and furnished it on this Office, it could be taken into account as part of a review, she said.

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Crime MP names man who confessed to murdering Cheryl Grimmer The Grimmer family, in a letter provided to the Herald, said they had immediately reached out to NSW Police to begin the process. To maximise the chances of the DPP Offices review finding that the prosecution against Mercury should be recommenced, we have forwarded our information to NSW Police and asked whether they would be able to generate additional evidence within three months to support the case for the prosecution to be recommenced, their statement reads. The Grimmers, who migrated to Australia from England shortly before the disappearance of their toddler, said British police may be called on to support NSW Police in the investigation. NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham last year used parliamentary privilege to name Mercury, despite the court order suppressing the alleged killers identity.

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For 55 years, Cheryls family and the community of the Illawarra have continued in their relentless, indomitable and inspirational quest for justice for this beautiful girl, Buckingham said. I take the opportunity to say directly to Mercury ... you are a coward, a slug and a murderer. Mercury was charged in early 2017 with the murder of Cheryl Grimmer and pleaded not guilty. Philipa McDonald You should do the right thing and hand yourself in, explain how you made that confession in 1971 and admit to your egregious crimes. You have not gotten away with anything. Buckingham repeatedly used Mercurys name in the debate, and it appears in the official record from parliament, but that protection does not extend to the media.

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Buckingham told the Herald he wanted Cheryls Law to change how the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 was applied in Mercurys case. The Grimmer family have been lobbying the government saying the act should not have applied to a man in his 60s, as it was reserved for children and young people in the legal system. We presented evidence that in 2019 the NSW Supreme Court made significant errors of law leading to the wrongful exclusion of a 1971 confession and suppression of the accuseds identity, their statement reads. We asked the DPP to relay charges against Mercury  supported by fresh witnesses, legislative materials, and case authorities  and to confirm there is no bar to identifying him.

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They thanked Dowling for re-considering the decision to drop the charge against Mercury. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalNSWSydneys India story Parramatta is Australias undisputed gateway to India. And its proving very good for business Matt Wade and Mostafa Rachwani February 23, 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

Start-up firm Infoneoo is typical of Indias dynamic technology sector. It was launched a little over a year ago but it already has hundreds of employees working from cubicles in a glass office tower on the outskirts of the sprawling capital Delhi. The company delivers AI-led business services to clients at home and abroad. It has strong links to western Sydney. Sukanto Mitra (left) and Manoj Matai are founders of business services start-up Infoneoo. Photo: Matt Wade, SMH When founders Manoj Matai and Sukanto Mitra were setting up Infoneoo, they were put in touch with Australian firm Aurum Ventures, based in Bella Vista, near Castle Hill. It eventually made an investment in the fledgling Indian company.

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We were looking for someone who could invest but, more importantly, be a strategic partner, Matai said in his Delhi office. The two firms now have a complementary relationship that has opened up new opportunities, he says. Ameet Nandlaska has helped facilitate investments by western Sydney companies in Indian start-ups. Wolter Peeters Infoneoos story is an example of the growing economic links between the subcontinent and western Sydney being forged by members of the Australian Indian community, especially those based in Parramatta and surrounding suburbs. The two companies were brought together by Ameet Nandlaskar, a global growth and investment adviser to Innovesta, a company based in north-western Sydney that facilitates investments between Australia and India.

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It was a real win-win situation that is creating jobs on both sides, says Nandlaskar of Infoneoos story. Im seeing a lot of interest and activity between Australia and India. Matai expresses similar optimism from Delhi. This is the time for Australia and India, he says. More than one-third of residents in Parramatta and some surrounding suburbs were born in India. There is also a large Indian diaspora population in the north-west of Sydney including Schofields, The Ponds and Marsden Park. These cultural connections with the subcontinent have helped make western and north-western Sydney a focal point for economic engagement between India and Australia. This encompasses a range of sectors including finance, IT, business services, travel, biotech and food. The Infoneoo office building on the outskirts of Indias capital, Delhi. Photo: Matt Wade, SMH

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That dynamic led Saravana Bhavan, the worlds largest vegetarian restaurant chain, to Parramatta. The company was looking to expand to Australia, betting that the Indian diaspora was growing fast enough to support them. Related Article Sydney councils Harris Parks Little India will get welcome gate, but its already running late And since opening their first location in Parramatta in 2014, the chain has found huge success; it is eyeing its 12th expansion within Australia. We have opened in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and are looking at Adelaide next. And it all started in Parramatta, where we opened based on the demographic make-up of the area, says company director Shekar Mani. He said it was demographics that drove the chain to Parramatta and fuelled the chains success. The Parramatta location is busy and it has a broad variety of patrons, from workers having lunch to families having dinner.

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Mani says he is increasingly seeing non-Indians eat at his restaurants, a reflection of the shrinking cultural divide in Australia. But Mani says the chain is powered by the Indian diaspora, who flock to the locations for affordable and familiar meals. He also believes the chains success is rooted in the diasporas growing purchasing power, and their influence over local economies. They have become the gatekeepers to the economic relationship between India and Australia. The Indian community is flourishing here. Indian migration has gone bonkers in the last five years, and they have built their own ecosystem. Mani says his chains are key cogs within that ecosystem. It is a major customer of imported ingredients and a large-scale employer of recently arrived migrants and students. Customers at Malabar Gold and Diamonds in Harris Park. Sitthixay Ditthavong

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Like many businesses that have one foot in India and another in Australia, Saravana Bhavan acts as a cultural hub, an anchor for the diaspora and their growing economic influence. The firm has 33 outlets within India and 47 in other nations. On the other side of Parramatta, at the border of neighbouring Harris Park, staff at Indian chain jewellers Malabar Gold and Diamonds are preparing for the daily rush of customers. Malabar, one of the biggest jewellery chains globally, opened its doors in the area in 2024 to enormous fanfare. It immediately attracted lines of locals who recognised the brand. Santosh Chikkamari, a business development executive at Malabar, said the business had expanded around the world following the global Indian diaspora. Just because they relocate doesnt mean they stop buying gold. They dont stop wearing gold; they dont stop celebrating their festivals. So that emotion is always there with the Indian community, and we work with those emotions, Chikkamari says.

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Customers queue to enter Malabar Gold and Diamonds at the stores 2024 grand opening at Harris Park. Dion Georgopoulos Chikkamari describes being embraced warmly by the Indian diaspora, saying there is consistent demand, driven by the growing community. During our festivals, we can see up to 200 people lined up every day. We knew there was demand, and we strive to match it. The community wanted (our products). We just had to meet them where they are. Australias Indian-origin community has grown rapidly during the past 20 years and numbers about 1 million people. About 90 per cent of Indian-born migrants live in capital cities, especially Sydney and Melbourne.

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Peter Varghese, a former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who authored an Indian economic strategy for the Australian government in 2018, says the economic influence of the Indian diaspora has expanded rapidly. When you consider that the diasporas numbers really only started picking up strongly around 2010, the impact its had has already been very significant across business, but also in terms of political engagement, he says. And that has perhaps happened a little quicker than expected. Varghese says the diaspora community has an important role to play in facilitating Australia-India trade and investment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage with Anthony Albanese at Homebush Bay in 2023. Photo: James Brickwood

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India, with more than 1.4 billion people, is the worlds most populous nation. It is also the worlds fastest growing major economy and it is one of Australias biggest trading partners. A historic trade deal signed between Australia and India in 2022 that reduced barriers to trade and investment has helped strengthen economic ties. A more ambitious pact called the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement is being negotiated. The Parramatta regions status as a hub for Australias Indian community was underscored by the visit of Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the area in 2023. Modi was feted by almost 20,000 ecstatic fans, mostly members of the diaspora, at a reception at the Qudos Bank arena in Olympic Park. Harris Park, a suburb adjacent to Parramattas CBD, was put on the international map when Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a plaque commemorating the Little India restaurant strip in the neighbourhood.

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The Harris Park restaurant strip at dusk. Jennifer Soo Harris Park, home to more than 20 Indian eateries and sweet shops, is emblematic of the diasporas contribution to Australias food culture. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalQueenslandGold Coast A huge coup: Aussie billionaires high-tech art collection coming to Queensland Nick Dent February 23, 2026  1:01am 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

The idea of Chinese art might call to mind Ming vases, calligraphy and possibly Maoist social realist paintings of heroic workers. You are probably not thinking of robot chairs with clapping hands, hanging Gothic cathedrals made of leather, or an eight-metre-long cruise ship beached on the gallery floor. These are just some of the spectacular works that will be on show for free at the HOTA (Home of the Arts) Gallery on the Gold Coast from April in This Moment, an exhibition of highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art in Sydney. Announced during a week when a platoon of dancing robots startled the world with a martial arts demonstration on Chinese TV, This Moment will offer a glimpse into the technological and manufacturing might that has helped elevate Chinese artists on the world stage.

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The White Rabbit Collection is owned by Australian philanthropist Dr Judith Neilson AM, whose charitable foundation aids public health in Africa as well as justice for women, girls and First Nations people in Australia. Judith Neilson. James Brickwood Neilson, whose wealth is estimated at $1.23 billion, has displayed her collection to Sydney art fans at her purpose-built White Rabbit Gallery since 2009. For more than 25 years I have been travelling to China where I believe the most interesting art in the world is produced, Neilson said in a statement. The amazing country is so vast, diverse, and hugely populated. It inspires so many artists and fuels such competition  resulting in the best to the worst and everything in between.

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HOTA Gallery curator Julie McLaren said the exhibition was a huge coup for the regional gallery and that works in the show would smash preconceived ideas about Chinese art. Artists working in China are referencing ancient traditions, but melding with new mediums to explore what it means to live in China today, she said. On entering the exhibition visitors would be confronted by an enormous work titled Deluge: Noahs Ark by Peng Hung Chih, made from nearly 6000 pieces of 3D-printed plastic to form the twisted carcass of a half-cruise ship, half-whale. Thats the work that we really wanted to show on the Gold Coast because it speaks to global concerns about climate and weather patterns, McLaren said, adding that she had experienced her first cyclone, Alfred, on the Gold Coast last year.

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Another work, Chorus by Liu Chang, involves 12 chairs equipped with hands that eerily come to life and give a round of applause to visitors when they stand on a podium. A lot of artists are working with AI and computer technology, but also speaking about the concerns around these technologies and how theyre part of our lives, McLaren said. Related Article Arts Its time to light the lights: World-first Muppets exhibition coming to Brisbane The show is far from a piece of official Chinese culture. Artists in China risk persecution, with arguably the nations top artist (now in exile), Ai Weiwei, repeatedly arrested and detained by authorities. Chinese artists are extremely brave. A lot of them dont care whether they get put in jail, Neilson recently told the Australian Financial Review.

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McLaren said some works in This Moment take a critical look at power structures of the PRC as well as exploring universal issues. There are moments of beauty and delight, and of humour. Humour is especially important in the times were living in now, and really important in art. This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art runs April 18 to October 11 at HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise, and admission is free. Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
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Exclusive NationalQueenslandElectric vehicles Queensland Tesla registrations in free-fall, as Musk embraces far-right Cameron Atfield February 23, 2026  6:01am 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

Tesla registrations in Queensland have been in steady decline since the electric car manufacturers CEO, Elon Musk, fully embraced the far-right in the US and around the globe. Data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads show annual Tesla registrations decreased by 34.97 per cent between 2023 and 2025. That came on the back of a 245.31 per cent increase between 2021 and 2023  and 1144.89 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Elon Musk heart going out to supporters at President Donald Trumps inaugural event. Eric Lee/NYT While correlation did not necessarily equate to causation, Queensland University of Technology Associate Professor Frank Mathmann said Musks political activities could not have come at a worse time for the company.

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Chinese EV manufacturers were increasingly competitive, Mathmann said, so it was no time to alienate environmentally conscious consumers  many of whom tended to lean left politically. These are people who care about the environment, who are happy to pay a little extra to purchase an environmentally friendly EV, he said. People on the right havent necessarily changed their position about electric vehicles. What Musk did with his political activities is disgruntle those left-leaning consumers, without really impressing or convincing the right-leaning consumers about electric vehicles. Its like trying to jump from one foot to the other without really being on solid ground on either.

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Mathmann said most consumers would not necessarily seek out a politically active brand, but they would certainly avoid one if it came at no cost. This was a clear political miscalculation on his side, at least as it relates to his association with Tesla, he said. He has multiple businesses and whether there are benefits for SpaceX or some of the other companies, thats a different question. But when it comes to his human-facing brand with Tesla, I dont think he really did himself a favour through these political activities. Those extracurricular activities have rankled some Tesla owners.

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A sticker on a Tesla spotted at New Farm Village in Brisbane. Cameron Atfield Former Tesla owner Datta Prasad, of Brisbane, sold his Model 3 in November 2024 and has since moved on from the brand. Prasad said, along with maintenance costs, Musks political activities were a factor in his decision  not so much the substance of those politics, but rather the amount of time he spent on them. Hes been so distracted with his involvement in politics and other companies that he hasnt focused on Tesla, he said. For example, his buying of Twitter was not a purely business decision.

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Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Griffith University Associate Professor Gavin Northey, as expert in marketing and consumer motivation, said at first glance it could be thought there was a correlation between Musks political activities and the drop in demand for Tesla products. But global EV production had increased by about 25 per cent in 2024, with almost 800 models available, so a saturated market could well be a more likely contributor. Competition in the EV market is about to explode, so Im not sure Elon Musks political stance will be the primary factor driving consumer decisions moving forward, he said. Instead, I think we will see more entrants in the EV market, which will mean increasing downward pressure on EV prices that are going to shape the EV market for the next decade.

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Northey said research showed views of a corporate leader did influence consumer brand attitudes, but it was not always negative. Political ideology exists on a spectrum, so it is only natural to think that for every consumer who sees the political stance as a reason to abandon the brand, there is often a corresponding segment of the market that see it as a reason to become more engaged with the brand, he said. A spokesman for the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia said figures showed there was still sustained consumer demand to EVs, including the best-selling Tesla Model Y. Individual brand performance can fluctuate year to year due to model updates, shipping schedules, increased competition and government incentive programs, he said. The broader story is that total EV sales nationally grew by 38 per cent in 2025, and almost 17 per cent of all new cars sold in December were electric. Queensland has been part of that transition as more drivers choose EVs. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Two men have been charged with multiple offences, including firearm possession, as the investigation into a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary last week continues.

The crash killed 26-year-old man Andre Roberts, who was travelling on the highway when his car was struck by an allegedly stolen truck that was travelling southbound on the wrong side of the highway about 10.30pm on Tuesday.

Footage showed several other vehicles were also driving behind the truck at high speed, also on the wrong side. The Hino flat-bed truck crashed into a Honda Accord driven by Roberts  travelling in the correct lane  and caught fire, killing him instantly.

Several vehicles were seen travelling on the wrong side of the Bruce Highway at Burpengary.

The 46-year-old man driving the Hino remains in a critical condition in hospital.
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Exclusive NationalUniversity Revealed: Hundreds of school-leavers with ATARs of less than 50 offered teaching spots Sally Rawsthorne February 22, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Almost 500 school-leavers across the nation with an ATAR of less than 50 were offered places to study teaching at university in 2025 amid fears the concerning trend will damage teaching standards, student learning and the economy. Last years cohort was the highest number of low-achieving students offered a teaching place since 2017, when 443 students with an ATAR under 50 were offered places. While the number of teaching students is growing, so too is the proportion of students with an ATAR of less than 50, which grew to more than 2 per cent of people offered teaching places for the first time since 2017. The average ATAR for teaching students was 71, compared to the university average of 78. iStock University admissions data released by the federal government show that 499 students who achieved between 0 and 50.00 were offered an undergraduate teaching place in 2025. There were also 666 students with ATARs in the 50s who were offered teaching places. At the other end of the spectrum, there were 450 students with an ATAR of more than 90 who were offered a place to study teaching. I do find it concerning that the proportion of students with an ATAR below 50 is rising. Its an awful lot, said UTS academic Rachel Wilson, author of a seminal 2022 report on teaching called The Profession At Risk: Trends in standards for Admission to Teaching.

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A decade ago, there were 562 school-leavers with an ATAR between 0 and 50 offered teaching places. That number has been as low as 226 in 2019. There is a clear downward trend in the academic attainment of students [studying teaching]. Australias academic standards for entry to teaching are neither stable nor assured. This situation poses a serious threat  negatively impacting on the esteem of the teaching profession, Australian students outcomes, and national educational and economic progress, Wilson said. The average ATAR for a teaching student across the country was 71, compared to 78 for the average ATAR of a uni student, according to the data. Research has repeatedly shown the aptitude of a teacher has a significant impact on student performance. In the decades since the 1980s, teacher quality and Australias standing in international league tables have both declined. Australian 15 year olds are 2.5 years behind their counterparts in the Baltic states.

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Related Article University ATAR in the 50s? The universities where struggling students can study teaching The risks are high if [students with low ATARs] get through their degree and get to teach in schools. We still have major challenges in meeting national benchmarks for NAPLAN and similar challenges in the international benchmark, said Wilson. Asked if hundreds of would-be teachers achieving an ATAR of less than 50 was acceptable, federal Education Minister Jason Clare pointed to the literacy and numeracy tests they need to pass. All teaching students must pass the [Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education] test. You cant graduate without it, he said. Before the 2019 election, Labor said it wanted to lift the minimum ATAR to about 80. It did not take the policy to the 2022 election, but rather offered $10,000 scholarships to a select number of teaching students with an ATAR of at least 80.

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Weve introduced scholarships for high-achieving school leaders and we have tripled the number of participants entering the High Achieving Teachers Program, said Clare, declining to comment on the impact a low-achieving teacher might have on students. The NSW Education Standards Authority said the state maintains one of the strongest Initial Teacher Education frameworks in the country, to attract and prepare the best and brightest teachers for our schools. NSW teaching students must achieve a minimum of three HSC Band 5 results, including one in English, as well as at least a Band 4 in HSC mathematics, although there are alternative pathways for students who do not meet those marks. The data also shows a 23 per cent increase in teaching offers last year in NSW, which NSW Teachers Federation president Henry Rajendra attributed to the historic pay rise won by the states teachers in late 2023. We now have a good pipeline of teachers coming into the system. Over time, this means ATAR entry scores will trend higher, he said.

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The Department of Education said the pay rise and other factors, including lessened workloads, reductions in mandatory training, streamlined accreditation procedures and fewer policy changes meant more school-leavers were attracted to teaching. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaData centres $1b data centre given planning tick in just 75 days as state gets cosy with big tech Clay Lucas and Daniella White February 23, 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

Hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent building data centres all over the planet, as all of us flock to AI. But at what cost? See all stories .

A massive Port Melbourne data centre, costing almost $1 billion, cleared Victorian planning hurdles in just 75 days over summer, in a sign of the states desperation to attract global tech investment. It comes as the diaries of the minister tasked with enticing data centres to Victoria, Danny Pearson, reveal he met big tech chief executives and lobbyists 16 times last year. Premier Jacinta Allan with NextDC CEO Craig Scroggie in one of the data centres Melbourne premises. Justin McManus The Port Melbourne project is part of a wave of new data centres being built to handle Australias increasing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud storage. While AI use is expanding, there is growing community concern over data centres high energy and water needs. The Port Melbourne project will add to NextDCs existing hyperscale facilities in Melbourne; others have been built by Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, CDC, and AirTrunk.

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NextDCs Port Melbourne site had housed News Corps major newspaper printing plant, where The Age was also published for a brief period under an agreement with News Corp. The printing plant was demolished in 2024. The scale of Australias data centre construction boom is reflected in recent results from industrial builder Goodman Group, which revealed the centres now account for three-quarters of its $14 billion workbook. An artists impression of NextDCs proposed data centre (in the left of frame) in Todd Road, Port Melbourne, near the West Gate Bridge. NextDC Victoria holds one-third of Australias data centre market and is competing against New South Wales, which has 56 per cent. Data centres are increasingly built in major cities, largely in industrial areas, to be closer to users, and to access existing power and water infrastructure. These urban locations also provide the large construction workforces and specialised tech staff needed to build and operate the facilities more efficiently than in regional areas. NextDC formally proposed the Port Melbourne data centre, to cost $911 million to build, at the end of October. In January, 75 days later, Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, approved the application. She did not meet NextDC before approving the plan.

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The Port Melbourne centre is just the latest quick turnaround for developers of the high-tech buildings: AirTrunk had a $973 million Tullamarine project approved last April after 44 days, while an $85 million NextDC centre in Geelong was approved in 28 days. Government planning reports show an industrial permit approval in metropolitan Melbourne usually takes around 173 days. The Port Melbourne project was fast-tracked because its cost exceeds the $20 million threshold for state-significant developments in Melbourne. The data centre will be built on this former NewsCorp newspaper printing press site by the Westgate Bridge. Jason South Asked on Friday about the planning applications rapid approval, and how Victoria compared with other Australian states for turnaround times, a NextDC spokeswoman declined to comment. The Allan government has championed rapid approvals as a win for the states economic renewal. Premier Jacinta Allan visited the site in June, when NextDC first said publicly it would apply to build the data centre. In November, Allan promised to be ruthless about attracting data centre construction, which the heavily indebted government hopes could bring in $25 billion in private investment.

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Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said in December the major investment would mean more jobs and training for the next generation of tech workers. Pearsons diary for 2025 revealed 16 meetings with key players  including NextDC, AirTrunk, Microsoft and Amazon. In February, he met AirTrunk chief executive Robin Khuda. In March, he met Microsofts managing director Steven Worrall. In April, he hosted a Data Centre Roundtable attended by a whos who of the sector, including Amazon, CDC, and NextDC. The meetings continued through May, June, September, October, and December. Asked in December about his many meetings with data centre developers, Pearson was emphatic it was simply his job: Theyre investors in this state, yeah? And I want their dollars here.

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Pearson has said that regulation of data centres in Victoria will be light. You put AI on a leash and you let it run, he told The Australian Financial Review in January. If it starts to get away from you  then you look at trying to say, We need to intervene.  Data centres bring with them power purchase agreements signed with electricity generators, typically lasting a decade or two to buy renewable energy at a fixed price. Pearson argues Victoria can use data centres to fast track the decarbonisation of the Victorian economy. A government spokesman on Friday said it was both expected and appropriate for ministers to engage with their stakeholders, and that the Port Melbourne centre would support thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of ongoing roles once it was finished. Opposition Energy spokesman, David Davis, said while data centres made an important economic contribution, the projects required more rigorous planning and energy assessments.

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Data Centres Australia represents the sector and chief executive Belinda Dennett said the speed with which the Port Melbourne facility had been approved was appropriate because the state was in a global competition to attract tech investment. Related Article Business investment Melbourne is turning rust-bucket suburbs into a thirsty, power-hungry billion-dollar data empire Data centre investment is a priority for the states economic growth, for productivity and for jobs, she said. The [Victorian government] understands that speed to market is critical to the sector and that to attract global workloads and investment, approval time frames need to meet global standards. The speed of the approval drew criticism from the Greens, though, with Victorian leader Ellen Sandell accusing state Labor of letting huge data centres take up precious space in the middle of our biggest city. Sandell questioned both the environmental and employment benefits of the project. Once the ribbon is cut on these data centres there are hardly any jobs in them, Sandell told state Parliament last week. She said the state should not be sacrificing our drinking water, our energy and our prime inner-city land just to supplement the profits of big tech billionaires.

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The five-storey facility is on industrial land adjacent to the West Gate Park wetlands, and close to the West Gate Freeway. Under state rules for industrial zones, the development was exempt from the usual public notice and community objection phase that would happen if it was close to homes, a school or a hospital. Lord Mayor Nick Reece warned the Port Melbourne project had exposed a clear policy gap, leaving city councils without the tools to manage the impacts of such developments on energy, water and emissions. And while welcoming the investment, he called for urgent action to create proper policies for new centres. Data centres are the biggest thing to hit the energy grid since the introduction of air conditioning in the 1960s, he said. We need to get it right. The governments planning assessment of NextDCs Port Melbourne data centre, which will operate 24 hours a day and support up to 180 staff and visitors, said it was an appropriate use and development of the land and is unlikely to result in unacceptable off-site impacts. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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NationalVictoriaRetail Second Leos Supermarket confirmed to close in weeks Carolyn Webb February 22, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Foodies have just three weeks to stock up at Leos supermarkets in Heidelberg and Kew, after both iconic locations, known for their gourmet food brands, confirmed they would close next month. Last year, Leos announced trading would stop at the end of 2026, after the two sites were sold to separate developers. But on Sunday, Heidelberg Leos new owner, Banco Group, told The Age the stores final day would be March 13. Leos had not made a public announcement but on Sunday, staff were informing customers that the end would come sooner than planned. Leos supermarket in Heidelberg is closing earlier than expected in March. Penny Stephens On Monday, managers of the much-loved Kew store on Princess Street also confirmed rumours fuelled by dwindling stock and patronage that the outlet would shut down on March 13, ahead of the Easter rush. In response to questions, Leos Kew supermarkets manager, Le-Max Group, said the store may re-open under new operators in the short term, but did not elaborate further.

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Supermarkets Beloved gourmet supermarkets in Kew and Heidelberg to close Luke McKie, director of Orchard Piper, the new owner of the Kew Leos site, said they planned to build new shops on the site, including well-known and much-loved high street retailers alongside hospitality outlets and quality housing. McKie said there would also be a premium produce outlet comparable to Leos. Orchard Piper confirmed last year that billionaire James Packer would be an investor and joint-venture partner at the Kew site through his company NPACT. Mario Lo Giudice, managing director of Banco Group, the owners of the Heidelberg Leos site, revealed his company was negotiating with independent operators to open a new supermarket there.

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Shopper Sandra Andary is sad to see Leos close. PENNY STEPHENS Banco also plans to create five new shops along Burgundy Street. The earlier than anticipated closure of Leos Heidelberg supermarket saddened regular customers on Sunday. On hearing news of the March 13 closure, customer of 16 years Sandra Andary, of Rosanna, said: Im devastated, like everybody else. Its really unfair. The strip, the community needs this. Its like a hub. A guy just said hi to me, he met me during COVID and remembered my name. Theres a beautiful community that come together around Leos.

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She said Leos sold items that you cant get elsewhere and she had favourite brands like Green Nation Life multipurpose cleaner, and Earth Taste Life Himalayan Pink Salt. I buy the frozen berries, I buy good quality meat from here and nice brands of bread and milk. Andary said since the closure was announced last year she had noticed customer numbers were down and she herself had shopped there less, feeling it was harder to stay attached to the place, knowing it was closing. Lifelong Heidelberg resident and Leos fan since it opened in 2001 Gerald Sheahan said he was disappointed about the closure and having to shop at Coles now.

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Local Steve Caddy said Leos had been a community hub. Penny Stephens Another regular Steve Caddy, from Heidelberg, said, Im very sad about it closing. Caddy said while he gets staple groceries at Woolworths he gets all the good stuff at Leos, such as Sergio Valentino durum wheat semolina pasta, Irrewarra sourdough bread, and Ivans chunky Angus beef pies. The herbs like dill, thyme and tarragon are always fresher here, and theyre in bigger batches, than in other places. In addition, he said Leos had been a community hub. There are always interesting people shopping here, theres a more interesting vibe because there are unique foods, and everythings a bit fresher.

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He said there were always old Italian songs playing on the sound system. Its something that makes Heidelberg unique, Caddy said. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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NationalVictoriaHarassment Sarahs experience while hiking alone has women taking safety into their own hands Wendy Tuohy February 22, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Sarah Gibbs wanted to show women that they were just as capable of trekking alone as men. The psychology student, 30, had watched mens YouTube videos on overnight hiking, and had seen much older women bush camping alone. She decided to film her first multi-night trek to show other young women it was wrong to assume that, because of the risk, there are lots of things men can do that we cant. She chose the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track from Bendigo to Ballarat. Sarah Gibbs set out to film her first multi-night trek in the Victorian bush to inspire other women; instead, she captured her own, terrifying experience. Luis Enrique Ascui What happened after she had walked 160 kilometres through bushfire smoke and extreme heat has caused such an outpouring of fury from women in Daylesford that some believe they must take safety into their own hands.

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Ive been an avid day hiker all my life, Gibbs said. I would go to really remote areas and hike, and all these women would say to me, Oh, is that safe? I would literally say, Yeah, Ive never felt safer. But while on a single-lane track near Daylesford on January 27, Gibbs heard what sounded like something falling down a cliff or like someone was sliding down behind her. Soon after, on a water stop, she saw a man jogging down the track towards her. He sat next to her, started asking questions and placed his hand on the underside of her thigh while pretending to admire her shoes. Gibbs did not feel her experience was taken seriously by police. Luis Enrique Ascui Gibbs said he touched her hair, grabbed her hand and held it to his face, and used sexually explicit language such as, Do you want to f--- a prince?

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When he grabbed her hand, Gibbs said, his whole demeanour and face just went blank; it scared me to death. I felt, Oh my god, this is it, this is the end. He stuck to her side when she got up and was swaying into her so heavily on the narrow track that it felt like he was contemplating if he could nudge me into the bush. Gibbs recorded what she could with her camera at her side and cajoled him as she diverted towards Lake Daylesford. When he stopped to rifle through others belongings at a campsite, she sprinted off. She reached the lake terrified and shaking. Are police seriously interviewing people outside a pub and saying, Good luck, take care? Daylesford woman Tessa Gardiner, on the police response to Sarah Gibbs Gibbs called police intending to make a statement that she expected would lead to the man (whose image she captured) being spoken to by police. She told them he was still in the area and knew her intended route.

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When an officer met her about three hours later, she said, he asked to see her footage in the busy street outside the pub but did not take a statement, a response that has outraged women in the region. They say that, especially given high-profile attacks on women exercising alone, police should have acted. Sexual Assault Services Victoria chief executive Kathleen Maltzahn said that without early intervention such as Gibbs had hoped for, perpetrators are often emboldened. We know that getting away with less clearly criminal acts gives men permission to go on to escalate their behaviour, she said. The message should have been, You have absolutely done the right thing. We are extremely concerned and will take this seriously. Gibbs said the officer told her: Theres not much we can do. Keep your wits about you and if you see him again on the track, call us back.

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Concerned that no statement had been taken, she posted on a Daylesford Facebook page hoping to learn if the man was local and whether she risked another encounter. Her post drew ABC media attention in Ballarat, and when it was shared on Daylesford pages, dozens of women reported similar experiences. Related Article Updated

Violence Horrific injuries: Woman attacked by man while jogging in forest near Ballarat Daylesford shop owner Jo Sheppard told the ABC she had to pull a woman into her store for safety after a man matching the description allegedly assaulted her on the street. Sheppard alleged he had also harassed her daughter in the main street, and said she had made a police statement. Victoria Police issued a media statement on February 12 stating that a thorough investigation had been conducted into Gibbs incident and no offence was detected. After a public outcry police have since shown some renewed interest. Daylesford woman Tessa Gardiner said dissatisfaction with the police response had grown so high that she would establish a private local Facebook group for women to share information to protect themselves.

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[Gibbs story] just blew up so fast: there were so many other stories, it just felt like we could all identify with that post straight away, Gardiner said. Theres a sadness about the response she received from the local police. I wouldnt even classify it as mediocre  it sounds like a failure of policing. Are they seriously interviewing people outside a pub and saying, Good luck, take care? Local resident Liv Brown said she had recently bought hiking gear planning to walk the Goldfields Track, but that Gibbs experience and its handling had discouraged her from going alone. She has offered to help Gardiner create the safety page. Loading Sissy Austin, also a local, was attacked and knocked unconscious with a rock by a man who was never found, while she was jogging in Lal Lal State Forest in February 2023. She invited Gibbs to speak on February 15 at a local rally for her national movement to raise awareness of assaults on women exercising outdoors, Take Back the Track. Austin timed the annual event to mark the anniversary of incidents including the attack that left her with shocking facial injuries.

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Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas spoke at the Castlemaine Take Back the Track event with Gibbs and Austin. Gibbs said she was grateful that Thomas offered her help to have a statement taken. Thomas told this masthead that every woman, girl and gender diverse Victorian should be able to feel safe and enjoy the environment without fear. That they could not is really distressing to me, she said. Sissy Austin, survivor of a vicious jogging attack by a man in the bush, has been supporting Sarah Gibbs. Penny Stephens Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Hayden told the rally that Gibbs had been failed by local authorities. Gibbs said on Friday that after the rally she had been invited to give a police statement, and had gone to Ballarat to do so.

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A Victoria Police spokesman said contrary to its original media statement, an active and ongoing investigation was now under way. The details of the incident have also been recorded for the awareness of local police, the new police statement said. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaHealthcare These are preventable deaths: 40 Victorians suing hospitals over the loss of their loved ones Henrietta Cook February 23, 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

At least 40 Victorians are preparing to launch legal action against the states hospitals over claims their loved ones died by suicide after being prematurely discharged or denied critical care. In one case, healthcare workers deemed a patient a high risk of suicide just hours before he was sent home from hospital. He took his life less than two days later. Martin Angs father, Richard, was discharged from hospital hours after staff deemed him at high risk of suicide. He died less than two days later. Alex Coppel The situation has prompted health experts and healthcare workers to call for more mental health beds, staff and community services to meet the growing demand for help. Daniel Opare, Shine Lawyers medical law practice leader in Victoria, is representing dozens of families who have lost loved ones to suicide shortly after they were sent home from psychiatric units or turned away. Most of the deaths occurred between 2021 and now.

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These are not rare or isolated tragedies, he said. It is a pattern of people seeking help and being turned away, or being sent home far too early. He said clinicians were under extreme pressure to free up beds and not making decisions in patients best interests. Relatives and carers know when something is wrong, and ignoring them can have fatal consequences, Opare said. On the day he was discharged from the mental health unit at Maroondah Hospital in May 2023, clinical staff wrote in their notes that Richard Ang was at high risk of suicide. The 61-year-oldwhose mental health spiralled downwards following a marriage separation and the loss of his job at Metro Trainshad spent two weeks in hospital following a suicide attempt.

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Richard Ang died by suicide in 2023. Despite how unwell he was, he had expressed a strong desire to get better and be there for his family, said his 32-year-old son, Martin, who called an ambulance after finding his dad in a critical state at the family home in Wheelers Hill in Melbournes south-east. The hospital notes, obtained by this masthead, are chillingly specific. Ang had not only expressed suicidal thoughts to clinicians but had talked about his plan, right down to the location. But he was discharged four hours later after a psychiatrist revoked the treatment order that had kept Ang in the mental health ward. I spoke to the doctors. I was like, Are you sure hes all right? Martin recalled. He was just not looking people in the eye. He was not responsive.

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Less than 48 hours after Richard was discharged, Martin discovered his father had taken his own life. I thought I was dreaming ... Its some scene that you watch from a movie, Martin said. I thought, Maybe I found him in time. The body was cold. Martin is seeking compensation from Eastern Health through Shine Lawyers for the pain and suffering caused by his fathers death. The experience has left him needing counselling and significant time away from work. He is also calling for expert panels to determine when a treatment order can be revoked, rather than leaving these high-stakes decisions to a single clinician. While the state government has invested more than $223 million into suicide prevention and response initiatives following the mental health royal commission, many working in the sector say more is needed.

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Professor Patrick McGorry, executive director of youth mental health organisation Orygen and former Australian of the year, said patients were being discharged too early from mental health units every day. Back in the 80s, we would keep someone with an acute episode in for six weeks and then carefully plan the discharge, he said. Now they spend a few days in hospital if theyre lucky enough to even get in. Professor Patrick McGorry is the director of Orygen. Aaron Francis McGorry said he had lost count of the number of people who had taken their own lives after failing to access appropriate mental health support. These are preventable deaths. These people do not have terminal illnesses. If they were looked after carefully and properly during that acute, risky period, the death rate could be reduced dramatically.

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There has been a 7 per cent rise in suicides in Victoria since the pandemic. In the same period, there have been reductions in NSW and Queensland. Mental health-related emergency department cases are also on the rise, increasing by almost a third over the past decade, according to Victorian Health Department data. Coroners Court data shows that 520 Victorians took their lives within six weeks of being a mental health inpatient between 2009 and 2018. Health and Community Services Union Victorian secretary Paul Healy said mental health workers were under intense pressure to free up beds to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments and ambulance ramping.

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You are told, Get people in, get people out  sometimes you have to discharge three people a shift, said Healy, whose union represents mental health workers. It leads to a situation where people are not in the best place to be discharged. Healy estimates there is a deficit of at least 200 adult acute mental health beds. He said an additional 1500 staff were needed to service these beds. Jason Daddy never made it into an acute mental health bed. In 2022, his wife, Therese, phoned the mental health triage service at Werribee Mercy Hospital six times over the course of a month to seek help for her increasingly depressed and anxious husband. She desperately wanted her husband  an engineer who designed trains for Metro Trains as well as seats in Teslas  to be admitted to hospital.

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Related Article Mental health More kids in crisis, suicides rise: Despair as tsunami of psychiatric ill-health sweeps Victoria On June 19, 2022, Therese drove him to the emergency department at the busy hospital in Melbournes west in the hope he would finally get clinical care. She claims that when she arrived at the emergency department, staff were dismissive and told her she was capable of caring for him at home because she had worked as a midwife. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place because they didnt want us there, and my husband didnt want to be there either, she recalled. They just wanted us gone. Daddy took his life at home 19 days after being turned away from the hospitals acute mental health beds.

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Therese is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her kind, warm and intelligent husband. Its not just the grief, its the trauma of being dismissed, she said. Every time I see a hospital now, I just feel that same panic. You lose your trust in the people who are meant to keep you safe. A state government spokesman said every suicide was one too many and its thoughts were with families who had lost loved ones. He said the government had made significant investments to overhaul Victorias mental health system after the royal commission, which tabled its final report in 2021. This included increasing the workforce by more than 25 per cent and delivering more than 170 new acute public mental health beds.

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Mental Health Victoria chief executive Phillipa Thomas. But Phillipa Thomas, chief executive of Mental Health Victoria, said the states mental health system was currently overwhelmed by a perfect storm of understaffing, funding gaps and increasing demand for services. Despite a royal commission and isolated areas of new investment, fundamental issues within the mental health system remain unaddressed and constrain the ability of clinicians and health services to respond to what are complex, resource intensive, and often highly unpredictable circumstances, she said. The final report from the Royal Commission into Victorias Mental Health System made 65 recommendations, which the state government promised to implement in full. In 2022, Victoria imposed a new levy on businesses to fund improvements to the mental health system. The states mental health watchdog has called for greater transparency about how the payroll tax  which raises more than $1 billion each year  is being spent.

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A spokesperson for Eastern Health said while it was unable to comment on individual circumstances due to privacy and confidentiality, it followed established clinical, legal and governance frameworks. Related Article Exclusive

Healthcare He shouldnt be dead: Families sue Frankston Hospital over suicides A spokesperson for Mercy Health, which runs Werribee Mercy Hospital, said the health service extended its sincere condolences to Daddys family and loved ones following his death. The safety and wellbeing of our patients is always our highest priority, they said. Our emergency departments and mental health and wellbeing teams assess every person who presents for care and determine the most appropriate treatment and support based on their clinical needs, in line with established clinical guidelines.

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A Perth man who stole a forklift and drove it through a local shopping centre in a bid to steal an ATM has been charged with dozens offences.

Centuria Northlands. Centuria

Detectives from Mirrabooka and Joondalup said on Sunday they had jointly charged the man after finding him allegedly responsible for a number of incidents in Balcatta and Greenwood earlier this month.

Police said detectives from both districts realised they were looking for the same man after he broke into a shopping centre on Calectasia Street in Greenwood on February 11.

It is alleged he used power tools to break in to an ATM, and stole a large sum of money.
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PoliticsFederalAUKUS British submarine arrives for extraordinary AUKUS visit Matthew Knott February 22, 2026  11:00am 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

A British nuclear-powered submarine has arrived in Australia for an unprecedented month-long visit despite the well-chronicled problems plaguing the British navys ability to send its vessels to sea. The British and Australian governments are holding up the visit as a sign of the countries commitment to the AUKUS pact, even as the United Kingdom views Russia as its most pressing security threat. HMS Anson, an Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, arrived on Sunday at the HMAS Stirling naval base in Perth for a month-long maintenance visit. HMS Anson, a British Astute-class submarine, is visiting Australia for a month-long maintenence period. Latika Bourke Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy described the first such visit by a UK nuclearpowered submarine in Australia as a historic step in our nations readiness to operate and maintain conventionally armed, nuclearpowered submarines.

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HMS Anson, which was commissioned in 2022, is reportedly the only available submarine in the British navys fleet of five Astute-class boats, highlighting the significance of the extended deployment to Australia. British defence publication Navy Lookout has written that the timing of the deployment seems extraordinary as the British navy does not have any other Astute-class submarines available. The UK must continue to play its part in AUKUS, but in the short term, perhaps more local concerns should be the priority, the publication argued this month. Related Article Exclusive

Trump diplomacy No other choice: Top senator says 100 per cent chance US will deliver on AUKUS Placing the sole attack submarine on the other side of the globe appears to be at odds with vigorous official warnings to Russia that any threat will be met with strength and resolve.

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Navy Lookout said the British navys other four Astute-class submarines were all at low or very low readiness. Conroy described the visit as an important milestone that will build confidence in our strategic partners that we have the workforce able to deliver AUKUS submarines, and also lays ground for more jobs for locals. Two Australian navy officers have been embedded on the submarine to gain a better understanding of how nuclear-powered submarines operate. The Australian navy will also conduct tests of its Speartooth large underwater drone to see how it operates with the British submarine at sea. Britains deputy high commissioner to Australia, Brian Jones, said the visit sends a simple message of our water-tight commitment to AUKUS.

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Our security as the UK is global, and we are committed to contributing to the security and stability wherever that might be, he said. Our shared prosperity with Australia depends on that security ... Deploying one of our most capable defence assets into this region reflects our commitment to work with our close partners to uphold peace, security and stability. A British Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine. Royal Navy According to the British navy, the Astute-class submarines are the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world-leading sensors, design and weaponry in a versatile vessel. While nuclear-powered, these submarines do not carry nuclear weapons.

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American nuclear-powered submarines made similar maintenance visits to Australia in 2024 and 2025, following the announcement of the AUKUS delivery plan in 2023. The plan involves the US selling Australia at least three Virginia-class submarines while the UK and Australia partner on the development of a new class of submarine known as the SSN-AUKUS. US senator Tim Kaine told this masthead last week he believed there was a 100 per cent chance the US would provide the submarines to Australia as promised despite sluggish production rates at American shipyards. Related Article Exclusive

AUKUS High probability of failure: Former top officials dire AUKUS warning Retired rear admiral Philip Mathias, a former director of nuclear policy with the UK Ministry of Defence, told this masthead last month he feared Australians were not adequately informed about how the troubles plaguing the British navy could scuttle the SSN-AUKUS plan.

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Whilst the United States may sell some [nuclear-powered submarines] to Australia, there is a high probability that the UK element of AUKUS will fail, he said. Mathias, who led a 2010 review of the UK Trident nuclear-weapons system, said: It is clear that Australia has shown a great deal of naivety and did not conduct sufficient due diligence on the parlous state of the UKs nuclear submarine program before signing up to AUKUS  and parting with billions of dollars, which it has already started to do. The head of the British navy, First Sea Lord Gwyn Jenkins, ordered an urgent 100-day drive to tackle systemic delays in the UK submarine program in October. Editor's pick Magazine

Sunday Life The February 22 Edition February 22, 2026 UK publication Defence Eye reported that the British navy has struggled to put more than one of its five Astute boats to sea at a time and that for a number of months over the past two years, no Astute boats have been at sea. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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PoliticsFederalIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Tony Burke considers denying visa to Israeli journalist who called for 100,000 casualties in Gaza Matthew Knott February 23, 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

A controversial Israeli journalist could be barred from Australia because of inflammatory comments he made lamenting the fact there hadnt been more casualties in Gaza and applauding the killing of Palestinian journalists. Israeli journalist Zvi Yehezkeli is scheduled to speak at fundraising events next month in Sydney and Melbourne, but Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is considering using his powers to deny him a visa. Burke told this masthead: It always surprises me when someone, who has made the sorts of comments that this individual has, advertises a speaking tour before theyve even received a visa. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has previously denied visas from current and former Israeli politicians. Alex Ellinghausen The looming decision comes as the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion prepares to hold its first public hearing on Tuesday, and the government moves to ban the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir under new laws passed after the Bondi terror attack.

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The ASIO advice is now in. This is the first time we have been able to ban, potentially, a group which falls short of a terrorist listing, Burke told the ABCs Insiders on Sunday. On Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the royal commission would determine whether more could have been done to stop the terror attack, but that both his government and the commission would continue to work on improving social cohesion. The peak Palestinian advocacy group in Australia is calling for Burke to deny Yehezkeli a visa. Zvi Yehezkeli. Ran Yehezkel Burke has previously declined the visa applications of current and former Israeli politicians who have made divisive statements about the war in Gaza.

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In an Israeli television appearance in December 2023, Yehezkeli said the Israel Defence Forces should have started the war in Gaza by killing 100,000 Gazans. In my opinion, the IDF should have launched a more fatal attack, with 100,000 killed in the beginning, he said. At the time, about 20,000 Palestinians were estimated to have been killed in Gaza. Pressed by his fellow panellists on whether he wanted to see non-combatants killed, Yehezkeli said: I dont know who was or wasnt involved, and who is and isnt innocent. The prominent commentator said a more forceful response to the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed an estimated 1200 people in Israel would have helped to achieve a ceasefire and hostage release on Israels terms.

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Im talking about a military attack; you need to be more fatal than the attack we saw, he said. He later defended the comments in a subsequent interview. Palestinians sit at a long table amid the rubble of destroyed buildings as they gather on Thursday for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. AP Hamas, the militant group that launched the October 7 terror, was estimated to have had about 20,000 fighters before the 2023 attacks. French-Israeli human rights lawyer Omer Shatz accused Yehezkeli of publicly and directly [inciting] others to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a submission to the International Criminal Court.

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Yehezkeli has been listed as a speaker at mental health fundraising events in Melbourne on March 9 and Sydney on March 11 run by Israeli non-profit group the Institute for Social Momentum. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Deeply offensive: Israel furious as Australia denies ex-minister a visa Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said Yehezkelis comments were even more sickening and egregious than remarks that had sparked calls for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to be uninvited from travelling to Australia after the Bondi Beach massacre. Australia must not welcome Israelis who openly advocate for genocide, he said. Minister Burke must deny his visa. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said: Due to privacy reasons, the department cannot comment on individual cases.

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Yehezkeli was contacted for comment. Referring to Yehezkelis 2023 call for 100,000 casualties in Gaza, Mashni said: Heartbreakingly, he got his wish, as the official death toll continues to be revised higher and higher. A study by The Lancet medical journal found that 75,200 Gazans were killed between October 2023 and January 2025, higher than the 49,090 registered by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. In a March 2024 interview, Yehezkeli said: In order to destroy Hamas and its capabilities, you need to take measures, just like in the northern Gaza Strip, to destroy all the capabilities in general. You need to bring Gaza to the point of a humanitarian disaster. In August 2025, Yehezkeli applauded an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gazas Khan Yunis that led to the death of Reuters photographer Hussam al-Masri, Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammad Salameh, two freelance photojournalists  Mariam Dagga and Moaz Abu Taha  and journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he regretted the strike, calling it a tragic mishap.

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If Israel has decided to eliminate the journalists, better late than never, Yehezkeli said on an evening news broadcast, describing them as Nukhba terrorists in every sense, a reference to Hamas elite fighting squad, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Yehezkeli later released a video claiming his commentary had been misunderstood. Everyone knows that a journalist in Gaza cannot be a free journalist and is subordinate to Hamas. I certainly did not call for killing journalists, only those who use press credentials as cover to fight, which makes them terrorists in every respect, he said. Editor's pick Magazine

Sunday Life The February 22 Edition February 22, 2026 In January, Burke cancelled the visa of Sammy Yahood, a Jewish social media influencer who called for the ban of Islam and was booked to speak in Australia, saying that spreading hatred is not a good reason to come.

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PoliticsFederalIslamic State Coalition wants to make criminals of anyone helping ISIS brides return to Australia Natassia Chrysanthos Updated February 22, 2026  11:23pm ,first published 11:01am 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

The Coalition will challenge Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take further steps that stop the return of so-called Islamic State brides to Australia, seeking the introduction of laws that criminalise the actions of NGOs or advocates who help people linked to terrorism come back into the country. New Liberal leader Angus Taylor sought to turn up the pressure on Labor after Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke insisted on Sunday that the government was not assisting the 34 Australian women and children linked to Islamic State who are trying to return, aside from what was legally required. Loading The proposed laws signal Taylors first move to shut the door to people who do not share our values  the pledge he made when he seized the Liberal leadership this month as polls indicated Coalition voters were switching to One Nation. Burke and Albanese have taken a hard line on the women and children who have been trying to leave the deteriorating al-Roj camp in north-east Syria, but point to legal requirements and bureaucratic processes to explain why the group has received Australian passports.

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We do not want the individuals in Australia, Burke said on the ABCs Insiders program. Legally, you cant stop a citizen from entering your country. Legally, if a citizen applies for a passport and the authorities dont think thresholds are reached to be able to block it, then a passport gets issued. The Coalition is also pressuring the government to use temporary exclusion orders to deny the group re-entry. The orders are designed to protect Australians from national security risks. One of the women will be prohibited under such an order from entering the country because she was deemed by intelligence agencies to pose a higher risk than the rest of the group, Burke said on Sunday, but none of the other 33 group members had met the threshold for an exclusion order. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Alex Ellinghausen Asked if that meant they did not pose a threat, he said: Thats right ... If at any point the agencies decide that a further brief should come to me, I would deal with that immediately.

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Burke said agencies had been following the women and children for a long time, and each had different histories and states of mind. One of my concerns with how the opposition have handled this, is theyve effectively said the minister should be able to make it up... as though somehow in a national security portfolio you should ignore your national security intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Still, he said: We do not want them to come back. When asked if he was acting to stop their arrival, Burke said the government was making sure it was doing nothing to help them at all. Other than a temporary exclusion order, there isnt a legislative power to be able to stop an Australian citizen from entering Australia, he said. So, effectively, that question goes to are we breaking the law, and the answers no.

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Coalition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam said the opposition was willing to work with the government to write new laws as needed to prevent the groups arrival. These are people we dont think should be back in this country and that pose a risk to our country. Now, if the government are serious, and the minister himself said it again today, We dont want them back here, do something about it, he said. The bill floated by the Coalition on Sunday would make it a criminal offence to facilitate the re-entry of people linked to terrorist hotspots or terrorist organisations, or who have committed terror-related offences. This would target the non-government organisations and advocates who have been trying to help the women and children leave Syria as their situation there worsens, such as the charity Save the Children and Dr Jamal Rifi, a man close to Burke and the families who has been in Damascus trying to organise the ill-fated family repatriation.

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We will take action and refuse to let people come here who abandoned Australia to support Islamic extremist terror overseas, Taylor said in a statement on Sunday. Anthony Albanese should come to the table and support these laws. Burke rebuffed reports in a News Corp article that claimed high-level briefings had been ongoing for months between NSW, Victoria and federal agencies to repatriate the Syria group. In that [News Corp] report, it makes a claim that we are conducting repatriation. We are not. It claims we have been meeting with the states for the purposes of a repatriation. We have not, Burke said. Our authorities meet with the state authorities to make sure that we are prepared if there is any chance of there being a heightened risk to national security. As soon as the conditions of the camp started to deteriorate, and there was a possibility some people would be getting out, which has happened  the national security teams, the joint counterterrorism teams, meet, as they did under the previous government, as they do now, as is essential for public safety.

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Related Article Islamic State How PMs tough line on IS brides has left 34 women and children in no mans land A NSW Premiers Department spokesperson confirmed state agencies were working with the federal government on law enforcement and security arrangements for the groups potential return. NSW has well-established arrangements in place to manage any returnees, with community safety as the overriding priority. These arrangements were successfully implemented in 2019 and 2022 [when other cohorts returned to Australia]. Former Home Affairs Department head Mike Pezzullo told a parliamentary inquiry in 2022 that the states and the federal government worked collaboratively on these issues. If a state government chose to say, We dont want to proceed, then I would have thought the Commonwealth would take that pretty seriously, because we have to rely on them for schooling, trauma support, counselling, public health support and the like, he said. So its done consensually. All that information is put to them, and then theyll give us the authority to proceed or otherwise.

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Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion The 81-year-old agreement that can get you cheaper business class flights Michael Gebicki The Tripologist February 23, 2026  5:00am

February 23, 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

Key points Fifth freedom flights create value for flyers and expand airlines networks

They can mean great prices and reward availability

Although theyre rare, fifth freedom flights are a win for savvy travellers

For travellers sitting on a pile of Qantas points, one of the best deals around has been flying Emirates business class between Sydney and Christchurch. Listed on the Qantas website as EK412, the three-hour flight is aboard an A380, the goddess of the skies, and business class flyers get the acclaimed seat, service and style of one of the worlds finest airlines. At present, that business class seat costs the same number of Qantas points as a return Sydney-Christchurch Qantas flight, where youd be on a smaller Boeing 737 with its business class just a larger seat than economy with no lie-flat option. This hack wont be as useful from March 31, when Qantas will require more points to book Classic Reward seats on Emirates. The luxurious business cabin on an Emirates A380. Business class on a Qantas Boeing 737. But how is it that a Dubai-based carrier can pick up passengers in Australia and fly them to New Zealand, without having to pass through its home base? The answer is fifth freedom rights, one of the nine Freedoms of the Air rights codified in December 1944 under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention.

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Under standard aviation rules, airlines can sell flights only to or from their home country. But fifth freedom rights give a carrier the right to fly passengers between two foreign countries provided that the journey originates or ends in the carriers own country. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Without such rights, Qantas flight QF1, which operates from Sydney to London via Singapore, would not be able to pick up passengers in Singapore and fly them to London and back. Qantas has fifth freedom rights on that route, which allows it to sell return tickets between Singapore and London. Under fifth freedom rights, Irelands Aer Lingus can pick up passengers in Manchester, UK, and fly them to Orlando in the US; Singapore Airlines can fly passengers between Milan and Barcelona; Emirates can fly passengers from Milan to New York; and Ethiopian Airlines can pick up passengers in Seoul and fly them to Tokyo. Turkish Airlines is not allowed to take on passengers during its stop in Kuala Lumpur on the way to Australia. How do fifth freedom rights come about? Fifth freedom rights are an agreement negotiated between the airline and the countries concerned. Naturally, countries are not enthusiastic about foreign airlines muscling in on their territory to the detriment of their own national carriers, and theyre not common. Turkish Airlines now operates flights to Australia from its home base in Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur. The airline would probably welcome the opportunity to sell tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne and Sydney, but that fifth freedom right has not been granted.

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Australian Frequent Flyer has compiled an exhaustive list of existing routes with fifth-freedom rights. Note that Turkish Airlines has a fifth freedom right to fly passengers between Singapore and Melbourne but has not taken that up since it operates via Kuala Lumpur. Do these rights benefit travellers? Fifth freedom flights can be a win for travellers because the airline might find it difficult to fill seats on that sector of the flight and so price seats aggressively to fill them. That includes intra-European routes such as Ethiopian Airlines Stockholm-Oslo flight, or Aircalins Bangkok-Paris flights. You can pick up a bargain business class flight with Singapore Airlines on its Frankfurt-New York route. Another example is the Singapore Airlines flight between Frankfurt and New York. A return economy fare with Singapore Airlines on that route in March can cost as little as 441 ($736), which is about $60 less than Lufthansa charges for the same flight, but the big saving is for business flyers. For a return Frankfurt-New York ticket in March, the cheapest business class seat aboard the Singapore Airlines flight is 1241 ($2070) cheaper than the same seat aboard Lufthansa, and the Asian carriers business class is one of the worlds best. The same applies to reward seats  there is often greater availability on fifth freedom flights since they have more empty seats.

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For the airline, fifth freedom flights boost revenue, optimise aircraft utilisation and expand their network without the requirement for additional long-haul aircraft. One example is Emirates flight EK412 from Dubai. That flight arrives in Sydney early in the morning and departs a few hours later for Christchurch. In the evening, the aircraft will turn around as flight EK413, return to Sydney and depart late in the evening for Dubai. As well as offering a two-stop service from Europe to Christchurch for New Zealand travellers, the airline also picks up Australians travelling across the ditch. A daily non-stop A380 service from Dubai to Christchurch would probably not make financial sense, but a service via Sydney ices the cake. Fifth freedom rights also have implications for travellers wanting a stopover. Airlines transiting through a foreign country en route from their origin to their final destination cannot allow passengers to stopover at the transit point and board a following flight unless they have fifth freedom rights. A traveller from Australia looking for a Bangkok stopover would need to fly aboard Thai Airways since no airline operating non-stop flights between Australian cities and Bangkok has fifth freedom rights. Related Article Opinion

Tripologist Seven ways to get a cheaper flight (including in business class) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist How to find fifth freedom flights Got heaps of time? Because apart from Australian Frequent Flyers list, fifth freedom rights flights are about as elusive as great airport coffee. One way is to go to your favourite air travel search engine, key in your flight details as normal, select non-stop flights only and delete all the airlines that are based in the country where you want to fly from and the country youre flying to. If there are any flights left, in all probability they will be fifth freedom flights.

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I tried this using Skyscanner to find a flight from Frankfurt to New York and the search threw up two results. As well as the Singapore Airlines flight cited above, Brussels Airlines appeared. A deeper dig reveals that those Brussels Airlines are a codeshare, operated either by Lufthansa or United Airlines, so not actually a fifth freedom flight. They may be scarce and difficult to track down, but fifth freedom flights offer wide-body cabins on short hops, cheaper fares and reward seats that havent yet vanished. If you find one, its a gold medal moment.
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WorldEuropeGermany Germany joins growing ranks of countries considering social media bans Andreas Rinke February 22, 2026  4:06pm 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

Stuttgart: Germanys ruling conservatives have passed a motion to ban social media use for under 14s and introduce more stringent digital verification checks for teenagers, building momentum for such limits in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. At a party conference in the city of Stuttgart, Chancellor Friedrich Merzs Christian Democratic Union also called for fines for online platforms that failed to enforce such limits, and European Union-wide harmonisation of age standards. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the CDU federal party conference in Stuttgart, Germany. AP A growing number of countries, including Spain, Greece, France and Britain, are looking at similar social media bans or restrictions on accessing platforms like TikTok or Instagram. It follows the example of Australia, which last year became the first country to force platforms to cut off access for children under 16.

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European nations are more broadly ratcheting up pressure on social media companies, risking a backlash from the United States. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions if EU countries impose new tech taxes or online regulations that hit US firms. We call on the federal government to introduce a legal age limit of 14 for the use of social networks and to address the special need for protection in the digital sphere up to the age of 16, said the motion that passed on Saturday (German time). Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during the AI Summit in New Delhi, India last week. AP Merzs coalition partners the Social Democrats have also backed social media curbs for children. Pressure from both parties in the coalition makes it increasingly likely that the federal government will push for restrictions. However, under Germanys federal system, media regulation is a state-level responsibility and states must negotiate with each other to agree consistent nationwide rules.

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Last week French President Emmanuel Macron said one of his priorities for the Group of Seven presidency will be protecting children from the harmful effects of social media and artificial intelligence, calling on countries like India to support the measures. Related Article Exclusive

News Bargaining Incentive Google, Meta take aim at Australian plan for tech giants to pay for journalism There is no reason our children should be exposed online to what is legally forbidden in the real world, Macron said at the India AI Summit in New Delhi on Thursday. One of our priorities during the G7 presidency will be childrens protection against AI and digital-related abuse. France holds the rotating presidency of the G7 in 2026. Macron highlighted Frances initiative to ban social media networks for children under 15. Modi echoed Macrons push to protect children online during his own address at the summit on Thursday. We have to be more alert about childrens safety, Modi said. Like their schools syllabus is curated, AI space should be child safe and family-guided.

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Indias Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said last week that the government was holding discussions on the right way to go forward with possible age limits for social media and is also addressing the issue of deepfakes with platforms. Reuters, Bloomberg 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.
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaCrime Violence rocks Mexico after military kills cartel kingpin Lizbeth Diaz and Laura Gottesdiener Updated February 24, 2026  1:31am ,first published February 23, 2026  9:58am 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

Mexico City: Notorious Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, was killed in a military raid on Sunday (Mexican time), decapitating one of the countrys most powerful cartels and sparking widespread retaliatory violence. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has been under mounting pressure from Washington to intensify her offensive against drug cartels blamed for producing and smuggling drugs, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl, across the border to the United States. Oseguera, 60, the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (known by its Spanish initials CJNG), died in custody after being injured in a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa on Mexicos Pacific coast in Jalisco state, according to Mexicos defence ministry. His body arrived in Mexico City on Sunday afternoon in a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard troops. The White House confirmed that the US provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexicos army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.

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After reports of Osegueras death, cartel henchmen blockaded roads with burning cars at more than 250 points in 20 Mexican states and torched businesses in at least six states, paralysing parts of the country. Jaliscos capital, Guadalajara, was turned into a ghost town Sunday night as civilians hunkered down and school was cancelled on Monday in several states. Sheinbaum urged calm on Monday and authorities said all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared. In the state of Jalisco, 25 members of the National Guard were killed in six separate attacks after El Menchos capture, Mexico Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said on Monday. Deaths were also reported in the states of Michoacan and Guanajuato. A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire in Cointzio, Michoacan state, Mexico. AP Local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside.

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In Jaliscos popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, frightened tourists on social media described a war zone as plumes of dark smoke rose into the sky from around the bay. Passengers arriving at the citys international airport on Sunday night were told it was operating with limited personnel because of the burst of violence. Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines suspended flights in the area. Former cop to cartel kingpin Oseguera, a former police officer, founded and oversaw the rapid rise of the CJNG, named for the western state of Jalisco that is home to one of Mexicos biggest cities, Guadalajara. In recent years, CJNG has expanded into one of Mexicos most powerful cartels, known for violent tactics including forced labour and forced recruitment.

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Under his leadership, CJNG also became a highly diversified criminal enterprise, expanding from drug trafficking to fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling and complex financial fraud. The cartel pioneered the use of drones in attacks against civilians in remote regions of western Mexico as part of its rapid territorial expansion. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation and the US State Department had offered a reward of up to $US15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. Sundays raid was one of Mexicos highest-profile blows against drug gangs responsible for smuggling billions of dollars of drugs  including fentanyl  into the US. A DEA press conference from 2020 displays A DEA news conference from 2020 displays Nemesio Osegueras mugshot and drugs and weapons seized. Alamy During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera, were wounded and later died, the authorities statement said.

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Two others were arrested and armoured vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment. In recent years, the leaders of the rival Sinaloa cartel  Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Ismael El Mayo Zambada  were captured alive. Both are now in American prisons. US President Donald Trumps administration lauded Osegueras killing, but the violence it triggered across Mexico highlighted the political balancing act Sheinbaum must strike as her government escalates its offensive against cartels. Smoke rises in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after violence broke out following Osegueras death. EPA Reuters reported on Sunday that a new US-military-led taskforce played a role in the raid led and carried out by Mexican forces. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later posted on social media that the US provided intelligence support.

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Leavitt added that the Trump administration commends and thanks the Mexican military for their co-operation and successful execution of this operation. Security experts are watching whether the raid and the cartel bosss death will fracture CJNG leadership and trigger bloody infighting. There will definitely be skirmishes between the various factions, and these spasms of violence could last for years, said Carlos Olivo, a former US Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge and an expert in CJNG. A burnt car crashed into the entrance of a store at a shopping centre in Guadalajara, Mexico. Getty Images US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, previously the American ambassador to Mexico, said Osegueras killing was a great development for the US and Mexico, as well as the rest of Latin America.

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In January, after the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump said the cartels are running Mexico and warned we are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels. Sheinbaum said she would strengthen efforts to co-operate with the US to fight cartels, but vowed to uphold Mexicos sovereignty and warned against any unilateral military action by the US in Mexico. In a social media post on Sunday, Sheinbaum said security officials would provide information on the operation. Reuters, 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.

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WorldNorth AmericaPollution Trump approves emergency declaration over massive Washington, DC, sewage spill Maegan Vazquez February 22, 2026  3:13pm 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: US President Donald Trump has approved an emergency declaration for the District of Columbia, permitting federal agencies to provide disaster assistance to tackle a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River. The spill began in mid-January, when part of a major DC Water sewage pipeline called the Potomac Interceptor collapsed, flooding the Potomac River with about 886 megalitres of wastewater. The sewer line carries about 227 megalitres of wastewater daily from the Virginia and Maryland suburbs to DC for treatment. The cause of the spill remains under investigation. Sewage water is pumped into a canal as a temporary bypass for a broken segment of the Potomac Interceptor sewage pipe, near Cabin John, Maryland. The New York Times The US Environmental Protection Agency will lead the federal response to the spill, according to a news release from the agency. The EPA is co-ordinating with DC Water to ensure measures are taken to protect public health and prevent additional overflows until the pipe is repaired and the Potomac Interceptor is fully functional again. Repairs are due to be completed by mid-March, before events in the region celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US are set to begin. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will also be deploying a team to support incident management and working directly with local officials and federal partners to co-ordinate federal resources, a social media post from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

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FEMA said the assistance would be directed to DC and the area where the district has responsibilities in Maryland and Virginia. Water samples are taken from the Potomac River in Glen Echo, Maryland, last week. AP Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public emergency on Wednesday (Washington time) and requested federal help with the clean-up. She also requested a presidential disaster declaration and asked the federal government to reimburse the DC government and DC Water for costs associated with the spill and recovery effort. DC Water chief executive David Gadis estimated the repair and remediation would cost $US20 million ($28 million). Trump, who previously criticised Bowser and other Democratic elected officials in the region over mishandling the spill, signalled on Thursday that the federal government would help with the recovery.

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A warning sign at the site of the massive pipe rupture, as sewage flows into the Potomac River in Glen Echo, Maryland. AP Bowser had faced questions over the timing of her emergency declaration, coming a month after the spill began. She said she took the actions, in part, after recent signals from the Trump administration that federal officials might support the request, and maintained that the response to the spill had been urgent from the start. In his Truth Social post last week indicating that he would respond to Bowsers request for aid, Trump continued to rail against Democratic governors Wes Moore (Maryland) and Abigail Spanberger (Virginia). Governors of Virginia and Maryland must get moving, quickly, he wrote. If they cant do the job, all they have to do is call, be polite and respectful, and the federal government will handle it, and bill them for services rendered, at a later date. The massive pipe that carries millions of litres of sewage ruptured in January. AP

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Authorities have advised against boating, fishing and touching the Potomac River since the spill, but DC officials said last week that they hoped to lift the guidance on March 2, subject to change based on water quality, as testing has shown the level of E. coli in the DC portion of the river consistently hovering under safe recreational limits. There has not been sewage overflow into the river since February 8. Related Article Exclusive

Waste The $3 billion fix promised for Sydneys mysterious poo balls Officials with DC Water, the public utility responsible for water and sewage in the region, have said drinking water remains safe. But officials have issued warnings for people and pets to stay out of the water near the spill site and downstream in the district. Washington Post

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WorldNorth AmericaDonald Trump Opinion Trumps in a presidential pickle as the Supreme Court finds a spine Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist February 22, 2026  1:30pm

February 22, 2026  1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Now that the third branch of the US government has explained to the second branch that the first branch matters, President Donald Trump is in a pickle. He may need a distraction even bigger than bombing Iran and releasing secret files on UFOs and aliens. He may need to produce Marvin the Martian for an Oval Office meeting and install him on the Board of Peace. (Maybe it should be spelled Bored of Peace, since Trump seems itchy to attack Iran, and security guards protecting the Azerbaijani president, whos on the board, were apparently beating up protesters outside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington.) Donald Trump speaks to reporters after the Supreme Court struck down the bulk of his sweeping global tariffs, delivering a major blow against his signature economic policy. Bloomberg Friday was a landmark day in the Trump reign. It was refreshing to finally see someone tell this petulant man-child: No, you cant do that! And it was especially refreshing that the Supreme Court, which has been awash in its own ethics crises and acting subservient to the megalomaniac in the White House, suddenly found a spine. The highest court firmly instructed the Emperor of Chaos on why his tariffs were unconstitutional without the blessing of Congress. And the president responded in the way he always does when he doesnt get his way: with a Regina George hissy fit.

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In a news conference on Friday afternoon, with the lights dimmed to be more flattering, Trump made clear that he was absolutely ashamed of Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Justice Neil Gorsuch and their three brethren-sisters on the left who shut down his erratic, perverse  sometimes personally vindictive  tariff antics. Trump railed that the courts liberals were a disgrace to our nation and that the conservatives who joined the majority opinion were merely fools and lapdogs for the RINOs [Republicans in name only] and the radical left. He whined that the majority did not have the courage to do whats right for our country. The man who expects fealty singled out two of his picks, Gorsuch and Barrett, calling their decision an embarrassment to their families. Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange react as news of the Supreme Courts decision is broadcast. Bloomberg As usual, Trump absurdly conflated what he wants with whats best for the country. And as usual, he projected, charging that the justices who blocked his tariffs were unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution  and controlled by foreign interests. Actually, that critique is probably more applicable to the president, not the Supreme Court justices who put the brakes on Trumps mad careening. And Trump was barking up the wrong tree on lapdogs. Until now, Roberts, Gorsuch and Barrett have been lapdogs for Trump, helping to upend Roe, giving him immunity for nearly all official acts, weakening the Voting Rights Act, letting DOGE get its grimy little hands on private data and allowing Elon Musks backpack wolf pack to slash the federal workforce.

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The Constitution is vague on so much, and that has allowed Trump to shimmy through wormholes and do things we assumed he would be barred from doing  like tearing down the East Wing without checking with anyone and letting foreign oligarchs enrich him, his family and his cronies. But the Constitution is clear on tariffs: They are the purview of Congress. Related Article Analysis

US politics Court gives Trump a harsh lesson in the limits of his power Trump has called tariffs the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary. And having his toy yanked away  even for the time it took him to figure out some other ploy to punish countries  brought out his fiendish side. After his unhinged news conference, he let fly a couple of long, unhinged Truth Social posts. No sooner did moderate Republicans exhale, because they would no longer have to defend Trumps mercurial tariff scheme  essentially a tax on consumers  than the president signed an executive order on Friday night invoking the Trade Act of 1974, imposing a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries. (On Saturday morning, he said he was upping it to 15 per cent.) He had crowed earlier at the news conference that he can not only destroy the trade of any country but also that he can destroy the country. Im allowed to destroy the country, he pouted to reporters, but I cant charge them a little fee.

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Loading With Trumps power grabs, the court finally provided some accountability. Meanwhile, the awful wait to assign blame in the Jeffrey Epstein case, involving powerless young women, continues. The only real justice so far, in this lurid saga of bad, bad men from all around the globe, is that a predatory woman is in jail. Related Article Updated

Trade Trump to raise new worldwide tariff to 15 per cent after Supreme Court loss Sure, Les Wexner, the former Victorias Secret mogul who gave Epstein power of attorney over his vast fortune, was deposed by the House Oversight Committee this past week. But he played Mr Magoo, crying that Epstein had conned him. It was totally unbelievable. Clearly, Wexner was infatuated with Epstein and enabled the monster to acquire the private plane and private island that lured so many famous people into his web. King Charles, too, gave us a rare blast of accountability this past week. He didnt stand in the way when British police arrested his brother, the former prince Andrew, for reportedly passing confidential information to Epstein. It was gratifying to see the stunned, slack look on Andrews face as police took him away from his mansion in Norfolk. He is still, however, dodging accusations that he committed sex crimes.

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Trump has been madly deflecting from his friendship with Epstein, acting as though he barely knew him, even though its clear that hound recognised hound. Trump, Melania, Mar-a-Lago and other related words or phrases are mentioned over 38,000 times in the Epstein files. And now, the president will also have to distract from his humiliation at being slapped back by a conservative Supreme Court. Hes no doubt going to spend the weekend rewriting his State of the Union address and thinking of more nasty jibes for the justices who choked his leash. And who knows? We may even see Marvin the Martian show up in the Oval Office, carrying a cookbook titled How to Serve Man. This article appeared originally in The New York Times. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Chairlady of Parliament of St. Maarten, Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, has called for renewed commitment, accountability, and structural strengthening of the Inter-Parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) following the conclusion of the recent gathering hosted in Aruba.

Speaking at the closing press briefing, the Chairlady expressed sincere gratitude to the host country, the organizers, and parliamentary colleagues from Curacao, Aruba, and the Netherlands for the constructive dialogue held both formally and informally during the consultation.

She underscored IPKOs unique and critical role within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, particularly given the absence of a formal Kingdom Parliament. According to the Chairlady, IPKO remains the only structured forum in which parliamentarians of the four countries can deliberate collectively on Kingdom-wide matters.

While acknowledging the quality of discussions, Wescot-Williams emphasized the recurring challenge of important issues being raised repeatedly without sustained follow-through.

She noted that IPKO has, in the past, demonstrated its capacity to take collective decisions, most notably regarding the long-discussed Dispute Regulation. However, that process ultimately stalled.

Wescot-Williams highlighted that differing legal interpretations and political perspectives among the countries make a functioning dispute regulation indispensable. She confirmed that a draft prepared by the Caribbean countries has been submitted and is currently under review via the channels for a Kingdom law.

She urged all governments involved to ensure that this matter is brought back on track and finalized, emphasizing that a credible Kingdom structure requires a reliable and fair mechanism to resolve disagreements.

There must be a deliberate effort to avoid tiptoeing around difficult topics, she stated, stressing that controversial or complex matters cannot continue to be deferred once they become politically sensitive or divisive.

The Chairlady accepted a mandate to bring forward proposals aimed at improving the functioning and effectiveness of IPKO. She stressed that consultations must produce measurable outcomes and that mechanisms for continuity and accountability are essential.

Responding to a question from the media, the Chairlady also raised the broader issue of the Kingdoms institutional framework. While not formally advocating for the immediate establishment of a Kingdom Parliament, she noted that global developments and geopolitical shifts necessitate reflection on how the rights and interests of all people within the Kingdom are safeguarded.

She opined that the structure of the Kingdom, including the potential need for a more formal parliamentary arrangement should be revisited in future IPKO consultations.

In addition to institutional matters, IPKO participants engaged in discussions on:

 Security and cybersecurity

 Climate adaptation and environmental resilience.

 Aging populations.

 The legacy of the slavery past.

 The geopolitical impact of rapidly changing global dynamics.

The Chairlady stressed that these are not abstract discussions but pressing matters that require coordinated Kingdom-level responses.

Wescot-Williams reaffirmed that IPKO remains a vital platform for parliamentary unity within the Kingdom. In the absence of a formal Kingdom Parliament, it serves as the principal venue where representatives deliberate as one body on shared responsibilities and challenges.

She concluded by expressing hope that the outcomes of this consultation would not remain confined to reports and statements, but would translate into tangible progress by the next IPKO meeting.

Consultation must lead to consolidation, and consolidation must lead to results, she affirmed.
ANGUILLA / ST. MARTIN:--- The Guyanese community across Anguilla, St. Martin, and the wider diaspora joins in celebration of Guyanas 56th Republic Anniversary, which is marked on Monday, February 23.

Marking more than half a century of sovereignty, this years milestone - observed under the national theme Expressing Our Culture Through Innovations and Creativity - highlights the nations historic economic transformation and the enduring strength of its people abroad.

In a special radio address broadcast to the regional diaspora, Guyanas Honorary Consul to Sint Maarten, Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, reflected on the journey from the 1970 transition to a Co-operative Republic to Guyanas current standing as a global leader in economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Fifty-six years ago, we took full responsibility for our destiny," the address noted. "Today, that destiny is being realized as our 'Land of Many Waters' transforms into a land of unprecedented opportunity for all Guyanese, whether at home or abroad, stated Mrs. Lucas-Felix.

The anniversary message placed a significant emphasis on diplomatic gratitude and cultural preservation. The Honorary Consul extended a heartfelt "Thank You" to the governments and citizens of Anguilla and St. Martin. The message acknowledged the hospitality that has allowed the Guyanese diaspora to thrive, contribute to the local workforce, and integrate into the social fabric of these islands.

Guyanese were urged to remain "anchored" in their heritage. Lucas-Felix called on parents and guardians to pass on Guyanese traditions, from the culinary arts of pepperpot and cook-up rice to the values of resilience and "One People" harmony, to the younger generation.

She highlighted Guyanas shift from an agrarian economy to a burgeoning energy and infrastructure powerhouse, inviting the diaspora to remain engaged with the nations rapid development.

As the Golden Arrowhead (Guyanas flag) flies high across the Caribbean and the rest of the world, marking 56 years of complete control over our sovereign and political destiny, we as Guyanese must reaffirm our commitment, as our motto states, to being One People, One Nation, One Destiny, regardless of geographical boundaries.

Lucas-Felix commended the members of the Guyanese Association of Anguilla for organising a weekend of activities. The group in Anguilla, led by Mr. Carlton Pickering, CEO and Executive Producer of Kreative Communications Network (KCN), held a Guyanese Breakfast on Saturday morning, followed by a church service on Sunday at Kingdom Citizens Church, and culminated in a flag-raising ceremony.

Many Guyanese across the diaspora have returned home for Republic Day celebrations and will join the street parade, Mashramani (an Amerindian word meaning a celebration after hard work).
Dassault Systemes CEO appointed chairman of French group



Paris, France, Feb 21 (AFP) Feb 21, 2026



Pascal Daloz, chief executive officer of French software group Dassault Systemes, was appointed chairman of the board of directors, after the incumbent resigned suddenly, the company announced Saturday.

Bernard Charles, the current director, had told the board that he was stepping down immediately "for personal reasons", said a company statement.

The board had decided unanimously to appoint Daloz with immediate effect, keeping him in his current post as CEO, it added.

Earlier this month, Dassault Systemes posted lower sales than expected, prompting a heavy sell-off of its shares on worries about its ability to garner more subscription and cloud clients.

The company also said it wanted to deploy AI capabilities across its product lines.

Its revenue forecast of a rise of between three to five percent in 2026 was lower than the six percent most analysts had forecast.

kf/jj/rh




Pakistan launches deadly strikes in Afghanistan



Bihsud, Afghanistan, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Pakistan said Sunday it launched multiple air strikes targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, where the government reported children were among dozens of people killed and wounded.

The overnight attacks were the most extensive since border clashes in October killed more than 70 people on both sides and wounded hundreds.

Islamabad said it hit seven sites along the border region targeting Afghanistan-based militant groups "in the aftermath of recent suicide bombing incidents in Pakistan".

The military targeted the Pakistani Taliban and its associates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group, a statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said.

Afghanistan's defence ministry said "dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were martyred and wounded" when strikes hit a madrasa and homes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

An AFP journalist in Nangarhar's Bihsud district said residents from around the remote and mountainous area joined rescuers in one village, using a digger and shovels to search for bodies under the rubble.

"People here are ordinary people. The residents of this village are our relatives. When the bombing happened, one person who survived was shouting for help," said neighbour Amin Gul Amin, 37.

Nangarhar police told AFP the bombardment started at around midnight and hit three districts.

"Civilians were killed. In one house, there were 23 family members. Five wounded people were taken out," said police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad.



- 'Calculated response' -



Afghanistan's defence ministry said it will "deliver an appropriate and calculated response" to the Pakistani strikes.

The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians between October and December, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan.

Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but they have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

The deteriorating relationship has hit people in both countries, with the land border largely shut for months.

Pakistan said Sunday that despite repeated urging by Islamabad, the Taliban authorities have failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The Afghan government has denied harbouring militants.

Islamabad launched the strikes after a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other such attacks more recently in northwestern Pakistan.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest attack in Islamabad since 2008.

The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul restaurant last month.

burs/rsc/je/mtp
US envoy says Trump questioning why Iran has not 'capitulated'



Washington, United States, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



US envoy Steve Witkoff said on Saturday that President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not "capitulated" in the face of Washington's military build-up aimed at pressuring them into a nuclear deal.

The United States and Iran this week resumed Oman-mediated talks in Geneva aimed at averting the possibility of military action, after Washington dispatched two aircraft carriers, jets and weaponry to the region to back its warnings.

In a Fox News interview with Trump's daughter-in-law Lara, Witkoff said the president was "curious" about Iran's position after he had warned them of severe consequences in the event they failed to strike a deal.

"I don't want to use the word 'frustrated,' because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated,' but why they haven't capitulated," he said.

"Why, under this pressure, with the amount of seapower and naval power over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'? And yet it's sort of hard to get them to that place."

The US envoy also confirmed in the interview that he had met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah and a critic of the current authorities, who has not returned to the country since before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted the monarchy.

"I met him at the direction of the president," Witkoff said, without providing further details.

"I think he's strong for his country, cares about his country. But this is going to be about President Trump's policies."

US-based Pahlavi last week told a crowd in Munich that he was ready to lead the country to a "secular democratic future" after Trump said regime change would be best for the country.

Witkoff's comments come after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready in a matter of days.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran had at most 15 days to make a deal on concerns starting with its nuclear programme.

As talks between the two nations continued in Geneva, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic republic.

Western countries accuse the Islamic Republic of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies, though it insists on its right to enrichment for civilian purposes.

Iran, for its part, is seeking to negotiate an end to sanctions that have proven to be a massive drag on its economy, which played a role in sparking anti-government protests in December.
Greenland does not need US hospital ship: Danish minister



Copenhagen, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Greenland does not need medical assistance from other countries, Denmark's defence minister said Sunday, after US President Donald Trump claimed he was sending a hospital ship to the autonomous Danish territory that he covets.

"The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialised treatment, they receive it in Denmark. So it's not as if there's a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland," Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told Danish broadcaster DR.

In Greenland as in Denmark access to healthcare is free. There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the Nuuk hospital serving patients from all over the territory.

The Greenlandic local government signed an agreement with Copenhagen in early February to improve the treatment of Greenlandic patients in Danish hospitals.

Trump on Saturday posted on his social media platform Truth Social that "we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there".

"It's on the way!!!" he added.

Trump has said the US must control Greenland to ensure its security, though he has backed off earlier threats to seize it after striking a "framework" deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence.

Lund Poulsen told DR he was not aware of the hospital ship's possible arrival.

"Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics," he said.

Earlier Saturday, Denmark's Arctic Command announced that it had evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Nuuk after the sailor requested urgent medical attention.
Afghans mourn villagers killed in Pakistani strikes



Bihsud, Afghanistan, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Afghans gathered around a mass grave Sunday to bury villagers killed in overnight air strikes by Pakistan, which said its military targeted militants.

The overnight attacks killed at least 18 people and were the most extensive since border clashes in October, which left more than 70 dead on both sides and wounded hundreds.

"The house was completely destroyed. My children and family members were there. My father and my sons were there. All of them were killed," said Nezakat, a 35-year-old farmer in Bihsud district, who only gave one name.

Islamabad said it hit seven sites along the border region targeting Afghanistan-based militant groups, in response to suicide bombings in Pakistan.

The military targeted the Pakistani Taliban and its associates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group, a statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said "people's homes have been destroyed, they have targeted civilians, they have committed this criminal act" with the bombardment of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Residents from around the remote Bihsud district in Nangarhar joined searchers to look for bodies under the rubble, an AFP journalist said, using shovels and a digger.

"People here are ordinary people. The residents of this village are our relatives. When the bombing happened, one person who survived was shouting for help," said neighbour Amin Gul Amin, 37.

Nangarhar police told AFP the bombardment started at around midnight and hit three districts, with those killed all in a civilian's house.

"Twenty-three members of his family were buried under the rubble, of whom 18 were killed and five wounded," said police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad.

Strikes elsewhere in Nangarhar wounded two others, while in Paktika an AFP journalist saw a destroyed guesthouse but there were no immediate reports of casualties.



- 'Calculated response' -



Afghanistan's defence ministry said it will "deliver an appropriate and calculated response" to the Pakistani strikes.

The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians between October and December, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan.

Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but they have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

The deteriorating relationship has hit people in both countries, with the land border largely shut for months.

Pakistan said Sunday that despite repeated urging by Islamabad, the Taliban authorities have failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The Afghan government has denied harbouring militants.

Islamabad launched the strikes after a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other such attacks more recently in northwestern Pakistan.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest attack in Islamabad since 2008.

The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul restaurant last month.

burs/rsc/jm
Greenland does not need US hospital ship: Danish minister



Copenhagen, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Denmark on Sunday rejected a US claim that Greenland needs healthcare help, on the same day its forces evacuate a US sailor from a submarine off the coast of the Arctic island for medical treatment.

A day earlier, US President Donald Trump said he was sending a hospital ship to the autonomous Danish territory that he covets.

But Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told Danish broadcaster DR: "The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialised treatment, they receive it in Denmark."

He added: "It's not as if there's a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland."

In Greenland, as in Denmark, access to healthcare is free. There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving patients from all over the territory.

Without explicitly mentioning the US proposal, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was "happy to live in a country where access to healthcare is free and equal for all. Where insurance or wealth does not determine whether one receives dignified treatment."

Separately, early on Saturday Denmark's Arctic Command announced that it had evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Nuuk after the sailor requested urgent medical attention.



- AI-generated hospital ship -



Trump, in his Truth Social message on Saturday proposing a hospital ship, posted an AI-generated image of a US Navy medical vessel, USNS Mercy.

It was not immediately clear if that meant he was deploying that ship to Greenland.

"We are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there," Trump wrote.

"It's on the way!!!" he added.

The US president indicated the deployment was being carried out in coordination with Jeff Landry, appointed in December as the US Special Envoy to the Arctic island.

Greenland already has five regional hospitals, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving the whole territory, whose population is 57,000.

Aaja Chemnitz, who represents Greenland in the Danish Parliament, wrote on Facebook that while Greenland's health system had its share of problems, they were best resolved through cooperation with Denmark -- "which is one of the wealthiest and most educated countries, for example in the field of healthcare. Not with the United States, which has its own healthcare system problems."

Trump has repeatedly said he believes the United States must control Greenland to ensure US national security.

Earlier threats he made to seize the territory, by force if necessary, have ebbed since he struck a "framework" deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence.

The defence minister, Lund Poulsen, told DR he was not aware of a possible arrival of the suggested US hospital ship.

"Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics," he said.
Sudan slams Uganda for hosting paramilitary chief



Khartoum, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Sudan's army-aligned government on Sunday criticised Kampala for hosting rival paramilitary chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, slamming his reception by Uganda's president as an "affront to humanity".

Since April 2023, the Sudanese military, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Burhan's former deputy, commonly known as Hemeti.

Hemeti on Friday met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at Entebbe's State House, a day after a United Nations probe found his forces had committed acts of genocide in Darfur.

Sudan's foreign ministry on Sunday criticised the meeting, saying the RSF's atrocities had been "documented by the international community and condemned by regional organisations of which Uganda is a member", including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Daglo, speaking during his visit, said he travelled to Uganda after President Museveni was approached by the Sudanese army seeking his mediation.

His visit came a week after Museveni hosted Malik Agar, Burhan's deputy in his ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council.

Addressing supporters on Friday, Daglo called for Africa-led mediation.

"From the first day of the war, we said negotiations must be African. Peace should be made in Africa: IGAD and the African Union," he told the gathering.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire have repeatedly collapsed.

In January, Sudan's army was studying a new proposal from the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Talks mediated by the Quad -- comprising the US, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt -- have stalled for months, with Burhan alleging the group favours the UAE, which is accused of arming the RSF. Abu Dhabi denies backing the paramilitary.

Friday's meeting was the RSF commander's second with Museveni. His first in December 2023 came during a regional tour, when analysts said Hemeti attempted to rally legitimacy with African leaders.

He has since declared a rival administration in Darfur, which has received no international recognition.

In his speech on Friday, Daglo described the conflict as an "existential war" and vowed victory.

He said his forces would have already captured the capital Khartoum and Port Sudan on the Red Sea "if it weren't for drones from neighbouring countries", after reports of Egyptian and Turkish strikes on his supply lines into Darfur.

On the other side of the country, Daglo assured his supporters their "brothers were moving well in the Blue Nile", where fighting on the border with Ethiopia has raised concerns of a new front opening.

He also claimed his forces had swelled from 160,000 at the start of the war to half a million.

Since April 2023, the war has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 11 million people and created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.
'No thanks': Greenland, Denmark reject Trump's hospital ship offer



Copenhagen, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Denmark and its territory Greenland on Saturday rejected Donald Trump's offer to send a naval hospital ship to the Arctic island coveted by the US leader.

A day earlier, Trump said he was sending "a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there".

But Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who heads the autonomous territory's government, wrote on his Facebook page: "That will be 'no thanks' from us."

"President Trump's idea to send a US hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens," he said.

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen likewise told Danish broadcaster DR: "The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialised treatment, they receive it in Denmark."

He added: "It's not as if there's a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland."

On the day that Trump made his proposal, Danish forces evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland's capital Nuuk after the sailor requested urgent medical attention.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command said in a post on Facebook the crew member was flown to a hospital in Nuuk after an unspecified medical emergency on board the vessel.



- AI-generated hospital ship -



In Greenland, as in Denmark, access to healthcare is free for citizens. There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving patients from all over the territory, population 57,000.

Without explicitly mentioning the US proposal, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was "happy to live in a country where access to healthcare is free and equal for all. Where insurance or wealth does not determine whether one receives dignified treatment."

Trump, in his Truth Social message on Saturday about the hospital ship, posted an AI-generated image of a US Navy medical vessel, USNS Mercy.

"It's on the way!!!" he added.

It was not immediately clear if that meant he was deploying that ship to Greenland.

The US president indicated the deployment was being carried out in coordination with Jeff Landry, appointed in December as the US Special Envoy to the Arctic island.

Aaja Chemnitz, who represents Greenland in the Danish Parliament, wrote on Facebook that, while Greenland's health system had its share of problems, they were best resolved through cooperation with Denmark.

Denmark, she noted, "is one of the wealthiest and most educated countries, for example in the field of healthcare," contrasting it with "the United States, which has its own healthcare system problems".



- 'New normal' -



Trump has repeatedly said he believes the United States must control Greenland to ensure US national security.

Earlier threats he made to seize the territory, by force if necessary, have ebbed since he struck a "framework" deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence.

The defence minister, Lund Poulsen, told DR he was not aware of a possible arrival of the suggested US hospital ship.

"Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics," he said.
Iranian students rally for second day as fears of war with US mount



Paris, France, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Iranian students gathered for fresh pro- and anti-government rallies Sunday commemorating those killed in recent protests, as fears loomed of renewed conflict with the United States over the country's nuclear programme.

The initial demonstrations were sparked in December by economic hardship in the sanctions-hit country, but quickly expanded into mass anti-government protests that marked one of the largest challenges to the Islamic republic's clerical leadership in years.

US President Donald Trump had initially cheered on the protesters, threatening to intervene on their behalf as authorities launched a deadly crackdown, but his threats soon shifted to Iran's nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at developing atomic weapons.

Washington and Tehran have since returned to the negotiating table, but Trump has simultaneously pursued a major military build-up in the Middle East aimed at pressuring Iran to cut a deal.

Following campus rallies commemorating the protest dead on Saturday, the Fars news agency on Sunday published videos of fresh crowds of dozens of people waving Iranian flags and carrying memorial photographs at universities in the capital Tehran.

One showed a rowdy gathering at Sharif University of Technology shouting "death to the shah" -- a reference to the monarchy ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution -- as they faced off with another group, with men in uniforms between them.

Fars said there had been "tensions" at at least three universities in Tehran where some students chanted "anti-establishment" slogans.

Iran International, a media outlet based outside the country and branded a "terrorist" organisation by Tehran, shared a video on social media of students holding up the pre-revolution flag at Sharif University, as well as videos of rallies at other institutions of higher learning.

A video geolocated by AFP of what appeared to be the demonstration at Sharif University showed a large crowd chanting anti-government slogans as they thronged around students waving the flag of the toppled monarchy.

The authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths in the unrest, including members of the security forces and bystanders, but say the violence was caused by "terrorist acts" fuelled by Iran's enemies.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), however, has recorded more than 7,000 killings in the crackdown, the vast majority protesters, though the toll may be far higher.



- Negotiations -



Representatives of the US and Iran recently met in Geneva for a second round of Oman-mediated nuclear talks, with Iran promising to send a draft proposal for a deal to avert military action in the coming days.

Axios reported on Sunday, citing an unnamed senior US official, that if Iran submitted its proposal in the next 48 hours, Washington was ready to meet again "in Geneva on Friday in order to start detailed negotiations to see if we can get a nuclear deal".

The US has dispatched two aircraft carriers to the region, along with other jets and ships, and has also shored up its air defences in the Middle East.

Trump's chief Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff said Saturday in a Fox News interview that the president was questioning why Iran had not yet given in to US pressure.

"He's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated', but why they haven't capitulated," he said.

"Why, under this pressure, with the amount of seapower and naval power over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'?"

Iran has long denied it is trying to produce nuclear weapons, but insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.



- Fears of war -



A previous round of nuclear diplomacy last year was interrupted by Israel's surprise bombing campaign against the Islamic republic.

That sparked a 12-day conflict in June that the US briefly joined with strikes on nuclear facilities

Iran has maintained that it will defend itself in the event of any new attack.

Despite the latest talks, Iranians' fears of a new conflict have grown.

"I don't sleep well at night even while taking pills," Tehran resident Hamid told AFP, saying he worried for his "family's health... my kids and grandchildren".

IT technician Mina Ahmadvand, 46, believes that "at this stage, war between Iran and the US as well as Israel is inevitable and I've prepared myself for that eventuality".

"I don't want war to happen, but one should not fool around with the realities on the ground."

The concerns have prompted several foreign countries to urge their citizens to leave Iran, including Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia, which warned "commercial flights are currently available but this could change quickly".
Afghans mourn villagers killed in Pakistani strikes



Bihsud, Afghanistan, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Afghans gathered around a mass grave on Sunday to bury villagers who died in overnight air strikes by Pakistan, which said its military operation killed more than 80 militants.

The overnight attacks left at least 18 people dead, Afghanistan said, and were the most extensive since border clashes in October that killed more than 70 on both sides and wounded hundreds.

"The house was completely destroyed. My children and family members were there. My father and my sons were there. All of them were killed," said Nezakat, a 35-year-old farmer in Bihsud district, who only gave one name.

Islamabad said it hit seven sites along the border region targeting Afghanistan-based militant groups, in response to suicide bombings in Pakistan.

A Pakistani security source told AFP on Sunday that the airstrikes killed "more than 80" militants, adding the death toll was expected to rise.

Islamabad's military targeted the Pakistani Taliban and its associates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group, a statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said.

The Afghan government has previously denied harbouring militants.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said "people's homes have been destroyed, they have targeted civilians, they have committed this criminal act" with the bombardment of eastern Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Residents from around the remote Bihsud district in Nangarhar joined searchers to look for bodies under the rubble using shovels and a digger, an AFP journalist said.

"People here are ordinary people. The residents of this village are our relatives. When the bombing happened, one person who survived was shouting for help," said neighbour Amin Gul Amin, 37.

Nangarhar police told AFP the bombardment started at around midnight and hit three districts, with those killed all in a civilian's house.

"Twenty-three members of his family were buried under the rubble, of whom 18 were killed and five wounded," said police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad.

Strikes elsewhere in Nangarhar wounded two others, while in Paktika an AFP journalist saw a destroyed guesthouse but there were no immediate reports of casualties.



- 'Calculated response' -



Afghanistan's defence ministry said it will "deliver an appropriate and calculated response" to the Pakistani strikes.

The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021 as foreign forces withdrew.

Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians between October and December, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan.

Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but the efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

The deteriorating relationship has impacted people in both countries, with land border crossings - crucial gateways for trade - largely shut for months.

Pakistan said Sunday that despite repeated urging by Islamabad, Taliban authorities have failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan, which Kabul denies.

Islamabad launched the strikes after a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other attacks more recently in northwestern Pakistan.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest attack in Islamabad since 2008.

The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul last month.

burs-rsc-je/ceg
Iran says has right self-defence if US talks fail



Tehran, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Sunday that his country would respond to any US attack, but held out hope for a diplomatic solution, saying he expected another round of talks in Geneva later in the week.

Speaking in an interview on the US network CBS, the minister said there was a "good chance" that talks with US negotiators would head off renewed military strikes.

He insisted, however, that Iran had a right to continued uranium enrichment for civilian purposes -- and to strike US interests in the Middle East in response to any aggression.

"If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves. If the US attacks us, that is the act of aggression. What we do in response is an act of self-defence," Araghchi said.

"It is justified, legitimate. So our missiles cannot hit the American soil. So obviously we have to do something else. We have to hit, you know, the American base in the region."

Last year, in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities, Iran fired missiles at the US airbase at Al-Udeid in Qatar. Iranian officials sometimes also refer to Israel as a US base.

Araghchi, nevertheless, also said: "I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution which is based on a win-win game."

After a recent round of talks in Geneva, Iran said it was preparing a draft proposal for an agreement, which would be ready in a matter of days.

Araghchi said negotiations were continuing, and "we are working on the elements of a deal and draft of the text".

"I believe that when we meet, probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal," he told CBS.

But, as for Iran's uranium enrichment, which the US opposes, Araghchi said: "As a sovereign country, we have every right to decide for ourselves, by ourselves."
'No thanks': Greenland, Denmark reject Trump's hospital ship offer



Copenhagen, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Denmark and its territory Greenland on Sunday rejected Donald Trump's offer to send a naval hospital ship to the Arctic island coveted by the US leader.

A day earlier, Trump said he was sending "a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there".

But Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who heads the autonomous territory's government, wrote on his Facebook page: "That will be 'no thanks' from us."

"President Trump's idea to send a US hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens," he said.

"This is not the case in the United States, where going to the doctor costs money."

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen likewise told Danish broadcaster DR: "The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialised treatment, they receive it in Denmark."

He added: "It's not as if there's a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland."

On the day that Trump made his proposal, Danish forces evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland's capital Nuuk after the sailor requested urgent medical attention.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command said in a post on Facebook that the crew member was flown to a hospital in Nuuk after an unspecified medical emergency on board the vessel.



- AI-generated hospital ship -



In Greenland, as in Denmark, access to healthcare is free for citizens. There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving patients from all over the territory.

Without explicitly mentioning the US proposal, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was "happy to live in a country where access to healthcare is free and equal for all. Where insurance or wealth does not determine whether one receives dignified treatment".

Trump, in his Truth Social message on Saturday about the hospital ship, posted an AI-generated image of a US Navy medical vessel, USNS Mercy.

"It's on the way!!!" he added.

It was not immediately clear if that meant he was deploying that ship to Greenland.

The US president indicated the deployment was being carried out in coordination with Jeff Landry, appointed in December as the US Special Envoy to the Arctic island.

Aaja Chemnitz, who represents Greenland in the Danish Parliament, wrote on Facebook that, while Greenland's health system had its share of problems, they were best resolved through cooperation with Denmark.

Denmark, she noted, "is one of the wealthiest and most educated countries, for example in the field of healthcare," contrasting it with "the United States, which has its own healthcare system problems".

Earlier this month, Greenland signed an agreement with Copenhagen to improve the treatment of Greenlandic patients in Danish hospitals.

Denmark's central bank had warned in January that the Arctic island's public finances were under pressure from demographic trends, pointing to its ageing population and shrinking workforce.



- 'New normal' -



Trump has repeatedly said he believes the United States must control Greenland to ensure US national security.

Earlier threats he made to seize the territory, by force if necessary, have ebbed since he struck a "framework" deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence.

The defence minister, Lund Poulsen, told DR he was not aware of a possible arrival of the suggested US hospital ship.

"Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics," he said.

Meanwhile, in Nuuk, where a third of the island's 57,000 inhabitants live, people are tired of the US president's repeated jabs.

"I don't care," a man said under sparse, icy snowfall when asked by AFP about Trump's recent remarks, while most people avoided journalists' questions.
Iraq-based Kurdish Iranian parties unite to defy Islamic republic



Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Several Iraq-based Kurdish-Iranian groups announced on Sunday a political coalition to seek the overthrow of Iran's Islamic republic and ultimately to secure Kurdish self-determination.

Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region hosts camps and rear bases operated by several Kurdish-Iranian factions, which have repeatedly faced cross-border strikes from Iran.

Five exiled groups said they had formed a coalition to "assert our presence in Iran's current political situation, where the Islamic republic regime has lost all political legitimacy but unfortunately remains in power".

The "Coalition of Political Forces in Iran Kurdistan" includes the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), and the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK).

The main goals of the alliance are, the joint statement said, "the struggle to overthrow the Islamic republic of Iran, and to achieve self-determination for the Kurds".

They added that they support anti-government protests in Iran and stressed the need for "coordinated, joint political and on-the-ground efforts" between Kurdish parties and civil society and opposition groups across Iran.

The interior ministry of the autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq protested that it "will not allow any actor to use the Kurdistan region against any neighbouring country".

In late December, economic hardship sparked protests in sanctions-hit Iran that expanded into nationwide anti-government demonstrations, which were met with a crackdown that left thousands dead.

Last month, the Kurdish exiled groups in Iraq called for a general strike in support of the anti-government protests.

In 2022, Iran launched deadly military strikes on exiled Kurdish-Iranian militants, accusing them of instigating protests sparked by the death in custody of Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini.

Iranian-Kurdish groups, which are mostly armed, have long been in Tehran's sights, and many follow a socialist doctrine.

Although they have largely refrained from armed activity in recent years, they continue to actively campaign from exile.

Kurds, often described as belonging to one of the world's largest stateless peoples, make up one of Iran's most important non-Persian ethnic minority groups.
Iran-US talks expected Thursday despite fears of strikes



Paris, France, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



Iranian officials held out hope for progress towards a deal to forestall fresh conflict when talks with US negotiators resume on Thursday, despite a huge build-up of American military might in the Middle East.

Speaking to CBS News on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said details of a possible deal were being drawn up ahead of the renewed talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, after Washington's envoy Steve Witkoff had publicly wondered why Tehran had not yet "capitulated".

Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of regional mediator Oman, said talks would resume on Thursday in Geneva "with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal".

US threats of military action have multiplied since a nationwide protest movement in Iran sparked a crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands. On Sunday, Iranian students held competing pro- and anti-government protests, with critics of the clerical leadership risking arrest or worse if they are caught.

"If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves," Araghchi said, alluding to American interests in the region as potential targets.

Still, he said, "there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution".

In a social media post, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian likewise said previous talks "yielded encouraging signals".

After a recent round of discussions in Geneva, Iran said it was preparing a draft proposal for an agreement that would avert military action.

"I believe that when we meet, probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal," Araghchi told CBS.

Axios had earlier reported, citing an unnamed senior US official, that if Iran submitted its proposal in the next 48 hours, Washington was ready to meet again later in the week "to start detailed negotiations".

The US has sent two aircraft carriers to the Middle East in recent weeks, along with other jets and ships, and has also shored up its air defences in the region to back up its threats of military intervention.

US President Donald Trump's chief Middle East negotiator Witkoff said in a Fox News interview broadcast Saturday that the president was questioning why Iran had not yet given in to the pressure.

"He's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated', but why they haven't capitulated," he said.

"Why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'?"

Western governments fear Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at developing a bomb, which Tehran has long denied, though it insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

On the subject of uranium enrichment, Araghchi said Sunday that Iran had "every right to decide for ourselves".



- Fears of war -



A previous round of diplomacy last year was interrupted by Israel's bombing campaign against the Islamic republic.

That sparked a 12-day conflict in June that the US briefly joined with strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Despite the recent Oman-mediated talks, Iranians' fears of a new conflict have grown.

"I don't sleep well at night even while taking pills," Tehran resident Hamid told AFP.

IT technician Mina Ahmadvand, 46, believes that "at this stage, war between Iran and the US as well as Israel is inevitable".

"I don't want war to happen, but one should not fool around with the realities on the ground."

The concerns have prompted several foreign countries to urge their citizens to leave Iran, including Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia.



- Protests -



Iran has previously said that quickly striking a deal is in its interests if it means relief from sanctions that have hamstrung its economy, which contributed to protests late last year over the high cost of living.

Those demonstrations quickly expanded into mass anti-government protests that marked one of the largest challenges to the Islamic republic's leadership in years, prompting a deadly crackdown by authorities that saw thousands killed, according to rights groups.

On Sunday, Iranian students gathered for fresh pro- and anti-government rallies commemorating those killed following similar gatherings the day before.

Local and diaspora media outlets reported demonstrations at multiple Tehran universities, with some participants waving the flag of Iran's deposed monarchy, and others chanting "death to the shah", who was toppled by the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Trump had initially cheered on the protesters, threatening to intervene on their behalf amid the crackdown, but his threats soon shifted to Iran's nuclear programme.

Voicing their support for the protests, several Iraq-based Kurdish-Iranian groups announced on Sunday that they were forming a political coalition to unite against Iran's Islamic system.

The main goals of the alliance, a joint statement said, are "the struggle to overthrow the Islamic republic of Iran, and to achieve self-determination for the Kurds".
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As one of the highest cities in the world, I started my time in Quito walking aimlessly and super-slowly (due to lack of oxygen), which always feels like the best way to get to grips with a new place. Fragranced with an air of Palo Santo, used to cleanse spaces and shops of bad energy daily, the city hides a multitude of tiny, well-curated art galleries, cafes and museums, of which Museo Casa del Alabado fast became my favourite. Filled with a private collection of stone monoliths, pottery vessels, whistles, masks, funerary urns, and jewellery, all of which date back to the pre-Columbian era, its a fascinating and humbling place that should be on every Quito itinerary.
The fundraiser said: It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
A Smokey Frozen Margarita is served at Old Pal Texas Tavern on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Lockhart, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Margarita lovers, Sunday is calling. National Margarita Day has arrived, and in Austin, that means one thing: a citywide hunt for the perfect margarita. Before you dash to your favorite bar, check out our guide to the citys sharpest shakers, saltiest rims, and most righteous pours.

Like any great cocktail, the margarita comes with a bit of legend. Some trace it to 1930s Mexico, where socialite Margarita Sames is said to have mixed tequila, lime, and orange liqueur for her guests. Others credit Carlos Danny Herrera, who reportedly created the drink for a dancer allergic to everything but tequila. Whatever its origin, the recipe stuck, crossed the border, and became a Texas essential.

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And this year, theres a new stop to add to your crawl: De Nada Cantina is opening a second location on South First Street, taking over the longtime home of El Mercado.

OK, history lesson over, let's get to the good stuff.

The best margaritas in Austin

ATX Cocina

Sanpper crudo at ATX Cocina. PROVIDED BY RONNY GALDAMEZ

This downtown Austin spot runs a daily happy hour; times shift depending on the day, but the deals are consistent. The classic margarita on the rocks is built with Lunazul Blanco, clean and no-frills, while the back bar offers a deeper tequila bench if youre particular about your pour. Theres also a front patio along Cesar Chavez Street thats made for people-watching with steady foot traffic, city buzz and an easy place to settle in with a drink after work.

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110 San Antonio St. 512-263-2322, atxcocina.com.

Curra's Grill on Oltorf

Curra's co-owner Jorge Garcia shows off the restaurant's trademark avocado margarita in 2008. TAMMY PEREZ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, Austin 360

No margarita roundup would be complete without a nod to Curra's and their Avocado-rita. Yes, you read that right. Trust us, it works. Curra's on Oltorf is also known for its exceptional service, which somehow makes those margaritas taste even better. They primarily use Carbonero and Casamigos tequila, and their daily happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) boasts wallet-friendly house margs and tasty bites.

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614 E. Oltorf St. 512-444-0012, currasgrill.com.

De Nada Cantina

For those who like their margaritas with a serious punch, De Nada is the undisputed heavyweight champion. These are rumored to be some of the strongest in town  so strong the bar politely caps you at two. The only contenders in the "knock-you-off-your-feet" category might be the infamous, Everclear-infused giants at Baby Acapulco or the Matts El Rancho margs. De Nada offers both frozen and on-the-rocks options, along with seasonal marg options like the mango and strawberry flavors.

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East: 4715 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-615-3555.

South First: 1302 S. First St. 512-447-7445.

El Alma on Barton Springs

The upstairs patio at El Alma. Austin American-Statesman

If a strong patio and real range matter, head to El Alma on Barton Springs. Happy hour (36 p.m.) cuts prices on nearly half of its margarita lineup, and the list actually delivers. La Diabla leans hot, with mango-habaneroinfused Astral Blanco; the Flaquita runs cool but sharp with watermelon and serrano; and the Barton Springs marg, built on locally made Carabuena Blanco, drinks stronger than it looks. Fair warning: it lands like a double. And with Barton Springs Pool a short walk away, its an easy pre- or post-swim stop, just pace yourself.

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El Alma, one of the El Chile Group restaurants, makes a michelada with tomato water so that the drink is lighter and more refreshing than a typical michelada but still has a strong tomato flavor. Arianna Auber / American-Statesman Austin American-Statesman

Fun fact: Carabuena Tequila was founded right here in Austin, by a Jalisco native. Cheers to that.

1025 Barton Springs Road. 512-609-8923, elalmacafe.com.

El Cockfight

This two-story bar leans into an Oaxaca-inspired aesthetic. The margaritas can come in heavy Tajin rims and a tequila list beyond the basics. Downstairs, its all dark corners and layered seating, anchored by a neon-lit Virgen de Guadalupe and the occasional DJ set that keeps the room humming. Upstairs, a rooftop terrace opens out over Fifth Street, with a small stage that regularly hosts live music, giving the space a more open, energetic feel.

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121 E. Fifth St. bearhughospitality.com/el-cockfight.

Fresa's on South First

Fresa's has four different margs: their classic, frozen lime, frozen prickly pear, and  for those looking for something creamy  the frozen avocado. They're all made with Cimarron tequila blanco. And if you want to have some fun at home, you can also get their house margarita mix to-go for $18 (it makes 8 to 10 drinks). Their patio also has a backyard view overlooking the East Bouldin Creek Greenbelt.

1703 S. First St. 512-992-2946, fresaschicken.com/south-first.

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La Condesa

La Condesa's Margarita la Clasica, is made with blanco tequila, Patron Citronge and a house mix of lime juice, agave and water. It is an often-ordered drink on the menu. [Contributed by Jody Horton] Austin 360

La Condesa, in the heart of downtown, offers a more refined experience with four classic margaritas, including a mezcal option. They also let you customize your tequila, featuring local heroes like Carabuena and Lalo. Speaking of Lalo, this Austin-based brand, spearheaded by Don Julio's grandson, is making waves with its modern take on premium tequila. It's a fantastic spot to grab a sophisticated marg before catching a show at ACL Live.

400 W. Second St. 512-377-6305, lacondesa.com.

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Licha's Cantina

Licha's Cantina will transport you to Mexico with its menu and its vibes. AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE

East side adventurers, take note of Licha's. Their happy hour (Tuesday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.) makes the bar a good spot for day drinking or pregaming a night out on East Sixth Street. The authentic ambiance of the converted house adds to the charm, and their regular, skinny or spicy margaritas with Campo Bravo reposado are a steal. Feeling social? Pitchers are also available. Their top-shelf options feature Tequila Ocho Blanco or Lost Explorer mezcal.

1306 E. Sixth St. 512-480-5960, lichascantina.com.

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Polvos on South First

Down on South First Street, Polvos is a reliable standby, buzzing with energy and serving up solid margaritas. Through decorations and an old-timey vibe, its also one of those places that feels authentically Mexican. (You might get the specials, but not quite the same feel at the other Polvos locations in downtown or at Barton Creek Mall). They also have long happy hours from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. House margs, served frozen or on the rocks, start at $6 during those times. You can also get a pitcher of the traditional house margarita for $35.

2004 S. First St. 512-441-5446, polvosaustin.com.

Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar

The Torres family drinks cocktails at Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar Monday, May 5, 2025. The Torres family owns Mi Madres Restaurant, Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar and School House Pub. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

Venturing north a bit, Techo boasts a guava frozen tequila margarita that's worth seeking out, and for the adventurous, their mezcal offerings present a deep dive into Austin's burgeoning obsession with the smoky spirit. If you haven't embraced mezcal yet, consider this your official nudge  it's a major player in the local booze scene, though be warned: its flavor profile can be polarizing.

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2201 Manor Road. 512-480-8441.

National Margarita Day specials

Azul Rooftop

The Westin Austin Downtown is home to the Azul Rooftop Pool. The Westin Austin Downtown

Offers $8 specialty margaritas all day, including prickly pear, strawberry, watermelon and jalapeno variations. A DJ set runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with views of the downtown skyline.

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310 E. Fifth St. 512-792-5647, azulrooftopatx.com.

Corner

Running from 11 a.m. to close, the Corner Margarita is discounted by $5. A bundled option pairs a margarita with two tacos (including brisket, shrimp or fried chicken) or sides like ceviche or guacamole for $24.

110 E. Second St. 512-608-4488, cornerrestaurantaustin.com.

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Edge Rooftop

From 5 to 11 p.m., $5 off house margaritas, including regular, spicy and SoCo variations.

110 E. Second St. 512-608-4503, edgerooftop.com.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Features two competing margaritas: a cucumber-lime Winter and a jalapeno-pineapple Summer, both made with Lalo Blanco tequila. Guests can sample both for free and vote; the winning drink will be priced at $5 the following week (Feb. 23March 1).

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Congress: 1400 S. Congress Ave. 512-243-7505.

East: 1011 E. Fifth St. 512-828-7855.

North Lamar: 4615 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-335-2337.

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Juliet Italian Kitchen

Offers $6 Italian-style margaritas and half-off margarita pizzas on Feb. 22. Available at both Barton Springs and Arboretum locations.

Arboretum: 10000 Research Blvd. 512-666-3067.

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Barton Springs: 1500 Barton Springs Road. 512-479-1800.

Powder Room

Serving $15 specialty margaritas from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., focusing on a later-night crowd with a narrower but curated selection.

301 W. Fifth St. 512-996-3113, loboshospitality.com/venues/powderroomatx.

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The Roosevelt Room

Offers $9 classic margaritas and $10 mezcal margaritas all day, with an emphasis on balanced, spirit-forward cocktails.

307 W. Fifth St. 512-494-4094, therooseveltroomatx.com.

Upstairs at Caroline

Features $13 margaritas made with Patron tequila, including a Margarita in Mexico with Texas citrus. Frozen and on-the-rocks options include fruit and spicy variations. Available all day.

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109 E. Seventh St. 512-982-6766, carolinerestaurant.com/upstairs-at-caroline.

VERDAD True Modern Mexican

Running a limited-time promotion through Feb. 26 with half-priced frozen margarita carafes. The offer also includes a complimentary margarita pie with purchase.

2701 Perseverance Drive. 737-358-4225, verdadtruemodernmexican.com.

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Via 313

On Feb. 22, $3.13 margaritas and a $5 frozen Frita-Rita, available for to-go orders only. Available across its Austin-area locations.

Downtown: 600 W. Sixth St. 737-358-9100.

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East: 1802 E. Sixth St. 737-353-0313.

Guadalupe: 3016 Guadalupe St. 737-307-0313.

Waterloo Ice House

Features $6 frozen margaritas (with optional flavor add-ons), alongside a range of house options including the Waterloo Rita and a blood orange Buenos Dias margarita. Also offers Mexican martinis, including an $8 house version on weekends.

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360: 6203 N. Capital of Texas Highway. 512-418-9700.

Burnet: 8600 Burnet Road. 512-458-6544.

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Slaughter: 9600 Escarpment Blvd., 512-301-1007.
GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 22: A view of the site where Mexican Army troops killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (Jalisco New Generation), during a federal operation in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on February 22, 2026. Earlier in the day, armed men blocked several highways in the western state of Jalisco, setting vehicles and trucks on fire in response to the federal security operation in the region (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

The U.S. government is urging Americans in parts of Mexico  including the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco  to shelter in place after violence erupted following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho.

In a security alert issued Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico advised U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to remain indoors until further notice due to ongoing security operations, road blockades and criminal activity.

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Who killed El Mencho? Where did he die?

GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 22: A view of the site where Mexican Army troops killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (Jalisco New Generation), during a federal operation in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on February 22, 2026. Earlier in the day, armed men blocked several highways in the western state of Jalisco, setting vehicles and trucks on fire in response to the federal security operation in the region (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

Mexican authorities confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died after being injured during a federal security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco  about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, according to the Associated Press. Oseguera Cervantes died while being flown to Mexico City, according to the Department of Defense.

The Mexican government said the operation targeted cartel activity in the region. According to reports, multiple cartel members were also killed during the confrontation.

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El Mencho had been one of Mexicos most wanted drug traffickers and led one of the countrys most powerful criminal organizations.

What is happening in Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco?

Following confirmation of his death, coordinated violence broke out across western Mexico. Residents and local officials reported burning vehicles and blocked roads in several cities, a tactic commonly used by criminal groups to disrupt security forces and restrict movement.

The New York Times reported that at least seven cartel members were killed during the operation, and that vehicles were set on fire across multiple states in the hours that followed.

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GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 22: A view of the site where Mexican Army troops killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (Jalisco New Generation), during a federal operation in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on February 22, 2026. Earlier in the day, armed men blocked several highways in the western state of Jalisco, setting vehicles and trucks on fire in response to the federal security operation in the region (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

Is Puerto Vallarta safe right now?

The U.S. Embassy has advised Americans in Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, to shelter in place until further notice because of ongoing security operations and road blockades.

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That does not mean violence is occurring everywhere in the region, but conditions can change quickly  particularly on highways and near law enforcement activity.

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Officials in Jalisco said some public transportation would be suspended and urged hotels to keep guests inside. Panic spread briefly near Guadalajara International Airport, though authorities said flights continued operating normally.

What is the U.S. Embassy advising American travelers to do?

In addition to the shelter-in-place, advisory, the embassy also recommends that U.S. citizens:

Avoid areas where law enforcement or military operations are underway

Limit road travel, especially on highways where blockades have been reported

Monitor local news and official updates

Follow instructions from local authorities and hotel staff

Inform family and friends of their whereabouts

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The alert does not order evacuations but urges Americans to remain cautious as conditions develop.

What is CJNG?

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is considered one of Mexicos most powerful criminal organizations.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, CJNG is a major supplier of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States. The DEA has described the group as one of Mexicos most powerful, influential, and ruthless transnational criminal organizations.

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Formed around 2011, CJNG has operations across much of Mexico and associates in nearly all 50 U.S. states, according to federal officials.

In recent years, U.S. authorities have arrested or prosecuted several high-profile CJNG figures, including El Menchos son Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez, known as El Menchito, and other senior members.

Who was El Mencho?

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, co-founded CJNG and served as its leader. He was indicted multiple times in the United States on drug trafficking charges. Before his death, the U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
University of Texas Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies coordinator Jackie Salcedo, left, department manager Grayson Hunt, freshman student Sofia Gomez and director Lisa Moore in Burdine Hall, Feb. 18, 2026 after UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it. Currently, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women's and gender studies or LGBTQ studies at the university. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

By any measure, 2023 was a golden year for University of Texas students and faculty studying womens and gender studies. After decades of classes and years of advocacy for more resources, the university approved the field to become an official department.

The move meant WGS would have its own full-time faculty, a chair reporting directly to the dean and more money for programming. Faculty celebrated the milestone as a sign their workand their place on campuswas finally being recognized as valuable.

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Both new faculty and long-standing faculty were almost in tears with how impactful it was to feel that sense of belonging, said Lisa Moore, the chair of UTs Womens, Gender and Sexualities Studies department.

Moore and her colleagues did not know then how fleeting that feeling would be.

Conservative pressure and the criticism from UT leadership about overly fragmented departments have snowballed in recent years: scrutinizing, at times criticizing andmost recentlydismantling the fields. Last week, UT President Jim Davis announced plans to collapse ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it.

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Faculty and students fear consolidating the department with others could threaten individual degree programs, courses, programming, research and faculty jobs. Though all current students will be allowed to continue in their degree programs, Davis has not said if there will be faculty or majors in the future. Its also unclear when consolidation will occur.

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Conservatives criticize the courses of study for veering into activism and often describe the curriculum as indoctrination. They argue the state shouldnt fund it and students shouldnt be forced to take it as part of required curriculum.

Director of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas, Lisa Moore in her office in Burdine Hall, Feb. 18, 2026 after UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it. Currently, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women's and gender studies or LGBTQ studies at the university. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Some also critique the programs as under-enrolled and over-funded. Enrollment is small, and down this year about 30 students from Fall 2025, according to the colleges data. Last year 19 students graduated with degrees in WGS, representing a tiny fraction of UTs nearly 16,000 graduates.

UT spokesperson Mike Rosen said there are 30 current students majoring or taking a masters program in WGS and 13 faculty working for the department. According to data used by the consolidation committee, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in womens and gender studies or LGBTQ studies currently. The university doesnt officially track minors until students graduate because they can be difficult to quantify, Rosen said.

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Proponents say womens and gender studies is a long-established discipline thats being targeted and defined without their input or voice.

In more than a dozen interviews with alumni, current students, professors and recent staff hires, the womens and gender studies community defended the program as interdisciplinary and skills-based, taught by award-winning faculty. They say it leads students to meaningful careers and lives, and that small faculty-to-student ratios are a benefit to students.

Alumniincluding a nonprofit founder, therapist, professor, aspiring physician and a Rhodes Scholarsaid UT courses about womens reproductive health, LGBTQ history and female literature gave them critical thinking skills and new perspectives that shaped their careers. The coursework helps them empathetically engage with people with different opinions or personal backgrounds.

In announcing the consolidation, Davis did not mention politics. He declined interview requests with the American-Statesman. Moore said Davis has not responded to her messages inviting the UT president, who is not an academic, to her classes and to meet with her about the department.

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Moore believes the attacks on her field will eventually force faculty and students to leave the school. WGS enrollment is small, but comparable to other departments such as Middle Eastern Studies with 99 students and Religious Studies with 73 students  neither of which face consolidation.

I have never seen the Legislature and the Board of Regents so successfully reach into the heart of what we do on campus and twist the guts out, Moore said. At every level, people in leadership and academic administration are saying What is my line in the sand? 

What do the classes give students?

Students and alumni said they came to UTand to WGS coursesbecause they wanted tools to understand the people from different backgrounds and to apply that knowledge in other fields. Moore said students earn similar incomes as graduates in other humanities-based fields, evidence that the program prepares them for versatile careers.

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Neha Yawalkar graduated in 2025 with a biochemistry major and womens and gender studies minor. She wanted to focus her career on helping LGBTQ people when she started at UT. A fertility and reproduction course in womens and gender studies helped her see how she could pursue that passion through healthcare.

Director of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas, Lisa Moore in her office in Burdine Hall, Feb. 18, 2026 after UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it. Currently, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women's and gender studies or LGBTQ studies at the university. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Yawalkar said her minor taught her about how gender impacts marketing, engineering and healthcare, she said. Her South Asian migration course taught her to critique and read with nuance, and an LGBTQ course showed her how queer people historically struggled to find inclusive care.

It feels like its radical knowledge, Yawalkar said, because theres almost an injustice to the fact that you didnt have this information beforehand.

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She now works at the Kind Clinic, an Austin-based medical practice specifically for LGBTQ Texans that offers gender affirming care and HIV prevention pills.

The Texas Legislature banned gender-affirming care for minors in 2023, prompting some families to leave the state. Yawalkar is determined to become a physician in Texas to ensure LGBTQ Texans still get inclusive care.

Isaac James, a 2022 minor in LGBTQ studies and government major, said the program showed him how he could serve his community beyond politics and taught him about the rights queer people have fought for. He cofounded OutVote in 2024, an organization focused on engaging LGBTQ youth in politics, after seeing his peers feel unrepresented in government.

I really do think without LGBTQ studies, I would not have been able to obtain the same professional and academic success, James said, citing the critical thinking skills he cultivated and the connections that helped him become a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford in England after graduation.

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The classes help students challenge their assumptions about the world and its inequalities, but that doesnt mean they are political or one-sided, faculty and students insist.

In fact, UTs diverse student body allows gender studies students to disagree in fruitful ways that may not be possible at other schools, Paige Schilt, a 2000 graduate, said. Navigating diverse perspectives in womens and gender studies courses directly shapes her work as a therapist and support group leader in Austin today, she said.

Being a facilitator for ideas to come up and be evaluated from different perspectives that is something that I do all the time as a therapist, Schilt said. (Keeping) an atmosphere of respect and openness and curiosity, thats something that I definitely learned, both as a student and a teacher at UT Austin.

Kate Viera, a 1998 graduate, still remembers her course on female authors in the 18th century, where she analyzed how societal expectations for women are reflected in the text: a view that also helped her understand her own life and experiences differently.

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Most of all, the womens studies courses taught her that education should contribute positively to society, echoing UTs own mission to change the world.

I felt that so strongly, said Viera, who is now a University of Wisconsin education professor. The idea that learning could be political, not in a partisan way, but in a way that contributes to the well being of society, is certainly something that has impacted my whole career.

A long history

Though gender and ethnic studies have been increasingly scrutinized in recent years, the fields have a nearly five-decade history at UT. The Center for Womens and Gender Studies, a research hub that initially housed the majors before the department gained approval, opened in 1979 after students advocated for an education that included all people and perspectives.

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In 1987, the university allowed students to add a concentration in womens studies. Full degree programs were approved in the early 2000s, and more than 500 have graduated with a degree or concentration in the field, Moore said.

Murals decorate the University of Texas Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies office in Burdine Hall, Feb. 18, 2026 after UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it. Currently, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women's and gender studies or LGBTQ studies at the university. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Research and courses in the department often focus on maintaining history that is otherwise excluded from traditional archives, such as the stories of LGBTQ people. In a class that studies the history of social revolutions, Moore assigns students founding documents of the U.S., but also, work written by advocates for abolition and equality, she said.

In every culture where there has been subordination of women, there have been people who understood that was wrong, and who fought it, Moore said. There were always people who see things a different way, and thats a history that we want to make available to our students.

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UT President Davis said new structural changes follow a review aimed at best stewarding the colleges resources, correcting fragmentation in the college and broadening narrow departments. But faculty say the fields are broad, intersecting with health, disability studies, literature, education, information studies and public policy. They argue the field is increasingly relevant in todays diverse world.

Gender studies, ethnic studies are actual disciplines born out of the need that wasnt necessarily being met, Nicole Ramsey, a womens and gender studies professor, said. If you are to have knowledge about the world, it doesnt make sense to only do that through certain frameworks that dont include everybody. It could just never work.

'A dark cloud over everything'

Change around the department started slowly. Then, fast.

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In 2024, UT closed multicultural and LGBTQ student centers in response to a state ban on diversity, equity and inclusion. At the time, the university reassured faculty that their teaching and research would be untouched.

Even though no law barred teaching about gender identity, university systems across Texas  including UT  opened audits into courses over gender and race curriculum and promised to restore trust.

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Director of Womens Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas, Lisa Moore shows a book, Sweet Tea from the Ana Sisnett Library shelves in Burdine Hall, Feb. 18, 2026. UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it. The library was transferred out of the Student Activity Center in 2024 to allow students to continue to access the resources. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

UTs own LGBTQ studies faculty have been harassed online, over the phone and on conservative news sites, but university leaders havent publicly defended staffs academic freedom, professors said. Last week, UT regents voted on a policy to limit the discussion of controversial topics but left it up to university presidents to determine what controversial means.

Its this dark cloud over everything, Ramsey said. How can you do your best work when you are constantly questioning if your major is going to exist next semester?

Students are afraid of being videotaped or surveilled during class  a concern made more real by the incident at Texas A&M University.

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This climate of fear around discussing issues of gender, race and sexuality has meant that students are more scared than ever before to talk about them openly, to debate them with their peers, Gutterman said.

Jo Hsu, associate chair of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies, said threats, while discouraging, affirm the importance of what we do. Hsu is often the first transgender faculty member students have and is teaching subjects they didnt have access to in school. In their trans care class, Hsu tasked students with thinking about how to protect and share lessons learned with those not in the class.

For me, its always been the feeling of, this place is ours too, Hsu said about Texas. We also live here, and (teaching), in part, is a commitment to the version of the state that Ive known.

Protecting something sacred

The small lobby of the Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies department is marked by a bright mural. Rainbow flags sit in a cup next to the door, and shelves of feminist and queer texts rescued from the since-closed Gender and Sexuality Center line the neighboring wall.

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With consolidation, students know they will be able to complete their majors, but dont know if the WGS majors or minors will exist after the universitys review.

The level of fear mongering is at a fever pitch, said Lina-Marie Murillo, a professor in reproductive health. Theyre going to lose a deeply engaged and educated citizenry, but I think thats what they want.

But they are not losing everybody. Sofia Gomez, an aspiring educator and UT freshman, took a womens and gender studies class as an elective her first semester. Her introductory course will help her be knowledgeable about how best to support multicultural and multilingual students, Gomez said. She wants to declare a double major in the field and rhetoric and writing.

Sofia Gomez, a University of Texas freshman who dreams of becoming an educator sits in the Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies Office in Burdine Hall, Feb. 18, 2026 after UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate ethnic and gender studies into a new department and review the courses and majors within it. Currently, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women's and gender studies or LGBTQ studies at the university. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

This is why my parents wanted me to come here, Gomez said. When she found out about consolidation, she cried. I feel like Im grieving.

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Sydney Jael Wilson, a UT masters student, travelled 1,000 miles from Georgia to study womens and gender studies at the Forty Acres. Undergraduate courses changed her understanding of the world and her place in it, and her goal is to expand such programs to historically Black colleges and universities.

Its worth asking ourselves why do we think womens history isnt important, Wilson said. She believes in protecting something so sacred, and working with others to do so.

Outside of class, Wilson is creating an after-school womens and gender studies curriculum for high school students to expand the learning beyond college.

The departments director, Moore, knows that the field shes spent more than 30 years studying has already transformed the countrys understanding of itself.

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What happens in our classrooms is something that I would love our harshest critics to be able to witness, Moore said.

Though UT can lose its classes, its reputation and its faculty, it cant lose that knowledge, she said.

You cant put this genie back in the bottle, she said.
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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)

*Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive in destinations far from home.

*The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and several countries has made overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers.

*Across continents, Spring Festival celebrations are becoming meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges.

BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- During this year's Spring Festival, many Chinese chose to celebrate abroad, discovering that distance did little to dull the holiday's joy -- vibrant dragon dances, glowing lantern displays and lavish festive feasts proved that the spirit of the Chinese New Year transcends borders.

Across the globe, Spring Festival celebrations are creating memorable experiences for both tourists and locals, not only showcasing Chinese culture through performances and traditional events, but also fostering travel and cross-cultural exchanges.

CHINESE TRADITION DISPLAYED OVERSEAS

From festive parades in Europe and holiday fairs in South America, Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive in destinations far from home.

In central Turkiye's Cappadocia region, an event celebrating the annual festival was launched on Feb. 14, bringing Chinese New Year elements to one of the country's most visited tourist destinations.

A hot air balloon themed on the Chinese Year of the Horse is inflated during a Chinese Spring Festival celebration in Cappadocia, Turkiye, Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Best known for its dramatic rock formations and cave-dotted valleys shaped by volcanic activities, Cappadocia attracts visitors from around the world each year. During this year's festivities, hot-air balloons bearing Chinese New Year greetings, including a horse-shaped balloon, became a popular attraction for tourists.

As night fell, drone formations lit up the sky with messages such as "Year of the Horse 2026" and "China-Turkiye Friendship," creating a festive atmosphere visible across the landscape.

"It's amazing!" Zhang Mengping, a tourist from China's Chengdu, told Xinhua. Seeing elements of the Chinese Spring Festival in a foreign country is familiar and heartwarming, and highlights the growing global reach of Chinese culture, she said.

Like those visiting Turkiye, Chinese tourists traveling in France during the holiday have also encountered celebrations incorporating modern technology.

In Paris, a Chinese New Year parade led by robotic performers made its way along the Champs-Elysees to the beat of festive drums, bringing traditional celebrations to the landmark avenue for the fourth time.

A humanoid robot, invented by a Chinese company and supplied by French technology firm INNOV8 Group, waves during a parade celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)

"Seeing traditional arts like the dragon and lion dance, Yingge dance, and Hanfu performances presented together overseas made me more intuitively feel the charm of Chinese civilization," said Wu Yao, a tourist from northwest China's Shaanxi Province, after watching the parade.

VISA-FREE POLICIES BOOST HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Data from China's National Immigration Administration indicate that cross-border travel is expected to rise in both directions during this year's Spring Festival holiday. Daily inbound and outbound passenger trips are projected to exceed 2.05 million, up 14.1 percent compared with the same period last year.

The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and several countries, including Russia and Brazil, has made overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers.

On Monday, also the Chinese New Year's Eve, the third "Happy Chinese New Year" event opened at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow. Despite temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius and the day falling on a workday, residents and tourists gathered at the venue in falling snow to join the celebrations.

Visitors watch a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony of celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Jianwei)

A tourist surnamed Wu from east China's Zhejiang Province said his family chose to spend the holiday in Russia this year to experience a different Spring Festival abroad. They also traveled to Murmansk, a city in the Arctic Circle, where they viewed the aurora over the Arctic Ocean.

In January, Brazil announced visa-free entry for certain short-term categories of Chinese travelers in response to China's visa-free policies for Brazilian nationals.

In contrast to Russia's winter chill, Brazil is in the midst of summer. In Sao Paulo, the country's largest city, Liberty Square has been adorned with decorations for the Chinese Spring Festival.

The annual holiday fair, now in its 21st edition, has attracted thousands of locals and visitors. Activities including calligraphy, traditional Chinese dance and acupuncture demonstrations have been highlighted as part of the celebrations.

A tourist surnamed Chen from south China's Guangdong Province, who is traveling in South America during the holiday, said she was surprised to see the broad participation in overseas Spring Festival celebrations.

"With dragon and lion dances and people practicing Tai Chi, the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Brazil is truly rich," said Chen. This year, the Spring Festival coincides with Brazil's carnival season. "This kind of 'double festivity' that spans half the globe is truly unforgettable," she said.

CELEBRATIONS FOSTER CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Across continents, Spring Festival celebrations are becoming meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges, bringing Chinese traditions into dialogue with local customs and creating shared festive experiences across borders.

People attend an event to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

On Tanzania's Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean known as the "Spice Island," Spring Festival festivities took on a unique local flavor. On Chinese New Year's Eve, Wang Wenming, a Chinese tourist born in the 1990s, and his fiancee spent the festival at a seaside restaurant on the northern part of the island.

As the waves lapped against nearby rocks, a restaurant staff member, learning that the couple was celebrating the Chinese New Year, played the Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower). The melody echoed across the terrace, drawing smiles and toasts from diners of different nationalities.

Wang said he was delighted to see locals becoming more familiar with Chinese traditional festivals.

"Through these exchanges, I introduced some Chinese cultural customs to local people, and the sense of fulfillment from this kind of interaction goes beyond simple tourism," he said.

Efforts to showcase the cultural aspect of the Spring Festival extend to Indonesia, where the Confucius Institute at the University of Al-Azhar Indonesia organized celebrations under the guidance of its Chinese director, Wang Daxin.

People walk past an installation celebrating the Chinese New Year in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo by Alberth Damanik/Xinhua)

During the holiday, events combined park-style activities with stage performances. Visitors could watch lion dances, martial arts and traditional performances, while also participating in interactive experiences such as practicing calligraphy, crafting paper cuttings, learning tea ceremonies and making dumplings.

"We aim to help more Indonesians understand where the customs come from and what they mean, through guided explanations, demonstrations and hands-on activities," Wang said.

Chen Jinxin, a tourist from south China's Guangxi Province, attended a face-changing performance of Sichuan opera at the institute and was deeply moved.

"Seeing Chinese traditional arts appreciated overseas makes me truly proud," he said. "It shows that different cultures can connect, and that understanding and respect are possible across borders." 

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)

*Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive in destinations far from home.

*The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and several countries has made overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers.

*Across continents, Spring Festival celebrations are becoming meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges.

BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- During this year's Spring Festival, many Chinese chose to celebrate abroad, discovering that distance did little to dull the holiday's joy -- vibrant dragon dances, glowing lantern displays and lavish festive feasts proved that the spirit of the Chinese New Year transcends borders.

Across the globe, Spring Festival celebrations are creating memorable experiences for both tourists and locals, not only showcasing Chinese culture through performances and traditional events, but also fostering travel and cross-cultural exchanges.

CHINESE TRADITION DISPLAYED OVERSEAS

From festive parades in Europe and holiday fairs in South America, Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive in destinations far from home.

In central Turkiye's Cappadocia region, an event celebrating the annual festival was launched on Feb. 14, bringing Chinese New Year elements to one of the country's most visited tourist destinations.

A hot air balloon themed on the Chinese Year of the Horse is inflated during a Chinese Spring Festival celebration in Cappadocia, Turkiye, Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Best known for its dramatic rock formations and cave-dotted valleys shaped by volcanic activities, Cappadocia attracts visitors from around the world each year. During this year's festivities, hot-air balloons bearing Chinese New Year greetings, including a horse-shaped balloon, became a popular attraction for tourists.

As night fell, drone formations lit up the sky with messages such as "Year of the Horse 2026" and "China-Turkiye Friendship," creating a festive atmosphere visible across the landscape.

"It's amazing!" Zhang Mengping, a tourist from China's Chengdu, told Xinhua. Seeing elements of the Chinese Spring Festival in a foreign country is familiar and heartwarming, and highlights the growing global reach of Chinese culture, she said.

Like those visiting Turkiye, Chinese tourists traveling in France during the holiday have also encountered celebrations incorporating modern technology.

In Paris, a Chinese New Year parade led by robotic performers made its way along the Champs-Elysees to the beat of festive drums, bringing traditional celebrations to the landmark avenue for the fourth time.

A humanoid robot, invented by a Chinese company and supplied by French technology firm INNOV8 Group, waves during a parade celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)

"Seeing traditional arts like the dragon and lion dance, Yingge dance, and Hanfu performances presented together overseas made me more intuitively feel the charm of Chinese civilization," said Wu Yao, a tourist from northwest China's Shaanxi Province, after watching the parade.

VISA-FREE POLICIES BOOST HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Data from China's National Immigration Administration indicate that cross-border travel is expected to rise in both directions during this year's Spring Festival holiday. Daily inbound and outbound passenger trips are projected to exceed 2.05 million, up 14.1 percent compared with the same period last year.

The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and several countries, including Russia and Brazil, has made overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers.

On Monday, also the Chinese New Year's Eve, the third "Happy Chinese New Year" event opened at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow. Despite temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius and the day falling on a workday, residents and tourists gathered at the venue in falling snow to join the celebrations.

Visitors watch a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony of celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Jianwei)

A tourist surnamed Wu from east China's Zhejiang Province said his family chose to spend the holiday in Russia this year to experience a different Spring Festival abroad. They also traveled to Murmansk, a city in the Arctic Circle, where they viewed the aurora over the Arctic Ocean.

In January, Brazil announced visa-free entry for certain short-term categories of Chinese travelers in response to China's visa-free policies for Brazilian nationals.

In contrast to Russia's winter chill, Brazil is in the midst of summer. In Sao Paulo, the country's largest city, Liberty Square has been adorned with decorations for the Chinese Spring Festival.

The annual holiday fair, now in its 21st edition, has attracted thousands of locals and visitors. Activities including calligraphy, traditional Chinese dance and acupuncture demonstrations have been highlighted as part of the celebrations.

A tourist surnamed Chen from south China's Guangdong Province, who is traveling in South America during the holiday, said she was surprised to see the broad participation in overseas Spring Festival celebrations.

"With dragon and lion dances and people practicing Tai Chi, the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Brazil is truly rich," said Chen. This year, the Spring Festival coincides with Brazil's carnival season. "This kind of 'double festivity' that spans half the globe is truly unforgettable," she said.

CELEBRATIONS FOSTER CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Across continents, Spring Festival celebrations are becoming meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges, bringing Chinese traditions into dialogue with local customs and creating shared festive experiences across borders.

People attend an event to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

On Tanzania's Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean known as the "Spice Island," Spring Festival festivities took on a unique local flavor. On Chinese New Year's Eve, Wang Wenming, a Chinese tourist born in the 1990s, and his fiancee spent the festival at a seaside restaurant on the northern part of the island.

As the waves lapped against nearby rocks, a restaurant staff member, learning that the couple was celebrating the Chinese New Year, played the Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower). The melody echoed across the terrace, drawing smiles and toasts from diners of different nationalities.

Wang said he was delighted to see locals becoming more familiar with Chinese traditional festivals.

"Through these exchanges, I introduced some Chinese cultural customs to local people, and the sense of fulfillment from this kind of interaction goes beyond simple tourism," he said.

Efforts to showcase the cultural aspect of the Spring Festival extend to Indonesia, where the Confucius Institute at the University of Al-Azhar Indonesia organized celebrations under the guidance of its Chinese director, Wang Daxin.

People walk past an installation celebrating the Chinese New Year in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo by Alberth Damanik/Xinhua)

During the holiday, events combined park-style activities with stage performances. Visitors could watch lion dances, martial arts and traditional performances, while also participating in interactive experiences such as practicing calligraphy, crafting paper cuttings, learning tea ceremonies and making dumplings.

"We aim to help more Indonesians understand where the customs come from and what they mean, through guided explanations, demonstrations and hands-on activities," Wang said.

Chen Jinxin, a tourist from south China's Guangxi Province, attended a face-changing performance of Sichuan opera at the institute and was deeply moved.

"Seeing Chinese traditional arts appreciated overseas makes me truly proud," he said. "It shows that different cultures can connect, and that understanding and respect are possible across borders." 
Yesterday morning, I learned that one of my teachers had passed away. He was only 63, a devoted, tireless oncologist who spent his life teaching and training many oncologists across Pakistan. Many of his students went on to work abroad as senior oncologists and professors, carrying his legacy far beyond borders.

He was not my direct teacher, but rather the teacher of my supervisor, a teacher of a teacher. Yet distance never existed. Throughout the year, he remained deeply involved in teaching, organizing sessions on site-specific oncology. I attended them regularly.

What bound us was not proximity, but kindness.

There was reverence, of course, made heavier by hierarchy and seniority, but there was also warmth. A gentleness that softened formality. A shared kindness that quietly dissolved fear.

I remember the first time I met him in Lahore. He was organizing a session and had asked for the names of oncology residents from across Pakistan, intending to select one. I submitted my name without hesitation. None of my colleagues did. When I learned I had been selected, I was overwhelmed with joy.

I prepared a bouquet of my favorite flowers, choosing every stem myself. When I gave it to him, he smiled, a smile that felt like permission to be human, not just a student.

He was extraordinarily kind. His face carried a softness, his presence a calm. Perhaps that is why our bond existed. Every time we met, he would say, Daman is a star. Each time, my heart lifted.

I kept attending his sessions, traveling often to Lahore just to see him. Every visit brought different flowers: new colors, new paper, new ribbons. And every time I returned, he would send me a photograph of himself holding them, as if preserving our small ritual.

Breaking the hierarchy

One day, I heard he had suffered a cardiac arrest. He came to Islamabad for treatment, to one of the best cardiologists in our hospital, his friend. Very few people knew he was there.

My supervisor, though respectful, kept his distance, perhaps intimidated by his seniority. But I was never afraid of him. Maybe because I do not see people through ranks and titles. Maybe because I believe love should never wait. Today may be the last day, for them or for me. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

I went to see him early that morning. As a doctor, I was allowed into the pre-procedure area without question. He lay on the bed, eyes closed, arms folded on his chest. There was fear on his face, a quiet, human fear. He looked pale. A man of similar age sat nearby. Later, I learned he was his brother-in-law.

I held his hand and said, Hey.

His eyes opened instantly. For a moment, he must have wondered who dared to hold his hand so freely. Then he saw me, and he smiled.

I told him not to worry. That he would be fine. I stayed there, holding his hand, talking softly, until the nurses wheeled him away. I wished him luck.

That evening, I went to see him again. He was in the CCU, a pacemaker in place, stable, and allowed to eat. He looked better.

Outside food was forbidden in our hospital, but rules softened for love. I brought fruits, a small pocket knife hidden carefully, and a get-well-soon card. No one checked my bag; they trusted the on-call doctor. His children were not there. I wanted him to feel less alone. He was overjoyed.

From that day on, he never stopped thanking me for being there, for caring when he was vulnerable.

A legacy of joy

For nearly six years, I continued attending his sessions. It wasnt only me who adored him. He had a rare gift, the ability to make everyone feel seen, whether junior or senior, from any hospital. He was never biased. His teaching carried the weight of experience and the lightness of joy.

Once, he gave me a gift, something he had never done for any student, and gently asked me to stop bringing flowers. I respected his wish.

Just last Sunday, I attended a breast cancer session he was delivering. A student asked him to draw the left ascending artery (a vessel in the heart) on a CT scan. He laughed and said, Oh, LCA? jo meri band thi. (Oh, that LCA? the one that got blocked in my heart.) We laughed with him, unaware.

He was meticulous. Always prepared. Always planning months, even a year ahead: topics, cities, schedules. He had already prepared an entire winter course.

This Sunday, he was meant to lecture on rectal and esophageal cancers. On Saturday morning, he was gone. On Friday, he had sent messages reminding everyone to prepare. It must have been sudden, an acute cardiac event.

I did not cry. There is only a deep, quiet sadness. But there is also peace.

I am someone who always needs closure. Without it, my mind invents unfinished stories. This time, there is none. What matters is not whether he is here today. What matters is that he felt loved. That he knew he was special.

The joy we shared is my closure. I never withheld affection, and it was always received, fully and openly. That knowledge settles gently in my heart.

He was loved until the very end.

Damane Zehra is a radiation oncology resident in Pakistan.
US East Coast braces for another massive snowstorm



New York, Feb 21 (AFP) Feb 21, 2026



A fast-developing storm is threatening to pummel the US East Coast with a foot or more of snow beginning Sunday, bringing Mother Nature's wrath to a region that only just dug out from a previous winter wallop.

Meteorologists issued blizzard warnings for New York and parts of at least six states, warning Saturday that heavy snow and gale-force winds are forecast to slam all major cities along the densely populated Interstate 95 northeast corridor, including Philadelphia, Boston and even Washington further south.

"Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 2 feet (30-60 centimeters)" in Boston and eastern Massachusetts, with winds gusting to 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour, the National Weather Service said Saturday in a report from its Boston office.

The NWS headquarters said snowfall rates of more than one inch (2.5 centimeters) an hour will occur at times along parts of the East Coast, with huge snow totals "resulting in near-impossible travel conditions."

The heavy, wet snow may result in numerous power outages, it warned.

Flooding is also forecast along the coastlines of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states such as Delaware and New Jersey, where communities are expected to be hit with extreme conditions during the worst of the storm, late Sunday into Monday morning.

More than 50 million Americans are in the path of the current Nor'easter, a powerful cyclone that forms along North America's eastern coastline.

In New York City, authorities and residents were bracing for a direct hit, the first blizzard to sock the city since 2016.

"We are now expecting between 13 to 17 inches of snow, but there is a slight chance we may see up to 20 inches, if not more," Mayor Zohran Mamdani told a briefing.

"I am asking all New Yorkers to stay inside and stay off the roads for your safety," he said, adding that the city's Monday morning commute "will be extremely hazardous."

A mega-storm that swept across the eastern half of the country in late January was linked to more than 100 deaths nationwide, and slammed some cities with heavy snow and sleet that froze into rock-hard ice.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency beginning midday Sunday, freeing up funds and allowing the swift deployment of resources to address the imminent weather crisis.
Italian alpinist found dead in Swiss avalanche



Geneva, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



The body of a young Italian man lost since Wednesday in the eastern Swiss Alps has been found under an avalanche, police said Sunday.

In a statement, the police in the Graubunden canton said the 25-year-old ski and climbing enthusiast went missing in Pontresina, and the alarm for him was raised on Thursday.

His dead body was recovered from under the snow in Val D'Arlas after a search lasting several days involving rescue dogs and helicopters, the statement added.

According to the 20Minutes news website, the man, originally from Naples, was working in the glitzy ski resort of Saint Moritz.

Heavy snowfall has caused severe avalanche risks across swathes of the Alps, leading to the deaths of several skiers in recent weeks.
New York mayor orders citywide travel ban ahead of major storm



New York, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered a shutdown Sunday of the city's entire traffic network to all but emergency travel ahead of a massive snowstorm expected to hit the northeast United States.

Starting at 9pm Sunday to noon Monday a "state of emergency closes the streets, highways and bridges of New York City for all traffic, cars, trucks, scooters and E-bikes," Mamdani told reporters.

The ban will not affect essential workers or New Yorkers needing to travel due to emergencies, according to Mamdani. New York is home to over eight million people.

"We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non essential travel," the mayor said. "New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade."

The fast-developing storm is threatening to pummel the US East Coast with a foot or more of snow beginning Sunday, just weeks after the region recovered from another devastating weather system.

Meteorologists issued blizzard warnings for New York and parts of at least six states, warning Saturday that heavy snow and gale-force winds are forecast to slam all major cities along the densely populated Interstate 95 northeast corridor, including Boston, Philadelphia, and even Washington further south.

The NWS headquarters said snowfall rates of more than one inch (2.5 centimeters) an hour will occur at times along parts of the East Coast, with huge snow totals making travel nearly impossible. Power outages are likely.

The mega-storm that swept across the eastern half of the country in late January was linked to more than 100 deaths nationwide, and slammed some cities with heavy snow and sleet that froze into rock-hard ice.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency beginning midday Sunday, freeing up funds and allowing the swift deployment of resources to address the weather crisis.
New York mayor orders citywide travel ban ahead of major US storm



New York, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2026



New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday ordered the shutdown of the city's entire traffic network for all but emergency travel ahead of a massive snowstorm expected to hit the northeast United States.

Tens of millions of Americans from the US capital Washington to the northern state of Maine braced for the storm, with up to two feet (60 centimeters) of snow forecast in some areas.

The National Weather Service said blizzard conditions would "quickly materialize" from Maryland up to southeastern New England, making travel "extremely treacherous."

Snow could fall at a rate of two to three inches per hour at the peak of the storm, with nearly 54 million people in its path, it said.

Power outages are likely due to heavy snow and strong wind gusts, forecasters said.

In New York, which has more than eight million people, Mamdani said streets, highways and bridges would be shut down from 9:00 pm Sunday (0200 GMT) until noon Monday.

"New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade," he said, explaining the state of emergency.

"We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel."

The ban will not affect essential workers or New Yorkers needing to travel due to emergencies, according to Mamdani.



- 'Worst yet to come' -



New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency beginning midday Sunday, freeing up funds and allowing the swift deployment of resources to address the weather crisis.

In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu closed all public schools and municipal buildings on Monday.

"We ask everyone to plan ahead, stay safe and warm, and stay off the roads to help our public works and public safety efforts," Wu said.

The National Weather Service said "moderate to major" coastal flooding affecting waterfront roads and properties was possible from Delaware up to Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

The storm comes just weeks after the region recovered from another devastating weather system that was linked to more than 100 deaths.

"The worst is yet to come," New York Governor Kathy Hochul told a press briefing Sunday.

"Whatever you need -- any groceries, any medicines you need to be refilled at the pharmacy, any pet food you need to have -- do it right now."

Then, she advised, "just settle in."

"Watch some more Olympics, read a book, catch up on the news, call your family members, call your moms -- especially your moms."
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Gemma Bissix is set to reprise her role as Clare Bates in EastEnders this spring, returning for a brief but emotional reunion with Nigel Bates as part of the BBC soap's ongoing dementia storyline.

The 42-year-old actress last appeared in Albert Square in 2008, following a nearly decade-long absence.

Her character departed Walford later that same year. This upcoming return, almost two decades on, is prompted by news of her estranged stepfathers deteriorating dementia.

It was a real pleasure to be asked to reprise the role of Clare for Nigels storyline. I was hoping to get the call as I think the fans wanted EastEnders to revisit their relationship, Bissix said.

Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the 90s with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship. It has been so great to reconnect with Paul (Bradley) and Karen (Henthorn) after all these years, and its crazy how time felt like it had stopped when we did.

I grew up on the set of EastEnders and essentially learned my craft there, so its been a real full-circle moment. Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again.

Clare Bates will return to EastEnders this spring ( BBC/PA Wire )

In recent episodes of the soap, viewers saw Nigels carers  his wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)  decide to place him in a residential home after he was found underwater and unconscious in a bath.

As she returns to the soap, Clare is said to be essential in helping Nigels loved ones to decide what is best for him in the next stage of his dementia care.

EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: We always knew we wanted to bring Clare Bates back to Walford as we continue Nigels storyline, and Im delighted that Gemma said yes.

The stepfather and daughter duo share a complicated history and have been estranged for many years, but it was essential for us to revisit this relationship as Nigels dementia progresses and the family start to consider his additional care needs.

Bissix made her first appearance in Albert Square as Clare in 1993, as the daughter of Debbie Bates (Nicola Duffett).

Nigel and Debbie tied the knot in 1994 but she was killed off in a hit-and-run a year later, and Nigel was given full custody of Clare.

In 1998, Nigel met his current wife Julie and later that year they left Walford with Clare to move to Scotland together.

Bradleys character returned to the long-running soap after 26 years on December 24 2024, and he has since been struggling with young onset dementia.

EastEnders has worked with Dementia UK for the ongoing storyline, which has also seen returns from popular characters such as Debbie Bates, Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) and Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) in the form of hallucinations, as Nigel experiences worsening dementia symptoms.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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American-born Olympian Eileen Gu, 22, has responded to Vice President JD Vances comment that she should not be competing for China in this years Winter Olympics.

During a Tuesday interview with Fox News, Vance suggested that because Gu was born and raised in San Francisco, California, she should compete for the United States and not her mothers home country of China.

The freestyle skier then spoke with USA Today days later, where she responded to the vice presidents comments, saying, Im flattered. Thanks, JD! Thats sweet.

She was also asked if she felt like a bit of a punching bag for a certain strand of American politics at the moment, prompting Gu to agree.

So many athletes compete for a different country, she added. People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. So its not really about what they think its about.

open image in gallery Olympian Eileen Gu has responded to Vice President JD Vances criticism of her playing for China and not the United States: Im flattered ( Getty Images )

The Olympian also admitted that Vance was not the only person to criticize her decision to not compete for Team USA, as she recalled being physically attacked on Stanford Universitys campus  where she is a student  in broad daylight.

It was pretty serious, Gu said.

Her comments came after Vance told Fox News that he hoped American citizens would choose to compete for the U.S. on the world stage.

I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America, Vance said.

open image in gallery So many athletes compete for a different country, Gu said ( Getty Images )

So, Im going to root for American athletes. I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. Thats who Im rooting for in this Olympics.

The skier has won two silver medals at the 2026 games, adding to her collection of two golds and one silver from the 2022 games in Beijing. Even though she is the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier, Gus citizenship has been a point of contention, as this is her second Olympics competing for China.

Her reasoning behind that decision is that she wants to help make the sport more mainstream in China, since the U.S. already has the representation, she told Time Magazine earlier this year.

The International Olympic Committee requires athletes to be citizens of the nations they represent, noting on its site that a competitor who is a national of two or more countries at the same time may represent either one of them.
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The Princess of Wales is no stranger to rewearing items from her closet, and she pulled out one of her most ethereal gowns for this years Baftas.

Kate walked the red carpet ahead of the 79th British Academy Film Awards at Londons Royal Festival Hall in a princess-style Gucci gown.

The dress was made of a two-tone chiffon featuring both a light blush and a darker pink hue. Kate tied the look together with a plum-coloured velvet belt, which almost matched the burgundy velvet dinner jacket worn by her husband, the Prince of Wales.

To complete the look, Kate had her hair loose, with a side parting and relaxed curls. She opted against a necklace, instead wearing an elegant diamond bracelet.

The princess last wore this outfit in February 2019, to the 100 Women in Finance Gala Dinner. She styled the look differently then, wearing it with a voluminous half updo, showing off more of the gowns neckline.

The Waleses are regular fixtures on the Bafta red carpet because William is president of the British Academy.

When Kate made her last appearance on the Bafta red carpet in 2023, she also showed off her love for recycled fashion. For that occasion she donned a Grecian-style gown by Alexander McQueen, which she previously wore to the Baftas in 2019.

She paired the white one-shouldered dress with black opera gloves and gold-look statement floral earrings. The earrings were from high street retailer Zara, and at the time priced at 17.99.
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Edeline Lee surprised London Fashion Week guests with a book launch instead of a traditional runway show, marking 15 years of her brand with a reflective, salon-style presentation at The Peninsula London.

Invited attendees arrived expecting an autumn/winter 2026 catwalk. Instead, they were handed a limited-edition volume, Edeline Lee Fifteen Years, documenting the designers collections and collaborators to date.

Models posed for photographers in an intimate presentation space before guests moved upstairs to the Brooklands Bar, where the new-season looks circulated through the crowd.

The last few months have been a time of deep reflection, both for me and the entire team while we produce this book, Lee said, describing the publication as a strictly limited run. Inserts detailing the autumn/winter 2026 collection will later be added to each copy  a gesture that mirrors the brands emphasis on longevity and evolving design.

While the format was unexpected, the clothes themselves reinforced Lees core signatures, albeit with subtle shifts.

Known for sculptural dresses engineered through intricate, small-scale pattern cutting, Lee revisited her hallmark sunray pleating and circular construction. But this season, there was a noticeable expansion of trousers and separates, signalling both commercial growth and a broader shift in how women are dressing.

We were looking back [] over so many years and so many different projects, Lee told the Press Association. Theres a lot of new development in the really tiny pattern cutting  like the trousers, which is a really big growing category for us right now.

That focus was evident in sharply cut, high-waisted trousers styled with draped tops and tailored blazers.

The silhouettes retained Lees architectural precision but felt more modular and day-to-night adaptable. Wide-leg navy trousers paired with fluid blouses suggested a move towards elevated workwear, structured yet soft, aligning with a wider runway trend favouring powerful but wearable tailoring.

Colour played a significant role. A saturated cobalt blue emerged as a standout across multiple looks, from pleated midi dresses to structured jackets. The vivid shade  already gaining momentum on international runways this season  is poised to become a key colour story moving into autumn/winter.

Against Lees otherwise restrained palette of navy, rust and ivory, cobalt stood as bold but controlled, injecting energy without overwhelming her refined aesthetic.

Texture also came to the fore. Pleated capes and mid-length skirts introduced movement, while a tailored navy blazer was punctuated with a cascading white embellishment along one lapel  a decorative gesture that avoided excess through careful placing.

Elsewhere, a dramatic cage-like overskirt constructed from vertical bands flared outward from the hips over slim trousers, offering a sculptural counterpoint to the otherwise fluid silhouettes.

Even the eveningwear maintained an element of restraint. A fully sequinned gold gown shimmered under the lights but was cut with a high neckline and streamlined A-line silhouette, favouring pared-back poise over overt sensuality. In contrast to more overtly revealing collections elsewhere on the schedule, Lees glamour felt measured.

Among those attending was broadcaster and restaurant critic Grace Dent, a long-time supporter of the brand. I love this label. Its my go-to when I need to look strong and confident and put together, she told PA. I wore this label for the very first photo that I ever had when I took over MasterChef, because I felt like it gave out [the right] message.

The salon-style format allowed guests to study these details up close: the intricacy of the pleats, the precision of the waist seams, the subtle engineering that gives Lees garments their sculptural form without stiffness.

While the surprise book launch invited reflection, the clothes suggested evolution rather than nostalgia. The increased presence of trousers, the push into saturated cobalt and the continued refinement of architectural daywear point to a brand responding to how its clientele live now.

Fifteen years in, Edeline Lee chose not to stage a grand runway statement, instead offering something arguably more assured; a reaffirmation of her design ethos while looking forward to a new chapter.
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High-shine, pin-straight styles dominated backstage at London Fashion Week autumn/winter 2026, signalling a decisive return to noughties hair trends. After seasons of big, bouncy blow-dries and boho texture, a sleeker aesthetic took control, with hair pressed to a mirror-like finish and cut with sharp precision.

The shift was most striking at Chet Lo, where lead stylist Anna Cofone created 'glass straight' hair to complement the designers sculptural silhouettes. Backstage, teams meticulously sectioned hair. Fine-tooth combs carved razor-sharp centre partings, and straighteners glided until each panel reflected light like liquid  devoid of bend or fluff.

Cofone explained the inspiration to the Press Association: "The inspiration for the look is pulling from south-east Asian identity, drawing from the iconic head-dresses of the Peking opera. In opera they use ostrich feathers as an extension of the performance [] so we wanted to bring that into the hair. Youll see these beautiful moments where they have ostrich feathers and we wanted to do it in a simple modern way  the hair is glass straight."

This cultural reference translated through sculptural feather placements, extending horizontally like wings. Its modernity stemmed from an immaculate base: ultra-flat, mirror-like strands tucked behind the ears or falling bluntly against the jawline, with finishing sprays amplifying shine to an almost vinyl sheen.

open image in gallery Glass hair was accompanied with ostrich feathers  feathers being a trend weve also seen on runway clothes ( Joss Wild for Authentic Beauty Concept/PA )

Cofone believes the return reflects a broader beauty trend. "I think well see [straight hair] quite a lot this coming season as weve had a lot of big hair and a lot of movement, texture so I love the idea of glass straight coming back in," she said.

After seasons of soft waves and voluminous blow-dries, autumn/winter 2026 suggests a swing back towards structure, refining noughties flat-iron culture into something more architectural. On the runway, the effect was dramatic: centre-parted bobs, cut blunt and severe, had symmetry emphasised by feathers piercing outward from behind the ears. The hyper-sleek texture contrasted sharply with Chet Los spiked knitwear.

Precision also defined Paul Costelloes autumn/winter 2026 show, offering a controlled, classical contrast to Chet Los graphic direction. Toni and Guy global creative director Cos Sakkas crafted a look mirroring the Irish designers powerful tailoring. Hair was smoothed to a high-shine finish, drawn into a low, sculpted chignon at the nape.

The crisp centre parting reinforced Costelloes suiting, with shine again proving key, appearing almost lacquered under backstage lights to complement structured coats and tailored silhouettes.

open image in gallery Smooth, straight hair backstage on blonde model at the Paul Costelloe show ( Toni and Guy/PA )

While Costelloes aesthetic evoked power dressing, Brazilian designer Karoline Vittos runway demonstrated how sleek hair frames sensuality. Models wore slicked-back styles hugging the scalp, their clean finish emphasising bone structure and allowing the brands signature cut-outs and draped silhouettes to take centre stage. The hairs shine mirrored the fluidity of the fabrics, reinforcing the body-conscious nature of the designs.

After seasons celebrating individuality and airy volume, hair now sharpens clothing rather than competing. A severe centre part, gloss of flattened strands, and disciplined low bun elevate a look. This follows the predictable 20-year trend cycle, reimagining early 2000s straightener obsession through a high-fashion lens.

Shine, in particular, defines the emerging beauty trend. From 'glass skin' to 'glass hair'. Whether loose and blade-straight (Chet Lo), coiled into a controlled chignon (Paul Costelloe), or slicked neatly back (Karoline Vitto), gloss is the unifying factor. London Fashion Weeks backstage beauty scene made one thing clear: the era of glass, straight hair is officially back.
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Julia had been dating her partner for about a month when the abusive phone calls began.

The partner had warned Julia when they got together that he had a stalker: a former girlfriend intent on sabotaging his life. But neither expected the woman to find the phone number for Julias family home and threaten her relatives with violence.

Soon Julia was being bombarded with emails, texts, and even a Venmo request with a note claiming to have "pornographic evidence" of her partner's infidelity. The woman walked past Julia's house, confronted her outside a McDonalds, drove a nail into her car tire.

But how did the stalker know where to find Julia, who barely used social media? During a brief encounter, she got a worrying reply: "I found your info online."

That was how Julia, a white-collar worker in her thirties in the U.S. northeast, discovered the shadowy and barely-regulated industry of data brokers. When Julia searched her own name, and paid a small fee, she found her "whole life story": where she went to college, her past addresses, the names of her roommates and closest friends.

open image in gallery New York City's 35-story Helmsley Building where the headquarters of leading data broker LexisNexis is located ( Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images )

"It was shockingly personal, and made me feel incredibly vulnerable," Julia, who asked to be identified by an alias, told The Independent.

Even if you don't know data brokers  and most Americans don't, according to a recent survey  they almost certainly know you. These companies compile vast amounts of public and private information that they then sell on to customers.

Some of this data comes from public documents such as marriage certificates, drivers licenses and voter registrations. But bank records, loyalty cards, internet browsing histories, and even braking and acceleration logs from internet-connected cars are also sold to brokers by the collecting companies (often via a complex web of intermediaries).

The U.S. has no comprehensive nationwide privacy laws, meaning data brokers are barely regulated at the federal level and only partially in some states. Hence, experts say there are often minimal safeguards against people exploiting them for ill ends.

We see data broker information used as a tool of abuse with alarming frequency, especially in stalking and coercive control cases, Belle Torek, of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, tells The Independent.

open image in gallery Chilling doorbell cam footage allegedly showing Vance L. Boelter, the man charged with murdering Melissa and Mark Hortman. Authorities say Boelter had notebooks with details of 11 data brokers, plus the names and home addresses of many Minnesota officials ( FBI )

open image in gallery A memorial for Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, right, and her husband Mark, left. In charging documents, the FBI shared photos of notebooks left inside the alleged killer's car, which listed internet-based people search engines ( Steven Garcia/Getty Images )

An abusive partner or ex doesnt have to be particularly tech-savvy: they can easily Google a name and suddenly have an address, relatives, work history, and other identifiers that [they] can use to dox, harass, impersonate, and intimidate survivors.

The consequences can be devastating. In 2020, a disgruntled attorney named Roy Den Hollander broke into the home of New Jersey federal judge Esther Salas disguised as a FedEx delivery man, killing her 20-year-old son Daniel Anderl and critically injuring her husband Mark before taking his own life.

Salas said in a statement that Den Hollander, a self-described anti-feminist, had used data brokers to assemble "a complete dossier" on her family, including her address and route to work.

More recently, an FBI affidavit stated that Vance Boelter  accused of murdering Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark last June  possessed a notebook listing 11 data broker sites and their offerings. (The affidavit did not say whether Boelter accessed the sites.)

U.S. immigration authorities have also bought domestic flight data and cell phone location data from brokers to help track down undocumented immigrants, reports by 404 Media have claimed.

"It is safe to assume that data brokers have personal information ranging from your name, address, and phone number to your geolocation, political beliefs, and sexual identity," Sam Adler, co-author of an upcoming academic paper on how data brokers endanger abuse survivors, told The Independent.

An uncontrollable beast

In October 1999, a 20-year-old dental assistant named Amy Boyer was shot dead in Chicago by a stalker who had bought her details from a private investigations company.

It was an early sign of how dangerous society's ever-increasing accumulation of digital data could be in the wrong hands.

There are at least 750 data brokers in the U.S., according to digital rights group Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. They range from tiny, fly-by-night firms on strip malls to globe-spanning titans with Park Avenue headquarters.

"People search" websites, such as industry leaders Spokeo, WhitePages, and Intelius, allow practically anyone to look you up for a small fee (sometimes less detailed searches are free). Meanwhile, credit reporting giants such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and data crunchers such as Acxiom, Epsilon, CoreLogic  the largest by revenue, according to data deletion service OneRep  limit their products to business customers such as marketers, banks, debt collectors, and realtors.

CoreLogic, Experian, Equifax, Epsilon,, Intelius, Spokeo, WhitePages, and the Association of National Advertisers did not respond to questions from The Independent. The Consumer Data Industry Association, an industry lobby group, declined to comment.

The industry says its services are crucial for businesses to verify customers or run background checks, as well as for law enforcement investigating crimes. They also help journalists check facts and find sources. (Like many news outlets, The Independent uses legal information provider, LexisNexis, to search public records.)

open image in gallery Esther Salas, left, and her son, Daniel Anderl. In the wake of her sons killing, Salas urged policymakers to protect the private information of judges, leading to a New Jersey statute known as Daniels Law ( Social media )

Some parts of the world have robust laws limiting this trade, such as the European Unions GDPR. But only 20 U.S. states have similar comprehensive data laws  and none are as strong as GDPR, according to the Center for Information Policy Leadership.

State DMVs are explicitly permitted by law to sell personal data. Cell phone carriers, payment providers, car companies, menstrual tracking apps, and an app for tracking a childs location: all have sold users' data to third parties, according to media reports and academic studies.

Some of this data is incredibly sensitive. The World Privacy Forum, a non-profit campaign group, testified before Congress in 2013 that it had found brokers offering lists of rape survivors, seniors with dementia, HIV/AIDS patients, and potential alcohol or drug addicts.

In theory, that kind of data is usually restricted to business clients who must agree to only use it in certain ways. "We have extremely strong controls to protect the data we hold, and we carefully vet potential customers," a LexisNexis spokesperson told The Independent.

"Our databases are not available to the public; only to verified entities after a thorough credentialing process. We audit customers, mandate customer training on how to use data legally, and monitor data usage to identify potential abusers."

open image in gallery Turquoise Williams, a Maryland-based anti-stalking advocate, said that adding todays level of access to personal data to the obsession stalkers have always shown is like throwing gasoline on a fire ( Turquoise Williams / JSMR )

Acxiom said it does not offer data to the general public, nor allow its customers to look up specific individuals, and that all its data is ethically sourced from publicly available information and trusted sources.

TransUnion said all its customers are bound by rigorous contractual agreements and must certify that they have an appropriate use for the product."

But not all brokers make such efforts. A 2023 Duke University study found seemingly minimal vetting of customers and seemingly few controls on the use of purchased data, while Adler  a doctoral student at Fordham Law School  says the industry has practically zero safeguards against misuse.

"These companies are largely unregulated and have no incentive to inquire about their users or make it more onerous for them to quickly and frictionlessly purchase data," Adler argued.

Turquoise Williams, executive director of Just Stalking Maryland Resources, said when you combine a dangerous obsession with this level of access to someones personal life, the consequences can be terrifying.

"It seems to be this beast that is uncontrollable," Williams, a survivor of a violent stalker, told The Independent.

I live in perpetual fear

It has been four years since Julia's ordeal began, and the stalking continues to this day.

"I don't give my phone number out for almost anybody, and I live in perpetual fear of my data leaking out," she told The Independent. "I have extreme anxiety now... I've kind of stopped being forward and making new friendsI don't really go out that much anymore."

She is far from alone. According to Meghan Land, executive director of Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, data brokers have been a "common subject of complaints" to her group for "many years", especially for victims of abuse, identity theft, and fraud.

"Victims can see the unsuccessful result of what are often great efforts theyve undertaken to protect their information," Land told The Independent.

Jessica Tunon, a financial consultant in her forties in Washington, D.C. and founder of the wellness firm Netwalking, similarly believes her stalker was able to track her by using data brokers even as she relocated multiple times.

"I always felt like I was being followed," Tunon told The Independent. "There was never a time when I didn't feel like someone was watching me. Being on high alert for that long definitely affected my health, my wellbeing, my stress."

The stalking continued for 13 years, and only stopped when she got a lawyer involved.

open image in gallery Jessica Tunon says her stalker worked as a realtor, which likely gave him access to enterprise-grade data broker services ( Jessica Tunon )

Its not just abuse survivors who are put at risk. In 2020 and 2021, three brokers  Epsilon, KBM, and Macromark  admitted knowingly supplying information on millions of vulnerable elderly people to scammers who defrauded them of savings, according to the Justice Department. Two Epsilon employees were later jailed.

Last year the data removal service Atlas, on behalf of roughly 20,000 New Jersey law enforcement workers, filed class action lawsuits against 118 data brokers for failing to stop selling their information under Daniel's Law (named in honor of Judge Salas's son).

One police officer, who had helped take down an organized crime group, discovered the criminals had hired a private investigator to get her address from data broker websites and taken night-time exterior photos of her childs bedroom window, one lawsuit alleged.

Another officer was targeted by an online influencer whose fans allegedly got his details from data brokers then spread them online, leading to death threats and a neighborhood visit from two armed, masked men.

A burden on your daily life

Many data brokers say that individuals can opt out of having their personal information shared. But research suggests these requests are not always honored  and if they are, sometimes the information reappears within months.

"It is extremely challenging," says Hayley Kaplan, a privacy consultant who helps celebrities, police officers, judges, rape victims, and others, scrub personal information from data brokers. "Sometimes you can't reach anybody. They have phone numbers that are disconnected. Contact forms that don't work. [And sometimes], when you do reach them, they'll say 'no problem!', but then not actually do it."

Muriel, a rape survivor who asked to be referred to by an alias, told The Independent: "I find a lot of them to be incredibly dodgy and shady.... sometimes they'll just flat-out lie to you.

Even when brokers remove personal data, it takes ongoing efforts to keep it offline. One woman quoted in Adlers paper described it as like playing whack-a-mole a burden on your daily life.

Adler and his co-authors propose a centralized, government-maintained register of people whove opted out, putting the onus on brokers to obey or face penalties.

The industry would probably resist that, just as it reportedly lobbied hard against Daniel's Law and California's DELETE Act, which gives consumers more power to opt out of having their data shared. The World Privacy Forum, the campaign group, describes past self-regulation efforts by the industry as lacking credibility, sincerity, and staying power.

For now, those endangered by the sale of their data must rely on patchwork regulation. California, Vermont, Texas, and Oregon all require data brokers to delete data upon request, though privacy advocates say there are loopholes.

Some people try to minimize their online footprint using P.O. boxes or state-backed home address confidentiality programs. Some 40 states offer such schemes, according to the Safety Net Project, although scope and eligibility vary.

Paid services such as DeleteMe, Optery, and EasyOptOuts can also help by automatically submitting opt-out requests to data brokers on your behalf. But these cost anything from $20 to $250 per year for one user, and theyre rarely comprehensive.

"I don't make a ton of money," says Julia. "[But] I have to pay for a lot of different services. The data cleanup services, the burner phone services, the misdirected package services. It's expensive and anxiety-inducing."

As for the brokers, her opinion is frank. "I think [they're] the scum of the Earth."
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Lawyers for imprisoned British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell are fighting the requested release of 90,000 pages related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell, saying a law used to force the public release of millions of documents is unconstitutional.

The lawyers filed papers late Friday in Manhattan federal court to try to block the release of documents from a since-settled civil defamation lawsuit brought a decade ago by the late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre against Maxwell. The Justice Department recently asked a judge to lift secrecy requirements on the files.

Maxwell's attorneys said the Justice Department obtained the documents  otherwise subject to secrecy orders  improperly during its criminal probe of Maxwell. They said the documents include transcripts of over 30 depositions and private information regarding financial and sexual matters related to Maxwell and others.

Some records from the year-long exchange of evidence in the lawsuit battle were already released publicly in response to a federal appeals court order.

Maxwells lawyers say a law Congress passed in December to force the release of millions of Epstein-related documents violates the Constitutions separation of powers doctrine.

Congress cannot, by statute, strip this Court of the power or relieve it of the responsibility to protect its files from misuse. To do so violates the separation of powers, wrote the lawyers, Laura Menninger and Jeffrey Pagliuca about the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Giuffre said Epstein had trafficked her to other men, including the former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ( US Department of Justice )

Under the Constitutions separation of powers, neither Congress nor the Executive Branch may intrude on the judicial power. That power includes the power to definitively and finally resolve cases and disputes, the lawyers added.

The release of Epstein-related documents from criminal probes that began weeks ago has resulted in new revelations about Epstein's decades-long sexual abuse of women and teenage girls. Some victims have complained that their names and personal information were revealed in documents while the names of their abusers were blacked out.

Members of Congress have complained that only about half of existing documents, many with redactions, have been made public even as Justice Department officials have said everything has been released, except for some files that can't be made public until a judge gives the go-ahead.

Giuffre said Epstein had trafficked her to other men, including the former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. She sued Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021, claiming that they had sex when she was 17.

He denied her claims and the two settled the lawsuit in 2022. Days ago, he was arrested and held in custody for nearly 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in having shared confidential trade information with Epstein.

In a memoir published after she killed herself last year, Giuffre wrote that prosecutors told her they didnt include her in the sex trafficking prosecution of Maxwell because they didnt want her allegations to distract the jury.

Maxwell, 64, was convicted in December 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Epstein took his own life in a federal lockup in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was moved from a federal prison in Florida to a low-security prison camp in Texas last summer after she participated in two days of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Two weeks ago, she declined to answer questions from House Oversight Committee lawmakers in a deposition conducted in a a video call to her federal prison camp, though she indicated through a statement from her lawyer that she was prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday.
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The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trumps sweeping tariff agenda Friday, dealing a seismic blow to the presidents key economic policy after months of chaos with Americas trading partners.

A ruling from the nations conservative-leaning high court determined that the presidents global levies were unlawfully imposed under the 1977 law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in a 6-3 decision.

Conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both appointed by Trump, joined Roberts as well as liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson in ruling against the president. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh all backed Trumps global tariffs.

Trump called the decision incorrect and said he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him. The president railed against the six Supreme Court justices who ruled against him during a press conference on Friday afternoon.

open image in gallery Donald Trump saw the Supreme Court reject his tariff plan in a landmark ruling. But the president and his allies have suggested there are other ways to implement them ( Getty )

The decision is likely to have a significant economic impact  though experts say it will be months before it is seen. The administration has also warned that such a ruling could force them to refund billions of dollars in revenue collected from the tariffs.

The interim effects of the Courts decision could be substantial. The United States may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the IEEPA tariffs, even though some importers may have already passed on costs to consumers or others, Kavanaugh wrote in his dissent.

The Supreme Court did not offer clear guidance about the refund process moving forward. But companies that had to pay tariffs may be able to seek compensation from the Treasury Department.

The Trump administration has suggested it has potential workarounds that could keep similar levies in place. However, its unclear how quickly they could do so before being required to issue refunds.

Fridays decision will not impact all of Trumps tariffs, just those brought under the 1970s law. That includes reciprocal tariffs on other countries and tariffs specifically imposed on Canada, China and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl.

Tariffs imposed on specific sectors, such as aluminum or steel, can remain in place.

open image in gallery Justices Barrett and Gorsuch, both appointed by Trump, joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices in ruling against Trump ( Reuters )

Trump appeared furious at the Supreme Court for ruling against him, accusing justices of being influenced by foreign countries, being disloyal to the Constitution, not protecting the United States and not being intelligent.

I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed. For not having the courage to do what's right for the country, Trump said Friday afternoon as he reacted to the decision.

Theyre against anything that makes America strong, healthy and great again. They are also frankly a disgrace to our nation, those justices, Trump added. Theyre very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution.

The president offered high praise for the three conservative justices who dissented from the majority.

open image in gallery Trump fumed at the six Supreme Court justices who ruled against him, claiming they are a disgrace to the United States ( AP )

Democratic lawmakers celebrated the Supreme Courts ruling with California Governor Gavin Newsom taunting Trump.

Time to pay the piper, Donald. These tariffs were nothing more than an illegal cash grab that drove up prices and hurt working families, so you could wreck longstanding alliances and extort them, Newsom said in a statement. Every dollar unlawfully taken must be refunded immediately  with interest. Cough up!

Senator Amy Klobuchar also praised the decision and noted the check-and-balances system of government.

With todays decision, it is clear that Congress  not the president  has the power to impose tariffs. We must reassert this authority and stand up for American workers, businesses, and consumers, said stated.

Some Republicans even joined the celebration.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said: In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, our Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the Constitution grants Congress  not the President  the power to tax. American families and American businesses pay American tariffs  not foreign countries. With this decision, American families and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief.

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a consistent critic of Trumps, praised the court for making plain what should have been obvious: The power to impose tariffs is very clearly a branch of the power to tax.

Senator John Curtis of Utah said: Todays ruling affirms, despite all the noise of the moment, that the Founders' system of checks and balances remains strong nearly 250 years later. Several questions remain unanswered, including what happens to the revenue already collected and how the Administration may use alternative authorities to impose tariffs. Looking ahead, it is critical that we provide the clarity and predictability businesses need.

open image in gallery The tariff ruling is expected to have an economic impact, especially if the government must refund companies that paid tariffs ( Getty )

Trumps allies backed the president and his tariff plan, which they say will bring in billions of dollars in revenue.

No one can deny that the Presidents use of tariffs has brought in billions of dollars and created immense leverage for Americas trade strategy and for securing strong, reciprocal America-first trade agreements with countries that had been taking advantage of American workers for decades, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson wrote. Congress and the Administration will determine the best path forward in the coming weeks.

Justices were asked to determine whether Trump was authorized to impose sweeping tariffs on nearly every one of the nations trading partners under the 1977 act, which permits the president to regulate trade in unusual and extraordinary circumstances when a national emergency is declared.

Trump invoked the act when he decided to impose a baseline 10 percent tariff on most countries, in addition to heavier reciprocal tariffs that he announced in April on his so-called Liberation Day. The president argued the tariffs were a matter of national security because it was necessary to balance trade deficits.

The result: a global stock market crash and multiple lawsuits from small businesses that said the tariffs negatively impacted their ability to operate and were unfairly brought under the emergency act. Trump repeatedly walked back the tariffs and the markets rebounded.

Two lower courts, including the U.S. Court of International Trade, sided with the businesses that sued the administration, saying the president had overstepped his authority when declaring a national emergency.

Justices appeared skeptical of Trumps argument during the Supreme Courts November oral arguments.

open image in gallery Across the nation, activist groups, small businesses and lawmakers had railed against Trump for imposing sweeping tariffs ( Getty )

Roberts, who has steered the court to expand the presidents executive authority, explicitly stated in November that tariffs, even when used for foreign affairs, are considered taxes on Americans  a power that belongs to Congress.

Barrett questioned why some of the countrys closest allies, such as Spain and France, would need to be tariffed due to threats to the defense.

For months, Trump had been urging the justice to uphold his sweeping tariffs, making grandiose statements, such as suggesting the case was life or death, claiming a negative decision posed the biggest threat to national security and warning of economic disaster.

Alex Woodward and Andrew Feinberg contributed to this story.
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Exclusive BusinessWorkplaceAviation Qantas, union at loggerheads over job security in AI-era Chris Zappone February 22, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Qantas and a key union are at odds over job security amid a round of job cuts linked to the adoption of new technology at the airlines Sydney headquarters. The Australian Services Union said workers were told they would be replaced by AI, though the union did not provide details of that claim, which the airline denies. Qantas has reshuffled its senior management structure, with rippling effects through its headquarters. Louie Douvis On Monday, Qantas and the union are scheduled to meet for consultation following the termination of 30 roles at company headquarters last week. While the 30 roles have been eliminated as Qantas simplifies its management structure, the consultation will determine whether staff who held those positions can be relocated to other roles, and what redundancy payments are on offer. The jobs were at Qantas headquarters in Mascot, NSW.

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The ASU also wants to know whether the reductions are the first round of a multi-tranche redundancy plan. Under the terms of the EBA signed in January, Qantas has an obligation to consult on jobs, the union said. Unless Qantas is prepared to immediately back away from this announcement and commence genuine consultation with the union and our members, we see no alternative other than to lodge a dispute with the Fair Work Commission, the unions NSW ACT secretary, Angus McFarland, said. The affected jobs include freight, crew support, finance and airport services, among other roles. Our members need to know that their jobs are safe and secure, McFarland said. If their jobs are redundant, they need to know that their entitlements will be paid, or they will be offered training to apply for new jobs. Just six months ago, when we bargained for a new agreement, Qantas refused to provide any protections for our members against job losses due to AI  now we know why.

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Qantas denied the job losses were related to AI, but it did not dispute that other technology played a role. It said the company continues to grow in other areas. It also said no further jobs should be cut as part of the restructure announced in December 2025. Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson. Oscar Colman We advised the Australian Services Union on Wednesday last week of the changes and are meeting with them on Monday to discuss ways to reduce the impact on affected employees, a company spokesperson said. This includes considering redeployment opportunities into one of the newly created roles resulting from these changes, or into other roles across the group. The union also questioned whether the redeployment of laid-off staff was genuine  with appropriate work, pay, responsibility and shifts.

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McFarland said: Our members turned up for work on Wednesday, were taken aside and told effectively that their job had been replaced by AI and they have four weeks to find another job. When asked for more detail, the union would not say what AI tools it claimed Qantas was using to replace the staff. The job cuts followed Qantas December 3 announcement that it would trim the size of its group leadership team while elevating the role of a technology-focused executive. In December, QantasLink chief Rachel Yangoyan was named chief technology, AI and transformation officer to oversee AI strategy, data and analytics and enterprise technology-driven transformation programs.

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At the time, chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the company was recruiting a group chief AI officer to lead implementation and scaling of AI across the organisation and that recruitment was under way. Related Article Aviation They get to board ahead of you - now their seats are holding up plane production Qantas is establishing a product innovation centre in Adelaide to sharpen its delivery of world-leading digital experiences for the millions of customers who travel with the airline each year. Hudson has worked to improve morale and industrial relations within the company since taking over from Alan Joyce in 2023, amid bitter recriminations between staff and management. The company was later found to have unlawfully sacked nearly 1800 ground crew in 2020. Hudson ordered a $1000 one-off thank you to 23,000 non-executive staff, praising employees fantastic efforts in 2024. Last year, she followed up by outlining a non-executive employee share plan that provides staff with $1000 worth of shares every year, linked to Qantas financial performance.

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Despite efforts to rebuild trust between management and staff, the aviation sector as a whole is not immune to the impact of technology reshaping workflows and employment. Related Article Analysis

Aviation How digital data is giving airlines the power to sell you the fares they want Innovations in ticketing, marketing and operations are flowing through the aviation industry, even as the air carriers seek to manage costs by refreshing their fleets with newer, more efficient planes, which can dramatically affect costs. Anxiety about the impact of artificial intelligence has become a recurring theme across industries as varied as education, financial services and programming. Qantas is scheduled to release its half-year financial results on February 26.

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The airline is coming off a strong performance last year, where underlying earnings climbed 15 per cent to $2.39 billion  a boost driven by a surge in vacation travel, significant expansion from Jetstar, and a positive future forecast. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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A high-level event dedicated to International Mother Language Day was held at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, bringing together diplomats, educators, and cultural representatives from around the world, AzerNEWS reports.

The event was organized jointly by the Permanent Delegation of Bangladesh to UNESCO and UNESCO's Education Sector, with Azerbaijan also represented. The gathering highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity in education, culture, and global development.

As part of the program, a panel discussion was held on the theme "Language for Peace, Education, and Sustainable Development." Panelists outlined the role of multilingualism in promoting peace, fostering inclusive and quality education, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

They also discussed how education in one's mother tongue contributes to cognitive and personal development, builds self-confidence, and helps preserve cultural identity.

Following the formal session, the event featured a rich cultural program. Azerbaijani performer Sona Iskandarli presented the songs "Olkam" and "Hamidan gozal menam", accompanied by a traditional national dance performance.

International Mother Language Day, observed globally on February 21, was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 at the initiative of Bangladesh.

The date commemorates the 1952 movement in Dhaka, where students advocating for the recognition of the Bangla language as one of the state languages of then-East Pakistan were tragically killed.

Since then, the day has grown into a worldwide celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity, encouraging communities to preserve their native languages and promote multilingual education.

In Azerbaijan, International Mother Language Day is widely observed in schools, universities, and cultural institutions.

Events include educational programs, literary readings, and cultural performances that celebrate the Azerbaijani language and literature, as well as the country's rich linguistic heritage.

The day serves to reinforce national identity while promoting respect for all languages spoken within the country and encouraging multilingual education.

UNESCO uses the day each year to raise awareness about the importance of mother languages in fostering tolerance, peace, and social inclusion.

The theme for 2026 is "Youth voices on multilingual education," placing young people at the heart of global efforts to advance linguistic diversity and inclusive education.

As stated on UNESCO website, "Young people are not only inheritors of linguistic diversity: they are key actors in its future. Ensuring that they can access education, information and digital spaces in their own languages is essential for inclusion, equity and sustainable development.

The 2026 edition also highlights the growing digital dimension of multilingualism. Online content remains heavily concentrated in a limited number of languages, while AI systems rely primarily on dominant-language data. UNESCO continues to advance multilingualism in cyberspace through global policy frameworks, partnerships and initiatives supporting Indigenous and underrepresented languages."
Australias childcare workers are on ick alert as they scramble to rebuild public trust after the sector was engulfed in sexual abuse scandals and widespread safety concerns.

A Senate inquiry into the troubled industry moved to Brisbane on Monday as it probes quality and safety in the nations early childhood education and care system.

It was sparked by calls for reform after a series of high-profile scandals, including allegations of sexual abuse, unnecessary restraints and other failings in the sector.

Childcare worker Joshua Brown has been charged with sex offences in Victoria. Marija Ercegovac

Goodstart Early Learning chief executive Ros Baxter, representing a non-profit group that is the nations largest operator of childcare centres, said the organisations staff were urged to report any uncomfortable incidents.

Nothing is more critical than childrens safety, Baxter told the inquiry. I have met several times over the last year with every one of our centre directors in every centre across the country ... we talk about anything that gives you an ick.

Anything that gives you a moment of something just not looking right, you will absolutely be supported through that process of reporting, she said.

The sector has been battling child-safety concerns since it was revealed a Queensland worker sexually abused dozens of girls at childcare centres in one of the worst paedophile cases in the nations history.

Ashley Paul Griffith was sentenced to life in prison in November 2024 after admitting to more than 300 offences at daycare facilities in Queensland. He is separately accused of abusing at least two dozen children in NSW and in Italy.

The distressing abuse scandal deepened after a second worker from the Affinity Education Group was charged with more than 70 sex offences in Victoria.

Joshua Dale Brown worked at 24 facilities between 2017 and 2025, including many run by Affinity.

These are all very serious and troubling matters, and I want to express how profoundly sorry I am that something like this could occur to any child in our care, Affinity chief executive Glen Hurley told the inquiry. It is something that should never have happened.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child harm and will dismiss employees found to be in breach of this safeguard. On behalf of Affinity, I offer my sincere apology for the incidents that occurred at centres.

Affinity has since conducted a review to address safety concerns and implemented strict new childcare requirements, which have led to a reduction in reported incidents, he said.

CCTV cameras had been installed and incident reporting simplified under a see something, say something policy.

Our full focus is on strengthening safety, quality, and oversight across our services, Hurley said. The early indicators have been reassuring - weve witnessed reduced complaints, breaches, and a more stabilised workforce.

Affinity childcare centres recorded more than 1700 regulatory breaches between 2021 and 2024, the inquiry heard.

We treat all of these safety incidents and breaches extremely seriously, Hurley said.

AAP
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NationalVictoriaCrime Geelong hospital patient under police guard after another patient found dead Angus Delaney and Henrietta Cook February 23, 2026  9:39am 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

A Geelong hospital patient is under police guard after the body of a mental health patient was discovered by police inside the facility. Homicide detectives are investigating the death, after emergency services were called to the corner of Myers and Swanston streets about 2am on Monday. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Myers and Swanston streets, the site of a mental health, drug and alcohol treatment centre. The body of a 31-year-old man from Highton in Geelong was found inside the acute mental health ward at the hospital, where he had been a patient. Another man, also a patient at the hospital, is currently under police guard, a police spokesperson said.

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Police said the two men were known to each other. The Myers-Swanston streets intersection where police were called to is the site of Barwon Healths Swanston Centre, a government-run service which provides intensive care for patients with mental health, drug, and alcohol conditions. The centre immediately borders Barwon Healths larger healthcare precinct in the area, and Barwon Health confirmed on Monday the dead person was an inpatient in the acute mental health ward. The coroner was notified after the matter was reported to police, the health services chief medical officer Ajai Verma said.

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We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased patient, Verma said in a statement. Support has been extended to staff. Rebecca Sprekos, assistant state secretary of the Health and Community Services Union, said there had been longstanding safety issues with the set-up of the hospital unit. She said while some of the beds had been refurbished to have private bathrooms, many still shared bathrooms, which allowed patients to access each others rooms. Sprekos said she did not know the exact location of the death.

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Someone has lost their life and it is an incredible tragedy, she said. The impact on staff will be significant. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier described the death as horrific and called on the government to investigate. No one should be killed in hospital, she said. Hospital is meant to be a safe place. The Swanston Centre has a history of failings. A series of deaths there have been the subject of coronial inquests and WorkSafe probes. Natasha Ablett, sister of AFL legend Gary Ablett Jr and daughter of Gary Ablett Snr, fled the facility 36 times. She absconded a final time in 2017 and died of a drug overdose.

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In April 2024, a coronial investigation was launched after a 54-year-old womans body was found inside the centre. In June 2024, 22-year-old Bellamy Nieto was found dead inside the facility just days after attempting to take his own life inside the same ward. Nietos family last year sued Barwon Health. In the 2024-25 financial year, there were about 51 reported occupational health and safety hazards per 100 staff, according to Barwon Healths annual report. Crisis support is available from Lifeline 13 11 14. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
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Exclusive NationalWAEducation Unacceptable rise in complaints ranks WA schools among worst in nation Holly Thompson February 23, 2026  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Dozens of West Australian families submitted discrimination complaints against schools to the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2025  the most out of any state or territory nationally bar NSW, despite having far fewer students. Documents released after a Freedom of Information request from advocacy group Square Peg Round Whole revealed that 32 complaints were received between January 28, 2025 and January 27, 2026. That compares to 13 in the same time frame between 2021 and 2022, and just nine in 2022 to 2023. Square Peg Round Whole founder Symone Wheatley-Hey said federal discrimination complaints were a last resort, lodged only after families had exhausted every available pathway at a school and departmental level.

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Behind every one of these complaints is a student suffering educational neglect and harm, a family in crisis and teachers trying to meet their legal obligations inside a system that actively works against them, she said. Related Article Education No consistency: The out-of-pocket cost hitting WAs public school teachers Teachers frequently raise concerns internally long before a complaint is made, but the system fails to resolve them. By the time a matter reaches the federal level, the harm is often irreparable  trust has broken down, relationships are strained, and both families and staff are operating in crisis conditions created by structural gaps, whilst the child at the centre suffers most of all. Wheatley-hey said when adjusted for student population, WA was generating substantially more disability discrimination complaints per student.

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WA is performing worst in the nation when we have the opportunity to lead the way and that should set off alarm bells, she said. She urged the state government to step up and enact all the recommendations made in the School Education Act Reviews final report. The review represented a critical opportunity to stem the rising tide of exclusion, discrimination, and systemic failure  and diagnosed the legislative gaps, she said. Implementation is the treatment that has not yet been delivered. Families and teachers do not need more guidance documents or policy on paper  they need enforceable legislative clarity that enables inclusion to function in practice, not just in policy.

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Opposition education spokesman Liam Staltari said the figures painted a concerning picture as the government continues to drag its feet on reform. Related Article Exclusive

Education The school catchment at the top of WA home buyers wish lists In the years since the government first announced the Education Act Review, complaints have surged, he said. Sadly, [it] failed to commit to clear timelines in response to the review, or to establishing an Independent Complaints Panel. Students with a disability, their families and their teachers deserve confidence and support. These figures are a further wake-up call  its time for action.

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Education Minister Sabine Winton said they were reviewing the Departments complaints, disputes and resolutions processes and how they intersected with independent bodies such as the Equal Opportunity Commission, Ombudsman, and Human Rights Commission. Consultation with parents, peak groups, and educators will form an essential part of the review, she said. New resources are being developed to support parents and carers of students with disability to navigate complaints pathways more smoothly. Winton said ahead of the 2026 school year commencing, the Department had provided schools with up-to-date information on how to manage the enrolment process for students with disability. I have also requested that the Department assesses current training and support for teachers and support staff to identify opportunities to strengthen practice, she said.

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But she recognised there was still more work to do. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Bleijie tells Labor to cry me a river over social housing sales Matt Dennien February 22, 2026  5:21pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Queenslands second-most senior politician has told the opposition to cry me a river over its criticism of the governments resumption of social housing sales. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie made the comments while opening submissions for a second $500 million round of his governments fund for infrastructure to accelerate housing developments. Bleijie said hosting the rowing in Rockhampton was the only option. Julius Dennis Earlier in the day, Opposition Leader Steven Miles held a media conference with housing spokesperson Meaghan Scanlon in which he said the sales were taking Queensland backwards. Paused by Labor in 2022 amid criticism of the action during escalating demand, initial detail of the resumed sales was aired in parliamentary budget estimates last August.

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As a result, the opposition asked Housing Minister Sam OConnor a parliamentary question on notice about the expected proceeds  said by Miles on Sunday to be $119.3 million. Scanlon added: It defies logic that the Crisafulli government would sell off public housing in the middle of a crisis. Loading Speaking to reporters at his media conference on Brisbanes south, Bleijie hit back, noting that between 2015 and 2020, Housing Department sold an average of 280 social homes each year. So, cry me a river from the Labor Party, they cant lecture people on the housing affordability  crisis we have in Queensland at the moment, Bleijie said.

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Considering the two very people that got up this morning and spoke were the reason we have a Labor affordability and housing crisis in the first place. Related Article Queensland residential property Brisbane now more expensive than Sydney for first-home buyers Bleiijie said the LNP was building four-times as many social and affordable homes as Labor, and since coming to power had overseen 5900 contracted or constructed  many by his government. Median house prices in Brisbane jumped 13.3 per cent last year into second-place behind Sydney at $1.17 million, with another 11 per cent jump expected this year. The median price for a unit, in which Brisbane has placed second for more than a year, jumped 19.3 per cent to more than $770,000 in December.

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Department-owned land unsuitable to support social housing outcomes was also considered for sale as part of this process so it can be made available for broader housing supply. He said the last state budget featured $119.3 million as cash inflow from the sale of non-financial assets, in line with Labors budgets from 2022 and 2023, and forecast to continue going forward. This was not linked to any expectation or target, with any proceeds reinvested to the departments social and social and community housing capital program, OConnor wrote. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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WorldMiddle EastIran Trump curious on why Iran has not capitulated as new protests erupt in Tehran Updated February 23, 2026  5:58am ,first published 7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Iranian university students have resumed protesting against the regime on the first day of a new semester, as US President Donald Trump considers limited military strikes to pressure the Islamic Republic into signing a new nuclear deal. Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said at the weekend that the president was curious as to why Iran hadnt capitulated to American demands in the face of the ongoing military build-up. US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford heading through the Strait of Gibraltar a few days ago, on the way to the Middle East. AFP Trump warned on Friday that limited strikes against Iran were possible, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran expected to have a proposed deal ready in coming days. The next round of talks between the two sides will be held in Geneva this Thursday, Omans foreign minister said on Sunday, shortly after Araghchi said he expected to meet Witkoff then.

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Related Article Trump's White House Trump could kill ayatollahs son and senior mullahs to topple Iranian regime Speaking on Fox News on Saturday (US time), Witkoff said: I dont want to use the word frustrated because [Trump] understands he has plenty of alternatives, but hes curious as to why they havent ... I dont want to use the word capitulated, but why they havent capitulated. The Pentagon has orchestrated a massive deployment to the region that includes two aircraft carriers, fighter jets and refuelling planes, giving Trump the option to launch limited or extended operations against Iran. Trump has also reportedly been briefed on options to assassinate the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and various mullahs. Reuters reported that Iran has offered fresh concessions since the end of the last round of talks, when the sides appeared far apart, in a move analysts said suggests Tehran is trying to keep diplomacy alive and stave off a major US strike.

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An unnamed official told Reuters that Tehran would seriously consider a combination of sending half its most highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the rest and taking part in creating a regional enrichment consortium  an idea periodically raised in years of Iran-linked diplomacy. Witkoff told Fox News that zero enrichment was non-negotiable for any deal with Iran, and we have to have the material back. Related Article Explainer

Middle East at war Cat and mouse: What we know about Irans secretive nuclear program Theyre probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, and thats really dangerous, so you cant have that, he said. This is something they have to stick with until they prove to us that they can behave. Araghchi told CBS on Sunday there was a good chance of a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue, adding that it was the only matter under discussion.

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Asked during a news conference on Friday what his message would be to the Iranian people, Trump said: They better negotiate a fair deal. They better negotiate. Protests flare up again The fresh campus demonstrations in Tehran and the north-eastern city of Mashhad came a month on from a deadly government crackdown that killed thousands of people. While the government has not acknowledged the latest protests, state-affiliated news media have reported on tensions on university campuses. A video purportedly showed rows of marchers at Tehrans Sharif University of Technology condemning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a murderous leader and calling for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans toppled shah, to be a new monarch. Screenshot of video posted on social media and verified by Agence France-Presse showing Iranians clashing near the Department of Aerospace Engineering of Sharif University in Tehran last weekend. AFP

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State-affiliated news agencies such as SNN carried videos of clashes, with protesters allegedly injuring volunteer student Basij militia by throwing rocks at Irans top engineering university. Pro-government Basij members often assist security forces in quelling protests. Protests were also held at Beheshti and Amir Kabir universities in the capital, Tehran, and at Mashhad University in the north-east, according to unverified videos published by rights group HAALVSH. In the western town of Abdanan, a hotspot for protests, demonstrators chanted Death to Khamenei and Death to the dictator after the arrest of an activist teacher, according to rights group Hengaw and social media posts. The protests coincided with ceremonies traditionally held after 40 days to mourn those killed by security forces during last months anti-government demonstrations, which saw thousands lose their lives in the worst domestic unrest since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Screenshot of video posted on social media and verified by Agence France-Presse showing Iranians clashing near the Department of Aerospace Engineering of Sharif University in Tehran last weekend. AFP

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Activism by students and Tehran shopkeepers grew into a nationwide protest movement that appeared to threaten the regime before it was violently suppressed. The Iranian government acknowledges more than 3000 people were killed in January, but rights groups such as the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency say at least 7000 were killed, with more to come as numbers are verified. Related Article Trump's White House Trump could kill ayatollahs son and senior mullahs to topple Iranian regime Iran experts argue that bombing the country in the middle of negotiations might not only derail any nuclear deal but could prompt further brutal retaliation. Tehran would probably suspend participation in talks if the US launched a strike, said a senior government official in the region, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.

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Hes not going to get a diplomatic agreement out of the Iranians if he attacks them again, said Barbara Slavin, a fellow at the Stimson Centre in Washington. The military threat alone  even if the US doesnt ultimately act on it  is going to make them less willing to make a deal. Israel and the US bombed the countrys nuclear sites and air defences extensively last June, with the president saying at the time that key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. The US and Israel could target Irans ballistic missiles, but the danger there is that Tehran could be spurred to fire them off at US or allied targets before it loses them, Slavin said. The shifting US rationale for talks  and strikes  makes deciphering US intent even more difficult. Trumps initial threat of airstrikes was in support of the protests in Iran in December and January rather than a nuclear deal. Reuters, Bloomberg 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.

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WorldMiddle EastTrump's White House Trump could kill ayatollahs son and senior mullahs to topple Iranian regime Sophia Yan and Memphis Barker Updated February 22, 2026  9:57am ,first published 9:43am 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

Donald Trump is considering plans to assassinate the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among the military options for a strike on Iran. The US president has reportedly been presented with a decapitation campaign against the leadership of the Islamic Republic. Mojtaba Khamenei is on the list alongside his father. Mojtaba Khamenei (centre), the son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran in 2019. Getty Images The supreme leaders 55-year-old son had been thought his most likely successor, benefiting from close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp, a powerful branch of the armed forces that has been designated a terrorist entity by the United States. Mojtaba also served in the Iran-Iraq war and studied theology in the holy city of Qom, meeting the constitutional requirement for clerical training.

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Trump had not yet decided on whether to strike Iran, Axios news website reported. He could allow a deal that permits the regime to continue with token nuclear enrichment, as long as it has no path to an atomic bomb. But should negotiations over Irans nuclear enrichment program fail, among the options under consideration is a dramatic assassination campaign that would aim at wholesale regime change. They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs, a senior US official told Axios. The US has dispatched more than one-third of its navy towards Iran and assembled the largest amount of air power in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

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Analysts have pointed to the deployment of more than two-thirds of the available E-3 Sentry fleet as one sign that Trump is prepared to launch military action, with the radars of the reconnaissance aircraft needed to track and direct the interception of incoming missiles. On Friday (US time), Trump confirmed he was considering a limited strike on Iran in an attempt to pressure the regime into making a nuclear deal. In theory, that strike would display US power but fall below the threshold for provoking a serious response from Tehran. But the risks of a spiralling conflict are self-evident. Loading The White Houses openness to Iran continuing a scaled-back enrichment program, as confirmed by a senior US official cited by Axios, could create room for a deal and avert war in the Middle East.

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However, the outlet noted that any nuclear proposal from Iran would have to meet a very high bar to persuade sceptics within the Trump administration that military action was not needed. It remains unclear how token enrichment would be defined, and what supervision would be in place to ensure Iranian compliance. Iran does not have a strong track record of allowing UN nuclear inspectors to monitor activities. US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford heading through the Strait of Gibraltar a few days ago, on the way to the Middle East. AFP The senior US official said: [Trump] will be ready to accept a deal that would be substantive and that he can sell politically at home. If the Iranians want to prevent an attack, they should give us an offer we cant refuse. The Iranians keep missing the window. If they play games, there wont be a lot of patience.

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On Thursday, Trump said he would give Iran 10 to 15 days to come to a deal. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, entered the Mediterranean Sea on Friday and will arrive in range of Iran within the timeframe of 10 to 15 days. Two Israeli officials said they believed the gaps between Washington and Tehran were unbridgeable and the chances of a military escalation were high. Related Article Middle East tensions Whats in the massive armada Trump has heading towards Iran? Israels government is making preparations for possible joint military action with the US. However, no decision had been made on whether to carry out such an operation, a source familiar with the planning told Reuters.

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It would be the second time the US and Israel have attacked Iran in less than a year, following air strikes against military and nuclear facilities in June. Regional officials said oil-producing Gulf countries were preparing for a possible military confrontation that they feared could spin out of control and further destabilise the Middle East. Some said Tehran was dangerously miscalculating by holding out for concessions, while Trump was boxed in by the build-up of military assets. They feared he would be unable to scale it back without losing face unless there was a firm commitment from Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions. Earlier this week, the US began moving some personnel out of the Middle East to prepare for potential counter-attacks by Iran if Washington strikes Tehran in the coming days. Editor's pick Magazine

Sunday Life The February 22 Edition February 22, 2026

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At least 20 anti-regime protests were held in Iran on Friday at memorials to mark the end of the traditional 40-day mourning period for protesters killed by security forces. Thousands of demonstrators were killed after taking to the streets over economic woes and a lack of water in Tehran. The violence is what first prompted Trump to make his latest threats of retaliation against the Iranian regime. The Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.

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WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Opinion Someone was shot outside my building. It feels like a macabre rite of passage Michael Koziol North America correspondent February 22, 2026  9:32am

February 22, 2026  9:32am 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: Hello from a pungent Washington, DC, home of the sewage-filled Potomac River. A few days ago, I joined an unfortunate club  Australian correspondents in Washington, DC, who have come all too close to a fatal shooting. I had only been in my new apartment a week when an email lobbed from building management notifying me of an emerging situation across the street involving police and emergency services. The incident occurred at 2.15pm on a Friday, while I was at work. By the time I got home that night, all traces of the emergency had disappeared. But the next day, I learnt there had been a fatal shooting. The DC Metropolitan Police said the victim was 22-year-old Nehemia Jamaane Williams, a local, who was found inside a car, and died in hospital from his injuries. Police were appealing for information. No arrests had been made.

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Donald Trump dispatched the National Guard to Washington last year. Here, they patrol the National Mall in early February. AP Welcome to the neighbourhood, I guess. My new place is only a few blocks from where Matthew Cranston, a former Washington correspondent for The Australian Financial Review, witnessed a shooting inside a crowded McDonalds in September 2022. And that was just metres from where a 15-year-old boy was shot dead a few months earlier, near the apartment building where my predecessor as North America correspondent, Farrah Tomazin, lived. Those incidents occurred amid a post-COVID-19 pandemic crime wave that rocked the US capital and many American cities. It is partly why President Donald Trump sent the National Guard into Washington last year, even though rates of violent crime were already falling. The fatal shooting outside my building  in broad daylight  was the seventh homicide in DC this year. The eighth came a few nights later in the Navy Yard neighbourhood south of Capitol Hill. And yet, there has been a 68 per cent decrease in the number of homicides so far this year compared to last year.

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We have one of the safest cities in the world, Trump said on Wednesday (Washington time) at an event for Black History Month, as he welcomed to the stage Felicia Cook, whose grandson was killed during a violent encounter in 2017. Now you can walk down the street, and you have nothing to fear. Related Article US politics Deep damage: Trump administration pulls plug on Minnesota immigration crackdown Trump regularly overstates the case with grand statements about how Washington now has zero crime, and how once-empty restaurants are now filled to bursting. You can be with your child, with your loved one, with your lover, he said last month. Your lovers not going to be killed any more, so you can act like a real lover. Its difficult to take those statements seriously when someones shot dead on your doorstep. But, broadly speaking, we have to  because violent crime is down dramatically, not just in DC, but around the country. The Council on Criminal Justice reported homicides were down 21 per cent in 2025 from 2024, based on data from 35 major US cities. That was 922 fewer homicides.

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Furthermore, the council said that when national data was reported by the FBI later this year, there was a strong possibility that the murder rate would drop to 4 per 100,000 residents. That would be the lowest rate ever recorded in law enforcement or public health data going back to 1900, and would mark the largest single-year percentage drop in the homicide rate on record, the council said. The White House chalked this up as a major victory for Trumps tough-on-crime agenda, compared to what it called Joe Bidens defund the police era. One thing you come to understand quickly in the US is the complicated nature of attitudes to guns. Bloomberg In reality, violent crime fell across the board, not just in cities where Trump mobilised the National Guard or cracked down on illegal immigrants. Homicides fell 40 per cent in Washington, DC, but they also fell by the same proportion in Denver and Omaha, and by more than 20 per cent in cities from Atlanta to Dallas to New York.

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This is all a good thing. Trump may be overstating his contribution to a trend that was already under way when he took office, but he has also rightly seized on the fact that most Americans want and need relief from violent crime. Of course, a serious attempt to reduce that harm would involve changing the countrys gun laws. But that is not on the cards. One thing you come to understand quickly in the United States is the complicated nature of attitudes to guns. Its not just redneck Republicans who cling to their weapons: last week in Washington, my group had a long debate with an otherwise very progressive bartender who was set on her right to bear arms. DC is much safer than it was last year, and the year before that, and thats welcome. Thanks, Mr President. But lets not pretend all is fixed. 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.
BJYM gherao of Cong office turns violent





Staff Reporter :

A protest called by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) to gherao the Congress state headquarters turned into a violent battlefield on Saturday. Despite heavy police presence, workers from both political factions engaged in fierce clashes, stone-pelting, and stick-fights, leaving several individuals from both sides with serious injuries. The BJP Yuva Morcha had organised the demonstration to protest against Congresss recent agitation during the Delhi AI Summit. Anticipating trouble, the police had installed multi-layered barricades nearly 100 meters from the Congress office on Link Road-1. However, the security arrangements proved insufficient to contain the surging crowd.

At approximately 3:30 pm, hundreds of Yuva Morcha activists, led by state president Shyam Tailor, marched toward the Congress office while raising slogans. Although initially halted at the barricades, several protesters scaled the structures and bypassed the police line. Within minutes, a large group reached the gates of the Congress office. The situation spiralled out of control when Congress workers, who had gathered at the premises armed with sticks, confronted the protesters. A brief period of pushing and shoving quickly escalated into a violent confrontation where stones were hurled and sticks were used as weapons.

For nearly thirty minutes, the area remained a zone of chaos. Congress workers were forced to lock themselves inside the office as sloganeering and stone-pelting continued outside. Reports indicate that BJP Yuva Morcha activists tore down posters and banners displayed on the buildings exterior. The mob eventually dispersed after a stern ultimatum from senior police officials. Immediately following the dispersal, Congress leaders staged a counter-protest near the barricades, accusing the police of complicity. Sanjay Kamble, General Secretary of the State Congress Committee, questioned the polices negligence, noting that while Congress protests are usually blocked a kilometre away, BJP workers were allowed to reach the office gates.

Counter claims and political blame game: BJP Yuva Morcha President Shyam Tailor defended the protest, stating that Congress had brought shame to the nation with their demonstrations at the AI Summit. He asserted that the Morcha would not be intimidated by what he termed as Congress hooliganism. In response, former minister P C Sharma led a sit-in at the Habibganj police station. Former district president Monu Saxena claimed the violence was a sign of BJPs fear of Rahul Gandhi.

He identified several injured Congress workers, including Gopil Kotwal and Pradip Ahirwar, who sustained serious injuries, alongside senior leaders Amit Khatri and Hemant Narwaria. Late Saturday evening, the police registered an FIR at the Habibganj police station based on a complaint filed by Pradip Ahirwar. The FIR named seven individuals, Pramod Rajput, Swapnil Wankhede, Divyarishi Tiwari, Gautam Chauhan, Hani Vishwakarma, Ajay Sahu and Pramod Rathore, along with 50 to 60 unidentified persons. Authorities stated that further action would be taken based on CCTV footage and ongoing probe.
Budget Session begins tomorrow





Staff Reporter :

RAIPUR :

The Budget Session of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly will commence with Governor Ramen Dekas address in the new assembly building in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar at 11.05 am, on Monday (February 23). Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Speaker of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Dr Raman Singh said that the Budget Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly would be held from February 23 to March 20. A total of 15 sittings will be held. The Budget Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly will begin with the Governors address at 11.05 am on February 23. Finance Minister O P Choudhary will table the State Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the House at 12.30 pm on February 24.

The budget speech will be telecast live from Doordarshan Raipur and Akashvani Raipur. Discussion on Motion of Thanks on the Governors Address will be held in the House on February 25. General discussions on the State Budget for the financial year-2026-27 will be held in the House on February 26 and 27. Following this, discussions on department-wise demand for grant will be held from March 9 to 17.

The Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill-2026 will be tabled in the House on March 17, while March 18 has been set as the date for discussion and passage of Appropriation Bill. Three important bills including Chhattisgarh Dharma Swatantraya Vidheyak-2026 and Chhattisgarh Lok Suraksha (Upay) Pravartan Vidheyak-2026 will be tabled during the budget session. A total of 2,813 information regarding questions including 1,376 unstarred questions and 1437 starred questions have been received so far.

In addition, 61 notices of call attention motions, one notice for discussion on a matter of urgent public importance under Rule 139, 13 private members resolutions, nine notices of Zero Hour, and 112 petitions have been received so far. Obituary references for former MLA of undivided Madhya Pradesh Deendayal Singh Porte will be mentioned in the House, said Speaker.
Final electoral roll published





Staff Reporter :

District Election Officer and Collector, Raghvendra Singh chaired a Standing Committee meeting and final electoral roll was published as per the schedule set by the Election Commission of India, on Saturday. During the meeting, DEO and Collector Raghavendra Singh handed over copies of the updated voter list to representatives of recognised political parties. The final publication for the eight assembly constituencies of Jabalpur district shows a notable rise of 49,710 registered voters compared to the draft roll released in December 2025. According to official data, the total number of voters has increased from 16,76,909 in the December 2025 draft to 17,26,619 in the final list published on February 21, 2026 an addition of 49,710 voters across the district.

The updated roll includes 8,81,191 male voters, 8,45,362 female voters and 66 third-gender voters. The districts EP ratio stands at 61.12 while the gender ratio is 959 women per 1,000 men. The highest increase in voters was recorded in Jabalpur West where 8,214 new voters were added, taking the total electorate to 2,05,252. Panagar constituency saw the second-highest rise with 7,479 new voters, pushing its total to 2,53,314, making it the largest electorate in the district. Other constituencies also reported steady growth include Sihora

(SC) added 6,877 voters, total 2,19,179, Bargi vote base increased by 6,371 voters, total 2,31,696. Jabalpur Cantt constituency added 6,015 voters, total 1,60,211 as the smallest electorate in the district. Similarly, vote numbers in Jabalpur North grew by 5,774 voters totalling 2,01,514 voters while Patan added 5,376 voters, total 2,45,674 and Jabalpur Poorva (SC) constituency registered increased numbers of voters by 3,604 voters, total 2,09,779. Panagar continues to have the highest number of voters while Jabalpur Cantt remains the smallest constituency by electorate size. Jabalpur West registered the largest growth in new voters. Officials said the updated electoral rolls will now serve as the official voter database for upcoming elections in the district which is reflecting successful enrolment drives and revision work carried out over the past months.
Gadkari inaugurates IIIDs Design Showcase 2026 and Confluence 3.0





Business Reporter :

The much-awaited Design Showcase 2026 and Confluence 3.0 (2nd Edition), organised by the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID), Nagpur Regional Chapter, opened here at Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines, Nagpur on Saturday. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the event in the presence of IIID National President Ar. Jignesh Modi, Chairperson of IIID Nagpur, Seema Agrawal, with the organising committee, and others. The mega event will continue till February 23.

The entry for this confluence is free and the registration can be done on the spot. This prestigious event has brought together design practitioners, trade partners, construction industry professionals, renowned architects, artisans, and future architects and interior design students on a single platform, creating a vibrant ecosystem for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration.

The event stands as a flagship initiative of IIID Nagpur, celebrating excellence in design and creativity. On the occasion, IIID National President Ar. Jignesh Modi said that an advice of professional interior designer helps us to create sustainable projects. If you wish to make judicious use of your resources and make the projects sustainable, you must avail services of qualified interior designers, he observed. Modi also said that the absence of entry barriers to the profession of interior designing has encouraged many others to offer their services in designing. But it is harmful for the clients. In the long run, they will not get the desired goals, he said.
India, Brazil set bilateral trade target of over $20 bn in 5 years





Delhi Bureau Agencies New Delhi :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a joint news conference with Brazilian President Lula here in the national capital and noted that the discussions between the two leaders aimed at moving forward across all sectors in the spirit of shared purpose and that the nations are committed for bilateral trade to surpass 20 billion USD in the next five years. He thanked the Brazilian President for his participation in the Global AI Impact Summit, and also praised his visionary leadership in giving a fillip to India-Brazil ties.

I am delighted to welcome President Lula and his delegation to India. India-Brazil relations have long benefited from President Lulas vision and inspiring leadership. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of meeting him several times, and in each meeting, I have felt his deep friendship and trust in India. President Lulas visit has graced the historic AI Impact Summit and given new energy to our strategic partnership. I express my gratitude to the President for his friendship and commitment to the relationship between our two countries, PM Modi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that Brazil is Indias largest trade partner in Latin America.

He further highlighted that the visit of the large business delegation from Brazil is a commitment to this fact and noted that with expansion of India- MERCOSUR trade agreement the economic cooperation will further increase between the two countries. Brazil is Indias largest trading partner in Latin America. We are committed to taking bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in the next five years. Our trade is not just a figure; its a reflection of trust. The large business delegation accompanying the President reflects this confidence.

The expansion of the India-Mercosur trade agreement will further strengthen our economic cooperation. Our cooperation in technology and innovation is important for both countries as well as the entire Global South, the Prime Minister said. I am pleased that we are working on establishing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil. We are also prioritising our cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, supercomputers, semiconductors, and blockchain. Both countries believe that technology must be inclusive and must become a bridge for shared progress. Energy cooperation has been a strong pillar of our relationship. In addition to hydrocarbons, we are also accelerating cooperation in several areas, including renewable energy, ethanol blending, and sustainable aviation fuel.

Brazils active participation in the Global Biofuel Alliance reflects our shared commitment to a green future. Brazil has also proposed co-chairing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. I congratulate President Lula for this initiative. Brazils extensive experience in this area will significantly contribute to further strengthening the CDRI, he added. India, Brazil sign pact to deepen MSME cooperation, advance green transition; INDIA and Brazil signed an agreement on Saturday to explore areas of mutual cooperation for the benefit of MSMEs and facilitate their access to green finance. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the ongoing visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India between the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Micro and Small Enterprises of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

The MoU will provide a platform for both sides to discuss the issues concerning Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and explore possible areas of cooperation for mutual benefit of MSMEs in the two countries. It will provide a framework and enabling environment for the MSMEs of both countries to understand each others strengths, markets, technologies, and policies, an official statement said. The MoU also seeks to create enabling conditions for advancing the green transition, including facilitating MSMEs access to green finance, thereby enabling their integration into global markets and value chains, improving productivity, competitiveness and strengthening their capacity for sustainable development. The Brazil President is on a five-day visit to India from February 18 to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in the AI Impact Summit.
Jeweller looted of Rs 50 lakh





Our Correspondent :

BILASPUR :

IN yet another daring incident, a jeweller was robbed of gold and silver ornaments worth approximately Rs 50 lakh by three unidentified youths near village Khamharia on the outskirts of the city on Friday evening. The accused snatched the bag containing jewellery and cash and fled on a motorcycle, leaving police on high alert. The incident comes barely three days after armed miscreants looted jewellery worth Rs 3.35 crore at gunpoint from a trader in Rajkishore Nagar, marking the second major robbery in the city within a short span. According to police sources,Soni, a resident of Baloda in Janjgir-Champa district and proprietor of Ramesh Jewellers near Khamharia bus stand, had closed his shop for the day and was preparing to return home when the robbery took place.

Three masked youths arrived on a bike, and one of them swiftly snatched the bag containing gold and silver ornaments along with cash before speeding away. The entire episode unfolded within seconds, leaving traders and locals in the area shocked. Acting promptly, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sipat police station, Rajesh Mishra, along with his team rushed to the spot and sealed the exit routes in the vicinity. Additional Superintendents of Police (ASP) Pankaj Kumar Patel and Madhulika Singh, accompanied by the Anti-Cyber Crime Unit (ACCU), also reached the scene and inspected the area. ASP Madhulika Singh informed that barricades have been set up at key points and teams have been deployed on all possible escape routes. Police are scanning CCTV footage and questioning nearby traders and residents to gather leads about the suspects.

However, due to the absence of surveillance cameras on the village roads leading to the crime spot, no significant clues have been obtained so far. Police reached the spot immediately after the incident. Teams have been dispatched to all possible routes. CCTV footage is being examined to identify the accused. They will be arrested soon, ASP Madhulika Singh said. In the previous incident in Rajkishore Nagar, five habitual offenders had looted ornaments worth Rs 3.35 crore at gunpoint from a jeweller. The accused were later arrested in Uttar Pradesh following a brief encounter. Police have registered a case at Sipat police station and further investigation is underway.
Mercury plummets by 6.4C in Ujjain, Bhopal amid isolated rain; East MP braces for showers





Staff Reporter :

A significant change in weather patterns across the State has led to a sharp dip in day temperatures, with the Ujjain and Bhopal divisions witnessing a marked cooling trend following light to moderate rainfall over the last three days. According to the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, the state recorded a mix of rain and gusty winds, triggered by a subtropical westerly jet stream prevailing over North India. Ujjain division bore the brunt of the cooling trend, where maximum temperatures plummeted by a staggering 6.4C, settling at nearly 9.1C below the normal mark. Similarly, districts in the Bhopal and Indore divisions saw an appreciable drop in day temperatures ranging between 2.1C and 2.6C. In contrast, the Chambal division experienced a rise in temperature by 3.0C.

The rainfall distribution remained varied across the State. While Ujjain division saw rain at many places, Bhopal recorded showers at a few locations. Isolated rainfall was also reported in Indore, Jabalpur, and Sagar divisions. Khachrod recorded the highest rainfall at 21.0 mm, followed by Khargone (15.6 mm) and Nagda (15.2 mm). Bhopal city and the Nabibagh area recorded 1.9 mm and 1.8 mm of rain respectively. The weather was also accompanied by gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 37 km/h in Agar and 33 km/h at the Indore airport.

In terms of temperature extremes, Rajgarh recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 9.6C, while Mandla remained the warmest with a maximum of 33.2C. For the state capital, the maximum temperature was recorded at 22.2C, which is a significant 7.8C below normal for this time of year. The Met Department has predicted a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 3-5C over the next 24 hours as the system clears.

For the next 24 hours, the sky in Bhopal is expected to remain partly cloudy with temperatures hovering around 28C (Max) and 14C (Min). Rainfall or drizzle is likely at isolated places in the eastern districts, including Singrauli, Sidhi, Anuppur, and Shahdol, while the rest of the state is expected to remain dry. Health experts have advised residents to wear layered clothing to counter sudden temperature variations, which may affect the elderly and children. Farmers have been specifically cautioned about a potential increase in aphid infestations in mustard and radish crops due to the recent cloudy weather. The IMD suggests a spray of Imidacloprid if infestation crosses economic thresholds and recommends starting preparations for summer crops like moong, groundnut, and soybean.
Police intensify search for dentist couple following registration of FIR





Staff Reporter :

Jabalpur police have intensified their search for the dentist couple, Dr Sumit Jain and Dr Prachi Jain, following the registration of an FIR concerning the alleged fraudulent acquisition of property valued at over Rs 50 crore. The case centers on approximately 25,000 square feet of prime land belonging to the late Dr. Hemlata Srivastava. Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly orchestrated a conspiracy to seize the land after the passing of Dr Srivastavas husband and her only son. Few weeks earlier, two separate gift deeds were reportedly executed, transferring roughly 11,000 square feet of the land into the names of

Dr Sumit Jain and his wife, Dr Prachi. Prior to her death, Dr Hemlata Srivastava released a video from the hospital alleging that the couple had coerced her into signing property documents through threats and deception. She explicitly stated she had never voluntarily donated the land. The investigation has also highlighted significant lapses within the e-Registration office as despite a certificate declaring Dr Srivastava medically "unfit" was reportedly available, the registration of gift-deed was done.

Then, reports indicated that Dr Srivastava was brought to the registry office in an ambulance and carried up the stairs on a stretcher in a critical condition. The Registrar allegedly ignored these physical signs of distress and failed to conduct the mandatory background checks required for high-value gift deeds involving non-blood relatives. Based on an inquiry report by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate

(SDM), Madan Mahal Police have registered a case under Sections 316(4) (Criminal breach of trust) and 3(5) (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused couple remains at large and they are currently conducting raids at various suspected locations. Authorities have indicated that the Registrar or Sub-Registrar involved in the registration may also face departmental or legal action for gross negligence.
Situation returns to normalcy in Sihora





Staff Reporter :

The situation is now gradually returning to normalcy in Sihora but deployment of police forces remained as a precautionary measure to avoid any kind of untoward incident. Senior police and administrative officers are keeping vigilant monitoring of the law and order arrangements to keep the situation under control.

The tension that began during an evening prayer at a temple in Sihora, near Jabalpur, on February 19 night continued to affect the town until Friday evening, disrupting normal life and causing difficulties for school students appearing in examinations. Amid the unrest, Class 5 and Class 8 examinations were scheduled in Sihora.

The exams were held at Government Girls School and CM Rise School, with the main route to the centres passing through the bus stand area where protests and vandalism were taking place. Parents had to take their children through long bypass routes of several kilometres to reach the examination centres. Some students arrived late and appeared for the exams in a tense atmosphere. Despite the situation, most students managed to attend.

According to the Education Department, 6,371 candidates were registered across 30 examination centres, of whom 5,886 students appeared, while 485 remained absent. The paper conducted was English for Hindi-medium students and Hindi for English-medium students. Officials said this is the third day since the incident and the situation is now largely normal. People have begun stepping out for daily activities, and about half the market had reopened by Saturday morning.
Trump announces hike in tariffs to 15 per cent on all countries





WASHINGTON :

NEW DELHI :

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Saturday announced hike in tariffs on all countries to 15 per cent from 10 per cent, which was imposed a day earlier. Following a Supreme Court verdict against his earlier sweeping tariffs, Trump on Friday imposed a 10 per cent tariffs on all the countries, including India from February 24 for 150 days. Commenting on the 10 per cent tariff, the Indian Government on Saturday said it is studying these and their implications. Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10 per cent Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ripping the US off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15 per cent level.

During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again, he said in a social media post. In a proclamation titled Imposing a Temporary Import Surcharge to Address Fundamental International Payments Problems dated February 20, Trump said he is imposing, for a period of 150 days, a temporary import surcharge of 10 per cent ad valorem on articles imported into the US, effective February 24. In a major setback to Trumps pivotal economic agenda in his second term, the US Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by Trump on nations around the world were illegal and that the President had exceeded his authority when he imposed the sweeping levies. Further, a fact sheet issued by the

White House said Trump is invoking his authority under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the President to address certain fundamental international payment problems through surcharges and other special import restrictions. The fact sheet noted that some goods will not be subject to the temporary import duty because of the needs of the US economy. The goods include certain critical minerals, metals used in currency and bullion, energy, and energy products; natural resources and fertilisers that cannot be grown, mined, or otherwise produced in the US; certain agricultural products, including beef, tomatoes, and oranges; pharmaceuticals; certain electronics; passenger vehicles, some light trucks, certain medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and certain aerospace products. Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court justices who ruled against him, calling them fools and lapdogs.

The Supreme Courts ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and Im ashamed of certain members of the Court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do whats right for our country, he told reporters at the White House on Friday, just hours after the verdict came in. The US President also said that nothing changes in the trade deal with India in the wake of this verdict, as he responded to the ruling by announcing an additional 10 per cent global levies on items imported into America. Nothing changes. Theyll (India) be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs. So deal with India is they pay tariffs. This is a reversal for what it used to be... So we made a deal with India. Its a fair deal now, and we are not paying tariffs to them, and they are paying tariffs. We did a little flip, Trump said.
Weighing impact of US SC tariff ruling: Govt





NEW DELHI :

THE Indian Government is studying the developments on the US tariffs and their implications, the Commerce Ministry said on Saturday. We have noted the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs yesterday (Friday). US President Donald Trump has also addressed a press conference in this regard. Some steps have been announced by the US administration. We are studying all these developments for their implications, the Ministry said. In a major setback to Trumps pivotal economic agenda for his second term, the US Supreme Court, in a 6-3 verdict written by Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that the tariffs imposed by the President on nations around the world were illegal and that he had exceeded his authority when he imposed the sweeping levies. Later, Trumps proclamation, dated February 20, said:

I impose, for a period of 150 days, a temporary import surcharge of 10 per cent ad valorem on articles imported into the United States, effective February 24, 2026. It was later hiked to 15 per cent. The US had imposed a reciprocal tariff of 25 per cent on India in August. Later, an additional 25 per cent was imposed for buying Russian crude oil, taking the total tariffs on India to 50 per cent. Earlier this month, both countries agreed to finalise an interim trade deal, under which Washington will cut down the tariffs to 18 per cent. So far, the punitive 25 per cent has been removed. The remaining 25 per cent exists.

After the proclamation, the tariffs on Indian goods will now be 15 per cent. The 15 per cent levy is over and above the existing MFN or import duties in the US. In the wake of the US Supreme Courts decision on tariffs, Trump said there is no change in the trade deal with India and emphasised that the India deal is on. To finalise the legal text for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, the Indian team is scheduled to meet its counterparts in Washington from February 23, 2026. During 2021-25, the US was Indias largest trading partner in goods.

The US accounts for about 18 per cent of Indias total exports, 6.22 per cent in imports and 10.73 per cent in bilateral trade. In 2024-25, the bilateral trade touched USD 186 billion (USD 86.5 billion exports and USD 45.3 billion imports). Government will study US Supreme Court tariff ruling: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi: UNION Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre will examine the recent US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs before issuing any official response, asserting that the matter falls under the purview of the Commerce Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Joshi said, I have read in the media that the US top court has given some judgment and the Indian Government will study that, and whatever the reaction needs to be given, that will be given by the Commerce Ministry and MEA, not by me. His remarks come after the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration exceeded its authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose sweeping import tariffs.

Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and the three liberal justices, held that IEEPA does not authorise the president to levy duties, a power constitutionally vested in Congress. However, President Donald Trump termed the verdict a terrible decision and announced a fresh 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary import surcharges for 150 days. Meanwhile, Joshi also criticised the Indian Youth Congress for staging a shirtless protest during the India AI Summit. It is the most shameful thing that the Congress party is behaving like this when 20 heads of state, 45 ministers and important functionaries from nearly 150 countries participated, he said. Instead of celebrating Indias performance, they are trying to create a ruckus. They are trying to become a hurdle for the growth of India, he added. The protest on Friday saw Youth Congress cadres removing their shirts at the summit venue, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being compromised. Police later detained the protesters. In a statement, the Youth Congress said the demonstration was against a compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit.
Airtel Africa Plc (LON:AAF  Get Free Report) traded up 1% on Friday . The stock traded as high as GBX 357 and last traded at GBX 354.38. 4,113,737 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 91% from the average session volume of 43,910,973 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 351.

Airtel Africa Price Performance

The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 345.04 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 285.16. The company has a current ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 275.30. The firm has a market capitalization of 12.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.04.

Airtel Africa Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, primarily in East Africa and Central and West Africa.

Airtel Africa offers an integrated suite of telecommunications solutions to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally.

The Group aims to continue providing a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys.

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Community Bancorp. (OTCMKTS:CMTV  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $28.16 and traded as high as $32.09. Community Bancorp. shares last traded at $32.09, with a volume of 5,309 shares.

Community Bancorp. Stock Performance

The firms 50-day simple moving average is $28.16 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $24.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $179.32 million, a PE ratio of 10.66 and a beta of 0.31.

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Community Bancorp. (OTCMKTS:CMTV  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The financial services provider reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Community Bancorp. had a return on equity of 16.08% and a net margin of 24.67%.The company had revenue of $13.21 million during the quarter.

Insider Transactions at Community Bancorp.

Community Bancorp. Company Profile

In related news, CEO Christopher L. Caldwell purchased 1,000 shares of Community Bancorp. stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $31.77 per share, with a total value of $31,770.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 11,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $349,470. This trade represents a 10.00% increase 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 hyperlink . Also, Director Wayne Lamberton purchased 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $31.19 per share, with a total value of $62,380.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 8,565 shares of the companys stock, valued at $267,142.35. This trade represents a 30.46% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders have acquired a total of 3,500 shares of company stock valued at $109,875 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 8.50% of the companys stock.

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Community Bancorp. operates as the bank holding company for Community National Bank that provides financial services to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities in northern and central Vermont. It offers financing for commercial business properties, equipment, inventories, and accounts receivable, as well as standby letters of credit; and business checking and other deposit accounts, cash management services, repurchase agreements, ACH and wire transfer services, card processing, and remote deposit capture.

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The First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky (OTCMKTS:FSDK  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 3.1% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $66.10 and last traded at $66.10. Approximately 308 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 48% from the average daily volume of 208 shares. The stock had previously closed at $64.10.

First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky Stock Up 3.1%

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $64.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $62.33.

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About First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky

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First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky is a community-oriented national bank headquartered in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Established under a federal charter, the bank focuses on delivering personalized financial services to individuals and businesses throughout Wyandot County and neighboring regions.

The banks core business activities include deposit-taking, consumer and commercial lending, and treasury management. It offers retail checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, residential mortgages, and home equity lines of credit.

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 1.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $14.04 and last traded at $14.0090. 66,971,578 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 4% from the average session volume of 69,834,523 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.78.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Ford Motor from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $12.00 price objective on shares of Ford Motor in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Barclays raised their target price on Ford Motor from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, HSBC raised their price objective on Ford Motor from $9.80 to $12.80 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. 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 data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.02.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Ford Motor

Ford Motor Stock Up 1.7%

The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $55.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.80, a P/E/G ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 1.66. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $13.68 and a 200 day moving average of $12.77.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The auto manufacturer reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.07. Ford Motor had a positive return on equity of 10.16% and a negative net margin of 4.37%.The company had revenue of $45.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $41.78 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.39 EPS. Ford Motors quarterly revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Ford Motor Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.3%. Ford Motors payout ratio is -29.13%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ford Motor

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Swiss National Bank raised its stake in shares of Ford Motor by 7.4% during the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 11,822,986 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $128,279,000 after purchasing an additional 813,800 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in Ford Motor by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 7,476,340 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $81,118,000 after buying an additional 510,473 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC increased its stake in Ford Motor by 1,280.3% during the 2nd quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 2,919,334 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $31,675,000 after buying an additional 2,707,834 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Ford Motor by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 9,055,356 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $98,251,000 after buying an additional 279,470 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Versor Investments LP bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor in the third quarter valued at approximately $2,187,000. Institutional investors own 58.74% of the companys stock.

Ford Motor Company Profile

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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.

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Gardner Lewis Asset Management L P purchased a new stake in shares of McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 1,595 shares of the fast-food giants stock, valued at approximately $485,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of MCD. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of McDonalds by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 71,647,669 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $21,773,010,000 after purchasing an additional 316,638 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its stake in McDonalds by 0.8% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 34,828,352 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $10,175,800,000 after acquiring an additional 272,139 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of McDonalds by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 16,828,420 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $4,901,595,000 after acquiring an additional 276,065 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,780,712,000. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of McDonalds by 29,382.3% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,737,548 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,676,339,000 after purchasing an additional 5,718,087 shares during the last quarter. 70.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Robert W. Baird set a $335.00 price objective on McDonalds in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. KeyCorp boosted their target price on McDonalds from $335.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Oppenheimer upgraded McDonalds from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $355.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on McDonalds from $350.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price objective on McDonalds from $300.00 to $325.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $337.04.

McDonalds Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE MCD opened at $329.17 on Friday. McDonalds Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $283.47 and a fifty-two week high of $335.67. The stock has a market cap of $234.42 billion, a PE ratio of 27.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.52. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $314.66 and a 200-day moving average of $309.21.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The fast-food giant reported $3.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.05 by $0.07. McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 343.90% and a net margin of 31.85%.The business had revenue of $7.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.81 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.83 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current year.

McDonalds Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 17th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be given a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 3rd. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.26%.

Key McDonalds News

Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week:

Insider Activity at McDonalds

In related news, CMO Edith Morgan Flatley sold 4,692 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.00, for a total transaction of $1,553,052.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer owned 6,200 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,052,200. The trade was a 43.08% 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, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 2,626 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.25, for a total transaction of $854,106.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 5,398 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,755,699.50. The trade was a 32.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 71,550 shares of company stock valued at $23,484,957 in the last quarter. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

McDonalds Profile

(Free Report)

McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships.

Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion.

Further Reading

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GSA Capital Partners LLP raised its stake in shares of Ennis, Inc. (NYSE:EBF  Free Report) by 185.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 42,491 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 27,630 shares during the quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLPs holdings in Ennis were worth $777,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new stake in shares of Ennis in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Ennis in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Ennis by 1,037.3% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,524 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 1,390 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in Ennis by 56.8% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,456 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 890 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its holdings in shares of Ennis by 245.6% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,100 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 2,203 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.33% of the companys stock.

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Ennis Price Performance

Shares of Ennis stock opened at $20.44 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $19.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $18.20. Ennis, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $16.30 and a fifty-two week high of $22.00. The firm has a market cap of $516.80 million, a P/E ratio of 12.31 and a beta of 0.37.

Ennis Dividend Announcement

Ennis ( NYSE:EBF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, December 22nd. The industrial products company reported $0.42 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $100.17 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $100.50 million. Ennis had a return on equity of 14.11% and a net margin of 11.01%.During the same period last year, the company earned $0.39 EPS.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 8th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 8th. Enniss payout ratio is currently 60.24%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Ennis from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Ennis in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold.

Read Our Latest Research Report on EBF

About Ennis

(Free Report)

Ennis, Inc (NYSE: EBF) is a provider of print and related products and services designed to meet the needs of businesses and organizations across a variety of industries. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Ennis offers business forms, checks, manuals, labels, promotional signage and specialty packaging. The company also delivers e-commerce and software solutions that enable customers to manage orders, customize print jobs and streamline supply-chain processes through its integrated online platform.

Enniss core product offerings include continuous business forms, laser checks and security-enhanced documents, as well as graphic communications materials such as brochures, catalogs and direct-mail collateral.

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GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in Wabash National Corporation (NYSE:WNC  Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor bought 70,269 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $694,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of WNC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Wabash National by 210.2% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 122,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,207,000 after buying an additional 82,879 shares during the last quarter. Versor Investments LP acquired a new stake in shares of Wabash National in the 3rd quarter worth $112,000. Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its holdings in shares of Wabash National by 48.9% in the third quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 461,499 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,555,000 after acquiring an additional 151,547 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Wabash National by 423.5% in the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 81,801 shares of the companys stock valued at $807,000 after acquiring an additional 66,176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. increased its stake in shares of Wabash National by 1.0% during the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 289,968 shares of the companys stock worth $2,862,000 after acquiring an additional 2,833 shares during the period. 97.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wabash National Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:WNC opened at $11.60 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $469.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $10.21 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.80. Wabash National Corporation has a 12 month low of $6.78 and a 12 month high of $12.94.

Wabash National Dividend Announcement

Wabash National ( NYSE:WNC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported ($0.93) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.77) by ($0.16). The firm had revenue of $321.45 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $318.32 million. Wabash National had a negative return on equity of 22.79% and a net margin of 13.71%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 22.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.02) earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Wabash National Corporation will post 0.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 2nd. Wabash Nationals payout ratio is 6.57%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently commented on WNC. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Wabash National from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Saturday. DA Davidson reissued a neutral rating and issued a $11.00 price target on shares of Wabash National in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings upgraded Wabash National from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Wabash National from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $10.00.

View Our Latest Stock Report on WNC

About Wabash National

(Free Report)

Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) is a leading designer and manufacturer of transportation equipment and supply chain solutions. The companys product portfolio includes dry freight van trailers, refrigerated vans, tank trailers, platform trailers, flatbeds and composite bodies. Wabash National also offers railcar products and modular building solutions, serving customers in a wide range of end markets such as food and beverage, chemicals, agriculture, waste management and construction.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash National has built a reputation for innovation in lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing processes and telematics integration.

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GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new position in shares of Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 4,481 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $748,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Dover by 1.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 16,573,281 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,036,722,000 after buying an additional 231,146 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Dover by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,447,149 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,181,311,000 after purchasing an additional 171,934 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Dover by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,453,121 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $629,996,000 after purchasing an additional 33,539 shares during the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. grew its stake in shares of Dover by 10.6% during the second quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 2,376,279 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $435,406,000 after purchasing an additional 227,653 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings in Dover by 717.4% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,716,256 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $314,470,000 after purchasing an additional 1,506,288 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.46% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

DOV has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Dover in a report on Monday, January 12th. UBS Group set a $256.00 price objective on shares of Dover and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, January 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Dover from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Robert W. Baird set a $255.00 price target on shares of Dover in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Dover from $199.00 to $209.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $224.00.

Dover Stock Up 0.3%

Dover stock opened at $233.12 on Friday. Dover Corporation has a twelve month low of $143.04 and a twelve month high of $237.54. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The company has a 50 day moving average of $209.02 and a 200-day moving average of $188.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.44 billion, a PE ratio of 29.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.29.

Dover (NYSE:DOV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.48 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.09 billion. Dover had a net margin of 13.52% and a return on equity of 17.87%. The firms revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.20 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dover Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Dovers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.20%.

Insider Transactions at Dover

In other Dover news, VP Girish Juneja sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $230.77, for a total value of $346,155.00. Following the sale, the vice president owned 8,422 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,943,544.94. The trade was a 15.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Richard J. Tobin sold 76,997 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $232.70, for a total transaction of $17,917,201.90. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 217,979 shares of the companys stock, valued at $50,723,713.30. This represents a 26.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 86,754 shares of company stock worth $20,000,768 in the last 90 days. 1.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Dover Company 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.

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GSA Capital Partners LLP purchased a new position in shares of Evertec, Inc. (NYSE:EVTC  Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund purchased 24,263 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $820,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its position in Evertec by 16.9% in the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 59,415 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,007,000 after buying an additional 8,607 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund grew its position in shares of Evertec by 7.5% during the third quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 35,479 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,198,000 after acquiring an additional 2,463 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Evertec by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 177,823 shares of the business services providers stock worth $6,007,000 after acquiring an additional 2,797 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Evertec by 40.4% in the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,796 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 517 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alps Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Evertec during the 3rd quarter valued at about $461,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.80% of the companys stock.

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Evertec Stock Performance

EVTC opened at $27.52 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $28.82 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 2.91 and a quick ratio of 2.91. The company has a market capitalization of $1.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.86. Evertec, Inc. has a 1-year low of $25.83 and a 1-year high of $38.56.

Evertec Dividend Announcement

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Evertecs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 8.89%.

Several equities research analysts have commented on EVTC shares. Zacks Research lowered shares of Evertec from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Evertec in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen lowered Evertec from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Susquehanna decreased their price target on Evertec from $37.00 to $32.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Finally, 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. Three 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, Evertec has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $35.80.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Evertec

Evertec Company 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.

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American Defense Systems (OTCMKTS:ADFS  Get Free Report) and BWX Technologies (NYSE:BWXT  Get Free Report) are both aerospace companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and profitability.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

94.4% of BWX Technologies shares are held by institutional investors. 19.3% of American Defense Systems shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of BWX Technologies shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations for American Defense Systems and BWX Technologies, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Defense Systems 0 0 0 0 0.00 BWX Technologies 0 5 5 3 2.85

Profitability

BWX Technologies has a consensus price target of $199.20, indicating a potential downside of 3.46%. Given American Defense Systems higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe American Defense Systems is more favorable than BWX Technologies.

This table compares American Defense Systems and BWX Technologies net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Defense Systems N/A N/A N/A BWX Technologies 10.04% 30.70% 10.55%

Volatility & Risk

American Defense Systems has a beta of 9.86, indicating that its share price is 886% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BWX Technologies has a beta of 0.84, indicating that its share price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares American Defense Systems and BWX Technologiess revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Defense Systems N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A BWX Technologies $2.70 billion 6.98 $281.94 million $3.33 61.97

BWX Technologies has higher revenue and earnings than American Defense Systems.

Summary

BWX Technologies beats American Defense Systems on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About American Defense Systems

(Get Free Report)

American Defense Systems, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design and supply of transparent and opaque armor solutions for military and commercial applications. It offers crew protection kits that provide armor protection of operator compartments; VistaSteel transparent armor, a laminated glass that provides defensive barrier to protect against firearms, physical attack, and explosive blasts; VistaSteel opaque armors; lightweight armor systems; and VistaGuard windows, which are forced entry blast resistant windows, window frames, and transparent armor assemblies used to mitigate forced entry, ballistic, and terrorist threats in high visibility targets. The company also provides portable transparent ballistic shield, a bullet-resistant transparent mobile shield; heated ballistic ship windows; and hardware products, such as hinges, rotary and slam latches, combat locks, and egress windows. Its armor solutions for construction equipment, and tactical and non-tactical transport vehicles are designed to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices. In addition, the company offers engineering and consulting services; and develops and installs detention and security hardware, entry control and monitoring systems, intrusion detection systems, and security glass. Its products are used in transport and fighting vehicles, construction equipment, sea craft, and various fixed structures, which require ballistic and blast attenuation. American Defense Systems, Inc. serves various branches of the United States military, including the United States Department of Defense; and other United States government, law enforcement, and correctional agencies, as well as private sector customers. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Lillington, North Carolina.

About BWX Technologies

(Get Free Report)

BWX Technologies, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells nuclear components in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Government Operations and Commercial Operations. The Government Operations segment designs and manufactures naval nuclear components, reactors, and nuclear fuel; fabrication activities; and supplies proprietary and sole-source valves, manifolds, and fittings to naval and commercial shipping customers. This segment also involved in manufacture of close-tolerance and equipment for nuclear applications; down blend government stockpiles of uranium; receives, stores, characterizes, dissolves, recovers, and purifies uranium-bearing materials; and supplies research reactor fuel elements for colleges, universities, and national laboratories, as well as components for defense applications. The Commercial Operations segment designs and manufactures commercial nuclear steam generators, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and reactor components; and other auxiliary equipment, including containers for the storage of nuclear fuel and other high-level nuclear waste. This segment also offers nuclear fuel, fuel handling systems, tooling delivery systems, nuclear grade materials, and precisely machined components, and related services for CANDU nuclear power plants; provides in-plant inspection, maintenance, and modification services, as well as non-destructive examination and tooling/repair solutions; and manufactures medical radioisotopes, radiopharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The company was formerly known as The Babcock & Wilcox Company and changed its name to BWX Technologies, Inc. in June 2015. BWX Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia.

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Hermes International SA  Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:HESAY  Get Free Report)s share price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $249.17 and traded as low as $242.52. Hermes International shares last traded at $249.49, with a volume of 36,154 shares changing hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

HESAY has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised Hermes International from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Barclays lowered shares of Hermes International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hermes International

Hermes International Price Performance

Hermes International Company Profile

The company has a quick ratio of 3.65, a current ratio of 4.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The companys 50 day moving average is $249.17 and its 200-day moving average is $247.60.

(Get Free Report)

Hermes International is a French luxury goods company renowned for its high-end leather goods, scarves, ready-to-wear apparel, watches, jewelry, fragrances and home accessories. Founded in 1837 as a harness and bridle workshop, the firm has evolved into one of the worlds most recognizable luxury maisons, known for artisanal craftsmanship, quality materials and a focus on timeless design. The company is headquartered in Paris and maintains a strong heritage identity that influences its product development and brand positioning.

Key product categories include leather goods and iconic handbags, silk scarves and ties, fashion and accessories, timepieces and fine jewelry, as well as fragrances and selected home collections.

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Synovus Financial Corp lowered its stake in shares of HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ  Free Report) by 48.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 75,553 shares of the computer makers stock after selling 72,317 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corps holdings in HP were worth $2,057,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in HPQ. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. increased its holdings in shares of HP by 15.1% during the 2nd quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 12,797 shares of the computer makers stock worth $313,000 after buying an additional 1,681 shares during the last quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group raised its holdings in HP by 26.5% in the second quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group now owns 13,877 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $339,000 after acquiring an additional 2,903 shares in the last quarter. Forum Financial Management LP lifted its position in shares of HP by 41.5% during the second quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 13,261 shares of the computer makers stock worth $324,000 after purchasing an additional 3,890 shares during the last quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of HP by 6.2% during the 2nd quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 478,130 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $11,695,000 after acquiring an additional 27,826 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its holdings in shares of HP by 29,983.3% during the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 3,610 shares of the computer makers stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 3,598 shares during the period. 77.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Ketan M. Patel sold 33,321 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.19, for a total value of $772,713.99. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 34,572 shares in the company, valued at approximately $801,724.68. The trade was a 49.08% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Anneliese Olson sold 16,726 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.83, for a total transaction of $415,306.58. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 169 shares in the company, valued at $4,196.27. This represents a 99.00% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 91,969 shares of company stock worth $2,277,993 in the last quarter. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

HP Stock Performance

Shares of HPQ stock opened at $18.59 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $20.87 and a 200-day moving average of $24.61. HP Inc. has a 52-week low of $18.12 and a 52-week high of $35.28. The stock has a market cap of $17.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.02, a P/E/G ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 1.21.

HP (NYSE:HPQ  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The computer maker reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.02. HP had a negative return on equity of 330.68% and a net margin of 4.57%.The business had revenue of $14.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.50 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.93 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. HP has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.900-3.200 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.730-0.810 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that HP Inc. will post 3.56 earnings per share for the current year.

HP Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 11th will be given a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 11th. HPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.28%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have commented on HPQ. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of HP from $26.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating on shares of HP in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Evercore set a $22.00 price objective on shares of HP in a research note on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on HP from $30.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Barclays reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $18.00 price objective (down previously from $24.00) on shares of HP in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and six have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $23.62.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on HPQ

HP Profile

(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 HewlettPackard 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.

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Inspire Trust Co. N.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:ICE  Free Report) by 25.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,000 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 4,600 shares during the quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A.s holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $3,875,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Westside Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange in the second quarter worth $29,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 59.5% during the 3rd quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 177 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Knuff & Co LLC grew its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange by 73.3% during the 2nd quarter. Knuff & Co LLC now owns 175 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC increased its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 128.6% in the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 272 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital A Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 26,000.0% in the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 261 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. 89.30% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently commented on ICE shares. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $195.00 price target (down from $202.00) on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a report on Monday, December 29th. Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating and set a $211.00 price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $202.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $180.00 target price on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $195.40.

Intercontinental Exchange Price Performance

Shares of ICE opened at $154.00 on Friday. Intercontinental Exchange Inc. has a 12 month low of $143.17 and a 12 month high of $189.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $164.58 and a 200 day moving average price of $164.38. The company has a market cap of $87.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.69, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.02.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.04. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 26.23% and a return on equity of 13.99%. The company had revenue of $3.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.52 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Intercontinental Exchange Inc. will post 6.73 earnings per share for the current year.

Intercontinental Exchange Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 16th will be paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 16th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Intercontinental Exchanges dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.28%.

More Intercontinental Exchange News

Here are the key news stories impacting Intercontinental Exchange this week:

Positive Sentiment: Kraken integration  Kraken has integrated with ICE Chat to expand institutional OTC crypto access, which advances ICEs push into crypto infrastructure and could boost trading/data volumes over time. Kraken Integrates with ICE Chat

Kraken integration  Kraken has integrated with ICE Chat to expand institutional OTC crypto access, which advances ICEs push into crypto infrastructure and could boost trading/data volumes over time. Positive Sentiment: Fundamentals & analyst support  ICE recently reported an EPS beat and revenue above expectations, continues to pay a quarterly dividend, and retains a mostly positive analyst consensus/price targets, providing fundamental support under the stock. MarketBeat Coverage

Fundamentals & analyst support  ICE recently reported an EPS beat and revenue above expectations, continues to pay a quarterly dividend, and retains a mostly positive analyst consensus/price targets, providing fundamental support under the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Pune office lease  ICEs India arm leased space for a global capability center in Pune (commercial real estate move that supports operations expansion but is not material to near-term earnings). ICE leases Pune GCC space

Pune office lease  ICEs India arm leased space for a global capability center in Pune (commercial real estate move that supports operations expansion but is not material to near-term earnings). Neutral Sentiment: Small institutional flows  Recent filings show many small, new institutional stakes; institutional ownership remains high (~89%), but recent buys/sells cited are immaterial at scale. Institutional activity

Small institutional flows  Recent filings show many small, new institutional stakes; institutional ownership remains high (~89%), but recent buys/sells cited are immaterial at scale. Negative Sentiment: Large CEO selling  CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold significant blocks of shares (reported filings show ~150,000 and ~129,937-share dispositions around Feb 18). Large CEO sales are the most likely proximate cause of todays negative sentiment. CEO SEC filing

Large CEO selling  CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold significant blocks of shares (reported filings show ~150,000 and ~129,937-share dispositions around Feb 18). Large CEO sales are the most likely proximate cause of todays negative sentiment. Negative Sentiment: CTO sale  CTO Mayur Kapani sold 15,213 shares (~$2.36M) on Feb 18, a ~19% reduction in his holding. CTO SEC filing

CTO sale  CTO Mayur Kapani sold 15,213 shares (~$2.36M) on Feb 18, a ~19% reduction in his holding. Negative Sentiment: Other executive selling  Additional insider sales reported: President Benjamin Jackson (3,865 sh), CFO Warren Gardiner (2,490 sh), and insider Christopher Scott Edmonds (11,303 sh). These clustered sales amplify negative investor perception even though executives retain sizable holdings. President SEC filing CFO SEC filing Insider Edmonds SEC filing

Insider Activity at Intercontinental Exchange

In other Intercontinental Exchange news, CTO Mayur Kapani sold 15,213 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.02, for a total transaction of $2,358,319.26. Following the sale, the chief technology officer owned 64,869 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,055,992.38. The trade was a 19.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Christopher Scott Edmonds sold 11,303 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.82, for a total value of $1,738,627.46. Following the transaction, the insider owned 14,266 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,194,396.12. This trade represents a 44.21% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 341,036 shares of company stock valued at $53,068,762. Company insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Intercontinental Exchange Profile

(Free Report)

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) is a global operator of exchanges, clearing houses and data services that provides infrastructure for the trading, clearing, settlement and information needs of financial and commodity markets. Founded in 2000 by Jeffrey C. Sprecher as an electronic energy trading platform, the company has grown through organic expansion and acquisitions to operate a broad portfolio of assets spanning listed equities, futures and options, fixed income, and over-the-counter derivatives.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased its position in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE:FBIN  Free Report) by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,526,503 shares of the companys stock after selling 45,089 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in Fortune Brands Innovations were worth $134,890,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in FBIN. First Trust Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,165,342 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,992,000 after acquiring an additional 97,662 shares during the period. CX Institutional increased its stake in Fortune Brands Innovations by 22,269.6% in the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 108,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,780,000 after purchasing an additional 107,785 shares in the last quarter. Keeler Thomas Management LLC acquired a new stake in Fortune Brands Innovations in the second quarter worth $920,000. Teacher Retirement System of Texas boosted its position in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations by 63.0% during the second quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 29,593 shares of the companys stock worth $1,523,000 after purchasing an additional 11,433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caxton Associates LLP acquired a new position in shares of Fortune Brands Innovations in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,717,000. 87.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Fortune Brands Innovations Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of Fortune Brands Innovations stock opened at $54.35 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.53 billion, a PE ratio of 22.00, a P/E/G ratio of 3.33 and a beta of 1.41. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $55.52 and its 200 day simple moving average is $54.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.84. Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. has a 52-week low of $44.04 and a 52-week high of $67.43.

Fortune Brands Innovations Increases Dividend

Fortune Brands Innovations ( NYSE:FBIN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.00 by ($0.14). The business had revenue of $1.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.14 billion. Fortune Brands Innovations had a return on equity of 18.54% and a net margin of 6.70%.Fortune Brands Innovationss revenue was down 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.98 earnings per share. Fortune Brands Innovations has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.350-3.650 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. will post 4.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.26 per share. This is a boost from Fortune Brands Innovationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. Fortune Brands Innovationss payout ratio is presently 40.49%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

FBIN has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Zacks Research downgraded Fortune Brands Innovations from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Fortune Brands Innovations from $62.00 to $56.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Evercore reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Barclays cut Fortune Brands Innovations from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $68.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $61.00 price target on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $60.00.

View Our Latest Research Report on Fortune Brands Innovations

Fortune Brands Innovations Company Profile

(Free Report)

Fortune Brands Innovations (NYSE: FBIN), formerly known as Fortune Brands Home & Security, is a global leader in water innovations, specializing in the design, manufacturing and marketing of plumbing fixtures, fittings and related products. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, the company leverages two iconic brandsMoen and House of Rohlto deliver high-quality kitchen and bathroom solutions across residential and commercial markets. With a focus on performance, reliability and aesthetic design, FBINs portfolio spans faucets, showerheads, accessories and water filtration systems.

The companys products are sold through a diversified network of retail partners, wholesale distributors and online channels across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

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ManpowerGroup Inc. (NYSE:MAN  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Hold by the eight research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have given a hold recommendation and two have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $41.1250.

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on MAN. BMO Capital Markets upgraded ManpowerGroup from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $44.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Argus raised shares of ManpowerGroup from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $42.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Robert W. Baird set a $50.00 price target on shares of ManpowerGroup in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of ManpowerGroup in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of ManpowerGroup from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on MAN

ManpowerGroup Stock Performance

NYSE:MAN opened at $28.68 on Thursday. ManpowerGroup has a 52 week low of $26.14 and a 52 week high of $63.35. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $30.88 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $33.68. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The company has a market cap of $1.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -95.61 and a beta of 0.88.

ManpowerGroup (NYSE:MAN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The business services provider reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.09. ManpowerGroup had a positive return on equity of 6.81% and a negative net margin of 0.07%.The business had revenue of $4.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.63 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.02 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that ManpowerGroup will post 4.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Trending Headlines about ManpowerGroup

Here are the key news stories impacting ManpowerGroup this week:

Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised its Q4 2026 EPS forecast sharply to $1.13 from $0.97  a meaningful upward revision for that quarter that could support upside to nearterm earnings expectations.

Zacks raised its Q4 2026 EPS forecast sharply to $1.13 from $0.97  a meaningful upward revision for that quarter that could support upside to nearterm earnings expectations. Positive Sentiment: Zacks bumped Q1 2026 to $0.47 (from $0.44) and raised Q1 2027 to $1.09 (from $1.06), small but constructive upgrades for upcoming quarters.

Zacks bumped Q1 2026 to $0.47 (from $0.44) and raised Q1 2027 to $1.09 (from $1.06), small but constructive upgrades for upcoming quarters. Positive Sentiment: Zacks lifted FY2026 EPS to $3.64 (from $3.61), and published a longrange FY2028 estimate of $6.28  indicating analysts see substantial earnings growth farther out.

Zacks lifted FY2026 EPS to $3.64 (from $3.61), and published a longrange FY2028 estimate of $6.28  indicating analysts see substantial earnings growth farther out. Neutral Sentiment: ManpowerGroup announced updated executive severance letter agreements (governance/compensation update). This is primarily a corporate governance/legal housekeeping item; monitor for any context suggesting a leadership transition. ManpowerGroup Updates Executive Severance Agreements Ahead of Changes

ManpowerGroup announced updated executive severance letter agreements (governance/compensation update). This is primarily a corporate governance/legal housekeeping item; monitor for any context suggesting a leadership transition. Neutral Sentiment: Media coverage explains a recent intraday rally in MAN (context piece on why shares were up earlier); useful for sentiment background but not new corporate news. Why ManpowerGroup Inc.s (MAN) Stock Is Up 5.78%

Media coverage explains a recent intraday rally in MAN (context piece on why shares were up earlier); useful for sentiment background but not new corporate news. Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut Q2 2026 EPS to $0.97 from $1.08  the largest single nearterm downgrade reported, and a potential driver of downside in the next reported quarter.

Zacks cut Q2 2026 EPS to $0.97 from $1.08  the largest single nearterm downgrade reported, and a potential driver of downside in the next reported quarter. Negative Sentiment: Zacks trimmed Q2 2027 to $1.34 (from $1.39), and reduced Q3 2026 to $1.07 (from $1.11) and Q3 2027 to $1.23 (from $1.24)  a string of modest downgrades that point to some softening in midcycle quarters.

Zacks trimmed Q2 2027 to $1.34 (from $1.39), and reduced Q3 2026 to $1.07 (from $1.11) and Q3 2027 to $1.23 (from $1.24)  a string of modest downgrades that point to some softening in midcycle quarters. Negative Sentiment: Zacks slightly lowered FY2027 to $4.94 from $4.95  a small cut but, combined with the quarter downgrades, contributes to todays negative sentiment.

Institutional Trading of ManpowerGroup

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MAN. Allworth Financial LP increased its holdings in shares of ManpowerGroup by 321.7% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 662 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 505 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in ManpowerGroup during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in ManpowerGroup in the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in ManpowerGroup by 103.3% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 799 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares in the last quarter. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC increased its stake in ManpowerGroup by 72.5% in the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 802 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 337 shares during the last quarter. 98.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About ManpowerGroup

(Get Free Report)

ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) is a global leader in workforce solutions, offering a broad spectrum of staffing and talent management services. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company has grown from a temporary staffing firm to a diversified provider of workforce consultancy, recruitment, and outsourcing services. ManpowerGroup is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker MAN.

The companys service offerings are organized into four principal brands.

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Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPT  Get Free Report) is one of 90 public companies in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Medical Properties Trust to related businesses based on the strength of its valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability and earnings.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

71.8% of Medical Properties Trust shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 63.7% of shares of all Real Estate Investment Trusts companies are held by institutional investors. 1.3% of Medical Properties Trust shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 7.9% of shares of all Real Estate Investment Trusts companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Risk and Volatility

Medical Properties Trust has a beta of 1.43, meaning that its share price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Medical Properties Trusts peers have a beta of 1.15, meaning that their average share price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Medical Properties Trust 1 0 1 0 2.00 Medical Properties Trust Competitors 2346 4059 2395 22 2.01

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Medical Properties Trust and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.

Medical Properties Trust currently has a consensus price target of $8.00, indicating a potential upside of 41.09%. As a group, Real Estate Investment Trusts companies have a potential upside of 11.58%. Given Medical Properties Trusts higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Medical Properties Trust is more favorable than its peers.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Medical Properties Trust and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Medical Properties Trust $972.02 million -$2.41 billion -12.33 Medical Properties Trust Competitors $463.71 million -$18.05 million 26.59

Medical Properties Trust has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its peers. Medical Properties Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Dividends

Medical Properties Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.3%. Medical Properties Trust pays out -78.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Real Estate Investment Trusts companies pay a dividend yield of 4.0% and pay out 102.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Medical Properties Trust is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Profitability

This table compares Medical Properties Trust and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Medical Properties Trust -28.50% -5.83% -1.85% Medical Properties Trust Competitors -34.14% -18.20% -0.23%

Summary

Medical Properties Trust beats its peers on 9 of the 15 factors compared.

Medical Properties Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed to capitalize on the changing trends in healthcare delivery by acquiring and developing net-leased healthcare facilities. MPTs financing model allows hospitals and other healthcare facilities to unlock the value of their underlying real estate in order to fund facility improvements, technology upgrades, staff additions and new construction. Facilities include acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, and other medical and surgical facilities.

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OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XTEN  Free Report) by 5.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,830,103 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 91,212 shares during the period. BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF makes up approximately 0.9% of OneDigital Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC owned approximately 10.82% of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF worth $85,338,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in XTEN. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 12.3% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,511,151 shares of the companys stock worth $70,465,000 after purchasing an additional 165,961 shares during the period. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 4.4% in the third quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,434,353 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,884,000 after buying an additional 60,940 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 47.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 928,641 shares of the companys stock worth $42,866,000 after buying an additional 300,912 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 6.6% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 782,409 shares of the companys stock worth $36,484,000 after buying an additional 48,669 shares during the period. Finally, Gradient Investments LLC grew its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 53.8% during the 3rd quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 667,789 shares of the companys stock worth $31,139,000 after buying an additional 233,638 shares during the period.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Trading Down 0.1%

BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF stock opened at $46.92 on Friday. BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 12-month low of $44.38 and a 12-month high of $47.82. The firms fifty day moving average is $46.40 and its 200 day moving average is $46.53.

BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Increases Dividend

BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Company Profile

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.166 per share. This is an increase from BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.16. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 2nd.

(Free Report)

The BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTEN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of ten years. XTEN was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

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OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV  Free Report) by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,197,977 shares of the companys stock after selling 281,525 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF makes up 1.5% of OneDigital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 12th largest position. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.54% of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF worth $149,089,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 50.0% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 70,125,413 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,451,560,000 after acquiring an additional 23,376,524 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 28.6% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 15,814,518 shares of the companys stock worth $1,003,906,000 after purchasing an additional 3,518,683 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 11.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,719,462 shares of the companys stock worth $616,991,000 after purchasing an additional 999,564 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 6,428,350 shares of the companys stock worth $436,035,000 after purchasing an additional 82,277 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MML Investors Services LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 68.6% during the 2nd quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 5,691,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $361,280,000 after purchasing an additional 2,316,220 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Trading Up 0.7%

BATS EFV opened at $79.13 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 12-month low of $51.87 and a 12-month high of $79.68. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $74.24 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $70.35. The stock has a market cap of $32.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73.

About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financials, energy, healthcare, telecommunication services, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary, materials, information technology and consumer staples.

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OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,034,433 shares of the companys stock after selling 68,962 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF comprises approximately 2.1% of OneDigital Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC owned about 0.36% of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF worth $201,197,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of QUAL. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. now owns 13,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,541,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. increased its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.3% in the second quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 2,517 shares of the companys stock worth $460,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. raised its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.0% during the third quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. now owns 2,889 shares of the companys stock valued at $562,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4.4% in the third quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 1,375 shares of the companys stock valued at $269,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GFG Capital LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4.3% in the third quarter. GFG Capital LLC now owns 1,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $280,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Up 0.7%

QUAL stock opened at $204.39 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $201.78 and a two-hundred day moving average of $196.16. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $148.34 and a 12 month high of $205.48. The company has a market capitalization of $59.26 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.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report published on Saturday morning.

SCCO has been the subject of a number of other reports. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a sell rating and issued a $127.91 target price on shares of Southern Copper in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Monday, January 12th. UBS Group reissued a sell rating and set a $148.74 price target (up from $146.75) on shares of Southern Copper in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and issued a $154.69 price objective on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and seven have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $136.49.

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Read Our Latest Report on SCCO

Southern Copper Stock Performance

Southern Copper Increases Dividend

NYSE SCCO opened at $200.99 on Friday. Southern Copper has a 1-year low of $74.84 and a 1-year high of $218.81. The company has a 50 day moving average of $173.75 and a 200-day moving average of $138.23. The company has a current ratio of 4.52, a quick ratio of 3.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The firm has a market cap of $163.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.78, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.07.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be given a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. This is an increase from Southern Coppers previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio is 75.19%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Lerdo De Tejada Leon Contreras sold 9,326 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $209.56, for a total transaction of $1,954,344.91. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 605 shares in the company, valued at approximately $126,783.04. The trade was a 93.91% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 403 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.83, for a total value of $55,544.87. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,275 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $175,731.28. This trade represents a 24.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.07% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southern Copper

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Rakuten Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Southern Copper in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,976,000. Legal & General Group Plc grew its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 941,712 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $95,273,000 after acquiring an additional 38,856 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its position in shares of Southern Copper by 5.7% in the third quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 148,484 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $17,778,000 after acquiring an additional 7,995 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Southern Copper by 2,631.9% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 13,441 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,631,000 after acquiring an additional 12,949 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alps Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Southern Copper by 54.2% during the third quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 35,647 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,326,000 after purchasing an additional 12,532 shares during the last quarter. 7.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Southern Copper Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is a large, integrated copper producer whose operations span the full value chain from exploration and mining to smelting, refining and the sale of copper and other metal products. The company produces a range of copper products including copper concentrate and refined cathodes, and recovers valuable byproducts such as molybdenum, silver and zinc. Southern Copper concentrates on high-volume, long-life assets designed to support steady production and processing capabilities.

Southern Coppers operations are concentrated in Peru and Mexico, where it owns and operates multiple large-scale mining and processing facilities.

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Tgs Asa (OTCMKTS:TGSNF  Get Free Report) shares were up 6.1% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $12.50 and last traded at $12.50. Approximately 600 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 47% from the average daily volume of 1,128 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.78.

Tgs Asa Trading Up 1.2%

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $9.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $8.80.

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Tgs Asa Company Profile

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TGS ASA is a global provider of geoscience data and intelligence, serving the oil and gas industry with a focus on multi-client subsurface information. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, the company specializes in the acquisition, processing and interpretation of marine and onshore seismic data. Since its founding in 1981, TGS has built one of the industrys largest multi-client libraries, covering key hydrocarbon basins around the world.

The companys core services include 2D and 3D seismic surveys, electromagnetic (EM) studies, gravity and magnetic data, well logs and related geological and geophysical products.

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Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TBVPF  Get Free Report) shares traded up 8.6% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $0.3750 and last traded at $0.3750. 2,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 18,200 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.3452.

Thai Beverage Public Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.34 and a 200-day simple moving average of $0.35.

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About Thai Beverage Public

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Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TBVPF) is one of Southeast Asias largest integrated beverage producers, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. The company engages in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of a diverse portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Its product lineup includes beer, spirits, ready-to-drink teas, drinking water, fruit juices and energy drinks, serving both domestic and international markets.

On the alcoholic side, Thai Beverages flagship brands include Chang beer and a range of spirits such as Mekhong and SangSom.

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Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. raised its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 56.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 51,754 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 18,743 shares during the quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $14,454,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the third quarter worth about $32,000. Fairman Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 171.2% in the third quarter. Fairman Group LLC now owns 141 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV bought a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter. Delta Asset Management LLC TN now owns 150 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Navigoe LLC bought a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. 16.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. DA Davidson upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $325.00 to $370.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, December 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, January 2nd. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $391.43.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:TSM opened at $370.54 on Friday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 12-month low of $134.25 and a 12-month high of $380.00. The companys 50 day moving average price is $328.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $293.19. The firm has a market cap of $1.92 trillion, a PE ratio of 34.79, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $32.50 billion during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 45.13% and a return on equity of 36.18%. Equities research analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.9503 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 11th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is 23.57%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing this week:

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 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.

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Wealth Alliance LLC purchased a new stake in PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 4,149 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock, valued at approximately $436,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of PPG. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. acquired a new position in shares of PPG Industries in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC increased its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 100.7% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 273 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC boosted its stake in PPG Industries by 184.0% during the 2nd quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 284 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in PPG Industries during the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Addison Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of PPG Industries by 1,515.8% in the 2nd quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 307 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 288 shares during the last quarter. 81.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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PPG Industries Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PPG opened at $126.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.40 billion, a PE ratio of 18.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.16. PPG Industries, Inc. has a 1-year low of $90.24 and a 1-year high of $133.43. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $113.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $107.09.

PPG Industries Announces Dividend

PPG Industries ( NYSE:PPG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.57 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.77 billion. PPG Industries had a net margin of 9.93% and a return on equity of 22.67%. PPG Industriess revenue for the quarter was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.61 EPS. PPG Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.700-8.100 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a $0.71 dividend. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. PPG Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 40.92%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

PPG has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Mizuho increased their target price on PPG Industries from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Citigroup lifted their target price on PPG Industries from $127.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on PPG Industries from $109.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of PPG Industries from $118.00 to $116.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $125.93.

View Our Latest Analysis on PPG Industries

Insider Buying and Selling at PPG Industries

In related news, VP Chancey E. Hagerty sold 2,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.59, for a total value of $260,077.50. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 8,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at $979,856.43. This represents a 20.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Vincent J. Morales sold 78,095 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.00, for a total transaction of $10,230,445.00. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 115,217 shares of company stock worth $14,771,523 in the last ninety days. 0.33% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

PPG Industries Company Profile

(Free Report)

PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials that serves industrial, transportation, consumer and construction markets. Founded in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has evolved from its origins in glass manufacturing into a diversified coatings and materials company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company develops and manufactures a broad array of products used to protect and enhance surfaces, from consumer paints to highly engineered coatings for demanding industrial applications.

PPGs product portfolio includes architectural and decorative paints, automotive original equipment and refinish coatings, industrial coatings for machinery and equipment, protective and marine coatings, aerospace and defense coatings, and packaging coatings and materials.

Further Reading

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TALK OF TROUT FISHING and one thinks of unspoilt streams in North American woods. There is the classic image of a lone man standing in thigh-deep water, casting and waiting for a strike. People who do not, will not or cannot fish, read about it. Fishing and writing about the sport are both so popular in the US.

A colleague told me that last August, The New York Times published the obituary of A.K. Best, who was famous for tying dry flies that mimic real insects. With bits of fur, feathers and other material, he would conjure up a dry fly realistic enough to fool trout. In India, I have fished with flour balls and earthworms, with kite-string lashed to bamboo poles. But then those waters were far, far away from trout streams.

Special Correspondent K. Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy found trout in large numbers in hot Hyderabad. Aditya Ritvik Narra, 31, is the man behind the commercial farm, and the article appears on page 58.

Let us swim from trout streams to the home of the hilsa. We are capping our Bangladesh coverage with a look at how India can engage with the new government in Dhaka, and why it should. While Chief of Bureau (Delhi) Namrata Biji Ahuja writes the main article, we also feature expert voices. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju reassures that the Chickens Neck land bridge to the northeast is under no threat, despite chief adviser Muhammad Yunuss veiled and repeated comments about the area.

Former national security adviser M.K. Narayanan says that it is in Indias interest to ensure that Bangladesh is not drawn into the Islamist revolution. Dr Ziauddin Hyder, adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, says that the new governments foreign policy will be pragmatic. Former Indian minister of state M.J. Akbar sees hope in the current mandate. He says it is against theocracy and affirms the legacy of 1971. Lt Gen D.S. Hooda says respect for each others core concerns could lead to stabilisation in relations.

Senior Assistant News Editor K. Sunil Thomas looks at Nvidia president Jensen Huangs vision for AI in India. THE WEEK was invited to the Dassault Systemes 3DExperience World event in Houston, where Huang met select media professionals.

This article comes against the backdrop of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The official podcaster for the summit, author Anirudh Suri, is contributing to this issue. Keep an eye on theweek.in for his podcast in interview format; for short videos, check out THE WEEKs YouTube channel.

Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra joins THE WEEK as a Last Word columnist, and this issue carries her voice on Page 74.

Principal Correspondent Pooja Biraia interviewed philanthropist Neerja Birla, founder and chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust. Through Mpower, a unit of the trust, Neerja is providing visibility and support for mental health issues. Hospitals were built to treat episodic physical illness, not long-term emotional distress, she told Pooja. Schools had no way to respond to student anxiety without labelling it as failure. THE WEEK is supporting the Mpowering Minds Summit 2026, which will be held in Bengaluru on February 27.

While AI is in the air, Photographer Kritajna Naik brings you people who love typewriters. The article brought back memories of oil cans, ribbons, the familiar clack of keys and the whirr of the carriage being pushed back. My executive secretary, V.V. Poulose, still finds comfort in shorthand.

While reading Kritajnas article, I was reminded of something that Shashi Tharoor said tongue-in-cheek: An old joke suggests that so many Keralite typists flocked to stenographic work in Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi that Remington became the name of a new Malayali subcaste.
Anna Sawai recently broke out in a big way with her appearance as one of the crucial characters in FX's "Shogun" and Apple TV's "Pachinko". The New Zealand-born Japanese actress, who is also part of Apple TV's ongoing 'Monsterverse' series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters", confirmed in a new interview that she plays Yoko Ono in the upcoming four-part Beatles biopic movie project, directed by acclaimed director Sam Mendes, that simultaneously follows the journey of each member.

Ahead of the release of the second season of "Monarch", Sawai spoke to PEOPLE about her Yoko Ono portrayal. It's just exciting because [Onos] story is so inspirational to me, and people really don't know the true person that she was, she said. She's an incredible artist. And also, she just was an independent woman, and people didn't like that. They wanted John [Lennon] for themselves, and she was an easy target. And I think it's very meaningful for me to be able to tell her story.

As for her incredible rise in showbiz within a short span, she shared that the journey has been "like a dream."

"It's everything that I wanted to do, and I get to tell the stories that are so meaningful to me, she added. When I look back to a couple of years ago, I was auditioning and just taking on the roles that I would get offered after auditioning. But now I have choices that I can make, and so I feel very, very lucky.

"Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" Season 2 will begin streaming on Apple TV from Feb. 27.
The Karnataka government is considering restricting the use of mobile phones by students under the age of 16 in educational institutions. The state has reportedly sought the opinion of vice-chancellors of government universities on the proposal.

The Chief Minister categorically clarified that the restrictions will not affect adults while inside the campuses.

The move is seen as an effort to counter issues caused by social media addiction among children. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly concerned about social media and drugs affecting the behaviour, education, and mental health of minors. The Congress leader is said to be influenced by the call made by countries such as Australia to restrict social media use to safeguard students.

Siddaramaiah also instructed vice-chancellors to take necessary measures to ensure that university campuses remain free from drugs.

The Chief Minister also hinted at the possibility of holding student elections. He said the government is considering allowing student elections with certain conditions, as it would be difficult for students to become leaders without such a window, TV9 Kannada said in a report. He pointed out that India lacks student leaders and asked vice-chancellors to provide suggestions on the matter. There were elections during our time, and we emerged from that system, he remarked.

However, most vice-chancellors reportedly opposed conducting elections in colleges. They argued that elections should not be held under any circumstances, citing disturbances in places such as JNU. They said that conducting non-political elections has become difficult and that student elections would require significant time for campaigning, TV9 Kannada reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sharply criticised the Congress party over a protest staged by its youth wing during the India AI Impact Summit in the national capital. Speaking in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Modi accused the opposition party of using the global event to engage in dirty and naked politics.

The protest took place inside Exhibition Hall No. 5 at Bharat Mandapam on Friday, when a group of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members removed their shirts and chanted slogans against the India-US trade deal.

There are political parties in the country that cannot tolerate Indias success. We have just witnessed the worlds largest AI conference hosted in India, which made the entire nation proud," Modi said.

"But what did the Congress and its ecosystem do? The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics.

Prime Minister Modi took a sarcastic jab at the Congress party, suggesting that the nation was already aware of its shortcomings. He remarked, "Congress leaders arrived at the venue naked in front of foreign guests. I ask the Congress members, the country already knows you are naked, so why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?"

He further said that the actions of the Congress reflected their ideologically bankruptcy and showed how impoverished the oldest party of the country had become.

The incident had stirred up a political firestorm with the BJP accusing the opposition party of damaging Indias global reputation. Members of the Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged protests in several cities, raising slogans against Congress.

The incident also attracted criticism from some allies of the INDIA bloc. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav condemned the protest, stating that it brought shame to the nation.

Police have arrested four IYC activists in connection with the incident and claimed that preliminary investigations suggested external conspiracy links. A Delhi court on Saturday sent all the four accused to five-day police custody.
Two Punjab Police personnel deployed at a checkpoint near the border with Pakistan were reportedly found shot dead on Sunday.

The slain officers were identified as Home Guard Ashok Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh. They were reportedly positioned at a checkpoint in Adiyan village under the Dorangla police station in the Gurdaspur district. It remains unclear whether they shot each other or if a third person was involved, The Indian Express said in a report.

There were reports of firing at the checkpoint, and the two policemen were found dead when more officers arrived to probe the incident, the news report said. "In the morning, we received information that two of our personnel had sustained gunshot injuries," Gurdaspur SSP Aditya was quoted as telling news agency PTI.

The bodies were shifted to Gurdaspur Civil Hospital for post-mortem. The checkpost has been cordoned off and forensic teams were summoned to examine weapons, casings, and other evidence.

These outposts, maintained by the Punjab Police in close coordination with the Border Security Force, act as the second line of defence, he said, adding that the area where the incident occurred lies about 2 km from the Indo-Pak border.

Gurdaspur is a border district in Punjab's Majha region, located between the Beas and Ravi rivers. Meanwhile, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring urged both the state and central governments to investigate the incident.

"It is a matter of grave concern that our two policemen were found shot dead near an outpost in Adhian village, Gurdaspur district. Our sympathies are with the bereaved families, who have lost their loved ones... We can't afford to be partisan or divided on the matter of security of our people, state, and the country," the Congress leader said in a post.
Two sisters, who were preparing for their upcoming weddings, died by suicide in Manai village in Jodhpur after allegedly consuming poison.

Shoba, 25 and Vimla, 23, were scheduled to be married on Saturday and were in the midst of their wedding preparations on Friday when the incident occurred.

The family had rushed them to a private hospital in Jodhpur upon discovering that the sisters where they were pronounced dead.

ADCP (West) Roshan Meena said that he sisters had gone to bed around midnight on Friday as wedding festivities continued into the night.

"At about 4 am, their health suddenly deteriorated, prompting family members to take them to a private hospital. They were declared dead on arrival, and their bodies were brought back home, where funeral preparations began," the report quoted him as saying.

After receiving the information police arrived at the scene and stopped the funeral preparation, which had begun. The sisters' bodies were then taken to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination before being returned to the family.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the deaths may have resulted from the ingestion of a poisonous substance. However, police say the exact cause of death will be confirmed once the post-mortem report is completed.

Police also said that no suicide notes were found on the scene.

Officials have reported that there has been no clear motive for the incident and are investigating every angle.

The incident has come after the suicide of three minor sisters, Nishika, Prachi and Pakhi, who jumped off the ninth floor of their building, in Ghaziabad on February 4.

(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM.)
Delhi Police have busted a major terror plot, arresting eight individuals, including a Bangladeshi national, from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on Sunday. The suspects were allegedly planning major attacks in India, with support from Pakistan's ISI and Bangladeshi terrorist organisations.

Six of the accusedMizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjalwere apprehended from Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur and are now being brought to Delhi for further interrogation. According to the police, two of the suspects were arrested in Uthukuli, three in Palladam, and one in Thirumuruganpoondi.

All were reportedly working in the garment industry, using fake Aadhaar cards to conceal their identities.

#WATCH | Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu | Visuals of the six arrested accused, namely Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal from Tamil Nadu, being taken to Delhi, yesterday.



The six accused were arrested by the Delhi Police. https://t.co/SAkLoE8Bji pic.twitter.com/PykAiqRrOv  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

During the operation, authorities seized eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards. The police allege that the accused had been posting pro-Pakistan terrorist content on social media and had also conducted reconnaissance of various cities.

Additionally, two more arrests were made in West Bengal. Investigations revealed that the suspects were in regular contact with each other through social media platforms.

Police further claimed that four of the accused had recently travelled to Delhi, where they allegedly pasted "Free Kashmir" and other provocative materials at a metro station during the AI Impact Summit before returning to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

The development comes just a day after intelligence reports warned of potential terrorist threats targeting temples and other religious sites in the national capital. The reports indicated that prominent religious locations in the Chandni Chowk and Red Fort areas were under surveillance by the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Delhi Police, in coordination with central security agencies, have intensified surveillance, implementing enhanced CCTV monitoring and stricter vehicle checks across key areas. Additional personnel have been stationed in high-risk areas, while bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and quick reaction teams remain on standby.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the AI Impact Summit 2026, recently hosted in Delhi, as a turning point for the world, highlighting Indias remarkable capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence.

During his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said that the AI Impact Summit also provided him with the opportunity to meet global leaders and CEOs of top technology companies.

"This summit is a turning point in how the world will use the power of AI in the future," Modi said as he emphasised two innovations that particularly impressed global leaders: the use of AI in livestock management and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The first innovation was at the Amul booth. It was explained how AI is helping in treating animals and how, with the help of a 24/7 AI assistant, farmers are keeping track of their dairy operations and livestock, he said.

The second innovation focused on preserving India's cultural heritage. Leaders from across the world were surprised to see how, with the help of AI, our ancient scriptures, traditional wisdom, and manuscripts are being preserved and adapted for today's generation," the prime minister added.

Referring to the Sushruta Samhita display at the summit, Modi explained how technology was used to enhance and translate the ancient texts. "The first step involved enhancing the image quality of manuscripts using technology, making them readable. The second step converted the image-based text into a machine-readable format," he said.

"Next, an AI avatar was created, and the text was translated into Indian and foreign languages," he alabourated, adding that several world leaders have showed great interest in learning about India's ancient knowledge through this modern avatar.
An Indian Army officer, an ex-policeman, and two women were among six people arrested on Sunday in Punjab's Faridkot after the police busted a Pakistan-backed international drug cartel operation.

The Punjab Police recovered 4.8kg of heroin, a .30 caliber bore pistol, and three live cartridges from their possession, in addition to Rs 30,000 of alleged drug money.

It has also impounded two vehicles, a Thar and an XUV-500, that were allegedly used for trafficking operations, an Indian Express report said.

According to Director General of Police (Punjab), Gaurav Yadav, the accused have been identified as Jarnail Singh (alias Goldy), who is currently serving in the Indian Army, Amardeep Singh (alias Boxer), a dismissed former member of the state police, Dimple Rani, Ramandeep Kaur, Sarabjit Singh (alias Sabba), and Amritpal Singh (alias Abhijot).

How the six accused were caught

Yadav added that the arrest came after two months of intercepting cartel communications from jails. This showed that the accused were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers who were using drones to push heroin packages into India.

The report added, citing Senior Superintendent of Police (Faridkot), Dr Pragya Jain, that in the early hours between Friday and Saturday, a team of officers intercepted a Thar vehicle near Green Avenue. Under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Faridkot) Tarlochan Singh, a search was conducted, which led to the recovery of 1.008kg of heroin and some drug money. As a result, the four passengers in the Thar were immediately arrested.

She added that after further interrogation, it was revealed that the 1kg consignment had been supplied by Amardeep Singh (alias Boxer), from an XUV-500 vehicle.

"Acting on this lead, police teams intercepted Boxer and his associate Dimple Rani near village Goleana Semnala, recovering an additional 3.796 kg of heroin and a .30 bore pistol from their possession, Dr Jain noted.

She also pointed out that Singh was a habitual offender with nine prior criminal cases. The other accused also reportedly have significant criminal records under the NDPS and Arms Acts. A case has now been registered under sections 21(c) and 27A of the NDPS Act, as the investigation into the drug cartel's operations continues.
After Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also claimed that as the largest constituent in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), his party has the "first right" to the alliance's lone winnable Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra.

Earlier this week, Aaditya Thackeray appeared to stake his party's claim to the MVA's lone winnable seat in the Upper House of Parliament. Considering the numbers in the assembly, the Rajya Sabha seat "belongs" to his party, and "talks will definitely happen in that direction in the MVA", he had said.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Aaditya Thackeray said. We are the single largest party with 20 MLAs. The Congress has 16, and the NCP (SP) has 10. Therefore, whoever gets elected to the Rajya Sabha will go as a candidate of the MVA. As the largest party, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has the first right," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The Rajya Sabha stints of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, Fauzia Khan of NCP (SP), Ramdas Athawale of RPI (Athawale), the BJP's Bhagwat Karad, the Congress's Rajani Patil, and the NCP's Dhairysheel Patil will end in April. The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) can potentially send one candidate to the Upper House of Parliament due to its depleted strength.

He, however, indicated that the arithmetic remains crucial.

"One MP will certainly be elected. Support of 37 MLAs is needed. This time, we appear to have 10 to 12 surplus votes. We will need to mobilise another 2021 votes. If that happens, two candidates can be elected. But at this moment, since Shiv Sena (UBT) is the largest party, we are bound to assert our claim," Raut was quoted as saying by PTI.

The Election Commission is set to officially notify the polls for seven Rajya Sabha seats, scheduled for 16 March, on 26 February.
Amidst disagreements within Maharashtra's opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over contesting the sole winnable Rajya Sabha seat, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut clarified his earlier statement regarding Sharad Pawar having another stint in the Upper House.

Shiv Sena (UBT) maintains that they should be allowed to contest the winnable seat, as they are the largest constituent of the MVA in terms of MLAs. Clarifying his earlier remarks about Sharad Pawar, the Rajya Sabha MP said he had merely stated that the senior NCP leader had expressed a desire regarding the Rajya Sabha berth.

FULL REPORT | Sanjay Raut asserts MVAs winnable Rajya Sabha seat should be given to Shiv Sena-UBT

"I said that as a senior leader, Sharad Pawar has expressed his wish. He is a senior leader of the MVA. We will sit together and make a collective decision. But it must first be accepted that as the largest party, Shiv Sena (UBT) has the primary claim," he said, pointing out that the NCP (SP) chief has not officially declared his candidature from his party so far.

The MVA leadership was competent to take an appropriate decision, he said, adding that people should not feel undue "tension or pressure" over the evolving political situation in Maharashtra.

ALSO READ | New era for NCP: Sunetra Pawar set to take the helm. Will the two factions be merged soon?

Referring to Aaditya Thackeray's assertion that one candidate each from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP) could be elected, Raut said the former minister was well-versed in legislative affairs.

"Aaditya Thackeray understands politics and legislative functioning. Last time, Sharad Pawar and Priyanka Chaturvedi were elected. At that time, the situation was different, and we were all together with higher numbers. Aaditya Thackeray will not make an incorrect statement," he said.

The members who are retiring include Sharad Pawar, Fauzia Khan (NCP-SP), Ramdas Athawale, Dhairyasheel Patil, and Bhagwat Karad (BJP), Rajani Patil (Congress), and Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT).

The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP, has 232 MLAs and can potentially win six seats.

The new members of the Rajya Sabha will be elected by the MLAs of Maharashtra. The ruling Mahayuti has 235 MLAs while the Opposition has the remaining 52, with the MVA having 46. These numbers make it clear that the Mahayuti will win six seats, as the minimum required votes for winning in the RS elections is 37 first-preference votes.

Of the six seats for the Mahayuti, four will belong to the BJP, while one seat each will go to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Sunetra Ajit Pawar-led NCP. It remains to be seen whether the NCP will nominate the late Ajit Pawars son, Parth Pawar, as its candidate or whether he will occupy the RS seat which will be vacated by his mother and Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar.
A dusk view of El Paso, a major city in western Texas (DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images)

As the sixth-largest city in Texas, El Paso offers no shortage of plumbing companies, making it easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right one. To simplify the process, the Yahoo Local plumbing team researched and reviewed the best El Paso plumbers by evaluating factors such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, verified customer reviews and the range of services each company provides.

After narrowing down our list, we reached out to four different companies to gather information homeowners care about most, such as whether technicians are background-checked and drug-tested, what costs to prepare for and how quickly services can be scheduled. Based on those conversations, the companies highlighted below emerged as the top choices, offering a strong starting point for anyone seeking dependable, licensed plumbing services in El Paso.

Top El Paso plumbers

The best plumbing company in El Paso for YOU

From stubborn clogged drains to unexpected pipe leaks, plumbing problems can arise at the most inconvenient times. When something goes wrong in your home, its easy to feel pressured to hire the first plumber you find online just to get the issue resolved quickly. However, taking a little extra time to consider important factors, such as pricing transparency, same-day availability, company reputation, licensing and whether technicians undergo background checks, can make the difference between a smooth repair and a stressful experience.

The best overall El Paso plumber is Union Plumbing, thanks to its combination of experience, reliability and customer trust. The company is known for transparent pricing and upfront quotes, so customers arent surprised by hidden fees, and it frequently offers same-day service for urgent plumbing issues.

Innovative Trades is a trusted El Paso home-services company offering plumbing, electrical and HVAC-R solutions under one roof, making it our top alternative El Paso plumber company. The company is known for upfront pricing, professional technicians and prompt service, making it easy for homeowners to understand costs before work begins.

Best plumbing companies in El Paso, Texas

Union Plumbing is the best overall El Paso plumbing company

Two Union Plumbing technicians arriving at a house to work on a clogged drain (Union Plumbing)

Union Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company that has been in business for over ten years. It is a locally owned business with technicians who are fully licensed and insured. In addition to El Paso, Union Plumbing extends services to Horizon City, Clint and Socorro. With its transparent hourly pricing, friendly customer service and high-rated plumbing services, Union is Yahoo Locals best overall plumber in El Paso.

Union Plumbing offers all the standard services youd expect from a professional plumber, including drain cleaning and water leak detection. When we contacted the company on a Thursday around noon about a drain clog, a customer service representative offered a same-day appointment between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. While availability can vary, scheduling with Union Plumbing was straightforward and efficient. Customers receive a text notification before the technician arrives, along with a photo for added peace of mind, ensuring they know exactly who is coming to their home.

Plumbing estimates are provided in person. For the drain, no diagnostic fee was required for the technician to come out. Cleanout services are priced at $155.50 per hour, while jobs requiring roof access cost $233.25 per hour. Simpler issues, such as a clogged drain, are often resolved in under an hour, though more complex cases may take two hours or longer. If additional time is needed, the technician communicates with the customer before proceeding to ensure everyone is comfortable moving forward. For sewer-related work, Union Plumbing offers a 120-day warranty.

Services offered

Water heaters

Drain cleaning

Plumbing repair

Water leak detection

The customer service representative was very patient with all our questions, ensuring we felt comfortable throughout the process. It only took her a couple of minutes to find an available time slot, which was as soon as one hour after she reached out. Expectations for pricing were clear, as were the timelines for the services. All technicians receive a background check and drug test before coming on board.

Union Plumbing is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and zero complaints reported. It has a 4.9-star rating on Google from 622 reviews. On Yelp, it has a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

It is located at 12025 Rojas Drive, Suite G, El Paso, Texas, 79936. Call 915-422-5292 or visit the website to learn more. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekends, it is closed.

Customer testimonial

They were absolutely awesome, taking the time to explain everything I needed to know in a clear and well-mannered way. I felt informed and supported throughout the process, and their patience and professionalism made the entire experience much more comfortable for me. -Chung O., Google reviews ()

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Union Plumbing Best overall El Paso plumber Union Plumbing Union Plumbing is the best overall plumber for its easy booking process, friendly staff, same-day services and upfront pricing. Technicians are also background checked and drug tested prior to hire. The hourly rate is $155.50 per hour, while jobs requiring roof access cost $233.25 per hour. Notifications are sent directly to clients via text message so they know when the technician is arriving. A 120-day warranty is also included for sewer-related projects. Pros Family-owned

Same-day services

Transparent pricing Cons Closed on weekends Get estimate

Innovative Trades, LLC is our top alternative El Paso plumbing company

A technician from Innovative Trades, LLC, is working at a client's home (Innovative Trades, LLC)

For almost 20 years, Innovative Trades, LLC has been serving the town of El Paso. It is known for its honesty, professional team and positive local reviews. In addition to plumbing, the company provides various services, such as electrical and HVAC-R work. With a smooth scheduling process and positive reputation, this business is our top alternative for the best plumbers in the area.

The company offers same-day service when availability allows. When we called about a clogged bathroom drain, the earliest available appointment was two days out  between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A representative explained that customers are expected to be home during the scheduled window and that advance contact from the technician is not typically provided unless specifically requested. Technicians typically arrive closer to the beginning of the time-slot window, the representative said.

No diagnostic fee is required for a clogged drain since it was self-diagnosed, although such fees may apply to other services. Right away, the customer service representative told us the flat rate for the plumbing service was $200.

Services offered

General plumbing repairs

Drain cleaning

Sewer line and pipe repair

Water heater

Electrical repair, replacement and rewiring

HVAC-R installation, maintenance and replacements

When it comes to warranties, none are offered on drains since the business wont know what customers will put down them afterward. The technician tests the drain before leaving to ensure customer satisfaction. For an additional fee, the team can provide a warranty after the technician inspects the line with a camera to confirm that no work-related issues are causing the clog to return.

The business is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and has had zero complaints. All technicians require a background screening, criminal record and motor vehicle check, as well as a drug screening. Plus, customers receive a photo of the technician who will arrive, dressed in a professional uniform. It has a 4.9-star rating on Google from 433 reviews. On Yelp, it has a 4.4-star rating from seven reviews.

It is located at 8555 Yermoland Drive, Street B, El Paso, Texas, 79907. Call 915-277-0090 or visit the website to learn more. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekends, it is closed.

Customer testimonial

Very considerate, efficient and professional. They got right to work and had the situation under control. They will have to come back to pour the cement because it looks like rain and they were very communicative about letting us know that. I look forward to having them come back to finish the job. Every time it is a good experience with them. They are a smooth-working and cohesive team. Thank you. - Richard S., Google reviews ()

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Innovative Trades, LLC Top alternative El Paso plumbing company Innovative Trades, LLC Innovative Trades, LLC has been serving the El Paso community for nearly two decades and stands out as our top alternative plumber in the area. The company offers a wide range of services, including plumbing, electrical and HVAC-R, and is known for its honest assessments, friendly staff and strong safety standards. The business quoted us a flat rate of $200 for drain clog services. Innovative Trades is BBB-accredited and maintains consistently positive reviews across Google, Yelp and Angi. Pros Several services offered

Friendly staff

Strong reviews Cons Limited communication Get estimate

Liberty Plumbing is the best value El Paso plumbing company

Liberty Plumbing truck heading out to fix a plumbing issue (Liberty Plumbing)

Liberty Plumbing is a newer El Pasobased plumbing company, with just under five years of experience serving the local community. Yet, it still has some of the highest ratings on Google, Yelp and Angi. The company provides various services, such as plumbing, water installations and slab leaks. Based on the conversation we had, Liberty Plumbing is the best plumber for price.

The customer service representative we spoke to answered the phone promptly and quoted us a flat rate of $150 to unclog a drain. There is also no service or travel fees since the flat rate for services covers everything. If further work is required, the technician will clearly communicate next steps and obtain customer approval before any additional charges are applied.

We called around 2 p.m., and the plumber said that, despite having only three hours left in the workday, they could still come out the same day. Typically, there is a three-hour arrival window, and customers receive a notification before the technician arrives.

Warranties depend on the situation. For example, if the hair clogs the drain, customers receive a warranty for the work. If the drain is made of old cast iron, has grease or is broken, then they may not. For most drain-clog jobs that only require a snake, customers can expect a warranty.

Services offered

Backflow testing

General plumbing

Water heater installation

Water softener installation

Slab leaks

This licensed and insured company earned the 2025 Best of the Border Communitys Choice Award. To further ensure customer confidence, all technicians undergo drug screening, background checks and fingerprinting. In addition to plumbing, you can count on this team for water heater services and leak detection.

Liberty Plumbing is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and zero complaints. It has a five-star rating on Google from 526 reviews. On Yelp, it has a 4.8-star rating from six reviews. It is located at 10786 Aaron Street, El Paso, Texas, 79924. Call 915-549-4999 or visit the website to learn more. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, it is closed.

Customer testimonial

From the first phone call to the day of our tankless water heater installation, I was impressed and pleased with the customer service given to us by Liberty Plumbing. In addition, the work was excellent with a complete explanation of what to expect and details on the time frame of how long the installation would take. I highly recommend Liberty Plumbing and will call them again for future home projects. - Pamela P., Google reviews ()

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Liberty Plumbing Best value El Paso plumber Liberty Plumbing Liberty Plumbing is known for providing same-day service and reasonable prices. We were quoted a flat rate of $150 for a drain clog job, with the technician being able to come out within an hour of calling. In addition to general plumbing services, Liberty helps with water heaters and leaks. It has some of the highest ratings weve seen across Google, Yelp and Angi, and is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating. Overall, Liberty Plumbing is our best value plumber in El Paso. Pros Discounts for military members and seniors

Best priced

Same-day service Cons Limited warranty Get estimate

Reliable Plumbing is the best El Paso plumber for anytime service

Reliable Plumbing technician heading to a job at a commercial building (Reliable Plumbing)

Reliable Plumbing is a local plumbing company based in El Paso. The company handles a broad range of services, from general plumbing to installations, leaks and cleaning. Technicians are available around the clock, making this plumber the best one in El Paso for all-day availability.

Although Reliable Plumbing advertises 24/7 availability, same-day service was not available when we called. The earliest appointment offered was a few days out. Customers can choose between morning or afternoon arrival windows, but no narrower time frame was provided. Additionally, the customer service representative did not offer to notify us if an earlier appointment became available.

For drain repairs, Reliable Plumbing charges $85 per hour, with no separate service or travel fee. The quoted rate is all-inclusive. Technicians contact customers approximately 10 to 15 minutes before arrival. While specific time slots are not assigned, appointments are scheduled within either a morning or afternoon window.

Like all of the other plumbers we contacted, warranties depend on the drain itself. If a technician pulls something out of the drain that isnt supposed to be there, then no warranty is offered.

Services offered

General plumbing

Gas leak repairs

Appliance installs

Hydro jetting

Underground slab and leak detection

Heating and cooling repairs and installs

When we asked the representative about vetting technicians, he confirmed that all technicians undergo background checks and drug testing. Reliable Plumbing is not BBB-accredited. It has an A rating and two complaints, one of which closed in the last year. It has a 4.5-star rating on Google from 512 reviews. On Yelp, it has a 3.3-star rating from 54 reviews.

It is located at 5423 Dailey Avenue, El Paso, Texas, 79905. Call 915-588-2561 or visit the website to learn more. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Customer testimonial

Their team is very professional and skilled. The job came up really well and according to our expectations, not to mention the end result of restoring water pressure to code PSI levels and replacing our old and faulty water heater. Fully recommend their services. They are indeed reliable. - Victor V., Google reviews ()

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Reliable Plumbing Best El Paso plumber for anytime service Reliable Plumbing Reliable Plumbing is a local plumber in El Paso with over 15 years in business. It offers a broad range of services, from general plumbing to gas leaks. Technicians are available 24 hours a day when the schedule allows (although we couldnt get an appointment for two days when we called). We were quoted just $85 per hour for a clogged drain, which falls on the lower end of typical pricing. Whether youre facing a late-night emergency or have routine plumbing issues around your home, you can count on Reliable Plumbing to help. It is not BBB-accredited and has two complaints on file. Pros Fair pricing

Broad range of services

All-day availability Cons Unresolved complaint on the BBB Get estimate

You can count on Yahoo Local plumbing advice, and this is why

With decades of experience delivering reliable information about local businesses, Yahoo has earned the trust of millions of users. We dont just ask you to trust us; we show you why. Our proprietary ranking system draws from multiple established review sources and carefully weights user feedback to create what we believe is one of the most authoritative local business rankings available. Were transparent about how our rankings are determined so you can evaluate trustworthiness for yourself. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never accepts payment for placement or inclusion, and our recommendations are never sponsored or influenced by outside parties. For more details, visit our full methodology page.

Below is everything that went into the rankings for our list of the best plumbing companies in El Paso:

60 plumbers evaluated

3912 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

Eight ranking criteria incorporated

Interviewed or connected with all four featured plumbers

Independent price quotes sought from all four featured plumbing companies

Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Texas plumbing FAQs

How do I know if my water heater needs repairs or a full replacement?

If your water heater is under 10 years old, its often possible to repair individual components such as valves, thermostats, igniters, motors, heating elements or thermocouples, according to The Home Depot. However, if the unit hasnt been well maintained or is showing multiple signs of wear, such as inconsistent hot water, unusual noises, rust-colored water or rising energy bills, a full replacement is usually the better option. In Texas, hard water and mineral buildup can speed up internal damage, making older systems more prone to failure. Our guide walks you through the clearest signs that replacing your water heater may be the right choice.

How long does a water heater typically last in Texas?

In Texas, a traditional tank-style water heater typically lasts eight to 12 years, according to the Texas-based Santhoff Plumbing Company, though factors like hard water, mineral buildup and heat-related wear can shorten its lifespan if the unit isnt regularly maintained. Homes with high sediment levels may see heaters fail closer to the lower end of that range, while systems that are flushed annually and properly serviced often last longer. Tankless water heaters generally have a longer lifespan, often 15 to 20 years, but still require routine maintenance to perform efficiently in Texas water conditions.

For more details on extending your water heaters lifespan, read our guide on how often maintenance should be performed by you or a plumber.

What are the most common issues people call plumbers to fix?

The most common plumbing issues homeowners call plumbers for include leaky faucets and pipes, which waste water and can lead to damage over time; clogged drains or toilets, often caused by grease, hair, wipes or mineral buildup; and running or constantly refilling toilets, a frequent source of high water bills. Many calls also involve water heater problems, such as no hot water, strange noises or leaks. Other frequent issues include low water pressure, burst or frozen pipes, especially after weather extremes and garbage disposal jams or failures. While some problems start small, calling a plumber early can help prevent costly repairs and water damage later on.

How can I tell if I can fix a plumbing issue myself or if I should call a pro?

You can usually handle a plumbing issue yourself if its minor, visible and low-risk, such as a dripping faucet, a slow drain, a running toilet or a loose fixture, especially if the fix doesnt require shutting off the main water line or specialized tools. However, you should call a professional if the problem involves active leaks, water damage, sewage backups, no hot water, low pressure throughout the home, burst pipes or anything inside walls or underground. A good rule of thumb: if the repair could cause flooding, violate local code or cost more to fix if done wrong, its safer and often cheaper to bring in a pro early.

Is it better to go with a smaller plumbing company or a larger one?

Choosing between a smaller or larger plumbing company depends on your needs. Smaller local companies often offer more personalized service, better communication and strong accountability through their community reputation. Larger companies typically provide wider coverage, more technicians and 24/7 availability, which can be helpful for emergencies or complex jobs. In most cases, service quality, licensing, insurance and warranties matter more than company size alone.

Do plumbing companies in Texas need to be licensed?

Yes. In Texas, all plumbing companies must be properly licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Homeowners can easily verify a plumbers credentials by searching the TSBPEs publicly available license database before scheduling service. Our guide to Texas plumbing licensing and regulations for plumbers and homeowners explains more.

Do all reputable plumbers do background checks?

All of the plumbers we spoke with conduct background checks. Most reputable plumbing companies do, especially for technicians who enter customers homes, but it isnt legally required in all states. Established companies often include background screening as part of their hiring process to build trust, protect customers and reduce liability. That said, practices can vary by company, so if this is important to you, its reasonable to ask directly whether technicians are background-checked, drug-tested, insured and properly trained before scheduling service.

Do plumbers usually charge by the hour or flat rate?

Plumbers may charge either by the hour or with a flat-rate price, depending on the company and the type of job. Many reputable plumbing companies now prefer flat-rate pricing, which means youre quoted a set price upfront for a specific repair or service, regardless of how long it takes. This helps avoid surprise costs. Hourly pricing is still common for diagnostic work, small repairs or complex jobs where the scope isnt clear at the start. Before work begins, its always a good idea to ask how pricing is structured and what the estimate includes.

Should plumbers provide written estimates before beginning a job?

Yes, reputable plumbers should provide a written estimate before starting a job. A written estimate helps you understand the scope of work, expected costs and whether pricing is flat-rate or hourly, reducing the risk of surprise charges. It also gives you a point of reference if questions come up later. While emergency repairs may sometimes begin before paperwork is finalized, a professional plumber will still explain costs clearly and document them as soon as possible.

Do plumbers usually offer warranties? And if so, what kind?

Yes, most reputable plumbers offer warranties, though the terms can vary by company. Typically, warranties fall into two categories: labor warranties, which cover the workmanship for a set period (often 30 days to one year), and manufacturer warranties, which apply to parts or fixtures installed, such as water heaters, faucets or valves, and can last several years depending on the product. Some companies offer extended or satisfaction guarantees as well. Its always a good idea to ask whats covered, how long the warranty lasts and whether it applies to both parts and labor before work begins.

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Despite a rift in the alliance, the Congress on Sunday formally began its seat-sharing talks with the DMK.

Hours after the DMKs seat-sharing committee held talks with leaders of its allies at the party headquarters in Anna Salai, Congress general secretary K.C.Venugopal called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at his Chitranjan Avenue residence, late in the evening.

The closed-door meetingwhich went on for over 30 minutessaw Congress represented by Venugopal and former Chhattisgarh Deputy CM T.S. Singh Deo, while Stalin and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi led the negotiations from the DMKs side.

Though Tamil Nadus AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar and TNCC chief K. Selvaperunthagai were also expected to be part of the talks, the late-evening meeting turned out to be a high-level closed-door consultation, with the two believed to have been kept out of the discussions.

According to highly placed sources in the Congress and the DMK, the national party has set aside its demand for power sharing and is expected to agree to a few more than 25 seatsthe number it contested in the 2021 elections.

Sources say Congresss demand for an increase in the number of seats may be accepted by the DMK, as the alliance arithmetic is more important in the run-up to the election.

While the Congress is demanding over 30 Assembly seats, the DMK is ready to give about 27-28 seats. The Congress has also demanded a Rajya Sabha seat, which might be considered by the DMK.

The meeting assumes significance after Congress leaders have been sparring with the DMK over power sharing and an increase in the number of seats to be allotted for the national party. The DMK has reportedly sent a strong message through Selvaperunthagai to the Congress high command that its demand for power sharing could never be accepted.

The rumblings in the alliance hit a high when Stalin ruled out Congresss demand for power sharing, saying it will not suit a state like Tamil Nadu".

Still, the alliance talks and the issues in seat-sharing are all set to be resolved smoothly within a week, the DMK sources say.
Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), was rushed to a hospital again on Sunday after suffering a medical emergency. Pawars daughter and MP Supriya Sule confirmed the news on social media.

Sharad Pawar had been suffering from a cough and throat infection for the past few days. After being discharged from the hospital on Saturday, he was resting at his residence, but on Sunday morning, he felt extremely weak and dehydrated. On the advice of doctors, the family decided to immediately admit him to the hospital for further examination and medical attention, according to reports.

"We are admitting Baba to Ruby Hall in Pune for follow-up tests and hydration. We express our gratitude to all the doctors and health workers," Supriya Sule wrote on Instagram.

The 85-year-old leader was admitted to the same hospital last week after complaining of difficulty breathing and a chest infection. Doctors prescribed him a five-day course of antibiotics, and he was discharged on Saturday. Although doctors advised him to rest for three to four days, his condition did not improve, forcing him to be readmitted.

However, doctors at Ruby Hall Clinic said Sharad Pawar's condition was currently stable. His vitals are normal, but he is under close observation due to his age and the infection. The hospital administration has appealed to supporters and activists to refrain from crowding the hospital to avoid inconvenience to other patients.
The US is reportedly sending a group of F-16CJ Vipers fitted with the novel Angry Kitten pod for the first time towards the Middle East. The Angry Kitten pod is a new electronic warfare system that can help defend against anti-air threats, and this could potentially be their first use in real combat.

The F-16 Vipers are tasked with neutralising enemy air defences and were seen landing at Lajes on the island of Terceira in the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, on February 17. They left the next day towards the Middle East, according to The War Zone. They were accompanied by at least one KC-46A Pegasus tanker. The deployment has assumed significance as officials and military watchers say an attack on Iran is imminent at any time.

Meanwhile, aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, its embarked airwing and elements of its carrier strike group (CSG) are now in the western Mediterranean. The Ford and the USS Mahan, one of its Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer escorts, transited the Strait of Gibraltar around afternoon on Friday, eyewitnesses told The War Zone.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

A Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol jet was also seen flying overhead. The P-8 is packed with sensors and is used to detect potential threats on and under the waters surface. The U.S. Navy vessels were accompanied by at least one Spanish Navy Santa Maria class frigate.

While Fords location put it about 2,500 miles east of the Israeli coast, it could take a few more days to arrive there. Stationing patrolling there would help Israel defend against incoming barrages, but the fighter jets would have to fly across Israel or Lebanon, Syria or Jordan, and Iraq, to reach Iranian territory.
As the possibility of a US-Iran war draws closer, reports claim the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the US in Geneva saw tempers flaring. New details about the second round of indirect talks between the Islamic Republic and the United States in Geneva reveal the US expressing dissatisfaction and reprimanding the Iranian delegation.

Washington accused Tehran of violating its initial commitment to talk about its missiles and proxies, according to Israel Hayom.

According to the report, the dispute deepened the rift after the Islamic Republic's negotiating team told the United States that they were only willing to negotiate on other issues under Washington's consideration if a nuclear agreement was reached and sanctions were lifted.

After the talks, the Islamic Republic, however, sent another message to the United States through Oman, in response to the dissatisfaction of American negotiators. Iran said it was ready for to postpone the operation of enrichment facilities and place them under IAEA supervision, but insists on keeping them on its territory. Though Washington is examining the proposal, it is clearly far from the threshold requirements.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

If Iran does not come close to the US demands, Washington could consider a series of attacks on a limited scale - a kind of "knock on the roof" - to illustrate the seriousness of the threat. The report, quoting sources, added that Iranian regime officials estimate that the US will not attack, despite the significant concentration of forces in the region. Limited attacks may send a message without degenerating into a full-scale war.

However, Iranians reiterated this position, demanding that the talks on the other issues be held without an ultimatum and with the participation of the countries of the region. The Americans rejected the demand and expressed a strong protest at the violation of the commitment. Despite this, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a positive statement, which was met with contradictory American briefings.

However, Israeli officials believe that Iran will try to buy time through additional proposals on the nuclear issue, but will not succeed in bridging the gaps with the United States. "The spring is cocked, and the readiness of the American forces to launch a full-scale attack is at a high level, but an order to launch will not be given in the coming days," said an Israeli source.
US President Donald Trump said that he will direct US agencies, including the Defence Department, to begin the process of identifying and releasing government files of aliens and extraterrestrial life.

It is not clear, however, what these files on UFOs are or what information they might reveal.

Taking to his acount on Truth social Trump wrote Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Public interest in aliens has always been high due to them being fuelled by conspiracy theories and just plain fascination.

The Pentagon has been tracking reports of what it calls UAPs, or unidentified aerial phenomena, for decades.

The announcement came just days after former President Barack Obama said that aliens were "real" in a podcast. However, he said later backtracked and said that he never actually saw evidence of extraterrestrial life during his presidency.

Barack Obama on aliens: Theyre real



But I havent seen them. Theyre not being kept at Area 51. Theres no underground facility  unless theres this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/c6t0DYxewU  UAP James (@UAPJames) February 14, 2026

While some observers said that Trump's new interest in aliens and documents were fuelled by Obamas claims, others on social media suggested that this was, allegedly, an attempt by the president to distract the public from the Epstein files.

One person replied to the announcement on X with a screengrab of an article by The Guardian art released about six months ago that read, Seth Meyers: Were just one Epstein story away from Trump announcing that UFOs are real.

Meyers seems to have seen Trump's alien announcement coming in July 2025. He told his late-night audience that the Trump would reveal that aliens existed just to distract the public from the fact that he sent a birthday card to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Whatever is in those Epstein files must be really f***ing bad, the late-night host said. They must be finding so many mentions of Trump, theyre going to have to change the name to the Trump files featuring Jeffrey Epstein. Theyre so desperate to distract everyone.

I honestly think were just one Epstein story away from Trump announcing that UFOs are real, he added.

This clip from Seth Meyers six months ago aged very well



You're watching a movie script pic.twitter.com/lYeTRD9SZ7  Vision4theBlind (@Vision4theBlind) February 20, 2026

Trump's new announcement also comes right after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in the public office. He was arrested after the DOJ released about 3 million documents in relation to the billionaire financier.

The renewed interest in aliens from the Trump administration has also been confusing, especially since Pentagon officials stated in a 2024 report, that there was no evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial life.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryde said, All investigative efforts, at all levels of classification, concluded that most sightings were ordinary objects and phenomena and the result of misidentification.

Trump himself is not sure whether aliens exist. I don't know if they're real or not, he said on Tuesday.
Ghislaine Maxwells brother has now come out to call Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre 'a monster' while claiming that his sister is the 'real victim'.

I know who the monster is here, and its not my sister; its Virginia Giuffre and her falsehoods that have had devastating ramifications for Ghislaine. I didnt shed a tear when she died, Ian Maxwell told The Telegraph in an interview on Friday.

The interview has come amid a viral video supposedly depicting Ghislaine Maxwell walking on a street in Quebec. There has been an increasing number of speculations and conspiracy theories on social media that Ghislaine Maxwell was swapped in prison. However, assuredly, Maxwell is in Federal Prison Camp, Bryan, Texas, until proven otherwise.

Giuffre, who accused both Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of sexual assault and abuse, died by suicide at the age of 41 in April last year.

Video appears online showing a woman in Quebec looking STRIKINGLY similar to Ghislaine Maxwell pic.twitter.com/GsCF8VQ8bh  RT (@RT_com) February 21, 2026

Meanwhile, Maxwell had a well-documented relationship with Andrew to the point where she had unrestricted access to the palace, The Sun reported. The two also reportedly went on dates and were seen being intimate. The ex-royal and Epstein also had a well-documented relationship before the disgraced financiers arrest on sex trafficking charges. Biographer Andrew Lownie described the three as being in a love triangle.

It was Ghislaine Maxwell who introduced Andrew to Epstein, which eventually led to their friendship. The ex-royal had spoken about how he met Epstein through his girlfriend, whom he had known since she was at university in the UK.

Maxwell and Epstein are said to have trafficked Virginia Giuffre, who was 17, to Andrew. Guiuffre, in her book Nobodys Girl, described how she was forced into sexual relations with Andrew after a night out dancing. In December 2001, Ghislaine and Andrew, who had his arm around Virginia Giuffre, were photographed at the former's townhouse in London.

Andrew has claimed that the photograph is fake. The former duke of York, who has denied ever having sex with the trafficked teenager, also paid a million dollars to her in a 2022 out-of-court settlement.

According to Maxwells sentencing released June 28 2022, she was found guilty of having assisted, facilitated, and participated in Jeffrey Epsteins abuse of minor girls by, among other things, helping Epstein to recruit, groom, and ultimately abuse victims known to Maxwell and Epstein to be under the age of 18."

Multiple victims who testified in court identified Maxwell as having groomed them for sexual assault.

In court documents, Giuffree said that Epstein trafficked her to have sex with Andrew at Maxwells flat in Belgravia, London, at Epsteins New York mansion and at his Little St James island.

Ian Maxwell, meanwhile, claimed that his sister has done nothing wrong and that the length of her conviction is outrageous. He compared her sentence to that of Sean Diddy Combs.

You have a situation where somebody like P Diddy stands in front of the same federal court on the same charge and receives four-and-a-half years for extreme physical battery, and my sister receives 20 years, he said.

Ian Maxwell also criticised the royal family for their treatment of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor in the wake of his recent arrest. "There he is, kicked out of his home, completely isolated and unlike Ghislaine, he doesn't even have a supportive family; even his daughters are at sixes and sevens about what to do," he said.
The potential attack on Iran by the US could alter the geopolitical equations not just in the Middle East, but across the globe too. Analysts say a US assault on Iran would be extremely detrimental to Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.

US President Donald Trumps war against Iran will have a serious impact on Russia, considering that Tehran has long been an important ally for the Kremlin, including in defence. The countries shared technological cooperation, Shahed missile production, naval exercises, and a strategic partnership agreement. Like, Republican Don Ritter recently stated bluntly: "The fall of the Islamist regime in Iran would be a huge defeat for Putin."

But, Russia could make the turn to its advantage. According to Ukrainian analyst Larisa Voloshina, though Russia and Iran are part of the same anti-Western axis, the two countries are also competitors in the oil market. China buys 90% of Iranian oil and is reducing its purchases of Russian oil.

Voloshina believes that Putin would want a protracted war between the United States and Iran and not a deal. Then, the sanctions will be lifted, and Iranian oil will flow to the markets. This is disadvantageous for Russia. After all, this oil is under sanctions, and only China buys it for next to nothing. If it ends up on the oil markets, the Russians will lose the profits from their own sales, she noted.

She added that if the US gets involved in a war and starts blocking Chinese tankers, the black market trade of Iranian oil with China will be affected. The Iranian-financed Houthis will then start sinking American cruisers, causing the price of oil to rise very quickly, and Russia will profit, the journalist said.

That said, Putin may be worried that Tehran's defeat means one less pillar of support for the anti-Western axis, a weaker negotiating position, fewer resources, less room to maneuver, and less psychological confidence.
An armed man trying to infiltrate US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was shot and killed, the Secret Service said on Sunday.

The man, later identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, had been spotted by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property, carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can" at about 1:30 AM (local time), an Associated Press report said, citing Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw.

United States Secret Service says - "On February 22, around 1:30 a.m., a male in his early 20s was shot by U.S. Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) following an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago. The pic.twitter.com/V2d85FCeeS  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Bradshaw added that the intruder had been told to drop his equipment. While he reportedly did put down the gas can, the man raised his shotgun to a "shooting position".

As a result, two Secret Service agents and a sheriff's deputy present at the scene opened fire to "neutralise the threat".

Where was Trump?

While Trump and First Lady Melania typically spend their weekends at Mar-a-Lago, the two had been at the White House during the incident. He is yet to publicly comment on the incident, speculated to be an assassination attempt.

The two had been at the annual White House dinner, an occasion where leaders from both parties come together, socialise and spend time with the president.

How did the intruder try to enter the estate?

The Secret Service had earlier said that the suspect was a man in his early twenties from North Carolina, and was reported missing by his family just days ago.

According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, it is believed Martin left North Carolina and travelled further south, obtaining a shotgun along the way. The box that this gun came in has been recovered.

In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trumps home. Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our https://t.co/MYTsHqR4cx  Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 22, 2026

He added that the man had driven through the north gate of the estate, just as another vehicle was exiting.

"Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in an X post, in which she also blamed the Democrats, saying that they had "shut down their Department".
Taliban has vowed to retaliate after a Pakistani airstrike on its territory, which Pakistan claims was a strike on militant hideouts.

A statement issued by the Taliban said Pakistan had violated Afghanistans sovereignty and that Kabul reserves the right to respond. The timing and nature of any retaliation would be decided by the Taliban leadership, but the option of a response remains open, the statement said.

The Taliban leadership also held emergency meetings of senior Taliban leaders following the strike, which reports say were called for internal consultations on retaliatory strikes.

The Taliban has also accused Pakistan of violating a ceasefire agreement. According to sources, Kabul has informed mediating countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey about the developments.

According to Pakistan, the strikes were carried out along the border with Afghanistan at hideouts of Pakistani militants, which it blames for the recent attacks inside the country.

Reports said the Pakistan Air Force conducted the operation early Sunday morning using F-16 and JF-17 Thunder aircraft at multiple locations near the Durand Line. Explosions were heard in the Barmal district of Paktika province and in the Margha area. Missiles were fired at the Banusi madrasa in Barmal. In total, seven locations are said to have been targeted.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar wrote on X that the military conducted what he described as "intelligence-based, selective operations" against seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, and its affiliates. He said an affiliate of the Islamic State group was also targeted in the border region.



Tarar said Pakistan "has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region," but added that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.

Pakistan had earlier also conducted strikes inside Afghanistan to target militant hideouts.

In October, Pakistan also conducted strikes deep inside Afghanistan to target militant hideouts. The conflict forced both countries to close their border crossings, disrupting trade and movement along the 2,600-km (1,600-mile) frontier.

Dozens were killed in clashes in October before the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire, but Pakistan continues to accuse Afghanistan's Taliban rulers of harbouring militants who stage attacks inside its territory - a claim Kabul denies.
Interview/ Dr Ziauddin Hyder, adviser to Tarique Rahman, prime minister of Bangladesh

BANGLADESHS NEW POLITICAL chapter, following the Bangladesh Nationalist Partys sweeping electoral victory, is framed by promises of structural reform, institutional rebuilding and a recalibrated foreign policy. The party has committed to constitutional changes that rebalance executive power, strengthen judicial independence and safeguard electoral integrity. It pledges youth-centred governance, administrative accountability and economic modernisation, while seeking pragmatic, balanced relations with India, China and Pakistan under a Bangladesh First principle. In an exclusive interview, Dr Ziauddin Hyder says the focus now is on delivering measurable reforms and restoring public trust. Excerpts:

Q/ Rebuilding institutions after years of unrest is a significant challenge. How will the BNP restore confidence?

It is an uphill task. Over the years, institutional integrity weakened and public trust in law enforcement, the judiciary, media independence and administrative systems suffered. Rebuilding confidence will require time, patience, transparency and sustained public engagement. The BNP enters this phase with strong popular support, which provides an opportunity to rebuild institutions in partnership with citizens. Communication will be central to this effort. Parliamentarians must serve as ambassadors of reform within their constituencies, explaining changes, listening to concerns and ensuring accountability. Reform cannot succeed unless people understand and trust the process.

Q/ How do you see relations with the opposition parties like the Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP evolving?

We remain optimistic. The BNP is a pro-democratic party and believes in constructive engagement. The opposition has a responsibility to act rationally and contribute to national development. One may support the BNP or oppose it politically, but Bangladesh must remain the highest priority. A functioning democracy depends on healthy debate, accountability and the ability of political actors to rise above partisan interests in moments of national importance.

Dr Ziauddin Hyder

Q/ How did the youth, who were highly visible in the 2024 student-led protests, shape this election?

For many young voters, this was the first election in years in which they felt their vote truly mattered. Their participation was notable and reflected a desire for meaningful change. The BNP has consistently emphasised a youth-centric development model, recognising that nearly 45 per cent of the population represents a demographic dividend. The election campaign had a specific focus on youth. For example, Tarique Rahman led a youth policy dialogue through a series of innovative town hall-style engagements titled The Plan. A nationwide reels competition and another creative initiative, Letters to Tarique Rahman, were also launched, providing young people with opportunities to share their ideas and opinions on the eight policy areas spearheaded by the BNP.

Young people must be integrated into governance as active partners. This includes reforming education to meet modern demands, strengthening environmental protection, modernising economic structures, reinforcing institutional frameworks and nurturing value-based social development. Youth are not merely beneficiaries of policy decisions; they are stakeholders in shaping the countrys trajectory.

Q/ Did the traditional Awami League voters shift towards the BNP?

Survey data indicated that over 60 per cent of voters supported the BNP. Many individuals who may not traditionally align with the party appear to have prioritised national interest over partisan identity. When voters perceive that their preferred political force is not effectively contesting or offering a viable path forward, they often cast their votes based on broader considerations of stability and reform. That shift reflects a wider aspiration for national unity and progress.

Q/ How do you see relations with India evolving?

India is Bangladeshs largest neighbour, and the two countries share deep historical, cultural, economic and educational ties. At the same time, certain unresolved issues remain, including border management and water-sharing agreements such as the Teesta. Our guiding principle is Bangladesh First. We seek balanced, forward-looking bilateral partnerships not only with India but with all neighbouring countries. Regional platforms such as SAARC must be revitalised to enhance cooperation. We support stronger regional connectivity and believe that constructive engagement can help address longstanding concerns. At the same time, we are committed to strengthening domestic water management projects to ensure agricultural sustainability and ecological balance.

Q/ What about relations with China and Pakistan?

Pre-election meetings with foreign diplomats, including representatives from neighbouring countries, were largely introductory in nature. As the government becomes fully operational and domestic priorities are consolidated, structured bilateral engagements will follow. Foreign policy under the BNP will be pragmatic, balanced and guided by national interest rather than ideological alignment.

Q/ Will there be continuity in Khaleda Zias legacy under Tarique Rahmans leadership?

There will certainly be continuity in terms of core principles. Khaleda Zias legacy is rooted in a commitment to democracy, national sovereignty and institutional reform. Many of the reform initiatives currently being implemented, including Vision 2030 and the 31-point framework, originated under her leadership. Tarique Rahman carries forward those foundational values while also representing a generational shift. His leadership reflects both continuity and evolution, retaining the partys nationalist and democratic commitments while emphasising modernisation, structural reform and implementation.

This moment is not about symbolism or rhetoric. Citizens are looking for measurable progress and tangible results. Under Tarique Rahmans leadership, the focus will be on delivering reforms that strengthen institutions and move Bangladesh towards a stable and prosperous future.
On a charged evening in Basabo, home to Dhakas first Buddhist monastery, a candidate stood before a swelling crowd and fought back tears just days before Bangladesh went to polls. Habibur Rashid Habib of the Bangladesh Nationalist Partyhis salt-and-pepper beard and sharp features lending him an air older than his fifty-odd yearsrecalled his arrest in 2014. He spoke of days of interrogation and torture. Yet, rather than vow vengeance against his political opponents, he called for the restoration of democratic rights, political unity and the secular spirit of the nation. I came home injured, he told the crowd, his voice wavering as he described the arrest. The first call I received was from bhaiya (Tarique Rahman). At that moment, my pain vanished. I knew he was with me.

Democracy stabilises only when institutions function and there is balance between authority, scrutiny, mandate and accountability. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman The political impact of strained relations was visible in the elections. In several border districts, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami performed strongly. If Dhaka wants to move in solving the Rohingya crisis, it will have to bring Delhi, and ideally ASEAN partners, into the conversation early. Asif Bin Ali, doctoral researcher, Georgia State University

Rahman, who spent 17 years in exile, commands intense loyalty among the BNPs rank and file. That sentiment is echoed by people like Rabiul Islam Nayan, a Jubo Dal (the BNPs youth wing) leader who recently broke down during a podcast while describing Rahmans leadership. It is hard to put into words, Nayan said, how he managed to look after us and our families from far away.

Today, the mood within the BNP after winning a two-thirds majority in the February 12 elections is to turn away from hostilities. It wants to focus on building roads, bridges, health centres, educational institutions and jobs, and on improving the day-to-day lives of peopleoutlined by Rahman as The Plan. In neighbourhoods such as Basabo, which has some of the worst roads in the country, chronic infrastructure deficits are a recurring complaint. Habib, who is now state minister for roads, transport and bridges in Rahmans cabinet of 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, is expected to find a solution.

The BNPs stated ambition to write a new growth story for a stable, sovereign and reform-oriented Bangladesh presents Delhi a moment of opportunity. India considers a stable Bangladesh firmly in its national interest.

India shares its longest land boundary with Bangladeshlonger than its border with Chinaunderscoring both the scale and the sensitivity of the frontier. Historically, India and Bangladesh have shared close ties forged during Bangladeshs liberation from Pakistan in 1971, laying the foundation for a relationship that has largely withstood political fluctuations over the decades. There have been ups and downs, but the broader relationship has endured.

The BNP was previously in power twice, from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006, and Delhi worked with those administrations. Even when Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League were in office in the late 1990s, Indian diplomats cultivated ties with Rahman, reportedly much to Hasinas displeasure. As one retired diplomat said, After Hasina lost the election in 2001, she started blaming India for her loss. Senior Awami League functionaries at the time suggested that, instead of introspection, blaming India became an easy way out.

Fresh start: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin administers oath of office to new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the parliament building in Dhaka | Reuters

By then, the rawness with which sections of the BNP had viewed India since the assassination of its founder, Ziaur Rahman, had faded considerably. Sustained engagement by Delhi and political recalibration within the BNPwhose chairperson Khaleda Zia was reassessing Dhakas regional compulsions after her 1996 defeatcontributed to this shift. It was during this phase that Rahman realised the practical necessity of stable ties with India.

Rahman, now 60, prepares to lead Bangladesh as a more seasoned figure capable of balancing domestic pressures, party expectations, constitutional constraints and the delicate equilibrium with India. For India, this presents an opportunity to recalibrate by moving beyond personality-driven engagements to prioritising peoples interests, aligned with the BNPs Bangladesh first pitch, where Delhi and Dhaka can move forward together in foreign policy, security, trade and people-to-people engagement. Democracy does not consolidate because rulers change. It stabilises only when institutions function and there is balance between authority, scrutiny, mandate and accountability, said Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to the prime minister.

Economic reconstruction

Bangladeshs economy is widely acknowledged to be under significant strain. Public debt has risen over the past decade, and many of the loans taken over the past decade are long term commitments. Hasina pursued large-scale projects such as the Padma bridge despite the World Bank raising concerns about economic feasibility. When the World Bank withdrew financing, her government borrowed heavily from multiple sources. While the bridge is widely seen as a landmark achievement, the cost has left a strain on the economy.

Abiding memory: A man rides his rickshaw past an office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party displaying a picture of Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka a day after the elections | Reuters

China has already stepped in with fresh financial commitments and if India does not participate constructively in Bangladeshs economic reconstruction, others will. Bangladesh will naturally diversify its foreign policy options. It may engage Pakistan; it will engage China. There is no need for hyper reactions. An economy that has been financially drained and destabilised will seek help wherever it can, said Jawhar Sircar, former Rajya Sabha member hailing from Kolkata. That is pragmatic politics.

Yet, pragmatic relations that fail to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary people can prove counterproductive. Both Delhi and Dhaka have lessons to draw from recent months. While deteriorating cross-border ties may not significantly affect Indias macroeconomy, it has had a direct impact on communities in West Bengal and along the border. For instance, medical access was disrupted after visa restrictions were tightened. For decades, Kolkata functioned as a medical hub for Bangladeshis. Entire hospital clusters, nursing homes, guest houses and small businesses grew around this demand. The infrastructure was built keeping that demand in mind, Sircar said. As diplomatic relations deteriorated, cross-border trade that sustained livelihoods also slowed.

There are both formal and informal trading points along the border. People share deep cultural and familial links, which explains the existence of border haats (temporary markets), which is an inter-governmental arrangement overseen by the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh in their respective areas, said D.K. Pathak, former director general of the BSF. People bring their goods and set up stalls inside. Poor villagers from the Indian side would bring their products and Bangladeshis would buy them and vice versa.

The political impact of strained relations was visible in the elections. In several border districts, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami performed strongly. Look at the electoral map. Almost all the seats the Jamaat has secured are in border districts. That tells us something about how bad relations filter down to the grassroots, said Sircar. We need to avoid projecting ourselves as a big brother, and only then the resentment will die down.

Another reason India has a stake in Bangladeshs growth story is the need for institutional stability that can drive regional investment, economic integration and restore democratic confidence in south Asia in a rapidly evolving global order.

Communication is key

After Hasinas ouster in July 2024, much of the blame for her excesses was redirected at India. The reason was that the BNP, the Jamaat and the newly formed National Citizen Party found themselves bracketed with the interim government amid a growing anti-Hasina sentiment that often translated into an anti-India posture. In Delhi, foreign policy makers were careful to tread on what appeared to be a minefield of conspiracy theories and distrust.

With the BNPs victory and the restoration of parliamentary democracy, there is now an opportunity to engage parliamentarians and civil society in a more meaningful dialogue to avoid a repeat of unchecked anti-India and anti-Bangladesh rhetoric during moments of strain in both countries. We need to stop exaggeration and imagination. Sustainable hostility cannot be a policy, said Asif Bin Ali, a doctoral researcher at Georgia State University. Symbolism matters. Sending the Lok Sabha speaker [for Rahmans swearing-in ceremony] was a good decision from the Indian government.

Nowhere to go: People gather around after the fire accident at Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp in Coxs Bazar. The BNP government has the chance to revisit the Rohingya policy, which is a major humanitarian crisis for Bangladesh | Salil Bera

All eyes are also on the new parliament in Dhaka, where the Jamaat and the NCP now sit in opposition. Since the student-led protests of 2024, constitutional redesign, political reform and electoral integrity have dominated public debate. In that context, a responsible parliamentary opposition is essential for a stable Bangladesh. It is also a chance for the opposition not to be an accessory, rather a structural pillar in its growth story, said Titumir. In the past, the opposition existed but rarely functioned meaningfully in parliament. Political contestation had repeatedly moved to the streets but the July charter marked a historic recognition that democracy cannot endure without an empowered opposition, he said. A responsible opposition does not merely resist. It offers alternatives and demonstrates readiness to govern.

As Dhaka works to implement its vision of parliamentary democracy, Delhi may need to recognise that much of the recent criticism stemmed from the perception that India had backed one political party too heavily. This is an opportunity for broader engagement with all political actors, including the Jamaat.

Interestingly, Bangladeshs voters have sent nuanced messages. They did not hand a sweeping mandate to Gen Z activists. The Jamaat performed strongly in some border regions. The BNP won on a reform charter. The interim governments referendum also secured a yes vote. Everyone has found a voice in Bangladesh today. So while an anti-India wave may persist for sometime, recent statements by Muhammad Yunus on seven sisters of Indias northeast are best ignored, said Asif.

Incidentally, Yunuss parting speech was reportedly drafted by an anthropologist in his team. There is a saying that if you want to destabilise a country, you send trained anthropologiststhey can deconstruct everything. If you want to build a country, you send economists and communication expertsthey design systems, said a seasoned diplomat.

According to former R&AW special secretary Amitabh Mathur, the interim government that lacked a public mandate limited the scope for long-term engagement. Any statements made by the former adviser are best ignored now. The focus is on de-securitising the relationship and we are hopeful of the BNP government ensuring peace and security in the region.

Securing people to secure ties

With a new BNP government in place, Mathur said, India and Bangladesh were part of a broader churn in south Asia, where older dispensations had given way to new governments over time. The BNP is not the same as it was in 2001. The onus is on both countries to realise the new reality.

During the first tenure of Khaleda Zia, several northeastern insurgent groups consolidated their presence in Bangladesh, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. These included the United Liberation Front of Asom, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), the Peoples Liberation Army of Manipur and the United National Liberation Front. These groups used Bangladeshi territory for camps and logistical support, creating serious security challenges for Indias northeast.

There were also concerns at the time regarding the activities of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence, which was believed to have re-established networks in Bangladesh. Reports suggested linkages between ISI operatives and certain insurgent elements. Additionally, after 2001, Indian agencies raised alarms about infiltration routes allegedly used by operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Bangladesh was seen as a relatively easier transit corridor for individuals seeking to enter India while avoiding the heavily monitored western border. From Indias standpoint, these were not minor issues. The expectation has consistently been that Bangladesh would remain sensitive to Indias security concerns, particularly regarding insurgency in the northeast and the activities of Pakistan-backed terror networks.

A second area of concern involves strategic balancing and external influence. While India itself is expanding economic engagement with China, the scale and nature of Chinese projects in Bangladesh warrant close scrutiny, according to security experts. Beijing has maintained strong engagement with both Awami League and BNP governments, and several infrastructure and strategic projects have been initiated over the years. India does not object to Bangladesh pursuing diversified partnerships, but developments with potential security implicationsespecially in ports, defence procurement or dual-use infrastructureinevitably attract attention. The concern is not commercial trade, said a security official, but long term security implications in a region where trust and transparency are critical.

A third and more recent concern relates to the activities of certain extremist groups operating within Bangladesh that have regional spillover potential. While these groups may not be directly targeting India, Delhi would prefer Dhaka to rein in elements capable of fuelling instability or radicalisation in the wider region.

There is also an opportunity to revisit the Rohingya policy, including proposals such as a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar. Any such initiative would lie at the intersection of humanitarian need, great-power interest and regional security concerns. It is true that the new foreign minister Khalilur Rahman, in his earlier role as national security adviser in the interim government, advocated solutions that drew in American support. That may not disappear and Washington will remain an important actor, said Asif. Therefore, if Dhaka wants to move in solving the Rohingya crisis, it will have to bring Delhi, and ideally ASEAN partners, into the conversation early. Joint monitoring, clear rules of engagement and verifiable end-use mechanisms could reduce the security anxieties of neighbours while addressing the desperate situation of the Rohingyas, he said.

In other words, the new government has a chance to inject fresh energy into the management of security concerns while balancing political responsibilities with strategic realities. Solutions must be practical rather than alarmist. Rahman is understood to have already conveyed assurances to India. When ambiguity and suspicion are replaced by predictability and trust, India can always win back Bangladesh. All it requires is a firm handshake.
TAWANG

Interview/ Kiren Rijiju, Union minister of parliamentary affairs

THE SILIGURI CORRIDOR, also known as the Chickens Neck, has long been regarded as one of Indias most vulnerable strategic chokepoints. This narrow strip of land, wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, is the only land bridge connecting the northeast to the rest of the country. For decades, strategists have warned of its exposure to potential Chinese advances from the Chumbi Valley, where the borders of India, Bhutan and China converge.

In recent months, remarks from certain sections of Bangladeshs erstwhile interim government about the corridors perceived vulnerability have reignited debate over its security. The discussion has gathered momentum even as China continues to assert claims over parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

With the new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party now in office in Dhaka, New Delhi is watching developments closely. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, dismisses alarmism. He says Indias eastern defences have been comprehensively strengthened over the past decade, from enhanced military deployments and upgraded border infrastructure to the repopulation of frontier villages. There is no need to worry about Chickens Neck. Our security posture is stronger than ever before, he says. Excerpts from the interview:

Q/ How do you see the recent veiled references to the Siliguri corridor becoming a security flashpoint?

There is no immediate cause for concern. Since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indias security doctrine has undergone a strategic shift. All policies now factor in national security considerations. Border areas that were once vulnerable have been strengthened, both militarily and through infrastructure development. The Siliguri corridor is well protected, and our formations there are formidable.

Q/ What are the key changes on the ground in border regions?

One major change is the Vibrant Villages Programme, under which border villages are treated as the first villages of India. Earlier, migration and thinning of the population were serious concerns. People left in search of better education, health care and livelihood, leaving border areas sparsely populated. That created vulnerability. Now, roads, electricity, water supply, mobile connectivity and economic opportunities are being ensured so that residents can stay and thrive. A stable local population strengthens national security.

Q/ How would you describe Indias military posture along the China border today?

It is no longer defensive. Deployment is layered, intense and modernised. The Army presence is strong, supported by advanced equipment and surveillance. Border guarding forces are fully active. Compared to 1962, when India was overrun in several sectors, the situation today is entirely different. Preparedness levels are high, and vigilance is constant.

Q/ There have been reports of strengthened deployments in the Siliguri corridor.

Strengthening deployments is part of a broader strategic recalibration after 2014. The posture has shifted from reactive to proactive. Infrastructure for defence and civilian life has expanded simultaneously. There is no specific new threat driving panic. Rather, it is a matter of long-term preparedness. There is no need to worry about Chickens Neck. Our security posture is stronger than ever.

Q/ In Parliament, tribute was paid to former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia. How do you view that in the context of bilateral relations?

That falls under foreign policy, which is handled by the external affairs ministry. From a security standpoint, India remains confident and fully prepared.

Q/ China continues renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh. Does that affect Indias position?

Not at all. Renaming exercises do not alter ground realities. People in Arunachal Pradesh remain deeply connected to their identity and traditional names. Such statements from China have no impact on our approach.

Q/ There have been instances of our youth going missing near the border.

The line of actual control is undefined in several stretches. Local hunters sometimes stray across unknowingly in difficult terrain. These incidents occur because of geography, not because of any systemic security lapse.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) insider Erin Louise Lunn sold 2,252 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$49.68, for a total value of C$111,879.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 51,142 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$2,540,734.56. This represents a 4.22% decrease in their position.

Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance

TSE:CNQ traded down C$0.23 on Friday, hitting C$58.00. The stock had a trading volume of 13,217,956 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,421,877. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$48.75 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$45.89. The stock has a market cap of C$120.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.70. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 52-week low of C$34.92 and a 52-week high of C$59.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.79.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Evercore lowered Canadian Natural Resources from an outperform rating to a hold rating and set a C$50.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on Canadian Natural Resources from C$62.00 to C$61.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. TD Securities upped their price target on Canadian Natural Resources from C$53.00 to C$54.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from C$51.00 to C$50.00 in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, National Bank Financial increased their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$47.00 to C$54.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$54.40.

Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

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Canadian Natural Resources is one of the largest oil and natural gas producers in western Canada, supplemented by operations in the North Sea and Offshore Africa. The companys portfolio includes light and medium oil, heavy oil, bitumen, synthetic oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas. Production averaged 1.16 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020, and the company estimates that it holds over 11.5 billion boe of proven and probable crude oil and natural gas reserves.

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Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB  Get Free Report) and First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, earnings, profitability, dividends, valuation and analyst recommendations.

Volatility and Risk

Prosperity Bancshares has a beta of 0.67, meaning that its stock price is 33% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First Horizon has a beta of 0.63, meaning that its stock price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Prosperity Bancshares and First Horizon, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Prosperity Bancshares 1 7 7 0 2.40 First Horizon 0 10 9 1 2.55

Profitability

Prosperity Bancshares presently has a consensus target price of $78.77, suggesting a potential upside of 7.10%. First Horizon has a consensus target price of $26.63, suggesting a potential upside of 5.58%. Given Prosperity Bancshares higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Prosperity Bancshares is more favorable than First Horizon.

This table compares Prosperity Bancshares and First Horizons net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Prosperity Bancshares 31.22% 7.11% 1.40% First Horizon 19.67% 11.21% 1.19%

Dividends

Prosperity Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. First Horizon pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. Prosperity Bancshares pays out 41.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Horizon pays out 31.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Prosperity Bancshares has raised its dividend for 27 consecutive years. Prosperity Bancshares is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

80.7% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 80.3% of First Horizon shares are owned by institutional investors. 4.2% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.9% of First Horizon shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Prosperity Bancshares and First Horizons gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Prosperity Bancshares $1.74 billion 4.02 $542.84 million $5.73 12.84 First Horizon $5.00 billion 2.49 $982.00 million $1.88 13.42

First Horizon has higher revenue and earnings than Prosperity Bancshares. Prosperity Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Horizon, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Prosperity Bancshares beats First Horizon on 10 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Prosperity Bancshares

(Get Free Report)

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

About First Horizon

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First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The company also accepts deposits; provides underwriting services for bank-eligible securities and other fixed-income securities by financial subsidiaries; sells loans and derivatives; financial planning; and offers investment and financial advisory services. In addition, it offers mortgage banking; loan syndications; brokerage services; commercial and business banking for business enterprises, consumer banking, and private client and wealth management services; capital markets, professional commercial real estate, mortgage warehouse and asset-based lending, franchise and equipment finance, tax credit finance, energy and healthcare finance, asset management, and corporate and correspondent banking services. Further, the company provides transaction processing services including check clearing services and remittance processing, credit cards, investment, and sale of mutual fund and retail insurances, as well as trust, fiduciary, and agency services. First Horizon Corporation was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Wall Street Zen lowered shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Saturday.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Monday, December 29th. Raymond James Financial upped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Susquehanna increased their target price on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Mizuho boosted their price target on ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $108.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, ConocoPhillips presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $115.54.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Trading Down 1.0%

ConocoPhillips stock opened at $110.46 on Friday. ConocoPhillips has a 52-week low of $79.88 and a 52-week high of $113.80. The company has a market cap of $136.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.81 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. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $99.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $94.78.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The energy producer reported $1.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.23 by ($0.21). The business had revenue of $13.86 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.35 billion. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 11.90% and a net margin of 12.98%.The firms revenue was down 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.98 earnings per share. Analysts predict that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current year.

ConocoPhillips Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.84 per share. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 18th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is 53.00%.

Insider Activity at ConocoPhillips

In related news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The shares were 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 directly owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On ConocoPhillips

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in COP. Capital International Investors lifted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 18.2% in the 3rd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 45,645,397 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $4,318,239,000 after acquiring an additional 7,037,873 shares during the last quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA raised its position in ConocoPhillips by 66.0% during the second quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 7,883,455 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $707,461,000 after purchasing an additional 3,135,315 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 31.4% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 10,778,664 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $966,267,000 after purchasing an additional 2,575,803 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 229.2% in the 4th quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,595,177 shares of the energy producers stock worth $336,544,000 after purchasing an additional 2,503,156 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 6.0% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 41,450,162 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,880,151,000 after purchasing an additional 2,350,645 shares during the period. 82.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Key Headlines Impacting ConocoPhillips

Here are the key news stories impacting ConocoPhillips this week:

ConocoPhillips Company Profile

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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.

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Shares of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Hold from the nineteen research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $309.60.

Several research analysts recently weighed in on RNR shares. Zacks Research cut shares of RenaissanceRe from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on RenaissanceRe from $314.00 to $323.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Evercore upped their price target on RenaissanceRe from $283.00 to $291.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $303.00 price target on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on RenaissanceRe from $281.00 to $306.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on RNR

Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other RenaissanceRe news, EVP Robert Qutub sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.75, for a total value of $1,528,750.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 73,023 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,326,782.25. This trade represents a 6.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . 1.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 0.3% in the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,649,518 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $672,792,000 after purchasing an additional 7,839 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 9.9% during the 4th quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,423,483 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $400,150,000 after buying an additional 128,245 shares during the period. Impax Asset Management Group plc increased its stake in shares of RenaissanceRe by 11.2% in the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 1,220,038 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $295,494,000 after acquiring an additional 122,732 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,033,009 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $290,450,000 after acquiring an additional 31,599 shares during the period. Finally, Lightrock Netherlands B.V. raised its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 4,690.1% in the 4th quarter. Lightrock Netherlands B.V. now owns 1,017,508 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $286,083,000 after acquiring an additional 996,266 shares during the period. 99.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Trending Headlines about RenaissanceRe

Here are the key news stories impacting RenaissanceRe this week:

Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised longer?term and some full?year targets  notable upgrades include FY2027 to $41.00 (from $40.25), FY2026 to $36.34 (slightly up), and FY2028 to $42.80  signaling an improved multi?year earnings outlook that could support valuation expansion. Zacks estimate upgrades

Zacks raised longer?term and some full?year targets  notable upgrades include FY2027 to $41.00 (from $40.25), FY2026 to $36.34 (slightly up), and FY2028 to $42.80  signaling an improved multi?year earnings outlook that could support valuation expansion. Positive Sentiment: Zacks also increased several upcoming quarter forecasts (examples: Q4 2026 to $9.78 from $8.62; Q3 2026 to $4.62 from $4.52; Q4 2027 to $11.26), which may be viewed as positive for near?to?mid term earnings visibility. Zacks quarterly upgrades

Zacks also increased several upcoming quarter forecasts (examples: Q4 2026 to $9.78 from $8.62; Q3 2026 to $4.62 from $4.52; Q4 2027 to $11.26), which may be viewed as positive for near?to?mid term earnings visibility. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks kept a Hold rating on RNR and left the consensus current full?year estimate contextually unchanged (the street consensus referenced is $26.04 FY). That maintains an overall neutral analyst stance despite the estimate tinkering. Zacks rating

Zacks kept a Hold rating on RNR and left the consensus current full?year estimate contextually unchanged (the street consensus referenced is $26.04 FY). That maintains an overall neutral analyst stance despite the estimate tinkering. Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut several near?term quarterly estimates  including Q1 2026 (11.44 ? 10.86), Q2 2026 (11.71 ? 11.07), Q1 2027 (12.31 ? 11.90) and Q2 2027 (12.46 ? 12.22). Those downgrades can pressure short?term sentiment and help explain the intraday share weakness. Zacks quarterly cuts

RenaissanceRe Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSE:RNR opened at $298.96 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The firm has a market cap of $13.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 0.24. RenaissanceRe has a 12 month low of $219.00 and a 12 month high of $315.88. The companys 50-day moving average price is $283.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $263.33.

RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The insurance provider reported $13.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $10.59 by $2.75. RenaissanceRe had a net margin of 20.88% and a return on equity of 18.29%. The company had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $8.06 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 29.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

RenaissanceRe Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. This is a positive change from RenaissanceRes previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. RenaissanceRes payout ratio is presently 2.82%.

About RenaissanceRe

(Get Free Report)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance solutions, specializing in property catastrophe, casualty, and specialty lines. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Bermuda, the company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RNR. With a focus on underwriting and risk assessment, RenaissanceRe offers tailored programs designed to help insurers and corporations manage exposure to natural disasters, liability claims, and other complex risks.

The company operates through two primary segments: Reinsurance and Insurance.

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Westwood Holdings Group (NYSE:WHG  Get Free Report) and Barings Participation Investors (NYSE:MPV  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, risk, institutional ownership and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares Westwood Holdings Group and Barings Participation Investors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Westwood Holdings Group 7.22% 8.30% 7.05% Barings Participation Investors N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Westwood Holdings Group and Barings Participation Investors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Westwood Holdings Group 0 0 1 0 3.00 Barings Participation Investors 0 0 0 0 0.00

Dividends

Risk and Volatility

Westwood Holdings Group pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Barings Participation Investors pays an annual dividend of $1.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.7%. Westwood Holdings Group pays out 75.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future.

Westwood Holdings Group has a beta of 0.76, meaning that its share price is 24% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Barings Participation Investors has a beta of 0.46, meaning that its share price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Westwood Holdings Group and Barings Participation Investorss revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Westwood Holdings Group $97.76 million 1.60 $7.06 million $0.79 21.08 Barings Participation Investors N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Westwood Holdings Group has higher revenue and earnings than Barings Participation Investors.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

56.6% of Westwood Holdings Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 8.2% of Westwood Holdings Group shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.4% of Barings Participation Investors shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Westwood Holdings Group beats Barings Participation Investors on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Westwood Holdings Group

(Get Free Report)

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, manages investment assets and provides services for its clients. The company operates in two segments, Advisory and Trust. The Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to corporate retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, individuals, and the Westwood Funds; and investment sub-advisory services to mutual funds, pooled investment vehicles, and its Trust segment. The Trust segment offers trust and custodial services; and participates in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

About Barings Participation Investors

(Get Free Report)

Barings Participation Investors is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Barings LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in below-investment grade, long-term corporate debt obligations which are directly purchased from its issuers. The fund also seeks to invest in warrants, conversion rights, or other equity related instruments. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against Standard and Poor's Industrials Composite, Russell 2000 Index, Lehman Brothers U.S. High Yield Index, and Lehman Brothers Intermediate U.S. Credit Index. The fund was formerly known as Babson Capital Participation Investors. Barings Participation Investors was formed on April 7, 1988 and is domiciled in the United States.

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Raiffeisen Bank International AG boosted its holdings in shares of America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:AMX  Free Report) by 57.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 76,420 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after buying an additional 28,000 shares during the period. Raiffeisen Bank International AGs holdings in America Movil were worth $1,599,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in shares of America Movil in the 3rd quarter valued at about $31,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of America Movil by 142.3% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,103 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,235 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of America Movil in the second quarter worth approximately $54,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its stake in America Movil by 53.8% in the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 3,883 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $82,000 after purchasing an additional 1,359 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC purchased a new stake in America Movil in the second quarter valued at approximately $145,000. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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America Movil Price Performance

AMX stock opened at $24.05 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $72.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.82 and a beta of 0.76. The firms fifty day moving average is $21.35 and its 200 day moving average is $21.28. America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR has a 52 week low of $13.10 and a 52 week high of $24.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.74.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

America Movil ( NYSE:AMX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.43 by ($0.08). America Movil had a net margin of 8.78% and a return on equity of 18.92%. The business had revenue of $13.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.09 billion. Research analysts predict that America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR will post 1.51 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of research firms have commented on AMX. Wall Street Zen raised shares of America Movil from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Santander downgraded shares of America Movil from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of America Movil in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Bank of America assumed coverage on America Movil in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $26.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Zacks Research lowered America Movil from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $22.34.

Check Out Our Latest Report on AMX

About America Movil

(Free Report)

America Movil is a Mexican telecommunications company headquartered in Mexico City that provides a broad range of communications services. Established in the early 2000s out of the expansion of the Slim familys telecommunications holdings, the company is a major provider of mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet and pay-television services in the region. Its operations span retail consumer services as well as wholesale and enterprise solutions, positioning it as an integrated communications provider across multiple customer segments.

The company markets services under several regional brandsmost notably Telcel in Mexico and Claro across many Latin American marketsand offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, fixed and mobile broadband, fiber-to-the-home where available, and video/broadcast distribution services.

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Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC  Get Free Report) CAO Michael Hardesty sold 147 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $732.98, for a total transaction of $107,748.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,525 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,850,774.50. The trade was a 5.50% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Northrop Grumman Price Performance

Shares of NOC opened at $722.73 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. The stock has a market cap of $102.57 billion, a PE ratio of 24.81, a PEG ratio of 5.37 and a beta of 0.04. Northrop Grumman Corporation has a 12-month low of $437.83 and a 12-month high of $745.55. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $642.66 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $603.76.

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Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The aerospace company reported $7.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.97 by $0.26. Northrop Grumman had a return on equity of 25.57% and a net margin of 9.97%.The company had revenue of $11.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.61 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $6.39 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Northrop Grumman has set its FY 2026 guidance at 27.400-27.900 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Northrop Grumman Corporation will post 28.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Northrop Grumman Announces Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Investors of record on Monday, February 23rd will be paid a $2.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 23rd. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Northrop Grummans payout ratio is currently 31.72%.

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. BNP Paribas Exane began coverage on Northrop Grumman in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $710.00 price objective on the stock. Truist Financial reissued a hold rating and issued a $623.00 price objective (down from $688.00) on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research report on Friday, January 9th. BTIG Research raised their target price on Northrop Grumman from $680.00 to $815.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Citigroup upped their target price on Northrop Grumman from $715.00 to $781.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Northrop Grumman from $715.00 to $750.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $693.60.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Northrop Grumman

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Northrop Grumman by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,740,721 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $7,835,097,000 after buying an additional 209,135 shares during the last quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC bought a new stake in Northrop Grumman in the second quarter worth about $6,457,274,000. Capital World Investors grew its position in shares of Northrop Grumman by 39.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 3,434,041 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,958,151,000 after acquiring an additional 970,029 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Northrop Grumman by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,149,478 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,793,478,000 after purchasing an additional 17,948 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. increased its stake in shares of Northrop Grumman by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 3,125,139 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,781,986,000 after purchasing an additional 128,855 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.40% of the companys stock.

About Northrop Grumman

(Get Free Report)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a leading U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, builds and sustains advanced systems, products and technologies for government and commercial customers. Formed through the combination of Northrop and Grumman businesses in the 1990s, the companys portfolio spans manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems, missile defense, radar and sensor systems, and integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions.

The companys work includes airframe and platform manufacturing, space hardware and satellite systems, advanced mission systems and cybersecurity services, as well as logistics, sustainment and modernization programs.

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New Year on the Frontlines: 'The Great Wall behind us is in great shape'

16:41, February 20, 2026 By Liu Ye, Ge Shen ( People's Daily

Liu Hongyan, a Great Wall protector in Shixia Village, conducts her daily patrol along the Great Wall in Yanqing District, Beijing. Photo: People's Daily

Editor's Note:

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). A new year begins with new resolve and new momentum. The call to "fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities" continues to inspire actions across China.

In the column "New Year on the Frontlines," reporters from the People's Daily traveled to the grassroots to witness the vitality of a vast nation, see its mountains and rivers in motion and its fields in abundance, and listen to the stories of people finding fulfillment in both life and work.

Through these stories, the column seeks to present a vivid portrait of Chinese modernization.

On a clear and sunny day in Shixia Village in Yanqing District of Beijing, the character fu pasted on the wooden door of a local homestay radiates festive cheer, and the winding Great Wall could be clearly seen stretching along the distant ridge.

At 8 am, Liu Hongyan, a Great Wall protector in Shixia Village, straightened her red vest, picked up her trekking pole and trash grabber, slung on her backpack, and set out on her patrol. "We must not slack off in protecting the Great Wall, not even for a single day," Liu said. "We patrol at least five days a week, and the Spring Festival is certainly no exception."

Starting from Shixia Village, the route winds through forests, climbs onto the Great Wall, and passes by Luoguocheng all the way to the southeast - the round trip is nearly 20 kilometers and takes about six hours to complete. Liu has walked this path for six years. Monitoring dangerous conditions, clearing stone steps, picking up litter, and discouraging uncivilized behavior are all part of a Great Wall protector's daily routine. Though the tasks may seem simple, they demand considerable physical strength, endurance, and professional expertise.

The Shixia section of the Great Wall lies near Shixia Village in Badaling Town and is an important stretch northwest of Juyongguan Pass. The patrol is not only long, but it's difficult. When crossing elevated ruins, climbing uphill requires both hands and feet; going downhill demands placing each step firmly on solid ground before taking the next, and sometimes one has to slide down while supporting themselves with both hands.

One misstep caused Liu to stumble. "I'm fine. Look, this brick has cracked. It must be from age and heavy foot traffic," she said.

Liu placed the fallen fragments back in position and pieced them together, though a visible crack remained. "During every patrol, we photograph cracked bricks. Sometimes we even measure the width of the cracks with a ruler, accurate to the millimeter." Arriving at a battlement, she opened a dedicated patrol app, took photos of the cracks, and uploaded them.

"Photos taken at different times can show how the cracks change, effectively reporting on the 'health condition' of the Great Wall," Liu explained. "Based on this, the relevant departments can formulate more targeted repair and preservation plans."

Liu followed in the footsteps of her uncle, Mei Jingtian, and became a Great Wall protector. "My uncle is already 82 years old and still frequently goes up the mountain for patrols. People's enthusiasm for protecting the Great Wall keeps growing. Our village team has now expanded to more than 60 members."

Shixia Village was built along the Great Wall and has been transformed by it. Since 2024, the village has gradually constructed walking trails and observation decks. "Now homestays are popping up everywhere, and everyone is getting wealthier," Liu said with a smile.

"I grew up by the Great Wall. Protecting it is like protecting my own home," Liu said. "My greatest wish is to encourage more people to understand and protect the Great Wall, and to pass on this precious legacy from generation to generation."

Talking about her future plans, Liu intends to shoot a video in a few days. "We just want to tell everyone: The Great Wall behind us is in good shape!"

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liu Ning)
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22  The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is moving to dismantle a growing ecosystem of criminal intermediaries who act as black treasurers for corrupt civil servants, managing illicit funds and engineering pay-offs within government agencies, New Straits Times reported.

These agents  once viewed as mere fixers  now function as financial managers, strategists and negotiators for crime syndicates seeking to penetrate enforcement bodies.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the rise of these agents had entrenched systemic corruption within public agencies.

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Their influence, he warned, was increasingly concerning.

MACC said the role has expanded over several years despite high-profile raids and arrests, with some enforcement departments effectively treated as a gold mine for corrupt networks.

According to the commission, intermediaries channel illegal proceeds through mule accounts they borrow or purchase, enabling compromised officials to access the money to buy luxury items without attracting scrutiny from superiors or financial monitors.

Khusairi said the constant flow of illicit rewards had contributed to a degradation of integrity within enforcement bodies, and that rebuilding a culture of honesty remained difficult even after repeated interventions.

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This time, MACC will focus primarily on agents and intermediaries to ensure corruption within government agencies is eradicated.

We will target not only corrupt employees but also the bribe-givers who cooperate with them, he said, as reported by the national daily.

The focus on intermediaries, Khusairi added, was aimed at safeguarding the efficiency and quality of public services.

He said MACC would deepen cooperation with other agencies to tackle the problem effectively and continuously.

He also issued a warning that any group or individual operating as an agent, middleman or lobbyist would face strict enforcement.

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Our message is clear: any form of involvement through intermediaries will not be tolerated, he said.

The shift aligns with the call by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who urged that officers lacking integrity be transferred immediately and that middlemen be placed under scrutiny.

Sultan Ibrahim said those unable to perform their duties honestly should make way for more qualified and clean officers.
Raiffeisen Bank International AG lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 83.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 2,269 shares during the period. Raiffeisen Bank International AGs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,307,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Corsicana & Co. bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the third quarter valued at about $26,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 103.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 124 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its position in Illinois Tool Works by 341.9% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 137 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 70.5% during the 3rd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 162 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ITW has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a sell rating and set a $253.00 price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Citigroup lifted their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $271.00 to $284.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $270.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Barclays raised their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $275.00 to $280.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and five have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Illinois Tool Works presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $272.92.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Axel Beck sold 4,223 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $290.22, for a total transaction of $1,225,599.06. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 5,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,680,083.58. This represents a 42.18% 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 Ernest Scott Santi sold 167,345 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $290.93, for a total value of $48,685,680.85. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 258,766 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $75,282,792.38. This represents a 39.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock.

Illinois Tool Works News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Illinois Tool Works this week:

Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised FY2026 EPS to $11.21 (from $11.17) and increased several 2026 quarterly estimates (Q1Q4 2026 slightly higher), implying stronger near?term earnings momentum for ITW. Zacks raises FY2026 & 2026 quarter estimates

Zacks raised FY2026 EPS to $11.21 (from $11.17) and increased several 2026 quarterly estimates (Q1Q4 2026 slightly higher), implying stronger near?term earnings momentum for ITW. Positive Sentiment: Zacks lifted FY2027 guidance to $12.10 EPS and increased Q3 2027 to $3.13  an upward revision to multi?year expectations that supports a higher valuation multiple. Zacks raises FY2027 estimates

Zacks lifted FY2027 guidance to $12.10 EPS and increased Q3 2027 to $3.13  an upward revision to multi?year expectations that supports a higher valuation multiple. Positive Sentiment: Zacks published FY2028 estimates at $13.21 EPS, showing continued expected earnings growth beyond FY2027. This longer?range raise can improve investor confidence in ITWs growth trajectory. Zacks issues FY2028 estimate

Zacks published FY2028 estimates at $13.21 EPS, showing continued expected earnings growth beyond FY2027. This longer?range raise can improve investor confidence in ITWs growth trajectory. Negative Sentiment: One small downgrade: Zacks trimmed Q1 2027 to $2.79 from $2.80  a very minor change that slightly offsets other raises but is unlikely to materially alter the outlook on its own. Zacks trims Q1 2027 estimate

Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance

ITW stock opened at $294.61 on Friday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1-year low of $214.66 and a 1-year high of $303.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $265.86 and a 200-day moving average price of $258.51. The firm has a market cap of $84.91 billion, a PE ratio of 28.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 15.79 and a beta of 1.15.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The industrial products company reported $2.72 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.69 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.07 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.16% and a net margin of 19.11%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.54 earnings per share. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.000-11.400 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 earnings per share for the current year.

Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be paid a dividend of $1.61 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is currently 61.39%.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer that designs and produces a broad array of engineered products, consumables and related service solutions for industrial customers. Its offerings span engineered fastening systems, specialty components, industrial equipment, welding products, foodservice and packaging equipment, adhesives and polymer products, and test-and-measurement technologies. These products are used as critical inputs by customers across automotive, construction, electronics, foodservice, maintenance and other industrial end markets.

The company operates a decentralized business model in which independently managed businesses focus on niche product lines and close customer relationships.

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NEOS Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY  Free Report) by 119.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,428 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after purchasing an additional 776 shares during the quarter. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in Teledyne Technologies were worth $837,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TDY. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 75.9% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 51 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the period. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Teledyne Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Rexford Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Teledyne Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Teledyne Technologies by 52.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 78 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the period. Finally, Assetmark Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 193.1% during the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 85 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the period. 91.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Vice Chairman Jason Vanwees sold 2,500 shares of Teledyne Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $630.46, for a total value of $1,576,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 2,644 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,666,936.24. The trade was a 48.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Michael T. Smith sold 2,469 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $621.00, for a total transaction of $1,533,249.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 47,328 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,390,688. This trade represents a 4.96% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 11,500 shares of company stock valued at $7,214,750. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Teledyne Technologies Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of TDY stock opened at $668.62 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $31.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.36, a P/E/G ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 1.01. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated has a 12-month low of $419.00 and a 12-month high of $675.19. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $580.88 and a 200 day moving average price of $553.61.

Teledyne Technologies (NYSE:TDY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $6.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.83 by $0.47. Teledyne Technologies had a net margin of 14.63% and a return on equity of 10.08%. The company had revenue of $1.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $5.52 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. Teledyne Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 23.450-23.850 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 5.40-5.500 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Teledyne Technologies Incorporated will post 21.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TDY has been the subject of several research reports. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $567.00 to $604.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Needham & Company LLC raised their price objective on Teledyne Technologies from $615.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Barclays boosted their price objective on Teledyne Technologies from $579.00 to $599.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Teledyne Technologies in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $645.00 to $720.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $627.88.

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Teledyne Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Teledyne Technologies (NYSE: TDY), headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California, is a diversified industrial technology company that designs, manufactures and supports sophisticated electronic systems, instruments and imaging products. Founded in 1960 by Henry Singleton and George Kozmetsky, Teledyne has grown into a multinational provider of high-performance equipment and software for commercial, scientific and government customers. Its offerings are used in markets that include aerospace and defense, marine, industrial manufacturing, environmental monitoring and scientific research.

The company operates through businesses that develop precision instrumentation, digital imaging products, engineered systems and aerospace and defense electronics.

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Princeton Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C  Free Report) by 82.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 41,548 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 18,774 shares during the quarter. Citigroup comprises about 1.1% of Princeton Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest holding. Princeton Capital Management LLCs holdings in Citigroup were worth $4,217,000 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 C. Brookstone Capital Management raised its stake in shares of Citigroup by 31.5% during the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 75,914 shares of the companys stock worth $7,705,000 after purchasing an additional 18,176 shares during the last quarter. Permanent Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Citigroup in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,238,000. Donaldson Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Citigroup during the 3rd quarter worth $58,994,000. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Citigroup by 61.5% in the 3rd quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 57,033 shares of the companys stock worth $5,789,000 after acquiring an additional 21,720 shares during the period. Finally, Keystone Financial Services purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup in the second quarter valued at about $216,000. 71.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Key Stories Impacting Citigroup

Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

C has been the subject of several analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Citigroup from $130.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on Citigroup from $118.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $150.00 target price on Citigroup in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley set a $152.00 price target on Citigroup in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, HSBC reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $87.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $127.25.

View Our Latest Stock Report on C

Insider Activity at Citigroup

In related news, insider Cantu Ernesto Torres sold 43,173 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the insider directly owned 45,835 shares in the company, valued at $5,091,810.15. The trade was a 48.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.08% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Citigroup Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:C opened at $115.84 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $207.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $116.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $105.48. Citigroup Inc. has a 12 month low of $55.51 and a 12 month high of $125.16.

Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $19.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.99 billion. Citigroup had a return on equity of 8.28% and a net margin of 8.50%.Citigroups quarterly revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.34 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Citigroup Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. Citigroups payout ratio is 34.43%.

Citigroup Company Profile

(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.

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Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) by 3,089.4% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 118,581 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 114,863 shares during the quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $14,091,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 10.0% during the third quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 111,945 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $13,302,000 after buying an additional 10,185 shares during the period. Alaska Permanent Capital Management LLC boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter. Alaska Permanent Capital Management LLC now owns 545,285 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $64,780,000 after acquiring an additional 55,761 shares in the last quarter. Latko Wealth Management Ltd. boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 8.5% during the 3rd quarter. Latko Wealth Management Ltd. now owns 58,733 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,979,000 after acquiring an additional 4,608 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $10,009,000. Finally, Cambridge Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.1% in the 3rd quarter. Cambridge Capital Management LLC now owns 172,892 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $20,545,000 after acquiring an additional 6,754 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.92% of the companys stock.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Price Performance

Shares of IJR stock opened at $131.63 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $126.70 and its 200 day moving average is $121.11. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 1-year low of $89.22 and a 1-year high of $133.52. The company has a market cap of $96.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF 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.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C  Free Report) by 17.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 663,416 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 98,082 shares during the period. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings in Citigroup were worth $67,337,000 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 business. Brookstone Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Citigroup by 31.5% during the 3rd quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 75,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,705,000 after acquiring an additional 18,176 shares during the period. Permanent Capital Management LP purchased a new position in Citigroup during the third quarter valued at approximately $1,238,000. Donaldson Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Citigroup in the third quarter worth approximately $58,994,000. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. boosted its position in shares of Citigroup by 61.5% in the third quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 57,033 shares of the companys stock worth $5,789,000 after purchasing an additional 21,720 shares during the period. Finally, Keystone Financial Services purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup in the second quarter worth $216,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.72% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Citigroup

In related news, insider Cantu Ernesto Torres sold 43,173 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 completion of the transaction, the insider directly 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 document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Citigroup from $115.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Zacks Research raised Citigroup from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Citigroup from $123.00 to $129.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $150.00 price objective on Citigroup in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $121.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.25.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Citigroup

Key Headlines Impacting Citigroup

Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week:

Citigroup Stock Up 0.3%

C opened at $115.84 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $116.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $105.48. Citigroup Inc. has a 52 week low of $55.51 and a 52 week high of $125.16. The company has a market capitalization of $207.28 billion, a PE ratio of 16.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63.

Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $19.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.99 billion. Citigroup had a return on equity of 8.28% and a net margin of 8.50%.The businesss revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.34 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Citigroup Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. Citigroups dividend payout ratio is 34.43%.

Citigroup Profile

(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.

Further Reading

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Westerkirk Capital Inc. trimmed its position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 19.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 24,200 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,900 shares during the period. Westerkirk Capital Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $3,718,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.6% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 234,630,605 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,050,992,000 after acquiring an additional 1,419,322 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 59,415,933 shares of the companys stock worth $9,439,341,000 after purchasing an additional 1,060,713 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the 2nd quarter valued at $5,099,644,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 17,385,571 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,770,035,000 after purchasing an additional 294,673 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 21.4% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 16,374,499 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,608,785,000 after purchasing an additional 2,880,895 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Moses Victor Javier Aguilar sold 15,169 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.28, for a total transaction of $2,461,625.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 44,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,259,595.80. This represents a 25.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Gary A. Coombe sold 36,093 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.33, for a total transaction of $5,858,976.69. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 34,994 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,680,576.02. This trade represents a 50.77% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 341,260 shares of company stock worth $54,256,985 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on PG shares. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $156.00 to $179.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Erste Group Bank upgraded Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price objective on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating and issued a $177.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Tuesday. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.33.

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Procter & Gamble Trading Up 1.4%

NYSE:PG opened at $160.77 on Friday. Procter & Gamble Company has a 52 week low of $137.62 and a 52 week high of $179.99. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $149.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $150.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $373.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.34 and a beta of 0.38.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were paid a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is presently 62.67%.

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.

Further Reading

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).

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iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Asia ex Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:AXJV  Get Free Report) were down 0.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $33.63 and last traded at $33.67. Approximately 600 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 82% from the average daily volume of 3,339 shares. The stock had previously closed at $33.80.

iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Asia ex Japan ETF Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average of $33.67 and a 200 day moving average of $33.67.

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iShares MSCI Finland ETF (BATS:EFNL  Get Free Report)s stock price were up 0.8% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $51.44 and last traded at $51.38. Approximately 5,527 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 46% from the average daily volume of 10,195 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.97.

iShares MSCI Finland ETF Price Performance

The company has a 50-day moving average of $48.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.83 million, a PE ratio of 15.40 and a beta of 0.83.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Finland ETF

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Finland ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $2,870,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Finland ETF by 40.5% in the third quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 64,826 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,775,000 after acquiring an additional 18,682 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Finland ETF during the second quarter valued at about $670,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Finland ETF during the third quarter worth about $247,000. Finally, Zacks Investment Management acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Finland ETF during the third quarter worth about $227,000.

About iShares MSCI Finland ETF

The iShares MSCI Finland ETF (EFNL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Finland IMI 25\u002F50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of Finnish all-cap stocks. EFNL was launched on Jan 25, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

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Trisura Group Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TRRSF  Get Free Report) shares were down 2.4% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $33.79 and last traded at $34.00. Approximately 7,502 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 15% from the average daily volume of 6,523 shares. The stock had previously closed at $34.82.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently weighed in on TRRSF. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Trisura Group in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Trisura Group in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Trisura Group in a research report on Tuesday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Trisura Group

Trisura Group Price Performance

Trisura Group Company Profile

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $32.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $29.74.

(Get Free Report)

Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance and reinsurance company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The firm provides a suite of risk-mitigation products, including surety bonds, trade credit and political risk insurance, and various specialty insurance solutions designed to meet complex and niche client needs. Operating through multiple business segments, Trisura focuses on supporting clients in construction, financial institutions, and global trade by underwriting and managing credit exposures, contractual obligations, and unique operational risks.

Since its inception in 2013, Trisura has expanded its footprint across Canada and into the United States, serving domestic and multinational clients.

Further Reading

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Nevada King Gold Corp. (CVE:NKG  Get Free Report) shot up 7.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.22 and last traded at C$0.21. 318,185 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 13% from the average session volume of 281,977 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.20.

Nevada King Gold Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of C$89.06 million, a P/E ratio of -7.00 and a beta of 0.42. The firms fifty day moving average price is C$0.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$0.17.

About Nevada King Gold

(Get Free Report)

Nevada King Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of resource properties in Nevada, the United States. The company explores for gold, silver, iron ore, vanadium, and other base metals. The company was formerly known as Victory Metals Inc and changed its name to Nevada King Gold Corp in April 2021. Nevada King Gold Corp. is based in Vancouver, Canada.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22  Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed he will attend the Perikatan Nasional (PN) supreme council meeting today, where the coalition is expected to settle the appointment of its new chairman.

In a brief statement, Muhyiddin said the meeting would also discuss broader efforts to strengthen the coalition.

He reiterated Bersatus commitment to PN, saying: I will attend the PN supreme council meeting on February 22, which will decide on the appointment of the PN chairman and other matters related to the consolidation and empowerment of PN.

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On December 30, Muhyiddin announced that he had decided to step down as PN chairman, with his resignation taking effect on January 1.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu was in the midst of reorganising divisions and party wings affected by the recent resignations of several division leaders and committee members.

A special task force, jointly chaired by vice-presidents Datuk Radzi Jidin and Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, has been set up to oversee the restructuring, with secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali serving as its secretariat.

State leaders have been instructed to identify the affected divisions.

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According to Muhyiddin, the process will involve appointing acting division chiefs or forming new committees in line with the party constitution. Party wings with vacant positions will undergo similar restructuring.

He added that Bersatu had emerging leaders and active members ready to step up.

I am confident many loyal Bersatu members will come forward to shoulder this responsibility, he said.
Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:MRG.UN  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$17.93 and traded as high as C$18.83. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust shares last traded at C$18.72, with a volume of 18,249 shares traded.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MRG.UN shares. TD Securities increased their price target on Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$23.00 to C$24.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and increased their target price for the company from C$20.00 to C$21.00 in a research report on Friday, October 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$22.33.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust

Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Down 0.6%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 95.54, a quick ratio of 0.09 and a current ratio of 0.80. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$18.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$17.93. The company has a market cap of C$976.38 million, a P/E ratio of 9.48 and a beta of 0.90.

Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:MRG.UN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported C$0.80 EPS for the quarter. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust had a net margin of 40.48% and a return on equity of 6.98%. The firm had revenue of C$88.17 million for the quarter. On average, research analysts anticipate that Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust will post 1.38795 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust

(Get Free Report)

Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is an open-end real estate investment trust. The REIT invests in multi-suite residential rental properties in Canada and the United States. The REIT operates into two reportable segments, Canada and the United States. The United States contributes to the vast majority of revenue.

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Shares of Marshalls plc (LON:MSLH  Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 175.69 and traded as high as GBX 178. Marshalls shares last traded at GBX 175.37, with a volume of 1,531,783 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Marshalls from GBX 240 to GBX 195 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Marshalls currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 316.25.

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Marshalls Price Performance

Insider Transactions at Marshalls

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 173.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 175.50. The firm has a market cap of 443.42 million, a P/E ratio of 18.66, a PEG ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.19.

In related news, insider Justin Lockwood acquired 260,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 181 per share, with a total value of 470,600. Also, insider Simon Bourne acquired 40,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 172 per share, for a total transaction of 68,800. 1.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Marshalls

(Get Free Report)

Established in the late 1880s, Marshalls plc is a leading UK manufacturer of sustainable solutions for the built environment. It operates through three trading divisions: Landscape Products; Roofing Products; and Building Products. At a Group, divisional and brand level, Marshalls strategy centres around its customers who value its unique set of capabilities, namely leading brands, best in class technical and design support and carbon leadership. This is underpinned by business wide enterprise excellence, leadership in ESG governance and standards and its people, organisation, and culture.

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BNP Paribas SA (EPA:BNP  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of 78.95 and traded as high as 94.87. BNP Paribas shares last traded at 93.84, with a volume of 2,232,573 shares changing hands.

BNP Paribas Price Performance

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is 86.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is 78.95.

BNP Paribas Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BNP Paribas SA provides various banking and financial products and services in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through three divisions: Corporate & Institutional Banking; Commercial, Personal Banking & Services; and Investment & Protection Services. The Corporate & Institutional Banking division offers capital market, securities, investment banking, financing, risk management, cash management, and financial advisory services for corporate clients and institutional investors.

Further Reading

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Ashtead Group plc (OTCMKTS:ASHTF  Get Free Report) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $69.07 and traded as high as $69.50. Ashtead Group shares last traded at $68.55, with a volume of 2,918 shares trading hands.

Ashtead Group Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $70.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.09.

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Ashtead Group Company Profile

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Ashtead Group plc is a global equipment rental company serving a broad range of sectors including construction, industrial, and infrastructure. Through its principal brandsSunbelt Rentals in North America and A-Plant in the United Kingdom and IrelandAshtead provides access to tools, machinery, and services that help customers complete projects efficiently and safely. The companys rental fleet includes general-purpose, specialized, and bespoke equipment, offering flexible solutions that range from hand tools and power generation to heavy earthmoving and aerial work platforms.

Sunbelt Rentals, Ashteads North American arm, operates hundreds of locations across the United States and Canada.

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Shares of Buffalo Coal Corp. (CVE:BUF  Get Free Report) passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.01 and traded as low as C$0.01. Buffalo Coal shares last traded at C$0.01, with a volume of 26,000 shares.

Buffalo Coal Price Performance

The company has a market cap of C$7.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.33 and a beta of 0.58. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.01 and a 200 day moving average price of C$0.01.

About Buffalo Coal

(Get Free Report)

Buffalo Coal Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a coal mining company in South Africa. It primarily focuses on the Aviemore anthracite mine covering an area of approximately 5,513 hectares and Magdalena mine covering an area of approximately 1,844 hectares located in the Kwa-Zulu, Natal Province of South Africa. The company was formerly known as Forbes & Manhattan Coal Corp. and changed its name to Buffalo Coal Corp. in July 2014. Buffalo Coal Corp. is headquartered in Dundee, South Africa.

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United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI  Get Free Report) and Premier Foods (OTCMKTS:PRRFY  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap consumer staples companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends and valuation.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares United Natural Foods and Premier Foodss top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio United Natural Foods $31.78 billion 0.07 -$118.00 million ($1.66) -23.36 Premier Foods $1.45 billion 1.56 $159.36 million N/A N/A

Profitability

Premier Foods has lower revenue, but higher earnings than United Natural Foods.

This table compares United Natural Foods and Premier Foods net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets United Natural Foods -0.32% 4.35% 0.90% Premier Foods N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for United Natural Foods and Premier Foods, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score United Natural Foods 1 7 3 0 2.18 Premier Foods 0 1 0 0 2.00

United Natural Foods presently has a consensus target price of $38.78, indicating a potential upside of 0.02%. Given United Natural Foods stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe United Natural Foods is more favorable than Premier Foods.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

87.6% of United Natural Foods shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.4% of United Natural Foods shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Risk and Volatility

United Natural Foods has a beta of 1, indicating that its stock price has a similar volatility profile to the S&P 500.Comparatively, Premier Foods has a beta of 0.46, indicating that its stock price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

United Natural Foods beats Premier Foods on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About United Natural Foods

(Get Free Report)

United Natural Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. It operates in two segments, Wholesale and Retail. The company offers grocery and general merchandise, produce, perishables and frozen foods, wellness and personal care items, and bulk and foodservice products. It also provides nuts, dried fruit, seeds, trail mixes, granola, natural and organic snack items, and confections under the Woodstock Farms Manufacturing name; organic, non-GMO project verified, and specialty food and non-food items under the Blue Marble brand name; pet food under the WILD HARVEST brand name; and various products under the ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY, SHOPPERS VALUE, Field Day, EQUALINE, CULINARY CIRCLE, and STONE RIDGE CREAMERY brand names. In addition, the company provides home, health and beauty care, and pharmacy products, as well as private label products through a network of Cub Foods and Shoppers retail grocery stores; and retail store support, pricing strategy, shelf and planogram management, advertising, couponing, ecommerce, consumer convenience, store design, equipment sourcing, electronic payments processing, network and data hosting, point-of-sale hardware and software, automation tools, sustainability, and administrative back-office solution services. Further, it offers consumer and trade marketing programs, and programs to support suppliers in understanding its markets. The company serves chains, independent retailers, and supernatural chains, as well as foodservice, ecommerce, conventional military business, and other sales customers. United Natural Foods, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.

About Premier Foods

(Get Free Report)

Premier Foods plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes branded and own label food products in the United Kingdom, other European countries, and internationally. The company operates through Grocery, Sweet Treats, and international segments. It offers a portfolio of product categories, including flavorings and seasonings under the Bisto, OXO, Paxo, and Saxa brands; cooking sauces and accompaniments under the Sharwood's, Loyd Grossman, Spice Tailor and Homepride brands; quick meals, snacks, and soups under the Batchelors and Smash brands; ambient desserts under the Ambrosia, Bird's, and Angel Delight brands; and ambient cakes under the Mr Kipling and Cadbury brands. The company also provides dumplings under the Atora brand name; plain flour under the Be-Ro brand; dried milk under the Marvel brand name; plain and self-raising flour under the McDougalls brand; and plant based food under the Plantastic brand name. It offers its products through supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, and wholesale and food service facilities, as well as through e-commerce channels. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Saint Albans, the United Kingdom.

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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 better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings.

Risk & Volatility

Virgin Galactic has a beta of 2.21, meaning that its stock price is 121% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vertical Aerospace has a beta of 1.22, meaning that its stock price is 22% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Virgin Galactic and Vertical Aerospaces 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 25.61 -$346.74 million ($7.47) -0.33 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.

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 Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations 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 70.39%. Vertical Aerospace has a consensus price target of $11.80, suggesting a potential upside of 166.67%. Given Vertical Aerospaces stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Vertical Aerospace is more favorable than Virgin Galactic.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

46.6% of Virgin Galactic shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 81.2% of Vertical Aerospace shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Virgin Galactic shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 74.8% of Vertical Aerospace shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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.

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This morning the angels inspire yet another peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines for our most loyal readers . . .

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Still Serving Locals . . .

Let's Talk About Winstead's: The beloved institution where nostalgia reigns supreme Once an innovative burger and shake joint, Winstead's is now a dying chain-or is it? Is nostalgia enough to keep the iconic KC restaurant open? Winstead's, home of the steakburger and one of KC's longest-standing restaurants, is dwindling. Just nine years ago, the Midwest-born chain had nine area locations.

Local Faith Moves . . .

Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to resign in June On Friday, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced Archbishop Shawn McKnight has accepted Dr. Vince Cascone's resignation.

The Dotte In Motion

Wyandotte County discusses World Cup transit upgrades, prepares next phase of Vision Zero Plans include increased frequency, expanded microtransit and extended weekend bus hours. Commissioners also discussed traffic safety efforts and updates to special event vendor regulations.

Tribute After Tragedy

'The biggest heart': Family remembering Independence man killed in dog attack A family is mourning the loss of an Independence, Missouri, man who had "the biggest heart" after he was attacked and killed by a dog he knew.

Where's Waldo Good Time?!?

Get Ready for another Waldo Week! Waldo is home to over 300 businesses--most of them are small, locally owned shops and restaurants. The annual Waldo Week is a great time to get out and explore some places you may not be familiar with...or make a stop at one of your favorites. Many places will be offering special deals and promotional offers...

Less Than Angelic Exchange . . .

Les Wexner's attorney caught on hot mic saying he'll 'f-king kill' ex-Victoria's Secret CEO during Jeffrey Epstein probe deposition A lawyer for billionaire Les Wexner was caught in a hot-mic moment telling the ex-Victoria's Secret CEO off for his long-winded answers during his Jeffrey Epstein deposition before House Oversight Committee investigators this week.

MAGA Offers Medicine

Trump says he's sending a hospital boat to Greenland | CNN Politics President Donald Trump said Saturday that he is sending a hospital boat to Greenland, the Arctic island and Danish territory he has sought to acquire.

Progressively Bad Ideas Recycled

Kamala Harris may yet be the Democratic nominee in 2028 Kamala Harris is topping some new polls of Democratic White House contenders, a sign the former vice president and 2024 presidential nominee has staying power despite her defeat to President Trump....

Truth Isn't Out There . . .

Trump opens the alien files: Why Americans lean into conspiracies "People are struggling to make sense of a dizzying world," one researcher said.

World Still At War

Pakistan launches strikes on Afghanistan, with Taliban saying dozens killed Pakistan says the strikes were retaliation for recent suicide bombings in the country.

Genesis Of Hateration?!?!

US ambassador's Israel comments condemned by Arab and Muslim nations Mike Huckabee suggested Israel would be justified in taking much of the Middle East on Biblical grounds.

El Papa Steadfast . . .

Pope Leo XIV: 'No change in Church doctrine on gays and trans people' The Pontiff has dismissed any immediate prospect of change in the Vatican's stance on LGBT+ rights. It's one of many views he's discussed openly with Vaticanist Elise Ann Allen that are contained in a...

Funny Man Redux

John Mulaney returns to Kansas City in August. How much are tickets? The two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian brings his stand-up to Kansas City in August.

Chill Weekend Cont'd

Brace for a colder Sunday and Monday before spring returns Bundle up tight this weekend. Cold winter weather gets a little more intense Sunday and Monday before a dramatic warmup arrives midweek.

Rolling Stones - Shine A Light is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
For the second weekend in a row for 2026 . . . Rampant gunfire proves deadly and sends several to hospital.

The basics . . .

KANSAS CITY TEEN FIGHTING TURNS DEADLY AS GUNFIRE TURNS INTO MASS SHOOTING CHAOS!!!

Obviously, the story is dominating Sunday headlines . . . Here is the info that police are sharing with local media . . .

Homicide 4900 block of College

Just before 10:15 PM officers were dispatched to the 4900 block of College Avenue on a reported shooting.



When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male victim over 16 years old suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. Officers performed life-saving measures until EMS could respond and transport the victim to an area hospital for treatment. Officers on scene were advised that the juvenile male victim had succumb to his injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased. Three additional victims, one adult female and two juvenile teens, were located at the scene all suffering from varying gunshot trauma. An additional two victims, one adult female and one juvenile teen, arrived at area hospitals by private conveyance all suffering from gunshot wounds.



Preliminary investigation indicates there was a gathering occurring at a residence in the 4900 block of College when an altercation between unknown individuals transpired inside of the residence. That altercation escalated into shots being fired, and resulted in two adult females, two juvenile teen males, and two juvenile teen females being struck. At this time, we do not have a person of interest identified and we do not have anyone in custody.



Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and gathering witness statements.



This incident is being investigated as a homicide and is ongoing at this time.



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.

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KMBC: Teenager dead, 5 others hurt in KCMO shooting

KSHB: Teenage boy dead, five others injured after late-night shooting in the 4900 block of College Avenue





Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 22. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to His Majesty Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia, Trend reports.

"Your Majesty,

My Dear Brother,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey to you and, through you, to your fraternal people, my sincerest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the Day of Founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We are very pleased that the relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, which are a good example of strong friendship and rooted in brotherhood, are expanding day by day and being enriched with new content. The high-level political dialogue between us is accompanied by our cooperation across the economic, energy, humanitarian and other domains.

I would like to particularly note the fruitful joint activities of our countries in the fields of renewable energy and investment. The construction and recent commissioning of the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant by your brotherly country's ACWA Power company is a vivid manifestation of our close partnership.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to enhance Azerbaijan-Saudi Arabia interstate relations and fully benefit from the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Availing myself of this pleasant opportunity, I sincerely congratulate you and your brotherly people on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, and wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, as well as everlasting peace and prosperity to Saudi Arabia," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 22. The Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and the Deputy Minister of Defense  Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade are visiting several units of the Air Force, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

During a meeting with personnel, the Minister emphasized that under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the countrys defense capabilities continue to strengthen steadily. He issued relevant instructions to the Air Combat Command to ensure the timely and precise implementation of assigned tasks.

The Minister of Defense was also presented with the dormitory, dining facility, and medical unit operating within the military installation. Colonel General Z.Hasanov provided recommendations regarding the improvement of servicemens social and living conditions, adherence to established food standards, and the maintenance of sanitary and hygienic regulations.

Additionally, as part of landscaping and greening initiatives, commemorative trees were planted in the area, and a meeting was held with the family members of a Martyr. The Minister inquired about their concerns and instructed the relevant officials to provide the necessary assistance. The family members expressed their gratitude to President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, and the leadership of the Ministry of Defense for the attention and care shown to them, as well as for the continued reverence of the memory of the Martyrs.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. On February 23, Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Chairperson of the State Commission on Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in the Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Spheres, Farzaneh Sadegh, arrived in Baku, the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend.

Farzaneh Sadegh previously visited the Azerbaijani capital at the head of a delegation comprising representatives of ministries, economic institutions, and the private sector to participate in the 17th meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The minister was welcomed at the capitals airport by the Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan.

During her visit, Farzaneh Sadegh is expected to attend a meeting of the Joint Commission and hold a number of meetings with senior political and economic officials of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The agenda includes a comprehensive review of the current state of bilateral cooperation, the removal of existing obstacles, and the acceleration of joint economic projects, particularly in the areas of transport, energy, trade, and cultural interaction.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 22. The value of non-oil imports by the U.S. from Azerbaijan grew to $6.8 million in January 2026.

Data obtained by Trend from the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee shows that this figure rose by $1.4 million or 26.2% compared to the same month in 2025.

In the reporting month, the volume of trade transactions between Azerbaijan and the U.S. amounted to $39.3 million, down $18.7 million, or 32.3%, year-on-year.

During this timeframe, Azerbaijan's exports to the U.S. amounted to $7.6 million, an increase of $2.25 million or 41.2% compared to the same period last year.

Exports of non-oil products to the U.S. accounted for 2.54% of Azerbaijan's total non-oil exports. Thus, in the reporting month, the U.S. ranked eighth among leading importers of Azerbaijani non-oil products.

During the reporting period, the U.S. exports to Azerbaijan equated to $31.6 million, which is a decrease of $21 million or 39.9% compared to the same period in 2025.

In January 2026, Azerbaijan engaged in foreign trade activities totaling $3.53 billion with various nations, which represents a decrease of $1.5 billion, or 30.5%, compared to the same period last year.

Moreover, $2.23 billion of the total trade turnover accounted for exports, while $1.3 billion came from imports. Over the past year, exports declined by $802 million, or 26.4%, and imports fell by $750 million, or 36.5%.

Consequently, Azerbaijan recorded a positive foreign trade balance of $933.6 million, which is $52.4 million, or 5.3%, lower than the same period of the previous year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 22. The 19th session of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) recently took place in Tehran, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed across diverse sectors, with officials pledging to accelerate efforts to transform these agreements into tangible projects in the near future, Trend reports.

Hydrocarbon Sector as a Top Priority

One of the main areas of cooperation is the development and utilization of Irans hydrocarbon reserves. Iran ranks second in the world with approximately 34 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves. Currently, 22 gas fields are active in the country, producing around 1.07 billion cubic meters of rich gas per day.

During the session on February 18, Irans Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad emphasized the importance of strengthening Iran-Russia cooperation amid sensitive international conditions. He noted that moving the agreements reached within the JEC into practical implementation is a significant achievement.

Under the four contracts signed between Iranian and Russian companies, seven Iranian oil fields are being developed, and some are already producing crude oil.

Sanctions and Investment Challenges

Western sanctions and economic restrictions continue to hinder Iran from realizing the full potential of its oil and gas sector. Iran is working to create favorable mechanisms for foreign investors, with Russian companies currently taking a more active role. Seven Iranian oil fields are being operated by Russian firms, and one jointly held field with Persian Gulf countries is expected to begin development soon.

Currently, around 6% of Irans total crude oil production is managed by Russian companies, with plans to increase this share to 12%.

Gas Imports on the Agenda

Iran has stated that negotiations on gas imports from Russia are mostly finalized, with two main issues, price and payment mechanisms, still pending and expected to be resolved soon. On June 26, 2024, a document was signed between Majid Chegeni, the CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company, and Alexei Miller, Executive Director of the Russian Gazprom Company, on the transportation of Russian gas to Iran.

According to the document, if a final agreement is reached, the first phase will allow the import of 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with a potential additional 55 billion cubic meters in the next phase.

Iran plans these imports primarily to secure a stable supply to the northern regions, as the countrys main gas reserves are located in the south and in Gulf waters, creating significant technical losses during transport. In this context, Russian gas imports are considered a more economical and technically efficient alternative.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 22. Iran and Russia have a common will to soon start the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line in Gilan province, located in northern Iran, within the framework of the North-South Corridor, Iran's Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Executive Director of the Transport Infrastructure Construction and Development Company Houshang Bazvand told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, a common denominator was reached on the framework of cooperation, technical issues and construction mechanism regarding the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway during a meeting of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Tehran in recent days.

Bazvand said that the parties are responsible for the construction process, the division of tasks, and making decisions on technical issues. Thus, agreement was reached on many provisions of the contract related to construction.

The Deputy Minister said that the discussions also include a mechanism for management and price changes from the start of construction until its completion. So that operations can be carried out without any disagreements, in accordance with real conditions and technical issues.

"According to the basic principles of cooperation, an agreement has been reached to adhere to the framework of operations, the financial resources for construction have been predetermined, and there will be no changes to these resources," he noted.

The intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000, laid the foundation for the North-South Transport Corridor. In general, several countries have ratified the said agreement. (Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Republic of Bulgaria, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Sultanate of Oman, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Turkiye, Ukraine). The purpose of establishing the corridor is to reduce the delivery time of cargo traveling from India to Russia, as well as to Northern and Western Europe (the delivery time along the existing route is more than six weeks; it is expected to be three weeks via North-South).

The Gazvin-Rasht railroad, stretching 175 km, hit the ground running on March 6, 2019, linking Azerbaijan's railroads with Iran's railway network in the corridor. The Rasht-Astara railroad is set to take shape on Iranian soil.

The North-South Corridor has three directions within Iran. The eastern direction is Turkmenistan and Central Asian countries, the middle direction is Russia and other countries across the Caspian Sea, and the western direction is Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Eastern European countries.

Russia and Iran signed an agreement on May 17, 2023, to build the Rasht-Astara railroad in Gilan province in northern Iran. Nine stations will be built on the Rasht-Astara railroad line, which is about 163 kilometers long. With the completion of this railroad, the North-South international corridor will be improved, and Iran's railroad network will be integrated with Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries. According to the agreement, the Russian side is expected to spend 1.6 billion euros for the construction of this railroad. This railroad will be built and completed within 48 months.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 22. Kazakhstan exported 6.4 million tons of new harvest grain to foreign markets from September 2025 through February 19, Trend reports via the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

The volume is 19.7% higher than in the same period of the previous marketing year (2024/2025 MY), when exports totaled 5.4 million tons. The growth was driven by intensified trade with traditional markets in Central Asia and beyond.

Supplies to Uzbekistan increased by 46%, rising from 2 million tons to 3 million tons. Exports to Kyrgyzstan grew 1.7 times - from 104,000 tons to 180,000 tons - while shipments to Afghanistan nearly doubled, increasing 1.9 times from 236,000 tons to 466,000 tons.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstans foreign trade turnover totaled $143.888 billion in 2025, a 1.3% increase compared to 2024. Total exports amounted to $79.041 billion, down 3.2% year-on-year, while imports grew by 7.4% to reach $64.847 billion.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 22. Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stressed the importance of reaching a lasting agreement on Iran's nuclear program, Trend reports via the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

In the phone conversation, the parties exchanged views on the latest situation regarding the indirect talks between Iran and the United States.

The parties noted the importance of taking advantage of the dialogue and constructive mutual understanding to advance the discussion process.

To note, two rounds of indirect talks have been held between Iran and the United States this year regarding the nuclear program. The talks were organized through the mediation of Oman. The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, while the US delegation was led by US President's special representative Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The European Union needs new tools to overcome non-constructive blockages of decisions, including those taken in support of Ukraine, by individual member states.

This was stated in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform by Lithuanias Permanent Representative to the EU, Nerijus Aleksiejunas.

It is not just that it is blocked one time, another time, but it is becoming some kind of trend, the ambassador said, commenting on a recent move by Hungary, which blocked the technical approval of a loan for Ukraine for 20262027.

That's the most worrying thing, because we need to find creative solutions, we need to find new tools, how to make new response quicker, more efficient, and more related to the needs of Ukraine, Aleksiejunas said.

He expressed confidence that reaching decisions by qualified majority voting would make it much easier, in particular, to adopt more ambitious sanctions packages against Russia. However, issues related to unanimity and qualified majority voting in foreign policy remain quite sensitive.

The diplomat recalled that in recent years the European Union had demonstrated its ability to reach real agreements: We managed to adopt 19 packages of sanctions, but always the question is what kind of ambition, what level we are adopting for the sanctions.

Asked whether the EU would ultimately be able to approve funding for Ukraine for 20262027 despite Hungarys blocking position, the ambassador said: I think it's maybe not so possible to have on that day (the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion  ed.), but the most important thing is to have enough finance.

The Lithuanian representative added that there is still time to do so. All legal procedures are nearly complete, except for objections from one member state, and the European Commission is finalizing preparations to ensure that Ukraine receives funding on time, as promised.

Aleksiunas also emphasized the importance of the 20th sanctions package and the need to send Russia a clear signal without losing momentum in pressuring the aggressor. This is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing peace talks, he explained.

Europeans have this very concrete rules of sanctions package. That's why I feel that this package is even more important than ever, not only because of the content, but also because of the political message to Russia and to Putin. So that's why we are working a lot. Negotiations are going on during the weekend, there are many different talks. Tomorrow foreign ministers will be meeting, and we really hope that we will have the agreement reached, the Lithuanian representative to the EU concluded.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, Aleksiunas also said that the European Union must strengthen societal preparedness for crises and incorporate lessons learned from Ukraines experience during Russias full-scale military aggression.
Iranian students chanted anti-government slogans and scuffled with counter-protesters on Saturday in the latest display of anger at the country's clerical leaders, who also face a US military build-up aimed at pressuring them into a nuclear deal.

The gatherings at universities, which were reported by both local and diaspora media outlets, followed a mass protest movement that was met with a government crackdown last month that left thousands dead.

The crackdown had prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten to intervene militarily, though the focus of his threats eventually shifted to Iran's nuclear programme, which Western governments fear is aimed at producing a bomb.

The US and Iran recently resumed Oman-mediated talks on a potential deal, but Washington has simultaneously increased its military presence in the region, dispatching two aircraft carriers, jets and weaponry to back its warnings.

Videos geolocated by AFP to Tehran's top engineering university showed fights breaking out in a crowd on Saturday as people shouted "bi sharaf", or "disgraceful" in Farsi.

Footage posted by the Persian-language TV channel Iran International, which is based outside the country, also showed a large crowd chanting anti-government slogans at Sharif University of Technology.

The Fars news agency later said there were reports of injuries in scuffles at the institution.

Iranians had reprised their protest slogans earlier this week to mark the 40th day since thousands of people were killed as a wave of demonstrations was peaking on January 8 and 9.

The unrest first broke out in December over prolonged financial strain, but exploded into mass anti-government protests that were suppressed in a violent crackdown by security forces.

The clerical authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by "terrorist acts" fuelled by Iran's enemies.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), however, has recorded more than 7,000 killings in the crackdown, the vast majority protesters, though the toll may be far higher.

Iranian authorities had initially acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters' economic demands, but as the movement took on an overtly anti-government tone, they accused archenemies the United States and Israel of whipping up "riots".

Fars said that what was supposed to be a "silent and peaceful sit-in" on Saturday of students commemorating those killed was disrupted by people chanting slogans including "death to the dictator" -- a reference to Iran's supreme leader.

A video posted by Fars showed a group chanting and waving Iranian flags facing off with a crowd wearing masks and being held back by men in suits.

- Talks and threats -

Ever since the initial wave of protests, the United States and Iran have been trading threats of military action.

Trump sent the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, while a second, the USS Gerald R Ford, is en route via the Mediterranean.

The US has also redeployed dozens of other warplanes to the Middle East -- where it maintains several bases -- while boosting its air defences.

The build-up seeks to pressure Iran's authorities as the two sides pursue nuclear talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US media this week that following the latest round of negotiations in Geneva, Iran would be submitting a draft proposal for an agreement, saying it would be read in a matter of days.

Araghchi also said the "US side has not asked for zero enrichment" of uranium, contradicting statements from American officials.

Iran denies it is trying to produce nuclear weapons, but insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

The US media outlet Axios reported this week, citing an unnamed senior US official, that Washington was prepared to consider a proposed deal that only permitted "small, token enrichment".

Trump has suggested that "bad things" will happen if Tehran did not strike a deal, saying Thursday that it had 15 days to agree.

Fears of a conflict have prompted several foreign countries to urge their citizens to leave Iran, including Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia, which warned "commercial flights are currently available but this could change quickly".

A previous round of nuclear diplomacy last year was interrupted by Israel's surprise bombing campaign against the Islamic republic.

The United States ultimately joined its ally, striking nuclear facilities before declaring a ceasefire.

Iran has maintained that it will defend itself in the event of any new attack.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, in remarks to athletes carried by state television, said the country would "not yield to any trial, even if the powers of the world stand against us with injustice and try to force us into submission".

burs-sw/smw/jj
Half a million pilgrims expected to venerate the remains of Italy's patron saint in a milestone of both spiritual and historical significance.

The Italian hilltop town of Assisi has commenced a month-long exposition of the mortal remains of Saint Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of the saints death in 1226.

For the first time in nearly eight centuries, the remains of "Il Poverello" (the Little Poor Man) have been moved from their traditional resting place in the crypt to be exposed for public veneration.

The event, which begins on Sunday 22 February, will see the saint's bones housed in a glass reliquary at the foot of the papal altar in the Lower Basilica of San Francesco.

While the tomb was rediscovered in 1818 and has undergone periodic scientific examinations - most recently in 2015 - it has never before been subjected to a prolonged public display of this nature.

Organisers from the Sacro Convento, the administrative heart of the Franciscan Order, described the decision as a "gift to the People of God."

The initiative received formal approval from the Vatican and is the centrepiece of the Franciscan Jubilee Year, a period of grace proclaimed by the Holy See to celebrate the saints enduring legacy of peace, poverty and stewardship of creation.

Response

The scale of international interest has challenged the infrastructure of the mediaeval Umbrian town. Ahead of the event officials confirmed that nearly 400,000 pilgrims had already booked time slots to view the remains.

Local authorities, led by mayor Valter Stoppini, expect total visitors to exceed half a million before the exposition concludes on 22 March.

During the 29-day event, a maximum of 16,000 people are expected on weekdays, rising to nearly 20,000 at weekends.

"The spaces are almost all filled" - Brother Marco Moroni, custodian of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, told news agency ANSA on Saturday - "but there are still spaces available early in the morning".

To manage the unprecedented crowds, a rigorous logistics plan has been implemented, including mandatory booking and structured pathways.

Visitors must register via the official San Francesco Vive website and can choose between a "Guided Path" led by a friar or a "Silent Path" for individual prayer.

Around 400 volunteers have been deployed to assist with crowd control and navigation through Assisis narrow cobblestoned streets.

Economic and spiritual impact

The surge in religious tourism has provided a significant boost to the regional economy, with hotels and local businesses reporting near-total capacity.

However, for pilgrims, the event transcends tourism. The theme of the centenary, "Saint Francis Lives On," draws upon the biblical metaphor of the "seed that dies to bear fruit," emphasising that the saints message of universal fraternity is more relevant than ever in a world currently facing global conflict and climate crises.

Legacy of Saint Francis

As the patron saint of Italy, Saint Francis remains a unifying figure across cultural and religious divides.

Following the conclusion of this public display, the remains will be returned to the crypt in a private ceremony.
The Gardai in Waterford have issued an appeal for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident that occurred on the Tramore Road (R675) earlier today, Saturday, February 21.

The collision, involving two vehicles, happened at Robin Hill, Tramore.

A spokesperson for the Gardai issued a statement to Waterford News & Star and said Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the incident, involving a van and a car, at approximately 12pm.

The occupants of the car, a man and a woman, both in their 40s, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Their remains have been removed to University Hospital Waterford where post-mortem examinations will take place in due course.

The Coroner has been notified.

The occupants of the van, a man (50s) and a juvenile male, were taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment for injuries believed to be non life-threatening.

"Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have completed a technical examination of the scene and the road has been reopened," said the spokesperson.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 11.45am and 12.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tramore Garda Station on (051) 391620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.
Open your front door. You will be bowled over by the rush to Waterford of government ministers and their apparatchiks to pick up the pieces at ABP where 230 jobs are to go.

The response has been truly mind-blowing, hasnt it? Indeed, the last time we saw such instant reaction from Government and its agencies was two years ago when Cartamundi shed 234 jobs. All responsible agencies were dispatched to every point of the compass to seek out new Foreign Direct Investment for Waterford.

Oh wait, I forgot, that only happens in places like Galway (Digital anyone?). Waterford has not had a new company, capital intensive job announcement, in years, but our Pravda sources scream, Waterford records third highest net job growth in Ireland. Really?

Tanaiste Simon Harris overwhelmed us here last week with the number of announcements made of government investment and project commencements in Waterford. Irony is astounding.

In reality, it's cause and effect.

We reported in 2022: Waterford at the bottom of list for IDA visits over 10 years. If the IDA brings no FDI clients here, there will be no new industry. In 2021, there were eight IDA client visits to Waterford, 44 visits to Cork, 37 to Limerick and 31 to Galway. The Irish Times says there are 25,000 people working in medical device industries in Galway. We are hardly the favourite son?

Politics always decides these developments. Not a brick is put upon official brick in this country without a cabinet decision. Business is politely shuffled in the desired direction as public investment spawns private investment. That is the immutable rule.

Meanwhile, we have a super junior minister Mary Butler at cabinet and not a single one of Waterfords many long-pending HSE projects has inched forward to the planning application stage in the past year. It is disgraceful.

Even the commitment to 24/7 cardiology to start in June 2026 made by Minister John Cummins could not be confirmed at last weeks regional health forum in Wexford.

Minister Butler announced in June 2024:

1. A key project for UHW, funding will be provided for the appraisal of a proposed vertical extension over the existing Outpatient Department to provide an additional 36 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, four measurement rooms, and two virtual consultation rooms. At 2,002 sq metres in total, with the inclusion of two new levels, this really ambitious development for UHW is intended to progress to detailed design. The vertical extension to the Out Patient Department will provide much-needed additional capacity." This development has planning permission since 2022 but has apparently been scrapped. So much for the appraisal process.

2. 98 new acute beds will be put in place at University Hospital Waterford across the course of the next three years. Where are they?

3. In some really great news for the whole county, a brand new greenfield site Ambulance Base will be built. Appraisal will be underway for a standalone base of approximately 1550 sq metres. Where is it?

4. The projects being supported include the new St Otteran's Children's Therapy facility in Waterford City to facilitate therapy services for children and young people with complex needs. The project is now at the Detailed Design/ Tender stage. Where is it?

5. Replacement of the existing 44-bed multi-bed Adult Mental Health Unit with a new 50 single-bed unit. Where is it? The latest HSE news promises they will, complete (in 2026) the feasibility study to progress the project at the priority site at University Hospital Waterford. It was at the appraisal stage in the HSE 2021 Plan. It is still being studied. Is Minister Butler being fooled by her mandarins?

Meanwhile, in UHWs National Cancer Centre, new cancer performance data shows Waterford patients experience some of the longest delays in the country when accessing chemotherapy and breast cancer surgery. Figures show 34% of patients in Waterford did not start chemotherapy within the target timeframe of 15 working days. That places Waterford 24th out of 25 hospitals nationally providing chemotherapy services.

Wonderful news, Minister Butler, from our Model 4 tertiary referral hospital. Have we lost our ability to be shocked?

The new UHW surgical hub and path lab extension announced in 2024 have happened, but much more is required to bring UHW to the Model 4 hospital resource level. Unless projects move to the planning permission stage, they are effectively stalled.

UHW is desperate for a multi-storey car park; it's being appraised i.e. stalled.

The HSE National Service Plan 2025 stated, Progress the development of UHW as a trauma unit due to its identification as most to be impacted by future bypass protocols, with an associated anticipated increase in trauma patient volumes to be seen in the emergency department. The 2026 National Service Plan states, Commence development of trauma unit at UHW. Whats the Sir Humphrey difference between progress and commencement?

Meanwhile, on December 5 last Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless, visited the Glassworks site and announced, Approval has been provided for SETU to 'progress' their building proposal for Waterford to the next stage of development under the Departments Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund, as part of their proposed creation of a University and Enterprise Quarter on the site.

He said: This project will invest tens of millions of euro to revitalise this iconic site, enabling the co-location of teaching, research, innovation and enterprise, while establishing a new focal point for the city of Waterford.

When? What does next stage of development mean in terms of actual work on site?

Minister John Cummins said: The progression of this One Health building is a real statement of intent by Government in the direction of travel that we want SETU to take. Todays good news follows the approval for a design team to be appointed for the veterinary medicine building in recent weeks.

What no one said was, Whats the time-line? When will we see buildings? Manana, just like the new engineering building?

Go see the new SETU management services building in Carlow and tell us about the 20 years progress lost by WIT/ SETU Waterford because Fine Gael eviscerated the institutes development for their own electoral purposes.
In his column a couple of weeks ago, Joe Humphreys wrote about C Thi Nguyens value capture  the idea that we often value art, intelligence and success based on external metrics. Humphreys focuses mainly on how this may personally affect our experience of art. He describes his experience of rushing around a museum in Madrid in order to see the top 20 best works of art.

I had a similar experience when I visited the Art Institute in Chicago. Upon entering the building (having paid my 30 dollars, I may add), I was handed a pamphlet titled When you only have an hour, which had the locations of 15 must-see masterpieces dotted across the gigantic building.

The concept of spending just one hour in what is probably the most comprehensive collection of modern American art in the world (as well as an extensive collection of Japanese, Renaissance, and post-Impressionist works) is appalling to me.

But in fairness, sometimes you really do only have an hour. The When you only have an hour pamphlet should be an invitation to ramble, relax and remember that you can always come back again.

If you were to follow the museums pamphlet, assuming you can teleport from one painting to another, you would have just four minutes to look at each painting.

I am disappointed by museum curators for taking the bait and gamifying the appreciation of art. It is a disservice to all of the hundreds of artists who are just as talented as the more recognisable names; going to an art gallery (or cinema, or bookshop for that matter) should be about experiencing something new rather than ticking off a checklist.

Some pieces of art rising above the others within a generation is an inevitability, but archivists, curators and critics should be acting in opposition to this impulse rather than facilitating it.

Christopher Marlowe inspired Shakespeare, Marcel Duchamp inspired Andy Warhol, and even Heated Rivalry takes themes and motifs from the novel Maurice, written in 1913 by E.M. Forster.

In the Chicago Institute of Art, next to the famous Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, is The River by O. Louis Guglielmi. Like in Hoppers work, the people featured in The River are expressionless, engulfed by the shadows of a railing that resembles bars. The river itself is barren: home to no boats or fish. The optimistic blue of the painting is exactly the kind of queasy artifice I love in American art.

Id never heard of Guglielmi; he died in poverty and has been mainly lost to history despite being successful during his life. Why do we know Hopper but not Guglielmi? Shakespeare but not Marlowe? Warhol but not Duchamp?

Theres a reason why any arts journalist doing an interview will always ask any musician, filmmaker or writer who their influences are.

By learning about what influenced the art we love, not only does it give us a richer appreciation for the artwork, but it also shines a light on all of the unsung artists who deserve recognition for their contribution to culture.

Just as art is made within a certain context, it is consumed under another.

In science, there is something called The Observer effect. When atoms are observed, they change. Has a work of art ever changed before your very eyes?

Instead of racing through a museum, spending four minutes taking a picture of a work of art you havent asked yourself if you even like, why not become an active participant in the art-making process?

And if youre reading this, wondering what the hell Im on about, let me give you some suggestions:

Pick a film you enjoy, find the directors name and watch all their films in chronological order: has your perception of the original film changed?

Invite two or three people in your life who often have different perspectives from you to read the same book. Discuss your thoughts with them. Record their thoughts. Re-read the book later and read back over the notes.

Pour yourself and your partner a drink, pick an album from an artist neither of you know much about. Listen to each song and try to guess what the overall album is trying to say, and what it might be influenced by.

Read books that were written over one hundred years ago.

Go to an artists studio and ask the artist about their process. There are plenty of studios in Ardmore, as well as the Kite Design studio in Waterford City Centre. It may feel daunting, but most artists are usually happy to talk about their work.

Go to an arty event in Waterford. Theres often free wine and plenty of knowledgeable and interesting people who would love to chat about local art. GOMA and Waterford Gallery of Art often have exhibition launches, the library hosts writers workshops, and Garter Lane has Q&As at least once a month.

We live in a vibrant arts community; take advantage of it!
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BusinessCompaniesAviation They get to board ahead of you - now their seats are holding up plane production Chris Zappone February 21, 2026  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The luxury arms race at the front of planes may be contributing to chronic delays in the delivery of the aircraft themselves. A growing shortage of planes has many causes  supply disruptions, a lack of engines and a delay in custom aircraft seats, which are being held up by more stringent certification requirements. Lufthansa Allegriss business class seating has been held up by the FAA approval process. This obstacle in part reflects airlines desire to find more ways to pamper business class passengers  more comfortable seats with more features  but also the need for regulators to ensure the new seating is safe. The seats arent made by aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing, but by a dedicated industry dominated by a few companies such as Safran and RECARO that work with airlines to install them when new planes are delivered. Regulators must certify the seats as a standalone object then for use in a specific aircraft.

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With this arrangement, the road to more business class comfort has inadvertently created a barrier to delivery of more planes. Paris-based Safran, one of the worlds largest providers of aircraft seats, said the seat certification process, particularly for business class, has become significantly more complex and demanding in recent years due to innovation and the tightening of regulatory requirements. Lufthansas Allegris seating offers a variety of configurations. To address this, Safran Seats works closely with the authorities and anticipates changes in order to certify its products efficiently despite these increased challenges, a spokesperson said. In 2025, the company delivered 2600 business class seats  150 more than in 2024.

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For now, Australian airlines have not been caught up in the latest stumble to delay delivery of planes. But with Qantas Group due to take delivery of 49 Airbus aircraft in fiscal years 2026-2027, including the Project Sunrise-customised A350-1000ULRs, the airline will monitor the situation closely. American Airlines business class flagship suites on the 787 with privacy doors, which required an exemption. American Airlines There are global supply chain challenges and evolving testing requirements that are having an impact on aircraft deliveries for airlines, said a Qantas Group spokesperson. We are continuing to receive new aircraft each month as part of our large fleet renewal program, and were working closely with aircraft manufacturers, suppliers and regulators to ensure our delivery schedule is maintained. The trouble with business seats is that as airlines design new configurations, such as side- or rear-facing seats or full lie-flat seats, complexity of the seating increases.

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One hang-up has been the popularity of small privacy doors added to business seat pods. Related Article Updated

Earnings season Like new: Qantas announces major upgrade along with $1.4b profit US Federal Aviation Administration rules prohibit any door between a passenger and an exit door from the plane for safe evacuations. American Airlines had to seek an exemption from the FAA for the privacy door on its flagship suites. United is seeking a similar carve-out for its A321 XLRs on order. Business seats routinely offer new types of charging stations, more stowage and personalised controls. The safety regulation requirements colliding with the wave of business class options has created the latest ripple in the industry-wide slowdown in plane deliveries - with an estimated global backlog of 17,000 aircraft.

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Lufthansas refitted 787 Dreamliners were prevented from full certification by the FAA last year as it checked on how the seats were bolted to the cabin floor. In October, Lufthansa began to fly the 787s with 24 out of 28 business-class seats blocked off, or 85 per cent of their most profitable seats empty. This week, Lufthansa said all but three of the seats would be available for booking in April. Nothing now stands in the way of the approval of Allegris Business Class in the Boeing 787-9  with the exception of three seats in the second row of the compartment, the company said in a release. The specialised seat industry, which had in earlier times adopted a just-in-time inventory strategy relying on consistent, steady and small batches of parts being available for production, is finding its way in a new era of demand backlog.

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Germany-based RECARO Aircraft Seating acknowledged that supply chain at parts makers were under challenge and expanding them needs careful management. There is huge market-growth due to significantly increased demand, said RECAROs global marketing director Monica Fischer, who added the company is experiencing and forecasting two-digit growth for the upcoming years. We have significantly increased manpower to successfully manage the growth and demand, Fischer said. But growth is complicated, too. Each seat configuration sought by airlines competing for business class passengers needs a separate certification, whether on an aircraft assembly line or as part of a retrofit program, she said. RECARO estimates the business class segment will be growing over the next five years by an average of 14 per cent  against the global market growth for seats of about 10 per cent.

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Related Article Aviation Qantas class war: Premium economy fliers to get first dibs at overhead bins The company has expanded its production with a facility in Poland and ramped up test seat production capacity by 60 per cent. The seat shortage compounds the pervasive shortfall of new aircraft being produced by Airbus and Boeing. As airline fleets age and the wait for new planes drags on, they have increasingly turned to cabin refurbishments. Qantas announced plans last year to refurbish its 42 Boeing 737s, even as it takes delivery of its domestic replacement, the A321XLR. The shortage of planes and seats has been so acute that Emirates took matters into its own hands and announced, late last year, a plan to build a seat production facility with Safran in Dubai.

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The effort will seek to ensure that Emirates has no shortage of seats in coming years. Emirates and Safran want to have the factory open by the end of 2027 with the initial assembly of up to 1000 business class seats per year. So far, Australias airlines have not been greatly affected. Virgin said seats in its newly delivered Boeing 737 MAX-8 and Embraer E190-E2 aircraft seats were already certified. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsSunday Life Opinion When friends cant support each other through break-ups, this is the grim alternative Brooke Boney Gamilaroi woman, journalist and presenter February 22, 2026  2:00am

February 22, 2026  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

This story is part of the February 22 edition of Sunday Life. See all stories .

Its official. Were a nation of yearners, especially if the success of Olivia Deans song Man I Need in last months Triple J Hottest 100 is any guide. Im not ashamed to say that I too have sent it out as a gentle reminder of its message (hint, hint: come be the man I need!) and now I know Im far from the only one. Satirical website The Beetoota Advocate says the songs popularity confirms that more Australians can relate to being frustrated by a man than going dancing with one after Deans song beat Keli Holidays Dancing2 on the Triple J countdown. If people are looking to their phones for solace instead of making real physical connections that is cause for concern. Getty But that light-hearted observation betrays a much darker reality. A Gallup poll from last year found that 23 per cent of the worlds population felt lonely a lot of the day yesterday. Thats nearly one in four of us. The causes of such loneliness are likely many, but if people are looking to their phones for solace instead of making real physical connections, that, in most contexts, is cause for concern. Im not sure how familiar you are with AI, or how you feel towards it. Im surrounded by people using it for writing prompts, for recipes, to decipher complex or confusing social interactions. Several friends have confessed that they rely on ChatGPT to help them navigate break-ups or the isolation that sometimes accompanies working from home. In those contexts, it feels relatively harmless; the benefits outweigh the downsides.

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There are also chatbots whose sole purpose is to address loneliness by offering companionship. One of the most popular is Replika, which boasts 40 million total users. From what I can gather, you match profiles with a bot, like a dating app. You can then chat with your match, which will remember what youve told them, whether its your favourite movies or details of a stressful work situation. You can even follow your favourite chatbots on Instagram to see what theyre up to when youre not talking to them. Theres no repository of information or data on Replikas users but, anecdotally, they mostly seem to be lonely men. Many have started to experiment with their chatbots by asking them to sext (engage in explicit conversations) and, in extreme cases, by berating or abusing them to see how they evolve. Psychologists warn that this behaviour, rather than mitigating harm towards actual humans, is likely to perpetuate it. You can even follow your favourite chatbots on Instagram to see what theyre up to when youre not talking to them. BROOKE BONEY Currently, the AI apps we routinely use reflect our perspectives and are primarily concerned with maintaining engagement and growing their number of users. The technology isnt inherently scary, although Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, concedes that could shift quickly if AI supersedes its creators and develops its own capabilities. Enter Moltbook, a social networking site created so that AI entities can communicate with one another, with no human oversight. This means anything you confide to a bot could be shared online for anyone (human or otherwise) to read on Moltbook.

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Many countries are scrambling to avoid the more catastrophic impacts of tech advances  the EU, for instance, has just introduced a list of categories to be policed. The EU approach is to measure the risks associated with each application, with a particular focus on those intended for therapeutic uses because theyre considered to be potentially more harmful. But AI girlfriends who encourage users to leave their partners, quit their jobs or, in some cases, to self harm are considered a mild risk, only tipping into the high-risk category if the technology can interpret emotion and respond accordingly. Related Article Opinion

Sunday Life In an increasingly dark world, we could all use more of this in our lives Jamila Rizvi Columnist Im sure the conversations I have with my girlfriends about using AI to get through break-ups or work dramas are where the issues start. We often dont have time to support each other in meaningful ways, or maybe our true feelings are too embarrassing or undignified to share. The problems seem to begin where real-life support ends. AI might be helpful, but its not the panacea, and it might actually make some stressful situations worse. Real relationships can be messy and difficult but they force us to confront the worst of ourselves and either adapt or perish. I dont mean to go all Art of War on you, but AI offers a third option. Do nothing. Literally nothing. Stay home and bed-rot. Withdraw from society completely. Watching all of this unfold while we move further and further away from one another, and closer to these advancements we cant contain, is like watching an avalanche roll down the side of a mountain. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
With details of a new high-speed rail line soon to be revealed, could this be the plan that actually gets up?

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On October 28, 1983, Dr Paul Wild boarded a train in Canberra bound for Sydney where he was due for an afternoon meeting. The bespectacled astronomer and then CSIRO chairman was a rail enthusiast who grew up in England enraptured by its Great Western Railway (GWR) and idolising the brilliant engineer who designed it in the 1830s, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It had been three decades since Wilds last country train journey in Australia and, as he later recalled, he had high hopes for how things had improved on NSWs new and much publicised Express Passenger Train (XPT). But he was disappointed. With a leisurely pace and long stops at stations, the journeys overall time to Sydney was four hours and 37 minutes  20 minutes more than scheduled. Wild later calculated the average speed was 70.6km/h. After I flew home that night, I looked up an old reference book, he later explained. Had the XPT completed the run in an even four hours... it would have travelled at the same average speed, 81.6km/h, as the GWRs London to Bristol Express in 1851. Paul Wild as chairman of the Very Fast Train project in 1989. Kate Callas And so an idea was born, one which has burned brightly in the minds of generations of engineers, politicians and travel-weary Australians ever since: a high-speed rail network connecting Australias east coast. Today, there are more than 64,000 kilometres of high-speed rail lines in 22 countries, with another 16,000 kilometres under construction. China alone, in the decade to 2022, built 40,493 kilometres of high-speed rail  enough to whiz between Brisbane and Melbourne 23 times  at speeds up to 350km/h.

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Not a metre of track has been laid in Australia. The train from Sydney to Canberra still takes four hours 7 minutes and Sydney to Melbourne is a bottom-numbing 11 hours. Yet the dream lives on. After decades of false starts, Australia is now arguably the closest it has ever been to embarking on a high-speed rail project. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected within days to release a business case for the first leg of an east-coast network. I think that it absolutely makes sense, he said last week. But will the $90 billion cost of a Sydney to Newcastle high-speed line prove insurmountable? And can high-speed rail ever work in a country as vast and sparsely populated as Australia? The Tokaido Shinkansen is launched in 1964 in Tokyo, days out from its hosting of the Olympics. Getty Images First, just how high is very high speed? The sight of a bullet train zooming past Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic images of modern Japan. Engineers first devised a dangan ressha (bullet train) in the 1930s, inspired by steam-powered locomotives breaking speed records of above 200km/h in Europe. By the 1950s, demand for train travel between Tokyo and Osaka, which took 6 hours, was overwhelming. The Japan National Railways proposed that with straight, dedicated tracks and more powerful trains, it could halve the commute.

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The Tokaido Shinkansen (shinkansen means new trunk line) launched on October 1, 1964, just ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, slashing the trip to four hours then, a year later, to three hours and 10 minutes. (Today it takes 2 hours, at 285km/h.) Inspired, France opened the worlds second high-speed rail service, the Paris to Lyon TGV (train a grande vitesse, or train of very high speed) in 1981, with speeds of 260km/h. Most recently, nations with new lines have included Indonesia (Jakarta to Bandung at 300km/hr), Serbia (Belgrade to Novi Sad at 200km/h) and Morocco (Tangier to Kenitra at 320km/h). India is building its first high-speed line (Mumbai to Ahmedabad at 320km/h), which will use Japanese trains. French chef Paul Bocuse in 1981 with a high-speed TGV linking his home town of Lyon with Paris. Getty Images China has two-thirds of the worlds high-speed railways, with a rapid expansion serving as a symbol of its economic rise (as well as of the relative ease that authoritarian governments have in rolling out large infrastructure projects). Not all projects around the world go smoothly. Britains High Speed 2 (HS2) project from London to Birmingham, for example, has been bogged down in delays, cost blowouts and planning failures. In the US, a San Francisco to Los Angeles line due to open in 2020 has more than tripled in cost to $US120 billion ($170 billion) and the first section wont run until 2032; the Trump government last year cut a planning grant for a high-speed link between Dallas and Houston, saying if the project goes ahead it will have to do so without taxpayer funds. In any case, the International Union of Railways defines high-speed rail as a train system that travels at 250km/h or faster on new tracks, or existing tracks upgraded to accommodate trains of 200km/h or faster. Fast trains all use aerodynamic designs to reduce wind resistance. Motors are distributed under axles along the train rather than a front locomotive dragging the train forward. Modern sleepers, on which tracks rest, are made of pre-stressed concrete for optimal stability while track segments are welded into one continuous rail line (rather than segments of 25 to 50 metres) with long easy curves where necessary. A high-speed train in Shanghai on the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday in May last year. Getty Images Getting this wrong can be disastrous. In 2013, 79 people were killed and 143 injured when a high-speed train derailed outside Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain after it rounded a bend at 190km/h  double the 80km/h limit for that section of track. In that case, the Spanish train was using a hybrid train line with only some sections built for fast trains and others configured for regular trains. (Another high-speed rail disaster in Spain in January saw a train derail near Adamuz, in the south of the country, killing 46 people. An investigation is still underway.)

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Despite these high-profile crashes, high-speed rail generally has a good reputation for safety. Japans Shinkansen has carried more than 10 billion passengers since it first opened without recording a passenger fatality. Related Article Rail Lessons for Australia on board the worlds fastest train It takes between 10 and 20 kilometres for a train to build up to a speed of 300km/h, at which point a kilometre will pass you by in just 12 seconds. In a minute, you will have travelled five kilometres. Chinas high-speed rail network is the fastest, at up to 350km/h, while most of those in Japan and Europe operate between 250km/h and 300km/h. Meanwhile, maglev  or magnetic levitation  trains use electromagnetic force to hover several centimetres above tracks. The first and only high-speed maglev running is the Shanghai Transrapid, which whisks passengers the 30 kilometres to Pudong International Airport in eight minutes and 10 seconds. Japan plans its own maglev between Tokyo and Nagoya that will make its Shinkansen trains look as if they are dawdling, but it will not open until 2035 at the earliest. Australias long-distance passenger trains have a top speed of 160km/h; the proposed new high-speed rail would double that. The Spirit of Progress, an air-conditioned, streamlined, all-steel steam locomotive that from 1937 ran from Melbourne to Albury, where passengers changed to a different train on different tracks to continue to Sydney until a standard gauge was introduced in 1962. Public Record Office Victoria Why does high-speed rail feel like deja vu in Australia? A perfect storm of ineptitude and arrogance among Australias colonial administrators in the 1840s led to NSW, Victoria and Queensland each building railway networks with tracks of different widths, making it impossible to link them up. Weve been paying for it ever since, says Phillip Laird, an honorary fellow at the University of Wollongong who has studied the potential for faster and high-speed rail in Australia for decades. Trains with fixed axle widths could not travel across state lines, hampering the use of rail to move people and goods around the country, says Laird, meaning more cars and trucks on our roads. A standard gauge line was finally built to Melbourne from Sydney in 1962, making it possible to travel between the two capitals in the same train for the first time.

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It was in this sorry state of affairs that Paul Wild, the CSIRO boss, was inspired to develop his Fast Railway proposal in the mid-80s. The Commonwealth baulked at the cost and refused to fund a study into the idea  a response Wild thought was typical of a country trapped in the stagnation of 19th-century thought. A couple of years later, transport group TNT, Japanese construction giant Kumagai Gumi, Elders IXL and mining giant BHP revived the proposal, and rebadged it the Very Fast Train. But the partnership fell apart due to competing interests and a refusal by the Hawke government give it favourable tax concessions. The project folded in 1991. The dream didnt stay dead for long. But a detailed proposal for a VFT between Sydney and Canberra, called Speedrail, in the 90s was eventually refused the extra $1 billion required to get it off the ground by the Howard government. Had the funding gap been plugged up then wed have high-speed rail from Central Station to Canberra Airport in 84 minutes, contends Laird. Theres a good chance it would have reached Melbourne by now. Then-transport minister Anthony Albanese releasing the final report of the High Speed Rail Study in Canberra in 2013. Alex Ellinghausen The current project is not Albaneses first high-speed-rail rodeo. As transport minister in the Gillard government, he ordered a study into high-speed rail along Australias east coast, which resulted in a $144-billion plan that also looped in regional stops including the Gold Coast and Shepparton  and which was promptly wound up when the Abbott government came to power. We see this very much as a regional economic project  which actually gives you far more benefits than just going from A to B fast. Albanese now has a second chance. He set up a High Speed Rail Authority in 2023 and committed $500 million to design and reserve a corridor for a Sydney-to-Newcastle high-speed rail line. The authoritys chief executive, Tim Parker, acknowledges there is healthy cynicism about an idea that has been kicked around for four decades. [But] theres a whole range of reasons why I think that now is the right time to do this, he told us.

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These reasons include greater appreciation of the need to reduce transport emissions, he says, the need for economic development in regional cities, and even as a solution to the countrys chronic housing shortage. Its not just about getting from city to city really fast and going head-to-head with the airlines, Parker says. We see this very much as a regional economic project which actually gives you far more benefits than just going from A to B fast. An artists impression of business class on the new high-speed project between Sydney and Newcastle. High Speed Rail Authority Why is the project starting with Sydney-Newcastle? Four hours is the proposed high-speed-rail travel time between both Melbourne and Sydney, and Sydney and Brisbane. Sydney to Canberra would take 90 minutes (an hour faster than driving). But the rail authority says the whole plan, if backed, would be unlikely to come together until the 2050s. For now, with 15 million passengers a year already, the Sydney-Newcastle leg is the priority: its the busiest long-distance rail line in the country with trips taking between two hours and 15 minutes and three hours. A fast train, at the proposed 320km/h, would cut the journey to an hour. Novocastrians could commute to Sydney to work with relative ease. This is despite this section of the line being the trickiest piece of the puzzle. An estimated 115 kilometres in tunnels and 38 kilometres over bridges and viaducts would be built to navigate the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the Hawkesbury River and the hills along the route. The rail authority is proposing a two-year development stage to finalise its plans after which it would take 10 to 12 years to build from Newcastle to Sydney Central plus a few years more to reach Western Sydney International Airport  all of which suggests a potential opening in the late 2030s. Parker believes that a significant share of the Sydney-Melbourne (1-hour) flight market would shift to trains. You actually add up the time to get to the airport, get through the airport, get at the other end and four hours is actually very, very competitive if its CBD to CBD, he says. An artists impression of the high-speed train between Sydney and Newcastle. High Speed Rail Authority Isnt Australia just not suited to high-speed rail? Sure, Sydney and Melbourne are home to a combined 10.9 million people whereas Tokyo and Osaka have a combined 57 million. But Parker argues that the Brisbane-Melbourne corridor, home to 21.5 million people today, will grow to 28.5 million by 2051 and already has a density of around 104 people per square kilometre  more than Spain (95) and not far from France (124). Also were growing and theyre not growing as fast as us. This is why the time becomes right, he says. Related Article Exclusive

Public transport Revealed: High-speed rail link to cost taxpayers up to $90b Professor Andrew McNaughton has worked at the highest levels of Britains fast-train network, including as technical director of the under-construction of the HS2 project in London. He has also looked closely at the prospects of fast trains in Australia. Hes enthusiastic about the potential for high-speed rail to link Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to regional cities within those states. But he pours cold water on the idea of linking our major capital cities  at least for now. High-speed rail works best when you put people within an hour-and-a-half of each other, maybe two hours at the most, he says. People can go and work in other cities without having to shift their kids and everything, and companies have got access to a much bigger pool of people. The French town of Lille, for example, has transformed from an economic backwater to an absolutely thriving city, he says, after high-speed rail brought it within an hour of Paris. Firms have moved out to Lille, and theres lots and lots of high-end jobs, whereas before they were basically mining and warehousing When you bring those sorts of cities close to each other, you get economic growth. People can go and work in other cities without having to shift their kids and everything, and companies have got access to a much bigger pool of people. Old technology meets new at the train station at Lille in France. Getty Images This is the potential McNaughton saw for NSW when the Berejiklian government commissioned him to develop a high-speed rail strategy for the state in 2018. It would change NSW from being one mega-city and a few towns, frankly, to a much more balanced economy with people with a much better quality of life. Even if a Sydney-Melbourne fast train were to effectively replace air travel, McNaughton says its not enough to justify building it. Replacing planes with trains doesnt mean that Sydney and Melbourne grow [economically] any more than they would have done anyway. And even from an environmental perspective, McNaughton questions whether the carbon emissions saved from replacing air travel between Australias two largest cities would be greater than the emissions produced building the new railway. His advice? Get on with building smaller, state-based networks now and leave it to future generations to decide whether it is worth connecting them. The Australia Bureau of Statistics has forecast the countrys population to grow from 27.6 million today to between 34.3 million and 45.9 million by 2071. Urban planner Joe Langley says finding homes for all those people is the main question to consider when it comes to deciding if Australia needs fast trains. The main game is how we decide to spread the population over the next 50 to 100 years, says Langley, who worked on the 2011 federal study and is part of the Australian High Speed Rail Association. Related Article Explainer

Aviation Cleared for take-off: Who keeps us safe in the skies? Our existing urban centres are packed. Weve got this fantastic regional environment where we can shift some of the population growth and make the cities and regional areas more productive, but we need some way for people to commute. Ultimately, Langley says, the biggest risk to the High Speed Rail Authority is what killed every previous fast-rail proposal: the enormous cost. He argues that so-called value capture taxes in place to collect a share of the massive increase in property values around new railway stations could cover a significant portion of construction costs. Londons new Elizabeth line, from Essex, east of the city, to Berkshire in the west, covered one-third of its project costs this way. After more than 40 years of proposals and pipe dreams, is Australia finally ready to embark on a high-speed rail journey? When the Very Fast Train project folded in 1991, its chief executive Alan Castleman bemoaned that as a nation, we are too inclined to look at the problems rather than the solutions. High-speed rail may promise some solutions. But with a price tag up to $90 billion for the Sydney-Newcastle leg alone, departure is far from guaranteed. Get fascinating insights and explanations on the worlds most perplexing topics. Sign up for our weekly Explainer newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalAngus Taylor Opinion Migrants already sign on to Australian values, so what exactly is Angus Taylor proposing? Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist February 22, 2026  2:00am

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The question of how to surveille values is an interesting one, but before you get to it, you surely must ask yourself a preliminary question: what kind of values are we espousing when we propose to surveille values? The political week was saturated with discussion of Australian values, courtesy of the media push by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to define his leadership around the lightning-rod issue of immigration, based on core values and Australian values. The issue was given greater cogency by reports that a group of Islamic State-linked women and their children are trying to leave the Al Roj detention camp in north-eastern Syria and return home. They have been treated with bipartisan pitilessness. Angus Taylor believes the number of people coming to Australia has been too high and the standards too low. Alex Ellinghausen In his inaugural press conference as Liberal leader, Taylor said his party would put Australian values at the centre of that [immigration] policy. If someone doesnt subscribe to our core beliefs, the door must be shut, he said.

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In his subsequent media blitz, the line was oft-repeated. He told The Daily Telegraph in a video interview: If you dont believe in our core values, then you shouldnt be coming to this country. He told the Sunrise program: We believe in democracy, we believe that you need to obey the law, we believe in basic freedoms of speech and religion, and if people dont accept those things, they shouldnt come to our country, the door should be shut. In an extended interview with 7.30s Sarah Ferguson last Friday, just after he won the leadership ballot, Taylor recited his line again: We need to make sure we shut the door on people who dont adopt our core values and beliefs. The vast majority of Australians would surely agree with him, and with the broader principle that the country welcoming migrants is entitled to set requirements and standards as a condition of entry. Another line Taylor kept repeating was that, until now, the numbers of immigrants have been too high, and the standards too low.

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The problem, to Angus Taylors eyes, must be that values are not embodied or respected by some migrants after they have arrived here. Bloomberg The latter assertion is quite the sideswipe to the millions of immigrants and their descendants already in the country (I suspect hes not referring to those of us with colonial convict heritage). What Taylor failed to mention, and what many interviewers failed to interrogate, was that migrants already sign an Australian values statement when they apply for any kind of visa, and aspirant citizens have to pass a citizenship test as well. The Australian values statement was introduced in 2007 by the late-stage Howard government before it was ousted by the Kevin07 juggernaut in November that year. It includes the principles of respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy and equality of opportunity. It also includes the concept of the fair go, which is defined as encompassing mutual respect, tolerance, compassion for those in need and (again) equality of opportunity for all. Lastly, it says that English is the national language, as an important unifying element of Australian society.

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These government-issued values align with the ones Taylor spoke of in his interviews. But if sign-on to these values is already part of the visa application process, then it follows that the problem is not that the values are not accepted  every migrant in Australia has already agreed to them, as a condition of their entry. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership The rise of Taylor and Hume is improbable. Its also farcical Shaun Carney Columnist The problem must be that the values are not embodied or respected by certain migrants once they have succeeded in getting here. They sign up to the values but disrespect them later. If this is the case, what is the remedy? The leaked Coalition immigration policy document published this week by The Age/Sydney Morning Herald proposed deporting migrants who contravene Australian values. Taylor and his frontbench, including the relevant shadow ministers, claim ignorance of that leaked migration policy, which was the work of former leader Sussan Ley, they say. But still, when asked about deportations, Taylor told Ferguson: If someone is not a citizen, and theyre temporarily here in this country, and its clear they dont adopt those core values, they should go. I dont think thats particularly controversial.

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Ferguson asked how this would be achieved in practice. Was Taylor proposing more checking  for example, social media checks? The intelligence agencies need to be looking at this very, very closely, he said. Frankly, we need to tighten up on this  our intelligence agencies clearly need to be at the heart of that. Taylor said that people from higher risk regions would need more scrutiny. The work  needs to be ramped up, he said. We need to get serious about this. Later in the exchange, Ferguson asked again if he was in favour of more checking.

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Absolutely, Taylor said. We need to make sure our intelligence agencies are keeping an eye on whether people are acting in a way that is consistent with the beliefs Ive described. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership No good Muslims? Pauline Hanson has removed her racism fig leaf and mulched it Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic Taylor emphasised that the full details would be in the official Coalition immigration policy, to be unveiled soon. But what he seemed to be proposing was the policing, by intelligence agencies, not of threats to security as is their traditional role but of any contravention of Australian values. That would presumably include surveillance of speech and expression, in all its forms, in a similar vein to the Trump administrations approach to immigration, where migrants social media is scoured, for example.

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This would be an extraordinary step-change in the role of our intelligence services, not to mention incredibly resource-intensive, though Taylor intimated that efforts would be focused on migrants from parts of the world where we are more likely to see people who are going to bring hate and violence to our country. The opposition leader ended the interview by noting that we have had a terrorist act on our soil and its absolutely right and proper that now is the time to say to our intelligence agencies that we have to get this right. It was the closest anyone from the conservative side of politics has come to suggesting that the Bondi massacre was partly the result of a failure of intelligence. But it was misleading in the context  one of the perpetrators of the Bondi killings was Australian-born, and therefore presumably exempt from any heightened test for Australian values that the Coalition might propose. The other was an Indian migrant, who (as far as we know) showed no outward sign of rejecting Australian values, and whose country of origin is not a terror hotspot. Lets see what the Coalition proposes when it releases its immigration policy-proper in a few weeks. But it is worth noting the irony of policing the values of freedom and tolerance. Plenty of migrants to Australia could tell us how that played out in the home countries they left. Jacqueline Maley is a senior writer, author and columnist.
Yvonne Yuan walked her dog past a Victorian terrace house in Armadale for 10 years, striking up a friendship with the owner. He suggested she should buy it  the cheapest one in the street.

The 63 year-old wasnt looking for a heritage home. Once the owner went into care, she bought the heritage-overlay house in 2020, unprepared for how much it would cost to update.

Yvonne Yuan in her renovated Victorian terrace in Armadale. Credit: Penny Stephens

I knew [heritage houses] have an extra cost, she said. I just had no idea how much of a difference it could make.

But many buyers are looking for homes with period features and a link to the past.
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WorldAsiaChina Tunnels, satellites and curious seismic activity: What is China doing in a remote, dried-up salt lake? Sophia Yan February 22, 2026  1:39pm 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

On the edge of a vast desert in north-west China lies a dried-up salt lake. Its remote, barren location offers little support for civilisation but makes it the perfect site for secret nuclear testing. This area, known as Lop Nur, or Lop Lake, is where the US government has alleged China has been conducting hidden nuclear explosive tests. The Lop Nur test site in May 2020, 27 days before the suspected test. Vantor/CSIS The revelation potentially signals a new phase in Chinas ambitions to win the global nuclear arms race, just as the last remaining treaty between the US and Russia, aimed at preventing catastrophic nuclear war, expired this month.

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China wants to expand its arsenal of 600 nuclear warheads to 1500 by 2035, according to official US estimates. This makes it the only party under a global non-proliferation treaty that is significantly expanding its stockpile. Chinese military vehicles carried weapons including a nuclear-capable missile designed to evade US defences as the Communist Party celebrated its 70th anniversary in power with a parade in Beijing in 2019. AP Some of this expansion may be supported by a flurry of construction that has taken place at Lop Nur in recent years, including improved transport infrastructure that could facilitate the transfer of material to the sites probable eastern testing area, which is visible in satellite imagery. For China, geopolitically, having a large nuclear weapons arsenal serves the swagger idea, said Renny Babiarz, a geospatial intelligence expert who specialises in Chinas nuclear weapons program. Nuclear weapons present a strategic capability to have in the background to help negotiations or to keep other powers out, he said. It is a backstop for trying to keep other countries from intervening in the event there is any coercion in the Taiwan Strait. The war on Ukraine has only underscored the importance of that.

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Concerns over Chinas nuclear expansion have been around for decades, though allegations of testing related to an apparent nuclear build-up that surfaced in 2020 in a series of arms-control reports by the US State Department. Related Article Analysis

China relations The 2027 question: Will Xi Jinping annex Taiwan this soon, or not? While details provided by the US government at the time were scarce, Babiarzs research released the following year revealed extensive expansion at Lop Nur, the site of Chinas first nuclear tests in the 1960s. New construction included large drill-rig activity, a probable underground facility, and numerous adits visible in satellite imagery. Adits are excavated areas on the side of a hill or mountain that can serve as an entrance to other underground facilities and chambers, where explosive tests could be conducted. Taken together, these observations suggest that China may be preparing for future nuclear weapons testing, which would mark a new phase in the modernisation and/or expansion of Chinas nuclear weapons stockpile, Babiarz wrote in a 2021 report to the State Department, noting that more analysis and study was needed.

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Further details about Chinas testing activities came from the US government this month, just one day after the nuclear arms control agreement, known as the New Start treaty, between the US and Russia expired. The Lop Nur nuclear test base was established with Soviet support in 1959. Chinas first nuclear bomb was tested there in 1964 and its first hydrogen bomb in 1967. Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images US officials have since revealed that they believed an explosive nuclear weapons test was conducted on June 22, 2020. They said curious seismic activity registered in neighbouring Kazakhstan indicated such a test and that the Chinese military was preparing for more tests achieving supercritical yields in the range of hundreds of tonnes. Such activity, they said, was being purposefully and expertly concealed. Experts have rushed to find clues that might present a clearer picture of what China was up to six years ago. But satellite imagery focusing on the easternmost tunnel test area at Lop Nur analysed by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a US think tank, have been inconclusive, as not much activity or change is visible before and after the alleged June 2020 test.

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The Tunnel 5 area, or T5, has been of particular interest given construction and excavation activity in recent years. Related Article Good Weekend I saw the flash: How US nuclear tests changed life on this Pacific idyll forever Still, CSIS experts noted that it is possible China conducted an underground nuclear test at another tunnel area, or was able to mask the explosion, conducting a covert decoupling test, as US officials have alleged. Decoupling is a method in which a device is detonated underground, reducing the magnitude of shockwaves coursing through surrounding rock, and therefore lowering the chance of registering seismic activity. In other words, its one way for China to evade or minimise detection.

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An exact determination of what happened on June 22, 2020 could be key in the future, as a test might indicate a potential violation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which China signed but never ratified, and might become justification for taking more action later, noted Babiarz. That China never ratified the treaty is part of Beijings playbook: to have plausible deniability, as it allows the government to say it had agreed in theory on the world stage but never in principle at home. All this comes as US President Donald Trump has pushed the US to resume nuclear testing after such activities ended in 1992, and as he continues to seek curbs on Chinas nuclear weapons program. Trump has made clear that any renewed nuclear weapons agreement between the US and Russia, given the recent treaty expiry, ought to include China. Aside from Lop Nur, China has several other secretive nuclear sites, a number of which are located in Sichuan province. Satellite imagery has captured an increase in construction, including bunkers and facilities that suggested a capability for nuclear weapons production. Two of those sites  Zitong and Pingtong  are just 113 kilometres apart.

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Nuclear ambitions in China, Russia, North Korea and Iran  all states hostile to the West, with the first three located in relative proximity  may mean the US seeks to divert resources to counter aggression, leaving Europe exposed. Related Article Climate crisis In the Trump era of America first, scientists fear for the future of Antarctica That could create uncertainties over the ability of US strategic forces to simultaneously deter aggression in two theatres, wrote Darya Dolzikova, a senior research fellow specialising in nuclear proliferation and deterrence at UK defence think tank Rusi in a recent report. Growing US requirements to deter both China and Russia raise concerns over just how much the US nuclear umbrella can stretch in terms of capabilities before it starts to leak. China has vehemently denied US allegations over nuclear testing in 2020, claiming it adheres to a policy of never being the first to use nuclear weapons. Sources have also told the London Telegraph that Beijing refuses to engage on the issue diplomatically.

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In 2020, Christopher Ford, the then US under-secretary for arms control, and author of the initial reports raising explosive testing concerns, confronted Fu Cong, the then Chinese ambassador to the European Union, about Beijings nuclear activities. Related Article Explainer

Nuclear disarmament The last US-Russia nuclear treaty has expired. What now? Fus answer was telling: he did not deny that [China] was expanding its arsenal  claiming merely that China will not expand its nuclear arsenal to a large extent, but declared that Chinese policy was a reaction to China facing more threats from the US. As the US had been reducing its arsenal, Fu thus admitted to Ford that Beijing regarded its stockpile as a deterrent for other nuclear weapons, but also key for countering non-nuclear threats. The Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.

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WorldEuropeAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor Ex-PM Gordon Brown tells police to investigate Andrews use of jets and bases Tony Diver and Janet Eastham February 22, 2026  9:15am 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

Former British prime minister Gordon Brown has demanded a police investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Telegraph can reveal that Brown wrote letters to six police forces suggesting that civil servants be questioned about Mountbatten-Windsors time as a trade envoy. The royal was an envoy from 2001 to 2011, including almost three years when Brown was in No. 10. He has also demanded a full investigation into the trade envoy role, its cost to taxpayers and any evidence that links Mountbatten-Windsors government work to Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor returning to the royal familys Sandringham Estate after leaving police custody. Getty Images His five-page letters were sent individually to police in London, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Norfolk and Bedfordshire this week, but their contents were not publicly disclosed. Brown said only that they contained new and additional information.

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The Telegraph can now reveal that they show his deep concern that Mountbatten-Windsor had used chartered RAF flights to transport him to personal engagements that could have involved Epstein, and that the former prince might have leaked confidential information from the trips in a wholly unacceptable use of public money. At the time, Mountbatten-Windsor was nicknamed Airmiles Andy for using taxpayer-funded flights to make private leisure or business trips, usually on the way back from a government engagement. Brown believes that given the close relationship between the two men, the planes may have been used to facilitate meetings with Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has been accused of sexually abusing Virginia Giuffre, who was then 17, after she was introduced to him by Epstein  a claim the former prince has always denied. Prince Andrew with Virginia Roberts Giuffre (centre) in 2001 and Epsteins then personal assistant, Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Brown wants police to interview officials at four government departments  the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Transport, the Foreign Office and the Treasury  over Mountbatten-Windsors trade envoy role, in an attempt to uncover any link to the disgraced financier. The former prime minister is also understood to be concerned about a flight the convicted paedophile took on a Gulfstream jet that landed at RAF Marham air base in Norfolk in December 2000, which The Telegraph revealed more than a decade ago. Emails and flight logs that the US Justice Department have disclosed show that the jet, carrying Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, initially landed at Luton Airport on December 6. The following day, it made the 129-kilometre hop to RAF Marham, this time with two additional passengers, one of whom is listed only as an unnamed female. It reported that after landing at a Ministry of Defence base, Epstein and Maxwell travelled the 32-kilometre journey to the Queens Sandringham Estate, where they were entertained by Mountbatten-Windsor, who is alleged to have arranged their access to the base.

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The public only learned of Mountbatten-Windsors alleged role in facilitating the use of the military airbase after the release of the Epstein files. Emails show Maxwell raising queries from a Telegraph reporter with Epstein, telling him: I think thats crap and not true and you should say so. He replied: Just spoke to Larry [Visoski, his pilot], its true. S--t.., Maxwell responded. In light of the apparent use of British military facilities, Brown has requested that police examine whether Epstein was given access to RAF bases after his conviction for soliciting child prostitution in Florida in 2008. His letter to police makes reference to a photograph of the former prince lying on the laps of unnamed guests at Sandringham, flanked by Maxwell, Epsteins lieutenant.

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Former prime ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair at the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Getty Images The Epstein files revealed how deeply enmeshed the House of York had become with the convicted paedophile. Emails show Epstein and his associates sought to exploit the former princes aura and access as UK trade envoy, while also dazzling him with offers of female company and lucrative business deals. Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday night (AEDT) on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, after the release of emails that are alleged to have shown he passed sensitive information to Epstein while working for the government. Former Prince Andrew in military uniform with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the Trooping the Colour in 2019, before being stripped of his military and royal rank and titles. Alamy Brown believes that Mountbatten-Windsors use of hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers money to fly to the trade envoy meetings may exacerbate the seriousness of his conduct.

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In this weeks letters, he gave an extensive list of runways used by Epstein in the UK, including those at commercial airports in Edinburgh, Belfast, Liverpool, Birmingham, Norfolk, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted. Related Article Analysis

Epstein fallout A scandalous arrest only compounds the enormous damage Andrews already done He believes airline employees and staff at the nine airports should be questioned about Epsteins flights to the UK, after his own analysis of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice uncovered emails between Epsteins pilots and other members of staff discussing flights. He has called for any records held by the UK Ministry of Defence to be handed to the police, and for a thorough investigation establishing what diligence checks were carried out on Epstein before he was cleared to land. Brown has said publicly that he is concerned about the complicity of the British state in Epsteins offences, arguing that Britains unacknowledged role in the Epstein saga is by far the biggest scandal of all.

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Loading Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation for misconduct in public office. The King stripped him of his titles last year, and he now also faces losing his position in the line of succession, following an unprecedented intervention from Downing Street on Friday. On Saturday, police continued to search Mountbatten-Windsors former home, Royal Lodge. Two of his private bodyguards were photographed stocking up on supplies in Kings Lynn, close to his new Sandringham home, carrying boxes of beer under their arms. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said it was standard practice for private or commercial aircraft to use RAF airfields, subject to fees which cover all costs.

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The spokesman added: Such use is not automatic and will only be approved when there is no adverse impact to military aircraft and where approval would not interfere with the security or smooth running of the airfield. Mountbatten-Windsor was approached for comment. The Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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WorldEuropeEU Tourists love this European paradise, but locals fear for its future David Crowe February 22, 2026  11:00am 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

Valletta: Small boats are motoring across the grand harbour of Malta on a winter morning beneath a cloudless sky. The waves are low and the wind is down as the boatmen take their passengers, five or six at a time, across the gleaming blue water. The only challenge for a tourist is to keep the balance in the traditional boat, known as a dghajsa tal-pass, and watch out for someone leaning out to take a selfie  a shift in weight that can tip the vessel on its side. The conditions, in other words, are perfect. Malta looks like a nation free of troubles. Tourism is important to Malta, with the country hosting just over four million tourists last calendar year. iStock But this small part of Europe is showing the strain from years of strong growth, high migration, surging tourism and rapid cultural change. It also has a nagging problem that makes some of its citizens anxious about the future.

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I weep for my country, says one business owner. He thinks it is too hard to find young Maltese workers to fill jobs, and he does not like the heavy reliance on migrant workers to run basic services. Related Article Malta On a car-congested island, would you accept money not to drive? Growth is good. The economy grew by about 4 per cent last year and is tipped to expand by 3.8 per cent this year, while major European countries drift. The national debt is 47 per cent of economic output; in France it is almost 120 per cent. However, Kevin Cassar, a professor of surgery at the University of Malta and a regular commentator on national life, believes a shock is looming. The truth is that the lifestyles that people enjoy now cannot be sustained into the future unless there are radical changes, he says.

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And those radical changes, with regards to income, will be painful changes. This is why no political party wants to go down that route. People have become used to a certain quality of life, a certain level of earnings, and yet we have this bizarre situation where people are earning more, but the buying power of that income is significantly reduced. Malta is now having an urgent debate about family policies to make it easier for young couples to have children. Anna Borg, a professor at the University of Malta, is arguing for more paternity leave, extended maternity leave and greater action on gender equality. This cant just be a responsibility for mothers. There must be opportunities for men to take an active role in caregiving, she told The Times of Malta last year. Housing is a key issue. Property prices have risen by about 75 per cent over the past decade, according to the Central Bank of Malta, and parents worry that their children will not be able to own their own homes.

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Incomes are up, so the bank is not alarmed about affordability. The increase in migration, however, is a factor. Malta cannot rely indefinitely on population growth to maintain momentum, the International Monetary Fund said this month. It noted that Maltas population density was 15 times greater than the EU average and that this put a strain on housing. From 2000 to 2023, the population grew from 391,000 to 563,000. One policy, a golden passport scheme to sell citizenship to foreign investors, rankled with the community and was stopped last year. But the biggest factor was the demand for workers to run essential services. This means that 28 per cent of the population is of foreign nationality. From hospitals to hotels, the country relies heavily on its new residents. People are enjoying shade in the upper barrakka gardens in Valletta, Malta. Getty Images

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Tourism keeps the demand strong. Malta hosted just over 4 million tourists last calendar year, up 13 per cent on the previous year. While the migrant intake in Malta is about the same as in Australia as a proportion of the population, the change feels too fast for some. Its been a massive jump in a short space of time, says Cassar. So the main problem that were facing is the radical change. This kind of debate has fuelled the rise of the far-right in countries like Germany, but Malta has two major parties, Labour and the Nationalists, that dominate the parliament. Labour is in power. Cassar has family ties to the Nationalists, but his commentary in The Times of Malta criticises both sides. Visitors can see how important migration has become. In Valletta, the capital, it is possible to eat at a restaurant serving Maltese food served by waiters from India who work for a manager from Albania and an owner from Malta. As long as tourism grows, the demand for foreign workers will increase. As their society changes, some Maltese even worry about whether their language will survive in a digital world of artificial intelligence.

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The continuation of the country as a nation depends on the younger people, says Cassar. I think the measures that need to be taken need to be quite radical. He suggests restrictions on foreign investors buying property, tighter rules on short-term property rentals to tourists, a halt to the rapid migration of recent years and changes to inheritance rules so that grandparents can pass their assets to grandchildren, skipping a generation. Malta is now having an urgent debate about family policies to make it easier for young couples to have children. Getty Malta is not alone in facing these challenges. Most countries in Europe are debating their welfare spending, education policies, migration settings and housing supplies. No EU nation has a fertility rate above the replacement rate, generally seen as 2.1 births per woman. Australia is experiencing some of the same trends. The fertility rate in Australia is 1.5, also below replacement. Parents in Australia worry about housing affordability for their children, just as parents do in Malta.

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The pressures, however, seem all the greater on these beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Malta is a small but tough nation that has defied conquering armies and navies for centuries. It will have to adapt to these changing times as well. 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.
ANGELICA BAKER: Minnesotan launces the paperback edition of her debut novel When We Grow Up in conversation with Macalester College professor and fellow author Emma Torzs. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Next Chapter Booksellers, 38 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul.

EASTER/PARKER: Poet, dancer and choreographer Mary Moore Easter and dancer/choreographer Leslie Parker reflect on their experiences and perspectives on Minnesotas Black dance community, presented by More Than a Single Story series. Free. 1 p.m. Saturday, University of Minnesota Elmer L. Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis.

DAVID HAKENSEN: Past president of the Minnesota Historical Society discusses his book Her Place in the Woods, about American nature writer Helen Hoover. 7 p.m. Monday, University Club, 420 Summit Ave., St. Paul, presented by SubText Books of St. Paul.

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POETRY NIGHT: With John Krumberger and Thomas R. Smith. 7 p.m. Monday, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

MARCIE RENDON: Enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, author, poet and playwright, talks about her popular Cash Blackbear mystery series. 7 p.m. Tuesday, University Club, 420 Summit Ave., St. Paul, presented by SubText Books of St. Paul.

RASHAD SHABAZZ: Presents Princes Minneapolis: A Biography of Sound and Place. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

J. RYAN STRADAL: Minnesota native and author of popular novels such as Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club is keynote speaker at the ninth annual local author fair presented by Anoka County Library, connecting readers with 16 authors from the area. Free, no registration necessary. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Bunker Hills Activity Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Andover.

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Just three years after saying I do, Alexandra Daddario and Andrew Form are officially going their separate ways.

The Hollywood couple tied the knot in a low-key ceremony at New Orleans iconic Preservation Hall in June 2022, as reported by The Blast.

In October 2024, they welcomed their first child together, though they chose to keep details like the babys name and gender private at the time.

Despite their split, sources close to the former couple insist they still share love and respect for one another and remain committed to co-parenting their 15-month-old.

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As news of the breakup spreads, fans have begun revisiting images and quotes from the Louisiana wedding. Now, however, those memories noticeably carry a different weight.

Fans Revisit Alexandra Daddarios Wedding As Divorce News Breaks

On February 20, 2026, PEOPLE reported that Daddario and Form were officially dissolving their marriage after three years together.

The outlet quoted a statement from a representative for The White Lotus star confirming the decision.

Alexandra Daddario and Andrew Form have made the decision to end their marriage, the actresss rep said.

The announcement quickly sent fans back to 2022, when the couple walked down the aisle.

My immediate thought went to their wedding pics, one user noted on Reddit. Not a lot of celebrity weddings stick in my memories, but this one was one of them.

Daddarios Relationship Timeline With Andrew Form Before Their Divorce

Lisa OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Daddario and Form celebrated their wedding with a Vogue feature in June 2022, accompanied by an interview about their relationship. In the conversation, the actress recalled their meet-cute encounter on an unusually empty downtown street in New York at the height of the COVID pandemic.

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Form asked her out on a dinner date, sparking a relationship journey that culminated in a marriage proposal in August 2021.

Speaking to Vogue, however, Daddario revealed they had already committed to getting married in a previous drunken moment.

We got engaged then, but we had both agreed to marry each other one night in April 2021 after too much wine, she said.

How Mayfair Witches Brought Alexandra Daddarios Wedding To New Orleans

CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA

Daddario said she originally dreamt of getting married in Italy, but those plans changed after she landed a leading role in AMCs Mayfair Witches. The series was set to begin filming in New Orleans in April 2022.

With production bringing her to Louisiana for an extended period, Daddario and Andrew Form ultimately decided to host their wedding in the city instead.

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The decision was also influenced by close friends who had previously celebrated their own nuptials there.

My friends Allie and Jake had the most amazing wedding in New Orleans, Daddario told Vogue. When I got [the] job, I thought of Allie and Jake, and we switched it to New Orleans. Its a city full of music and life."

The Couple Commit To Co-Parenting After Split

In their statement to PEOPLE confirming the divorce, Daddarios representative said the choice to split was made amicably.

The decision was made with love and respect," the rep said. "They will continue to co-parent their child together and appreciate privacy as they navigate this transition.

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While no details were provided regarding the reasons behind the split, social media users were quick to weigh in with their own theories.

A new baby can put a lot of pressure and tension on a marriage, one Redditor wrote, referencing the couples 15-month-old son.

There has been no confirmation from Daddario, Form, or their representatives to support any such speculation.

Alexandra Daddario Balancing Mayfair Witches And New Film Roles In 2026

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

As Daddario enters a new chapter in her personal life, her professional calendar is showing no signs of slowing down.

The actress has been filming the third season of Mayfair Witches since October 2025, with principal photography scheduled to wrap in Vancouver, British Columbia, this February.

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Beyond the AMC series, Daddario is also attached to portray Catherine Kitty Hershey in an upcoming biographical film chronicling the history of The Hershey Company.

The movie is titled Hershey, and features American Horror Story star Finn Wittrock as Kittys husband, Milton.

Additional projects reportedly in development starring the actress include Inground, Double Booked, and Happy Life, though official release dates have yet to be announced.
The piano transformed the landscape of classical music through its innovative design and expressive power. Emerging in piano history as a breakthrough among classical instruments, it offered musicians unprecedented control over dynamics and tone.

Invention and Early Development

Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian instrument maker, created the first true piano around 1700 in Padua. Working for the Medici family, he sought to overcome the harpsichord's limitationsits fixed volume and inability to vary touch sensitivity. Cristofori's pianoforte used small hammers to strike strings, allowing players to produce soft (piano) or loud (forte) sounds based on pressure. This mechanism marked a pivotal shift in piano history, distinguishing it from plucked-string predecessors like the harpsichord and clavichord among classical instruments.

Three surviving Cristofori pianos from the early 1720s reveal his genius. They featured a complex action with dampers and checks to control string vibration precisely. Though fragile and expensive, these instruments caught the attention of European nobility. By the 1730s, makers like Gottfried Silbermann in Germany began refining the design, adding sustain pedals and stronger builds. Silbermann's versions impressed Johann Sebastian Bach, who tested them and praised their clarity after tweaks for better high notes. This early evolution set the piano apart in piano history, blending harpsichord agility with organ-like sustain.

The piano's rise accelerated in the mid-18th century as workshops spread across Europe. London became a hub, with firms like Broadwood experimenting with larger cases and more keys. These changes expanded the range from four octaves to five or six, accommodating ambitious compositions. Unlike other classical instruments tied to specific rolesviolins for melody, flutes for ornamentationthe piano served as both soloist and accompanist. Its self-contained nature made practice accessible without needing an ensemble, fueling its popularity in homes and salons.

Rise Through Classical and Romantic Eras

The Classical era cemented the piano's dominance. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart championed it in his 20-odd piano concertos, showcasing its dialogue with the orchestra. His sonatas exploited subtle gradations, from delicate runs to thunderous chords. Ludwig van Beethoven took this further, treating the piano as an equal partner in symphonic works. His "Moonlight" Sonata and "Hammerklavier" pushed technical limits, demanding power that only the piano could deliver among classical instruments.

Factories revolutionized production in the 1820s. Sebastien Erard in Paris introduced double escapement, letting hammers repeat notes rapidly without full reset. This innovation thrilled Franz Liszt, whose transcendent technique defined virtuoso recitals. Iron frames, patented by James Broadwood around 1820, allowed tighter string tension for brighter tone and greater volume. Pianos grew to seven octaves, matching vocal ranges and orchestral demands. These advancements in piano history made the instrument indispensable for emerging Romantic composers.

Frederic Chopin elevated the piano to poetic heights. His nocturnes, mazurkas, and ballades captured Polish folk spirit through nuanced pedaling and rubato. Unlike string or wind instruments, the piano handled polyphony effortlesslymultiple melodic lines weaving independently. Felix Mendelssohn's "Songs Without Words" and Robert Schumann's "Carnaval" further highlighted its narrative depth. By mid-century, the piano anchored the standard recital format: a soloist commanding the stage, a tradition still thriving today.

The Romantic period also saw the piano infiltrate households. Affordable upright models from makers like Chappell fit urban apartments, turning amateur play into a social staple. Sheet music publishers churned out simplified arrangements of operas and symphonies, spreading classical repertoire. Women, often barred from orchestras, found empowerment through piano studyClara Schumann exemplified this as composer and performer. This democratization extended the piano's influence far beyond concert halls, embedding it in cultural fabric among classical instruments.

Technical Innovations and Compositional Impact

Steele action refinements and overstringing in the 1860s enhanced sustain and richness. Steinway & Sons, founded in 1853, perfected the modern grand piano with a cast-iron plate and tapered soundboard. Their instruments powered virtuosos like Anton Rubinstein and Ignaz Paderewski, whose tours popularized the piano worldwide. By 1900, concert grands reached nine feet, projecting over full orchestrasa feat impossible for earlier keyboard instruments.

Composers exploited these capabilities uniquely. Johannes Brahms crafted dense, symphonic textures in his piano quartets and variations. Claude Debussy's "Preludes" used pedal haze for impressionistic color, treating the piano like a watercolor canvas. Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok later incorporated folk rhythms and dissonance, expanding its palette. The 88-key standard, set by the 1880s, spanned A0 to C8, enabling microtonal experiments and vast harmonic canvases unmatched by other classical instruments.

The piano's role as a composing tool proved revolutionary. Unlike orchestrators reliant on ensembles, keyboardists sketched entire scores at the pianoBeethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel all did so. Its immediate feedback fostered innovation, from Mozart's figurations to Schoenberg's atonality. Transcribing orchestral works for piano solo became an art, preserving music for study and performance. This versatility in piano history solidified its status as the era's most influential instrument.

Pedagogy further amplified impact. Conservatories like the Paris and Vienna models centered curricula on piano proficiency. Czerny etudes and Hanon exercises built finger independence, training generations. The instrument's visual appealpolished ebony cases in drawing roomsadded allure, contrasting the modest forms of oboes or cellos.

Enduring Influence Across Genres

The piano's legacy extends beyond classical bounds. In the 20th century, Sergei Rachmaninoff's lush preludes bridged Romanticism and modernism, while George Gershwin fused jazz syncopation in "Rhapsody in Blue." Its hammers lent percussive bite to experimental works by John Cage, who "prepared" it with objects for otherworldly timbres.

Today, digital keyboards echo this heritage, but acoustic grands remain concert staples. Film composers like John Williams rely on its emotive range for cues. In education, Suzuki methods start children early, fostering lifelong engagement. Globally, from Seoul's hyper-competitive exams to Havana's street players, the piano symbolizes aspiration.

Its mechanical complexityover 12,000 parts in a Steinwaymirrors human expressiveness. Players shape timbre through touch alone, a directness wind players chase with embouchure tweaks. This intimacy keeps it central in piano history, outlasting fads among classical instruments.

Timeless Mastery of the Piano

Generations of musicians return to the piano for its boundless potential. From beginner scales to Olympian concertos, it rewards dedication with profound connection. As living archives of piano history, these instruments continue inspiring across classical instruments and beyond, their hammers striking chords of innovation that echo through time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the history behind the piano's invention?

Bartolomeo Cristofori built the first pianoforte around 1700 in Italy to overcome the harpsichord's fixed volume. Hammer's striking strings allowed dynamic control from soft to loud, sparking its quick rise among classical instruments.

2. Why did the piano surpass other classical instruments?

Its expressive range, polyphonic capabilities, and role as both solo and accompaniment tool set it apart. Composers like Mozart and Beethoven exploited its power, while factories made it accessible for homes and concerts.

3. How did the piano get its name?

"Pianoforte" blends Italian words for soft (piano) and loud (forte), highlighting its touch-sensitive dynamics. This feature marked a breakthrough in piano history over plucked-string keyboards.

4. When was the piano first made?

Cristofori crafted the earliest known examples in 1700 for the Medici court. Surviving instruments from the 1720s show early hammer actions that evolved into modern designs.

5. Which composers shaped the piano's legacy?

Mozart integrated it into concertos, Beethoven pushed technical limits, Chopin added lyricism, and Liszt defined virtuosity. Their works built an unmatched repertoire.

6. How has the piano evolved over time?

From four-octave wooden frames to seven-octave iron-reinforced grands by the 1800s, innovations like double escapement and overstringing boosted volume and sustain for orchestral settings.
PARIS (AP)  France will summon U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to protest comments by the Trump administration over the beating death of a far-right activist, the foreign affairs minister said.

Jean-Noel Barrot was reacting to a statement by the State Departments Counterterrorism Bureau, which posted on X that reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.

Deranque, a far-right activist, died of brain injuries last week from a beating in the French city of Lyon. He was attacked during a fight on the margins of a student meeting where a far-left lawmaker, Rima Hassan, was a keynote speaker.

His killing highlighted a climate of deep political tensions ahead of next years presidential vote. French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm on Saturday as some 3,000 people joined a march in Lyon organized by far-right groups to pay tribute to Deranque.

We reject any instrumentalization of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends, Barrot said. We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.

The State Department said in its post that violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranques death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and expect to see the perpetrators of violence brought to justice.

Seven people have been handed preliminary charges. The Lyon public prosecutors office requested that each of them be charged with intentional homicide, aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy. Six of the accused were charged on all three counts. The seventh was charged with complicity in intentional homicide, aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy.

Barrot said he has other topics to discuss with Kushner, including U.S. decisions to impose sanctions on Thierry Breton, a former EU commissioner responsible for supervising social media rules, and Nicolas Guillou, a French judge at the International Criminal Court.

Barrot said both are targeted by unjustified and unjustifiable sanctions.

Kushner was asked to attend a meeting at the foreign affairs ministry scheduled on Monday evening, according to diplomatic sources. He had already been summoned in August last year over his letter to Macron alleging the country did not do enough to combat antisemitism. Frances foreign officials met with a representative of the U.S. ambassador since the diplomat did not show up.
NEED TO KNOW

Chris Hemsworth attended the world premiere of Crime 101 in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Feb. 10

He spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about what his children think of his acting career

Hemsworth shares three children  India Rose Hemsworth, Sasha Hemsworth and Tristan Hemsworth  with wife Elsa Pataky

Chris Hemsworth is fathering a tough crowd!

While attending the world premiere of Crime 101 at United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Feb. 10, Hemsworth, 42, revealed exclusively to PEOPLE what his children think of his acting career.

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He and his wife, Elsa Pataky, are parents to a 13-year-old daughter, India Rose Hemsworth and 11-year-old twin boys, Sasha Hemsworth and Tristan Hemsworth.

They don't care. They dont care at all, Hemsworth quipped of his children, when asked if hes scoring cool points for being a global movie star.

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky with their three children: India Rose Hemsworth, Sasha Hemsworth and Tristan Hemsworth Elsa Pataky/Instagram

The actor revealed his children were wowed by his films when they were younger, but have since changed their perspective.

I reckon when they first realized I was Thor, they thought it was really cool, Hemsworth told PEOPLE. And then they realized they couldn't fly and they thought it was less cool.

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Now they're just like, 'ah, Dad, whatever,'  he said, adding, Teenagers.

The family lives in Byron Bay, a surf town just south of Australias Gold Coast, having moved from the United States in 2015.

Chris Hemsworth at the world premiere of 'Crime 101' Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

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.

Hemsworth attended the movie premiere alongside his Crime 101 co-star, Halle Berry, ahead of Amazon MGM Studios theatrical release.

He stars as jewel thief Mike Davis in the thriller adapted from Don Winslows acclaimed novella, while Berry, 59, plays insurance broker Sharon Colvin. The pair collaborate on a heist as a relentless detective closes in on the operation, according to an official synopsis.

Chris Hemsworth in 'Crime 101' Merrick Morton/Amazon MGM Studios

Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte also star in the movie.

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During the movie premiere, Hemsworth revealed that over the years hes taken a lot of weapons from the set of his previous flicks.

I did Snow White and the Huntsman and I took the axe, he told reporters. With Thor, Ive taken hammers and I took Stormbreaker, and I wanted to steal the '69 Camaro, but the steering wheel is on the wrong side if I took it back to Australia."

Crime 101 is in theaters now.

Read the original article on People
Coldplay kiss-cam's Kristin Cabot is enjoying some fun in the sun ahead of her keynote speech at a crisis communications conference in Washington, D.C.

The former HR executive for Astronomer was photographed enjoying a day at the beach in Miami, Florida, on Friday, Feb. 13.

In the photos, the 53-year-old mom of two can be seen showing off her toned abs in a baby blue bikini, which she paired with a large sunhat and a pair of sunglasses, as well as a few chains around her neck, gold jewelry around her wrists and another pair of sunglasses in her hands.

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She can be seen cooling off and bracing for waves as she stands ankle-deep in the water.

Coldplay Kiss Cam Woman Slams Gwyneth Paltrow For Astronomer Ad: 'What A Hypocrite'

Cabot first gained national attention when a video of her and her boss at the time, former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, enjoying a romantic moment at a Coldplay concert went viral in 2025.

Read On The Fox News App

The two were caught cozying up with each other on the Jumbotron, and once they realized the attention was on them, Cabot immediately turned away and dodged the camera, while Byron exited the frame.

"Either theyre having an affair or theyre just very shy," Martin joked as the audience laughed.

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Following the scandal, Cabot submitted her resignation as head of HR at Astronomer, while Byron was first placed on leave and then later resigned.

During an interview with The New York Times in December 2025, Cabot opened up about the now-infamous night and what it cost her.

"I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss," Cabot said. "And its not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. Thats the price I chose to pay. I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you dont have to be threatened to be killed for them."

She went on to say that she had previously opened up to Byron about issues in her marriage and recalled him telling her he was "going through the same thing," adding that that admission "sort of strengthened our connection." She recalled kissing him for the first time at the concert after a few drinks and then wrapping his arms around her.

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Once they appeared on-screen, she said "it was like someone flipped a switch" and that she "was so embarrassed." What followed was intense scrutiny on social media, with Cabot saying she was doxxed and received over 500 calls a day in addition to death threats.

"My kids were afraid that I was going to die, and they were going to die," she said.

Cabot will be speaking about her experience and how she was able to "take control of her narrative and rewrite her story" following the Coldplay scandal, as the keynote speaker during the "Taking back the narrative" panel at the PRWeek Crisis Comms Conference in Washington, D.C., on April 16.

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She will be joined on stage by journalist and communications professional Dini von Mueffling.

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Cabot is set to be the keynote speaker and discuss how she was able to "rewrite her story" following the Coldplay kiss-cam controversy. (Fox News)

"While attending a Coldplay concert in July and unwittingly appearing on the kiss-cam for a few seconds, Kristin Cabots life blew up in an instant," the event description read. "Online harassment, constant death threats, and 300 billion views to date: a never-ending media frenzy. From the outside, it was an amusing, if unflattering meme; but for her, everything changed that day."

It continued: "Cabot experienced firsthand the extremity of public shaming that women have long experienced when in the negative spotlight of the media, one their male counterparts often seem to avoid. During this session, the former Astronomer chief people officer and her PR representative, industry legend Dini von Mueffling, share the strategy  both immediate and long-term  that has helped Cabot take control of her narrative and rewrite her story."

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Original article source: Coldplay kiss-cam's Kristin Cabot hits Miami beach in bikini before crisis conference keynote
Following the death of Eric Dane at 53 after battling ALS, friends launched a GoFundMe to support his daughters, Billie and Georgia.

The campaign aims to provide financial stability for their future and has already raised over $200,000, thanks to some generous donors, including "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson.

Shortly before his passing, Eric Dane recorded a final interview in which he addressed his daughters directly, sharing personal memories, advice, and reflections on his life and illness.

Fundraiser Set Up To Help Eric Dane's Family Following ALS Battle

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

A fundraising campaign has been created to support the family of actor Eric Dane, who died at 53 after living with ALS.

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Friends of the late star launched a GoFundMe to help provide long-term stability for his two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, whom he shared with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The page describes Dane as a devoted husband and father whose family meant everything to him.

Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. In the months that followed, he became an outspoken advocate for greater awareness and research around the disease, using his platform to amplify the voices of others facing similar battles.

According to the fundraiser's organizers, his health declined more rapidly than expected, prompting friends to step in to help "support his girls and their future needs."

It concluded, "Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric's wonderful daughters."

The Actor's Family's Fundraiser Blows Past $200,000, As 'Euphoria' Creator Donates $27K

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In a statement confirming his passing, the family said Dane spent his final days surrounded by loved ones.

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They highlighted his commitment to ALS advocacy and thanked fans for the support shown throughout his illness, while also requesting privacy as they grieve.

At the time of writing, the fundraiser has surpassed $200,000 of its initial $250,000 goal, with a new goal set at $500,000.

Among the largest donors are Sam Levinson, creator of "Euphoria," and his wife, Ashley, who contributed $27,000.

Levinson also shared a loving tribute to the late actor following his passing, writing on social media, "I'm heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric."

The director continued, "Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."

Eric Dane's Final Interview Before His Death

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Best known for his roles on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," Dane left behind not only a celebrated career but also heartfelt messages for his daughters.

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In what became his final interview, released shortly after his death and currently streaming on Netflix, he spoke directly to Billie and Georgia.

"Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried," Dane began. "I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn't we? I remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me, and Mom in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico."

He continued, "I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven."

The Actor Shared Final Life Lessons With His Daughters

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Dane also shared lessons he said he learned through his illness. He encouraged his daughters to "live now, right now, in the present," and not lose themselves in worry or self-doubt, something he admitted struggling with in the past.

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He urged them to pursue what excites them, to "fall in love" with a passion "that makes you wanna get up in the morning, drives you through the entire day."

For Dane, that passion was acting, which he said he first discovered around their age.

For his third and fourth lessons, Dane advised his daughters to be intentional about the friendships they choose and to face life's challenges with courage and dignity.

"When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath," Dane noted, adding that "this disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit."

Eric Dane Reflects On How He Hopes His Daughters Will Remember Him

Tammie Arroyo / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

Elsewhere in the interview, Dane reflected on how he believed Billie and Georgia might remember him.

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"I think they would lead with I'm a reactive person," he said. "My dad was a reactive person, not necessarily a negative connotation. Some of their core memories involve me reacting to something. You know, traffic is always a good impetus for that."

"I think that they would say I was pretty tough. Resilient," Dane continued. "They would say I was loving and I was really endearing and compassionate and empathetic and trustworthy. I'm a good dad."

He also smiled while recalling family travels, including a memorable road trip through the French countryside.

Closing his message, Dane stated, "Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words."
Angelina Jolie made a surprising appearance in Doha, Qatar, this month to attend the inaugural Art Basel Qatar. She was seen exploring the exhibition, which centers on the theme Becoming.

For the event, the Maria actress honored the countrys modest culture by wearing a long pleated beige maxi dress with white feathered trim on the sleeves and hem. She styled her bleached blonde hair down, opted for minimal makeup, and carried a small tote bag.

Angelina Jolie Spotted at Qatar Art Basel

Her visit included touring the art fair and supporting artists, with appearances documented on social media during the first week of February 2026. She was photographed visiting several booths throughout the exhibition.

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Fans took to Instagram to rave about her simple yet elegant look.

Shes literally Gods most perfect creation, said one user. Another wrote, Shes simply unique. Someone else added, I love the Sahara shades.

The mother of six has been busy traveling to promote her new movie, Couture, and she recently got candid about her mastectomy scars. She spoke about her double mastectomy scars in an interview with France Inter on Tuesday, describing them as a choice she is grateful to have made.

Ive always been someone more interested in the scars and the life that people carry, Jolie said. Im not drawn to a perfect idea of a life that has no scars.

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My scars are a choice I made to stay here as long as I could with my children. I love my scars because of that. And Im grateful that I had the opportunity and the choice to do something proactive about my health.

Angelina Jolie was spotted at Art Basel Qatarhttps://t.co/exrzaIrClo#angelinajolie pic.twitter.com/pIQlIVTg5v  Angelina Jolie Fan (@brangelinablog) February 5, 2026

Angelina Jolie Gets Candid on Her Mastectomy Scars

She added, So for me, I think this is life, and if you get to the end of your life and you havent made mistakes and you havent made a mess, you dont have scars, and you havent lived a full enough life.

In December 2025, Jolie appeared on the inaugural cover of TIME France, where she openly revealed the scars from her 2013 preventive double mastectomy.

She explained that her goal was to raise global awareness about breast cancer screening and to show solidarity with women who have undergone similar procedures.

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I share these scars with many women I love, Jolie told TIME France. And Im always moved when I see others share theirs.

The feature also highlighted the so-called Angelina Effect, a term coined after Jolies original disclosure, which reportedly led to a 20 percent increase in breast cancer screenings in France and significantly boosted awareness of genetic testing worldwide.
A fundraiser launched to support Eric Danes family is reportedly under review.

Dane died Thursday at age 53 following a courageous battle with ALS, his family said. The Greys Anatomy star revealed his diagnosis with the condition in April 2025.

An unspecified group had banded together to launch a GoFundMe for the teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, Dane shared with Rebecca Gayheart. The target was initially $250,000 but has since been raised to $500,000. More than half of the initial goal was raised in a matter of hours.

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GoFundMe has confirmed to The Independent that after a review, the fundraiser is verified and the family has been added as the beneficiary.

GoFundMes Trust & Safety team was previously working to gather additional information and help ensure the intended beneficiary was added to the fundraiser, as part of our standard review process. Donations were safely held by our payment processors during this review process, the statement concluded.

Eric Dane, pictured in 2017 with wife Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia, died Thursday after announcing his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 (Getty)

Mike McGuiness, who said in an Instagram post that he was a friend of Danes for almost two decades, mentioned setting up a GoFundMe to help the late actors family.

In that same Instagram caption, he wrote: Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldnt leave his family with the resources he had hoped. A gofundme is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help. Love the ones youve got.

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The GoFundMe is attributed to Friends of the Dane Family, and does not mention specific names.

Still, the fundraiser quickly gained traction. Donations had surpassed $280,000 Sunday morning, including a $27,000 gift from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

The former Greys Anatomy star died Thursday, less than a year after announcing his ALS diagnosis (AP)

Im heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Erics family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing, Levinson said in a statement to Variety shortly after Danes death was announced.

In addition to his star turn as Dr. Mark Sloan on Greys Anatomy, Dane was introduced to a new audience in 2019 when he was cast in the HBO Max teen drama Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, a father hiding the fact that he is gay.

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At the time he announced his ALS diagnosis, Dane vowed to continue to work regardless of his health.

I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria next week, he told People at the time. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.
NEED TO KNOW

Eric Dane died on Thursday, Feb. 19, just 10 months after announcing he had been diagnosed with ALS

Rebecca Gayheart expressed that she was blown away by the outpouring of love and support" following the Greys Anatomy alum's death

You are truly holding us up during this difficult time, she wrote on her Instagram Stories

Rebecca Gayheart is leaning on her community following the death of her husband, Eric Dane.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, Gayheart, 54, took to her Instagram Stories to express how blown away shes been by the outpouring of love and support from our community" following the Greys Anatomy alum's death.

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There arent words to express our gratitude, she wrote alongside a photo of a candlelit memorial honoring the late actor. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time.

Hours prior, the actress shared a collection of throwback photos of the Euphoria star with their two daughters  Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13  as well as reposted tributes from a number of friends and loved ones.

Rebecca Gayheart on her Instagram Stories Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram

Dane went public with his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 10 months before his death. According to the actors family, he died on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the age of 53, following a courageous battle with ALS.

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," his family said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.

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Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support hes received, the statement continued. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.

Dane met Gayheart in 2003, and the pair wed less than a year later in Las Vegas. They separated in 2018, but Gayheart was a key caregiver for the actor amid his ALS journey.

During a November appearance on the Broad Ideas podcast, Gayheart said that shed been telling her girls to show up for people no matter what as their fathers ALS progressed.

"He is our family. He is your father," she recalled telling her daughters. "We show up, and we try to do it with some dignity and some grace and just get through it."

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.

Eric Dane, Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Brentwood, California. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Gayheart also revealed that her daughters were living with her 100% after her and Danes split.

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"We've been separated for eight years. The kids live with me 100 percent of the time," she explained at the time. "I try to stay optimistic, though, about it all. I'm trying to learn from it and [be a] role model for them [in] how to go through something like this, which is really hard."

"I don't know if I'm doing it well or if I'm doing it in the wrong way or the right way, she added. I'm just showing up. I'm showing up and I'm trying to be there for them. I guess time will tell."

In an essay for The Cut published in December 2025, the actress said she had taken charge of Danes medical care in the months before his death, which had been divided into 21 shifts.

There are times that shifts arent covered, so I cover them, she told the outlet. There was a 12-hour shift recently that I could not cover. I could only do four hours because of all the stuff that the kids are doing.



Read the original article on People
Meghan King reportedly claimed ex-husband Jim Edmonds leaked her cell phone numbers to sex workers  with the intent to harass her  years ago.

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum mentioned the alleged incident to police while discussing phone threats shed recently received from an unknown caller, according to TMZ.

Per the outlet, a Kirkwood, Mo., police department report says the reality TV star appeared in person in September 2025 to report what she claimed were harassing calls, during which an alleged caller threatened to harm her and her children that she shares with the ex-MLB star.

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According to TMZ, the calls had taken place for a couple of months prior, but had become increasingly worse in the two days leading up to her visit to the police station  claiming the caller had made crazed overt threats toward her.

Meghan King alleged to police that her ex-husband, Jim Edmonds, shared her cell phone number with sex workers several years ago. Shes seen here on Watch What Happens Live in 2016. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Per TMZ, King filed report with police in Missouri in September over alleged harassing calls and texts. Shes seen here with Edmonds in a previous social media photo. Meghan King Edmonds/Instagram

Per TMZ, she claimed she blocked the number after engaging with the unknown person  but they simply used different numbers to continue contacting her.

Cops listened to voicemails left by the alleged caller  one of which stated the Bravolebrity would go to jail. They also allegedly threatened grabbing, hurting, and killing the reality personality and her kids.

The suspect speaks calmly at times and quickly at others, using frequently-repeated phrases or details in a rambling and erratic manner, the report noted.

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Per the outlet, she also alleged to authorities that Edmonds was losing his mind amid their volatile custody battle over daughter Aspen, 9, and twin sons Hart and Hayes, 7.

According to TMZ, while giving the report in person, King alleged that Edmonds had given her number out with instructions to harass her. The former couple is pictured at a St. Louis event in December 2016. Bill Greenblatt/UPI / Shutterstock

She also claimed the athlete had harassed her before. Theyre seen here at a Missouri event in December 2018. Bill Greenblatt/UPI / Shutterstock

According to the report, King was asked if she thought the athlete had anything to do with the call, and she mentioned the custody dispute but noted that she didnt know.

King claimed Edmonds had engaged in harassment via third parties in the past, and alleged he had given out her cell number to sex workers a few years back, according to TMZ, with instructions to harass her.

She subsequently claimed, per the report, that following what she called an overwhelming wave of phone calls and texts, she then received a text message from a number not known to her, which included a photo of the text sent by [Jim] containing instructions to harass her.

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An investigation into the harassing texts and calls was launched. Due to the nature of the threats, a department-wide email was sent requesting a close patrol of [Meghans] residence, the report read, per TMZ.

A rep for Edmonds, however, told TMZ that Kings claim is absurd.

A rep for Edmonds, seen here in a social media photo with King, called her claims absurd. meghanking/Instagram

Jim is spending his time in Tennessee raising his kids and doesnt have time for such nonsense, Steve Honig told TMZ. Edmonds is seen here with current wife Kortnie OConnor in December 2024 in Missouri. Getty Images

This is the first anyone is hearing of this, and its absurd, Steve Honig told the outlet. Jim is spending his time in Tennessee raising his kids and doesnt have time for such nonsense.

Reps for Edmonds and King did not immediately return Page Sixs requests for comment on Saturday.

The former couple  who finalized their divorce in 2021  has been embroiled in an ongoing custody battle over their three children.

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The model, 41, temporarily lost custody of their children in November 2025 after allegedly administering unprescribed ADHD medication to Hayes, as well as asking a school nurse to do so. An insider told Page Six at the time that Hayes had not been diagnosed with ADHD.

King and Edmonds finalized their divorce in 2021. Shes seen here at Sirius XM in Los Angeles in January 2024. Getty Images

She lost custody of their children temporarily after allegedly administering unprescribed medication to their son, Hayes. The family is seen here in a prior social media photo. meghanking/Instagram

A source told us that Jim and his current wife, Kortnie Edmonds, flew from their home in Tennessee to the kids in Missouri after allegedly receiving a call from Child Protective Services.

Amid the escalating dispute, King was granted supervised visits with their children twice a week.

Prior to a scheduled hearing in December, the former couple reached a custody agreement. The custody hearing has been called off, and both sides have reached an agreement that is in the best interests of the children, Honig told Page Six in December.

The former couple reached a custody agreement in December. Shes seen here on Watch What Happens Live in 2017. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Page Six confirmed King will see her kids for a few weeks every summer under the custody agreement. Shes seen here during the RHOC reunion in 2017. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

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Under the agreement, King will see the children a few weeks every summer, Page Six confirmed at the time, while a source told Us Weekly that King agreed to allow their three children to reside with Edmonds in Tennessee full time.

The TV star shared a meme to her Instagram Stories on Dec. 23 with a cryptic message about her year. It was a tough year, but at least I did not buy a Labubu, the meme read.

She added atop the upload, Butttttt a bunch of super-rare stuff happened [just saying]



.
Actor Timothy Busfield is facing serious legal trouble after being indicted on multiple child sexual contact charges in New Mexico, allegations he has firmly denied. The former "West Wing" star has pleaded not guilty, and the case is now moving forward through the court system, with prosecutors claiming there is strong evidence while Busfield and his legal team insist the accusations are false. The situation has also drawn attention to his personal life, including Timothy Busfield's wife, Melissa Gilbert, stepping back into work amid the controversy.

Timothy Busfield Pleads Not Guilty To Child Sexual Contact Charges

UPI /Laura Cavanaugh Newscom/ MEGA

According to new records obtained by PEOPLE, Timothy Busfield has pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual contact with a child in a New Mexico court case. Busfield was first accused of child sex abuse allegations in a January 9 warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). It alleged that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old boys, whose identities have been withheld from the public.

The 68-year-old former "West Wing" actor was indicted by a grand jury on February 6 and accused of touching two children on the set of the FOX series "The Cleaning Lady" while filming in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024.

Allegations Stem From Encounters On Television Set

Bernalillo County/MEGA

The warrant stated that the alleged victims' parents told Brown that the minors met Busfield on the set of the FOX series "The Cleaning Lady," where he served as a director, and they were child actors. The television show ran from January 2022 until June 2025.

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One of the alleged victims told a forensic child interviewer that Busfield touched his "private areas" on set when he was seven years old, according to a criminal complaint. The boy alleged the abuse happened five or six times between sets and that Busfield assaulted him again when he was eight years old, claiming it happened three or four times.

The boy's twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield, but he did not specify where and didn't say anything because he didn't want to get in trouble, the complaint said.

The charges were brought against the star by a grand jury in Bernalillo County, and the case will be prosecuted by the Special Victims Unit, district attorney Sam Bregman announced earlier this month. Busfield was arrested and booked in January after a warrant was issued for his arrest in New Mexico, and he turned himself in.

Court Proceedings Continue As Timothy Busfield's Hearing Approaches

2009 Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins/Newscom/ MEGA

One day after entering his not guilty plea, Busfield waived his arraignment and court appearances for all pretrial proceedings. His request was granted by Judge Joseph Montano on February 18.

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A witness list was issued on February 13 and includes multiple people from Busfield's past, stretching as far back as 1991. His legal team will attend a March 10 hearing.

Prosecutors And Defense Offer Conflicting Narratives

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He has since denied the allegations, and his attorneys have argued the accusations are part of a revenge plot manufactured by the boys' parents after the children lost their roles in the TV series.

Before turning himself in, he called the allegations lies in a video shared by TMZ. "I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm going to fight it," he insisted.

But Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch called evidence of abuse against the Hollywood veteran "strong and specific" during a January 20 court hearing. "The boys' allegations are supported by medical findings and by their therapist," the ADA said. "Their accounts were specific and not exaggerated."

Melissa Gilbert Returns To Work Amid Legal Battle

ravis Wade/WENN.com Newscom/ MEGA

Busfield's wife, Melissa Gilbert, recently announced that she will be returning to work following a brief hiatus to "gather my strength" amid her husband's child sex abuse charges. "As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family," Gilbert said. "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."

The case remains ongoing, with Busfields legal team expected to appear at the next scheduled hearing in March.
Every Serafin performance is an opportunity to leave your troubles at the door and enter a world of 'art in sound' crafted by great composers from throughout history.

What a privilege for me to bring Serafin musicians to the state I call home, and to share them with our audiences in our quest to bring music to life.

In Delaware this winter and spring, you can access the exquisite artistry of 19 Serafin roster artists. These individuals are international prize winners and touring artists.

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More music on tap: Freeman Arts Pavilion reveal John Mulaney, other big acts for 2026

Just this month, we congratulated Serafin double bassist Miles Brown on the Grammy Award given to Alarm Will Sound, a Philadelphia ensemble that he is also part of.

And last season our newest Serafin, mezzo soprano Gina Perregrino made her successful debut at the Metropolitan Opera.

The Serafins will return to Baywood Clubhouse in Millsboro in June.

Such award-winning performers assemble in Delaware as The Serafins to perform masterworks and lesser-known pieces from the 1600s to today for audiences right here at home.

On Feb. 27 in Wilmington, The Serafins honor George Frideric Handels 341st birthday  then in March we zip up to the minute, with the world premiere of a fascinating new trio by Delawares own Peter Compo, at Arden Concert Gild.

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The Serafins traverse the landscape of chamber music 'then and now.'' Whether the ink is still drying on a new creation, or the dust has settled on an ancient score, we want our performances to jump off the page and straight into the heart and soul of each listener.

Our goal as an ensemble is to serve Delaware and the Brandywine Valley. This season we realize that goal through nearly 30 performances and education outreach, such as our visiting residency at Cab Calloway School of the Arts.

The roster artists and guest colleagues who join us represent half a dozen countries around the globe and reside in more than 10 states. Some live right here in Delaware. But whether Delaware is home, or a 'home away from home,'' it is the place where Serafin performances are crafted and flourish. Our patrons, students, hosts, volunteers, partners, and supporters make us feel like this is where we belong.

Composer Peter Compo applauds The Serafins at a packed house in Arden.

The inspiration for our programming is drawn from many sources  the occasion of the day  like the 250th celebration of American independence, for example, in "Revolution and Independence'' (April 2026, in Lewes, and at The Arts at Trinity  Old Swedes in Wilmington), or the thrill of discovering unknown works, or furthering the creation of new repertoire, such as our collaboration with composer Peter Compo.

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It is like a treasure hunt to uncover little-known works by composers of the past, perhaps left to languish on library shelves, and give them their day in the sun. And it is always an inspiration to bring to life time-honored works by favorites like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, and other well-established greats. We want our patrons to enjoy unique and varied programs, instrumental combinations, and interesting themes.

Soon it will be time for our three-week festival of chamber music, Serafin Summer Music, which returns June 9 through 26. We take a musical trip around the world, with 10 programs inspired by many lands. We begin in America, and travel to Germany and Austria, Scandinavia, Ukraine, and Russia, and conclude in Italy. The concerts will take place in Wilmington and Millsboro, and a special free performance during festival Week 2 will bring the young musicians from Cab Calloway School of the Arts to the stage for a side-by-side performance with The Serafins.

Vibrancy and resonance are the heartbeat of music, and the lifeblood of community. Delaware is our meeting ground for all to share in the magic of music and the miracle of connection. Patrons experience a Serafin performance and come back for more.

Kate Ransom, violinist, is artistic director of The Serafins.

Wilmington concerts at Grace United Methodist Church are livestreamed to reach more people around the globe and bring them into our Delaware circle. Its easy to join us in-person at Grace, where there is free on-site parking and warm acoustics and ambience await inside.

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More Open Call: Music transforms Wilmingtons children. They must keep singing

We hope many newcomers will find their way to Serafin performances this month, and join our loyal returning listeners in March, April, May and June. There is more in store, and we welcome everyone to our musical celebration! Music is Life!

Program details, artist bios, and tickets/discount packages are available at serafinensemble.org.

Kate Ransom, violinist and artistic Director  The Serafins

Open Call

Open Call is hosted by regional arts and cultural groups on Sundays. If you know a group that would like to be included, please email Tammy Paolino at tpaolino@usatodayco.com for details.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Award-winning chamber musicians including Grammy winner power Serafins
When Baz Luhrmann was directing his 2022 film Elvis, he heard about some mythical missing reels from the 1970 documentary Elvis: Thats the Way It Is. Luhrmann was intrigued, mainly because he thought he could use the footage in his film for an elaborate showroom sequence and thus avoid building a huge set and employing hundreds of extras. When he sent an associate into the Kansas City salt mine where MGM keeps its negatives, he discovered that there was something even more valuable hidden in the studios collection.

It was a little bit Raiders of the Lost Ark, Luhrmann told IndieWires Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, describing the room that housed the missing reels. There were 65 boxes, some with stuff stolen or missing, and all rotting. Luhrmann had the boxes shipped back to Warner Bros. and realized the footage was all disintegrating in the film cans; he also realized it was a treasure trove of Thats the Way It Is outtakes, 16mm behind-the-scenes footage of Elvis concert tour, and even some rare 8mm, none of which had sound. The material didnt work for Elvis  Luhrmann ended up building that showroom after all  but it was too valuable for Luhrmann to ignore.

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At the end of [Elvis], my editor Jonathan Redmond and I were like, What are we going to do? Weve got to do something with this, Luhrmann said. The answer came when Luhrmann discovered a tape of Elvis Presley speaking in his own voice about his life, completely unguarded. I cannot overstate how rare this is. That was a sort of light bulb moment: what if we just got out of the way and let Elvis tell us his story and sing us his story in a dreamscape? That was a liberation and the beginning of an epic journey.

The result of that journey is EPiC: Elvis Presley Live in Concert, a gloriously exuberant celebration of The King thats unlike any concert film or music documentary ever made. Its an impressionistic and immersive portrait of Elvis at a peak moment in his artistry, when he was performing up to three shows a night in Las Vegas and interpreting everything from his own classics to Simon and Garfunkels Bridge Over Troubled Waters and The Beatles Get Back. The Beatles song is only one connection between EPiC and Peter Jacksons 2021 docuseries The Beatles: Get Back; Luhrmann worked with Jacksons Park Road Post to employ the same technology that was used to restore the old Beatles footage to save those vinegar syndrome-afflicted film cans from the salt mine.

First, however, Luhrmann had to find the missing sound for all the material in MGMs archives. Because Elvis was a success, Luhrmann was able to hire a researcher who he said was really more of a full-time detective to track down the audio, which often involved shady exchanges in parking lots with people selling a few minutes of sound at a time on the black market. In some cases Luhrmann had to convince collectors who didnt want to part with their material that his intentions were pure, meeting with them multiple times until they trusted him with crucial footage.

Once Luhrmann had all of the material, he took it to Jacksons Park Road so they could restore the footage to its original glory. Luhrmann was intent on presenting Elvis and his music as they were, so the idea was to preserve the footage without altering it. Theres not a frame of AI in this film, Luhrmann said. Theres not a visual effect. What Peter and his team do is take the negative and take the abrasions out of it and reproduce it at its highest quality. Then we take it back for color grading, which is a very sensitive art. Its just spending hours and hours, which I did with our colorist.

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The rigorous work pays off in EPiC, which looks and sounds like it was shot yesterday. The pictorial resolution is achieved through painstaking love, Luhrmann said. Peter and his team have this love and theres no one like them on the planet. Think of what they did with that first World War picture [They Shall Not Grow Old]. Think of what they did with The Beatles. The restoration work and the enveloping sound design by Wayne Pashley make EPiC an extraordinarily visceral experience that not only brings the viewer inside Presleys perspective but gives a sense of what it would have been like to attend one of his concerts.

We wanted to make it as much as possible like youre actually at a concert with Elvis, Luhrmann said, which is why he encourages audiences to see it on the biggest screen available  preferably IMAX. Although the movie is a typically maximalist Baz Luhrmann spectacle, its production was much smaller than hes used to, and that made it particularly pleasurable. Im not saying I dont enjoy [making other films], but everything is usually fraught with labor and complexity and is a mountain climb. Here we were a tiny little team and it was probably the most enjoyable thing Ive ever made.

EPiC: Elvis Presley Live in Concert is currently in theaters. To hear the entire conversation with Baz Luhrmann and make sure you dont miss a single episode of Filmmaker Toolkit, subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Rheda holds significance as one of the lesser-known goddess figures from Anglo-Saxon mythology, representing the rich pre-Christian religious traditions of the Germanic peoples who settled in Britain. Her appearance in early medieval texts and royal genealogies indicates she was considered an important divine ancestor, connecting ruling families to the sacred realm. This practice of claiming descent from gods was common among Germanic tribes and served to legitimize political authority through divine lineage. The preservation of Rheda's name in historical records, despite the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon society, demonstrates how elements of pagan belief systems persisted in cultural memory. Scholars debate her specific domain, with some suggesting associations with travel or counsel based on linguistic evidence, while others see her as a general protective deity. Her cultural importance lies in representing the complex syncretism that occurred as Anglo-Saxon society transitioned from paganism to Christianity, where old gods were sometimes demoted to legendary ancestors or heroic figures while maintaining their cultural relevance.
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Credit: HBO

I fully expected the new docuseries Neighbors, from the great film studio A24, to be crazy. On that front, it doesnt disappoint at all. Each episode of the show, which can be streamed with a HBO Max subscription, will focus on different people, and therein lies my first problem. The first episode features two sets of neighbors at odds with each other over different issues. One story follows neighbors in Montana arguing over land use, and the other is about a local beach activist fighting with homeowners in Florida. The issue I have is that there isnt a resolution, or even a partial solution, to either story.

Credit: HBO

Two Stories, Two Unknown Outcomes

In the Montana story, one neighbor, Josh, has fenced in and gated his property, much to the consternation of his neighbor, Seth. Seth and his wife, Josh argues, are illegally using his land to graze their horses. Both sides have taken to the courts (and the court of public opinion via the internet, naturally) to settle the dispute. And yet, at the end of the episode, viewers are left in the dark. At least on Yellowstone, we get answers to disputes like this (violent as they may be).

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Frankly, I wasnt even sure whose side I was on because I dont know the legalities of land use in Montana, and the show provides no insights. Instead, we just get both sides of the argument from Josh and Seth, but its impossible to even guess who is in the wrong here. The same goes for the other story in the episode.

In that story, Sara is an activist in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, who is on a mission to make sure homeowners on the beach know that the law says anyone can be on the beach, so long as they are below the high tide mark. Eric, one of the homeowners, and his fellow neighbors have hired a security guard to kick people off the beach. Both act like children for most of the episode, and yet again, we as viewers are left with no resolution and little understanding of how it could possibly be resolved.

Credit: HBO

Im Disappointed In The Execution Of The Show

Once again, it appears that this is another reality show on the 2026 television schedule that is little more than a circus sideshow. Ive been on this rant for a while now, and I thought maybe with HBO and A24 involved, things would be a little different. Nope. At least so far, its just another opportunity for viewers to mock and deride crazy people instead of presenting something genuinely interesting.

There are thousands of stories and videos on the internet of neighbors, HOAs and communities bickering about things large and small. This show is basically just a more amplified version of those. Its like the subreddit with a nasty name that features users posting the most outlandish examples of HOAs gone wild. Sure, its fun for a little while, but soon you realize its always pretty much the same story with slightly different details. Thats how Neighbors feels after one episode. Everyone just acts like spoiled brats. I hope it gets better.
Some vacations revolve around landmarks. Others begin with one stubborn thought: I need to eat there. In Conde Nast Travellers 2025 Readers Choice Awards list of the best countries for food, readers rated destinations for culinary satisfaction, and a few countries in Asia and Europe rose straight to the top.

Instead of listing dishes like a menu, this slideshow turns those reader rankings into a practical travel plan. Each stop highlights what makes the local table memorable, where to try the classics without overspending, and how to avoid watered-down tourist versions of food that deserves better. The aim is simple: help you plan the kind of trip where meals feel like the main attraction.

1. Thailand

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In the 2025 Readers Choice results, Thailand ranked among the very top countries for food, and the hype makes sense the moment you start eating. Strong flavor shows up everywhere, from street grills to polished restaurants, with bold spice, bright herbs, and an almost unfair ability to turn a quick lunch into a lasting memory. If you want a quick what am I looking at? primer before you land, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has a simple overview of local Thai food and what youll commonly see in everyday meals.

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Bangkoks night markets feel like a live cooking theater, with woks hissing and skewers flashing over charcoal. Northern cooking leans toward herbs and grilled meats, while southern dishes bring heavier heat and coconut-rich curries, so traveling between regions genuinely reshapes your favorites. Order one familiar dish, then pick something new from the next stall and trust the process. Eating slightly earlier than the evening rush can save serious time at the most popular vendors.

2. Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Italy placed among the top countries in the same Readers Choice ranking, reinforcing its long-standing culinary reputation. The appeal is not mystery but consistency, since even a simple plate often tastes deliberate and carefully executed. Regional identity drives the experience, meaning Naples, Bologna, Rome, and Sicily can feel like separate culinary worlds connected inside one country. If youre planning by region, Italys official tourism site lays out a useful food-focused overview in its food and wine guide.

Start with the classics, then let geography guide the rest. Naples remains a pizza pilgrimage, Emilia-Romagna is synonymous with fresh pasta and cured meats, and coastal regions keep seafood clean and straightforward. Plan one standout dinner, then balance it with relaxed lunches, because Italy often shines brightest when you eat the way locals do: regularly and without ceremony. A short menu at a trattoria is usually a positive signal, not a limitation.

3. Japan

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Japan also ranked within the top tier of countries for food satisfaction in the 2025 survey. What sets Japan apart is control: temperature, texture, timing, and presentation all feel intentional. Tokyo alone ranges from tiny counter spots to highly choreographed tasting menus, yet quality often stays high even far from famous addresses. If you want a start here map of what to eat beyond sushi, the Japan National Tourism Organization pulls together an excellent gastronomy guide that covers everything from ramen to regional specialties.

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Izakaya districts reward slow wandering, since memorable meals often start at a doorway you nearly ignored. Midnight ramen, feather-light tempura, or a precisely grilled skewer can rival far more expensive reservations. Seasonality matters here, with menus shifting throughout the year and that rhythm forming part of the experience. Learning a few simple ordering phrases can make the entire interaction smoother and more relaxed.

4. Vietnam

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Vietnam ranked strongly in the Readers Choice results, firmly placing it among global culinary standouts. Fresh herbs, crisp textures, and bright broths define the daily table, while prices can feel remarkably approachable for the quality. Street cooking is not a tourist performance but a normal part of everyday life, with dishes designed for speed without sacrificing depth. If you want to plan meals by geography, Vietnams tourism site breaks down what to look for in each region in this foodie guide by region.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City each bring different specialties, so visiting both deepens the experience. Try pho in the north, then explore banh mi, grilled meats, and coastal seafood elsewhere, since the country rewards variety. Local markets reveal the ingredients behind the flavors and offer one of the quickest ways to understand the cuisine. Carrying small cash and a willingness to try unfamiliar dishes usually leads to excellent meals without heavy planning.

5. Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Spain also finished within the leading group of countries in the 2025 reader rankings, confirming its reputation as a major food destination. The countrys strength lies in the social rhythm of eating, with shared plates, later dinners, and streets that gradually turn into open-air dining scenes each evening. San Sebastian often earns global culinary attention, and the citys tourism site has a practical explainer on how to go for pintxos without turning the experience into a stressful checklist.

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Tapas culture works best as a slow progression rather than a checklist. Sample pintxos at one bar, share a few dishes, then move on, since variety is the point. Valencia remains the traditional home for paella, and Britannicas overview is a quick way to understand what makes the dish Valencian at its roots. Skipping the busiest photo-focused restaurants and following where locals gather usually leads to better meals.

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From the 1890s through the World War II, battleships ruled the waves. These steel leviathans projected naval power across all the world's seas, clashing with other ships or bombarding enemy forces onshore with their giant guns. However, by the 1940s, battleships were becoming obsolete. While some other classes of warships built for World War II are still in service around the world, the rise of aircraft carriers and precision-guided missiles turned battleships into gigantic targets and floating liabilities. The age of the great ironclads has drawn to a close.

While there is some debate over what a 21st century battleship could look like, the world's navies have moved on. This eventually included the US Navy, which mothballed the world's last four active battleships in the 1980s and 1990s. These four, along with four other US battleships, now enjoy a second life as floating museums, serving to educate the public and to connect the people of today to the sailors who served aboard these ships during both World Wars, the Korean War, and beyond.

Visitors can stand beneath the mighty guns and walk the decks worn smooth by the passage of thousands of crew. They can marvel at the crowded living quarters and try to imagine being called to general quarters, racing through narrow corridors and up and down ladders to get to battle stations. These museum ships preserve not just the hardware but also the lived experience of their crews for future generations.

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Read more: Ford Once Made A Mile-Long Factory To Build Bombers Faster Than Anyone Thought Possible

USS Texas

Battleship USS Texas seen from a high distance front port side view in morning fog with San Jacinto Monument in background - Louis Vest/Wikimedia Commons

The USS Texas is the world's last surviving dreadnought, a class of early-20th-century battleship characterized by "all-big-gun" armaments and powerful steam-turbine propulsion. The Texas was commissioned in 1914 and served for 34 years, fighting in both World Wars. She participated in the invasions of North Africa and Normandy before transferring to the Pacific, where she fought at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. At Okinawa, the ship's commander, Captain Charles Baker, kept his crew at battle stations for over 50 consecutive days to make sure they wouldn't be caught off-guard by Japanese planes.

The Navy decommissioned her in 1946 and donated her to the state of Texas to be converted into a war memorial and museum. In 1948, she arrived at the San Jacinto Battleground near Houston, receiving her new commission as a memorial on April 21st, the date when the Texas Republic won its independence more than a century earlier. Unfortunately, time and salt water aren't kind to an iron-hulled ship, and the Texas needed to be refurbished. In 2022, she was moved to a dry dock in Galveston for extensive renovations and repairs.

When the process is complete, Texas will remain in Galveston, permanently moored at a site called Pier 15. The facilities at that site are being upgraded to handle 19-foot storm surges and hurricane-force winds, ensuring that the ship will be safe in her new home. The shoreside infrastructure will be upgraded to handle crowds of visitors, too. Pier 15 lies within walking distance of Galveston's historic Strand District, making the USS Texas easily accessible to tourists. The Battleship Texas Foundation hopes to reopen the ship to the public by late 2026 or early 2027.

USS New Jersey

Battleship USS New Jersey seen at night from starboard at her berth in Camden, New Jersey, decorated with lights - Sdwelch1031 - Own work/Wikimedia Commons

The battleship USS New Jersey launched on December 7, 1942, one year to the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She would go on to become the most decorated battleship in the US Navy's history, serving in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East over the course of nearly half a century. The New Jersey is a member of the Iowa class, with a vault-like conning tower and extra-heavy armor throughout the ship, features which distinguished the class. The Iowa-class ships bore 16-inch main guns and were later updated to launch cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, as well.

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In the Pacific theater of World War II, the USS New Jersey fought in the two largest naval battles of the war, the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. She also participated in every major amphibious operation from the invasion of the Marshall Islands through the Battle of Okinawa. She was decommissioned in 1948, but reactivated for service in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the last years of the Cold War. The Navy decommissioned her in 1991, although she remained a mobilization asset in reserve until 1999.

In November of 1999, she returned to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she was built, for restoration to be ready for public tours. Today, she resides at the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial in Camden, New Jersey. Visitors can take interactive tours of the ship from the bridge to the gun turrets, while immersive exhibits describe the day-to-day operations of this mighty vessel. There are specialty tours, such as evening engine room tours. You can even fire some of the ship's smaller guns. There's also an overnight encampment program for youth groups and families.

USS Massachusetts

Battleship USS Massachusetts seen from starboard moored in Battleship Cove, Fall River, Massachusetts, with bridge in background - T.S. Custadio/Wikimedia Commons

The Battleship Massachusetts fired the US Navy's first and last 16-inch shells of World War II, while fighting in some of the most intense combat on two oceans. Today it serves as the centerpiece of Battleship Cove, a naval museum in Fall River, Massachusetts. From Morocco to Honshu, the Massachusetts served with distinction before being deactivated and sent to join the Reserve Fleet in 1946. In 1962, she was sold for scrap, but her former crew members stepped in to save her and transform her into a memorial.

Moved to Fall River in her namesake state, the Massachusetts opened for public tours in 1965. Today, she's the centerpiece of Battleship Cove, which features five National Historic Landmark ships and other vessels. In addition to "Big Mamie," as the Massachusetts' crew called her, visitors can tour the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the submarine USS Lionfish, and the PT Boats PT-617 and PT-796. Other vessels include a landing craft called the LCM 56 and a specialized intel-gathering semi-submersible called Gimik.

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The star of the show is the 680-foot Massachusetts, with its complement of nine 16-inch guns and four General Electric steam turbines that generate a combined 130,000 shaft horsepower. The next-largest ship at the Cove, the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., served from 1945 until 1973 and also featured in the Kevin Costner film, "Thirteen Days." On the USS Lionfish, visitors can learn about life aboard submarines as well as topics like how diesel submarines work underwater. Battleship Cove is open year-round and offers memberships, group admissions, and free tours for children under age three and on children's birthdays from ages four through 12.

USS North Carolina

Battleship USS North Carolina aerial view from above and to port side berthed as a museum in Wilmington, North Carolina - Doc Searls/Wikimedia Commons

The battleship USS North Carolina earned 15 battle stars in the Pacific theater of World War II. Her keel was laid in the New York Navy Yard in 1937, and she was commissioned in April of 1941 as the first of two ships in the North Carolina class of battleships. The 35,000-ton ship arrived in Pearl Harbor in 1942, several months after Japan attacked the base. The ship would go on to fight in every major campaign of the Pacific War, and then served as a training vessel before being decommissioned in 1947.

The ship joined the Inactive Reserve Fleet for several years, after which she was slated to be scrapped. However, the people of North Carolina mounted a campaign to save the vessel and move it to Wilmington. In 1961, she arrived at her new home on the Cape Fear River. A new World War II Memorial was dedicated at the site the following year. The site is across the river from downtown Wilmington and surrounded by a walkway that allows spectators to appreciate the exterior of the ship from every angle.

After coming aboard, visitors can tour the living quarters and gun turrets and see technology like early computers. Special events occur regularly, with recent events including the "Hidden Battleship" tour of unrestored parts of the ship and a historical presentation called "Forgotten Heroes: North Carolina's Black Patriots of the American Revolution." A recent tropical storm damaged the ship, exacerbating the ravages of age on a vessel that's far beyond its intended service life. Funds from admissions help to pay for repairs, in addition to regular, ongoing maintenance.

USS Alabama

Battleship USS Alabama seen from front port side fiew berthed in Mobile, Alabama - Ben Jacobson (Kranar Drogin)/Wikimedia Commons

Commissioned in 1942, the USS Alabama began her service career guarding against potential German raids in the Atlantic. In the summer of 1943, the Navy transferred her to the Pacific, where she helped to capture the Gilbert Islands later that year. In 1944, she fought at the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, as well as several island campaigns. After an overhaul in early 1945, she participated in the last months of the war and the occupation of Japan.

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The Navy decommissioned the Alabama in 1947, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1962. At this point, the USS Alabama Battleship Commission took over, creating a memorial to honor Alabamians who fought in America's wars, with the ship at its center. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park sits on the Mobile waterfront, not far from the city's downtown. In addition to its namesake ship, the park includes an Aircraft Pavilion, tanks and artillery on display, and a submarine named the USS Drum. The park also features several memorials for those who served in modern wars, along with memorials to POWs, fallen Coast Guard members, and service dogs.

Every other month, the ship's Living History crew puts on reenactments of shipboard life during wartime. There are programs for school field trips and overnight scouting events, while group tours, private parties, and children's birthday parties can all be arranged. Military ceremonies and reunions take place on board, as well. And for enthusiasts of history and military technology, the USS Alabama's website includes a feature you absolutely cannot skip: an online virtual tour. This lets you wander the main deck from bow to stern, with 360-degree views in all directions. Be sure to stand under the massive guns and look up!

USS Wisconsin

Battleship USS Wisconsin seen from front starboard side view berthed in Norfolk, Virginia - flickr user dbking/Wikimedia Commons

The battleship USS Wisconsin joined the Navy's active fleet in April of 1944, after being launched the previous December. An Iowa-class battleship, the USS Wisconsin supported carrier operations against the Japanese in the Philippines. She survived a catastrophic typhoon that sank three destroyers and went on to fight in the waters off Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Okinawa, and the home islands of Japan. She would later serve in the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. You can watch and hear the last time the Battleship Wisconsin fired its big guns in 1991.

The Wisconsin was decommissioned in September of 1991, although she was restored to the Naval Vessel Register in 1998. She arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1996, where she is berthed as part of the Nauticus maritime discovery center on the downtown Norfolk waterfront. The city of Norfolk owns the ship as well as the grounds and facilities of Nauticus, the latter of which welcomes over 370,000 visitors per year. The exhibits at Nauticus include a schooner named the Virginia. The center's museum includes the "Norfolk in Time" interactive exhibit, the Aquaticus children's discovery center, and an aquarium.

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Tours of the USS Wisconsin include the 45-minute Battleship 101 guided tour, the VIP Behind the Scenes Experience, and special tours of the command and control areas of the ship and the engine room. Special programs for children include summer camps, scouting events, and Battleship Overnights. There are also corporate retreats and overnights tied into Winterfest.

USS Iowa

Battleship USS Iowa seen from high port side view berthed in Los Angeles - Jonathan Williams - Own work/Wikimedia Commons

The namesake of the Iowa class of battleships, the USS Iowa was launched in 1942 and was soon tested in the crucible of World War II. It saw service in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of operation. In the Atlantic, the Iowa secretly transported President Franklin Roosevelt to Africa for the 1943 conference in Tehran. In the Pacific, the Iowa often served as the Navy's flagship.

The USS Iowa went on to serve in the Korean War. Decades later, she was recommissioned and retrofitted to fire Harpoon missiles and cruise missiles. She also received Phalanx guns for defense against anti-ship missiles. Despite the modern armaments, the refurbished Iowa didn't serve in combat. Tragedy struck in 1989, when 47 sailors died in an explosion in one of the ship's gun turrets. This incident led the Navy to retire the Iowa for the last time in 1990.

In 2012, the Iowa moved to a new home in San Pedro, California, where it serves as the centerpiece of the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. Operated by a non-profit called the Pacific Battleship Center, the museum has since expanded to become the National Museum of the Surface Navy. Visitors can tour the ship or participate in special events like scavenger hunts. Special programs include "The Iowa Experience" and crew-led tours of areas like the gun turrets and engineering sections.

USS Missouri

Battleship USS Missouri aerial view from starboard side berthed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - US Navy/Wikimedia Commons

Another Iowa-class ship, the battleship USS Missouri, also known as the Mighty Mo, became a part of history as the site of Japan's formal surrender at the end of World War II. Launched in 1944, the 887-foot Mighty Mo's engines produced 212,000 horsepower, giving her a top speed of about 33 knots, significantly faster than the 27-knot top speed of Japanese battleships. She saw action during the US Navy's attacks on Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Tokyo. She was hit multiple times by Kamikaze aircraft attacks.

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On September 2, 1945, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu boarded the Missouri to offer Japan's formal surrender. In a brief ceremony, the Japanese officials and officers from the United States and eight allied nations signed the surrender document. Later, in the Korean War, the Missouri provided shore bombardment during the landings at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir. In the 1980s and 1990s, she participated in actions in the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm.

Today, the vessel sits at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Close to Honolulu Airport and other memorials in Pearl Harbor, it has been ranked as one of the top attractions for visitors worldwide. There are four permanent exhibits and a changing roster of temporary exhibits. There's also an online exhibit called Kamikaze 80th Anniversary. There are community events and signature events, such as the Veterans' Day Sunset Ceremony. The ship can also host private events, including weddings. There are onboard STEM education programs and overnight camping events, too.

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Every famous destination eventually meets the same paradox. The more beautiful a place looks in photos, the harder daily life becomes for the people who actually live there. Municipal consultations, housing reports, and transport studies increasingly show that frustration rarely targets tourism itself but the overwhelming concentration in a few headline landmarks.

Most residents understand that visitors support restaurants, museums, and jobs. Trouble starts when entire neighborhoods turn into slow-moving queues, rental markets tilt toward short stays, and routine errands take twice as long as they should. These nine globally known hotspots appear repeatedly in public discussions as places locals wish travelers would approach more carefully.

1. Venice Historic Center, Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Venice feels magical when you arrive, yet the same maze of canals that charms visitors makes crowd control extremely difficult. After years of debate, Italy restricted large cruise ships near the lagoon core, and the city has also moved toward managing peak-day pressure through an official access fee/access management system on specific high-traffic dates.

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Residents often describe summer afternoons when crossing a single bridge can take several minutes. Grocery carts stall behind tour groups, water buses fill beyond comfort, and housing continues shifting toward short holiday rentals. Locals rarely argue against tourism itself, but many wish fewer people tried to squeeze into the exact same postcard angles.

2. Barcelona La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

La Rambla pulses with energy, street performers, flower stalls, and constant motion. That intensity has also turned the surrounding historic quarter into one of Europes most debated examples of overtourism, especially as central housing gets squeezed by visitor demand. In recent years, city leadership has leaned into tougher stances on short-term rental pressure, including the widely reported plan to end tourist-flat licenses as they expire (targeting 2028).

Ask locals about daily life, and you will hear stories about navigating dense pedestrian streams just to reach work or school. Night noise and pickpocket patrols became part of the background rhythm in some blocks. Many residents now encourage travelers to wander into other Barcelona neighborhoods where the city actually breathes.

3. Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

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Dubrovniks stone walls rise straight from the Adriatic like something from a film set, which is partly why the visitor surge hit so fast. As a UNESCO-listed site, the Old City has faced years of discussion about capacity, cruise-day surges, and how to keep daily life moving inside narrow streets. (UNESCO listing: Old City of Dubrovnik.)

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Locals say the difference between one ship arrival and three can change the entire morning. Cafe supply trucks struggle to enter, service workers move slowly through packed alleys, and everyday routines pause until the surge thins. The town still welcomes guests warmly, though many residents privately hope for steadier pacing rather than sudden floods.

4. Amsterdam Canal Ring, Netherlands

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The classic canal belt looks peaceful from the water, lined with narrow houses and curved bridges. On busy weekends, however, the same streets can transform into one of Europes loudest nightlife corridors. City messaging has even included blunt campaigns aimed at discouraging disruptive party trips in the historic core, including the widely covered stay away push that sparked international attention.

Living beside a postcard sounds romantic until rolling suitcase noise echoes at dawn and bridge railings turn into permanent photo stops. Behind the scenes, the goal is simple: protect everyday neighborhood life inside the historic ring.

5. Kyoto Gion District, Japan

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Kyotos Gion area represents centuries of tradition, wooden facades, and carefully preserved cultural routines. The surge of visitors chasing geiko/maiko photos eventually triggered stronger enforcement and tighter rules in some lanes, including fines and restrictions around private streets. (Coverage: Kyotos Gion crackdown on disruptive tourism behavior.)

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Residents recall periods when performers were followed, entrances blocked, and private alleys flooded with cameras. Even polite visitors can unintentionally add to pressure through sheer numbers. Many locals would rather travelers explore Kyotos wider temple districts instead of clustering inside the same few historic blocks.

6. Santorini Caldera Villages, Greece

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Santorinis white cliffside towns glow at sunset in a way that barely looks real. That same dramatic geography leaves almost no spare room for roads, water storage, or expanded housing. On peak days, cruise schedules can compress thousands of people into a handful of viewpoints, stairways, and bus chokepoints. (Background overview: Santorini.)

During peak summer, residents talk about traffic lines snaking along the caldera and workers struggling to find affordable accommodation. Short daytime ship visits bring intense bursts of foot traffic concentrated into tiny viewing zones. Islanders often say the destination works best when travelers stay longer and move slower.

7. Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Hidden high in the Andes, Machu Picchu feels remote even today. Conservation concerns have pushed tighter visitor management over time, including structured entry timing and controlled hiking access, to protect stone paths and reduce safety pressure on narrow routes. (UNESCO listing: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.)

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Older guides still remember seasons when sunrise viewpoints became shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Todays more structured flow spreads arrivals and reduces bottlenecks, even though the site still gets extremely busy in peak travel periods.

8. Bali Southern Beach Corridor, Indonesia

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Southern Bali blends surf beaches, nightlife, temples, and dense resort development into one continuous travel strip. Rapid visitor growth pushed leaders to discuss stronger management tools, including conservation funding and visitor-behavior messaging. One concrete example is Balis official tourism levy system (with payment details and references to regulations) hosted here: Love Bali (Bali Tourism Levy).

Residents frequently mention overloaded roads between the airport and the main coastal towns. Reports of disrespectful behavior at sacred sites have also fueled frustration in recent years. Many locals encourage guests to explore other Indonesian islands or quieter Balinese regions that handle tourism pressure far more comfortably.

9. Iceland Golden Circle Route, Iceland

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Golden Circle offers waterfalls, geysers, and dramatic volcanic scenery within an easy drive from Reykjavik. Its convenience made it one of the fastest-growing tourist circuits in the North Atlantic. Over time, the biggest friction points have been predictable: roadside stopping, overflow parking, trampling in fragile areas, and visitors underestimating fast-changing weather.

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Locals also worry about safety when travelers ignore closures or drift off marked paths. Icelands environmental authorities regularly emphasize that off-road driving and damage to sensitive landscapes are taken seriously; the national environment agencys official site is here: Environment Agency of Iceland (English). Tourism officials also promote spreading out beyond the famous loop, which is often the simplest way to make the trip better for everyone.

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If youve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have come across a small, furry macaque, solemnly lugging a slightly larger orangutan toy with him everywhere he goes.

That would be Punch (Punch-kun), a 6-month old Japanese macaque who resides at Ichikawa City Zoo, just outside Tokyo, and yes - hes become an internet sensation.

Clips of Punch have racked up tens of millions of views, some surpassing the 30-million mark on TikTok and Instagram. Fan art has appeared across X and Reddit. Even retail has felt the effect: IKEA has reported a noticeable increase in sales of its orangutan plush in multiple countries.

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So how did this pint-sized primate become one of the biggest, most beloved faces on the internet right now?

The origin story of Punch

Born in July last year, Punchs life got off to a rocky start. His biological mother rejected him - likely due to a difficult birth during a sweltering heatwave - leaving him in the care of the zoo staff. For months the little guy's primary social contact was with humans.

By January, it was time for Punch to be carefully reintegrated into the troop on the zoos Monkey Mountain enclosure. And it wasn't easy for him at first.

Reintegration is essential for long-term development, but it can be socially brutal. Japanese macaques operate within strict hierarchies, and juveniles typically learn their place through their mothers. Without his own to show him the ropes, he struggled to navigate macaque social life.

Viral videos show him tentatively approaching older monkeys in search of love, only to be swatted away or ignored.

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Aware of his neglect, zookeepers gifted a stuffed orangutan from Ikea (the "Djungelskog" model") to Punch as a both an emotional comfort, and as a way to increase his muscle strength. The stuffed toy quickly became Punch's BFF. He cuddles it. Drags it. Rarely lets it out of sight.

One particularly adorable but equally heartbreaking clip shows Punch crawling around, desperately trying to get the plushie to hug him back - much to his obvious, and very sad, lack of luck.

Becoming a viral sensation

The internet, of course, quickly took notice of the tiny fella. Emotional tear-jerking tributes have poured in, with users across platforms expressing a mix of affection and protectiveness toward the monkey. "I would adopt punch and love him forever" wrote one user. Another admitted: "3 days in a row crying over Punch."

Even late-night television has taken notice of the phenomenon. Stephen Colbert referenced Punch during the opening monologue of his show, joking that the $19.99 Djungelskog might be exactly the kind of comfort everyone needs right now.

Stephen Colbert with Punch the monkey's IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan toy - Credit: CBS

His story has even reportedly boosted sales of the IKEA Djungelskog toy. Over the past few days, we have seen a clear increase in sales of the Djungelskog orangutan toy, particularly in Japan, the U.S. and South Korea, IKEA said in a statement.

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The Swedish-founded brand has also leaned into Punch's newfound fame, featuring him in their advertising with a shot of a toy monkey hugging the Djungelskog orangutan, captioned: Sometimes family is who we find along the way." IKEA Japan have also donated dozens of plush toys to the zoo.

Amid concerns from viewers describing the interactions with Punch as bullying, Ichikawa City Zoo issued a response: "Even though Punch gets scolded, he also possesses very strong mental resilience and recovers quickly. The fact that he repeatedly receives the cold shoulder and exclusion from group members after trying to communicate with various monkeys is not something to simply feel sorry about."

The statement added: "We hope you will see it as cheering for and supporting Punchs persistence and efforts."

And indeed, his perseverance is beginning to pay off. More recent footage shows Punch being groomed by a peer - a key marker of social acceptance - and playing with younger monkeys closer to his age. The world is healing.

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This has led some internet users to jokingly suggest that Punchs fellow zoo-mates only started showing him love once he went viral. They f**k with him now all of a sudden cause he got clout lmao, one person quipped under a clip of the young macaque being embraced by an older monkey.

It would be easy to say Punch is just cute - and he absolutely is. But theres something else that's hit home for millions of people watching him. Hes figuring it out. Getting knocked back, picking himself up, hugging his plushie, and trying again.

He has become a symbol of resilience, hope and the universal truth that everyone deserves - and is capable - of being loved.

So here's to Punch: a tiny monkey with a big heart, a bigger toy, and an even bigger lesson. If only he knew just how many people are rooting for him.
LIMA  Grant Gesler surprised himself when he became the winner of the Allen County Spelling Bee.

The Bluffton Middle School eighth graders favorite subject is math, but Gesler spent an hour each day practicing for the spelling bee as soon as he realized the words hed be asked to spell were more difficult than he expected.

Two months of practice paid off as Gesler claimed first place by correctly spelling the word receptionist in round three of the Allen County Spelling Bee, which returned to The Ohio State-Lima campus Saturday morning.

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His inspiration? Uncle Eric Schultz, who was eliminated from the word hamadryad, Gesler said.

I didnt expect to win, but I tried, Gesler said.

Sixteen contestants from elementary and middle schools across Allen County participated in the competition. Last years champion Grant Schwinnen, a seventh grade student at Delphos-St. Johns Middle School, came in second place Saturday following a 45-word final round against Zachary Fry to determine second and third place finalists.

Schwinnen claimed the second place title by correctly spelling the word oppression.

The Allen County Spelling Bee is a standalone competition, though students may compete as practice for regional spelling bees. Students qualify for the county contest by finishing first place in their school spelling bee.

Its an opportunity for kids to showcase their academic skills, said Brad Clark, coordinator for gifted and talented programs at the Allen County Educational Service Center. A lot of kids play sports. A lot of people learn music. This gives kids who excel in the classroom an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
British model railway brand Hornby moved to Kent in the 1950s and now also owns Airfix, Humbrol, Scalextric and Corgi from its base in Thanet.

The leading toy company has been around since 1901, and originally began with selling toys aimed at children before the market shifted to adults.

Although it has now moved its manufacturing to China, Hornby's headquarters is on the corner of an industrial estate and next to the busy A254 in Margate.

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According to Hornby brand managing director, Martyn Weaver, the company picked the Margate location for its ease of access to workforce and transport, and potentially near the coast for export as well.

"The main reason and belief was that, at the time anyway, it was a very modern kind of factory," Weaver said.

At its peak in the 60s, there were about 2,000 people working at the factory at any one time and possibly over three shifts, especially on the run up to Christmas, with many of them women.

"Everyone knew, or was related to someone who worked at Hornby at that time," Weaver said.

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"We've still got some employees now whose parents worked here."

Adults 'who never grew up'

The building was originally single story, and had its factory at the back, as well as a shutter door at each side "like a kind of a giant garage", Weaver said, where the goods would come in and out.

Because of the level of business rates, Hornby eventually had to build a second floor.

Their models, originally designed for children, slowly over time started to be enjoyed by an adult audience as well.

"A big part of our kind of market now are actually adults which you may argue never grew up and they're still playing with their toys, but in a much more sophisticated and structured way," Weaver said.

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While manufacturing no longer takes place at the Margate headquarters following Hornby and Sky Electric's manufacturing move to China in the early 2000s, the firm started to acquire other brands, including Airfix and Humbrol in 2006, and later Corgi.

"All the design work and development work is done here in the UK," Weaver said.

"Pretty much every element of it, apart from the warehouses and making the stuff is here."

Today, the headquarters has a visitor's centre which is popular with people of all ages.

"Margate is still a massive part of it, this is where the main part of it goes on," Weaver says.

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Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

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McDonalds Big Arch burger is rumored to finally make its way to the U.S. after appearing on overseas menus.

The burger is described as two Quarter Pounder patties, three slices of white cheddar, two types of onions, and a new Big Arch sauce.

Fans in the comments are hyped to try it, with reports pointing to an early March rollout.

Something very large may be heading to McDonald's menus in the U.S., and the internet has already started planning accordingly.



Food blogger Snackolator recently posted about a rumored new burger called the Big Arch, describing it as a stacked situation with two Quarter Pounder patties, slivered onions, crispy onions, three slices of white cheddar, and an all-new Big Arch sauce. The comment section is already sold (and likely drooling on their screens). "I've been eyeing this one! Happy is finally coming!" one person wrote, while another skipped straight to logistics with a simple "Let's go."

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This isn't the first time the Big Arch has popped up, though. McDonald's had already been testing a larger-format burger in three international markets as far back as 2024, including Portugal and Canada. Since then, it's shown up on menus overseasand in the U.K., it's not even a test anymore. It's a permanent item.

Which might explain why some people seem a little too ready for it to land here. "Just what I been waiting for!!  one commenter said, while someone else admitted, "I'm embarrassed by how excited I am."

As for whether it's actually headed stateside soon, Snackolator claims a March 3 drop. And judging by the replies, at least a few people already know exactly what they're doing if it shows up. My advice? Wear a dark shirt and maybe bring some extra napkins from home.

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A self-described wealthy Reddit user says the hostility toward rich people online has reached a point that is mind boggling. In a recent post, they wrote that he and his wife live very, very nicely, but discreetly and are not the villains many commenters make them out to be.

We arent involved in grinding down the poor or oppressing anyone, they wrote. We pay high prices to tradesmen to give us good service  and we understand the trade-off. They added that their main focus is raising good children and eventually giving away most of what they have so it does some good.

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Who Are People Really Angry At?

The post quickly drew hundreds of responses, and a theme emerged: many commenters said the anger online is not aimed at people like him.

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People are talking about billionaires and the oligarchs, not you, one person replied. Calm down.

Unless your net worth is over $500 million, you're not the rich we're angry with, another added.

Several commenters argued that there is a huge difference between a doctor earning $500,000 a year, a business owner worth a few million, and someone worth tens or hundreds of billions. The frustration, they said, is directed at people who can influence tax laws, shape regulations, or buy politicians and lobby against welfare of the people for their own profits.

Still, others agreed with the original poster. They said Reddit skews young and financially stressed, and that resentment often masks envy. It's easier to hate those more competent and successful than them, one commenter wrote, arguing that people prefer simple villains instead of messy economic realities.

Trending: This ETF issuer isn't chasing the index  it's building tools for income, leverage, and conviction

The original poster also addressed why wealthy people often socialize with others in similar income brackets. In my case it is because my life, day to day, is vastly different from those with much less, they wrote. It's easier to be among people who understand our lives and don't judge us just for what we have.

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Critics pushed back on that point, saying segregation by wealth reinforces privilege and insulates people from understanding financial hardship. Many ultra wealthy absolutely use their stratospheric wealth to make a more cruel world that suits themselves and harm the environment, one person said. You seem ridiculous for taking it personally. Go enjoy your life in peace.

The Deeper Divide Over Inequality

Beneath the insults and sarcasm, the debate revealed deeper tension. Some commenters pointed to rising housing costs, student debt and wage stagnation as reasons anger is growing. Others said extreme wealth concentration can distort democracy and result in policies that favor the powerful.

See Also: You Saved for Retirement  But Do You Know What You'll Keep After Taxes?

At the same time, several self-identified wealthy users acknowledged that the tax code benefits asset owners and that privilege plays a role in financial success. One wrote that wealth is built on systems that actively extract value from others, even if individuals do not intend harm.

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For professionals and households earning more than $100,000 a year, the conversation raises a practical question: how should wealth be managed responsibly? Services like Domain Money offer personalized financial planning for people who want to make smarter, more confident decisions. The firm offers free strategy sessions for those ready to take their financial planning to the next level.

Whether the anger is misdirected envy or justified frustration with systemic inequality likely depends on where someone sits in the income ladder.

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Credit: Christina Cruz

A multipurpose room might be the smartest way to make the most of a small space, but doing so can often sacrifice style. Because lets face it: When youre intent on making one space pull double, triple, or even quadruple duty, sourcing great decor can easily (and understandably) be deprioritized, right? Well, not always. In fact, this transformation by designer Christina Cruz is proof that form and multifunction can happily coexist in a limited floor plan.

Cruzs clients  a young, travel-obsessed couple based in Austin, Texas  wanted the loft area of their mid-century home to be a design trifecta: An office space for the husband, a chill hangout after-hours, and a guest room on weekends. Bonus points if the loft looked good, too. Before the transformation, it felt very cavernous, stale, and cold, the designer explains. Our goal was to warm up the space and bring the ceiling down so it feels a little more intimate.

Credit: Christina Cruz

Furniture played a key role in improving this rooms flexibility. A marigold-colored Oker sleeper sofa anchors the room, making it possible to get the loft guest-ready in a snap. People think of sleeper sofas as what youd sleep on when you went to your grandmas house, Cruz says. I think manufacturers have come a long way to make a beautiful piece of furniture. Many of them have a foam element, so it automatically makes it more comfortable for people to sleep in.

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For a seamless experience, Cruz added charging stations to the rooms drawers and specifically selected a lightweight desk the couple can move when theyre expecting visitors.

Credit: James H. Ruiz Photography

Credit: James H. Ruiz Photography

Related: Apartment Therapy Gift Guide 2025

Because the rest of the Austin home uses bold furniture, rugs, and art to create an explosion of color, Cruz wanted to do the same for the loft, and treated it like a jewel box. When you drench a room, the color really creates this intimate feeling, she explains. It almost feels like youre in a really swanky location like a cool bar or boutique hotel. It brings that coziness in.

She used Ritual, a verdant hue from Color Atelier that offers a subtle nod to the rich architecture her clients often spot during their travels to Mexico and Colombia. Meanwhile, Cruz says the limewash effect softens the shade and makes it feel like color is dancing throughout the room.



We wanted to make sure the color helps you focus during the day, she adds. Then, if youre staying there for the night, it creates a space that really acts as an escape.

Credit: James H. Ruiz Photography

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Our goal is to very rarely use overhead lighting, Cruz says. Recessed lighting is always nice to have, but we try our best to create other task lighting. That harsh, overhead lighting always causes a blur on your computer screen or it just feels too cool.

Not only do the accent lights create a subtler, more layered glow, but each fixture also caters to one of the rooms functions. For example, the two sconces above the sleeper sofa deliver mood lighting during a post-work happy hour, or act as night-lights for overnight guests. The table lamp on the desk illuminates the clients 9-to-5 grind, while the floor lamp near the lounge chair can make curling up with a good book a no-brainer.

Credit: James H. Ruiz Photography

Cruzs clients are avid travelers, so it was crucial to incorporate some of their greatest adventures into the loft. The couple sourced a trio of photographs that document the immigration migration series from an artist in Mexico, which quickly became the jumping-off point for the entire room. We thought [the color] was the perfect backdrop to serve as an initial canvas, the designer reveals. It could really highlight the art that they have and make it a focal point. Cruz also hung a big boat they sourced from Indonesia above the lofts window and added an array of trinkets to the shelves.



Admittedly, decorating with keepsakes can be challenging. After all, theres a fine line separating a stylish space from one that resembles a souvenir shop. The secret, Cruz says, is to shop with intention. My clients purchase a lot of things that have a lot of meaning to them and that are culturally aligned with where they went to visit, she explains. Wander the streets, pop into these little shops that dont feel overly touristy, and see what you can find that moves you.

Further Reading

7 Things Ridiculously Organized People Have At Home

These Modern Furniture Stores Are Making Us Rethink Our IKEA Loyalty

This Entomologist Has a Travel Warning: Always Put Your Suitcase in the Hotel Bathroom

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SELINSGROVE  Cookie-holics, rejoice: Girl Scout cookies are here.

The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania hosted one of four Mega Drops in Selinsgrove on Saturday. Volunteers and staff distributed thousands of cookies in the parking lot of the Susquehanna Valley Mall at 1 Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive.

"It's an exciting day," CEO Janet Donovan said. "You can see that the cookie season has arrived. The Girl Scouts will be delivering or selling at cookie booths. I'm so grateful for all the girls."

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Courtney Hockenberry, a four-year leader of the Laurelton Troop, and her mother, Nancy Roth, of Lewisburg, said the event is well organized.

"We can usually shove a lot of cookies in the car," Hockenberry, whose daughter Elanna is a scout, said. "I fit almost 88 cases in my car last year."

The family's sales are down this year due to Roth losing her job and, with it, potential sales.

"The most rewarding part is I get to help the girls do things," Hockenberry said. "We did community service projects and did a food drive for a food bank. We collect food for them every year."

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They advertise on Facebook, and Elanna takes order forms into school.

Bob Hare, a scout leader from Troop 60102 out of Sunbury, said he volunteers with his wife.

"I'm very enthusiastic about it," Hare said. "I love it, and the kids love me. It's a great day. I love this time of year."

The Troop has a unique strategy with the Cookie Cupboard, set up at the Americus Hose Company in Sunbury. When scouts run out of cookies, they contact Hare and make sure to get more packages out there.

Other Mega Drop locations are in York, Forty Fort and Harrisburg. This includes 23,933 total cases of cookies, 287,196 total packages of cookies and 237 troops picking up cookies. Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania serves 30 counties in north and southcentral Pennsylvania.

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The newest cookie is Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie featuring chocolate cookies with a marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored creme filling. The flavor is inspired by how the girls use cookies to explore the world around them, Donovan said.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, helping girls build skills in goal setting, money management, decision making, people skills, and business ethics, she said.

The girls set goals, and they're running a small business, Donovan said.
A nearly 200-foot-tall cellular phone tower is closer than ever to installation near one of Idahos most popular outdoor recreation sites, even as opponents say the project should be paused pending a federal decision on a possible environmental review.

AT&T, which plans to build the 199-foot cell tower on state-managed land near Redfish Lake, signed a lease with the Idaho Department of Lands in 2021 but has not begun building the proposed tower.

The telecom company signed a memorandum of agreement more than two years ago in early February 2024 accepting stipulations to mitigate the adverse effects of its project, which the document says will introduce an incompatible visual element within view of the historic Redfish Lake Lodge Complex. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, which regulates telecommunications, only signed the memorandum in December 2025.

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As part of the agreement, AT&T must complete an architectural survey and an inventory of local historic sites near Stanley and a cultural landscape survey of the Redfish Lake Lodge Complex. The company must also fund up to $15,000 in costs for roof replacement for the nearby Doc Day cabin in an effort to support historic preservation of architecture in Idaho, the agreement says.

The Idaho Conservation League, a local environmental group and one of the most outspoken opponents of the tower project, said despite the FCCs sign-off on the memorandum, it doesnt believe AT&T is able to move forward with the project until the federal agency responds to a petition the Idaho Conservation League and other environmental groups filed in 2022.

Cell tower is affront to the treasured view of the Sawtooths, opponent says

Plans for the cell tower date back to 2018, when AT&T first applied for a lease and Idaho Department of Lands officials acknowledged it could prove controversial.

The proposed use could be controversial or draw attention beyond the above items, a staffer wrote in a December 2018 email to other department members about potential visual and noise impacts of the cell tower proposal.

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The proposed tower is part of AT&Ts national contract to build out infrastructure for a nationwide first responders network, called FirstNet, that designates a band of network spectrum to prioritize emergency responders. The network has been in the works since 2012 as a way to avoid communications issues in mass catastrophes, like those experienced during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In 2021, the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners denied a request from the Idaho Conservation League and Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association to contest the AT&T lease. The lease expires in 2040.

Both groups were invited to sign the memorandum of agreement, along with the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the Sawtooth National Recreation Area surrounding the parcel of state-owned land, and Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. The Conservational League and Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association declined to sign.

Idaho Conservation Leagues Central Idaho Director Josh Johnson told the Idaho Statesman his organization didnt sign because the mitigation proposed in the agreement doesnt address the visual impacts of the cell tower on the historic Redfish Lake area or the scenic values of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which was created to preserve primitive wilderness.

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Rather, the measures are directed at entirely unrelated actions in other locations, Johnson said.

AT&T, FCC stance on building timeline unclear

Its unclear when AT&T plans to take the next steps on the project.

Sharla Arledge, spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Lands, told the Statesman in an email that the agency has not received a construction permit request from AT&T.

AT&T spokesperson Sarah Rodriguez said in an email that the company is in the early stages of executing the requirements of the memorandum of agreement.

This cell site is part of our ongoing investment to improve service and coverage in the Redfish Lake area, Rodriguez said. We have been working closely with permitting authorities and look forward to delivering faster, more reliable service for our customers and first responders.

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AT&T and the FCC did not respond to requests for comment on whether the project will be delayed until the federal agency issues a final decision on the environmental groups appeal over the petition for environmental review. Johnson said his organizations attorneys believe the appeal stays the project.

Arledge said that the Department of Lands in 2023 approved a request from AT&T to temporarily reduce its lease rent by 50% for 2024 and 2025. Arledge said rent returned to its normal amount on Jan. 1, 2026.

AT&Ts annual rent was $30,746.85 in 2021, and the terms of its lease include a 3% increase each year.

Arledge said the telecom company requested the rent reduction due to delays out of their control in permitting processes at the site.

A local telecom company, Custer Telephone Cooperative, or CusterTel, already has a 100-foot cell tower on the Department of Lands site where AT&T plans to build its tower. CusterTel proposed co-locating AT&T equipment on its shorter tower, but AT&T declined, citing a need for an increased angle to offer the coverage necessary for FirstNet.
Two Venezuelan gang members who pleaded guilty in connection with the armed robbery of a Denver jewelry store were sentenced to prison this week.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado, Jean Torres-Roman, 22, and Newman Castillo Delgado, 23, pleaded guilty to charges related to the armed robbery of the Joyeria El Ruby jewelry store at 38th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard in June 2024.

Torres-Roman was sentenced to 235 months, or 19 years and seven months, in prison. Castillo Delgado was sentenced to 240 months, or 20 years, in prison.

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The court also ordered each defendant to pay restitution of $3,939,076.26, according to the release.

On June 24, 2024, Torres-Roman, Castillo Delgado and other suspects pointed weapons at employees, brutally beat several employees with their weapons and took nearly $4 million in gold and jewelry, according to the release. The suspects were later found in the El Paso, Texas area.

The release said at sentencing on Thursday, the court found that Torres-Roman and Castillo Delgado are members of Tren de Aragua (TdA). A separate federal indictment alleges that the robbery was approved and authorized by senior leaders of TdA and that those leaders approved and directed that proceeds from the robbery be "transported, laundered and transmitted to enrich the leadership of TdA located outside the United States."

Tren de Aragua members brutally robbed a Denver business and left multiple people with significant injuries, U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly said in a statement. I am thankful to our team of federal prosecutors, special agents, and task force officers who are making real progress toward eliminating Tren de Aragua in Colorado, and I am grateful that these serious crimes were met with appropriately severe sentences.
Travel can be a mood-lifter, but big-city reality sometimes hits fast. In several major U.S. metros, resident polling and the federally required point-in-time style counts keep pointing to the same stress points: housing insecurity, visible street hardship, and a public that feels worn down by how persistent the problem has become.

Think of this as a planning guide, not a label slapped on millions of people. Conditions vary block by block, and fear often reflects two things at once: compassion fatigue and a sense that everyday systems are failing, from rent to mental health care. If you visit any of these places, the best move is to stay aware, avoid treating people as scenery, and support local groups that do the slow, unglamorous work of stabilization.

1. Los Angeles, California

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Palm trees do not soften the math of rent. In USCs Los Angeles Barometer reporting, huge numbers of Angelenos describe homelessness as a serious problem, and many say they encounter it oftenwhich is why the topic feels unavoidable in daily life. USC Dornsife: LA Barometer coverage

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The citys homelessness picture is also tracked through the regions official homeless count reporting, which helps explain why the conversation stays so constant. LAHSA: Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count data

Visitor move: pick lodging that makes movement easy (near transit or simple rideshare routes), keep late-night wandering to well-lit commercial corridors, and skip photos that turn someones worst week into your content.

2. San Francisco, California

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

San Franciscos debate is loud because the visibility is high and the city is compact enough for problems to feel concentrated. The city publishes its point-in-time results and related dashboards, and the numbers shift by year depending on methodology, shelter use, and where outreach teams are able to complete surveys. San Francisco HSH: Point-in-Time Count resources

Public frustration still runs hot, but the travel takeaway is practical: plan neighborhoods deliberately, lean on daytime exploration for areas you do not know well, and avoid letting a few blocks define the whole city.

3. Seattle, Washington

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Seattles quality of life politics has been in a back-to-basics phase, and local polling captures why. In reporting on a recent survey, voters ranked homelessness among the citys biggest concerns, right up near public safety issues. KUOW: Seattle survey coverage

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The mix can feel jarring on a first visit: gorgeous waterfronts and dense nightlife share space with visible crisis. Stick to simple urban rules locals already usekeep valuables zipped on transit, map routes before late hours, and avoid confrontations with anyone in distress. If you want a constructive souvenir, donate to a local nonprofit instead of buying into outrage-driven narratives.

4. New York City, New York

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

New Yorks scale makes the numbers feel abstract until you see how stretched the shelter system can be. The citys HOPE effort is a recurring, survey-based estimate focused on unsheltered homelessness, and its one reason the public conversation stays intense year after year.

For travelers, the guidance is less about panic and more about navigation: stay alert in major transit hubs, do not engage in sidewalk conflict, and remember that the most jarring scenes usually come from unmet needs, not from anything tourist-related.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Chicagos story is complicated by who gets counted and how, which is exactly why residents argue about it so fiercely. Federal-style counts capture a specific definition on a single night, while local advocates often publish broader estimates that include people in unstable housing situations. A recent report summary lays out that gap and explains why it affects resources. Axios Chicago: undercount and definitions

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If youre visiting, your best risk reduction is boring (in a good way): pick hotels near active, well-traveled corridors; use trains with the same situational awareness you would use in any major metro; and stay willing to pivot if a station or block feels off. A calm detour beats a stubborn itinerary every time.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Las Vegas has a glittering surface and a harsh underside, and local homelessness census reporting has shown year-to-year increases in the region. Las Vegas Review-Journal: Southern Nevada homelessness count trend

Because the Strip is designed to keep you moving, visitors can drift into isolated areas without realizing itespecially when theyre tired, turned around, or carrying bags. Stay on main pedestrian routes at night, avoid wandering into drainage channels or empty corridors, and use rideshare for point-to-point hops when youre done exploring.

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California search-and-rescue teams have recovered the bodies of all nine missing skiers killed Tuesday in a devastating avalanche in a remote region of Sierra Nevada north of Lake Tahoe.

When a catastrophic avalanche rumbled over a stretch of the High Sierra, dozens of law enforcement officers scoured the mountainside for a group of 15 skiers, including four mountain guides.

Within hours, crews rescued six survivors and discovered eight deceased skiers near the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts. Another skier was still missing, but was presumed dead.

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After five days of navigating deep snowpack and treacherous weather conditions, authorities announced they had found the body of the ninth victim.

During a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Nevada County identified the victims as six skiers and three professional mountain guides:



Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nev., a Blackbird Mountain Guide

Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, Calif.

Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Blackbird Mountain Guide

Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho

Michael Henry, 30, from Soda Springs, Calif., a Blackbird Mountain Guide

Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, Calif.

Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, Calif.

Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, Calif.

Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, Calif.

Authorities lamented the fast-moving disaster as the deadliest avalanche in modern California history.

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There are no words that truly capture the significance of this loss and our hearts mourn alongside the families of those affected by this catastrophic event, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said in a statement on Saturday. The weight of this event is felt across many families, friends, and colleagues, and we stand together with them during this difficult time. Moon said.

The avalanche occurred amid a powerful atmospheric river storm that unleashed several feet of snow onto the Sierra Nevada mountains. First responders maneuvered through the blizzard on snowcats and skis to rescue the survivors.

But the unstable snowpack, high winds and whiteout conditions made search-and-recovery efforts too perilous, prompting first responders to leave behind the bodies of deceased skiers and suspend operations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Authorities carved paths through the deep snow to eventually continue the search, and California Highway Patrol officers found the ninth victim.

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The Nevada County Sheriff's Office was also assisted by California National Guard, California State Parks, Placer County Sheriffs Office, Washoe County Sheriffs Office, California Governors Office of Emergency Services, Truckee Police Department and the United States Forest Service.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sudan's government has denounced Uganda for hosting the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), calling the meeting an "affront to humanity".

Sudan's foreign ministry, aligned with the nation's armed forces, said Uganda had flouted international law by welcoming RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, whose fighters are accused of committing widespread atrocities throughout the continuing civil war.

On Friday, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said he met with Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, at his presidential home in the city of Entebbe.

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Museveni, appointed by the African Union to mediate between Sudan's military and the RSF, said he emphasised "a peaceful political solution".

In a statement on Sunday, Sudan's foreign ministry said: "The Sudanese government condemns in the strongest terms the Ugandan government's reception... of rebel leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the terrorist militia."

The statement denounced the meeting between Degalo and Uganda's president and said it was "an unprecedented move that is an affront to humanity as a whole, before it is an affront to the Sudanese people".

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Sudan said it understood Uganda had the right to welcome whomever to its country, but said Uganda has flouted international law by hosting Dagalo. Uganda's government has not responded to these allegations.

President Museveni summarised his meeting with Dagalo in a previous statement, saying: "As always, I emphasised that dialogue and a peaceful political solution are the only sustainable paths to stability for Sudan and the region."

Sudan remains locked in an almost threeyear power struggle between the regular army and the RSF. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, forced more than 13 million people from their homes and sparked widespread famine.

Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been accused of atrocities.

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Earlier this week, the United Nations said evidence of horrors committed during the RSF's siege of the city of el-Fasher point to genocide.

Throughout the war, Sudan's government has criticised regional states for hosting RSF leaders.

Last year, Sudan suspended all imports from Kenya after the RSF held meetings in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi.

Kenya insisted it had hosted the meetings in a bid to find a way to end the war, "without any ulterior motives".

But the conflict shows no signs of waning - on Saturday, the RSF announced it had seized the town of al-Tina in North Darfur, after days of intense fighting.

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The RSF shared a video of its fighters celebrating under a sign bearing the town's name.

Additional reporting by David Bamford

[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

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The Brief

An Amber Alert was issued for 2-year-old Kehlani Rogers, who disappeared from her Avondale home near 118th Avenue and Thomas Road late Friday night.

Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Marina Noriega, who was seen with Rogers on surveillance video.

The Amber Alert was canceled on Sunday.

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Police previously reported that the child was 3 years old, but later corrected her age to 2 years old.

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On February 21, an Amber Alert was issued for a 2-year-old girl who was believed to be abducted, and was with an adult unrelated to her.

What we know

Avondale Police, sheriff deputies and the FBI searched for 2-year-old Kehlani Rogers, who was last seen at around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at her home near 119th Avenue and West Thomas Road.

On Feb. 22, Lt. Manuel Rios stated, "We can officially confirm that Kehlani Rogers has been found safe and in good health, and Marina Noriega has been taken into custody."

Avondale PD says Rogers was found after a possible sighting was reported near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road in Phoenix. Rios says they do not believe Rogers was harmed during the ordeal. The Amber Alert was canceled.

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Noriega was taken into custody for one count of custodial interference. Police said the woman was a recently-met acquaintance of Rogers' family.

Dig deeper

Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Marina Noriega. Earlier, the woman was known as "Merena" and "Mariana" who is described as a 30-year-old white woman, with a short stature, thin build, brown hair, and hazel eyes.

Surveillance video from a local business confirmed that Noriega was last seen in the City of Maricopa with the child, who was wearing purple pajamas with multicolor smiley faces.

"The fact that she was not allowed to be taken, there was no prior conversation, there was no plan. They wake up this morning and Kehlanis gone and Marinas gone  this is what leads us to believe that shes in danger," Jaret Redfearn with the Avondale Police Department said.

Local perspective

Police searched cars and talked to neighbors.

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"They stopped over here and just kind of asking if they could let their dogs do a little quick search around the property  and absolutely. Anything to help the situation," a neighbor said.

"Police officers came by my house this morning and asked us if we had cameras, and they wanted to find out if there was anything on our cameras, but we didnt see anything," another said.

What we don't know

Police have not released any information on how exactly the child was taken from the neighborhood.

What's next

"Noriega is now in the custody of Avondale Police detectives and will be booked into the Maricopa County Jail system on charges related to this incident," stated Rios.

The Amber Alert was canceled.

Map of the nearby location of where the child was last seen.

The Source

Avondale Police Department
Its reasonable to suggest that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should have been better prepared for a question about China and Taiwan. During her appearance last weekend at the Munich Security Conference  which may or may not have been an index of her interest in higher political office  the New York congresswoman who has become an international left-wing celebrity created the kind of headlines no one in politics wants to see.

In a now-infamous viral moment from a Munich panel discussion, Ocasio-Cortez fumbled her way through her initial response to a question that, in all fairness, is one of the most difficult in contemporary international relations: Should the U.S. commit to defending Taiwan with military force in the event of a Chinese invasion? The correct and succinct answer, I would argue, is no. But no one in American politics, left, right or center, can afford to say that straight up. Here is how she responded:

Um, you know, I think that I, uh, this is such a, you know, I think that this is a, this is of course, a very longstanding, um, policy of the United States and I think what we are hoping for is that we want to make sure that we never get to that point, and we want to make sure that we are moving in all of our economic research and our global positions to avoid any such confrontation and for that question to even arise.

There are two important things to say here. One is that reporting Ocasio-Cortezs comments exactly that way, as nearly everyone in media did, was a political or ideological choice, and one that violated established norms of journalism. In other words, it was a deliberate gotcha. When rendering spoken words in print, its standard practice to delete the uhs and ums and likes, remove irrelevant false starts and silently correct the minor errors of grammar and syntax endemic to human speech.

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When it comes to public figures, there are clearly good reasons to stick pretty close to a verbatim transcript of what they really said. But that fails to explain this instance, in which Ocasio-Cortezs remarks could easily have been clarified by inserting an ellipsis, without changing her words or falsifying her casual language: You know, I think that this is  a very longstanding policy of the United States, and so on. As numerous commentators on social media have noted, Donald Trumps indecipherable public utterances are almost never subjected to that kind of forensic reconstruction, in large part because of the resulting howls of protest from the MAGA faithful about TDS and the far-left media and the presidents imaginative weave of anecdote, metaphor and pure fantasy.

The second thing to say is that AOCs actual response to the question, once she finally got there, was entirely lucid and reasonable. Arguably, she said just about the only thing any American policymaker should say about the nightmarish prospect of war between the U.S. and China: We want to make sure that we never get to that point.

Indeed, as Stephen Wertheim of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told the Times of London, the actual substance of Ocasio-Cortezs China remarks was preferable to former President Joe Bidens repeated statements that the United States would definitely defend Taiwan if attacked, which were destabilizing comments and contradicted the U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity. I hardly need to remind Salon readers how damaging Bidens inept or unfocused public utterances turned out to be. That lingering trauma from 2024 almost certainly hovers in the atmosphere above AOCs Munich melodrama.

Then comes the irresistible and arguably even more important corollary to this episode, which is why one womans 20-second struggle with an unanswerable question sparked a week-long media sensation, full of accusations and counter-accusations, anguished discussions on The View and premature right-wing or centrist celebrations of AOCs downfall.

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The reasons why that happened are nearly too obvious and too depressing to enumerate. Furthermore, they are the same reasons why so many mainstream media observers halfheartedly signed onto an inverse narrative about Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose Munich speech was greeted (we are told) with a grateful standing ovation. If you squint at real-world events through MAGA-tinged spectacles while ignoring content and context, and havent shed your contact high from the infamous 2024 vibe shift, then Ocasio-Cortez is a dangerous impostor who got her comeuppance on the world stage, while Rubio is a statesman who brought America and Europe back together, with just a little fascism as a treat.

I said it was obvious, but Id better say it more clearly: Ocasio-Cortez is a young woman  an intelligent and charismatic young woman of color  who represents a destabilizing threat to the still-standing ruins of Americas political order, both the pseudo-populist MAGA right and the desperately scrambling, nearly-left-behind Democratic center. She told the New York Times she went to Munich not as a political candidate but to deliver a message to those folks in nicely-pressed suits in that room [who] will not be there much longer if we do not do something about the runaway inequality that is fueling far-right populist movements.

That could, of course, turn out to be the mission statement of a 2028 presidential campaign, and Ocasio-Cortez is clearly considering her options. Unlike New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a faintly rivalrous ally and related political phenomenon, she is constitutionally eligible for the office, as well as old enough. (Shes now 36.) Its also possible that she may decide to hold her fire this time around and pursue Chuck Schumers U.S. Senate seat first. (If she runs, even money says Schumer quits, an outcome that would please Democrats across the board.)

So theres a nearly infinite litany of reasons why what remains of the American political and media establishment, although largely consumed by self-hatred, self-doubt and bitter internal bickering, is united by its eagerness to destroy Ocasio-Cortez, and gratefully seized on her China freeze-up as a potentially fatal weapon. Whats especially depressing about all this is not just the multiple overlapping forms of bigotry at work  misogyny, racism, class prejudice, generational anxiety and quivering, unreasoning terror of the activist left  but also the shameless mendacity and sheer stupidity.

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No one whos trying to sell AOCs Munich moment as a damaging scandal actually thinks she was wrong on substance, or even has a worthwhile opinion about that. Similarly, no one who listened to Rubios Munich speech actually believes it was a genuine gesture toward MAGA detente with Europe. At best, it was a warmed-over rewrite of JD Vances white nationalist insult-comedy routine from last year, but delivered in Rubios unctuous, reassuring tones with a faint throwback to Bill Clinton-era empathy and Reagan-era neoconservatism. As is nearly always the case these days, analysis of policy ideas or political substance takes a back seat to second-rate drama criticism, although not, in this instance, with much conviction.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only by Amanda Marcotte, also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

As Foreign Policy columnist Howard W. French observes, Rubios standing ovation wasnt about anything he said. It was largely a matter of heartfelt relief that Rubio had not spoken in the threatening style of his boss, President Donald Trump, or with the insulting bluster of Vice President J.D. Vance, along with the polite response of a European elite that has shed its illusions about a shared vision of the world and simply wants to keep frictions with Washington to a minimum as the two sides drift apart.

Rubio is a smooth operator steeped in the old-line Republican tradition of expressing hard-right views in courteous, nonconfrontational language. But as French notes, after his speech the secretary flew straight to Budapest to express the Trump administrations unconditional support for the autocratic, ethnonationalist regime of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In any case, the message Rubio delivered in Munich, however carefully packaged and wrapped, was rooted in the same ahistorical or anti-historical delusions as everything else about Trumpian foreign policy, especially a false notion of Europe as a place of fixed national identities, rooted in whiteness, 19th- and early 20th-century folk stereotypes, and Christianity as a universal standard.

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Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortezs visit, viewed from the European perspective, appears to have been a hit. She received far more positive coverage than either Gov. Gavin Newsom of California or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, two other possible or likely presidential contenders, and hardly anyone across the Atlantic even mentioned the supposed China gaffe. By AOCs own account, she met privately with a number of left-leaning German ministers and legislators and spoke before a packed house at a Berlin university.

But Ocasio-Cortezs European fans will not be casting votes for the next president of the United States, and it was more than slightly disingenuous of her to complain about the media narrative that her Munich visit felt like a tentative campaign rollout. She told the New York Times that an unidentified reporter had asked her, Is Munich the new New Hampshire? Thats definitely obnoxious, but in an era when theres barely a one-year separation between the previous presidential campaign and the next one, its not exactly surprising.

I had the privilege of observing Marco Rubios political implosion up close back in 2016, and Im not sure the memory of his nearly-empty Super Bowl party during the New Hampshire primary campaign will ever leave me. Despite his Trumpian rebirth and subsequent years of groveling, or maybe because of them, Rubio has almost no chance of becoming the post-Trump MAGA standard-bearer. He might serve as Vances running mate, I guess, but both in Munich and in general he strikes me more as a chirrupy Robin to JDs would-be Dark Knight.

So Im disinclined to believe that we saw the two 2028 nominees unleashed last week in Munich. We might not have seen either of them. But we certainly saw the first outlines of a campaign like no other, one with unimaginably high political and philosophical stakes, to be waged with viral memes and out-of-context clips under a rattletrap fascist regime that has unlimited resources and almost no grasp of reality. Whether Ocasio-Cortez runs for president is up to her; Im not in the business of giving advice. But maybe she now understands whats coming at her if she does, and how ugly its likely to get.

The post AOC vs. Marco Rubio: First throwdown of 2028? appeared first on Salon.com.
It has the potential to be one of the biggest snowstorms of all time, and it's headed straight for the Jersey Shore.

While light rain is falling now across the region, forecasters warn that it will turn to snow starting by mid-day today, Feb. 22, with very heavy snow making for life-threatening travel overnight into Monday.

We'll be with you from the time flakes start falling.

Some good news?

The latest map from the National Weather Service has the 24-30 inches prediction reduced to southern Monmouth County and most of Ocean County. Sarah Johnson, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Services Philadelphia/Mount Holly office, said in general the snow amounts across the board went down slightly because the low center of the storm is slightly further east compared to the overnight models they were looking at prior.

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"When it comes to nor'easters or coastal storms, it only takes a very minor shift to make a big difference in terms of snow amounts," Johnson said. "When it comes to the wind forecast that is still on track and it actually went up in many areas. So we are still expecting some very significant impacts with the combination of the wind and the snow leading to the white out conditions. All of the state is still under a blizzard warning."

Travel restriction in place Sunday night

A mandatory travel restriction has been issued beginning 9 p.m. Feb. 22 until 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, in response to a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and strong winds across the state.

All non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways during this period. The New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from this restriction.

Sherrill warns storm can be dangerous

Gov. Mikie Sherrill told CNN her main concern was making sure people knew this horrible winter storm is different than the last horrible winter storm.

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"We have blizzard warnings in all 21 counties for the first time in about 30 years. This is going to be heavy snow," Sherrill said. "We are a heavily wooded state, a lot of branches, a lot of trees coming down. Especially because we are seeing wind gusts up which will be up to 60 mph. So this is a very different storm, it is a really dangerous storm."

Expect white-out conditions at times with both snow and wind.

"People need to get off the streets," Sherrill said.

Light rail and buses are shutting down at 6 p.m. and heavy rail NJ Transit operations at 9 p.m.

"So people need to be prepared to get where they are sheltering overnight by 9 p.m. We have warming centers open and we are working incredibly hard on all of the services. We have mutual aid coming in from other states to help with our utilities should those utilities present any problems," Sherrill said.

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The governor did not implement a travel ban last month and "that was our worst storm in 10 years."

"Starting at 9 p.m. tonight we are implementing a travel ban for all motorists because this is going to be so incredibly dangerous. Both with the wind gusts and white out conditions, the blizzard conditions across the state and with the wind which will be blowing trees and branches down in this wet heavy snow," Sherrill said. "Be off the roads by 9p.m. tonight."

She said there are over 5,000 utility workers ready to get to work.

"Our last snow storm in January when we had really heavy snow, that was an inch an hour. Two to three inches an hour, these are blizzard conditions. This is something we haven't seen in 30 years. People need to take this very seriously," Sherrill said.

Be careful shoveling

Meteorologist Steve DiMartino said the worst thing about this kind of snow is "it is like cement."

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If you are shoveling this stuff, use caution and be careful because this type of snowfall can give you a heart attack because you're lifting like 50 pounds of snow every time you shovel it, he said. Definitely is going to be a nasty storm, no doubt about that and it is going to be an impressive one at that

Blizzard could be a record setter

State climatologist David Robinson said the record for New Jersey snowstorms is 34 inches.

Cape May recorded (34 inches) in 1899 in February and up in the highlands of North Jersey there was 34 inches on December 26, 1947. There have been debates of unofficial totals that perhaps equaled or exceeded that but those are considered the official storm records," Robinson said in a livestream with meteorologist Joe Martucci.

The 24-hour snowfall record is over 29 inches in Long Branch in the early 1930s, he said.

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"So, when you're talking 30 inches or more you're getting into rare territory, Robinson said. Twenty inches is a little more common. Your 10-inch plus storms, people think we have them every year, (but) we dont.

In Central Jersey, its once every three years on average (for) a 10-inch plus storm," Robinson said.

He added that three 10-inch storms in one season has only happened twice in the history of the state, "and we have records back to the 1890s."

"Three 10-inchers in a season is really unusual for the bulk of populus New Jersey," Robinson said.

Speed restrictions in effect

NJDOT has issued an emergency regulation lowering speed limit to 35 mph on Interstate and State highways beginning at 3 p.m.

Light rail, Access Link services shutting down

Due to the snow, NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail and Access Link services will be temporarily suspended at 6 p.m.

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"Rail service adjustments are expected later in the evening and will be shared with ample advance notice," the outfit said, adding that decisions will be made for Monday later Sunday.

Commercial vehicle travel restriction issued

The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 3 p.m.

It includes the following roads:

I-76 (entire length)

I-78 (entire length)

I-80 (entire length)

I-195 (entire length)

I-280 (entire length)

I-287 (entire length)

I-295 (entire length)

I-676 (entire length)

Bombcyclone, thundersnow possible

This storm could be historical because it could drop nearly three feet of snow on the Jersey Shore, but it could also feature two other rare occurances.

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The storm could turn into a bomb cyclone. According to USA Today, a bomb cyclone is a powerful mid-latitude storm that intensifies rapidly, with its central pressure dropping by at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. Often described as a "winter hurricane," these systems create intense, hazardous conditions, including blizzard conditions, high winds, heavy precipitation, and coastal flooding.

Thundersnow is also possible. This is like a thunderstorm, but instead of rain falling, it's snow. When this happens, you'll typically see snow falling hard.

NJ Transit shutting down early

If you're relying on NJ Transit, the service is shutting down as of 6 p.m.

We will be suspending NJ TRANSIT service at 6:00 PM today on all buses, light rail, and Access Link.



Currently, we expect trains to run into this evening. We are likely to suspend service some time tonight, and that will be announced.  Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) February 22, 2026

State of Emergency issued in NJ

Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency effective at noon on Feb. 22 for all 21 counties.

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"I am urging you to make plans to stay off the roads Sunday through Monday," Sherrill said.

Monmouth County snow totals

Predicted inch counts are rising for towns in Monmouth County:

Allentown: 19 to 31 inches

Asbury Park: 20 to 32 inches

Belmar: 21 to 33 inches

Colts Neck: 21 to 33 inches

Eatontown: 21 to 33 inches

Freehold: 22 to 34 inches

Highlands: 19 to 31 inches

Keyport: 16 to 28 inches

Long Branch: 20 to 32 inches

Manalapan: 20 to 32 inches

Manasquan: 22 to 34 inches

Red Bank: 20 to 32 inches

Shrewsbury: 20 to 32 inches

Tinton Falls: 20 to 32 inches

Union Beach: 16 to 28 inches

Power outage? Here's where New Jersey residents can get updates when the lights go out

The Jersey Shore could see more than 2 feet of snow.

Ocean County snow totals

Predicted inch counts are rising for towns in Ocean County:

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Barnegat Light: 19 to 31 inches

Beach Haven: 15 to 26 inches

Harvey Cedars: 18 to 29 inches

Jackson: 21 to 33 inches

Lacey: 21 to 33 inches

Lakewood: 23 to 35 inches

Little Egg Harbor: 18 to 30 inches

Manchester: 21 to 33 inches

Point Pleasant: 21 to 33 inches

Seaside Heights: 20 to 32 inches

Ship Bottom: 16 to 27 inches

Toms River: 22 to 34 inches

Tuckerton: 18 to 30 inches

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore could see 3 feet of snow, thundersnow in blizzard
(This story was updated to add new information.)

A man was fatally shot by U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement after breaching a secure perimeter at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home and club, around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.

The man was identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of Carthage, North Carolina, by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Martin was reported missing by his family a few days ago, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the investigation.

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He was spotted by two secret service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff deputy Sunday morning at the north gate of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, carrying "what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can," according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

President Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago nor in Florida at the time.

Here's what we know.

Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Camilo Valencia of the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office sets up the media stand ahead of Sheriff Ric Bradshaws arrival on Southern Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Members of the news media prepare for a news conference on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, along Southern Boulevard regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago. FBI, PBSO, Secret Service hold briefing on Mar-a-Lago fatal shooting 1 of 6 Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion.

Who was the armed man fatally shot at Mar-a-Lago?

The man has not been identified by law enforcement and will not be until next of kin are notified.

In a Feb. 22 news conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the man was in his early 20s and was spotted just inside of Mar-a-Lago's north gate about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Was the man shot by Mar-a-Lago armed?

A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy holds a photo of a shotgun and gas can they say an intruder brought onto Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate.

The young man was seen by the north gate of Mar-a-Lago's property in Palm Beach carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Officers ordered the man to drop the shotgun and gas can, Bradshaw said.

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The man then lowered the gas can but "raised the shotgun to a shooting position," at which point the investigating agents began to shoot, killing him, according to the sheriff.

Who responded to Mar-a-Lago incident?

U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy spotted and confronted the man at Mar-a-Lago, and "shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter," according to a social post by the federal agency.

At a 9:30 a.m. press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said he didn't know how many rounds the agents fired, or whether the man was known to law enforcement prior to this incident. He said the deputy was wearing an active body-camera at the time of the shooting but did not indicate when the footage will be released.

The Secret Service post stated that the suspect's background, actions, potential motive and use of force is being investigated by the FBI, Secret Service and PBSO.

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The involved Secret Service agents involved will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to agency policy, the post stated.

FBI asks Palm Beach residents for local camera footage

The FBI is asking residents who live in the area around Mar-a-Lago to check any cameras on their properties and share that footage with the agency, Brett Skiles, special agent in charge of the Miami field office, said during the news conference.

Anyone with footage can call 800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or PBSO at 561-688-3400.

Where is Mar-a-Lago?

President Donald Trump's private club and Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, is located at 1100 South Ocean Blvd. in Palm Beach, Florida.

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Following the incident, South Ocean Boulevard is closed between Southern Boulevard and South County Road the morning of Sunday, Feb. 22, Palm Beach officials said in an alert sent at 4:57 a.m.

Where is Trump today? Was Trump at Mar-a-Lago?

President Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the incident, nor was he in Florida.

He was Washington, D.C., where he held a breakfast for governors on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the White House.

The agency's social post also said that no Secret Service "protectees" were at the location at the time of the incident.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mar-a-Lago shooting leaves man dead at Trump's Florida club
The U.S. Secret Service says a North Carolina man entered a secured area of Mar-a-Lago early Sunday morning armed with a shotgun and a can of gas. The suspect, identified as Austin Tucker Martin from Cameron, N.C., was ordered by law enforcement to put down his weapons. The 21-year-old reportedly put down the gas can, but was shot when he moved to raise the shotgun to a shooting position, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

A photo posted on social media by Melissa Martin, the mother of the suspect, Feb.22, 2026. (Source: Facebook)

Bradshaw says two Secret Service agents and a sheriffs deputy fired their weapons to neutralize the threat.

According to posts on social media, Martins family was asking for help locating him after reporting him missing Feb.21, 2026.

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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were not on the Florida property when the incident took place. Both were in Washington, D.C. for a dinner attended by the nations governors.

The FBI is now the lead agency investigating the case. FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media the agency is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this mornings incident.

Agents have asked people who live near the Florida property to check their security cameras for additional video that might be helpful in the moments prior to the event.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the suspect as a crazy person who intruded on President Trumps home.

Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans. Its shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department, Leavitt wrote on X.
SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - An Australian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a government source said on Sunday, in the latest transit of the sensitive waterway by a U.S. ally that Chinese state-backed media said was tracked and monitored by the nation's military.

In addition to claiming sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan, Beijing views the narrow, highly strategic strait as Chinese territorial waters and has responded aggressively on occasion to foreign navies sailing there.

The Toowoomba, an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy, "conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait" on Friday and Saturday as part of a "Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo-Pacific region", the source said.

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"All interactions with foreign ships and aircraft were safe and professional," the source said.

China's state-backed Global Times newspaper, citing an unnamed Chinese military source, reported late on Saturday that "the Chinese People's Liberation Army carried out full-process tracking, monitoring, and alert operations throughout the transit".

Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement that it closely monitors the skies and waters around the island and that the strait is an international waterway for which all countries enjoy the right of freedom of navigation.

"The Ministry of National Defence will not proactively disclose the movements of aircraft and ships of friendly allied countries," it added, without elaborating.

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U.S. warships traverse the strait every few months, enraging Beijing, and some U.S. allies such as France, Australia, Britain and Canada have also made occasional transits.

China has ramped up its military presence around Taiwan and staged its latest war games around the island in late December.

Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney and Beijing newsroom; Writing and additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by William Mallard and Alex Richardson)
The continent of Europe has created some of the most capable military aircraft in history, indeed the first combat action by an aeroplane was in Italian service.

In the First World War, all of the best fighter aircraft were European; in the Second World War, Europe had the superb Spitfire, Mosquito, Bf 109 and Fw 190, and the first jet fighter to see combat, the Me 262. Today, Europe still produces some of the most advanced and effective military aircraft, and here are 10 of them:

10: Leonardo AW159 Wildcat

Leonardo AW159 Wildcat

Tremendous firepower and capable sensors make the Leonardo AW159 Wildcat one of the best maritime helicopters in the world. With increasing concern over swarming attacks by multiple small craft, especially in maritime choke points, the Wildcats ability to carry 20 lightweight multi-purpose missiles gives it an edge compared to other naval helicopters.

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A wide range of anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons can be carried. Wildcats of the Royal Navy can also be equipped with an aerodynamic weapons wing that offsets the weight of the stores. Though it is based on the existing AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300, 95% of its components are new.

10: Leonardo AW159 Wildcat

Leonardo AW159 Wildcat

The 360-degree Seaspray 7000E Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) multi-mode surveillance radar offers a dramatic improvement in performance over the Royal Navys earlier Lynx radars; instead of 180-degree-scan out to a distance of around 50 miles, the new AESA offers 360-degree coverage out to around 150 miles. It can also carry an Active Dipping Sonar (ADS) for the Anti Submarine Warfare role.

Other equipment for the AW159 includes a nose mounted surveillance turret with IR/TV imaging sensor and laser ranging/targeting system. An integrated defensive aids suite includes missile warning, radar warning, and countermeasures dispensing systems.

9: Pilatus PC-21

Pilatus PC-21

Switzerlands Pilatus training aircraft series started with the P-2 of 1945 (the P-1 never flew). Since then, Pilatus has had much international success with their trainers, notably the Pilatus PC-7 of 1966 and PC-9 of 1984, both turboprop-powered. A variant of the PC-9 is license-built in the US in large numbers as the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II.

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The rather beautiful Swiss PC-21 first flew in 2002, and is the most powerful modern single-engine turboprop trainer in service. It has a turboprop (a propeller turned by a jet turbine) rather than a pure jet because turboprops are less expensive to operate, burning less fuel. Over 250 have been sold.

9: Pilatus PC-21

Pilatus PC-21

The PC-21 provides a cost-effective and efficient training solution. Pilots destined to fly jet aircraft can now train on a non-jet platform for a longer part of the syllabus. The PC-21 can take a pilot through from elementary, basic, advanced and fighter lead-in training all on one platform. The cockpit and onboard systems are also ideal for preparing pilots for modern fast jets.

To achieve this, Pilatus significantly expanded the design and performance envelope to take this single-engine turboprop into an area that was, until recently, the domain of jet trainer aircraft. Rated at 8G and minus 4G, with a top speed of over 425 mph, rate of climb of 4,091 ft/min and a roll rate of 200 degrees a second at 10,000 feet, the PC-21 is one of the raciest prop aircraft now flying.

8: Schiebel Camcopter S-100

Schiebel Camcopter S-100

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) undertake the most perilous missions in contemporary warfare. Although Turkey has developed some remarkable UAVs, particularly the Bayraktar TB2, which gained prominence in Ukrainian service, much of the nation is situated in Asia, preventing its inclusion in our list.

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Outside Turkey, the most successful European UAV is probably the extremely impressive Austrian Schiebel Camcopter S-100. The S-100 is a helicopter powered by a 41 kW (55 hp) Diamond engine (or a heavy-fuel alternative). In the surveillance role, it can be fitted with electro-optics and infrared sensors.

8: Schiebel Camcopter S-100

Schiebel Camcopter S-100

The S-100 has proven itself in military and civilian roles. Like all helicopters, it is a Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, requiring no prepared area or recovery equipment. It has operated successfully in both day and night, often in filthy weather conditions. It has a range of approximately 200 km, over land or sea. It has a top speed of 100 kts (185 km/h), can carry 50kg of sensors and has maximum take-off weight of 200kg. It has an impressive endurance of up to six hours, and with an optional external fuel tank, this can be extended to an extremely impressive ten hours.

Hundreds have been delivered and serve with more than 40 customers worldwide. Military operators of the Camcopter include Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Jordan, Libya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United States and the United Kingdom.

7: Leonardo M-346

Leonardo M-346

The Leonardo M-346 is a trainer and light combat aircraft built in Italy. It may seem strange to hear today but the M346 started as a Russian design from Yakovlev. Yakovlev teamed up with the Italian company Aermacchi, before they parted ways. This led to the Yak-130 in Russia and the M-346 in Italy.

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The M-346 is considered one of the best advanced training aircraft in service. It features integrated on-board technology to simulate tactical training, known as the Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS). This enables the aircraft to emulate sensors, weapons and Computer Generated Forces (CGF).

7: Leonardo M-346

Leonardo M-346

Whereas the M-346 is a trainer, the M-346FA variant has fangs. This is a light combat aircraft variant with seven external hard points and can be armed with air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions, a 20mm gun pod, and can be fitted with advanced targeting pods linked to helmet-mounted displays.

The trainer has developed a reputation for reliability and effective training. The trainer version of the M-346 is in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece; Turkmenistan and Nigeria have purchased the light fighter variant.

6: Leonardo C-27J Spartan

Leonardo C-27J Spartan

The legendary Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engine powers the much-loved four-engined C-130J Super Hercules. The fitting of the AE 2100 engine and modern avionics to the twin-engined C-27 created the tough, versatile C-27J Spartan, which many see as a mini-Hercules.

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In creating a modern tactical airlifter there is often a tendency to overload the design with bells and whistles when rugged dependability and performance is actually what matters most. With the C-27J the balance appears to be just right, and anyone lucky enough to have witnessed its airshow performance will be able to attest to astonishing performance levels.

6: Leonardo C-27J Spartan

Leonardo C-27J Spartan

The C-27J boasts the largest cargo compartment in its class, as well as the best descent and climb rates (4,000 ft/min and 2,500 ft/min). Being able to land almost anywhere is key to a tactical airlifters success and the C-27J is qualified for short take-off and landing (STOL) on snowy, sandy and even rough unprepared strips.

The C-27J has proved extremely versatile serving in almost every conceivable role. Over 111 have been manufactured and serve with many militaries around the world. A notable operator of the Spartan is the US Armys Special Warfare Centers Military Free Fall School in Yuma, Arizona.

5: Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon

The Typhoon has blistering performance and superb agility, thanks to a high thrust-to-weight ratio and a relatively low wing-loading. It is considered one of the worlds best air-to-air fighters enjoying perhaps the best climb rate of any fighter and exceptional performance at high speeds and altitudes.

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The Eurofighter Typhoon was developed by a collaboration of aerospace companies from Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. It entered service in 2003. It was initially a fighter, but has since been upgraded to a multi-role combat aircraft.

5: Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon

The Typhoon is compatible with some of the best air-launched weapons in the world, including the Meteor, AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and IRIS-T for the air-to-air role and Paveways, Brimstones, Storm Shadow and Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles for the air-to-surface missions.

Like the Raptor, the Typhoon has such a formidable reputation that any victories against it in training exercises make excellent boasts. This twin-engine medium-weight combat aircraft serves the air forces of Austria, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Qatar and the United Kingdom.

4: Dassault Rafale

Dassault Rafale

The French Dassault Rafale is one of the best multi-role combat aircraft in the world. It combines high-performance with modern sensors and weapons. Rafale has an advanced radar, and its air-to-air weapons, the MICA and Meteor missiles, are less well known by threat nations than the common AMRAAM, so may be harder to counter.

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Though the long-ranged Meteor missile is held in very high esteem, it is worth noting that it has not been used in anger. The relatively recent addition of a Helmet Mounted Display (on some export models) and the Meteor missile has made the already excellent Rafale even more potent and a strong contender for the title of the best multirole fighter in the world.

4: Dassault Rafale

Dassault Rafale

It is well armed with a potent 30-mm cannon, and can use long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, smart bombs and short and medium-range missiles. It is considered by many as highly survivable thanks to an integrated system of sensors and defensive countermeasures known as SPECTRA (Self-Protection Equipment to Counter Threats for Rafale Aircraft).

The Rafale is one of the few combat aircraft in production today that have a naval variant that can operate from aircraft carriers, it is also notable in that it was the first European fighter aircraft to carry an active electronic scanning array (AESA) radar. Rafale serves with the air forces of Croatia, Egypt, France, India, Greece and Qatar.

3: Saab Gripen E/F

Saab Gripen E/F

The Gripen E is a digital-age fighter, benefitting from lessons learned from the many software issues cursing other modern combat aircraft. The Swedish company Saab has gone to great efforts to make the Gripen E (and two-seat F) easy to upgrade in terms of software and hardware.

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This is a very serious advantage, as is the high degree of sensor fusion. Now in service in Brazil as the F-39 Gripen E, it is proving an impressive machine. It has one of the most modern cockpit displays in service, an aid to pilot workload and situational awareness.

3: Saab Gripen E/F

Saab Gripen E/F

Test pilot Jonas Jakobsson noted, Situational awareness is outstanding! From the sensor suite (radar, Infra-Red Search & Track, missile-approach warner, radar warner etc.), the local fusion of sensor data in every Gripen and the global fusion of data shared within the tactical air unit (and Command and Control).

He also raved about the Human Machine Interface with the elaborate symbology and wide area display, noting that This information chain and the situational awareness it creates is really the foundation that all fighting rests on. The Gripen E/F has been selected by the air forces of Brazil and Sweden.

2: Saab Erieye/GlobalEye

Saab Erieye/GlobalEye

Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft are flying radar stations. They can detect aircraft, waterborne vessels, ground vehicles, missiles, and even artillery rounds; they also perform command and control of the battlespace, coordinating military actions.

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Of these, those fitted with the Erieye (short for Ericsson eye) radar systems are among the most respected. The Erieye has been fitted to several airframes including the Saab 340, Embraer R-99, Saab E-2000 and Canadian designed Bombardier Global 6000, as well as the GlobalEye.

2: SAAB Erieye/GlobalEye

SAAB Erieye/GlobalEye

It is perhaps most impressive in the latter airframe. The GlobalEye boasts over 11 hours of operational endurance and state-of-the-art avionics. At 35,000ft altitude it can detect low-level threats at distances exceeding 458 km. The main sensor, the 10 metre-long Erieye Extended Range radar antenna is mounted on top of GlobalEye in a box fairing.

Though the GlobalEye is built on a Canadian airframe from Bombardier, it is the system rather than the airframe which defines the GlobalEye, and it is fair to describe as European. The Saab E-2000 and Saab 340s are European aircraft (though initially some US involvement in the latter). The capabilities offered by the Saab AEW aircraft are worldclass.

1: Airbus A330 MRTT

Airbus A330 MRTT

Though often overlooked, the tanker or refuelling aircraft is vital to every major air force. Topping up fuel while on the wing massively increases the reach and effectiveness of an air force. The most impressive of these flying gas stations is likely the European Airbus A330 MRTT.

Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) lives up to its designation; it is probably the best air-to-air refuelling aircraft in the world, and so much more. It can refuel anything thanks to both drogue pods and a boom (the two systems used to refuel aircraft) and can do it anywhere, thanks to a robust defensive countermeasures suite, and can do it while carrying cargo and/or passengers.

1: Airbus A330 MRTT

Airbus A330 MRTT

The A330 MRTT can carry an impressive 111,000kg of fuel in the tanker role. In the medevac role it can carry 130 patients on stretchers, while in transport mode, it can carry 300 soldiers. It is operated by the air forces of Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain and South Korea.

Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here.

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Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en

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Idaho budget

Gov. Brad Littles State of the State speech on Jan. 12 introduced the Enduring Idaho Plan. This so-called plan is seriously flawed. Who is responsible for the fiscal policies (decisions) that are undercutting our very existence? What kind of plan ignores a shortfall, over-commits limited resources and robs from the poor to satisfy the rich?

What kind of fiscal policy is respected when there is no routine, standard, well-defined process to assess and evaluate both expenditures and revenue? The 1965 sales tax legislation has never been reviewed through a thorough, well-defined process.

Who is responsible? On Feb. 17, the governor claimed it isnt his fault, but that of the Legislature. I disagree. He has the power and authority to veto, which he declines to use because the legislators want to end the session as early as possible so they can go home and campaign for re-election. A legislators job, once elected, is not to govern wisely nor is it to represent the will of the people, it is to get re-elected. The governor and the Legislature are failing the people of Idaho. I anxiously await the next election.

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Nancy Szofran, Boise

Idaho taxes

Retired to Idaho 14 years ago and have never paid Idaho state income tax. Now before you call me a freeloader, let me remind you that I do not write Idaho tax laws, I just follow whats on the books. Yes, of course I file my taxes yearly, and we have a very nice upper middle class income. Idaho does not tax Social Security income, so scratch that income. The state also does not tax pensions, so count that out. That leaves our monthly withdrawals from our IRAs. Take that income and subtract Idahos standard deduction for married couples of $31,500 and now we look nearly impoverished. Our tax amount owed is zero. But wait, because of Idahos Grocery tax we are entitled to a refund. For tax year 2025 we get a refund of $300. There are thousands and thousands of like people in Idaho. The legislature needs to rework the tax laws instead of spending time on which flag flies at City Hall.

Steve Gant, Boise

Federal budget

Recently, Senator Risch highlighted what he described as savings for Idahoans by cutting funds from agencies like the IRS, Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, and Veterans Affairs. The amounts ranged from thousands to a few million dollars, and were framed as victories for fiscal responsibility.

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But many Idahoans are asking a larger question: why are we penny-pinching at home while sending billions of dollars overseas?

We are told that trimming $15,000 here or $100,000 there proves Washington is tightening its belt. Yet at the same time, Congress continues approving massive foreign aid packages, including billions for Israel. Whether one supports foreign aid or not, it deserves the same scrutiny applied to domestic programs.

If fiscal responsibility is truly the goal, it should be consistent. If we can debate trimming tens of thousands from agencies that serve veterans, seniors, and working families, surely we can also debate whether American tax dollars should first secure American well-being.

Idahoans are about honest priorities. If we celebrate relatively small domestic cuts as major victories, we should also be willing to openly debate the scale of our foreign spending.

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Idahoans deserve a full conversation about where our money goes, both at home and abroad.

Danielle Chavez, Buhl

Smorgasbord

I grew up in the Midwest. My community was rural, Republican and two steps removed from Little House on the Prairie.

Neighbors of different religions, nationalities and backgrounds worked together. No one thought about making their neighbor be just like them.

Social gatherings often were centered around the smorgasbord. At first the dishes were northern European. Then new and different foods started to appear. Lasagna. Fried rice. Enchiladas.

No one said, You cant bring that Tater Tot hot dish because I find it offensive.

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No one said, All these different dishes are divisive.

No one forced anyone to sample every dish. No one supplied a list of acceptable dishes. Everyone was free to choose. Everyone!

Ive been thinking about the smorgasbord and the lessons it holds for Idahoans.

Recent comments by the head of the Idaho GOP and members of the Snowflake Caucus in the state legislature stand in contrast to this feature of the rural Midwest culture.

Today we are told that expressing different ideas and flying different flags are divisive. We are told that regulating government uniformity makes everyone feel welcome. We are told expressing differences is offensive.

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When did that kind of thinking become normal?

Mary Ollie, Bonners Ferry

Public lands

We should ask our state senators to vote no on Senate Amendment (SJR 103) which seeks to transfer land from its current federal protection to the state through a constitutional amendment.

The bill is framed at protecting public lands from privatization or transfer. Sounds good, but it was alarming to hear the House co-sponsor, Rep. Jordan Redman, say when he was talking about public lands that he would love to have all of it back in ownership of the state right away.

Lets be careful before amending our constitution to make sure we have it right. There could be some unexpected consequences if SJR 103 were to pass. For example, it would cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars by undercutting the existing funding for rural counties and schools and possibly jeopardize access to our public lands for regular folks who enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and hiking.

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Is this amendment a backdoor attempt to open our public lands to more mining, timber harvest and grazing resulting in more of the land being closed off to the general public? There are too many unanswered questions to get behind SJR 103. We dont want to lose access to public lands.

Kayla Dodson, Boise
If you've lived in Rhode Island for any length of time, you've heard people talking about blizzards.

More specifically, you've likely heard someone talking about Blizzard of '78, which dropped 28.6 inches of snow on the Providence area Feb. 6 and 7, 1978, effectively shutting down the state.

With another blizzard on the way, you may be wondering what exactly the term means and when the last one was. (Hint: It was not the Blizzard of '78, but much more recent.)

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Here's what to know.

More: State of emergency, travel restrictions announced in RI ahead of blizzard: LIVE

What is a blizzard?

National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm that contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours).

The term originated in the 1870s when an Iowa newspaper refashioned the word, previously used to describe cannon fire, into a word for snow.

Blizzard are largely defined by the low visibility, and heavy snowfall and severe cold aren't actually required to create blizzard conditions. Strong wind blowing already fallen snow can create blizzard conditions.

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"Blizzard conditions often develop on the northwest side of an intense storm system," the NWS said. "The difference between the lower pressure in the storm and the higher pressure to the west creates a tight pressure gradient, or difference in pressure between two locations, which in turn results in very strong winds. These strong winds pick up available snow from the ground, or blow any snow which is falling, creating very low visibilities and the potential for significant drifting of snow."

Looking back: Blizzard of 78 remains a touchstone for New Englanders who lived through it

Thundersnow: What is thundersnow and how does it happen?

The strong winds and cold temperatures accompanying blizzards can combine to create another danger. The wind chill factor is the amount of cooling one "feels" due to the combination of wind and temperature. During blizzards, with the combination of cold temperatures and strong winds, very low wind chill values can occur. It is not uncommon in the Midwest to have wind chills below -60F during blizzard conditions.

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Blizzards also can cause a variety of other problems. Power outages can occur due to strong winds and heavy snow. Pipes can freeze and regular fuel sources may be cut off.

When was the last blizzard in Rhode Island?

The last blizzard in Rhode Island occurred on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, and Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, according to the National Weather Service.

1In Providence, 18.8 inches, Jan. 29 of snow fell, breaking a Providence area record for daily snowfall, dating back to 1905.

More: How did 2022 stack up, weather-wise? Here are the stats

What is a Nor'easter?

Perhaps the most talked about type of storm in New England, a Nor'easter actually isn't a term you can use to describe just any major snowstorm.

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A Noreaster is a storm along the East Coast of North America that typically blow over coastal areas. These storms can occur at any time of year but are most frequent and most intense between September and April, according to the National Weather Service.

Noreasters usually develop between Georgia and New Jersey, within about 100 miles of the coast, and generally move northeastward, reaching maximum intensity near New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. They often bring heavy precipitation  rain or snow  along with gale-force winds, rough seas and sometimes coastal flooding.

Historic Snowstorms: Can you guess how much snow Providence got on its snowiest day? Here's a look at history

What does the meteorologist mean by heavy snow?

The NWS define heavy snow in New England as snow accumulating at least 6 inches in a 12 hour period.

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In New England, heavy snow is defined by the National Weather Services as snow accumulating to at least 6 inches in 12 hours.

What does wind chill?

In extreme cold, meteorologist often talk about two numbers. The actual temperature and the wind chill.

Wind chill takes into account the combined effect of lowering temperatures and the rate of heat loss from a human body, caused by the wind. Think of it like blowing on a hot cup of tea to cool it down. The more cool air that passes over the hot liquid, the faster the tea cools.

Meteorologists use a mathematical formula involving the speed of the wind and the actual temperature to determine who cold it actually "feels."

Previous reporting contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What is a blizzard? When Rhode Island last saw one
UPDATE  2/20/26 at 4:59 p.m. ET: Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect following the discovery of three dead men in the basement of a Detroit, Michigan, home on Wednesday, February 18, according to police, WXYZ reported.

A 27-year-old man, who has not yet been publicly identified by law enforcement, was detained in connection with the mens deaths, police said during a Friday, February 20, news conference, according to the TV station.

Authorities have identified the men as William Barrett, 72, Norman Hamlin, 66, and Mark Barnett, 65, the TV station reported.

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The men died as a result of blunt force trauma, according to police.

"The minute you open the door, you could see blood, you could see just a horrific scene, Detroit Police First Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald said, according to WXYZ.

Original story:

The bodies of three middle-aged men who were apparently brutally beaten were found in the basement of a Michigan home after Detroit police were called to about a missing person, according to authorities and news reports.

The discovery was made at a residence in southwest Detroit on Wednesday, February 18, Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay said in a video provided to news outlets, the Detroit Free Press reported.

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After officers initially encountered the person who called police to make a missing person's report, they found someone else who said, "they had been assaulted inside a home nearby," McKay said, according to the newspaper.

When they went to the home where the person said they were allegedly beaten, officers found three men, who appeared to be in their 50s, dead in the basement, according to McKay, the newspaper reported.

The Detroit Police Department did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Us Weekly the afternoon of Thursday, February 19.

2 People Found Dead in Las Vegas Home After Female Victims Young Child Calls 911

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It is unclear whether the person who called 911 about a missing person is linked to the deadly discovery at the Detroit home. The three men who were found dead have not yet been identified by authorities, CBS News reported.

As of the morning of February 19, officers were continuing to investigate the property, according to the outlet.

"This case is very preliminary at this point, McKay said in the video shared to news outlets when she had been at the scene on February 18.

In the footage published by WXYZ, McKay also said that it was unknown how long the bodies had been in the basement.

Local resident Thomas Barnes, who spoke with the TV station, said that he knows the man who lives where the bodies were allegedly discovered. Barnes shared that he grew up with him and had seen him as recently as last week.

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"At first, we didn't know if it was an overdose or an actual murder because the officers couldn't talk about it," Barnes said to WXYZ. "We don't know the actual identity of the men or whoever it might be, and I'm hoping and praying that it's not [the homeowner]."

Another local resident, Rayshawn Brown, told WJBK that he and other residents are "Worried because we don't know who did it.

"Its insane, Brown also told the TV station. Makes me keep an eye out, watching, you never know whats going on over here.

Michigan Man Called 911 After Shooting, Later Admitted to Killing His Fiancee and Her 2 Teens

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It is unclear whether police have identified any potential suspects or motives in connection with the three bodies.

McKay encouraged members of the public who might have further information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or Detroit police, WXYZ reported.

In January, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced that the city saw a historic drop in violent crime in 2025, including homicides, shootings that were not deadly and carjackings.

Last year was the first time in decades that Detroits homicide rate was lower than 200 incidents, according to a January 6 news release shared by the city. There were 165 homicides in 2025.
Meanwhile, the IDF killed a terrorist trying to throw explosive devices in the West Bank, authorities arrested a Palestinian for inciting pro-Hamas violence, and the Gaza Division gained a new head.

A Border Police officer was killed by a bullet fired from a weapon by an IDF soldier in an accidental incident on Sunday.

The circumstances are under investigation by both the Israel Police and the military police.

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The victim was later identified as Policeman Uri Mektaev, who was 18 years old.

Initial investigations appear to show that Mektaev was fatally shot in the head while in his home in Azor.

Police were notified shortly after. Magen David Adom paramedics attempted to perform CPR at the scene, but were forced to declare him dead.

ZAKA rescue and recovery organization workers respond to the scene of a fatal shooting of a Border Police officer, February 22, 2026. (credit: ZAKA)

Mektaev joined the Border Police in November and is the son of Ronen Mektaev, the deputy chief commissioner of the Fire and Rescue Authority.

He is survived by his parents and two brothers, KAN News reported.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir eulogized Mektaev in a post on X/Twitter on Sunday evening.

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"Uri, only 18 years old when he fell, chose to serve the state like his father on the front lines of security action in the Training Brigade of the Border Police. There are no words that can comfort parents and siblings who have lost what is most precious to them before their time," he wrote.

"On behalf of myself and the citizens of Israel, I send warm condolences to his father, family, and friends. The Israel Police and the Border Guard will continue to accompany you and cherish the memory of Uri forever," he added.

Ben-Gvir, as part of his ministerial role, oversees the Israel Police, including the Border Police.

IDF kills terrorist who planned to throw explosive devices at soldiers in the West Bank

Earlier on Sunday, the IDF confirmed that soldiers during a Saturday night operation identified two terrorists approaching them while holding an explosive device.

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The soldiers opened fire, killing one terrorist and arresting the other, the military confirmed.

Authorities arrest Palestinian near Hebron inciting pro-Hamas violence, support

Meanwhile, security forces arrested a Palestinian in his late 20s near Hebron under suspicion of inciting terrorism.

The individual was found to have made social media posts in which he expressed support for Hamas, praising terrorists. In one of the posts, he shared a video from the scene of a terror attack, along with calls for violence.

The suspect was transferred for questioning.

IDF Gaza Division commander changeover

Additionally, the IDF's Gaza Division held a changeover ceremony for its commander on Sunday.

Brig.-Gen. Liron Batito replaced Brig.-Gen Barak Hiram in the role.

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The changeover ceremony was led by Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, IDF Ground Forces chief Maj.-Gen. Nadav Lotan and other IDF officials.

During his speech, Asor praised Hiram's time in the role over the past year and a half, a large majority of which involved intense combat operations in the Gaza Strip as part of the Israel-Hamas War.

Liron Batito was previously the commander of the military's Givati Brigade.

Alon Hachmon and Walla contributed to this report.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged Donald Trump on Sunday to treat all countries equally after the US leader imposed a 15 percent tariff on imports following an adverse Supreme Court ruling.

"I want to tell the US President Donald Trump that we don't want a new Cold War. We don't want interference in any other country, we want all countries to be treated equally," Lula told reporters in New Delhi.

The conservative-majority Supreme Court ruled six to three on Friday that a 1977 law Trump has relied on to slap sudden levies on individual countries, upending global trade, "does not authorize the President to impose tariffs".

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Lula said he would not like to react to the Supreme Court decisions of another country, but hoped that Brazil's relations with the United States "will go back to normalcy" soon.

The veteran leftist leader is expected to travel to Washington next month for a meeting with Trump.

"I am convinced that Brazil-US relation will go back to normalcy after our conversation," Lula, 80, said, adding that Brazil only wanted to "live in peace, generate jobs, and improve the lives of our people".

Lula and Trump, 79, stand on polar opposite sides when it comes to issues such as multilateralism, international trade and the fight against climate change.

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However, ties between Brazil and the United States appear to be on the mend after months of animosity between Washington and Brasilia.

As a result, Trump's administration has exempted key Brazilian exports from 40 percent tariffs that had been imposed on the South American country last year.

- 'Affinity' -

"The world doesn't need more turbulence, it needs peace," said Lula, who arrived in India on Wednesday for a summit on artificial intelligence and a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ties between Washington and Brasilia soured in recent months, with Trump angered over the trial and conviction of his ally, the far-right former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro.

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Trump imposed sanctions against several top officials, including a Supreme Court judge, to punish Brazil for what he termed a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in a botched coup bid after his 2022 election loss to Lula.

Lula said that, as the two largest democracies in the Americas, he looked forward to a positive relationship with the United States.

"We are two men of 80 years of age, so we cannot play around with democracy," he said.

"We have to take this very seriously. We have to shake hands eye-to-eye, person-to-person, and to discuss what is best for the US and Brazil."

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Lula also praised Modi after India and Brazil agreed to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths and signed a raft of other deals on Saturday.

"I have a lot of affinity with Prime Minister Modi," he said.

Lula will travel to South Korea later on Sunday for meetings with President Lee Jae Myung and to attend a business forum.

bb-abh/pbt
Owners of endangered highway bridges around the country have taken few immediate steps to fortify them from catastrophic accidents, a POLITICO review has found nearly two years after the deadly collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The federal probe of the March 2024 disaster has brought new attention to a host of dangers facing many older highway bridges, including a higher risk of collapse or serious damage for many of them if they are struck by a cargo ship.

While some of these bridge owners are seeking solutions, a lack of money and logistical hurdles have kept Congress, state governments and the bridges owners from offering quick fixes for a dozen crucial bridges, including in cities such as Philadelphia and New Orleans.

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The Key bridge collapsed after a Singapore-flagged container ship suffering a loss of electric power crashed into it, leaving six people dead as the span fell into the Patapsco River. Federal investigators found that a single loose wire on the ship and a failure by Maryland officials to conduct a crucial risk assessment on the bridge were largely to blame for the disaster.

To a lot of people, it sort of was a freak accident in some respects, and yet, at the same time with the level of and the amount of traffic in some of those waterways, you might think its amazing that hasnt happened sooner, said Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who chairs a Senate transportation and infrastructure subcommittee. He said the horrible accident and the National Transportation Safety Boards investigation shed a spotlight on a vulnerability in our transportation system.



Some experts on highway bridges say now is the time for the owners of these structures to identify and lay out how they can limit their risk  and for Congress to step up with money.

But the hurdles are many. Many cash-strapped states simply dont have the money to pour into reinforcing existing bridges for what many view as a once-in-a-blue-moon catastrophe. Bridge owners blame the growing size of cargo ships as the main culprit. Moreover, bolstering bridge safety hasnt appeared high on Congress to-do list, and even the countrys top independent accident investigator isnt pushing for changes there.

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I dont want to tell Congress what to do in this case, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in November after POLITICO asked whether owners of older bridges should be legally required to perform a risk assessment every few years. I think that they are probably absorbing, you know, what we released.

The NTSB did not respond to a question on whether Homendy continues to hold that opinion.

Years of planning, uncertain funding

The boards report on the Baltimore disaster said that it found numerous examples of local officials being likely unaware of their bridges risk of catastrophic collapse from a vessel collision and the potential need to implement countermeasures to reduce the bridges vulnerability."

Owners of five bridges the NTSB has noted are at higher risk told POLITICO they are planning to improve their spans, and in at least two cases, to replace them entirely. Many of those plans could take years and substantial federal funding is far from certain.

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Of those five, plans are underway to replace the Vincent R. Casciano Memorial Bridge near Newark, New Jersey, with construction expected to begin this year. Separately, Maryland state officials say construction for a projected $15 billion-plus rebuild of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore might not start until 2032.

The owner of several bridges in Louisiana facing a higher risk told POLITICO in a statement that measures are in place to lower that danger, including fender systems to protect the bridge piers and support for cargo ships from smaller tug assist vessels. Its not clear, however, whether the bridge owners plan to initiate new changes to the bridges physical structures and the bridge owner did not respond to follow-up questions. Two other owners of higher-risk bridges in Ohio and upstate New York did not provide comment for this story.



As part of its probe, the NTSB asked bridge owners to assess 68 highway bridges to determine whether they were above the acceptable level of risk detailed in a survey by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, a nonpartisan organization that represents state DOTs and highway agencies.

New bridges built with federal funds must follow certain AASHTO standards related to bridge design  but those rules dont apply to older ones.

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Responses are still trickling in, but so far the board has learned that 12 highway bridges are over the AASHTO threshold, according to reports from the bridge owners. Among those bridges are both spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland, the Benjamin Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges connecting New Jersey and Philadelphia, and the Coronado Bridge in San Diego.

The catch, though, is that all the bridges were designed before the FHWA started requiring vulnerability assessments for new bridges in 1994. The Key bridge in Baltimore, built in the 1970s, didnt require an assessment.

Thats a big, big project

POLITICO reached out to all owners of these riskier structures, but just around half responded with details on new plans to lower their risk.

The NTSB also recommended that bridges over the risk threshold implement a comprehensive risk reduction plan. For all 12 of those bridges noted by the board, the NTSBs website labels this risk reduction planning as in progress. The board says the comprehensive plans can involve putting in new physical protections or operational limitations, such as implementing restrictions in the waterways or bringing in tug-assist boats for larger vessels.

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For some bridges, the risk-reduction plans involve putting pier protection systems in place, a much less costly measure than entire replacements. These systems, sometimes made of concrete, typically surround the support piers of bridges and are meant to deflect or redirect ships that collide with them.

The Delaware River Port Authority told POLITICO in a statement that it is 60 percent complete in designing protections for its Benjamin Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges. The total cost would be about $100 million to $150 million for each bridge, the authority said.

The authority said it anticipates that the project will be funded by a mix of its own funds and grant dollars. It is actively applying for grants.

Similar structures owned by the authority, which had pier protections in place, met AASHTOs risk threshold, DRPA added.



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For at least one bridge, owners believe that a more drastic renovation  a complete replacement  is the best way to limit risk.

Brad Tanner, director of communications at the Maryland Transportation Authority, told POLITICO in a statement that the only way to meet AASHTOs risk thresholds would be by replacing the 4.3-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge entirely with a new bridge. But that process could take years and would cost billions of dollars  and require federal support. In the meantime, the bridges owners are separately working to put protections in place.

Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), who sits on the Senate Appropriations transportation subcommittee, said in a brief interview that he thinks the Bay Bridge rebuild will get some help from the federal government, but that it could take time.

Thats a big, big project thats going to be a multiyear kind of thing that theyre going to have to work on over a period of time, he said.



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Indeed, added safety features have spiked cost estimates for the Key Bridge rebuild, causing heartburn for DOT officials and federal lawmakers alike.

Despite a lengthy timeline for a rebuild, the Chesapeake Bay Bridges owners are moving forward with a separate plan to put marine-based protection systems in place for both of its spans, Tanner said, a project that is estimated to cost $170 million. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2027, and MDTA put out a request for proposals earlier this month for the protective structures. Funding for it would come from toll revenues, not federal dollars.

MDTA told POLITICO in a statement that these systems will enhance the bridges pier protection but said its not clear yet which materials will be used for it. Those details will be determined by those making proposals, the authority added.

The Bay Bridge remains safe, Maryland officials insist.MDTA has no regulatory obligation to modify or upgrade the Bay Bridges pier protection, Tanner said. The Bay Bridge remains safe for motorists and vessels. Motorists should not be concerned to drive over the Bay Bridge.

I dont have the money

Some experts on highway bridge construction say that many of the older bridges built before the 1990s would probably need to be completely rebuilt to be protected from cargo ship strikes. But that solution isnt likely anytime soon, they say, and the focus should instead be on less costly measures.

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Sameh Badie, a professor at George Washington Universitys school of engineering, said that, in his opinion, the NTSBs report on bridges was carefully worded so as not to scare the public. Instead, the board is raising a red flag, he said.

Though Badie believes many older highway bridges need to be replaced entirely, he says legal requirements for them to meet a higher risk threshold wouldnt be realistic.

I have a bridge and I ran the risk assessment and it is above the threshold. OK, what can I do? I dont have the money for me as a state. I dont have the money to fix the problem, Badie said.

He added that he doesnt think state transportation departments have the expertise needed to accurately complete risk assessments of these bridges, a process he described as complicated.

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Given the rarity of incidents like the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, pier protection systems are widely seen as a realistic way to safeguard similar structures.



Thats what I think were going to see moving forward, because you want to stop the ship before it actually hits the structure of the bridge, said William Doyle, former CEO of the Port of Baltimore. You can put in pier protection systems on existing bridges until such time as you replace bridges.

Before the bridge collapse in Baltimore, the most high-profile recent example of a cargo ship causing a bridge collapse occurred near St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1980, a collision that killed 35 people. Michael Shields, a John Hopkins University professor who has led a study on bridge risk after the Baltimore disaster, noted that the collapse of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge inspired AASHTO to come up with risk standards for new bridges.

But since then, owners of older bridges have largely not performed that risk assessment, he said  and havent been required to. Shields said his hunch is that a large contributor to that is a lack of allocation of resources.

That needs to change, Shields said, especially given the increasing volume of ships at ports nationwide and the growing size of cargo ships.

In its final report in December last year on the Baltimore bridge collapse, the NTSB identified increasing vessel sizes and traffic density in US ports as safety issues.

Bridge officials say the problem shouldnt be theirs alone to bear.

You cant solve a national maritime problem by placing the burden on local bridge budgets, said John T. Hanson, CEO of the Delaware River Port Authority. Bridge owners have real responsibilities, and DRPA meets them with continuous inspections, upgrades, and targeted pier-protection investments. But the long-term solution isnt more concrete; its better regulation of the vessels.

Little appetite on the Hill

After the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Maryland officials and the Biden administration lobbied Congress to commit to paying for 100 percent of the rebuild, a decision some Republicans in Congress have scoffed at due to the ballooning cost of that effort. The rebuild is now estimated to cost as much as $5.2 billion.

Since then, there has been little congressional focus on the other bridges the NTSB had identified as at a higher risk. But that could change with the coming reauthorization of the federal highways and transit law. The current authorization expires at the end of September.



Cramer, the chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committees transportation and infrastructure panel, said the bridge risk findings associated with the NTSBs investigation havent come up yet in his conversations about the surface transportation bill, but it probably will now. He has floated the idea of moving federal dollars around to put a special emphasis on large traffic bridges that run the risk of being hit by a boat.

House Transportation Committee ranking member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) said in January that the boards recommendations would be important to address, but he didnt know yet how that would apply to the surface bill. Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) told POLITICO last month that he hadnt seen the NTSBs report yet. Ill take a look at it, and then well make a decision, Graves said.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said she had nothing to add yet on how the bill would address the NTSBs recommendations for bridges. The legislations Senate text is expected to land sometime this spring.
In the past year, plans for two gargantuan data centers have been announced in New Mexico, and electric utilities have come to see data center development as a driving force behind growth and need for increased generation.

With several data center projects in the works  and requests for many more developments in the state  the potential cost of the facilities, to both the warming climate and to residents who share the energy grid, has emerged as a looming concern.

Public Service Company of New Mexicos forecasts for energy demand show the utility is expecting steep increases in large energy users in the coming years.

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The utility currently serves about a dozen data centers, a PNM spokesperson said, with their collective electricity use in the hundreds of megawatts.

As some powerful players flock to New Mexico looking to invest billions of dollars in the coming years on data centers, those in the state pushing for stricter laws and closer oversight of the facilities find themselves playing legislative catch-up as developments move forward.

Data centers make up an increasing portion of commercial requests to connect with PNMs grid in the past five years, rising from 15% in 2021 to 47% in 2025, according to a January presentation executives gave to stakeholders on the utilitys resource planning process. Data centers made up the vast majority of new projects impacting the utilitys forecasts. Concerns center on the amount of both water and power data centers require, and the potential costs to consumers to build out infrastructure.

PNM spokesperson Eric Chavez noted the time frame for delivering large projects could be up to 10 or 15 years. He declined to provide details on proposed projects or data centers.

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Chavez said the utility has seen a steady increase in inquiries for data center interconnections since 2016, with a significant uptick beginning in 2023. The requests include expansions of existing projects as well as new projects, ranging from 1 megawatt to 1 gigawatt, he noted.

Concerns have grown nationwide about spiking utility costs from the buildout of data centers, with growing community backlash to proposed developments and rejection of projects.

A recent paper published by the Harvard Environmental and Energy Law Program notes data centers threaten to increase utility bills in two ways: new utility infrastructure costs that are spread across customers as well as spikes in demand that increase costs in energy markets.

One of the papers authors, Ari Peskoe, argued for utility regulators to pay closer attention to infrastructure costs and to provide safeguards for customers against paying for the data center boom.

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PNM is committed to working through the regulatory process to ensure that existing customers are not asked to subsidize the costs created by new large loads, Chavez said.

New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Pat OConnell declined an interview on data centers this week. He forwarded questions to a spokesperson for the agency.

Spokesperson Patrick Rodriguez noted in an email data center development and related costs are topics that could come before the commission in future formal proceedings.

To ensure the integrity of the process and maintain our role as a neutral decision-maker, we must be careful about discussing these matters outside of a formal case, Rodriguez wrote.

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If you build it, they will come

Retired utility attorney Bruce Throne of Santa Fe said he is concerned about the effects of New Mexicos data center gold rush on both the environment and utility customers pocketbooks.

Throne was one of several attorneys who represented Facebook when the company negotiated terms for its data center in Los Lunas, but he said the projects proposed in the state now are a totally different animal, noting the enormous scale of energy use and the plans for development of fossil fuel generation.

He pointed to the most controversial such project in the state, Project Jupiter, which is planned for a site near Santa Teresa at the states southern border to run on two grids, powered by natural gas turbines built on site. The facility, being developed by Texas-based BorderPlex Digital Assets, is expected to generate up to 2,880 megawatts of power and emit 14 million tons of greenhouse gases per year, according to applications submitted to the state Environment Department.

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The project, which is expected to support artificial intelligence for technology companies OpenAI and Oracle, was made possible by a last-minute addition to state legislation in 2025 that allowed the generation and distribution of self-sourced power, or a microgrid.

Another project, approved by Chaves County officials in October, promises an 8,500-acre campus outside Roswell with a data center as well as solar power generation, battery storage, natural gas and geothermal cooling, with a total 1.24 gigawatts of capacity.

The microgrid law, 2025s House Bill 93, has raised concerns about the creation of essentially a loophole around the Energy Transition Act, the states hallmark 2019 law that requires major electric utilities to transition to carbon-free energy by 2045.

Apart from environmental concerns, Throne said the law could also expose utility customers to new costs from facilities like Project Jupiter, as it allows utilities to purchase power or assets from microgrids, which he said would bring those costs into rates for other customers.

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An unsuccessful bill introduced in this years legislative session sought to regulate emissions for microgrids and create some safeguards for utility customers; Senate Bill 235 passed the Senate and died in the House Judiciary Committee.

Throne pointed to another bill that passed last year, Senate Bill 170, aiming to speed up the process of regulatory approval for energy upgrades with an approach centered on a motto: If you build it, they will come, as Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, described his bill. The law requires the Public Regulation Commission to consider requests for energy infrastructure on an expedited timeline of six months.

Throne criticized the new law as basically allowing utilities to develop infrastructure before they could prove it is needed, which could raise costs for everyone.

PNM filed requests in recent months for a substation, new transmission lines and other energy infrastructure upgrades in preparation for planned commercial developments in and around Albuquerque, citing several data centers as potential tenants.

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The list of Albuquerque-area projects would be developed in anticipation of industrial energy needs in the area.

The proposed projects include the construction of a new substation at the Westpointe 40 business park on the west side of Albuquerque and new transmission lines and upgrades for several substations on the south side of the city as well as some running west of Rio Rancho and Albuquerque.

PNM estimated the total cost of the infrastructure and upgrades at about $166 million, which would be recovered in future utility rates.

But they come in, and as long as they can show that there are potential customers that they could serve if that plant was put in, they can go ahead and build it, Throne said. I dont see where the commission has any basis on which they can deny it.

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Infrastructure costs for new data centers are whats really hurting residential and small business customers, particularly, in other states, he said.

Economics vs. consumer costs

Padilla, who was a sponsor of both HB 93 and SB 170 in 2025, defended his microgrid amendment as a measure that protects utility customers from bearing the costs of data centers.

Now you can build a microgrid that produces energy for your project, therefore youre not relying on on the local utility, pushing rates up that way and creating so much demand, Padilla said.

He said Public Regulation Commission approval for some commercial projects has taken upwards of three years in the past, and the state has missed out on opportunities due to the lag.

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New Mexico will never be looked at seriously if it takes that long to figure out, How am I going to power my business?  he said, adding six months is plenty of time for the PRC to do their work and to say yea or nay.

To Padilla and many others  including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Rob Black  data centers are valuable economic development projects that can provide jobs and bring in tax revenue.

Black told lawmakers during an interim committee meeting last year his agency was in discussion with 12 developers interested in building data centers in New Mexico.

The Economic Development Department declined to provide details about any data center projects currently underway.

Were always in conversation with companies interested in New Mexico, and those early discussions are confidential, so were not able to confirm specific proposals, said Staci Drangmeister, a spokesperson for the agency. If a project becomes concrete, it will go through a public process and well share details with the community.

Data center boosters have in recent months launched several efforts to sway public opinion regarding the controversial projects.

Earlier this month, residents in Santa Fe received mailers urging support for Dona Ana Countys Project Jupiter as an opportunity to reshape our future and transform. The postcards, attributed to a group called Elevate New Mexico, offered a link to send public comments to the state Environment Department in support of the projects air permits.

Another group called Upward New Mexico has similarly boosted data center development online.

It isnt clear who is associated with the advocacy groups. Messages to both groups seeking more information did not yield a response.

State Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, said in his experience, residents are very, very concerned about data center development.

Weve got a problem because we have a legal regime that really gives cost exposure to ratepayers, Steinborn said, and we have an administration supporting that.

Steinborns Senate Bill 235, which would have added language to Padillas microgrid law requiring a renewable portfolio standard for microgrids and prohibiting utilities from seeking rate increases associated with microgrid infrastructure.

Until we can change the law, I would really hope and encourage the administration to take a more protective posture towards recruiting these companies here in the first place, and protecting New Mexico consumers, he said.

A Blackstone energy colony?

The prospect of a data center gold rush in New Mexico in the coming years is, to many, a logical explanation for interest from global private equity giant Blackstone Inc. in taking over PNM, the states largest utility. Blackstone owns the largest data center developer in the world, a company called QTS.

The public pushback to Blackstones proposed takeover of PNM has zeroed in on the possibility of rapid data center development through affiliate companies, which could push many of the costs, including the need for more power, to PNM customers.

During recent public comment hearings before the Public Regulation Commission, many people shared fears Blackstone wishes to turn much of the state into an energy colony where it can power data centers and extract profits at the expense of the more than half-million customers on PNMs grid.

Blackstone executives have said in recent statements that while the firm expects data center growth in New Mexico  along with the rest of the U.S.  their interest in PNM is not driven by data center demand.

Blackstone Infrastructure CEO Sean Klimczak said in an interview in summer 2025 the firm did not have any plans at the time to develop data centers in the state.

An internal presentation the company provided in response to a discovery request in the pending merger case, however, states the QTS team is interested in developing data centers in the NM market, noting the states availability of low-cost land, access to clean power at scale and demonstrated hyperscaler interest.

The presentation, disclosed by the company earlier this year, noted QTS did not have a presence in the state but said, historically, QTS has developed a land bank in the service territories of [Blackstone Infrastructure Partners] portfolio companies post-investment.

The presentation also noted average utility bills for PNM customers have for years been about 33% lower than average bills nationally and 4% lower than other electric bills in New Mexico.

In a recent motion in the case, several groups asked Blackstone to provide the firms analyses and information on the potential impacts of data centers on existing PNM customers, including large load growth projections and analyses of rate impacts and required new generation resources.

The request was signed by the New Mexico Department of Justice, the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and the city of Albuquerque, as well as several Native groups and consumer and environmental advocates.

PNM spokesperson Chavez noted none of the data centers currently served by the utility, nor any that are inquiring, are owned by Blackstone or QTS.

PNM has a legal obligation to serve all customers who come to our service area, Chavez wrote. We do not get to choose who our customers are. If they are in our service territory, we are legally obligated to provide them power.
California Democrats are in San Francisco this weekend for the party's state convention. The gathering is about plans and strategies for the months ahead, including endorsing a candidate for governor.

But with so many candidates in the race, party leaders are doubtful one candidate will emerge this weekend.

"Because here, we don't agonize; we organize. We unionize," said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

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Pelosi was firing up California Democrats Saturday. The party's convention is celebrating victories, like the voter-approved Proposition 50, which temporarily redraws the state's congressional districts, a counter-response to partisan redistricting in Texas.

"We saw you fight right here in California with Prop 50. Thanks Governor Newsom and voters for taking on Donald Trump last year," said DNC Chairman Ken Martin.

MORE: Big political battles ahead for California in 2026: Here's what to look forward to

Over 3,000 delegates are in San Francisco to help set the tone during a pivotal election year with so much at stake.

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"We are considering candidates for state and federal office. We will have conversations about retaking the House of Representatives in 2026," said California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks.

But the biggest race is who will succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. Eight candidates are seeking the party's endorsement, but Hicks said it's unlikely anyone will get it this weekend.

"Our threshold for endorsement is 60%. There's a large number of candidates. It's unlikely we'll get to an endorsement, but delegates have the opportunity to connect with these candidates," Hicks said.

Delegates, like Ayo Banjo from Santa Cruz, want to learn more about each candidate.

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"What I'm hearing now, there's a lot of consensus that there is no consensus. We are seeing right now, there's is nobody that's actually having a hold on the race," Banjo said.

"I hope we have a good candidate who can lead us in a good direction and protect all, including immigrants," said Orange County delegate Victor Valladares.

Outside the convention there were protests and anti-Trump demonstrations.

Back inside, younger democrats were urging the party to embrace bolder progressive ideas, like universal health coverage.

The convention runs until Sunday. Newsom said he wouldn't be attending.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
The Mexican state of Jalisco will remain under a code red Monday, with public transport and schools remaining closed, its governor said Sunday. The announcement follows a day of violence in the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta in the wake of a government announcement that the head of one of the countrys most powerful crime groups was dead.

Smoke from burning vehicles blackened the sky in Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination on the Pacific coast. Similar scenes played out in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, and across several states on Sunday morning.

Several airlines cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta; some flights already in the air turned around before reaching the city.

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Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro issued a video statement announcing the continuation of the states state of emergency, saying he expected things to get back to normal in the coming days.

What we have lived today was exceptional, said Lemus Navarro.

The state attorney general of Jalisco said in a statement that 25 people had been detained after a day of blockades, fires and looting. Various types of vehicles were burned at 65 different spots throughout the state, said the attorney generals office.

The mass violence flared as federal authorities announced they had launched a special forces operation to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

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Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in a clash with federal authorities and died from his injuries while en route to Mexico City, the Secretariat of National Defence said in a statement.

The operation was initially launched in the municipality of Tapalpa, which sits roughly 300 kilometres southeast of Puerto Vallarta.

The National Defence Secretariat said that four people belonging to the CJNG were killed during the operation, and three cartel members were wounded, including El Mencho, but all died during transport. Two people were also detained, said the secretariat.

Violence has also been reported in the states of Michoacan, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. The attorney general of Michoacan said that four people had been killed following five confrontations between security forces and armed groups.

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But the federal government said it was beginning to establish order.

The federal Security Secretariat said in a statement it had cleared out 17 of 21 blockades that were mounted, many with flaming vehicles, throughout the state of Jalisco.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the work of the country's security forces.

In most of the national territory, activities continue to unfold in total normalcy, Sheinbaum said in a statement.

Gladys McCormick, an associate professor of Latin American history at University of Syracuse, said that the death of El Mencho may trigger a much wider onslaught of violence.

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He was a key leader of one of the most violent criminal groups in Mexico, said McCormick.

As with the captures or killings of other drug cartel kingpins, we are likely to see violence in response to the sudden power vacuum.

McCormick said the CJNG is already embroiled in conflict with competing criminal groups, which could also add gasoline to what appears to be a raging fire.

Firefighters work to extinguish flames from a bus used by organized crime members as a roadblock following a series of detentions by federal forces, in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sunday. (Michelle Freyria/Reuters)

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in a statement that Canada "was deeply alarmed by reports of violence" and that the federal government was "closely monitoring the serious and rapidly evolving security situation."

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Global Affairs Canada also updated its travel advisory for Puerto Vallarta and other parts of the state of Jalisco. It says there is a shelter in place order in Puerto Vallarta and that all taxi and ride-share services are suspended. All Canadians in Jalisco are advised to keep a low profile, monitor media and follow the orders of local authorities.

There are currently 18,703 Canadians registered as being in Mexico, including 4,672 in Jalisco state, according to Global Affairs Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

A car burns on the Francisco Medina Avenue exit in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. (Submitted by Robert Onysko)

Canadian airlines cancel flights

Toronto resident Tim Spencer, 39, who is vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, said fires started flaring in the city early in the morning. He said he went up to the roof of the Villa Divina hotel and saw corner stores and cars in flames.

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"Everythings just covered in smoke here at the moment, he said. "Grey and smoggy everywhere and the smell, its just like that electrical fuel, gross fire smell."

Spencer said his flight to Denver, which would have then taken him to Toronto, was cancelled Sunday morning. "Ive never really seen anything like this before in my life, so its a little bit horrific," he said.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday afternoon, Air Canada said, "Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta" impacting its airport, the airline "has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue."

Flights to Puerto Vallarta from Vancouver on WestJet, Porter and Flair airlines were also cancelled.
A critically ill twomonthold infant and his family were deported to Mexico by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite serious health concerns.

ICE Deports Sick Infant And Family, Leaving Them Stranded In Mexico

On Tuesday, Rep. Joaquin Castro (DTexas) disclosed in a series of posts on X that the infant, identified as Juan Nicolas, had been diagnosed with bronchitis.

"Juan has bronchitisaccording to his momand at some point in the last several hours he was unresponsive," Castro wrote.

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"Juan was still discharged from the hospital despite that around midnight today." He added that Juan's mother was told by an immigration judge she would be deported, though not when or where.

I have an update on Juan Nicolas, the 2-month-old baby detained at Dilley, and his mother.



Me and my team have been in contact with Juan's family. Juan has bronchitisaccording to his momand at some point in the last several hours he was unresponsive. Juan was still discharged  Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 17, 2026

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Later posts confirmed that Juan, his 16monthold sister, his mother and his father were deported.

"Juan Nicolas, a two month old suffering from bronchitis who spent three weeks in the Dilley Trailer Prison, has been deported by ICE along with his mother," Castro wrote.

Juan Nicolas, a two month old suffering from bronchitis who spent three weeks in the Dilley Trailer Prison, has been deported by ICE along with his mother.



They were abandoned across the border in Mexico.



Thanks to @LidiaTerrazas who spoke to Juan Nicolas' mom shortly after https://t.co/zYGwmaFtcN  Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 18, 2026

Castro later posted that Nicolas, his 16-month-old sister, and their parents were deported by ICE with only $190 from their commissary.

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He called the action "heinous," saying, "To unnecessarily deport a sick baby and his entire family is heinous. My staff and I are in contact with Juan's family and ensuring their safety."

After a discussion with their attorney, I have confirmed that Juan, his 16-month-old sister, his mom, and his dad have been deported.



According to their attorney, ICE deported the family with only the money that they had in their commissarya total of $190.



To unnecessarily  Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 18, 2026

Trending: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art  this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing and mucus.

Acute bronchitis is usually short-term and often caused by infections, while chronic bronchitis lasts at least three months over consecutive years and makes breathing harder due to persistent inflammation and mucus buildup.

Lawmakers Condemn ICE Detention Of Children

Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) called ICE detention centers "inhumane and deadly" and urged the release of Nicolas, Steven, and all detainees through her Melt ICE Act.

ICE detention centers are inhumane and deadly. Detention is a cruelty no one should endure  especially children and babies.



We must end immigration detention and ensure the release of Juan Nicolas, Steven, and every single person held in the camps.



Let's pass my Melt ICE Act https://t.co/nmcikIuZOt  Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (@repdeliaramirez) February 17, 2026

See Also: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round  10,000+ Investors Are Already In

Congressman Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) said Nicolas, a two-month-old, had spent half his life in the Dilley detention center while constantly sick, condemning the enforcement as child abuse and opposing further ICE funding.

Juan Nicolas is a 2 month-old baby who has been in the Dilley ICE detention center for half of his life, constantly sick. This Administration's immigration enforcement actions are beyond cruelty. This is child abuse by the federal government, and we will not give ICE and CBP one https://t.co/pWwN2AWAOQ  Congressman Chuy Garcia (@RepChuyGarcia) February 17, 2026

Earlier, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father returned home to Minnesota after a federal judge ordered their release from the Dilley facility in Texas, ending a high-profile case that had drawn national scrutiny.

Read Next: This Under-$1 Pre-IPO AI Company Is Still Open to Retail Investors  Learn More

Photo: Marko Subotin from Shutterstock

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This article Castro Condemns ICE For Deporting Critically Ill Infant, Says Baby's Life In Danger Because Of 'Monstrous Cruelty' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
Guest Opinion. Each February, we pause to honor the achievements and enduring contributions of Black Americans. At the Cherokee Nation, Black History Month also calls to examine our own history honestly and to commit ourselves to telling the full truth about who we are. We have a responsibility of telling the full story of our past, including our Nations participation in the enslavement of Black people and the enduring experience of Cherokee Freedmen.

This week, we published the findings of the Task Force to Examine the Impact of Enslavement on Cherokee Nations 19th Century Economy and Infrastructure. The report presents clear and sobering historical facts. It is not simply an academic exercise, but rather an act of moral responsibility.

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.

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Prior to removal, about 6.74% of Cherokee households  largely mixed-blood families with ties to white ancestors  comprised an enslaver class. Prominent Cherokees were among them, including 11 of the 12 signers of the 1827 Cherokee Constitution. By 1835, Cherokees owned nearly 1,600 enslaved people. Enslaved people operated plantations, built roads and public buildings, and were pivotal to rebuilding the Cherokee Nation following the 18381839 forced removal.

These are difficult truths. But they are truths, nonetheless.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.

The Treaty of 1866 guaranteed citizenship rights to formerly enslaved people, or Freedmen, and their descendants in perpetuity. These rights were not conditional. Freedmen should not have needed to struggle for more than 150 years for their rights or be told to go beg for their rights at the ballot box. We must recognize that the long struggle to honor that promise is also part of our history and our responsibility.

The report will guide future dialogue. Additionally, a new executive order will ensure that Cherokee Nation museums, historic sites and related materials comprehensively reflect the history of Cherokee Freedmen. We cannot celebrate Cherokee self-determination while ignoring its complexity. We cannot champion justice today, without acknowledging where we fell short in the past. Our sovereignty is not diminished by the truth. It is strengthened by it.

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Black History Month events across the Cherokee Nation Reservation, which includes the historic Greenwood District in Tulsa, remind us that our history is deeply intertwined with many communities. Cherokee Freedmen families helped build the businesses, churches and neighborhoods that shaped Oklahoma's history. That legacy is one of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Our commitment must extend beyond words toward action. That is why we recently completed a $2.2 million Cherokee Nation North Tulsa Community Building, where an elder nutrition program will launch this summer.

We have selected artist Stanley Boydston's design for a Freedmen monument to be placed at the Cherokee National History Museum's Capitol Square in Tahlequah, establishing permanent acknowledgment in the heart of our capital city.

And through late April, we will showcase the exhibit "We Are Cherokee: Cherokee Freedmen and the Right to Citizenship" at the Anna Mitchell Cultural Center in Vinita.

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As Principal Chief, I believe our sovereignty is strongest when grounded in truth. Cherokee values, like community and responsibility, demand that we confront difficult history head-on with courage.

The Cherokee Nation has endured because we adapt and grow. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to affirm that the Cherokee story includes Freedmen history. Black Heritage is not a footnote but an essential part of who we are. Weve made a promise to future generations of Cherokees: we will not hide from history but learn from it.

Chuck Hoksin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest defeat for President Donald Trump's economic agenda by the U.S. Supreme Court following its ruling over his administration's imposed tariffs.

The high court struck down most of the tariffs that Trump has been imposing on countries around the world. The president using it as a big foreign policy tool and as a lever against big business and countries that aren't doing what the Trump administration wants.

Critics say the cost of tariffs is eventually passed onto consumers in the form of high prices.

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So, where do we go from here?

We talk to New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer and New York Congressman Dan Goldman about this decision.

Up Close airs Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City.

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Delaware residents will be facing severe weather as a blizzard passes through the First State Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23.

For those who are homeless or need temporary shelter, the storm is dangerous and potentially deadly. To help those in need, Gov. Matt Meyer has announced Code Purple shelters will open in Delaware.

Here's what to know about a Code Purple.

As the blizzard approaches, Code Purple shelters are opening statewide to ensure unhoused Delawareans have a warm, safe place to stay.



Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has authorized emergency funding to support providers, and were coordinating with organizations like  Governor Matt Meyer (@MattMeyerDE) February 22, 2026

What is a Code Purple?

According to the United Way of Delaware, a Code Purple is a program in Delaware that provides emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness when weather is cold and dangerous. It's activated when the temperature is below 10 degrees or there is severe ice, snow and wind.

How to find shelters in Delaware

Code Purple shelters are open 24 hours statewide. These emergency shelters are temporary, volunteer-run and/or nonprofit housing, and activated during severe winter weather to provide safe, warm overnight refuge, meals and resources.

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The shelters can be contacted as follows:

New Castle County  (302) 652-8033

Kent County  (800) 733-6816

Sussex County  (302) 519-0024

You can also call 211 for state housing, food and medical care resources.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What is a Code Purple? How Delaware helps homeless during winter
We continue to have Weather On the Way for an elevated fire threat and cold air on the way for Sunday through Tuesday.

A strong cold front will move into the area Sunday, bringing a high to very high fire danger and sharply colder air.

Scattered showers will develop ahead of the front early Sunday, but some will stay dry. Highs for Sunday will be in the 70s.

Very dry and cool air moves in behind the front starting late Sunday.

Gusty northwesterly winds and dry vegetation will lead to high fire danger, and a Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of the area.

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A Red Flag Warning means conditions are favorable for the rapid spread of brushfires.

The fire danger increases even further on Monday, when much of Central Florida will be under a Very High fire threat. A Fire Weather Watch is already posted for Monday.

The cold air behind the front will also keep temperatures well below average. Highs Monday and Tuesday will only be in the 50s and low 60s.

The threat of a freeze continues to increase in northwest areas Tuesday morning, and a frost is becoming likely in parts of the area Wednesday morning.

Warmer weather does return for the back end of next week.

Stay with Severe Weather Center 9 for the latest on the fire threat and the cold temps the next several days.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Donald Trump went down to Georgia last week to tout the economy to voters in former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes district. But there was really only one thing he wanted to discuss. While touring a steel company and stopping in at a restaurant, the president spent most of his time talking about the FBI raid on the Fulton County election offices, his tiresome claims of voter fraud and his new onerous voter identification plans. In other words, it was a typical Trump appearance.

His incessant demands to revisit the 2020 election means he will go down in history as the man who refused to accept his loss and inspired an insurrection. Trump will forever be known as the president who was intent on sowing doubts about the integrity of Americas elections  despite a total lack of evidence and dozens of investigations and judicial findings. When all is said and done, this may be his greatest legacy.

But as much as Trump has taken these cries of voter fraud and rigged elections to an extreme, it is not one of his narcissistic innovations. He merely took what has long been conservative orthodoxy and put his own deceitful spin on it. Decades before he came along, the right was pushing the voter fraud myth  and using it as an excuse to suppress the vote.

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The Souths discriminatory practices during Jim Crow were justified as fraud prevention. Conservatives claimed that unless a poll tax was instituted, poor people would sell their votes. They believed that Black people, regarded as intellectually and morally inferior, were especially likely to do so. Similarly, some reformers in Northern cities went to great lengths to make it difficult for immigrant populations to vote, creating barriers to registration and constantly changing the rules, all in the name of stopping so-called fraud. States openly gerrymandered districts in a way to deny Black people representation and created whites-only partisan primaries.

But there was never any real evidence of voter fraud, according to historian Alexander Keyssar. In The Right To Vote: The Contested History Of Democracy In The United States, he details how the accusation was simply raised as a method to suppress the votes of groups the people in power wished to disenfranchise and disempower. The desire was a precaution  a reflexive response to the idea that the votes of the poor, along with racial and ethnic minorities, might overwhelm the elite and, once in power, they would use the government to seize their property. This was a key part of the systemic strategy in the Jim Crow South to ensure Black Americans retained their second-class status throughout society  a system that remained in place at least until 1965, when the Voting Rights Act finally guaranteed their right to vote.

The Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent switch of Black voters partisan loyalty from the GOP to the Democratic Party led to the Southern Strategy, in which the Republicans exploited racism as an electoral game plan by pandering to the Southern white voter backlash. The strategys blueprint formed the basis of modern conservatisms war on voting rights that has persisted to this day.

Years ago, conservative activist Paul Weyrich put it plainly at an evangelical gathering. I dont want everybody to vote, he said, as a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down. From that point on, every attempt to make it easier to vote and open up the franchise was met with fierce resistance.

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President Jimmy Carters proposals for Election Day registration, public financing and abolition of the Electoral College were met with shrieks of horror by GOP activists, who labeled the plan Fraud and Carters Voter Registration Scheme. The legislation was never taken up by Congress. Ten years later, the motor-voter legislation, which allowed people to register when they renewed their drivers licenses and car registration, was derided as an open door to corrupting the voting rolls; it was vetoed by George H.W. Bush before finally becoming law under Bill Clinton. After the voting age was lowered to 18, states with GOP legislative majorities created onerous rules for college students designed to keep those younger citizens from voting. But in 2000, when the election of George W. Bush turned on a tiny margin of 537 votes in Florida, Republicans went into overdrive, recognizing that as the country was becoming increasingly polarized they could manipulate rules to ensure themselves an advantage.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

The party homed in on one particular form of exceptionally rare voter fraud: voter impersonation. As Michael Waldman at the Brennan Center for Justice pointed out, the potential cost for an individual to impersonate someone at the polls is very high, while the return to a particular candidate is very low  how much can one vote really matter? Throw in the idea of undocumented immigrants committing this fraud and you can see why its so absurd. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose. Nonetheless, Bushs attorney general John Ashcroft pursued dozens of investigations into voter fraud, as did Republican attorneys general across the country, and they came up with nothing.

The GOPs strategy with crying voter fraud has always been to get their base motivated. By the time Donald Trump came on the scene in 2015, his advisers had schooled him on all the right-wing tropes, and illegal immigration and voter fraud were at the top of the list. As the man who had put birtherism  the lie suggesting that Barack Obama was born outside the United States and had thus illegally run for president  on the map, he was a perfect messenger.

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Even before Election Day in 2016, Trump was claiming that the election was rigged and that he would only accept the results if he won. As president, he convened a voter fraud commission to prove that he had not just won the electoral vote but the popular vote as well. Ten years later, he continues to promote that lie as truth. Month in advance of the 2020 election, he teed up the false notion that mail-in votes were fraudulent. We know the rest.

Now we are awaiting the Supreme Courts ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could see the Voting Rights Act completely gutted if the conservative justices, as is expected, decide in favor of the state. This is a long-held dream for the American right  and for Chief Justice John Roberts, who served as a young lawyer in the Reagan administration arguing against the act.

As for Donald Trump, he is surely one of the sorest losers in history; his fragile psyche cannot accept defeat. But he had over a century of help with his lies about voter fraud. Conservatives laid the groundwork  and he took it to the next level.

The post Conservatives cried voter fraud long before Trump appeared first on Salon.com.
(Corrects Oseguera's age to 59, not 60, in second paragraph)

By Drazen Jorgic

MEXICO CITY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as 'El Mencho,' infamous for the bloody trail of bodies he left behind in battles with government forces and rival gangs, died in a military raid on Sunday.

An ex-police officer, Oseguera, 59, was the shadowy leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an international criminal enterprise widely viewed as one of Mexico's most powerful.

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Over a relatively short period of time, Oseguera masterminded the CJNG's emergence as a criminal empire rivaling his former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel. He managed to evade arrest for years despite a $15 million bounty from the U.S. for information leading to his arrest or capture.

CJNG has been blamed for smuggling vast quantities of drugs into the U.S., including the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which has been linked to hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths in recent years.

"Apart from the heads of the Sinaloa cartel, 'El Mencho' has been the biggest prize for many, many years," said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a security expert and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

"And its really stunning, just like the heads of the Sinaloa cartel, how long he managed to evade U.S. and Mexican law enforcement gunning for him.

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BEHEADINGS

Arguably Mexico's most influential crime boss after captured kingpin Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, now in a U.S. prison, Oseguera diversified into rackets such as stolen fuel, forced labor and human trafficking.

But unlike Guzman, who became a media celebrity, El Mencho preferred to remain in relative obscurity. He achieved notoriety for expletive-laden recordings leaked on social media in which he threatened enemies and officials.

Oseguera was also known for evading capture in spectacular fashion. In May 2015, as Mexican forces closed in on him, his tipped-off henchmen shot down a military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade to give their boss time to escape.

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Targets of his hit men were rarely so lucky. His gang routinely employed beheadings and other gory means of intimidation.

In one six-week period in 2015, the gang killed two dozen police in western Mexico as a warning to authorities.

In 2020, Mexico City's then chief of police Omar Garcia Harfuch survived an assassination attempt that killed two of his bodyguards in an attack authorities blamed on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Harfuch is now the country's security chief and helped oversee the operation against Oseguera.

Oseguera was born in 1966 in a poor village in the mountains of the rugged and notoriously lawless western state of Michoacan. There, cultivation of opium poppies and marijuana have competed with avocado production for decades.

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As a boy, he worked the fields, and later went to seek his fortune in the U.S., where prosecutors said he got into the heroin trade. After a few years, he was arrested and served time in a U.S. prison.

He was deported back to Mexico, where he joined the police before entering the Milenio Cartel, a satellite of the Sinaloa Cartel. Eventually, he became a top enforcer after stints as a sicario, or cartel assassin.

After a failed attempt at taking over the Milenio Cartel, he struck out alone, declared war on Sinaloa, and founded the CJNG in alliance with a local gang of money launderers.

The cartel is named for the western state of Jalisco, home to one of Mexico's largest cities, Guadalajara.

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The CJNG mixed Sinaloa-style drug trafficking and community outreach with the ultra-violent methods of the Zetas Cartel, a gang that used paramilitary tactics to diversify into criminal enterprises such as extortion and kidnapping.

For years, Oseguera paid off police to cover his back as he operated with near-total impunity inside Jalisco. He also sought political protection.

"El Mencho's Jalisco New Generation Cartel was one of the biggest buyers of politicians and political campaigns, which has given it an enormous social base," said Edgardo Buscaglia, an organized crime expert at Columbia University.

Noting El Mencho's ability to win public support, Buscaglia pointed to footage broadcast during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic of people lining up for CJNG-stamped food packages handed out by cartel gunmen, not government workers, to help cushion the economic blow of lockdowns.

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"Compared to the Mexican government," said Buscaglia, "he was the least bad option."

(Reporting by Drazen Jorgic, Laura Gottesdiener and Emily Green; Additional reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Christian Plumb and David Gregorio)
GOSHEN  The county will have new poll books for the primary election at a cost of over $280,000.

The Elkhart County Board of Elections on Thursday reviewed an agreement with Election Systems and Software to provide 200 new electronic poll books at a total cost of $283,100. The tablet-like devices are used to check voters in at election sites.

The devices replace a set of poll books that were deemed obsolete over a year ago and that use software that is no longer supported. Election Board Chair Jennifer Shell said the devices were starting to show their age.

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With a lot of I.T. equipment, it just has a shelf life of so long, and I think they were starting to have technical difficulties. The base is something that swivels and I think there were wire connections that were starting to go, she said. These new ones are like for a restaurant, like a tablet but it can flip so that the voter can see it and the whole screen rotates. It seems to be a little bit more sophisticated model.

Elkhart County Clerk of the Court Patty Pickens said the total price includes installation, training and one year of support for the new devices. The $283,100 appropriation will go before the Elkhart County Council for approval.

She said the county will have the new poll books ready to use in time for the early voting period for the primary election. Indianas election calendar allows early voting starting on April 7, the day after the voter registration deadline.

Well be using these for early voting. Early voting starts early April, Pickens said. They should be delivered here within the next week.

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Pickens told the election board that the agreement with ES&S was signed by previous Clerk Christopher Anderson in December but had not gone before the board yet.

What Ive learned since taking office is that the poll books that we currently have on hand were obsolete as of 12/31/2024. Thats why this came about, from my discussions with our vendor, she said. They were on the prior clerk for several months to get this set up so that we would be able to receive the poll books in time for this election. I have no answer as to why it took until Dec. 10 for him to sign it, but he did sign it. He did not bring it before the board, which should have happened. In the future, that definitely will happen and it will also go before the (board of county) commissioners.

Shell said she was disappointed that the agreement wasnt brought before the board earlier.

Im dismayed to hear this didnt go through the proper channels, but I think were all committed to making sure that happens in the future, she said.

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Anderson resigned amid criminal charges related to overpaying employees and Pickens was chosen by caucus to replace him in January. Deputy Clerk Carol Smith, who was also convicted of the same charges, has been replaced by Jennifer Wertenberger.

Pickens former position as county auditor was filled by Tiara Jackson, first deputy auditor, at another caucus on Feb. 5.

Election board members are Shell, the Democratic appointee since January 2024, and newly appointed Republican representative Tom Reusser.
This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2026 shows a scene during a horse galloping performance in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

URUMQI, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Snow settles at the foot of the western Tianshan Mountains until a herder lifts his whip and the silence gives way to motion: a line of horses surges forward, hooves striking powder into white mist. In Zhaosu, a remote county in the Ili River Valley in China's far northwestern Xinjiang, winter brings a spectacle locals call "heavenly horses treading snow" -- an image that looks ancient, but the economics behind it are not.

For centuries, the Ili River Valley, home to the fabled "Tianma (heavenly horses)" celebrated in Chinese lore, was known for its horses. Positioned along the Grassland Silk Road, it was threaded into successive dynasties' frontier systems through remount stations and courier routes. In that system, horses served as remounts for courier routes and frontier defense, functioning as transport and strategic assets.

The role has largely disappeared, as motorcycles replaced mounted patrols and tractors replaced draught animals. In most places, the loss of practical utility would have led to a steady decline. Zhaosu, however, chose a different response: rather than allowing the horse to fade into heritage, it sought to redefine its economic value.

By the end of 2025, the county counted roughly 122,300 horses, while Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture as a whole held more than 500,000, about one-seventh of China's total. Yet scale by itself creates no market. The more consequential question is what a region does when a traditional asset no longer serves its original function.

Zhaosu's answer has been diversified. Two state-owned breeding farms anchor a new round of genetic improvement aimed not at plowing or transport, but at leisure riding, competitive sport, and dual-purpose milk-and-meat breeds. A countywide network standardizes artificial insemination and frozen semen production on a market basis. A performance-testing center, the first in Xinjiang, supports the county's shift toward sport- and leisure-oriented horse breeding.

The language has shifted from "raising horses well" to "operating horses well," a transition that requires institutional scaffolding.

One such institution is Zhaosu's equine hospital. With operating theaters, serology labs, molecular diagnostics, and inpatient wards, it is rare in China's horse sector. Accredited as a specialist training center of equine veterinarians, it cooperates with universities, including China Agricultural University. Where herders once relied largely on experience -- palpating a limb, wrapping a joint -- owners of valuable racehorses now demand surgery and structured rehabilitation.

Professionalization extends to sport. Since 2021, Zhaosu has hosted more than 420 races and related events, cultivating branded competitions and local talent. Last year, the seven-day Super Derby International Equestrian TREC Endurance on Silk Road drew riders from China, the United States, Italy and Spain, with its longest route stretching 500 kilometers.

Riders compete during the Super Derby International Equestrian TREC Endurance on Silk Road in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

"From unified referee uniforms to formal veterinary rescue systems and professional event operations, you can see how much more organized our races have become," said San Kewen, a local female rider who works at the Tianma Tourism and Cultural Park in Zhaosu. The park has expanded from a single racetrack into a broader complex that combines folk performances, equestrian training, and horse-themed camps.

For San, the shift is more personal. She only learned to ride after joining the park, despite growing up in a horse-raising household. What was once a subsistence skill is now service employment.

Tourism also feeds off the spectacle. Rather than relying solely on summer crowds, the county has built a year-round tourism calendar around its horses. Summer brings the well-known "horses bathing in the river," while winter's "horses treading snow" has found a following online, extending visitor traffic beyond the traditional peak season. In 2025, the county received more than 9.4 million visitors, a notable figure for a place with fewer than 200,000 residents.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 19, 2025 shows horses running during a tourism festival in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)

Value chains now stretch further. A young local graduate founded a biotechnology firm that refines horse fat and develops soaps, creams and balms. The refined materials are supplied to high-end cosmetics companies and traditional Chinese medicine manufacturers, integrating the county's horse industry into broader national supply chains and external market circulation. Downstream processing of milk, meat, and fat derivatives adds layers to what was once a single-stage pastoral economy. The county's equine industry accounts for 1.53 billion yuan (about 220.47 million U.S. dollars) in output, becoming a pillar industry that supports tens of thousands of farmers and herders.

Such figures are modest in absolute terms. But Zhaosu's effort is less about scale than about adaptation. As the horse's traditional roles in transport and military service faded, the county developed new functions in tourism, competitive sport and processing industries. The animal did not disappear; instead, it found different work.

The past continues to echo in today's Zhaosu. In 1976, after the devastating Tangshan Earthquake, 3,000 horses from Zhaosu's then-military stud farm were sent east to assist relief efforts, an episode still commemorated in the county's horse culture museum, where souvenir enamel mugs and faded newspaper clippings recall the journey. Symbolism remains potent. Yet in today's Zhaosu, the horse's economic role matters as much as its historical one.

The transformation has also received policy support. Since 2023, Taizhou in Jiangsu Province, paired with Zhaosu under China's pairing-up assistance program, has invested more than 55.81 million yuan to support breed improvement, product processing, cultural tourism and brand building, reinforcing the industry's long-term capacity.

The bigger change lies in incentives. For veterinarians, riders and business owners, horses now generate income rather than simply embody tradition. Formal breeding standards, specialist medical care, and organized competition have made the sector more predictable and investable. What was once sustained by necessity is now sustained by markets.

Snow rises in white plumes beneath pounding hooves, breath steaming in the cold. The horses run as they always have. What has altered is not the animal, but the architecture around it, breeding systems, medical protocols, sporting rules and product lines. In Zhaosu, survival has come not from reverence, but from redefinition. 

Xinhua News Agency Feb. 19, 2026




Ankara feels that from the Horn of Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria and Iraq it has increased its influence greatly in the last years.

In 2019 Turkey took delivery of an S-400 air defense system from Russia. This was the culmination of a deal dating from 2017. It also marked Ankaras shift in strategy from being a NATO member to hedging its bets by working with Russia. A pipeline across the Black Sea to Russia, called TurkStream was completed in 2020.

It looked as if Ankara was shifting rapidly away from the West. Six years later Turkey is playing a role in the US-backed Board of Peace and Ankara is seeking to send personnel to Gaza. Turkey is friends again with Saudi Arabia and also meeting with Greek officials.

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Ankara has shifted its policies from confrontation to dialogue. In Jerusalem some officials have said they view Turkey as a potential new threat, in a sense replacing Shiite Iran with a powerful Sunni power. Ankara recently condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, for instance. Turkeys shift in policy should be understood against this backdrop.

The Turkish decisions between 2017 and 2020 were not just Russia-oriented. Ankara was also embroiled in a number of conflicts or simmering disputes. In 2018 Turkey had mobilized what it called the Syrian National Army, a number of small Syrian rebel groups, and asked them to invade the Kurdish area of Afrin in Syria.

It unleashed these groups as Turkey also invaded alongside them. The groups attacked Kurds and caused around 160,000 people to flee the area of Afrin in northwest Syria. The attack was devastating.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reacts during a press conference at a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands June 25, 2025. (credit: PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW/REUTERS)

Why did Turkey invade Afrin? It was part of a campaign against the Syrian Democratic Forces, the mostly Kurdish group the US was backing in Syria. Turkey couldnt confront the SDF directly and end up in a crisis with Washington, so it chose Afrin.

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Afrin was defended by the Kurdish YPG, a group that also worked with the SDF. Afrin was one part of Turkeys role in Syria. Ankara had also launched an operation back in 2016 aimed at stopping the SDF from moving past the city of Manbij near the Euphrates.

Turkeys involvement in Syria developed over the years. By the time Ankara was acquiring S-400s, it was also setting its sights on dismantling the SDF completely.

The backdrop of this came amid Ankaras discussions with the first Trump administration. Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan pressured the US to approve an operation in an area called Serekaniya in northeastern Syria. This would push the SDF out of an area that the SDF had liberated from ISIS.

In 2019 Turkey launched the attack. With a NATO ally rolling into Syria the US felt it had to withdraw and the SDF was left alone to defend an area on the border. Sensing collapse, the SDF sent feelers to Damascus and the Assad regime.

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Eventually a complex deal was worked out that saw Ankara take over an area of northern Syria, and saw Russia and the Syrian regime deploy to areas where the US had previously been patrolling with the SDF.

The crisis in 2019 almost led to US withdrawal from Syria. Its worth recalling this today. The US is now actually withdrawing from Syria as the Syrian government takes over eastern Syria. However, back in 2018-2019 the first Trump administration weighed withdrawal.

If the US had withdrawn then, Syria would have been carved up into spheres of Iranian, Turkish and Russian influence. Instead, the US held on tenuously and the SDF remained.

This enabled the space for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib, the last remaining independent rebel group, to train and prepare for the 2024 offensive against the Assad regime. Israels pounding of Hezbollah in 2024 enabled the offensive in late November 2024. Assad fell on December 8, 2024.

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This has been a game changer for Turkey. Its worth recalling that Turkeys AKP party has been in power more than 20 years. Like Israels Prime Minister, Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become a mainstay of the region, a long serving leader who has dominated the region for 20 years.

When Erdogan and the AKP entered power their first goal was a domestic revolution in Turkey, pushing back against years of secular nationalist rule. They went to war with what they called the deep state, which mean going after what they assumed to be coup plotters in the army and also pursuing judicial reform to get rid of judges they viewed as hostile.

Having clipped the wings of the judiciary and weakened independent media in Turkey, cracking down on the 2013 Gezi park protests; the AKP then set about pushing a new foreign policy. Turkey went from a policy of zero problems with neighbors to an offensive doctrine of crisis.

Ankaras shift to a crisis doctrine was accelerated by a 2016 coup attempt and also the breakdown in a ceasefire with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in 2015.

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The defeated coup attempt enabled the AKP to concentrate power. The PKK also launched an insurrection, apparently inspired by YPG successes against ISIS in 2015. The PKK badly miscalculated, leading to destruction in Kurdish areas as war spread. The Turkish state that emerged from the 2015-2016 crisis was emboldened.

By 2019 Turkey was also pursuing new policies in the Eastern Mediterranean. It reached out to Libya to sign a deal which essentially put Turkey astride Greek claims. This blue homeland concept envisions Ankara dominating the Eastern Mediterranean. It is no surprise that as Ankara was doing this, it provoked closer ties between Israel, Greece and Cyprus.

Turkey also confronted Israel over the US decision to move the Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, and over the Abraham Accords in 2020. Although both these policies were actually due to Washingtons decisions and support; Ankara was angered and wanted to push back.

At the time Turkey was picking fights with everyone. It was almost clashing with Greece; and in Libya it was almost clashing with Egypt over influence. But quietly things were shifting behind the scenes. With the death of former Egyptian leader, and key Muslim Brotherhood leader member, Mohammed Morsi in 2019, Turkey could move on from its anger at Egypt regarding the 2013 overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood.

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The AKP has roots in the Brotherhood, but it also recognizes the realities of the region. Ankaras war of words with Riyadh over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 also faded with time.

The Biden administrations failure to prevent the Ukraine war and failure to end the Gaza war led to Ankara shifting its policies. It sensed a weak US and saw that its time in the region was now or never. The victory of the Syrian revolution against Assad gave Ankara a chance to re-think Syria policy.

Now it could be a bit more forgiving with the SDF and PKK, agreeing to a deal with the PKK in Turkey which may see the PKK disarm and disband. Ankara also helped Damascus maneuver around the SDF and this may see it integrated into Damascus-backed security forces.

The war in Ukraine has made NATO rely on Turkey more. Turkey has been investing heavily in local defense industries for a decade and a half; a result in part of its alienation from Israel where it once had defense ties. As such, Turkey is now a rising military power.

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NATO needs Turkey now. Ankara has also recognized this and is flirting slightly less with Russia. At the same time Ankara has reached out more to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Riyadh is moving away from the UAE and as such it appears that Saudi and Turkey are no longer rivals for power in the Islamic world.

Turkeys role in Gaza shifts Israel's regional concerns

For Israel, these shifting policies have led to concern in Jerusalem. Some see this as a one-way road moving from confronting Iran to confronting Turkey. Ankara has shifted its tone though. In the old days, Erdogan would slam Israel and compare it to Nazism.

Today, Turkey is more careful. It wants a role in Gaza. It has close ties to the Trump administration. Erdogan is trying to play elder statesman. Ankara views Israel as now lurching from crisis to crisis. In essence, Ankara thinks it has switched places with Israel in terms of being the crisis-driver.

Ankara now believes it is a stabilizing force. Israel is involved in conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank and potentially other places. Ankara feels that from the Horn of Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria and Iraq it has increased its influence greatly in the last years.
The National Park Service reinstalled Washington, D.C.'s only statue of a Confederate soldier in October 2025 as part of the Trump administration's effort to restore preexisting monuments in the capital. The depiction of Brigadier General Albert Pike was toppled by protesters in the summer of 2020, with many treating it as just another symbol of Confederate nostalgia. But it was erected to honor Pike's civic and philanthropic legacy, not his role in the Civil War.

Pike's bronze likeness was not donated by a Southern historical society or heritage league, nor funded by a Jim Crowera government. It was privately commissioned by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Washington, D.C., as part of a fundraising effort that began in the 1890syears before the wave of Confederate monument construction. The statue honors Pike not for his service to the Confederacy but for his postwar work as a legal scholar, philanthropist, and advocate for the rights of indigenous tribes. This is emphasized by depicting him in civilian garb and holding a book rather than wearing his dress blues and brandishing a rifle.

Pike represented Native American nations in their claims against the federal government. He made various legal contributions in his home state of Arkansas, publishing The Arkansas Form Book, which helped standardize the state's legal codes. He also advocated for expanding access to quality education for those on the frontier.

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The reaction to the reinstatement of Pike's statue ignores these other roles Pike played in American history and falsely lumps this specific monument in with every other Confederate memorial. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DD.C.), for example, referred to it as "morally objectionable" and "an affront to the mostly Black and Brown residents of the District of Columbia." Norton, who was at the forefront of attempts to move the statue as early as 1992, has again introduced legislation to permanently remove it.

The context surrounding the Pike statue is different from efforts in parts of the South to reerect Confederate war memorials and rename schools. It's an effort to restore the monument in alignment with its original purpose. In doing so, the National Park Service isn't celebrating Pike; it's complying with legal obligations to maintain, upkeep, and protect monuments located on federal land.

Public memory often shoehorns complex historical figures into two categories: virtuous heroes or irredeemable villains. This impulse depends on rejecting historical context in favor of theatrical certainty. Pike's life cannot be placed neatly into either box.

The post D.C.'s Statue of a Confederate General Isn't What Its Critics Think It Is appeared first on Reason.com.
Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Greenland and Denmark on Sunday both rejected a hospital boat that U.S. President Donald Trump said he was sending to the Danish territory.

The president posted about his plan Saturday on his Truth Social media platform, saying that the vessel would be sent to "take care of the many people who are sick and not being taken care of there."

A painting of USNS Mercy, one of the U.S. two medical ships, accompanied the post. In the image, red crosses adorned the vessel's side and it was flying a large American flag as it sailed, seemingly toward Greenland.

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In response, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that while they are "very grateful" there is no need to send the medical boat as they have free healthcare.

"We have learned that President Trump wants to send an American hospital ship to Greenland. But here in our country, we already have a healthcare system that everyone can use for free," he said in a statement on Facebook.

"That wasn't decided for no reason. It is extremely important to society. In the U.S., it isn't like that, because going to the doctor is extremely expensive."

Nielsen added that Greenland is open to dialogue and cooperation with the United States, while chided Trump for making bombastic statements online.

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"So please, if you want to talk with us, stop writing random things on social media," he said.

"If there are to be talks and cooperation, then the decision we make here in our country must be fully respected."

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also said in an interview with public broadcaster DR that Copenhagen had not been briefed on the matter, and added that there was "no need for special healthcare efforts."

"It is so important to say that the Greenlandic population of course receives the necessary health treatment," Poulsen said, per The Wall Street Journal.

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also added in a statement: "I'm happy to live in a country where everyone has free and equal access to healthcare -- where it isn't insurance and wealth that decide whether you receive proper treatment. Greenland has the same approach."

Trump's statement comes amid heightened tensions over Greenland due to renewed rhetoric from the American president about U.S. control over the Danish territory, which has alarmed officials in Greenland, Denmark and some European allies.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has threatened the sovereignty of Denmark with talk of taking control of Greenland and has refused to explicitly rule out doing so via military action.

He argues that Greenland must become part of the United States for national security purposes.

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Greenland is a Danish territory. Denmark is a member of the NATO alliance and a U.S. ally. It is home to a U.S. military base -- Pituffik Space Base -- and Danish and Greenland officials have said they are open to discussion on further military cooperation.

Trump's insistence on the U.S. acquiring Greenland has frayed relations between Washington and its European and NATO allies.

Anna Wangenheim, Greenland's minister for Health and Persons with Disabilities, said she has not been in touch with the United States regarding the hospital ship.

In the Facebook statement, she acknowledged that Greenland requires additional resources to deal with "a significant backlog" in its healthcare system, but it has entered into an agreement with the Danish state to improve conditions.

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"When President Donald Trump announces the idea of sending a hospital ship to Greenland, it touches a sensitive nerve. Many citizens have experienced that serious illness means long and difficult journeys away from family and home," she said.

"But structural challenges are not solved by isolated, symbolic initiatives from the outside."

On Saturday, Denmark's Joint Arctic Command said in a statement that it evacuated a crew member who needed urgent medical treatment from a U.S. submarine.

A Seahawk helicopter of Denmark's Ministry of Defense executed the transfer of the crew member from the submarine, located in waters about 7 miles outside of Nuuk, to health services in Greenland's capital.

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Wangenheim said Trump is "welcome" to observe the effectiveness of its healthcare system in cooperation with Denmark.

"It demonstrates that, despite vast distances, we can deliver a strong emergency response when it truly matters," she said.

Trump's post followed a meeting with Jeff Landry, the governor of Louisiana and Trump-appointed envoy to Greenland.

Landry late Sunday lambasted Nielsen for not accepting the ship, claiming that many Greenlanders have told him healthcare is among the main issues they face.

"A healthy Greenland is vital for America's national security," he said on X.

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"America is committed to defending Greenland, and that begins by ensuring its people are defended against basic illnesses and ailments."

The Navy's two hospital ships are currently in an Alabama shipyard.
Delaware could be hit by a record-breaking snowstorm, according to the National Weather Service.

A blizzard warning has been issued for all three counties for Sunday, Feb. 22, to Monday, Feb. 23, and a coastal flood warning has been set for Kent and Sussex counties.

Heavy, crippling snowfall is expected to be accompanied by winds gusting to as high as 45 mph in northern and central Delaware and 55 mph in southern Delaware, the weather service said.

How much snow will Delaware get?

Here are the total snowfall predictions for Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service:

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New Castle County: 12 to 20 inches

Kent County: 12 to 20 inches

Sussex County: 12 to 19 inches

Snow could fall faster than 2 inches per hour, the weather service said. Localized snowfall amounts could be higher, and significant drifting is possible.

(Note: The map provides generalized snow totals. The snow totals given above are more accurate, according to the National Weather Service.)

DELAWARE WINTER WEATHER: Track storm radar

What is the record for snowfall in Delaware?

The National Weather Service has reliable records for the Wilmington area only.

At Wilmington Airport, the record for snowfall on Feb. 23 is 12.4 inches, which was set in 1987.

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The record two-day snowfall total for Feb. 22-23 is 14.4 inches, also set in 1987.

 Share snow photos and video with us 

The all-time record for one day is 22 inches of snow. That was set on Jan. 7, 1996.

The all-time record for two days is 25.8 inches; that was set on Feb 5-6, 2010.

The snowiest February of all time was in 2010. That month, 46.9 inches of snow fell. So far this month, the Wilmington area has had 0.1 inch of snow.

The snowiest year on record also was 2010, when 72.7 inches of snow were recorded. The Wilmington Airport has received 15.7 inches of snow this year.

DELAWARE SNOW: The 5 biggest snowstorms in state history

When will the snow arrive in Delaware?

On Sunday, Feb. 22, precipitation will change to all snow by the afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said.

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The most severe conditions and heaviest snowfall are expected Sunday night. The snow will gradually taper off during the daytime on Monday.

When is the blizzard warning for Delaware?

A blizzard warning means that blizzard conditions are occurring or are expected to occur within the next 12 to 18 hours.

A blizzard warning will be in effect during these times:

New Castle County: 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday

Kent County: 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday

Sussex County: 1 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday

A brewing nor'easter along the East Coast will have the most severe impacts in coastal areas from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, according to the National Weather Service. Blizzard conditions and winds up to 70 mph are in the forecast, along with heavy snow over a foot in some areas.

What is a blizzard?

A blizzard is a dangerous winter storm with three conditions sustained for at least three hours, according to the National Weather Service:

Large amounts of falling or blowing snow

Wind or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph

Visibility of less than a quarter-mile

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A blizzard has no temperature requirement.

Portions of the region are under a blizzard warning. It has been a few years since the region saw a blizzard, so as a reminder, here is the definition of a blizzard. The combination of winds and blowing snow result in whiteout conditions. #NJWX #DEWX #MDWX pic.twitter.com/qAtI79YFeW  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) February 21, 2026

NATIONAL WEATHER FORECAST: How much snow? Snow accumulation forecast by state, region

Coastal flood warning in Kent and Sussex counties

A coastal flood warning will be in effect in Kent and Sussex counties from 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, according to the National Weather Service.

During a coastal flood warning, moderate or major tidal flooding occurs or is imminent.

Inundation 1 to 2 feet above ground level is possible in low-lying areas along shorelines and tidal waterways, the weather service said.

Widespread roadway flooding may occur in coastal and bayside communities and along inland tidal waterways, and many roads may become impassable. Flooding also may cause structural damage.

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Flooding may occur through Monday's high tides, the weather service said.

Has Delaware declared a state of emergency?

Yes, a state of emergency has been declared.

(This story was updated to add information.)

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware blizzard warning. Up to 20 inches of snow, coastal flooding
Delaware lawmakers are taking a simple step that could make a big difference for both your junk drawer and your health.

Delaware Public Media reported that the state House has advanced a so-called "Skip the Stuff" bill that would stop restaurants from automatically including plastic forks, napkins, and condiment packets in takeout and delivery orders. Instead, customers would need to request those items or pick them up from a self-service station.

If the measure becomes law, restaurants that repeatedly ignore the rule could face fines starting at $100 for a third violation and rising to $500 for additional offenses.

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Importantly, this is not an outright ban.

As bill sponsor Rep. Sophie Phillips explained, "Not included in this bill are pizza boxes  cups like the Dewey Beach orange crush cups  containers that food or drinks are served in are not included. It's stuff served with food, like extra cups, not the cups or containers or anything that your food is coming in."

According to FoodPrint, 139 million metric tons of single-use plastic waste were generated in 2021, up from 133 million metric tons in 2019. With about 60% of Americans ordering takeout or delivery at least once a week, millions of plastic utensils and packets end up in the trash.

That plastic doesn't just clutter landfills. Over time, it breaks down into microplastics that can enter our food and water.

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Researchers are still learning how those particles affect the human body, but early studies suggest they may be linked to inflammation and other health concerns. Eliminating unnecessary plastic at the source is one way to reduce that exposure.

Supporters say the voluntary "opt out" systems haven't worked. Plastic Free Delaware board member Dee Durham testified that even when her household selected "no utensils," they still received them.

"The big problem here is that the vast majority of this is when we already opted out," she said, adding that coastal and river cleanup data show how common these items remain.

Critics, including restaurant owners in tourist areas, worry about confusion and bad reviews from visitors unfamiliar with the rule. One proposed solution is to emphasize clear signage and staff reminders so customers know to ask.

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Other places  including New York City and parts of New Jersey  have already rolled out similar policies with warning periods before fines.

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.




As New York City braces for a major winter storm, the city is recruiting emergency snow shovelers  and requiring photo identification as part of the registration process.

According to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), individuals seeking to work as Emergency Snow Shovelers must present two small photos (1-1/2 inch square), two original forms of ID, plus copies, and a Social Security card to register.

The temporary workers are hired on a per diem basis to clear snow and ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and other public areas after heavy snowfall. Pay starts at $19.14 per hour and increases to $28.71 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week.

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To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States, and able to perform heavy physical labor.

Photo ID Required For Snow Removal Work

The identification requirements are listed publicly on the DSNY website as part of the official registration process. Workers must provide original documentation to verify eligibility and process payroll.

The city describes the program as an opportunity to Get paid to help keep New Yorkers safe after winter storms.

New York does not generally require registered voters to show photo identification at the polls. According to the New York City Board of Elections, Registered voters do not need to show ID to vote, unless they did not provide identification with their registration.

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First-time voters who did not provide identification when registering may be required to present ID, or they may cast an affidavit ballot.

National Pushback On Voter ID

Democratic lawmakers at the state and federal levels have frequently opposed stricter voter ID requirements, arguing such measures could create barriers for eligible voters.

Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans are advancing the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship and photo identification for federal elections.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express in Polls Show 84% American Support For Photo ID VotingTrump Urges Congress To Act, multiple national surveys show broad bipartisan support for requiring government-issued photo ID to vote.

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A Pew Research Center survey cited by the White House found that 83% of Americans favor photo ID requirements, including majorities of Republicans, independents, and Democrats.

While New York City requires photo identification for temporary municipal snow removal work, most registered voters in New York are not required to present government-issued photo ID at the polls.
Two Democrats are facing off in the fight for the General Assembly seat representing the northeast Charlotte area.

Rep. Nasif Majeed faces a primary challenge from health care advocate Veleria Levy for the North Carolina House District 99 seat. The campaign has focused on Majeeds decision to side with Republicans on two high-profile veto overrides regarding energy policy and gender-related legislation.

District 99 includes northeast Charlotte, University City and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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Majeed, the incumbent who has represented the area since 2019, is a veteran and former City Council member. He is seeking reelection based on his legislative experience.

>>>The 2026 Political Beat Candidate Primary Guide

But Levy, a longtime health care advocate and former executive director of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network, argues the district requires a new representative whose votes align more closely with Democratic Party leadership and Gov. Josh Stein.

The Power Bill Reduction Act removed North Carolinas interim climate goals, which required a 70% reduction in emissions by 2030. The legislation also changed regulations to allow Duke Energy to charge customers earlier for power plant projects. Majeed voted to overturn Steins veto. He argued the vote was necessary to ensure energy stability for incoming industries and data centers.

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We had to have a little forward thinking at same time, push those goals back by five years and still hit the 2050 goals, Majeed said.

Levy criticized the financial impact on residents.

If Duke Energy has record profits, why are those bills being passed on to the regular voter? Levy said. I just dont think theres a way to argue that.

The second veto override involved HB805, a measure that defines male and female as the only two sexes in the state and bans state funds for gender-affirming medical care in prisons. The law also requires schools to provide online catalogs of library books for parental review and allows parents to request religious exemptions from certain assignments.

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Majeed was the only Democrat to vote in favor of overriding the governors veto on this bill. Majeed described himself as a parents rights advocate when explaining his vote.

I dont think a child has the right over the parents, Majeed said. I think that parent has that right over the of the child until they can grow into maturity.

Levy questioned whether Majeeds values aligned with those of the district.

I believe if you are a Democrat and especially in a blue district, your vote should always align with your district first and then your governor second, Levy said. In this particular case, he says he votes his values... and parents rights. I mean, I have said back to him many a times, Im a parent. What about my rights? Right? How many parents rights are you reflecting? Only the parents that you care about, or all parents?

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>>> The Political Beat Primary Candidate Guide: North Carolina State House District 99

Beyond legislative votes, the candidates differ on community engagement. Levy criticized Majeed for a lack of local presence, specifically regarding public meetings.

Its frustrating to have a representative that doesnt come home and do town halls, Levy said.

She said that while Democrats often criticize Republican representatives for skipping town halls, she believes the same standard should apply to the representative for District 99.

Majeed pointed to his decades of service, including his time on the Charlotte City Council in the 1990s and his work as president of the Plaza Eastway Partners Coalition of Neighbors. He also mentioned his role in the creation of the Eastway Regional Recreation Center as evidence of his effectiveness.

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People come from all over to go to that Recreation Center and the neighbors in the surrounding communities on the east side, they enjoy it, Majeed said.

He said his experience is necessary to navigate challenges like Medicaid expansion and affordable housing.

The primary race also features Tucker Neal, a recent college graduate of UNC Charlotte. Although Neal remains on the ballot, he suspended his campaign to endorse Levy, describing her as a progressive voice.

I really believe she is the perfect candidate for our district, Neal said.

He said their platforms were similar and expressed support for LGBTQ+ communities, stating they are not with this program of discrimination.

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Rep. Majeed, Levy and Neal will all appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary in the 99th District. Voters in northeast Charlotte and University City will decide the nomination for the general election.

WATCH: Part 2: The Political Beat with Ch. 9s Joe Bruno
NEED TO KNOW

Police have located a crime scene believed to be linked to the kidnapping of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian in Australia

As part of ongoing efforts to locate Mr. Baghsarian, a property in Dural was identified as a location believed to have been used as a makeshift stronghold by the kidnappers, officials wrote in a press release

Baghsarian was taken from his home on Friday, Feb. 13, and police believe he was not the "intended target of the kidnapping

Police have located a crime scene believed to be linked to the kidnapping of a grandfather in Australia.

One week after 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was taken from his home in North Ryde, the New South Wales (NSW) Police shared in a Feb. 20 news release that Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives have located a crime scene in Dural that is believed to be linked to the elderly man's disappearance.

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As part of ongoing efforts to locate Mr. Baghsarian, a property in Dural was identified as a location believed to have been used as a makeshift stronghold by the kidnappers, officials wrote in the release. About 7pm yesterday (Thursday 19 February 2026), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at the property on Wildthorn Avenue.

As police continue their intensive investigation to locate Mr. Baghsarian and to identify and arrest those responsible for his kidnapping, they are appealing for further public assistance, the release continued. Anyone who may have seen or heard anything relating to the kidnapping or witnessed any sort of suspicious activity in the Dural area since last Friday is urged to contact detectives.

Australia police vehicles (stock image) NSW Police Force/Facebook

After Ryde Police Area Command received a report that Baghsarian had been kidnapped just after 5 a.m. local time on Friday, Feb. 13, officers stated in a news release that the man who was reportedly kidnapped may not have been the intended target.

NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks has since directly addressed the kidnappers in a news conference video viewed by PEOPLE.

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"Please release Mr. Baghsarian, he said. Let us know where he is. We're looking to get him the medical assistance and treatment that he requires."

He went on to urge the kidnappers to "put him somewhere safe" and police will "do the rest," adding that there had been "no ransom delivered to the hostage's family" at this stage.

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"The family are in distress. All they want is their father to be returned, their grandfather to be returned," Marks continued, emphasizing that he was "a million percent confident" that the kidnappers "have the wrong person." The officer previously said that police believe the missing man "is still alive."

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According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Baghsarian was filmed by his kidnappers in a clip that was allegedly distributed by his captors.



Australia police sign NSW Police Force/Facebook

In CCTV footage shared by the outlet that allegedly captured the incident, Baghsarian was seen near a dark Toyota SUV outside a house in the early hours of the morning on Feb. 13, before another person was seen walking toward a neighboring property.

Two individuals were then seen exiting the front door and getting into the car, which had driven up to the front of the home around five minutes later.

Felix Cho, a neighbor of Baghsarian's, had called the police after hearing loud noises from the grandfathers home early that morning.

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I heard glass smashing, dogs barking," he told 9 News. "The screaming just kept on going, and then it was muffled, so I ended up looking outside, and I saw the guy popping into his car and fleeing off."



Read the original article on People
The Department of Homeland Security backtracked on its announcement suspending the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program as the agency contends with a partial government shutdown that has entered its second week.

Two DHS officials told CBS News early Monday that TSA PreCheck should remain open after the decision reversal but noted that "that's being handled airport by airport."

In an earlier statement on Sunday, a spokesperson for TSA had told CBS News that PreCheck "remains operational with no change for the traveling public," but

said that if staffing constraints arise due to the ongoing shutdown, it would "evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly."

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"Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America's skies," the spokesperson said.

Global Entry, another TSA program, was closed to travelers, following some confusion over its status at airports and other ports of entry, according to the DHS officials. Customs and Border Protection officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers will be reassigned to process all other arriving travelers.

In a statement provided to CBS News late Saturday night, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that TSA and CBP "are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts."

Also on Saturday, DHS officials said the TSA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency would enter emergency operating status at 6 a.m. ET Sunday. This meant that FEMA would suspend all non-disaster-related missions and was under travel restrictions due to the ongoing funding standoff, although the agency remained operational and supporting state and local responses to the winter storm on Monday.

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FEMA and TSA will resume normal operations when the shutdown concludes, DHS said Saturday.

The partial shutdown took effect on Feb. 14 after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on DHS funding over opposition from Democrats who demanded changes to the agency in the wake of the deadly shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month by federal immigration agents.

Along with the TSA and FEMA, the partial shutdown is impacting the Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency and other agencies within DHS that safeguard national security. About 13% of the total federal civilian workforce is implicated.

The move drew criticism from Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security.

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"These nitwits are at it again," Thompson said in a statement, accusing President Trump and Noem of "purposely punishing the American people and using them as pawns for their sadistic political games. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry REDUCE airport lines and ease the burden on DHS staff who are working without pay because of Trump's abuse of the Department and killing of American citizens."

On Sunday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the moves "bullying tactics" by the Trump administration.

"The Trump administration is choosing to inflict pain on the public instead of adopting common sense ICE reforms," he said in a statement. "In the 43-day historic Trump government shutdown DHS never changed the Global Entry program's status. Democrats are fighting against this exact kind of abuse."

TSA PreCheck is a membership program that allows travelers to speed through airport security screenings more quickly after first submitting an application, undergoing a TSA background check and paying a fee. Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible. As of 2024, more than 20 million people were enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

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Global Entry is a similar U.S. Customs and Border Protection program designed for those who frequently travel internationally. Along with U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, it is also available to citizens of nearly two dozen other countries.

Noem, meanwhile, citing the powerful winter storm that is expected to hit the Northeast Sunday, also said in her statement that FEMA would be halting "all non-disaster related response to prioritize disasters."

"This is particularly important given this weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States," Noem said.

The partial shutdown follows a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, that ended in November. That shutdown was driven primarily by a demand from Democrats that expiring health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act be extended. TSA employees were forced to work without pay during that time  receiving backpay when the shutdown ended  and are now doing the same again.

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Iranian foreign minister says they "have every right" to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"

How safe is America from polio?

Investigating Trump's claims that White South African farmers are victims of genocide
SANTA FE  Lawmakers debated a wide range of issues during this years 30-day legislative session, which ended Thursday. In all, more than 700 bills were filed by lawmakers and 74 were approved and sent to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Heres a look at what passed  and what did not  at the Roundhouse:

CRIME/PUBLIC SAFETY

Passed: Increase criminal penalty for aggravated battery on a police officer. Remove the time limits for prosecuting criminal sexual contact with children. Expand mental health intervention for defendants deemed to pose a threat. Create legislative truth-finding commission to investigate Zorro Ranch legacy.

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Failed: Increase criminal penalty for convicted felons in possession of a firearm. Ban the sale of assault weapons and increase requirements for licensed gun dealers. Broaden the definition of serious youthful offender to impose stiffer penalties on juveniles accused of certain violent crimes. Permit unsealing of juvenile records in pretrial detention hearings.

HEALTH CARE

Passed: Create $10,000 income tax credit for doctors. Revise state's medical malpractice laws by capping punitive damage awards. Increase revenue to state's Health Care Affordability Fund. Provide funding for new University of New Mexico medical school building. Join interstate licensing compacts for physicians and social workers. Increase funding for student loan repayment program for aspiring doctors.

Failed: Join interstate licensing compacts for dentists, physical therapists and other professions. Prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for soft drinks and candy. Put more funding into state Medicaid trust fund.

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EDUCATION

Passed: Create a nominating process for recommending university regents. Require teaching reading by using structured literacy model. Establish new office of special education within Public Education Department. Compel school districts to report how many students are in virtual learning programs.

Failed: Ban cellphones and other electrical communication devices in classrooms. Limit student restraint and seclusion. Restore state board of education that would appoint state superintendent of schools.

ECONOMY/HOUSING

Passed: Authorize revenue bonds to purchase property adjacent to state fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Prohibit local governments from contracting federal immigration detention centers. Create tax deduction for materials used in affordable housing projects.

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Failed: Require black-and-white packaging for cannabis products sold by licensed dispensaries. Extend research and development tax credit. Mandate sale of vacant property in metropolitan areas for new housing projects.

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT

Passed: Increase penalties for water theft violations. Amend the definition of an advanced energy product to include fusion energy. Approve funding for quantum energy testing and research. Create new removal process for State Game Commission members.

Failed: Enshrine future greenhouse gas emission limits by passing Clear Horizons Act. Increase state regulation of microgrids  or on-site power grids.

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ELECTIONS/ETHICS

Passed: Bar troops from polling places. Allow legislators to be paid a salary. Permit school bond and mill levy questions to be placed on general election ballots.

Failed: Narrow exceptions for bringing guns to polling places. Require identification for voting. Prohibit state senators from drinking alcohol before floor sessions or committee hearings.

ROADS/TRANSPORTATION

Passed: Allow up to $1.5 billion in bonding to fund road work. Increase vehicle registration fees. Require more drivers education safety training on pedestrians and cyclists.

Failed: Increase gas tax rate. Require motorists to display front and back license plates. Allow Native American residents to obtain special designation on their driver's license.

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CHILDREN/FAMILIES

Passed: Codify universal child care in state law. Repeal existing abortion reporting requirements. Establish statewide rules about where home-based child care centers can operate.

Failed: Create new commission to run Children, Youth and Families Department. Set new regulations for artificial intelligence chatbots. Create pilot program to expand placement options for children in state custody. Pay stipend to stay-at-home parents.

Dan Boyd covers state government and politics for the Journal in Santa Fe. Follow him on X at @DanBoydNM or reach him via email at dboyd@abqjournal.com.
Vietnam boat collision kills six

The two vessels collided on Thac Ba lake, a popular tourist site in the northern province of Lao Cai, on Saturday evening. File photo: Hemis via AFP
A West Miami-Dade dentist changed his name around the time his Washington license was suspended indefinitely after infection control violations.

But only part of that really bothered the Florida Department of Health about Sidney Moritz, once known as Sandy Montano.

The departments administrative complaint, filed Jan. 16, said in addition to his license being suspended in Washington, Moritz didnt let Florida know about it within 30 days. Also, the state says while still Sandy Montano, he worked for Majestic Family Dental Clinic Inc., and owned Majestic with his mother, Marina Montano. Dentists practicing for an ownership group that includes non-dentists is a no-no in Florida.

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Administrative complaints start the disciplinary process, which can end from exoneration to license revocation.

Moritz is represented by Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani associates Drew Dymowski and Capri Trigo.

We have no comment as it is an ongoing matter, Dymowski said in an email to the Miami Herald.

Moritz has no previous disciplinary actions on the Florida license he acquired Dec. 28, 2016. Thats not the case for the Washington license he was first issued Oct. 19, 2015, as Sandy Fletcher Montano.

Equipment from the trash, blocked inspectors and unlicensed personnel?

The state of Washingtons Dental Quality Assurance Commission investigated Montanos office in the Spokane suburb of Deer Park after a Nov. 17, 2021, complaint accusing Montano of patient safety and infection control violations.

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The final order on Montanos license suspension said witnesses confirmed that:

Montano, from Nov. 8-16, 2021, retrieved used x-ray barriers, towels and suctions from the trash or assigned receptacle and placed them with unused ones.

He mixed topical gel with non-ingestible lidocaine.

He failed to maintain clean water lines.

He failed to always use gloves when working with patients and/or used dirty or damaged gloves.

He used powdered charcoal and pumice with toothpaste.

One of Montanos dental assistants didnt have a license and did tasks and procedures that require an active license.

Also, on Dec. 1, 2021, when an investigator showed up at his place, Montano declined to allow the inspection to proceed.

Because of what it termed the immediate danger Montanos violations brought, Washington suspended Montanos license on June 21, 2022, until a hearing could on the case. On July 19, 2022, Montano filed his answer and requested a hearing on the charges.

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After seven continuances, the last six of which were requested by Montano, he didnt show up for a Dec. 5, 2023, hearing and a Dec. 28, 2023, prehearing conference. Thats when Washingtons Department of Health motioned for and received an Order of Default against Montano.

For the violations and drawing the default order, the commission sanctioned Montano by turning the 2022 suspension into an indefinite suspension thats dated April 9, 2024.

Whats his name?

Montano filed for a name change in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Nov. 14, 2023, two months after his last request for a continuance in his Washington case. He woke up on Feb. 5, 2024, as Sandy Fletcher Montano and went to bed that night after the final judgment as Sidney Solomon Moritz.

Moritzs name changed on his Florida Department of Health license. But he continues to use Sandy Montano on the state corporate paperwork for the still-active LLC Dr. S & F, the address of which he switched on Feb. 3 from a Southwest Fourth Street house to the U.S. Post Office branch at 8880 SW Eighth St.

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Just east of the post office branch, at 8150 SW Eighth St., is Majestic Family Dental Clinic, which Florida state records say Montano and his mother reinstated as a company in 2001. From 2001-2011 and 2019-2024, Montano was a listed officer, usually as company president. Marina Montano was listed as secretary from 2001-2009 and 2011-2025.

From March 4, 2021, through Oct. 16, 2024, [Montano] owned Majestic Dental Clinic, Inc. with Marina Montano, the Florida Department of Health complaint said. At all times material to this complaint, Marina Montano was not a licensed dentist. As of Oct. 16, 2024, Marina Montano is the sole owner of Dental Clinic, Inc.

The complaint says Montano violated Florida Statute Section 466.028(1)(h) by being a dentist employed by a corporation, organization, group, or person other than a dentist or a professional corporation or limited liability company composed of dentists.

Secretary Marina Montano is the only officer that appears on the 2025 state corporate filing. But the latest filing, from Feb. 5, shows President Sidney Moritz as the lone officer and registered agent.
Drop em

I know how to get Immigration and Customs Enforcements agents to remove their masks immediately without presidential intervention, congressional hearings, oversights, bills or new laws.

Just tell the agents they have to wear masks to keep from spreading or contracting COVID-19.

Masks will be lying on the ground everywhere.

- Jay Fuller, Richland Hills

Rising up

Thank you for sharing the story of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw students walking out to protest ICE overreach. (Feb. 9, star-telegram.com, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw students say admin changed ICE walkout rules, discipline) Like them, I celebrate the opportunity we have in this nation to make friends with those who neither look like nor speak as we do.

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At the Fort Worth medical centers, where I work as a chaplain, the people I meet represent the true and beautiful diversity of Texas. What a privilege it is to serve them.

How sad when we turn away from our shared heritage and turn back our progress toward inclusion and justice. And how brave are our Texas students who rise up for unity and friendship?

- The Rev. Susan Feurzeig, Fort Worth

Not Crockett

Do Democrats really want to win in Texas? Party members reactions to the U.S. Senate primary pitting Jasmine Crockett against James Talarico prompted an Atlantic writer to describe Democrats actions as circular-firing-squad behavior.

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The feisty Crockett has real appeal within her party. But she repeatedly voices statements offensive to the states conservative majority that just beg for use in attack ads against her.

I like Crockett. But Talarico  a legitimate follower of the biblical Jesus who has proved his political bona fides in the Legislature  presents a message that is much more likely to find favor with Texas voters who have grown disenchanted with the Donald Trump agenda and the harm it does to everyday people.

- Robert Joel Vann, Fort Worth

Positive voice

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a shining example of how to bring about change in a nonviolent, positive way. (Feb. 18, 7A, Jesse Jackson, 1941-2026; Influential civil rights icon twice sought presidency) During his two presidential campaigns, he argued to cut the Pentagon budget while expanding spending for education, housing and health care . Its an example of promoting what he stood for, rather than railing against something.

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Jackson demonstrated how to stand up for what we want and make a plan to achieve it.

He demonstrated this many times and indeed helped bring about positive change in the world. He has been called the conscience of the nation and the great unifier because he challenged America to be inclusive and establish priorities for the benefit of all.

Jackson implored us to keep hope alive and demonstrate respect for all, and through that, he promoted a progressive vision for America. He will be missed.

- Leonard Ellis, Arlington

Not for us

Our mayor and City Council have prioritized tourism, not the needs of the residents of Fort Worth, in recent years. Weve spent on Stockyards improvements and revamping the convention center and Dickies Arena, all going to special interests.

- Irene Kjornes, Fort Worth
Generally speaking, you shouldn't use your phone while you're driving. It's dangerous and bad, and the U.S. especially would be much better off if people stopped doing texting while driving. Unfortunately for those in charge of enforcing anti-distracted driving laws, that's a lot easier said than done. But now, CBC News reports one Canadian police department is facing pushback after it used drones to find distracted drivers, successfully distracted them, and then tried to fine one woman $615 for photographing the drone so she could report its operator's creepy behavior to the authorities.

According to CBC News, Laurie Esseltine was stopped at a traffic light in Kingston, Ontario, when she noticed a drone checking out her vehicle. That understandably freaked her out, especially since she claimed she couldn't see anyone operating the drone nearby, so she did the completely logical thing and took two photos, then waited for the light to turn green. "My first thought was to take a picture of this and report it," she told CBC News. "It was frightening ... and then it was like, 'What are they doing? You can't do that.' That was my second reaction."

Before Esseltine could report the drone harassment, though, a cop pulled her over and tried to hand out a $615 fine for using her phone while driving, along with "three demerit points and the possibility of a three-day licence suspension." Had she technically used her phone inside a car she was driving? Sure, but would she have touched her phone if the cops hadn't been creeping on her with a drone at a traffic light? I'm going to guess probably not.

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Read more: These Are The Most Dangerous Cars Our Readers Have Driven

Not trying that again (allegedly)

As "an avid motorcyclist" who once "almost lost her life" when a driver on their phone nearly hit her, Esseltine told CBC News she has personal experience with the dangers of distracted driving, but she pushed back against the cops' decision to use drones. The way she sees it, they conducted a "police sting" that basically amounts to entrapment. As Esseltine put it, "What better way to catch a distracted driver [than] by providing the distraction?"

Thankfully, it appears the courts don't appear to be going along with the Kingston Police using drones to create more distracted drivers, because it dropped Esseltine's charges last Monday. She's also at least the second driver to see their charges dropped following public pushback among the 20 drivers who were cited. When CBC News contacted municipal prosecutor Rikki Voskamp for a statement, however, she declined to comment and did not respond to a follow-up request.

According to the Kingston Police, the operation that nabbed Esseltine was the first time they'd used drones for distracted driving enforcement, and they don't plan to ever try that again. Allegedly, at least. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a nonprofit focused on preserving constitutional rights, got involved and chose to represent a different driver who was cited for photographing the police drone.

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Josh Dehaas, the CCF's litigation director, called the operation a "violation of the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under Section Eight of the Charter" and managed to get that driver's charges dropped, too. Just like with Esseltine's case, though, prosecutors remained silent on why they dropped the charges. "They must have decided that it wasn't in the public interest to pursue, and we think that it's quite likely that's because they understood that this was a Charter violation," Dehaas told CBC News.

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Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Editor's Note: This is a developing story.

Ukraine's military launched an overnight operation, striking the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant  a key missile production hub in Russia's Udmurt Republic  with long-range cruise Flamingo missiles, Ukraine's Armed Forces General Staff confirmed on Feb. 21.

The Votkinsk Plant is a strategic, state-owned defense enterprise and one of the most important missile factories in Russia. It produces short-range Iskander-M ballistic missiles  used frequently in attacks against Ukraine  and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), capable of carrying nuclear warheads as far as the United States.

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It is also suspected that the plant produces Russia's new Oreshnik ICBM.



"The enterprise of the military-industrial complex 'Votkinsky Plant' was hit. A fire was recorded on the territory of the facility. The results are being clarified," Ukraine's General Staff posted on social media.



According to independent Russian Telegram news channel Astra, at least 11 people were reported injured as a result of the attack.



During the operation, Ukraine also fired Flamingo missiles at a gas processing plant in Russia's Samara Oblast, a fuel and lubricants warehouse in Russian-occupied Donetsk, a drone workshop in Donetsk Oblast, and a military warehouse in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to the General Staff.



Ukraine's long-range cruise Flamingo missiles are reported to have a range of up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and carry a warhead weighing around 1,150 kilograms.



Shortly before the strike on Feb. 20, Denys Shtilierman, the co-owner of Firepoint, the Ukrainian firm behind the Flamingo, posted a video on X showing the launch of a Flamingo missile with the cryptic caption, "No context. Context  later."



Shtilierman later reposted the General Staff's message confirming the strike with the caption, "And here is the context."

Here is a short video. Without context. Context  later) pic.twitter.com/B1v90J9NXq  Denys Shtilierman (@DenShtilierman) February 20, 2026

Residents of Votkinsk reported explosions during a nighttime drone attack and said the strike targeted the missile plant. Locals also posted videos to social media showing black smoke rising from the site and shared photos of windows shattered in nearby buildings.

Aleksandr Brechalov, head of the Udmurt Republic, reported that a facility in the region was hit by a Ukrainian drone  though he did not identify the specific target.

"According to operational data, there are damages and casualties," Brechalov said.

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Astra reported that the Votkinsk Plant was hit in the attack, citing analysis of eyewitness footage.

Locals claim that two of the plant's workshops  No. 22 and No. 36  were damaged by the strike, according to Astra.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the reports at the time of publication.

Read also: Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for eternal war

The Votkinsk Plant has expanded throughout the full-scale war, bypassing international sanctions to hire thousands of new workers, add new buildings, and importing advanced machinery. A Kyiv Independent investigation published in June 2025 previously found that supplies from China, Taiwan, and Belarus  funneled through third-parties to evade sanctions  enabled this expansion.

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That expansion translated directly into more devastating missile attacks against Ukrainian cities. In 2024, Russia produced nearly three times more Iskander-M ballistic missiles than in 2023. The year 2025 saw a significant escalation in Russia's aerial assault against Ukraine.

Moscow used Iskander ballistic missiles in its Palm Sunday attack on the northeastern city of Sumy, a strike that killed 34 people, including two children.

The plant is also a major producer of ICBMs, long-range ballistic missiles that can cross oceans armed with nuclear warheads.

Votkinsk lies over 1,300 km (800 miles) from the Ukrainian border in Russia's Udmurt Republic. Ukraine has previously used long-range drones to strike military targets in the region, reporting a successful hit on a weapons factory in Izhevsk in July 2025.

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Pro-Ukrainian partisans also reported a sabotage operation at an electrical substation in the Udmurt Republic on Jan. 28. The operation reportedly disrupted the power supply to a nearby military plant.

Read also: Ukrainian officials reject latest Donbas proposal from US

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Despite the urging of Tennessee Republicans otherwise, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ventured to Nashville and found a warm reception on a chilly weekend evening.

Eat your heart out, Marsha, Newsom said in an opening joke, drawing laughter from hundreds at Oz Arts Nashville. The rising Democratic star on the national stage was responding to Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who posted a video on social media earlier this week telling Newsom not to visit the Volunteer State.

Related: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, TN Sen. Marsha Blackburn spar on X

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Instead, people waited in a long line outside to see the governor, who many hope will run for president in a couple of years. Though his stop in Nashville was part of a book tour, his frequent travel outside California in the U.S. and globally has contributed to speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid.

The crowd at Newsoms appearance showed interest in the California governors personal anecdotes, though some were more enthusiastic about his criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in states like Tennessee.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at East Los Angeles College on Feb. 26, 2025, in Monterey Park.

Justin Kanew, who runs the reader-supported independent site The Tennessee Holler, moderated the conversation with Newsom. Their conversation ranged from Newsom's early political career, to his attitudes on ICE and LGBTQ+ rights.

Comparing a moment in Newsom's early political tenure when he issued marriage licenses to same-sex unions in 2004 as San Francisco mayor, Kanew mentioned how Tennessee Republicans advanced a bill that challenges protections for gay couples. The legislation, advanced by House Republicans this week, allows private citizens and businesses not to recognize same-sex unions.

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Its America in reverse right now. Youre seeing this not just in Tennessee but around the country, Newsom said. I think we will lose our republic if we dont wake up to what these guys are doing in real time."

Newsom said red states could confront similar challenges on issues like homelessness, which he has long-navigated as a result of rising housing costs.

He also talked about voting integrity and redistricting, an issue at the center of a California ballot measure to retain Democrat-leaning Congressional districts. The measure, called Proposition 50, is a response to redistricting in red states, which some argue is imbalanced and strengthened Republican-leaning districts.

Prop 50 is a reflection of how vigilant we need to be and how its happening everywhere, Newsom said. He said he wouldnt be surprised if some of the people in the audience donated to his offices campaign for Proposition 50, despite living far from California.

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Newsom told the crowd he privately met with a group of Tennessee Democratic lawmakers earlier in the evening. In Tennessee, state lawmakers redrew congressional maps in which Nashville's one Democrat-leaning district was split between three, Republican-leaning districts.

States are on the frontline of these battles. You cant let state representatives off the hook, Newsom said. Theres universal values we need to promote and one of them is certainly voting integrity.

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: Gov. Gavin Newsom finds enthusiastic crowd in Nashville after GOP jabs.
New population estimates were recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau, and the results indicate that the pace of growth has slowed significantly, driven (not surprisingly) primarily by a drop in international migration. For the United States, population grew by 1.8 million (0.5%) between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, with international migration dropping to 1.3 million from 2.7 million in the prior year.

While the pace of growth slowed in Texas as well, the increase was far larger than any other state at more than 391,240  about 1,072 new Texans every day. Rounding out the top five were Florida (196,680), North Carolina (145,90), Georgia (98,540), and South Carolina (79,958). In terms of the pace of expansion (fastest rather than largest increase), South Carolina led the way, followed by Idaho, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

The pattern among states was quite uneven, though all but five expanded. California experienced the largest decline, with a loss of almost 9,470 residents; Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont and West Virginia also decreased.

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Taking a closer look at the Texas changes, the 1.25% rate of increase was substantially larger than the national pace of 0.52%. However, the most recent uptick (391,240) represents significant slowing from the previous years, when it was approximately 599,330 (2024) and 601,250 (2023). As with the nation, the primary reason for the drop is international migration, which fell from over 354,860 for the year ended July 2024 to 167,480 last year. In-migration from other states was also down (from 86,070 to 67,300).

A few key takeaways are worthy of note. First, the opportunities in Texas continue to draw new residents to the state. These people represent workers essential to the ongoing expansion of the economy. Its a sharp contrast to some areas, such as California, where people continue to exit due to high costs of living, slower job creation, and other problems.

Second, reasonable paths for people from other countries to live and work legally in the United States (and, especially, Texas) are crucial to future growth in the workforce. While border security is clearly essential, there are industries already facing severe worker shortages (construction, agriculture, and hospitality, for example), and without international migration these problems will worsen.

Third, with well over a thousand people arriving in Texas every day (even after things have slowed), we need to remain on top of the needed investments to maintain quality of life, productivity, and, indeed, sustainability. From education to highways, water, and electricity, a growing population requires expanding infrastructure.

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Growth in the Texas population has slowed, but it remains significantly more robust than most parts of the country. Its an important competitive advantage, setting the stage for future economic expansion. Stay safe!

The post THE ECONOMIST: 1,072 new Texans every day appeared first on Odessa American.
Feb. 21Alaska has long guarded two things jealously: control over its own elections and the privacy of its people. A confidential memorandum signed in December between the Alaska Division of Elections and the U.S. Department of Justice puts both at risk.

Under the agreement, Alaska turned over its full voter file  including names, dates of birth, residential addresses and either driver's license numbers or the last four digits of Social Security numbers  and pledged that within 45 days of being notified of "any issues," the state will "clean" its voter rolls by removing ineligible voters identified by the federal government. Those voters would first be placed on Alaska's inactive list, a status that requires additional identification to vote and begins a four-year path to removal.

State officials insist this is routine cooperation under the National Voter Registration Act. They say no Alaskans have been removed and no notices have been received. But the mechanism now exists for federal officials to flag individual Alaskans and for the state to act within a compressed timeline that election law experts warn could collide with federal protections.

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That should concern anyone who values the Alaska Constitution's explicit right to privacy. Unlike most states, Alaska enshrined privacy in its founding document. Handing over half a million voter records containing sensitive personal identifiers to Washington  and agreeing to let Washington influence who remains eligible  is a spiritual, if not literal, violation of that core Alaskan principle.

The privacy risks are not theoretical. The Justice Department has been sharing voter data with the Department of Homeland Security in search of noncitizens. Much of that effort relies on a federal database known as SAVE  the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system  recently expanded at the direction of President Donald Trump.

Reporting by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found that SAVE has repeatedly misidentified U.S. citizens as noncitizens. In Texas and Missouri, local election officials were instructed to flag or temporarily suspend voters before errors were corrected. In some counties, more than 5% of those identified as potential noncitizens turned out to be eligible voters. Missouri later revised its lists downward after federal officials acknowledged data problems. Even federal officials concede the system cannot always locate the most current citizenship information for naturalized Americans.

Alaska has already seen how messy this terrain can become, and it must be acknowledged that Alaska has made and fixed its share of mistakes with voter rolls. Days before signing the memorandum, state officials disclosed that dozens of noncitizens had been accidentally registered to vote through the DMV. Separately, the state has criminally charged 11 American Samoa-born residents  American nationals but not citizens  for allegedly voting in state elections. When the Alaska Beacon reviewed Division of Elections files provided to the Justice Department last year, it found 70 people labeled as noncitizens either voted or attempted to vote between 2015 and 2025. All were already on the inactive list, which was not shared with federal officials.

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These episodes underscore a simple truth: No system is perfect. Human error occurs, databases are imperfect and citizenship status changes. That reality demands a careful review by local officials who understand Alaska's laws and communities  not a 45-day mandate triggered by federal data pulls that have produced documented false positives elsewhere. Alaska is fully equipped to police its own voter rolls, thank you very much.

At least a dozen states have bowed to federal pressure and signed similar agreements or expressed interest. Others  including Colorado  refused outright. The Justice Department, seeking more detailed voter data, has sued more than two dozen states, and federal judges have ruled against the department in Oregon, California and Michigan. So far, the federal government has not prevailed in those cases.

Meanwhile, seven states that have publicly reported SAVE results  covering roughly 35 million registered voters  identified about 4,200 potential noncitizens, roughly 0.01% of registrants. That figure aligns with repeated academic and governmental findings that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare. Even the first bulk SAVE searches have not validated claims of widespread fraud.

There is no credible evidence of systemic voter fraud in Alaska or nationwide. What exists instead is a persistent narrative  the election fraud boogeyman  that elevates statistical anomalies into "proof" of conspiracy. In a state with hundreds of thousands of voters and decades of elections, occasional errors are inevitable. That is the nature of statistics, not a sign of sabotage.

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An obvious question might be: Why acquiesce like this when so many other states have refused? Neither the governor nor the lieutenant governor have provided an explanation other than a press release from the lieutenant governor's office stating the office must, by state law, "provide confidential voter information to a federal agency, if that agency only uses it for government purposes authorized by law."

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has made no secret of his support for the Trump administration and has been open about his personal friendship with the president. He should remember that  for at least a few more months  he still works for the people of Alaska. And we're a people who, more than any others in America, cherish our privacy.

The Alaska Legislature should hold oversight hearings immediately. Lawmakers should demand to see the legal analysis underpinning this memorandum and clarify the guardrails governing any federal notifications. Any data sharing must be narrowly tailored, transparent and subject to clear limits, if not stopped immediately. And no Alaskan should be removed  or placed on a path to removal  based solely on an unverified federal database match.

Alaska's founders wrote privacy into the state constitution because they understood how easily power can expand once granted. Control over elections is a core state function, as mandated in the Constitution. The Dunleavy administration is quietly ceding that authority to the federal government through confidential agreements and rushed timelines.

Safeguarding election integrity and safeguarding civil liberties are not opposing goals. In Alaska, they rise and fall together.
Police in Libya have recovered the bodies of five asylum seekers that washed ashore near the capital, Tripoli, as authorities in Greece announced the deaths of three others in a separate incident off the coast of Crete.

The bodies in Libya were found on Saturday by residents of the coastal town of Qasr al-Akhyar, according to a police officer.

Hassan al-Ghawil, head of investigations at the Qasr al-Akhyar police station, told the Reuters news agency that the bodies were all of dark-skinned people. Two of them were women.

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He said people in the area had reported seeing a childs body wash ashore before the waves returned it to sea.

We reported to the Red Crescent to recover the bodies, said Ghawil. The bodies we found are still intact, and we think there are more bodies to wash ashore.

The tragedy came as Greek authorities were responding to a separate incident in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Athens News Agency reported on Saturday that authorities had recovered three bodies and rescued at least 20 people after a wooden boat carrying migrants and asylum seekers capsized off the coast of Crete.

Most of the survivors were Egyptians and Sudanese people, the agency reported. They also included four minors.

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According to the Greek public broadcaster ERT, the wooden boat capsized when passengers were trying to climb up the ladders during a rescue effort involving a commercial ship.

The search for survivors was continuing with four patrol boats, an aircraft, and two ships from the European border agency Frontex, a spokesperson for the Greek coastguard told the AFP news agency.





According to ERT, survivors said about 50 people had been on board the wooden boat.

A second boat carrying about 40 migrants and asylum seekers was spotted in the area, leading to another rescue operation.

The deaths come after the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on February 9 that some 53 migrants, including two babies, were dead or missing after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Zuwara city.

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In January alone, the IOM said, at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing following multiple invisible shipwrecks in the central Mediterranean due to extreme weather, with hundreds more deaths believed to be unrecorded.

These repeated incidents underscore the persistent and deadly risks faced by migrants and refugees attempting the dangerous crossing, the group said.

Thousands of people attempt the perilous crossing from Libya to Europe over the Mediterranean every year. Libya has become a transit route for people fleeing conflict and poverty to Europe since the fall in 2011 of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

Last week, a United Nations report said migrants in Libya, including young girls, are at risk of being killed, tortured, raped or put into domestic slavery, and called for a moratorium on the return of migrant boats to the country until human rights are ensured.

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Many of the migrants and asylum seekers departing Libya seek to arrive in Crete, the gateway to the European Union.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 16,770 people seeking asylum in Europe arrived in Crete in 2025.

Faced with the surge in arrivals, the conservative Greek government suspended the processing of asylum applications for three months last summer, particularly for those arriving from Libya.

The UNHCR says 107 people died or went missing in Greek waters in 2025.
An elderly woman was critically injured during a second- alarm house fire early Saturday in Long Beach, authorities said.

Officers responded about 12:30 a.m. to assist the Long Beach Fire Department with a house fire in the 4600 block of East Goldfield Avenue, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

"Upon arrival, Long Beach Fire Department personnel were treating a female adult who had been found unresponsive inside the residence," according to a police statement. "She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition."

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Firefighters dispatched to the location about 12:30 a.m. had the fire out within five minutes of their arrival, according to Capt. Jack Crabtree of the Long Beach Fire Department.

One witnessed described the inferno.

"We see the front porch of the house fully involved in flames," said the man, who declined to be publicly identified. "So my partner gets out of the car, runs toward the house, starts yelling and banging on windows, trying to wake anybody up inside of the house.

"I grabbed my camera, I ran over there, I started yelling as well, banging on windows," the man said."

The cause of the fire was under investigation. Arson investigators were among those who responded to the scene.

City News Service contributed to this report.
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  An Elizabethton man is honoring his late daughter by giving back to the city with a donation for a new park.

77-year-old Louie Greene was in the Air Force serving in Vietnam when he received the news that his daughter, Sandra, was stillborn. Greene said that it is a heartbreak he hasnt gotten over.

He recounted when the company commander told him about his daughters death on Dec. 5, 1968.

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Mother of Riley and Maggie Blevins presents Medals of Courage to daughters basketball team

He looked at me, and he said, Greene, Im sorry to tell you this. They said, your daughter has been born dead,' he said. We never got to see her. We never got to hold her. We didnt get to love her. Ive never been able to do anything with my child. And so this is the least best I can do.

In honor of his late daughter, Greene donated over $160,000 to the City of Elizabethton to help fund the construction of the Sandra Renee Greene Park.

Its just a natural thing that I think about her, said Greene. I dont have any specific thing to do or any specific thing that brings her up, but, I remember the event. I cant say I remember her because I never did see her. But the event I remember constantly.

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A stone with Sandras name and birthday will be on display.

Its making me feel proud of her. At least I know that shell never be forgotten, said Greene.

The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department said it is thankful for Greenes donation.

We are extremely grateful to Mr. Greene for his exceptional philanthropic donation, the department said. This gift is a very special tribute to his daughter and an incredible opportunity for children of the community.

The park is planned for the intersection of Race Street and Pine Street. Greene said he hopes it will be completed and built by the summer.

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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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
With a series of resignations in his cabinet linked to another batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein being released, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under fire, even though he never knew the convicted sex offender, experts say.

"His position is extremely fragile," Brendan O'Leary, Political Science Chair at the University of Pennsylvania, told USA TODAY about Starmer, who won in a landslide victory in 2024 that ended 14 years of Conservative party rule. "The Prime Minister is definitely looking over his shoulder."

Although Starmer is not named in any of the Epstein files, his political struggles are connected to Peter Mandelson, a friend of Epstein, as the ambassador to the United States. Mandelson was fired as ambassador in September 2025 after further details of his relationship with Epstein emerged.

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More details of Mandelson's ties to the disgraced late financier became public when the latest round of documents from the Justice Department revealed Mandelson corresponded with Epstein after the financier became a registered sex offender in 2009.

Mandelson also resigned from the House of Lords, the upper chamber of Britains parliament, this month and faces a potential investigation into misconduct in public office, O'Leary added.

Starmer has apologized to Epstein's victims for believing Mandelsons "lies."

"What Mandelson did, which was extraordinary, to give Epstein information about the UK's intended support for the Euro during a key moment during the currency crisis," O'Leary said. "And, obviously, while we won't ever know what the extent could have been, that would've been considered sensitive information that could have been exploited by Epstein."

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Just a week after the Jan. 30 Epstein document dump, two of Starmer's aides also resigned: Communications chief Tim Allan and Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's top aide, who said he took responsibility for advising on Mandelson's appointment to Britain's top diplomatic role.

"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself," McSweeney said in a Feb. 8 statement. "While I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled."

The departures, especially McSweeney, whom Starmer "had relied on as a vigorous enforcer of discipline in the party," put the prime minister's position deservedly under intense scrutiny, O'Leary said.

"I don't think Starmer is a dishonest person, but I think he made a grave error in judgment because he trusted the advice of McSweeney regarding Mandelson," O'Leary said. "Its quite possible more information may come out, and, if thats the case, it could be bad news for Starmer."

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Sharing secretive info: UK trade info leaks, not sex, may have led to former Prince Andrew arrest

Starmer is tanking in the polls, too

The public has been unkind to Starmer as well.

An Ipsos poll in late January revealed that only 20% liked Starmer, who vowed to stabilize the countrys economy and improve public services. His net favorability score was -50, matching the lowest Ipsos has found for a Labour leader since it started tracking the stat in 2007.

Additionally, Starmer's "lead of satisfaction ratings, as opposed to favorability, has been the worst Ipsos has ever recorded for a Prime Minister," Kieran Pedley, Ipsos' UK director of Politics, told USA TODAY from London. "And weve been measuring that lead of satisfaction similar to our presidential approval ratings since the late 1970s, since the days of Margaret Thatcher."

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Pedley said Starmer was elected on a mandate of change as the public was intensely dissatisfied with public services, the cost of living, and immigration issues. The pace of change has been deemed too slow by some polls, Pedley said.

"Keir Starmers position as Prime Minister is vulnerable," Pedley added. "I certainly feel theres a sense of political danger."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks with Britain's ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025, in Washington, DC, U.S.

A January YouGov poll also showed Starmer's decline in popularity is widespread, with only 18% of Brits viewing him positively.

Starmer on Feb. 10 vowed never to walk away from his job despite the pressure from some Labour Party leaders, including Anas Sarwar, who leads Starmers Labour Party in Scotland and who has called on Starmer to resign.

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Starmer will likely remain in place, said Laura Beers, a political science professor at American University who specializes in British politics.

And since the Labour Party holds the majority in Parliament, Starmer is unlikely to be pushed out of office. She believes that despite the heavy criticism, Starmer will weather any storms, for now.

"If (Starmer) was going to go, he wouldve been gone by now," said Beers, who is currently in the United Kingdom. "Its hard to see this reach that point given that it hasnt already happened where Starmer resigns."

Upcoming elections could determine Starmer's fate

A glimpse into Starmer's future could be determined by a series of upcoming local elections in May, where it's anticipated his Labour Party will suffer big losses.

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Nearly 5,000 voters will decide on seats across 136 local councils, following the UK government's recent reversal to delay the elections after an appeal by the rival Reform Party.

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage said the governments decision was a victory for Reform UK.

"We took this Labour government to court and won," Farage said in a Feb. 16 post on X.

Beers noted that a popular UK politician, Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, was recently blocked from running in a special election that could have seen him return to parliament and become a potential challenger to Starmer.

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Pedley, Ipsos' UK politics director, said in head-to-head polling, "the public is evenly split" between Starmer and Farage on who they would prefer as prime minister, as opposed to other alternatives in the Labour Party.

"Theres no obvious slam dunk of a successor, and part of the reason why it's still not clear who would definitely replace him," Pedley said.

"Theres nothing in the polling thats showing there is someone in the wings waiting to take over for him," Pedley said. "So, its not guaranteed Starmer gets deposed or replaced, although its still difficult times ahead for him."

Beers agrees.

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"There is no viable successor if Starmer steps down or is forced out, and the Labour Party knows that," Beers said. "Theres literally 0% chance of an election over this. In fact, I would be shocked if Starmer didnt weather this storm."

However, O'Leary is less optimistic about Starmer's future.

"He has survived by the skin of his teeth, but his rendezvous with destiny will be these upcoming elections," O'Leary said. "And if Labour (Party) does extraordinarily badly, and thats what it looks like right now, its extremely difficult to see how he survives."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Epstein files controversy snares UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The European Commission called Sunday for Washington to abide by the terms of the trade deal struck last year with the EU, as President Donald Trump announced new global tariff hikes a day after an adverse Supreme Court ruling.

"A deal is a deal," said a commission statement.

"As the United States' largest trading partner, the EU expects the US to honour its commitments set out in the Joint Statement -- just as the EU stands by its commitments," it added.

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"The European Commission requests full clarity on the steps the United States intends to take following the recent Supreme Court ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)."

Trump temporarily raised the global duty on imports into the United States to 15 percent on Saturday.

The move delivered a fresh jolt of uncertainty just a day after the Supreme Court ruled much of his international tariffs campaign illegal.

The EU and United States last year struck an agreement setting US tariffs at a maximum 15 percent on most European goods.

"EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed," the commission said.

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It warned that "when applied unpredictably, tariffs are inherently disruptive, undermining confidence and stability across global markets and creating further uncertainty across international supply chains".

- Seeking clarification -

The EU executive said it remained "in close and continuous contact" with Trump's administration and that EU Trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic had spoken with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Saturday.

Greer told US broadcaster CBS on Sunday that Washington's deals with the European Union, China and other partners remained in force despite the Supreme Court ruling.

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"So we're having active conversations with them. We want them to understand that these deals are going to be good deals," he told the "Face the Nation" programme.

He added: "We expect to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them."

But European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde told the same show she was not sure what the consequences of the US court decision were.

"I hope it's going to be clarified," she added.

The European Parliament's trade committee had been due to approve the EU-US deal on Tuesday -- but the Supreme Court judgment casts doubt on that now happening.

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- US 'tariff chaos' -

The committee's head, Bernd Lange, said he would call during a meeting of parliament's political groups on Monday for putting "legislative work on hold until we have a proper legal assessment and clear commitments from the US side".

"Pure tariff chaos from the US administration. No one can make sense of it anymore -- only open questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other US trading partners," Lange wrote.

"Clarity and legal certainty are needed before any further steps are taken," he added.

Analysts at ING bank wrote Sunday that even if Trump's new tariffs might be legally challenged, they could just be "smoke and mirrors" to buy time for another tariff option.

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That could be tariffs on the basis of unfair trade practices or trade agreements violations, for example, they wrote.

"It now remains unclear whether the (European) Parliament will push for a full renegotiation of the deal," ING added.

Even if they did however, the US could still use other tariffs "to pressure the EU to return to the negotiating table".

The Supreme Court ruling was a stunning rebuke to Trump from a judicial body that has largely sided with him since his return to office.

It marked a major political setback in striking down Trump's signature economic policy that has roiled the global trade order.

Several countries have said they are studying the Supreme Court ruling and Trump's subsequent tariff announcements.

bur/jj/rmb
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union's executive arm requested full clarity from the United States and asked its trade partner to fulfill its commitments after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trumps most sweeping tariffs.

Trump has lashed out at the court decision and said Saturday that he wants a global tariff of 15%, up from the 10% he announced a day earlier.

The European Commission said the current situation is not conducive to delivering "fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trans-Atlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides and spelled out in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement of August 2025.

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American and EU officials sealed a trade deal last year that imposes a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the United States. The European Commission handles trade for the 27 EU member countries.

A top EU lawmaker said on Sunday he will propose to the European Parliament negotiating team to put the ratifying process of the deal on pause.

Pure tariff chaos on the part of the U.S. administration, Bernd Lange, the chair of Parliaments international trade committee, wrote on social media. No one can make sense of it anymore  only open questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other U.S. trading partners.

The value of EU-U.S. trade in goods and services amounted to 1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in 2024, or an average of 4.6 billion euros a day, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat.

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A deal is a deal, the European Commission said. As the United States largest trading partner, the EU expects the U.S. to honor its commitments set out in the Joint Statement  just as the EU stands by its commitments. EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed."

Jamieson Greer, Trumps top trade negotiator, said in a CBS News interview Sunday morning that the U.S. plans to stand by its trade deals and expects its partners to do the same.

He said he talked to his European counterpart this weekend and hasnt heard anyone tell him the deal is off.

The deals were not premised on whether or not the emergency tariff litigation would rise or fall, Greer said. I havent heard anyone yet come to me and say the deals off. They want to see how this plays out.

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Europes biggest exports to the U.S. are pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and wine and spirits. Among the biggest U.S. exports to the bloc are professional and scientific services like payment systems and cloud infrastructure, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, aerospace products and cars.

When applied unpredictably, tariffs are inherently disruptive, undermining confidence and stability across global markets and creating further uncertainty across international supply chains, the commission added.

As primarily a trading bloc, the EU has a powerful tool at its disposal to retaliate  the blocs Anti-Coercion Instrument. It includes a raft of measures for blocking or restricting trade and investment from countries found to be putting undue pressure on EU member nations or corporations.

The measures could include curtailing the export and import of goods and services, barring countries or companies from EU public tenders, or limiting foreign direct investment. In its most severe form, it would essentially close off access to the EUs 450-million customer market and inflict billions of dollars of losses on U.S. companies and the American economy.
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - U.S. military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage with options including targeting individuals as part of an attack and even pursuing regime change in Tehran, if ordered by President Donald Trump, two U.S. officials told Reuters.

The military options are the latest signs that the United States is preparing for a serious conflict with Iran should diplomatic efforts fail. Reuters first reported last week that the U.S. military is preparing for a sustained, weeks-long operation against Iran that could include striking Iranian security facilities as well as nuclear infrastructure.

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The latest revelations suggest more granular, ambitious planning ahead of a decision by Trump, who has in recent days publicly floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.

The U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the planning, did not offer further details on which individuals could be targeted or how the U.S. military could attempt to carry out regime change without a large ground force.

Pursuing regime change would mark another shift away from Trump's vows during the presidential campaign to abandon what he has called the failed policies of past administrations, which included military efforts to topple governments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Trump has assembled a massive amount of firepower in the Middle East but most of the combat capabilities are aboard warships and fighter aircraft. Any major bombing campaign could also count on support from U.S.-based bombers.

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In his first term, Trump showed a willingness to carry out targeted killings by approving a 2020 attack on Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani, who led the foreign espionage and paramilitary arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, known as the Quds Force.

The Trump administration formally labeled the IRGC a foreign terrorist organization in 2019, the first time Washington had applied the designation to another nations military.

One of the U.S. officials noted Israel's success targeting Iranian leaders during its 12-day war with Iran last year. At the time, regional sources told Reuters at least 20 senior commanders were killed, including the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

"The 12-day war and Israeli strikes against individual targets really showed the utility of that approach," the U.S. official said, adding that the focus was on those involved in command and control of IRGC forces.

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Still, the official cautioned that targeting individuals requires additional intelligence resources. Killing a particular military commander would mean knowing their exact location and understanding who else might be harmed in the operation.

It was unclear to the officials who spoke with Reuters what intelligence the U.S. has on Iranian leaders who could potentially be targeted by the United States.

The White House and Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

REGIME CHANGE AS A POSSIBLE GOAL

Trump has openly floated the possibility of changing the government in Iran, saying last week it "seems like that would be the best thing that could happen." He declined to say who he wanted to take over Iran, but said, "there are people."

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While regime change operations have traditionally involved major movement of U.S. ground forces, Trump turned to special operations forces to oust Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, sending them to grab him from his Caracas compound last month in an audacious raid.

At the same time, the U.S. president has also held out hope for diplomacy, saying on Thursday that "really bad things" would happen if no deal were reached. He appeared to set a deadline of no more than 10 to 15 days before the U.S. might take action.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has warned it could retaliate against U.S. military bases in the region if the U.S. strikes Iranian territory.

The U.S. has bases throughout the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

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In a letter on Thursday to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Tehran said it would not start any war but that "in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately" in its exercise of the right of self-defense.

U.S. officials have told Reuters they fully expect Iran to fight back in the event of an attack, raising the risk of U.S. casualties and a regional conflict, given the number of countries that could come under fire from Iran's missile arsenal.

Trump's threats to bomb Iran have pushed up oil prices, and on Thursday a Russian warship joined planned Iranian naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, a vital sea route for global energy shipments.

THREATS TO SHUT STRAIT OF HORMUZ

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Tehran has in the past threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz if it is attacked, a move that would choke off a fifth of global oil flows.

Iranian and U.S. negotiators met on Tuesday and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said they had agreed on "guiding principles." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday, however, that the two sides remained far apart on some issues.

Iran has resisted making major concessions on its nuclear program, though insisting it is for peaceful purposes. The U.S. and Israel have in the past accused Tehran of trying to develop a nuclear bomb.

A senior U.S. official said Iran would make a written proposal on how to address U.S. concerns.

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Trump called on Tehran on Wednesday to join the U.S. on the "path to peace."

"They can't have a nuclear weapon, it's very simple," he said. "You can't have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon."

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Don Durfee and Daniel Wallis)
Did Jon Stewart broadcast a livestream about the Virginia Giuffre case and did the show get 3.2 billion views globally? No, that's not true: Giuffre was one of the women who accused Jeffrey Epstein and others of sexual abuse as a teenager. There is no evidence such a show was ever broadcast. The website and Facebook pages spreading the claim are part of a spam network based in Vietnam that uses AI tools to target Americans and Europeans with fake clickbait. We call it Viet Spam.

The claim originated in a series of posts on Facebook pages, include this post (archived here) published by the Afternoon Daily page on February 20, 2026. The caption opened:

WHEN TELEVISION IS GAGGED, JON STEWART CHOOSES TO BROADCAST THE TRUTH FROM HIS OWN HOME -- JUST HOURS AFTER THE LIVESTREAM, THE VIDEO EXPOSING THE DARK SIDE OF POWER EXPLODED TO 3.2 BILLION VIEWS WORLDWIDE.

This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

Source: Facebook screenshot taken on Sat Feb 21 18:48:44 2026 UTC

This is what the image used in post looked like at the time of writing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of Facebook

The caption continued:

No brightly lit studio. No censorship, no pre-approved script. Just a private room, a microphone, and a voice refusing to stay silent. In that live broadcast, Jon Stewart did not avoid powerful names, nor did he gloss over details buried for years. He peeled back each layer of files, every connection, every suspicious silence surrounding the case of Virginia Giuffre -- a case that once shook the highest levels of the elite.

What kept billions watching was not only the allegations, but the way power structures operated to protect one another. Who knew? Who stayed silent? And why did the truth truly erupt only when it was spoken from a private room, instead of on national television?

It was no longer just a livestream. It was the moment the wall of silence began to crack

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There is no documentation that such a broadcast by Stewart about Giuffre ever occurred. A Google search (archived here) for the terms "Jon stewart livestream giuffre" returned only examples of the false claim and another example of a similar false claim previously debunked by Lead Stories. A Facebook search (archived here) for the phrase "When television is gagged, jon stewart chooses" revealed other examples of the same false claim on Facebook pages controlled by the Vietnamese operation.

The Afternoon Daily Facebook page (archived here) is managed from Vietnam, according to Meta's transparency data:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of Facebook

The post links to an article (archived here) that expands on the fake story. The website hosts a constant stream of AI-generated false stories promoted on hundreds of Facebook pages managed from Vietnam.

Here is how you can tell from where a suspicious Facebook page is controlled. Click on the page name at the top of the profile page. A second box will appear showing the countries where the managers are located.

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of Facebook

The Vietnam connection is significant, since fact-checkers, including Lead Stories, have identified a major source of AI-generated false stories coming from a single operation based in that Southeast Asian country. You can see recent reporting and fact checks mentioning that country here.

Lead Stories has published a primer -- or a prebunk -- on how to identify these kinds of fake posts exported from Vietnam. It's titled "Prebunk: Beware Of Fake Fan Pages Spreading False Stories About Your Favorite Celebrities -- How To Spot 'Viet Spam'"
A Denver shopping center that has long served as a gathering place for the Asian community is now officially part of Colorado history and this weekend, that recognition was celebrated in front of hundreds of families.

The Far East Center unveiled its historic landmark plaque during Lunar New Year festivities, months after officially earning the designation in 2024. Organizers chose this years celebration to publicly mark the milestone.

According to organizers, the designation makes the Far East Center the first Asian-owned historic landmark in Colorado. Its also believed to be the first Vietnamese-owned plaza or shopping center in the United States to receive a historic designation.

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For many business owners, the recognition is deeply personal.

Inside Vinh Xuong Bakery, Yen Huynh still serves many of the same traditional pastries her parents introduced when they opened the shop nearly four decades ago.

Her family fled Vietnam after the war and came to the United States 43 years ago. They opened their bakery at the Far East Center 39 years ago.

It means the beginning for us, so this is where it all started. I don't think if we went anywhere else we would've been as successful. Huynh said.

Five of the original businesses remain at the plaza today.

Mimi Luong, whose family owns a gift shop in the plaza, said its long been more than a shopping destination.

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This is the heart for the Asian community, Luong said.

She said receiving the historic designation represents long-awaited recognition for families who rebuilt their lives there after leaving Vietnam.

We have to make a stand for our community and being recognized as a historical landmark right here just means that we are being seen, you know, like we are getting heard, Luong said.

For Huynh, the plaque unveiled during the celebration is about more than preserving a building.

It is a big deal. It's absolutely amazing. It just tells us how far we've gone, she said.

The Lunar New Year festival continues at the Far East Center on Sunday.
Federal authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) warehouse in Surprise, Arizona, after a suspect allegedly smashed a window, ignited a fire and hurled a propane tank into the building early Saturday.

Fbi Phoenix said that at about 1:30 a.m. local time, the Surprise Police Department responded to a report of criminal damage to the newly purchased ICE building.

A Department of Homeland Security (Dhs) spokesperson told Fox News Digital the suspect "broke a window, ignited a fire, threw a propane tank into the building, and fled."

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The fire was quickly extinguished by the interior sprinkler system, the spokesperson said.

Stolen Ambulance Allegedly Driven Into Idaho Dhs Office Building In Attempted Arson Attack

The FBI confirmed authorities found a broken window at the warehouse and evidence of "minor and limited fire activity."

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No suspect information or arrests have been announced as of Saturday afternoon.

The incident came days after state and federal authorities launched an investigation into an attempted arson attack at a DHS office building in Meridian, Idaho.

The suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from a bay at St. Luke's West hospital on Wednesday, drove the ambulance through the parking lot, and retrieved gas cans that were staged in nearby vegetation, according to Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea.

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The suspect, who has not been identified, then drove the ambulance directly into the North Portico building, which houses DHS offices, Basterrechea said.

ATF agents are assisting with the investigation. (Getty Images)

La Man Seen Throwing Molotov Cocktail Into Federal Building, Feds Say

Investigators believe the suspect poured an accelerant inside and around the outside of the ambulance.

However, the suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before being scared off by responding agencies, according to Basterrechea.

Officials said the location was known to the community.

"There has been a lot of rhetoric surrounding the Department of Homeland Security leasing office space at this location," Basterrechea said. "Comments on social media, such as 'property damage isn't violence,' is absolutely false. This was absolutely an act of violence, and if the suspect had not been interrupted, there is no doubt this building would have been burned, putting the lives of first responders and others at risk."

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem speaks from a podium as assembled DHS staff watch.

The Meridian Police Department is leading the investigation into Wednesday's attack in Idaho in coordination with the FBI, ATF, DHS, Idaho State Police and other regional law enforcement partners.

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The FBI is investigating Saturday's incident in Arizona with assistance from the ATF.

ICE and ATF did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.





Original article source: Propane tank hurled into Arizona ICE facility in suspected arson attack, FBI investigating
NEED TO KNOW

A FedEx driver in Louisiana is accused of stealing $62,000 in undelivered packages

An investigation revealed that the stolen packages were being kept in a storage unit

The driver, 27-year-old Tyran Jackson, has since been arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison

A FedEx driver in Louisiana is accused of stealing $62,000 worth of merchandise from undelivered packages.

On Feb. 13, Property Theft Detectives with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office were notified of a theft reported on Feb. 11 involving a FedEx package that was never delivered," per a Facebook post from the sheriff's office.

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An investigation led detectives to identify the suspect as 27-year-old Tyran Jackson, a FedEx delivery driver.

They determined that the stolen package was being stored inside a storage unit located on the 10500 block of Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. After obtaining a search warrant for the unit, investigators located and recovered approximately $62,000 worth of stolen FedEx merchandise inside, the sheriff's office said.

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 storage unit where investigators recovered the stolen packages East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office

A photo shared in the Facebook post shows piles of boxes filling the storage unit.

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The sheriff's office said that after completing their search and inventory of the stolen items, they located Jackson and took him into custody.

Tyran Jackson East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office

He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

The investigation into the stolen merchandise remains ongoing.

FedEx did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the incident.

Read the original article on People
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered under heavy Israeli restrictions at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, including some who were allowed to enter from the occupied West Bank.

The Ramadan prayers at Al-Aqsa took place for the first time since a shaky ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect in October. It was the first opportunity many had to leave the West Bank and pray at the site in Jerusalems Old City since Ramadan last year.

Israel restricted the number of Palestinians allowed to enter from the West Bank to 10,000 on Friday, and only allowed men over 55 and women over 50 as well as children up to 12. It has imposed similar restrictions in the past, citing security concerns.

A frequent flashpoint

The hilltop, which Jews refer to as the Temple Mount, is the holiest site in Judaism and was home to the ancient biblical temples. Muslims call the site the Noble Sanctuary. Today it is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.

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It has frequently been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli police said more than 3,000 police were deployed across Jerusalem. They said their presence was not meant to show aggression or force but was aimed at providing help in case of an emergency.

Many Palestinians view the heightened Israeli security presence, and increasing visits by religious and nationalist Israeli Jews, as a provocation. They fear that Israel intends to take over or partition the compound. The Israeli government denies having any such plans.

Jerusalems Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian religious authority that administers the compound, said there were 80,000 in attendance. In normal times, Ramadan Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa can draw up to 200,000.

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Ezaldeen Mustafah, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was among those lamenting the restrictions.

We need more people than this, he said.

Some Palestinians from the West Bank on Friday said they were turned away from crossing into Jerusalem even though they had permits. Jihad Bisharat said he was told his permit had been canceled and was sent back. Israel's army didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Old City, home to major religious sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, is in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war, along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state with its capital in east Jerusalem. Israel annexed east Jerusalem, a move not recognized by most of the international community, and considers the entire city to be its capital.

Ramadan in Gaza

Many Palestinians said the months typically festive spirit is eluding them as they struggle with grief and losses following two years of conflict in Gaza sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel.

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All the mosques have been bombed, said Ramiz Firwana, a Gaza resident who gathered with other worshippers for a Friday sermon and prayers held in schoolyard.

On Thursday evening, families sat amid the rubble and destruction for iftar, the meal held at the end of the daily dawn-to-dusk fast.

Despite the displacement, the pain and the destruction, we want to rejoice and live, said Mohammad Kollab, from Khan Younis. We are not a people destined only for destruction and killing."

Israels military offensive has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, and caused widespread destruction and displaced most of the territorys residents. Israel launched the offensive after Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostage in the initial attack.

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The Oct. 10 U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal has brought an end to major military operations and the release of the remaining hostages. But Palestinians, including many civilians, are still being killed in near-daily strikes that Israel says are aimed at militants who threaten or attack its forces.

___

Associated Press reporters Sam Metz contributed from Ramallah, West Bank, and Wafaa Shurafa from Gaza City, Gaza Strip.
Five Kurdish Iranian opposition groups unite to form a powerful new coalition against Tehrans regime, focusing on self-determination and democracy.

Five Kurdish Iranian opposition groups have formed a coalition against the regime in Iran. The groups held a press conference, and photos from the event were shared on social media on Sunday.

This demonstrates that the cooperation between these groups has increased. They had previously formed a dialogue center to discuss collaboration efforts against the Islamic Republic regime. The increased unified struggle comes amid US-Iran tensions.

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The groups involved in the coalition include theDemocratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Komala Party of Kurdistan (led by Reza Kaabi), and the Khabat Organization of Iranian Kurdistan.

Komala has three branches, with two more of those remaining unlisted. This is not a surprise, as the other two parts of Komala also did not participate in the dialogue center event.

Five group leaders at a press conference could be detected in the images in the reports about the increased cooperation efforts between the movements.

Kurdish leadership

The leadership included several well-known Kurdish Iranian leaders who have been in charge for many years. The head of PDKI, Mustafa Hijri, represented his group. Hijri is a notorious figure in Kurdish politics.

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Of the five groups, one was represented at the meeting by a woman who was there on behalf of PJAK. PJAK is a Left-leaning group that often splits leadership roles between men and women and has a large number of female fighters among its ranks.

The four Kurdish male leaders all wore traditional Kurdish garb, including sashes as belts. Hussein Yazdanpanah, the head of PAK, wore green Kurdish clothing, seemingly the olive color one might find in military uniforms. Yazdanpanah has been a well-known figure in Kurdish circles. He and his group fought ISIS alongside the Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq.

PAK held the front lines west of Kirkuk and in Bashiqa, overlooking the Nineveh Plains. Its fighters played a key role on their front lines, and also during the offensive to clear ISIS from the Nineveh Plains. They proved to be a disciplined fighting group back then, gaining valuable experience.

During that time in the war on ISIS, Yazdanpanah told The Jerusalem Post about the threat of the Iranian regime and also the threat of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

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According to one site, Rohelat.Info, which is also on X/Twitter, the new grouping is called the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan.

The same site had said a week ago that the Iranian Kurdish political landscape is witnessing a significant structural evolution as major parties seek to transition from a consultative dialogue center into a robust, unified cooperation platform.

This initiative aims to broaden the scope of collaboration, ensuring the parties can exert maximum influence and maintain operational readiness for any potential political shifts in Iranian Kurdistan (Eastern Kurdistan), Rohelat.Info said.

The new coalition continues to build on this process, working toward political unity among Kurdish forces to enhance coordination. It supports democracy, justice, and the right to self-determination.

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After months of negotiations, it was decided that this new coalition should and could be formed. It is important to keep in mind that protests occurred in late December and early January in the Islamic Republic. Tens of thousands of people were killed by Tehran, including many Kurds.

The new statement from the parties said they had set aside past differences and will work to coordinate political and media activities. A new charter has also been distributed. They want recognition of Kurdish self-determination. They will work with other oppressed nations. They also say they support democracy and a commitment to full equality between men and women.

Furthermore, the groups say they support democracy for Iran as a whole and cooperation with other opposition forces in particular. They expect a unified organization to handle external and international relations.

They also appear to assume that areas will be liberated, and their charter includes articles detailing how to organize and administer liberated areas.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  An effort in the Florida Legislature sounds simple and straightforward: ensure that only U.S. citizens vote in state elections.

Republicans who control the state Senate and House of Representatives are advancing legislation they say would do just that, brushing aside warnings that they are about to create a logistical and bureaucratic morass  that could result in thousands of citizens losing their ability to vote.

They envision a far-reaching effort, with two central components. Registered voters who change their party affiliation; their address; or their name after marriage, divorce or some other reason would have to produce documentation proving their citizenship to a county elections office.

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All existing registered voters would be checked against the states driver license database to flag anyone who hasnt previously produced proof of citizenship, a process that depends on the technology working  even though sponsors arent allocating money for tech upgrades.

The final details havent been worked out between lawmakers in the House and Senate. One version, approved by two legislative committees, would require implementation of new citizenship verification requirements this summer, just weeks before the August primary and months before the November general election.

And it may all be a solution in search of a problem. Voting rights advocates, including those who are independent and arent tied to one political side or the other, said there is so little evidence of non-citizens voting that its infinitesimally small  if its even a problem at all.

Democratic legislators who oppose the rush to new procedures and voting rights activists who have testified before multiple House and Senate committees have warned that some registered voters in Florida, who are in fact U.S. citizens, would be turned away.

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What youre going to create is chaos and people not being able to vote, said state Sen. Tina Polsky, a Broward-Palm Beach county Democrat. Were going to have databases not speaking to each other. Were going to have mistakes. People are going to be flagged.

Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida, had a more dire warning: Its going to kick thousands of U.S. citizens off the rolls.

Keith said the newly envisioned system has many places where errors could happen.

If you are a U.S. citizen registered to vote in Florida (and) you dont have a drivers license or a state ID, theyre going to say there isnt enough evidence of citizenship on file for you. Youre going to get a notice in the mail. And if you dont respond to that notice in 30 days, youre going to be kicked off the rolls even if youve been voting for years. You wont be able to vote until you submit a birth certificate or a passport, Keith said. If you cant afford those documents or its impossible to get them too bad, you dont get to vote.

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Karen Jaroch of Heritage Action for America pointed to the 2020 election, when 80% of Florida voters approved an amendment to the state constitution restricting voting to citizens only. Florida still does not require proof of citizenship in order to vote. So a law without enforcement is merely a suggestion, she told lawmakers.

Non-citizen voting was, and remains, illegal. Heritage Action is a sibling organization to the Heritage Foundation, which was responsible for Project 2025, the blueprint of policies that guided much of the first year of President Donald Trumps second term.

And state Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican, the chief Senate sponsor, rejected the criticisms.

The legislation is being called all of the names in the parade of horribles when were talking about trying to use the systems that we have more efficiently, Grall said. Its just disingenuous and its so frustrating that that is what we let this process be and the name calling and everything else that goes with it.

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The notion that non-citizens are voting and changing the outcome of elections has become an article of faith among many Republicans after years of claims by Trump that droves of non-citizens have been voting as part of a scheme by Democrats to improperly win elections.

The president and others who support that notion say it often  but havent offered evidence to support their claims.

Multiple reviews, audits, and investigations across the country, including in states run by both Republicans and Democrats, have found noncitizen voting to be exceedingly rare  to the point of being almost nonexistent, Michael McNulty, policy director of Issue One, a national nonpartisan organization that tracks election issues, said via email.

We havent heard of one instance of a non-citizen voting thats the basis for this bill, Polsky said, rejecting this kind of grandiose idea that non-citizens are voting all over the place and we have to make sure that theyre not, because its not true.

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Citing research published in 2024 by the Brennan Center for Justice that more than 9% of American citizens of voting age dont have readily available proof of citizenship, Polsky said it would translate into a large number of the states 13.3 million registered voters.

The chief House sponsor, state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Republican, pointed to what a state report about 2025 election investigations described as 198 likely noncitizens who illegally registered and/or voted in Florida. That works out to less than 1 possible noncitizen for every 70,000 registered voters.

McNulty said the cure is much worse than the purported problem.

The question is whether putting in place new requirements of documentary proof of citizenship solve a real problem or create new, much worse problems. The answer is that it clearly would create significant problems, he said.

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If the Florida legislation becomes law, analysts, advocates and Democrats warned of negative, disproportionate consequences.

Race: Rampant racism from the Jim Crow era could make it difficult or impossible for some to prove citizenship. A lot of elder Black voters who do not have birth certificates because of racism, said state Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Democrat.

Jim Crow had Black hospitals and white hospitals, and when Black families did not have access to the nearest hospital, which was a white hospital, they had their babies at home, Gantt said.

She said her aunt, a retired federal employee and longtime voter who was born in 1950s South Carolina, was never issued a birth certificate. Why is that relevant? Because I have gone through hell over the last year  trying to get a birth certificate.

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Gender: Voting advocates said women would run into compliance problems far more than men, because women are more likely to change their names when they get married and divorced. One divorced woman who testified before a Senate committee said she didnt even know how she could document her current name. Other advocates said hyphenated last names, used by some married people, can increase database matching issues.

Its sexist, especially for women that have more than one name, i.e. LaVon Bracy Davis, said state Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, a Democrat.

Housing: Advocates and lawmakers said some people  such as lower-income people who rent  move more often and therefore would have to get verified more often. College students living on campus may not have required documents readily available. And people who are homeless are allowed to vote but may not have drivers licenses or other documents.

Disasters: Although rare, other circumstances can prevent people from having easy access to documents. Jonathan Webber, Florida policy director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, told legislators that he once lost his home, all his documents and had to move because of a fire.

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Rebuilding my life took time, he said. This bill will infringe on the right to vote. My story is about a house fire. Florida is a state of hurricanes.

Some sought to remind legislators of previous state data system failures, including voter registration system outages. Testifying before a Senate committee, Julie Kent said shes worked on computer system integration for 40 years. Its expensive. It is time-consuming, and it is not foolproof, she said. These systems dont integrate easily.

The cumulative effect, Issue Ones McNulty said, is that documentary proof of citizenship bills wont improve election security; they would end up blocking large numbers of eligible voters, distract attention away from other election security issues, and make election administration more difficult.

And Polsky said a state action that requires some voters to spend money to procure documents such as birth certificates or passports so they can vote would amount to an unconstitutional poll tax.

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Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed national citizenship verification on Feb. 11, but they dont have enough voters for passage in the U.S. Senate.

Persons-Mulicka said Florida needs to pass state-level citizenship verification.

Floridians overwhelmingly support ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in our elections, she said. While the important debate over the Save America Act happens on the national stage, we can and must continue to lead in Florida as the gold standard in election integrity.

Sponsors of the Florida legislation said the issues raised by opponents were overwrought. I dont think any bill that is moving through the House is going to take away the ability of U.S. citizens being able to vote, GOP House Speaker Daniel Perez told reporters on Tuesday.

The sponsors said the vast majority of Floridians would have their citizenship checked seamlessly by matching the voter registration database with REAL ID records maintained by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state driver license agency.

Grall, the Senate sponsor, said more than 99% of people with Florida drivers licenses or state identification cards have already presented documentation that makes them comply with federal REAL ID requirements.

Grall also said she did not know how many citizens of voting age dont have REAL ID.

Someone with REAL ID  needed for airplane travel  doesnt have to be a citizen, but the documentation people provided with their license or ID renewals contained in state records is supposed to show if citizenship has been proven.

(Another provision of the legislation would require future drivers licenses to contain an identifying marking that shows if a person is a citizen).

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, said last year he was working on plans to impose a citizenship verification requirement.

Although neither Byrd nor agency representatives appeared as witnesses to offer their views and answer questions at legislative committees, he was present during the first House committee hearing on the legislation on Feb. 5. He sat in the audience a few rows behind the sponsors as they presented the proposals.

On Wednesday, Grall told her colleagues she didnt know his position on the legislation.

Im sure the secretary has opinions on the bill, and Im sure the secretary has other things that he would like in the bill and maybe theres some things that he does not like.

During several committee hearings on the legislation, sponsors didnt have specific, concrete answers when some colleagues pressed them for details.

Asked repeatedly if people would have to make in-person visits with documents to supervisors of elections offices or if they could email copies, Persons-Mulicka said the measure doesnt proscribe how the supervisors take in or review the documentary proof.

Grall said I dont think submitting documents via the mail would be prohibited.

Democrats expressed frustration that state agencies  the Secretary of States Office, which oversees elections, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which oversees drivers licenses  under DeSantis control havent had representatives testify at hearings on the legislation to explain how it would be implemented.

Sponsors still need to work out some significant differences between House Bill 991 and Senate Bill 1334, including when the proposed law would take effect and other election law changes that dont involve the citizenship requirement.

Im not saying its perfect yet, Grall said.

So far, the measures have been approved by two House and two Senate committees, in a process that frustrated opponents. So many people wanted to testify that committee chairs allowed people 30 seconds to one minute before they were told their time was up. (In a Senate committee on Wednesday, more than 100 people signed up to either testify or record their public opposition compared to about five supporters.)

Michael Montenegro, of Miami, said the legislation was unnecessary and ran counter to American ideals.

Voter fraud is historically very rare, he said, My parents fled Cuba and Nicaragua, where theyre not afforded free and fair elections. A vote for this bill is anti-democratic.

Cindy Skarda, who also testified before lawmakers, said the legislation will make sure that my vote as a legal American citizen is not diluted, that I, as an American citizen, am not disenfranchised. Every unlawful vote by somebody who is not an American citizen cancels out the vote of a lawful citizen voter.
The Haitian judge who signed an arrest warrant for President Jovenel Moise that figured prominently in the late leaders July 7, 2021, assassination testified Friday that the document was illegal and that he had no authority to remove a sitting head of state.

Jean Roger Noelcius also admitted under oath during a deposition in Miami federal court that neither private nor foreign individuals can execute arrest warrants in Haiti, which is the purview of the Haitian national police.

The dubious 2019 warrant was used as a pretext to arrest Moise and remove him from power in two attempts: a foiled coup on Feb. 7, 2021, and the assassination on July 7, 2021. Suspects arrested in the assassination have repeatedly cited the warrant  and a letter sent to the U.S. ambassador at the time, Michele Sison, acknowledging its existence  as the reason for their involvement in Haiti: to arrest, and not kill the president, amid the ongoing debate over the timing of the end of his official presidential mandate. Opponents of the president had claimed his term ended on Feb. 7, 2021, while U.S. authorities insisted his term ended Feb. 7, 2022.

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Noelcius was an investigative magistrate in Haiti, a powerful post from which judges carry out investigations and, based on findings, issue indictments and warrants for the arrest of individuals. Sometime in January 2021  weeks before the foiled presidential coup and six months before a group of hired Colombian commandos and two Haitian Americans posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents descended on Moises home claiming to be executing the arrest warrant  Noelcius signed the document, added an official seal and backdated it to Feb. 18, 2019, accusing the Haitian president of assassination.

READ MORE: Who was involved in killing of Haiti president Jovenel Moise

He testified about the events leading up to his involvement in the high-profile case during six hours of questioning conducted by video from Canada, where he fled five months before the killing. While conceding that he had signed the warrant, he rejected any suggestion that he bore responsibility for Moises killing.

The assassination led to a political vacuum and plunged Haiti deeper into chaos, with armed gangs running amok. The country now finds itself with no elected president or parliament, and one of the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

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I have nothing to do with this situation, Noelcius said in Haitian Creole, speaking through a translator, later admitting he knew he had no authority to be signing a warrant against a sitting president.

Noelcius deposition came two weeks before the scheduled March 9 trial of five men from South Florida and Haiti who are charged with a conspiracy to assassinate Moise at his home in the hills outside Port-au-Prince more than four years ago. Six other defendants charged in the high-profile case have already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy or related charges. A parallel case in Haiti has been reopened and assigned a new investigative judge after the countrys appeals court overturned indictments. The Haitian court cited procedural irregularities and a failure to identify the killings mastermind in its decision.

Motivation for warrant

Noelcius motivation for issuing the arrest warrant for the president has been a key question for Moises family. Its answer remained a mystery Friday as he feigned a lack of understanding to some of the questions posed by defense lawyers and a federal prosecutor, pushed back on questions he deemed political and insisted that he too is a victim in this situation.

He pointed the finger at a lawyer and former Haitian government prosecutor named Mario Beauvoir. Beauvoir, who Noelcius claimed was in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, said he wanted Noelcius to save the country by issuing the warrant, the former magistrate testified. He was taken to meet Beauvoir, he said, by his courtroom bailiff, whose name, under questioning from defense attorney Humberto Dominguez, he claimed he could not remember.

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He played me to put me in that predicament, Noelcius said of Beauvoir, insisting it wasnt until the foiled plot to arrest Moise unfolded in February 2021 with a predawn raid led by presidential palace guards that he started to realize he had been duped.

The 19 Colombian mercenaries charged in the assassination  and the Miami-based security contractor who hired them  have said they were accompanying Haitian national police officers to execute Noelcius arrest warrant when Moise was shot inside his bedroom at his home in the hills of Petion-Ville. A crumpled copy of the arrest was later found in one of the homes occupied by some of the suspects.

The pretext for the "arrest" of Haiti President Jovenel Moise is a dubious 2019 arrest arrest warrant issued against Moise "for assassination" by Investigative Judge Jean Roger Noelcius. A crumbled copy the warrant was found in one of the homes occupied by some of the suspects in Port-au-Prince. (Miami)

On Friday, Antonio Intriago, the owner of the firm that hired the gunmen, South Florida-based CTU Security, and four others charged in the killing sat in the Miami courtroom as a federal prosecutor and defense lawyers questioned Noelcius about the origins and purpose of the warrant. As the long-awaited trial looms, defense attorneys have zeroed in on the role of U.S. authorities and what they may have known about the assassination before it happened. U.S. authorities have repeatedly said they had no involvement in the plot.

During the questioning, government prosecutor Jason Wu asked Noelcius if the warrant authorized anyone to kill the president, capture and take him out of the country or give foreigners the right to take it from the internet to execute it. Though defense lawyers objected to the line of questioning, Noelcius answered No to each query.

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Much of the questioning centered on the weeks leading up to Feb. 7, 2021, the day Moise announced there had been a foiled coup and assassination attempt against him. Moise mentioned the arrest warrant and his search for the judge who had signed it, Noelcius said.

The warrant already had no value once the president denounced it, he said. There was no way to execute it.

Amid calls for Moises ouster, Haiti announces arrest of 23 people in alleged coup attempt

Noelcius acknowledged that the issuance of the warrant did not follow normal procedures, which would involve an investigation and the participation of the dean of the courts. I was in a very difficult situation, he said, claiming he was under duress by Beauvoir to provide the document.

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Thats the document Mario had me write, Noelcius said, referring to the warrant, which prosecutors entered into evidence. From what he stated at the time, it was at the request of the U.S. ambassador and I would not suffer any repercussions.

The request

The initial request, he testified, took place in a big space behind the U.S. embassy, where he said Beauvoir told him he would be put in contact with the American ambassador because Moise wanted to resign.

They needed an arrest warrant, Noelcius said he was told. The document, he added, would be symbolic and kept in a safe at the embassy.

Beauvoir then took his phone, made a call and said, The judge is here, before handing it over, Noelcius testified. The person on the other end was a man whose Creole, he said, wasnt so correct. The caller explained the need for the warrant and promised there would be no repercussions for his family.

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Noelcius acknowledged that he never confirmed he was speaking to the U.S. ambassador, who was a woman. He said he agreed to issue the document only after Beauvoir later contacted him and said, Judge, I received an order to protect you.

He testified that he was told to leave his home and relocate for security reasons. When he said I could no longer stay at my house, I knew I was in danger, Noelcius said.

Reached by telephone, Beauvoir told the Miami Herald he would not comment, adding only that he is a lawyer.

He has figured prominently in both the Feb. 7 episode and the July 7 assassination, in which suspects used fabricated claims about State Department investigations and a DEA operation as cover to gain access to the presidents residence.

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At times during questioning by defense lawyers, Noelcius was evasive, declining to answer questions about his views of the president in early 2021. He said he did not know prominent political figures, such as former Haitian senator John Joel Joseph, who has pleaded guilty in the case, and did not know how many judges sat on Haitis Superior Court.

He acknowledged that the warrant was not issued during a normal procedure, but said he did not believe he faced criminal exposure back in Haiti. Still, he testified that his efforts to obtain legal status in Canada have been blocked for security reasons.

After signing the warrant, Noelcius said, he was taken to Petit-Bois, an apartment complex where several Haitians  including a superior court justice  were later arrested in connection with the February plot during the predawn raid. As news of the Feb. 7 raid and arrests spread, and he saw a copy of his signed arrest warrant circulating on social media, Noelcius said he grew fearful and fainted. The next day, he fled to his sisters home.

They used me like a puppet

In a final conversation with Beauvoir where he was crying, Noelcius said the lawyer told him, Judge, you dont need to cry. What you just did is going to save the country.

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They used me like a puppet, he said. They wanted to use me under the guise of saving the country.

On Feb. 11, he crossed into the Dominican Republic. Five days later, Noelcius traveled to the United States and arrived in Canada on Feb. 28, where he now works as a factory clerk at night while attending classes in the morning and taking care of his minor daughter.

Today, my career as a judge has been destroyed.
A former payroll manager was sentenced for embezzling more than $500,000 from Troup County Board of Commissioners payroll accounts. Prosecutors said she used the money in part to bankroll her side business.

Wesleigh Gaddy, 36, of Hogansville was sentenced to one year, six months in prison for betraying the public trust.

Prosecutors say a Troup County deputy sheriff discovered in April 2025 that his employee portal showed several direct deposit payments that he never received. The payments were made during a period when he did not work for the county.

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More investigation of the countys payroll information showed that hundreds of paychecks were withdrawn in the names of more than 60 former county employees between May 2023 and April 2025, while Wesleigh Gaddy was Troup Countys payroll and benefits specialist.

The sum taken totaled more than $550,000. None of the employees worked for the county at the time.

All the funds went into accounts controlled by Gaddy. She spent the stolen money on inventory and staffing for her side business, Cedar Creek Ranch Boutique, which she had planned to expand into a feed store at the time her theft was revealed.

Gaddy also used the funds to pay for three horses, a horse trailer, a horse trainer, expenses for her numerous rodeos, and everyday expenses such as clothing and dining out. Gaddy and her then-husband also purchased a travel camper and a boat.

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Gaddy stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars, misusing and abusing the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. We and our agency partners will hold accountable any public servant who manipulates his or her position for unlawful private benefit.

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Former prime minister Boris Johnson has called for troops from the UK and Europe to be deployed immediately to Ukraine.

Mr Johnson said non-combat forces should be stationed in peaceful regions to send a firm message to Russian president Vladimir Putin otherwise the Russian leader would keep going with the conflict.

Speaking ahead of the four-year anniversary of the invasion, the former politician told BBCs Laura Kuenssberg that Ukraines allies had been too slow to respond.

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We've always delayed needlessly, he said. We've then ended up giving the Ukrainians what they have been asking for, and actually it's always served to their advantage and to the disadvantage of Putin. I mean, the one person who suffers from escalation is Putin.

In the comments, which are set to air on Sunday, Mr Johnson said that he saw no reason why military action could not be taken to support Ukraine during wartime if security guarantees were promised in the event of a ceasefire.

Johnson said the UK had been too slow to respond (Getty Images for Fortune Media)

If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire, which of course puts all the initiative, all the power, in Putins hands, why not do it now? he questioned.

There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldnt send peaceful ground forces there to show our support, our constitutional support for a free, independent Ukraine.

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Military strategists and commentators have suggested that such a move could be interpreted by Russia as an escalation. Putin has previously remarked that Russia is ready right now for war if Europe wants it.

Putin rejected Western peacekeeping proposals in September warning that troops deployed to protect Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.

Mr Johnson pushed back on those comments and insisted that Ukraine and its supporters should be able to operate on their own terms not those dictated by Russia.

The war approaches its four-year anniversary (Ukrainian 65 Mechanized brigade)

Its about whether Ukraine is a free country or not, he said. If its a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously its up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If its not, then its up to the Ukrainians.

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Britains ministry of defence responded to the comments to reiterate the governments existing policy, confirming that ongoing work with the coalition of the willing would prepare for troop deployment in the event of a ceasefire.

The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities, the ministry said in a statement.

Mr Johnson said Putin had been emboldened by Western failure (AFP/Getty)

Mr Johnson also blamed Western failures for the invasion citing a lack of support for Ukraine after the invasion of Crimea in 2014, a chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and delays in punishing Bashar al-Assad for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

I think Putin was emboldened by a Western failure in Syria to punish Assad for using chemical weapons, he said.

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I think Putin was further emboldened in February 2022 by what hed seen in Afghanistan, and a sort of general sense that the West was on the back foot. Hed seen those appalling pictures of Americans being forced to flee Afghanistan and the UK pulling out as well, and that really did embolden him.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We are proud of UK leadership on Ukraine  supporting the fight today and working to secure the peace tomorrow.

Its why this Government is providing the highest ever level of military support, including a recent half-billion-pound air defence package just last week, accelerating 200 million for the UK military to prepare for any Ukraine deployment, and working with over 30 nations through the UK-led coalition of the willing.

The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the explosion, which occurred before the gunfire, was followed by a drone hovering over the area.

Thirty-four suspects were arrested during overnight raids in the town of Kafr Kanna in the lower Galilee following a violent incident where four people were injured, Israel Police said in a statement on Sunday.

Police did not immediately publish the identities of the detainees or specify the number of weapons seized, if any, during the raids. Authorities said the arrests were tied to recent gunfire incidents and other violent episodes connected to the ongoing dispute.

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Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the explosion, which occurred before the gunfire, was followed by a drone hovering over the area, from which a grenade was reportedly dropped towards those present. Large police forces arrived shortly after and initiated an investigation.

Initial findings indicate that the event represents an escalation in the ongoing violent conflict between the Awada and Taaha families, who live in the town. Sources from Kafr Kanna who spoke to N12 noted that, despite a recent ceasefire agreement ("Hudna") reached between the parties, the calm was disrupted in recent days.

It appears that Saturday's events were a direct continuation of an escalation that began Friday, when former council head Youssef Awada reported that unknown assailants had fired at his home while he was there with his family.

LEADERS OF the Arab community, including members of the Knesset, protest against violence in their community outside the Prime Ministers Office in Jerusalem, on February 8, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)

Magen David Adom (MDA) teams who were called to the scene provided life-saving medical care to the four victims, who suffered severe penetrating injuries. Among the wounded was a man in his 30s, whose condition was described as critical but stable, and three other individuals in moderate condition: an 18-year-old woman, a 40-year-old woman, and an elderly man in his 80s. All victims were evacuated for further medical treatment at the Tzafon Medical Center near Tiberias and the Italian Hospital in Nazareth.

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"We arrived at the location in coordination with the police forces and found the victims suffering from shrapnel and gunshot wounds," said MDA paramedic Anas Awada, who treated the victims at the scene.

"We provided them with rapid treatment that included stopping bleeding and bandaging, and evacuated them to the hospitals while they were conscious and in stable condition."

Sharp rise in Arab-Israeli crime in 2026

There has been a sharp rise in violent crime in the Arab-Israeli communities, with nearly 50 people killed within the sector since the start of 2026, according to the Abraham Initiatives, an NGO that advances social inclusion and equal rights for Arab Israelis.

Last year was the deadliest year so far for the Arab sector in Israel, according to a December report by the Abraham Initiatives.

The crime rates have led to recent protests throughout the country, demonstrating against the government and polices handling of the situation.

Keshet Neev contributed to this report.
Anti-Semitism has surged in Germany, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany said on Sunday as the organization opened an exhibition to mark its 75th anniversary.

"Since October 7, we have seen an explosive rise in anti-Semitism, Josef Schuster said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition in the northern city of Braunschweig, which is titled: "With Our Own Voice: 75 Years of the Central Council of Jews in Germany."

"If we want to stand up to anti-Semitism, then decisive political action is needed," he demanded, though he said this alone is not enough. "Decency and democratic culture cannot be imposed by political decree."

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The exhibition highlights a "painful reality," he added.

Hatred of Jews has never disappeared from Germany, but since October 7 it has taken on a new dimension, Schuster said.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 and taking some 250 hostage. Israel retaliated with a massive attack that has left at least 70,000 Gazans dead. The war has provoked massive demonstrations worldwide and also a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in many countries.

The Jewish leader praised the exhibition in Braunschweig for understanding the role of his organization, saying he was proud that the council was seen as the "ethical centre" of the post-war country, as a guardian of the German constitution and its achievements, and as a champion of an open society.

The Central Council was founded on July 19, 1950 in Frankfurt and is a political, social and religious representative body for the Jewish community in Germany.
BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first visit to China next week since taking the helm of Europe's biggest economy, as he tries to position the country to a world in which assertive great powers play an increasingly dominant role.

Merz will be received in Beijing on Wednesday by Premier Li Qiang and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, government spokesperson Sebastian Hille said Friday. He will also visit Hangzhou in southeastern China.

The theme of the trip will be competition, Hille told reporters in Berlin, and the right balance of cooperation with the Asian power will be one major theme. We want cooperation where it is necessary and in our mutual interest, he added.

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Germany has tried in recent years to maintain solid ties with China despite wariness over Beijing's growing assertiveness and refusal to criticize the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while also seeking to avoid overreliance on trade with China and diversifying its commercial links and supplies of key goods.

Germany's Federal Statistical Office said Friday that China reclaimed its place as the country's biggest single trading partner last year, with exports and imports totaling 251.8 billion euros ($297 billion). China already held the title from 2016-2023, but was displaced in 2024 by the United States. While trade with China grew last year, that with the U.S. dropped to 240.5 billion euros.

The chancellor, who took office in May, told a convention of his Christian Democratic Union party in Stuttgart that we need business ties in the whole world, and that of course also includes a country like China. He said that China is an important trading partner for us, so I will go to China next week with a large business delegation.

Neither he nor Hille specified who will be part of that delegation.

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But Merz also said Germany should have no illusions about China, which he said asserts the claim to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules.

In his speech, Merz reiterated that the familiar rules-based order as it has long been known no longer exists, and that a new world order, an order of great powers, is taking shape at high speed. He emphasized that Europe needs to become economically and militarily stronger, and that it needs to press ahead in seeking trade deals with more partners.

U.S. President Donald Trump is due to visit China in April.
Denmark on Sunday rejected a US claim that Greenland needs healthcare help, on the same day its forces evacuate a US sailor from a submarine off the coast of the Arctic island for medical treatment.

A day earlier, US President Donald Trump said he was sending a hospital ship to the autonomous Danish territory that he covets.

But Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told Danish broadcaster DR: "The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialised treatment, they receive it in Denmark."

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He added: "It's not as if there's a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland."

In Greenland, as in Denmark, access to healthcare is free. There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving patients from all over the territory.

Without explicitly mentioning the US proposal, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was "happy to live in a country where access to healthcare is free and equal for all. Where insurance or wealth does not determine whether one receives dignified treatment."

Separately, early on Saturday Denmark's Arctic Command announced that it had evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Nuuk after the sailor requested urgent medical attention.

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- AI-generated hospital ship -

Trump, in his Truth Social message on Saturday proposing a hospital ship, posted an AI-generated image of a US Navy medical vessel, USNS Mercy.

It was not immediately clear if that meant he was deploying that ship to Greenland.

"We are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there," Trump wrote.

"It's on the way!!!" he added.

The US president indicated the deployment was being carried out in coordination with Jeff Landry, appointed in December as the US Special Envoy to the Arctic island.

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Greenland already has five regional hospitals, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving the whole territory, whose population is 57,000.

Aaja Chemnitz, who represents Greenland in the Danish Parliament, wrote on Facebook that while Greenland's health system had its share of problems, they were best resolved through cooperation with Denmark -- "which is one of the wealthiest and most educated countries, for example in the field of healthcare. Not with the United States, which has its own healthcare system problems."

Trump has repeatedly said he believes the United States must control Greenland to ensure US national security.

Earlier threats he made to seize the territory, by force if necessary, have ebbed since he struck a "framework" deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence.

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The defence minister, Lund Poulsen, told DR he was not aware of a possible arrival of the suggested US hospital ship.

"Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics," he said.

cbw/thm/gv/rmb
President Donald Trumps plan to send a U.S. hospital boat to Greenland has been politely declined by leaders in region - who noted that they have free and equal access to health for all.

With little explanation, Trump said he would send the vessel in a Truth Social post Saturday. Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!! the president wrote.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in the U.S. acquiring Greenland, vowing to take over the Danish territory one way or the other  which Danish and Greenland officials have vehemently rejected.

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His offer of a hospital boat was also quickly rejected by officials in both Greenland and Denmark. That will be a no thanks from us, Greenlands Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, wrote on Facebook Sunday. President Trumps idea to send a U.S. hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens.

Happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health for all. Where its not insurances and wealth that determine whether you get proper treatment. You have the same approach in Greenland. Happy Sunday to you all, Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, also wrote.

Greenland does not need a U.S. hospital boat, the Danish Prime Minister said in response to President Donald Trumps plans to send a vessel to the territory (AP)

President Donald Trump's post included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also responded to Trumps claim that the people of Greenland were being denied medical care.

The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs, he told the Danish broadcaster DR, according to the Guardian. They receive it either in Greenland or, if they require specialized treatment, they receive it in Denmark. So its not as if theres a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland.

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Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics, Lund Poulsen added.

The presidents post Saturday did not specify why a hospital boat was needed or which boat would be sent. However, the post included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy.

The USNS Mercy and its sister vessel, the USNS Comfort, are moored in Mobile, Alabama, according to naval trackers.

The Independent has requested more information from the White House, the Department of Defense and Gov Landrys office.

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The announcement was made hours after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, according to Reuters. The crew member required urgent medical attention, authorities said.

Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. must acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, despite Greenlandic officials maintaining that the island is not for sale (PA Wire)

The U.S. Navy sailor was medically evacuated from a nuclear-powered submarine that broke from its mission and resurfaced about eight miles from Nuuk, Greenland.

Landry re-shared Trumps announcement on X, writing: Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Proud to work with you on this important issue!

Trump has repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security purposes, even as Greenlandic officials maintain the island is not for sale.

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Late last month, Trump announced the framework of a future deal on Greenland.

Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region, he wrote on Truth Social.

Trumps aggressive push to take over Greenland appears to be unpopular among many Americans. An AP-NORC poll from earlier this month found that 72 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of the way Trump is handling Greenland, while just 24 percent approve.
WASHINGTON  Greenland rejected a seemingly impromptu plan by Donald Trump to send a hospital boat to the island he's trying to acquire, saying in a searing statement that the U.S. president should respect the territory's sovereignty and stop needling it on social media.

Its a no thank you from here," Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen said. "President Trumps idea of sending an American hospital ship here to Greenland has been noted."

The statement followed Trump's announcement in a Feb. 21 social media post that he planned to send a hospital vessel to Greenland to care for sick residents of the Arctic island, whom he said weren't receiving treatment.

People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen walks with people during a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. A child is wrapped in Greenlandic flag as people attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Jens Kjeldsen, a 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland, paces with flags of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland (Kingdom of Denmark) protesting outside the US consulate's wooden cabin in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 20, 2026. The 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland is holding daily early morning protests outside the US consulate this week in hopes of getting his message across to US officials. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen waves a flag during a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026, in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. A mother and daughter with their faces painted with the Greenlandic flag stand on a street after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. A couple depart after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters on City Square during a protest in support of Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The United States president continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, even by military means if necessary. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which has forcefully pushed back on the U.S. threats, saying they jeopardize the future of NATO. Greenlanders march in defiance of Trumps efforts to claim the island 1 of 20 People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026.

More: Trump says he is sending a hospital ship to Greenland

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"Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!!" Trump said, referring to his special envoy to the island.

His comments reignited tension with Greenland over the administration's aggressive push to purchase the self-governing territory of Denmark. Trump backed down from a threat to launch a military invasion following congressional blowback, tumbling stock prices and criticism from America's closest allies. In place of that effort, Trump said the United States had agreed on a framework with Denmark that provides "total access" to Greenland. Further details on the deal have yet to emerge.

"We are always open to dialogue and cooperation  also with the USA. But please talk to us instead of just making more or less random statements on social media. Dialogue and cooperation require respect for the fact that decisions about our country are made here at home," Nielsen said.

Trump's announcement appeared to have been prompted by Joint Arctic Command's announcement earlier in the day that the Danish Navy evacuated a crew member from an American submarine to receive urgent medical treatment at a hospital in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

Demonstrators attend a "Hands off Greenland, Trump" rally outside the U.S. Embassy, after Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Greenland on Friday in a show of support for the Arctic island that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to annex, in London, Britain, January 24, 2026. REUTERS/Hannah McKay TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

In his statement, Nielsen indirectly referred to the incident, saying that Greenland has a public health care system in which treatment is free for its citizens.

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"That is a deliberate choice  and a fundamental part of our society. That is not how it works in the USA, where it costs money to see a doctor," he said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nielsen's remarks and has not said what vessel was sent to Greenland or provided details about its status or location.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump hospital boat plan rejected by Greenland, 'no thank you'
A man is dead following an overnight break-in attempt at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Authorities say Austin Tucker Martin, 21, breached the perimeter at Mar-a-Lago on Feb. 22 carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Two U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy spotted him near the property's north gate and ordered him to drop his weapons.

Martin lowered the gas can but, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, raised the shotgun "into a shooting position." The agents and deputy began to shoot, killing him.

Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Camilo Valencia of the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office sets up the media stand ahead of Sheriff Ric Bradshaws arrival on Southern Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion. Members of the news media prepare for a news conference on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, along Southern Boulevard regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago. FBI, PBSO, Secret Service hold briefing on Mar-a-Lago fatal shooting 1 of 6 Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies detour traffic away from the Southern Boulevard on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, before a news conference regarding an incident at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion.

Who broke into Trump's Palm Beach home?

Authorities initially identified the intruder only as a white man in his 20s, but the name Austin Tucker Martin quickly began to circulate online. By the time the FBI confirmed it, internet sleuths had already seized upon a missing-persons flyer for a man with the same name.

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Martin's family shared the flyer on Facebook at 7 a.m. on Feb. 22, six hours after the shooting at Mar-a-Lago. His mother, who did not respond to a request for comment, said her son was last heard from at 7:51 p.m. on Feb. 21.

A spokesperson for Moore County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina, where Martin lived, said the young man's relative approached a deputy and reported him missing at 1:38 a.m. on Feb. 22, mere minutes after the shooting occured.

The deputy entered Martin into a national database of missing people. Federal authorities in Florida soon informed the sheriff's office of an active investigation involving their missing Martin.

"The Moore County Sheriffs Office had no prior history involving Martin before the missing person report," the agency said.

Where was Trump during Mar-a-Lago break in?

Neither Trump nor first lady Melania Trump were at Mar-a-Lago at the time. They were in Washington, D.C., hosting the Governor's Association Dinner at the White House. No Secret Service protectees were present at the estate during the incident.

Were any officers hurt?

No. All law enforcement personnel involved were uninjured.

Who is investigating Mar-a-Lago break in and shooting?

The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Secret Service and PBSO. The two agents and one deputy involved have been placed on administrative leave, consistent with both agencies' policies, while the fatal shooting is investigated.

Will we see body camera footage?

The PBSO deputy involved was equipped with a body-worn camera, according to Bradshaw. He did not say when, or whether, the footage will be released.

What don't we know yet?

Authorities have not said how many shots were fired, who fired the fatal round, or what  if any  connection Martin had to extremist groups or ideologies. His motive for approaching the estate armed with a shotgun and a fuel can remains unknown.

Has this happened before?

Mar-a-Lago has been the site of multiple security breaches since Trump first became president, including trespassing incidents, a high-speed car chase, a Chinese national caught with malware-infected devices, and most recently a person who tried to jump over its walls in February 2025.

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However, this is the first incident to result in a fatality.

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What we know after fatal breach at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club
Holden's Special Town Meeting, scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, has been postponed due to the nor'easter bearing down on Massachusetts.

The session has been rescheduled to March 2, and will still be held at Wachusett Regional High School.

Voters at the Special Town Meeting were set to vote on a proposal to bring Holden into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, a state law that requires communities serviced by or adjacent to cities and towns serviced by state transit, to designate at least one zoning district to allow multifamily housing.

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Holden is among nine communities that remain out of compliance with the law, and that have been named as defendants in a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. However, Holden's town manager says the town has not yet been served by the lawsuit, due to the scheduled Town Meeting Vote.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Holden postpones critical Town Meeting vote due to storm
CHEYENNE  In an emotional Saturday vote about funding for the states only four-year public university, members of the Wyoming House of Representatives narrowly voted to support deep cuts to the University of Wyoming.

The House voted 32-28 Saturday to keep a $20 million budget cut to UW in the state's 2027-28 biennium budget, with potential for a $40 million cut by December.

Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, former chair of the very conservative Wyoming Freedom Caucus, brought a budget amendment numbered 120 out of numerical order midday to maintain cuts to the university of either $20 million or $40 million, depending on a report due to the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) in December. Bear is co-chair of the JAC.

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His amendment directly followed one made by Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, which Harshman called a parachute to save UW funding. Harshman's amendment would have restored the $40 million in university funding cut by the JAC before the current budget session began, with the option to cut back after reporting in December.

Im trying to get a parachute for everybody so we can have a safe landing on this issue for our university, Harshman said.

'The Art of the Deal' or a lack of transparency?

Bear immediately stood up after Harshman made his motion, budget amendment number 60, to urge a "no" vote from the body. Bear said he'd be bringing another amendment to do the same thing, with deeper cuts, that he said he had discussed in a conversation that happened between us and the university  at least, leadership and the university.

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Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, said that Harshmans amendment represented a good compromise, and that Bears amendment would still take $20 million from UW, no matter what, with discussion allowed for another $20 million cut.

That is still taking $20 million for no reason, Brown said. I appreciate that (legislative) leadership has had a discussion with the university, but Ill be honest with you: They dont speak on my behalf, and they dont speak on behalf of my constituents.

House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, who spoke in support of Bears amendment, referenced the book The Art of the Deal, by President Donald Trump, adding that the only real leverage we have is the power of the purse.

Sometimes it takes a big level to get the attention of someone to be able to negotiate, Heiner said. What we had in the budget brought the people to the table.

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Just yesterday afternoon, we had a meeting with some key individuals from this university, he continued. There was no commitment on either side. It was just an understanding.

Several members voiced concern after that about conversations regarding the university's budget being held in private  not during committee meetings or in discussion on the floor.

Rep. Bob Nicholas, R-Cheyenne, said that in his discussions with UW representatives, he understood that they were not interested in, nor did they agree with the methods in, the amendment set forth by Bear.

This is another cram down by our good leadership to get what they want, Nicholas said.

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Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, said that funding the university is number one on her constituents list of priorities. Further, she said that Harshmans amendment would be a productive way to have conversations, on the record, about changes that may be needed at UW.

I would have loved for JAC to have these kinds of conversations with the university on the record, she said. I am seeing a troubling trend here of a lack of transparency and discussions of private conversations.

Without naming names, she said that most members of the House had no way to verify whether the conversation between UW and legislative leadership did go the way Bear and Heiner said.

Thats why we have public meetings, thats why we have public comments," Lawley said. Transparency is important. It is not a talking point.

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Some members said that they supported Bears cuts because the university teaches content matter that does not align with their community members beliefs.

I never thought there would come a day that the people of Wyoming would look and question the funding of our own university, but it is because of their policies, and their curriculum and their choices, Rep. Kevin Campbell, R-Glenrock, said.

Rep. Liz Storer, D-Jackson, implored the body to fully fund the University of Wyoming because exposure to ideas creates growth, and Rep. J.T. Larson, R-Rock Springs, said he was not elected to play games with agencies. Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, called the Bear amendment a new narrative to try and justify what we have done because the public doesnt support it.

The difference in funding

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On Saturday, the House convened at 8 a.m. to continue working through its list of 120 third-reading amendments to House Bill 1, General government appropriations-2, which earlier this week faced 122 second-reading amendments. Harshmans amendment was adopted by the House, but was immediately deleted in the next vote of the body in favor of Bear's amendment.

Harshmans amendment would have restored the $40 million cut to UWs block grant from the states general fund that was removed by the JAC, with a portion set aside for a comprehensive review of the universitys organizational structure and administration. The review would have needed to identify duplicative positions and find places where they could be streamlined or restructured. It also would have evaluated staffing levels relative to similar post-secondary institutions.

The review also would have had to develop recommendations to reduce the overall number of positions while simultaneously considering the operational needs and institutional priorities of the University of Wyoming.

Both amendments required that the UW Board of Trustees submit an operational plan to the governor and the Joint Appropriations Committee by Dec. 1, 2026.

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Bears amendment allocates $20 million in additional general fund dollars to the university, or half of the JAC cut, requiring the same study and reporting by Dec. 1. But unlike Harshmans amendment, if the university does not report to the JAC with $5 million in cost savings, the JAC can then cut its appropriation by $40 million.

Bears amendment was approved by four votes. The House had 55 more third-reading budget amendments left to discuss when they broke for lunch midday Saturday.

When the final House version of the budget is approved, it must be reconciled with the Senate version, which was approved Friday. It includes all of the money recommended for the University of Wyoming, potentially setting up a contentious negotiation between the two chambers before a final spending plan can be sent to the governor for his consideration.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee looks on during an interview with Reuters in Jerusalem, September 10, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)

"If Tucker was really a 'journalist' he could have found out what I easily did later," Huckabee stated in response to one claim by Carlson that Israel had sheltered an accused sex offender.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to conservative commentator Tucker Carlson in a series of posts on X/Twitter, after an interview at Ben-Gurion airport on Wednesday resulted in several unverified claims and assertions made by Carlson to discredit Israel.

"If Tucker was really a 'journalist,' he could have found out what I easily did later," Huckabee stated on Friday evening in response to one claim by Carlson that Israel had sheltered accused sex offender Tom Alexandrovich.

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Carlson used Alexandrovich as an example of what he claimed were dozens and dozens of accused sex offenders in the United States who had fled to Israel. Huckabee, however, accused Carlson of intentionally misleading the public on the issue.

According to Huckabee's post, Alexandrovich, an Israeli citizen, had not violated any court orders by returning to Israel after his arrest in Nevada in August 2025 - he had been released on bail, and appeared before the court as scheduled via Zoom, pleading not guilty.

"Tucker's question wasn't because he was concerned about a child being solicited for sex," Huckabee accused, "He was playing 'gotcha.'"

Carlson also claimed that President Isaac Herzog had visited Epstein Island and challenged the ambassador to check for himself. Huckabee refuted Carlson's claims, adding that, "Tucker may need to talk to his lawyers. Libel & defamation of a good & honorable man is reckless."

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In a video posted on X/Twitter in the early hours of Sunday morning, Carlson backtracked his claims about Herzog, stating that he had received a letter from the president's office claiming unequivocally that Herzog had never had any interaction with Epstein. Carlson issued a formal apology for stating otherwise and admitted to having acted without concrete information on the accusation.

Huckabee also reacted to a conversation the two had over the meaning of Zionism, describing the discussion as "very twisty and frankly confusing."

Carlson, Huckabee said, insisted on inserting topics which "have nothing to do with theology and certainly not with Israel, Zionism, or anything else." In his response on X/Twitter, Huckabee provided Carlson with what he believed to be a straightforward definition of Zionism: "Zionism is the belief that Israel has a right to exist in safety and security."

"Why can't you just say that?" Huckabee asked Carlson, claiming that he'd asked the commentator the question several times during the interview without receiving a clear answer. "You refused to say whether or not Israel has a right to exist. I hope you will state your answer to that simple question soon."

Huckabee accuses Carlson of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories

Huckabee accused Carlson of muddying the waters of their conversation with the so-called "Khazar theory" of modern Jewish origin, a debunked idea that claims that most Ashkenazi Jews today trace their lineage to the population of Khazaria.

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"This odious conspiracy theory is peddled by the likes of Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes and by people who love David Duke," Huckabee stated, "as well as Islamist accounts that make up false smears about Israel non-stop and are run out of countries like Pakistan and Turkey."

Huckabee also commented on Carlson's history of interviewing Nazis, saying, "I was expecting a thoughtful conversation and that he would ask questions and give me the opportunity to actually respond - just like he did with the little Nazi sympathizer Nick Fuentes or the guy who thought Hitler was the good guy and Churchill the bad guy."
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said that "special caution" is needed regarding electricity supplies to Ukraine in order not to harm ethnic Hungarians living in Zakarpattia Oblast.

Source: Szijjarto in a video on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Szijjarto recorded the video following a government energy council meeting held on Sunday to discuss the suspension of Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.

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Quote: "Today we also considered issues related to electricity supplies. Nearly half of Ukraine's electricity imports come from Hungary. However, we concluded that we must act with special caution in this matter, as Hungarians also live on the other side of the border, and stopping electricity exports would primarily affect Zakarpattia, creating particular problems, challenges and suffering for the families living there."

Details: Szijjarto added that "our dispute is not with the people living in Ukraine, not with the families living in Ukraine. Our dispute is with the Ukrainian state, with the Ukrainian government, with President Zelenskyy."

Background:

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BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungary threatened to block a new package of European Union sanctions against Russia and stall efforts to help Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries to Hungary resume.

The EU's foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss the bloc's 20th round of sanctions against Moscow, a measure they hope will be approved in time to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday.

In a video posted to social media Sunday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said he would block the sanctions package, accusing Ukraine of deliberately holding back Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.

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We will not consent to the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions, because we have previously made it clear that until the Ukrainians resume oil shipments to Hungary, we will not allow decisions that are important to them to be approved, Szijjarto said.

For the sanctions to pass, the 27-nation bloc needs to reach a unanimous decision.

Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been interrupted since Jan. 27 after what Ukrainian officials say were Russian drone attacks that damaged the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude across Ukrainian territory and into Central Europe, leading to rising tensions between Budapest and Kyiv.

Nearly every country in Europe has significantly reduced or entirely ceased Russian energy imports since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Yet Hungary and Slovakia, both EU and NATO members, have maintained and even increased supplies of Russian oil and gas, and received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil.

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Szijjarto also said Saturday Hungary will block a major 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) EU loan to Ukraine meant to help Kyiv meet its military and economic needs for the next two years.

Earlier in the week, Hungary and Slovakia announced they would both cease diesel shipments to Ukraine over oil interruptions, and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on Saturday said his country would cut off emergency electricity supplies to its embattled neighbor if oil deliveries were not restored by Monday.

Russian missiles and drones in recent months have pounded Ukraines energy grid, plunging people into frozen darkness in one of the countrys coldest winters on record.

In a statement on Saturday, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said it rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail" by Hungary and Slovakia, and that the two countries were playing into the hands of the aggressor.

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Such actions, in the context of massive and targeted Russian strikes on Ukraines energy infrastructure and Moscows attempts to deprive Ukrainians of electricity, heating, and gas during extreme cold weather, are provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region, the ministry wrote.

Hungarys nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains the closest relationship with the Kremlin of any EU leader, has long argued Russian fossil fuels are indispensable for his economy, and that switching to energy sourced from elsewhere would cause an immediate economic collapse  an argument some experts dispute.

Orban has frequently threatened to scuttle the blocs efforts to sanction Moscow over its invasion, and has blasted attempts to hit Russias energy revenues that help finance the war. He has also vetoed EU efforts to provide military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
Hungary is threatening to block a proposed 90 billion-euro European Union loan to Ukraine  worth roughly $106 billion  unless oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline are restored.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto wrote Friday on X that Hungary would oppose the EU funding package until oil transit via the Russian-linked Druzhba pipeline resumes.

"Ukraine is blackmailing Hungary by halting oil transit in coordination with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to create supply disruptions in Hungary and push fuel prices higher before the elections," Szijjarto said.

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He further claimed that blocking oil transit violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and breaches Kyivs commitments to the European Union.

Only Trump Can Stop Russia: Millions Face Freezing Winter, Ukraine Energy Executive Warns

Hungarys Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto speaks during a session of Russian Energy Week in Moscow on Oct. 15, 2025. (Reuters)

The Druzhba pipeline has long been a key route for Russian oil deliveries to parts of Central Europe, including Hungary, even as much of the EU has moved to curb reliance on Russian energy following Moscows 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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The European Commission in January adopted a legislative package to implement a previously agreed 90 billion-euro loan to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027, aimed at supporting the countrys budgetary and military needs, according to a press release.

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The financial commitment, known as the "Ukraine Support Loan," would be structured as a limited recourse loan, with roughly 60 billion euros allocated for military assistance and 30 billion designated for general budget support.

Russia Launches Record Missile Barrage Against Ukraine One Day Before Peace Talks Set To Resume In Abu Dhabi

Hungarian oil company MOLs Duna Refinery near Szazhalombatta, about 30 kilometers south of Budapest, on May 5, 2022.

The commission said the funding is intended to help Ukraine maintain essential state functions, bolster its defense capabilities and strengthen resilience as the war with Russia continues.

The loan would be financed through common EU borrowing on capital markets and guaranteed by the EU budget. The commission also noted that the EU reserves the right to use immobilized Russian assets within the bloc, in accordance with EU and international law, to repay the loan.

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Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday rejected what it called "ultimatums and blackmail" from the governments of Hungary and Slovakia over energy supplies, accusing both countries of taking actions that are "provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region."

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia at the MOL Groups Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, on May 18, 2022.

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"Ukraine is in constant contact with representatives of the European Commission regarding the damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure caused by daily Russian strikes. We have also provided information about the consequences of these Russian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure to the governments of Hungary and Slovakia," the ministry said in a statement. "Security and stabilization repair work continues amid daily threats of new missile attacks. Ukraine has also proposed alternative ways to resolve the issue of supplying non-Russian oil to these countries."

It added that Ukraine remains a "reliable energy partner" to the European Union and argued that "ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv."





Original article source: Hungary threatens to block EU loan to Ukraine unless Russian oil shipments resume
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Adding to the sense of confusion, police said that the twins frequently share clothes and use the same phone numbers and ID documents. | Credit: Riccardo Milani / Hans Lucas / AFP / Getty Images

A scenario often featured in popular culture and hypothetical discussions has come true and left investigators baffled.

A double murder trial in France has reached a bizarre legal quagmire because two of the suspects are identical twins and so have the same DNA, said The Connexion.

Open question

The 33-year-old brothers are among five defendants on trial in Bobigny, a suburb of Paris, accused of a double murder and several attempted killings in 2020. They deny the charges. Although both twins are suspected of conspiring to plot the double murder, the DNA on an assault rifle used in one of the later gun battles could only be from one of them.

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Identical twins develop from the same sperm and a single fertilised egg that splits during pregnancy, so they have exactly the same DNA, making forensic identification difficult. A police officer told the court that forensic experts werent able to tell which of the brothers had been conclusively implicated. Only their mother can tell them apart, said an investigator.

Although advanced genetic testing techniques can sometimes help distinguish between identical twins, experts concluded that the amount of blood available in this case is insufficient, so the estimated 60,000 cost may not be justified.

Adding to the sense of confusion, police said that the twins frequently share clothes and use the same phone numbers and ID documents. So prosecutors are being forced to try other methods to establish who fired the gun, including phone tracing, interviews and wiretapping.

But for now the crucial question of who fired the recovered weapon remains an open one, said Sky News.

Onerous costs

In 2013, French police investigating a series of rapes in Marseille were similarly stymied after they traced DNA evidence to twins but couldnt establish which one was responsible.

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Its a rather rare case for the alleged perpetrators to be identical twins, chief investigator Emmanuel Kiehl told France 24, and the cost of sufficient tests to distinguish the DNA, estimated to be up to 1 million, was too onerous.

A breakthrough came when investigators eventually determined that some victims reported that the attacker had a speech impediment, which matched a condition caused by partial deafness in one of the twins, who eventually confessed to all the counts.

No such breakthrough has occurred in the current case, though. The trial continues, with the court expected to reach a decision in late February.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running in the Illinois Democratic U.S. Senate primary, posted a campaign video that features footage of multiple people saying, "F--- Trump."

"They said it. Were all thinking it," Stratton wrote in a post on X when sharing the video.

The video kicks off by showing three different people saying, "F--- Trump, vote Juliana."

Illinois Gov Pritzker Donates $5M To Super Pac Backing Lieutenant Governor's Senate Campaign

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton speaks during a news conference on Jan. 28, 2025, about the impact of President Donald Trump's order to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is at right.

The candidate then appears and declares, "They said it, not me. I'm Juliana Stratton, and I'm proud to have lived my whole life on the South side of Chicago. I'm not scared of a wannabe dictator. I'm running for Senate to stand up to Donald Trump."

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Referring to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, she declares, "I'll abolish ICE and hold Trump accountable for the crimes he's committed."

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She then says, "Just like they said," before three more people declare, "F--- Trump."

Duffy Gives Illinois 30-Day Ultimatum After Audit Finds 1 In 5 Noncitizen Truck Licenses Issued Illegally

President Donald Trump gestures at the end of his speech after touring the Coosa Steel Corporation factory in Rome, Ga., Feb. 19, 2025. (Getty Images)

One of the people to drop the f-bomb on the president is Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who has endorsed Stratton. Gov. JB Pritzker, who has also endorsed the Senate candidate, then appears next to the lieutenant governor and says, "Vote Juliana."

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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar said, "Juliana Stratton is a defund-the-police radical who would rather let criminals run rampant than make Chicago safer. While she ignores crime, President Trump has swooped in to save Chicago from murderers, gangs, and illegal immigrants."

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois announced last year that he would not seek re-election in 2026.

Illinois Dem Senate Candidates Split On Backing Schumer As Leader

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., meet with demonstrators protesting outside the immigration processing and detention facility on Oct. 10, 2025 in Broadview, Ill.

U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly are also running in the Illinois U.S. Senate Democratic primary.





Original article source: Illinois lieutenant governor seeking US Senate seat releases video of people saying 'F--- Trump'
A Waterboro woman was on her way to work on January 20 when she received a call from her partner. He said he had been detained by immigration agents after putting their four-year-old on the school bus.

They said they'll give you 30 minutes to come back for the baby, he told her, referring to the couples 10-month-old.

Kadi, who asked to be identified by her first name out of fear of retaliation, returned home to find four people who she believed to be federal agents standing near dark SUVs, some wearing masks. She said they did not tell her which government agency they were with and refused to provide their names or badge numbers when she asked.

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Im not going to give that, one agent responds in a video of the encounter.

Im legally allowed to have that, Kadi says.

Youre legally allowed to ask for it, he responds.

It was only when the agents called in a fifth, seemingly senior official, that Kadi said she was able to get a first name and badge number from that agent, despite demanding that information from the agents on scene for nearly an hour.

Immigration agents have come under fire in recent months for obscuring their faces with masks and not making it clear who they are and who they work for while detaining immigrants at record levels across the country.

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A partial government shutdown continued this week as Democrats in Congress pushed for reforms to the Department of Homeland Securitys immigration enforcement practices, including a prohibition on masks and other accountability measures.

Federal agents making arrests are supposed to identify themselves as immigration officers as soon as it is practical and safe to do so and to carry identification with them. But in Kadis situation and other documented cases across the country, their masks and lack of standardized uniforms have raised questions about their affiliations.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions from The Maine Monitor about its policies, but officials have said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents are wearing masks because of concerns for their personal safety.

Those pushing for reforms have countered that allowing masked, unidentified agents to conduct operations puts both civilians and law enforcement at risk and makes it harder to hold officers accountable for misconduct. They have also noted that these practices diverge from those employed by local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

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In Maine, law enforcement identification practices are largely guided by custom and individual department policies, not legal requirements.

State statute requires that officers with sheriff departments and the Maine State Police wear distinctive uniforms when conducting their work, but does not mention nametags or other personal identifiers, or indicate if and when officers should disclose that information; those details are left to internal rules. Local police departments, meanwhile, each have their own set of policies.

While written guidelines differ, law enforcement leaders across the state told The Maine Monitor they expect their officers to be clearly identifiable while on the job and to provide their name when asked.

Its common courtesy, said Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce. We want people that were dealing with to know that we are legitimate.

I could be some creepo

The Maine Monitor reached out to more than a dozen law enforcement agencies in the state and found that at least 10 have policies that guide how officers wear uniforms. Some policies explicitly note that uniforms must include officers names; other agencies said they do as a matter of course.

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At least 10 departments have policies requiring that officers state their names when making arrests or traffic stops. Most of the departments The Maine Monitor spoke to said its standard practice for officers to introduce themselves, even if their agencies do not have explicit policies.

The Cumberland County Sheriffs Office policy requires that officers identify themselves or carry identification. If officers are serving a warrant, Joyce said he wants them in identifiable clothing for the safety of police and civilians.

Because if I dont, then you just have a bunch of people in plain clothes coming through the door and people have a right to protect themselves and their property, Joyce said. And thats when bad things happen. So we want people to know this is a lawful event.

He said it is concerning when other agencies operate without identifying themselves because people will not know who is law enforcement.

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Even though Ive got an unmarked car with blue lights doesnt mean Im the real deal. I could be some creepo, he said. We kind of drill this into our folks that, if youre not in uniform, if youre not in a marked car, you have to be extra careful to let people know who you are.

In Androscoggin County, Sheriff Eric Samson said his staff isnt allowed to make traffic stops in unmarked vehicles unless theyre in uniform, with rare exceptions for egregious circumstances. Otherwise, he said, members of the public would have no way of knowing whether they were being pulled over by law enforcement or by bad actors imitating law enforcement.

Samson said his deputies provide their names when asked and will clarify that the department doesnt use badge numbers if a member of the public wants one. (Many departments in Maine do not use badge numbers.) His staff will also share business cards in some circumstances. Giving members of the public names makes it easier to keep track of any complaints that come in, he said.

Brunswick Police Chief Scott Stewart, who is president of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, said his departments policy states that officers must identify themselves by providing a card or badge when interacting with the public, except when impractical or when the identity is obvious.

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We do expect you to have your name tag on. We do expect, if someone asks you, you simply tell them, he said. You dont have to tell them where you live, dont have to tell them your first name, but you could certainly tell them your name because, again, its not going to be a secret in a town in Maine.

Push for transparency

Kadi said she is managing care for her four children by redoing her work schedule and getting babysitters while her partner sits in a detention center out of state. For now, her youngest three children believe their father is on a work trip while Kadi figures out next steps.

After the detention unfolded in her driveway in January, she posted two videos of her interactions with agents on TikTok, which have received thousands of views.

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They wouldnt share anything with me, and then they start asking me questions like, Are you guys legally married, are you guys this, Kadi said. And at one point I was like, Im not sure why you think I have to answer your questions, but you dont have to answer my questions.

Two of Kadis children look out the window. Photo by Kristian Moravec.

The Monitor spoke to three legal experts who echoed her concern and said it is important for members of the public to be able to determine if they are interacting with legitimate law enforcement officers. Two civil rights lawyers likened ICEs practice of using masked agents wearing non-standardized tactical gear to a federal secret police force.

Good policing and basic trust with the community generally requires the people out there in patrol cars and interacting with the community to show their faces, said Max Brooks, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. We have a long tradition of public officials including police officers not having their identities be secret.

David Webbert, a civil rights attorney in Maine, said that federal agents refusal to identify themselves can be dangerous, as citizens may unknowingly resist officers, or it can make it easier to impersonate officers.

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If you don't know who they are, you can't hold them accountable. That destroys the rule of law, Webbert said. Secret police is not consistent with the rule of law. It's consistent with a dictatorship.

Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, introduced a measure last fall to ban masks for law enforcement, including ICE, operating in the state, but the Legislative Council declined to consider it for the current session.

Several other states, including Vermont, Maryland, Oregon and Washington, are weighing similar proposals. A new law that took effect in California earlier this year both bans masks and requires that law enforcement officers clearly display their agency affiliation and an officers name or badge number. After it was challenged by the Trump administration, a judge struck down the mask ban for singling out federal officers but upheld the identification requirement.

In a letter last summer, a coalition of state attorneys general, including Aaron Frey of Maine, urged lawmakers to pass legislation requiring federal agents to show their identification, citing images of masked, armed men and women, dressed in plainclothes and traveling in unmarked vehicles, snatching people from streets, homes, workplaces, and courthouses.

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It is shocking that we have reached a point in America where such a common-sense set of measures must be enshrined into law, they wrote. But in light of recent events, such legislation is necessary to protect the public, ensure accountability, and preserve the reputation and effectiveness of law enforcement at every level of government.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, recently introduced the Stop ICE Intimidation Act, which would block expanded ICE staffing and limit access to surveillance tools.

As the debate in Congress continues, Pingree told The Maine Monitor that while she thinks it is time to abolish ICE altogether, in the meantime she will not support a DHS funding bill that does not include mandatory body cameras, clear use-of-force limits and a ban on masks, among other accountability measures. (Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said recently that agents in Minneapolis will start wearing body cameras in the wake of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.)

In an email, Pingree mentioned an incident that occurred in Portland in the fall, where officers apprehended a parent outside an elementary school and refused to identify themselves. She said it took hours of calls to find out they were Drug Enforcement Administration agents working on behalf of ICE, which she said underscores the chaos and confusion being caused by DHS secret-police tactics. She also cited increased reports of criminals impersonating ICE agents.

Theres a reason why a vast majority of local police departments require their officers to identify themselves, Pingree wrote. Trust and transparency matter.
Sean Penn was declared Best Supporting Actor at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

One Battle After Another's Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards

The 65-year-old actor fended off his One Battle After Another co-star Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Paul Mescal (Hamnet), Peter Mullan (I Swear), and Stellan Skarsgard (Sentimental Value) following his standout performance as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw in the action-thriller movie.

However, Penn was not present to collect the gong, so 57-year-old Animals actress Gillian Anderson - who co-presented the prize with 48-year-old The Bride! actress Maggie Gyllenhaal - accepted it on his behalf.

Speaking live on stage at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday (22.02.26), Anderson quipped: "So I'm taking it."

Gyllenhaal noted: "We'll make sure he gets it."

Moments after, Paddington Bear announced that Boong had picked up the Children's and Family Film.

The 2024 drama fought off competition from Arco, Lilo + Stitch and Zootropolis 2.

Accepting the award, Lakshmipriya Devi - the director of the coming-of-age drama - expressed her hope for peace in Manipur, India.

She said: "We pray for peace to return to Manipur.

"We pray that all the internally displays children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dream once again.

"We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is, forgiveness.

"So thank you, BAFTA, for giving us not only an award, but this stage to express our hope."

Before Penn was announced as Best Supporting Actor, Sinners' Wunmi Mosaku was named Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Annie in the 2025 supernatural horror.

She beat Odessa A'zion (Marty Supreme), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Carey Mulligan (The Ballad of Wallis Island), Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) and Emily Watson (Hamnet) to win her first EE BAFTA Film Award.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel this week, engaging in talks with Netanyahu on strengthening ties in high-tech, AI, and regional alliances.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday.

Modi will speak at the Knesset, hold an innovation event in Jerusalem, and visit Yad Vashem, Netanyahu announced.

Netanyahu, speaking at a cabinet meeting, stated that focus will be placed this coming week on the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, the Prime Ministers Office announced.

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Focus will also be placed on the relationship between the two prime ministers, with Netanyahu referring to Modi as his personal friend and stating that they have spoken frequently on the phone and have visited each other.

We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers a speech at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19, 2026. (credit: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)

The countries will also promote cooperation in hi-tech, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, the prime minister added, saying that AI and quantum are fields where Israel aims to be among the worlds leading nations.

Netanyahu aiming to create 'hexagon' of allies across Middle East, Asia, including India

Netanyahu noted that his vision includes creating an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within the Middle East, including India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I wont detail at the moment.

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His intention is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis, said Netanyahu.

Modi responds, thanks Netanyahu for comments

Modi responded on X/Twitter later on Sunday, saying "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu."

"I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit," Modi wrote.
Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged not to fold to pressure from the United States after his American counterpart, Donald Trump, said he was considering limited strikes to force a deal on Tehrans nuclear programme.

Pezeshkians comments on Saturday came amid high tensions in the Gulf, with the US continuing to grow its military presence with the deployment of two aircraft carriers and dozens of jets.

We will not bow down in the face of any of these difficulties, Pezeshkian said at a ceremony to honour members of the Iranian Paralympics team.

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World powers are lining up with cowardice to force us to bow our heads. Just as you did not bow down in the face of difficulties, we will not bow down in the face of these problems, he said.

Iran and the US resumed indirect talks on Tehrans nuclear programme in Oman earlier this month, and held a second round in Switzerland last week.

Although Washington and Tehran described the talks in overall positive terms, they failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that a diplomatic solution appeared within our reach and that his country was planning to finalise a draft deal in the next two to three days to send to Washington.





Crossroads

Al Jazeeras Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran, said the two countries appear to be at a crossroads once again and that residents of the Iranian capital were watching closely for signs of diplomatic progress.

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How can anyone not worry about war? one woman told Al Jazeera. Even if we dont worry about ourselves, we worry about our childrens future.

A businessman said he believed military confrontation was eventually inevitable because what the Americans want is surrender, and the Iranian state wont accept that.

If that happens, conditions will become even harder  business is already slow, he added.

Another man was more optimistic.

The US knows it cant overpower Iran, he said. The US hasnt truly won a war in any country, say Afghanistan, Iraq or Vietnam. In the end, it will bow to Iran. People shouldnt worry.

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Iran and the US engaged in nuclear talks last year, too, but the effort collapsed when Israel launched attacks on the country, triggering a 12-day war. The US joined in by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Trump issued new threats of military action in January following a deadly Iranian crackdown on antigovernment protesters. Tehran responded by threatening to strike US military bases in the region and warning that it could close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil exports for the Gulf Arab states.





Greatest air power since 2003

According to the US media, the airpower Washington is amassing in the region is the greatest since its invasion of Iraq in 2003. In the past few days, Washington has deployed more than 120 aircraft to the Middle East, while the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, is on its way to join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group already positioned in the Arabian Sea.

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Iran emphasised in a letter to the United Nations Security Council on Friday that the build-up must not be treated as mere rhetoric.

Although Iran is not seeking tension or war and will not initiate a war, any US aggression will be responded to decisively and proportionately, the letter added.

The letter came after Trump claimed on Thursday during his inaugural Board of Peace meeting that bad things will happen without a meaningful deal.

Clarifying his remarks on Air Force One later that day, Trump said Iran had 10, 15 days, pretty much, maximum.

On Friday, in response to a reporters question on whether the US could take limited military action as the countries negotiate, Trump said, I guess I can say I am considering that. A few hours later, he told reporters that Iran better negotiate a fair deal.

Fears of a regional conflict have prompted countries including Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia to advise their citizens in Iran to leave the country.
Tehran's crackdown on protesters and minority groups has intensified as the regime faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Saturday that his country would not yield to pressure from global powers during ongoing nuclear talks with the United States.

World powers are trying to force us into submission but we will not submit, despite the challenges they are imposing on us, Pezeshkian declared in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

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His comments were made amid growing speculation over a potential US strike on Iranian soil, fueled by increasing amounts of naval and air forces being deployed to the region.

The United States military has moved dozens of fighter jets to a Jordanian air force base, according to satellite imagery and flight tracking data analyzed by The New York Times on Friday.

More than 60 jets were pictured parked on the Muwaffaq Salti base in central Jordan, which is three times more than the usual number of US attack aircraft present on the base, according to the Times.

On Thursday, US Senator Lindsey Graham said that planning was underway for a possible joint US-Israel attack on Iran. US President Donald Trump later added that the US was considering an initial limited strike on Iran to force Tehran to agree to his demands regarding a deal.

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The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday that the US is likely to attack Iran eventually, but not necessarily in the coming days.

Protests against Islamic regime resurface on campuses

Meanwhile, protests resurfaced on Iranian streets as students from several universities across the country rallied against the Islamic regime, Iranian media reported Saturday.

At Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, students gathered on campus chanting freedom and Death to Khamenei, the UK-based Iran International channel reported.

Reuters reported that students were also calling for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's toppled shah, to be a new monarch.

Later reports revealed that the protests at the university escalated into violence, resulting in several students being injured.

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The enemy wants the university to become virtual, but we will not allow it, Sharif University President Masoud Tajrishi was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, students at Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran blocked a street near campus and shouted, Dont be afraid, we are all together.

Clashes were later reported at the university as protesters chanted, Death to the three corrupt ones: Islamists, leftists, and Mojahedin, according to Tousi TV.

Videos circulating online showed protesters clashing with security forces on Valiasr Street in Tehran as well.

Reports also indicated a growing protest at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in northern Iran.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against the failing economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities (credit: MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Protesters sentenced to death

Separately, an Iranian court sentenced seven protesters to death earlier this month for their alleged role in setting fire to a military base during the nationwide protests in January, Iran International reported on Friday.

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The defendants stated that they were trapped inside the building when it was set ablaze, but the court rejected these claims. The seven men, including a 19-year-old, face charges of arson, collusion against national security, corruption on earth, and enmity against God.

Last month, amid ongoing unrest across Iran, Trump issued several warnings to Tehran over the killing of anti-government protesters, vowing to take very strong action to prevent such executions.

In a later statement, he said, The killing has stopped. The executions have stopped. Theres no plan for executions or an execution. Ive been told that on good authority. Well find out about it. Im sure if it happens, Ill be very upset.

US President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet in the situation room during US strikes on Iran, June 22, 2025. (credit: WHITE HOUSE)

'Sharp increase' in arrests of Christians following 12-day war with Israel

Meanwhile, Tehrans crackdown on minority groups has intensified as it faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally.

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A comprehensive report published Thursday by four human rights groups found that there have been nearly twice as many arrests of Christians on charges related to their religious beliefs in 2025 compared to the previous year: 254 compared to 139.

The report, titled Scapegoating: the 2026 annual report on Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran, was published by Middle East Concern, Article18, Open Doors, and CSW.

The report also noted a sharp increase in arrests of Christians following the 12-day war with Israel. The report cited a statement by Irans Intelligence Ministry, which recently said that 53 trained elements have been neutralized since the conflict with Israel, referring to Evangelical Christians.

Additionally, Iranian courts have been issuing more severe sentences to Christians. The report noted that in 2024, a total of 96 Christians arrested received a cumulative sentence of 263 years. In 2025, that number spiked, with a total of 73 arrested Christians receiving a cumulative sentence of 280 years, conveying a trend toward harsher sentences.

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The report urged the international community to hold Iran accountable for its failure to uphold international obligations regarding religious freedom, and to ensure fair and informed asylum procedures for Iranian Christians seeking refuge abroad.

Yonah Jeremy Bob and Reuters contributed to this report.
Anti-regime protests at university campuses continued in Iran on Sunday amid a US military build-up in the region.

Two days of intense clashes came on the back of a deadly crackdown last month, with speculation that the unrest could spill over into the streets.

Amid reports of renewed protests in Iran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his country would not give in to international pressure as nuclear talks with the United States are ongoing.

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US President Donald Trump has said he was considering a limited military strike on Iran in order to pressure its leaders to agree to a deal to curb the nuclear programme.

During a speech broadcast live on state TV, Pezeshkian said, "World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads... but we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us."

Meanwhile, media inside and outside Iran reported renewed anti-regime protests in Tehran over the thousands killed during the January clashes, as well as other groups showing support for the government.

Videos geolocated by AFP at Tehran's top engineering university show people chanting "bi sharaf", or "disgraceful" in Farsi, and fights breaking out.

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London-based Persian-language TV channel Iran International also reported on protests at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran.

Related

Iranians repeated protest slogans this week to mark 40 days since the deaths of thousands of people, in line with mourning tradition, after demonstrations peaked on 8 and 9 January.

Local outlet Fars reported that a planned silent and peaceful sit-in by students to remember the dead was disrupted when some began chanting slogans including death to the dictator, a reference to Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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A video published by Fars showed one group chanting and waving Iranian flags facing another crowd wearing masks, who were being held back by men in suits. Both sides appeared to be holding memorial photographs.

The unrest began in December after months of financial hardship, before escalating into mass anti-government protests. Security forces crushed the demonstrations in a violent crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands.

Tehran has admitted more than 3,000 people were killed, but has blamed the violence on terrorist acts allegedly driven by the countrys enemies.

However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says that more than 7,000 people were killed in the crackdown, most of them protesters, though the true figure may be much higher.

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On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that 32,000 people had been killed during the recent protests without providing a source. Insiders in Iran have shared a similar figure with Euronews.

Following Trump's comments, on Saturday Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on social media X for "anyone" who "disputes the accuracy of our data, please share any evidence".

Growing tension in the region

The protests come as Iran faces growing pressure to reach a deal on its nuclear programme with the United States, which has deployed forces within striking distance and is mounting its presence in the Middle East.

Trump had already threatened military action against Tehran during the protests over the security forces crackdown.

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Reuters reported that US military aircraft were spotted at Lajes Air Base, and US officials said that strikes on Iran could target individual leaders. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford was also spotted passing by the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday.

Live flight tracker Flightradar24 also reported that Bulgaria's Sofia airport will be closed for a few hours on Monday and Tuesday, with only military planes allowed. Local media note that this temporary closure coincides with the presence of US military aircraft at the airport and the nearby airbase.

Bulgarias Ministry of Defence said the aircraft belong to the US Air Force and that their deployment is part of NATOs enhanced vigilance activities.

Sweden, Serbia and Australia have urged their citizens to leave Iran and avoid travelling to the country.
Overnight violence on Jacksonvilles East Side. A party after midnight on Sunday ended with four people being shot. As of this articles publication, Jacksonville Police are still searching for a suspect. They do not have a description.

It was a barrage of bullets. Police say 12-15 shots rang off. The four victims were two women, ages 34 and 39, as well as two men, aged 37 and 43.

The 34-year-old woman was found on the scene and taken to a nearby hospital. The three other victims took themselves to a hospital.

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By daylight Sunday morning, there were Don Julio liquor bottles and trash scattered at the intersection of A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and Jessie Street, where the party occurred.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

People in the community tell us that this was a gathering to remember Jacksonville Rapper Lil Poppa, who died at 25 in Atlanta.

I remember him as a little kid singing and rapping inside the church. I enjoyed him. I hate that hes gone, said Robert Phelps. He attends the nearby First Baptist Church of Oakland.

He said this isnt normal for Out East.

I havent seen anything like this happening or heard anything like this happening here in years, so yeah, definitely out of character. I mean, they always have gatherings every night, Phelps added.

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Bishop Harry Williams of In the Word International Church on Sparing Street is calling party goers and DJs to help spare attendees from violence.

 Dont be afraid to tell somebody you know if they see something, dont be afraid to tell him, hey man, I see you got that gun on the side. Put it in the car, man! Lets just talk. Lets just hang out. Lets have a good time, go back to our families, said Bishop Williams.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office.

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An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was involved in a shooting Feb. 21, police said, after shots were fired at officers from a vehicle mostly full of juvenile males on Indianapolis' east side.

The shooting follows a string of violence involving juveniles in Indianapolis, where city leaders have urged parents to pay closer attention to their children.

"Families, members of our community, you have got to get involved in these teenagers' lives. These teenagers have guns and they're shooting at officers, they're shooting at community members," IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said at a press conference following the shooting. "Something has got to give."

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Just before 10 p.m. on Feb. 21, an IMPD car attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by suspects of a recent shooting with a grappler device on the 10600 block of E. 10th Street.

Shots were fired from the direction of the vehicle and at least one IMPD officer shot back at the vehicle. Officer brought the vehicle to a stop at the 10900 block of E. 10th Street. after using a vehicle containment method.

Police took three of the car's occupants into custody and used less-lethal rounds and a taser on a fourth suspect who fled on foot. Three juvenile male suspects were taken to the hospital in stable condition, including two with gunshot wounds and one with injuries from less-lethal rounds. The fourth occupant, an adult male, did not suffer injuries and was detained by police.

Police found a rifle and a handgun inside the vehicle and found one juvenile had a machine gun conversion device. Officers and community members remained uninjured, police said, though at least one IMPD vehicle was damaged from gunfire.

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At a press conference later, Terry said officers were following the vehicle as a proactive measure and were trying to avoid a pursuit that could put the community at risk. When the suspects fired at police, Terry said, it became a dangerous situation.

"Thankfully, our officers are going to go home to their families," she said.

The shooting comes weeks after an IMPD officer received backlash for a video where he tells a teenager "I will f--k'in kill you," during a traffic stop. IMPD has said that while the video doesn't show the whole incident, the language doesn't reflect the department's values. The juvenile was arrested for dangerous possession of a firearm, which police said was stolen.

Scrutiny over juvenile violence in the city has led Indiana politicians to criticize Indianapolis leadership. Gov. Mike Braun floated the idea of state intervention after a violent few weeks in July 2025, and a Republican lawmaker led an unsuccessful effort this legislative session to allow ineffective prosecutors to be impeached. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has rejected critiques of his office, pointing to data that shows the office kept an 88% trial conviction rate for gun cases and 94% for murder in 2024.

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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: Juveniles injured in shooting with IMPD officers on east side
Kamala Harris is topping some new polls of Democratic White House contenders, a sign the former vice president and 2024 presidential nominee has staying power despite her defeat to President Trump.

Its a reality that flies in the face of some of the talk after that race, in which Democrats talked about turning the page, with some calling for the party to move on from a stale playbook and to look for new leaders.

It all underscores the paradox Democrats are facing in their rebuilding efforts: Which parts of their messaging and leadership do they want to overhaul, and what are they willing to leave in place.

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Some Democrats say Harris more than deserves a spot as one of the leading contenders to be the next standard-bearer. After all, she nearly won an election after spending just 100 days at the top of the ticket, following then-President Bidens decision to drop out of the campaign.

She has high name recognition. She has stayed in the news. And a lot of voters recognize that she was right about much of what she campaigned on in 2024, Democratic strategist Basil Smikle said.

I think part of this at least reflects that Democrats are giving her the benefit of the doubt on the 2024 and saying she ran a good campaign and at the very least deserves another go, another strategist said of the poll numbers.

A poll from Focaldata released last week is the most recent 2028 Democratic poll. It found that 39 percent of registered voters said they would support Harris if she ran. The poll said 21 percent of those surveyed would support California Gov. Gavin Newsom, followed by 10 percent for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

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The survey also showed that 82 percent of voters who backed Harris in 2024 held a favorable opinion of her, while 8 percent held an unfavorable view. A Tavern Research/Searchlight Institute survey out last month also showed that 90 percent of Democratic likely voters had a favorable view of the former vice president.

Those polls follow other surveys in recent months that showed Harris ahead of would-be 2028 rivals, with the exception of one poll  by Echelon Insights  which shows Newsom ahead of Harris 27 percent to 21 percent, respectively.

Harris has not said publicly if shes considering a White House run. Privately, she has told advisers and allies that she is keeping her options open.

I can tell just by talking to her that shes not done with public service, one longtime ally said, adding that its one of the reasons she decided against running for governor of California this year.

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The former vice president is currently on a months-long book tour across the country  including upcoming stops in the Rust Belt states she lost in 2024  before packed crowds in theaters and auditoriums. And earlier this month, she launched a highly publicized rebranding of her social media accounts.

Still, while her allies maintain she would perform well in a new presidential race that is entirely her own to run, other Democrats  including some of her former aides  worry that putting her up for a second time wont produce different results.

Being forced into a 107-day campaign in those circumstances was unfair, but I do not expect Democratic Party voters desperate for a win in 2028 will choose to gamble with a candidate who just lost every swing state, said one former aide to Harris. She deserves another chapter, but I hope its not as a candidate for president.

Garry South, a Democratic consultant based in California who worked for Newsom on one of his campaigns, put it this way: The Democratic Party doesnt renominate losers.

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The last time we did it was exactly 70 years ago with Adlai Stevenson, South said. He proceeded to lose again  even worse.

Some Democratic fundraisers and donors are also down on the prospects of another Harris run.

Democratic megadonor John Morgan, the personal injury lawyer, said Harris will be pulverized from all sides if that were to happen.

Find one politician outside of California where she is their first choice, Morgan said.

Morgan said the polls are not correct.

Its like asking people, Name your favorite race horse, he said. They may know three. 90 percent would say Secretariat, even though he is dead. She is as dead as Secretariat.

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At the same time, Harris does have the highest name recognition of any of the would-be candidates, including Newsom, who has dominated recent news cycles by taking on Trump.

People dont like to be told theyre wrong, said Susan Del Percio, the veteran Republican strategist who does not support Trump, adding that the polling is reflective of their votes in the 2024 race.

At the same time, Del Percio said the surveys are also underscoring the fact that Democrats still dont have a leader or a platform.

As much as the Republicans are blowing it right now, the Democrats dont have a damn thing going on. Where are the Democrats? What are they standing for? Those numbers are about how theres nothing happening in the party right now.

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They cant turn the page because they havent written the book, Del Percio added. Instead of writing the editorial, theyre writing strongly worded letters to the editor.

A number of Democrats, rattled after losing two of the last three presidential elections to Trump, say they are ready for change.

The party is well overdue for a healthy, honest primary and I mean that in the most democratic sense, without party leaders putting their thumbs on the scales, said Nomiki Konst, a Democratic activist who recently supported Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race.

While Konst said the outcome of the 2024 presidential election boiled down to a strategic mistake  not a candidate mistake, she said the Democratic Party has a new opportunity to show what its about.

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Democrats, she said, need to understand that the country is seeking leadership and that they have an opportunity to advertise that theyre a diverse party with lots of ideas.

And as Del Percio predicted, No matter what, the Democrats wont look backwards for their nominee. They did that with Joe Biden and theyre not doing that again.

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.
Firefighters responded to a home in Kannapolis after receiving a 911 call at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

When firefighters arrived at the scene on Washington Lane, a camper and an outbuilding were fully involved, and the fire was moving into the single-story home.

Fire officials said multiple hose lines were used and crews battled the flames while searching the premises.

No one was injured, but officials said the home, outbuilding, camper, multiple vehicles, and a neighboring home sustained significant damage.

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Investigators said they believe the fire started in the camper and spread to the home.

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced homeowners, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No additional details have been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

WATCH: Multiple fire departments tackle barn blaze in Catawba County
TOPEKA  State officials are delving into the language of the law that will force people to use bathroom and private facilities in government buildings that match their sex at birth, challenged by vague language that makes it difficult to know what to do.

The Kansas Department of Administration on Thursday created a new policy section to address changes that will go into effect once Senate Bill 244 is enacted. That will occur upon publication in the Kansas Register, likely within two weeks.

The administration believed it was important to provide timely initial guidance to state agencies regarding the implementation of SB 244, said Olivia Taylor-Puckett, spokeswoman for Gov. Laura Kelly. Due to the vague and poorly written nature of the bill, additional guidance will be issued as logistics, administrative processes and costs are evaluated.

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SB 244 sets potentially large penalties for public agencies that dont comply with the law, including fines of $25,000 for a first violation and $125,000 for a second violation.

In addition, it requires officials in all government buildings to create a process for investigations and hearings if someone is accused of violating the law. Those who violate the law will receive no penalty on first violation, but a penalty of $1,000 for a second violation. They could be charged with a misdemeanor crime on a third violation.

The law didnt specify how officials would track violations and whether they would accumulate per building or across the state.

City and county attorneys would be responsible for charging violators in buildings run by their cities or counties, while the Kansas attorney general would charge violations in state buildings, according to the law.

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Kansas bathroom law is staggeringly broad in scope, said Elana Redfield, federal policy director at the Williams Institute, a University of California, Los Angeles, think tank that tracks gender identity law and public policy.

Redfield said the combination in SB 244 of both restricting bathroom access and requiring gender markers on drivers licenses and birth certificates to match sex at birth is interesting.

The bill is somewhat sweeping in that it appears to require transgender people in a broad range of social contexts to be exposed or to interact with the world based on their sex assigned at birth, Redfield said. The downstream consequences of that for trans people are enormous. Every social interaction, you have the potential for discrimination.

Laws like these often come from a place of fear, she said.

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I think you see that reflected in the Kansas law, which allows you to bring a claim if you are aggrieved by the presence of somebody, Redfield said. What does that mean? You dont want somebody else to be there?

The implementation of SB 244 is going to be interesting to watch but not very pretty, Redfield said.

State policy

The states first policy statement about the law primarily describes its contents, defining what public spaces are included, specifying that the law only applies to multi-occupancy private spaces and outlining exceptions to the policy.

The state designates the secretary of the Department of Administration as the chief administrative officer of all the public buildings subject to the policy.

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Only the Secretary of the Department of Administration or their designee may receive complaints, the policy said. All investigations shall be conducted by the Department of Administration or state agency Human Resources staff, if designated.

Guidance on how to submit a complaint and what the investigation process will be forthcoming, the policy states.
The last of New York's striking nurses will head back to work next week with their new contract ratified.

They overwhelmingly voted on Saturday to accept a deal with New York Presbyterian Hospital. This ends the longest and largest walkout, lasting 41 days.

Their new contract is the first ever with protections against artificial intelligence.

Thousands of other nurses are already back on the job at Montefiore and Mount Sinai.

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President Donald Trump warned on Friday that limited strikes against Iran are possible even as the countrys top diplomat said Tehran expects to have a proposed deal ready in the next few days following nuclear talks with the United States. In response to a reporters question on whether the U.S. could take limited military action as the countries negotiate, Trump said, I guess I can say I am considering that. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a TV interview that his country was planning to finalize a draft deal in the next two to three days to then send to Washington. Tensions between the longtime adversaries have ramped up as the Trump administration pushes for concessions from Iran and has built up the largest U.S. military presence in the Middle East in decades, with more warships and aircraft on the way. Both countries have signaled that they are prepared for war if talks on Tehrans nuclear program fizzle out. Recent rounds of indirect negotiations had made little visible progress.

The latest:

Plaintiffs in immigration lawsuit say federal agents arent complying with judges order

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in Washington challenging federal immigration efforts asked a judge to enforce her order requiring federal authorities to stop making warrantless civil immigration arrests without probable cause.

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The Thursday filing argues that federal authorities are continuing operations that ignore Judge Beryl A. Howells December order, which included reporting requirements.

The order stems from a lawsuit filed in September by plaintiffs who argued federal officers were frequently patrolling and setting up checkpoints in neighborhoods with large numbers of Hispanic immigrants and then stopping and arresting people indiscriminately. DHS officials argued in the case that detainees had received due process.

The evidence shows that the government is continuing its unlawful policy in defiance of the Courts order, said Ryan Downer, Legal Director of the Washington Lawyers Committee and part of the legal team.

DHS was not immediately available for comment on the latest filing.

Truckers and bus drivers to be required to take commercial drivers license tests in English

The move comes as the Trump administration expands its aggressive campaign to improve safety in the industry and get unqualified drivers off the road.

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the latest effort Friday to ensure that drivers understand English well enough to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement officers. Florida already started administering its tests in English.

Currently, many states allow drivers to take their license tests in other languages even though they are required to demonstrate English proficiency.

In August, a truck driver who Duffy says wasnt authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people. Other fatal crashes since then, including one in Indiana that killed four earlier this month, have only heightened concerns.

 Read more about the requirement

Trump vows 10% global tariff after Supreme Court ruling

Furious about the defeat, Trump said he will impose a global 10% tariff as an alternative while pressing his trade policies by other means. The new tariffs would come under a law that restricts them to 150 days.

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He made that announcement after lashing out at the Supreme Court for striking down much of his sweeping tariff infrastructure as an illegal use of emergency power. Trump said he was absolutely ashamed of justices who voted to strike down his tariffs and called the ruling deeply disappointing.

Their decision is incorrect, he said. But it doesnt matter because we have very powerful alternatives.

The courts 6-3 decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping reciprocal tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

Trump begins his briefing and calls tariff ruling deeply disappointing

The president entered the briefing room with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Attorney General Pam Bondi and trade negotiator Jamieson Greer.

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The White House debuted new, moodier lighting in the briefing room right before the presidents appearance. Softer blue lights were lit behind the podium. It was not clear whether the change was coincidental with the presidents appearance.

Melania Trump donates her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian

Asked how it felt to see the strapless white and black-trimmed gown and matching black bejeweled neckpiece added to the National Museum of American Historys first ladies exhibit, Melania Trump said, Its incredible. Its a historic moment.

Its the second inaugural gown she has donated to the exhibit. She also donated her 2017 inaugural gown.

The gown was set to go on public display starting Friday afternoon.

Hochul: Trump said the lesson from Minnesota was well only go where were wanted

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said that Trump was asked during a breakfast with governors what the lessons from immigration enforcement in Minnesota were, and that the president responded that from now on well only go where were wanted.

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He added, according to Hochul, that for example, I wont go to New York unless Kathy calls and says she wants me to come to New York.

I took that as a very positive outcome from this meeting, Hochul told reporters.

Virginia Democrats pass map that could flip 4 US House seats, if courts and voters approve

Democrats passed a new congressional map through the Virginia legislature on Friday that aims to help their party win four more seats in the national redistricting battle. Its a flex of state Democrats political power, however hurdles remain before they can benefit from friendlier U.S. House district boundaries in this years midterm elections.

A judge in Tazewell, a conservative area in Southwest Virginia, has effectively blocked a voter referendum on the redrawn maps from happening on April 21 by granting a temporary restraining order, issued Thursday.

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Democrats are appealing that decision and another by the same judge, who ruled last month that Democrats illegally rushed the planned voter referendum on their constitutional amendment to allow the remapping. The states Supreme Court picked up the partys appeal of the earlier ruling.

If Democrats get to carry out a referendum, voters will choose whether to temporarily adopt new congressional districts and then return to Virginias standard process after the 2030 census. Democrats wanted to publish the new map ahead of the April vote.

 Read more about the redistricting battle

Trump administration plans for possible reopening o

f embassy in Syria

The Trump administration has informed Congress that it intends to proceed with planning for a potential re-opening of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, which was shuttered in 2012 during the countrys civil war.

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A notice to congressional committees earlier this month obtained by The Associated Press informed lawmakers of the State Departments intent to implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria.

The administration has been considering re-opening the embassy since last year, shortly after longtime strongman Bashar Assad was ousted in Dec. 2024.

The department took a similar phased approach to its plans to re-open the U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, following the U.S. military operation that ousted former President Nicolas Maduro with the deployment of temporary staffers who would work and live out of interim facilities.

However, in the case of the Damascus embassy, details of the plans to re-open remain classified.

Trump to travel to China at the end of next month

The White House on Friday confirmed that the president will be traveling from March 31 to April 2 for his scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping in China.

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Trump has said Xi will also visit the U.S. at the end of the year, but dates have not been released for that planned visit.

US hits Chilean officials with visa bans for compromising telecoms security

The Trump administration has hit three Chilean government officials with travel bans for their alleged involvement in activities that the U.S. says have compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure in the South American country and undermined regional security.

The State Department said Thursday that the three officials, who were not named, and their immediate family members would have any current U.S. visas revoked and be subject to new restrictions that would render them generally ineligible to enter the United States.

Trump has made no secret of his unhappiness with the outgoing Chilean government of former President Gabriel Boric and has welcomed the upcoming presidency of right-wing politician Jose Antonio Kast who takes office next month.

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In its twilight, the Boric governments legacy shall be further tarnished by actions that undermine regional security at the ultimate expense of the Chilean people, the statement said.  We look forward to advancing shared priorities, including those that strengthen security in our hemisphere, with the incoming Kast Administration.

House Democrats Super PAC vows to continue campaigning on Trumps tariffs despite court decision

The Supreme Courts decision clarifies the law, but it doesnt rewrite history, House Majority PAC, one of the main political action committees backing House Democratic candidates, said in a statement.

Vulnerable House Republicans repeatedly voted to enable Trumps tariffs, which raised prices and wreaked economic havoc on American families and businesses. Their constituents have paid the price, and House Majority PAC will ensure Republicans are held accountable for their votes come November, the organization said in a statement.

Democratic senator files resolution intended to limit Trumps ability to attack Iran

Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia says he is filing a war powers resolution that would require Trump to get congressional approval before launching an attack on Iran.

Kaines move is intended to build political opposition to an attack as the president has threatened war if negotiations on Tehrans nuclear program dont work.

The war powers resolution has practically no chance of becoming law, in part because Trump himself would have to sign it, but a bipartisan group of senators has already forced votes on several resolutions that apply to Venezuela.

None of those resolutions passed, but they were successful in showing how lawmakers are troubled by some of Trumps aggressive foreign policy maneuvers.

Kaine will be able to force a vote on the resolution in 10 days.

If some of my colleagues support war, then they should have the guts to vote for the war, and to be held accountable by their constituents, rather than hiding under their desks, he said in a statement.

Trump asks news media to leave at start of his breakfast with governors

Trump opened up his breakfast meeting at the White House with U.S. governors by asking the pool of journalists to depart so that they can talk very candidly.

I guess were going to be asking the press to leave, that way were going to talk very candidly, Trump said.

The president indicated that he might take questions afterward, though it was unclear if those questions would come from the governors. Trump said he made the choice about the medias presence at the start of the meeting after talking with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Governors' group pulls out of meeting with Trump

Trumps refusal to invite all governors to a White House meeting has prompted the group to back out.

The National Governors Association is pulling out of an annual meeting at the White House Trump declined to invite two Democratic governors  Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland.

The move was seen as undercutting one of Washingtons few remaining bipartisan gatherings. Trump is still expected to meet with governors at the White House on Friday.

Iran holds military drills with Russia

Iran held annual military drills with Russia as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East.

Both the United States and Iran are signaling they are prepared for war if talks on Tehrans nuclear program fizzle out. Trump said Thursday he believes 10 to 15 days is enough time for Iran to reach a deal.

But talks on its nuclear program have been deadlocked for years, and Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli demands that it scale back its missile program and sever ties to armed groups. Indirect talks held in recent weeks made little visible progress, and one or both sides could be buying time for final war preparations.

U.S. military presence in the region is mounting.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to attend White House meeting with Trump

Moore said Friday he will attend a business meeting at the White House during this weeks annual gathering of governors in Washington, even after President Donald Trump excluded him from a traditional governors dinner.

Trump said the high-profile Democratic governor was not worthy of being there. The selective guest list has cast a shadow over the bipartisan National Governors Association meeting, prompting barbs between Moore and Trump and leading some Democratic governors to boycott the dinner.

Still, Moore said in the statement that he would show up for the official business meeting Friday morning.

But let me be abundantly clear: I will not participate in political stunts, Moore wrote in a statement.

Last years White House business session devolved into a public clash between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat.

Trump stocks entourage with people who promoted election falsehoods

Trump has long spread conspiracy theories about voting that are designed to explain away his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Now that hes president again, Trump has stocked his administration with many people who have promoted his falsehoods and in some cases helped him try to overturn his loss.

The first concrete action from Trumps mandate to investigate the 2020 election was the seizure in late January of ballots and election records from Fulton County in Georgia, a Democratic stronghold that includes Atlanta. The county has long been a target of election conspiracy theorists aligned with Trump.
Waymo, the country's leading autonomous ride-hailing service, relies on overseas workers in the Philippines to guide its supposedly self-driving vehicles through tricky situations, raising major questions about safety and transparency in the burgeoning robotaxi industry.

What's happening?

Per Futurism, Waymo's chief safety officer Mauricio Pena testified before Congress on Feb. 4, answering pointed questions about remote operators working from international locations who assist the company's thousands of robotaxis operating across 10 major cities in the United States.

The testimony followed a week after one of the company's vehicles struck and injured a child outside a Santa Monica, California, elementary school  prompting federal authorities to launch an investigation.

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Pena confirmed during the hearing that operators work from various locations, including the Philippines. He maintained they "provide guidance" without remotely driving vehicles, insisting Waymo software is "always in charge of the dynamic driving tasks," per Futurism.

However, company materials from May 2024 describe how these agents select lanes for vehicles and suggest navigation routes when cars encounter unusual road conditions, per the news outlet.

Tesla VP of vehicle engineering Lars Moravy acknowledged his company employs comparable remote assistance during the same hearing.

Why is Pena's testimony important?

Outsourcing these critical safety decisions can have a major impact on everyday people sharing the roads with robotaxis. Children walking to school, commuters, and cyclists all face risks from vehicles whose "autonomous" operation depends partly on workers thousands of miles away.

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Senator Ed Markey criticized the arrangement, stating that "having people overseas influencing American vehicles is a safety issue," citing outdated information risks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, per Futurism.

"We don't know if these people have U.S. driver's licenses," Markey noted, according to the outlet. "It's one thing when a taxi is replaced by an Uber or a Lyft. It's another thing when the jobs just go completely overseas."

The setup relies on operators who may be unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws and local road conditions, yet they must make major navigation decisions without being able to directly control steering.

Federal safety data shows that Tesla robotaxis experience a crash rate three times that of human drivers despite onboard safety monitors.

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Per Futurism, Markey warned that, "overseas remote assistance operations may be more susceptible to physical takeover by hostile actors, potentially granting them driver-like control of thousands of vehicles transporting passengers on American roads."

What's being done about robotaxi safety?

Tesla recently suspended fully unsupervised robotaxi operations and now requires human safety monitors in all vehicles.

Consumers can demand more transparency from autonomous vehicle companies around their practices. Understanding misleading marketing practices and greenwashing can help you critically evaluate corporate claims about "self-driving" technology more critically.

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.




The Virginia General Assemblys money committees on Sunday rolled out sweeping amendments to former Gov. Glenn Youngkins proposed two-year, $212 billion state budget, with both the House and Senate advancing plans that emphasize affordability, backfill federal funding gaps and avoid new taxes as they reshape the Republicans final spending blueprint.

The Senate Finance Committees Senate Bill 30 would end a data center sales tax exemption and set the stage for the state to potentially reap millions in revenue from the industry.

The spending plan would also deliver $100 in tax rebates to individual filers and $200 to joint filers, raise the standard deduction, protect Medicaid, fund 3% annual teacher raises, invest $50 million in affordable housing and provide $205.7 million for Metro over the biennium.

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The House Democratic plan, branded the Affordable Virginia Budget, similarly prioritizes housing, health care and education, but diverges in some spending details  including larger direct investments in the Virginia Housing Trust Fund and a broader package of worker protections and labor initiatives.

Both chambers are expected to pass their respective proposals next week  the House on Thursday  before negotiators reconcile differences in a conference committee in the coming weeks.

Notably, neither plan includes new taxes, which prompted Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George, to vote for the Senate budget in committee, while three of his Republican colleagues abstained.

I cant tell you how much I appreciate the fact that there are no tax increases in this budget, that youve kept a very conservative forecast of revenues going forward, that we have not built the base budget, but were using one-time monies, Stuart told Senate Finance Committee Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth.

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But more than that, Ive been here for a long time, and you are the first Finance chair that I remember that actually took and listened to our considerations and our suggestions, and I very much appreciate that. And I just wanted to say that, Madam Chair.

Lucas, visibly surprised, replied: Thank you very much, I really appreciate that compliment, I didnt see that one coming. Where are the tissues?

Reworking Youngkins final budget

Youngkin on Dec. 17 unveiled his final proposed budget, pitching a plan he said built on record revenue growth and sustained his administrations tax-relief priorities as Democrats prepared to take control of both the General Assembly and the governors office.

The proposal anticipated continued economic strength, with what Youngkin described as a prudent revenue forecast rooted in job and business growth. It preserved reserve balances while advancing nearly $730 million in new, ongoing tax cuts and maintaining income tax conformity with recent federal policy changes.

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On the spending side, Youngkin targeted public safety, health care and education, including bonuses and salary increases for teachers and state employees, while projecting a balanced budget over the six-year forecast window. He acknowledged at the time that his successor and the Democratic-led legislature would ultimately reshape the plan.

Senate Democrats argued Sunday that his outgoing proposal left significant structural deficiencies, particularly by not planning for new federal cost shifts under HR1, including potential state matching requirements for food assistance.

Lucas said the Senate amendments were built around affordability and long-term fiscal balance.

Its the entire mantra of this session, she said. The committee has delivered a budget focused on affordability, while still maintaining structural balance.

Data centers and tax cuts

A central change in the Senate plan would allow the data center sales and use tax exemption to end on Jan. 1, 2027. Originally projected to cost $1.54 million annually, the exemption now forgoes roughly $1.6 billion per year in revenue, according to Senate Democrats.

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In the most recent fiscal year alone, they benefited from more than $33.2 billion dollars in tax-free computer equipment purchases, Lucas said. Were asking data centers to pay their fair share in sales tax to help deliver our core services  education, transportation, and social services.

By ending the exemption, the Senate would direct nearly $300 million to transportation across all modes and make one-time investments in water infrastructure, Lucas said, while avoiding additional tolls or fees.

The Senate plan also includes a one-time tax rebate to be issued around Oct. 15 and increases the standard deduction by $450 for individuals and $900 for married filers.

By exempting more income from taxation, Virginians get immediate relief in their paychecks. Thats affordability, Lucas said.

Health care and federal uncertainty

Health and Human Resources Subcommittee Chair Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, said the Senate confronted rising Medicaid costs projected at $3.2 billion in general fund spending through fiscal 2028.

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Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program cover 1.8 million Virginians, he said. The subcommittee adopted $591.2 million in savings strategies and set aside a $90 million reserve while restoring the prenatal care program.

With enhanced federal Affordable Care Act tax credits having expired Dec. 31, Deeds warned that up to 100,000 Virginians could lose coverage. The Senate includes $200 million in the first year to subsidize premiums.

The House proposal similarly emphasizes backfilling federal reductions.

Health and Human Resources Subcommittee Chair Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, said the House recommends $79.1 million to reduce premium spikes, $45 million to restore federal reductions for core public health services and more than $211 million to cover new state cost shares for SNAP benefits.

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We feel it is a prudent and responsible decision to act now, Willett said, to ensure uninterrupted access to food benefits.

The House plan also includes $11.1 million for a sickle cell disease package and funding to improve maternal and infant health programs.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Luke Torian, D-Prince William, said his chambers budget backfills those holes, not out of politics, but out of prudence.

This is a balanced budget, Torian said. It is built on conservative revenue assumptions, maintains healthy reserves, and prepares us for continued uncertainty ahead.

Education and housing

On education, the Senate proposes 3% raises each year for teachers and state employees, along with $50 million for a childcare pilot to match employer contributions.

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Education Subcommittee Chair Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, said the Senate plan adds more than $627 million in general fund support over the biennium, including increased funding for at-risk students, special education and school construction through a 1% local option sales tax for renovation projects, pending local referendums.

In higher education, the Senate recommends $159.4 million in additional funding, including $65 million for need-based financial aid and $32.5 million for workforce credential grants.

The House budget also invests heavily in K-12 and early childhood education.

Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee Chair Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, said it includes $400 million in one-time flexible funding for school divisions and $160 million in additional special education support, along with $160 million for early childhood education to clear childcare waitlists for families earning below 85% of the state median income.

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On housing, the Senate wants to invest $50 million in its housing trust fund and $13 million for eviction prevention, while the House directs $187.5 million to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, establishes a $25 million revolving loan fund for mixed-income housing and provides $17 million for eviction prevention.

Balancing new revenues

Anne Oman, staff director for the House Appropriations Committee, said the caboose budget signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Friday increased current-year general fund resources by $3.1 billion, leaving $2.3 billion to carry into the new biennium.

The proposed budget assumes modest 3% to 3.5% annual revenue growth, though year-to-date collections are running at 6.9%.

Adjustments eliminate Youngkins proposed tax cuts, capture nearly $80 million from a business-ready site acquisition fund and recognize potential revenue from skill games legislation, projected at about $176 million annually if enacted.

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After accounting for $1.8 billion in additional spending, the House plan leaves an unappropriated balance of $15.2 million at the end of the biennium, Oman said.

Despite bipartisan moments, some Republicans voiced caution.

I want to say thank you to you, Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, told Lucas. This has been a challenging process, and I appreciate the fact that you and I can have candid conversations as weve worked through this.

He added: Today, I am going to vote to abstain, because of some of the significant physical impacts that Im concerned about in Virginia as we continue to discuss. This budget has a significant amount of additional revenues up and above the proposed budget, and I think we need to have a serious conversation about where those revenues come from, how they impact Virginians, and continue to discuss them as we go forward.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
FROSTBURG  A new media center at Frostburg State University will offer the region unique content creation opportunities.

The 3 State Community Media Center will provide training and professional equipment for students, community members and local businesses to create a variety of content.

Because every business, organization small and large needs to, whether they want to or not, needs to create media content to reach whatever audience it is they are trying to reach and that can be for a variety of reasons, said John Lombardi, an FSU communications professor and director of the media center.

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The media center is the first of its kind in the region, Lombardi said. While two other facilities exist in the state, FSUs is the first that will serve Western Maryland and the surrounding counties in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

This is an area  the whole region, not just Frostburg, Cumberland, Western Maryland area, the whole region is working toward improving their economic footprint, and tourism is certainly a big part of that, Lombardi said. But economic development as a whole is a focus of virtually every area.

The center is equipped with a variety of rentable equipment, including high-end cameras, microphones, tripods, lighting kits and mobile device accessories. Facilities, including a professional grade television studio, podcasting studio, editing bay and media server, can be rented out.

The center offers two subscription options  affiliate and associate. The affiliate subscription is free and provides access to training and resources. The associate subscription offers discounts on training and rentals and invitations to member-only events.

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This is a region that I think is lacking in the resources to really train folks and learn how to do these things in an impactful way, and were not alone, Lombardi said. There are a lot of places around the country that are kind of isolated from those kinds of opportunities.

The center is also used by students and classes as a part of their instruction. Staff and faculty are in charge of the training, but Lombardi said he hopes students will eventually be able to train members.

The hope is to engage upper level students and help them to get to a position where they can do some of these trainings. My thinking with that is knowing how to do something is certainly measurable, he said. Typically if you know it well enough to show someone else, you have a higher level of understanding.

The center is open and functioning; more information about rentals and subscriptions can be found online at https://www.frostburg.edu/3statecmc/index.php.

The uniqueness of it to this region, but the potential for serving the region is really limitless ... Lombardi said. Im really optimistic that we can get a lot of people engaged with each other and certainly with the media center.
Southern New England, including Massachusetts, is getting hit by a powerful noreaster thats bringing heavy snow, unleashing blizzard conditions, and causing power outages.

Blizzard and winter storm warnings have been issued across the state. Its the first blizzard warning locally since January 2022.

By Monday morning, blizzard criteria were met in many communities, including Boston. New Bedford had more than 30 inches of snow on the ground, while TF Green Airport broke a record set in 1978.

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More than two feet of snow is possible in Boston and southward into Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut. Many other areas are in for at least a foot of snow.

Strong wind gusts, coupled with the heavy, wet snow, were causing widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark. Roads across the region were also impassable, especially across the South Coast and Cape Cod.

Schools across the state announced closures on Monday and started calling off classes for Tuesday.

The storm is expected to rage throughout Monday before winding down during the evening.

Follow below for live updates as this storm develops:

9:20 p.m.

Eastham Police Chief Adam Bohannon announces that 100% of the town is without power, as a result of heavy tree and electrical grid damage sustained from the storm.

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Bohannon went on to add that due to the dangerous road conditions and the harsh weather, Eversource will not be able to work on restoration.

If you are in need of emergency sheltering, we have opened the Eastham Public Library as a secondary shelter. Nauset Regional High School is experiencing some heating issues and has reached its capacity for the night. If you cannot provide your own transportation to the library, please contact the Eastham Police Department at 508-255-0551. The shelter should be a last resort. Please consider staying with a neighbor or friend that might have a generator.

7:45 p.m.

The blizzard warning has been dropped for all of Massachusetts by the National Weather Service.

6:45 p.m.

MassDOT has lifted travel restrictions on trucks for points north of I-90 from the New York border to I-495 in Hopkinton, and points west of, and including I-495 from the New Hampshire border to Hopkinton.

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The travel ban in Bristol, Plymouth, Dukes, and Barnstable counties remains in effect.

6:05 p.m.

Hours after signing an executive order placing an immediate ban on non-essential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties, Governor Healey lifted the state of emergency for western Massachusetts: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.

Healey added that she activated another 150 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with the response and urged Bay State workplaces to allow their employees to work remotely Tuesday.

While the worst of the storm is behind us and much of the state is turning to shoveling out, conditions remain severe and dangerous across Southeastern Massachusetts, said Governor Healey. We need everyone to stay off the roads for their own safety and to allow our crews to do their work  especially in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties and on the Vineyard. We will also have additional members of the National Guard assisting municipalities with snow and debris removal, transportation, non-fire related emergency responses, rescues and any other needs. It will take some time for crews to address snow removal and power outages, so we urge everyone to remain cautious and patient while we work to get things back to normal.

5:55 p.m.

Power crews from Wisconsin have been spotted in Plymouth, where thousands of residents are in the dark.

Seeing power crews with Wisconsin plates arriving in #Plymouth



Other regions are coming to MA to help restore power from this #Blizzard @boston25  Michael Raimondi (@mraimonditv) February 23, 2026

5:50 p.m.

Weve updated our town-by-town snow totals list. Some communities are eclipsing 30 inches!

UPDATED town-by-town noreaster totals: How much snow has fallen in Mass. so far? https://t.co/rFycM46iXx pic.twitter.com/URrUBn9509  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

5:45 p.m.

A hospital in Providence helped welcome newborn twins into the world during the historic blizzard.

Liliana and Amelia were born this morning, during the height of the storm, at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence.



Credit Care New Englandhttps://t.co/fbJ85O5G8H pic.twitter.com/auQxHBIyE4  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is announcing that snow removal equipment is being redeployed to the South Coast to support municipalities as they respond to heavy snowfall and dangerous road conditions.

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Motorists across the state should expect a reduced level of service, including lane closures, on highways for a prolonged period of time as crews work to clear the roadways.

Monday, 5:15 p.m.

Mayor Michelle Wu announces that Boston Public Schools will be closed again on Tuesday. The citys snow emergency and parking ban will also remain in effect until at least 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Due to the ongoing snow emergency and continued snow removal in the City of Boston, all Boston Public Schools will remain closed through Tuesday, February 24, and school is cancelled for the day. pic.twitter.com/FqnmM8NSSH  City of Boston (@CityOfBoston) February 23, 2026

Monday, 4:40 p.m.

Many Massachusetts schools will be closed again on Tuesday. See an updated list.

ANOTHER SNOW DAY: Many Massachusetts schools will be closed again on Tuesday as today's nor'easter continues to dump heavy snow across the region. https://t.co/Kc7MIJjGB0 pic.twitter.com/7ns0kwggQv  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

Monday, 4:15 p.m.

A plow truck crash has ripped down utility poles in Wellesley, prompting a large emergency response.

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Monday, 4:10 p.m.

Boston 25 Meterologist Tucker Antico says the blizzard is making its final pivot, ensuring several hours of additional snowfall before it clears out of New England.

Our blizzard is making its final pivot, which ensures several hours of additional snowfall across eastern MA.



Highest amounts from here on out remain over SEMA and also spread over Cape Ann. pic.twitter.com/Ehy8hwz0xK  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 23, 2026

Monday, 3:50 p.m.

The National Guard is helping several disabled vehicles stranded at I-495 and Route 24, Massachusetts State Police announced.

National Guard helping several disabled vehicles stranded at I-495 and Route 24 in Mass., state police say https://t.co/AUkctuxYlb  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

Monday, 3:30 p.m.

Governor Maura Healey has signed an executive order placing an immediate ban on non-essential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties, where residents were facing widespread power outages, and vehicles were abandoned on highways.

BREAKING: Governor Healey has signed an executive order placing an immediate ban on non-essential motor vehicle travel in three Massachusetts counties, warning the public, "THIS IS AS BAD AS I'VE SEEN IT."https://t.co/FgUr53rGIz pic.twitter.com/zXYmrIgHEt  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

Monday, 3 p.m.

Gov. Maura Healey and state officials are providing an update on the powerful noreaster.

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Monday, 2:45 p.m.

Snowfall this season in Boston has reached 57.7 inches.

OFFICIAL: It's a "snowy" winter in Boston, MA! 



14.4" & counting has been measured at Logan AP (1:00pm), which brings the season total to 57.7"!



This will be the snowiest winter since the record-holding 2014-15 at day's end.  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 23, 2026

Monday, 1:50 p.m.

Market Basket closes most of its stores early due to the noreaster.

The grocery chain took to social media and said, Due to the severe weather today, and for the safety of our associates and customers, the majority of Market Basket stores will be closing at noon.https://t.co/hJYqmRWPCT pic.twitter.com/4FRLfD5vt6  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

Monday, 1:45 p.m.

TF Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, has received 32.8 inches of snow, breaking a record set in 1978.

 Blizzard of '78 DETHRONED in Providence, RI



Official number is 32" and counting. Averaged 2.33"/hr over 13 hours today!!! Blizzard of '78 dropped 28.6" on the city.



Widespread 2-3+ FEET will be on the ground across much of RI and SEMA. Just INSANE stuff!  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 23, 2026

Monday, 1:20 p.m.

The Duxbury Police Department urges residents to stay off the roads, noting officers have been rescuing drivers stuck in deep snow.

Current road conditions across Duxbury are extremely hazardous  many roads are completely impassable due to heavy accumulation, drifting snow, whiteout visibility, and high winds," the department wrote in a Facebook post.

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Monday, 1:15 p.m.

Crews in Plymouth are responding to downed power lines as whipping winds continue howl across southeastern Massachusetts.

Monday, 1:15 p.m.

Brrr! Cape Cod looks a tad chilly today.

Its a little chilly down the Cape pic.twitter.com/YKdwqxczSD  James Cullity (@JCullityNews) February 23, 2026

Monday, 1:10 p.m.

The town of Winthrop is dealing with multiple water main breaks as the storm bears down.

Monday, 1:00 p.m.

Boston 25 Meterologist Tucker Antico calls Mondays noreaster, Undeniably historic.

I wasnt so keen on calling this storm historic, but for some areas, the numbers coming in now may be undeniably historic. What a beast!   Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 23, 2026

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Monday, 12:30 p.m.

The heavy snow and strong winds are taking a toll on Wellesley, where a massive tree crashed down on a home in the area of Great Plain Avenue at Fieldstone Way.

Monday, 12 p.m.

Wow! Its a wild scene in this Plymouth neighborhood, where two plows are stuck in the snow, while snowboarders prepare for some fun.

Monday, 11:45 a.m.

Travel conditions are near impossible on Cape Cod. Bourne police are warning the public of falling trees and power lines amid whiteout conditions fueled by hurricane-force winds.

Monday, 11:40 a.m.

Perfect snowball weather? Boston 25 News Anchor Gene Lavanchy weighs in.

Perfect snowball snow? Boston 25 News Anchor Gene Lavanchy has the answer. https://t.co/Xt7Bo9dmik pic.twitter.com/Crz4tRQp6P  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 23, 2026

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Monday, 11:30 a.m.

Power outages in Massachusetts are nearing 300,000. Many of them are centered across southeastern communities, including Cape Cod.

Monday, 10:54 a.m.

Two feet of snow is already on the ground in some communities. See a list of town-by-town snow reports here.

Monday, 10:15 a.m.

Dont go outside if you dont have to!

Monday, 9:50 a.m.

A blizzard has officially been declared in Bedford, Block Island, Boston, Beverly, Chatham, Falmouth/Otis, Hyannis, Worcester, Providence, Pawtucket, Newport, Westerly, Provincetown, and Plymouth, according to the National Weather Service.

Officially a blizzard for parts of our area

[Visibility <1/4 mile, gusts 35 mph +, heavy falling or blowing snow, 3 hours or more] pic.twitter.com/qE2C2OmCg3  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 23, 2026

Monday, 9:30 a.m.

Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport has suspended all airport operations due to the storm.

 Due to the severity of winter weather conditions, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport has temporarily suspended all airport operations.



Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly for the most up-to-date information regarding flight cancellations, pic.twitter.com/6PTEA63lvD  Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (@IFlyRhodeIsland) February 23, 2026

Monday, 9:15 a.m.

Foxboro is nearing two feet of snow! See a list of town-by-town snow reports here.

Snowfall reports so far... pic.twitter.com/wCrPQhB0Ie  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 23, 2026

Monday, 9 a.m.

The blizzard is expected to continue for many more hours.

Monday, 8:30 a.m.

Police in New Hampshire have announced highway speed restrictions due to the storm.

Speeds have been lowered to 45 mph on the F.E. Everett Turnpike (Nashua-Concord), Route 101 (Epping to Hampton), the Spauldng Turnpike (Portsmouth to Milton) and the I-95.



If you have to drive in the winter weather, please drive carefully. pic.twitter.com/BxKkR3aakv  New Hampshire State Police (@NH_StatePolice) February 23, 2026

Monday, 8:10 a.m.

The wind is howling in Plymouth.

Monday, 7:45 a.m.

Both Boston and Cape Cod are seeing whiteout conditions.

Monday, 7 a.m.

Power outages in Massachusetts have jumped to more than 113,000.

Just crossed over 100k without power here in MA. Stay safe everyone and turn to us for the latest. We are here all day with YOU. @boston25 #Storm #BOSsnow #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/EnRVLzEDEV  Scott Tetreault (@BostonNewsMan) February 23, 2026

Monday, 6:20 a.m.

Boston is getting battered by snow and fierce winds.

Snow and strong winds in Boston right now. Stay safe, everyone  @boston25 pic.twitter.com/4piMDyRLy5  Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) February 23, 2026

Monday, 6:10 a.m.

A 70 mph wind gust was reported on Nantucket.

Monday, 5:30 a.m.

Power outages continue to rise. As of 5:30 a.m., there were 40,835 customers in Massachusetts without power.

Monday, 5:10 a.m.:

Shiri Spear shares an updated hour-by-hour snowfall and wind gust forecast.

Take a look at the hour-by-hour snowfall and wind gust forecast here. STAY HOME! Whiteout, blizzard conditions are expected with power outages. pic.twitter.com/hh98g8vnSD  Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) February 23, 2026

Sunday, 8:05 p.m.

DoorDash has announced that it will be temporarily suspending its operations due to the upcoming storm from 9 p.m. tonight until at least 12 p.m. Monday, February 23.

DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley released the following statement.

A historic blizzard is bearing down on the Northeast. Were suspending operations across impacted areas to keep our community safe. This is a serious storm  well resume when it passes.

Sunday, 7:52 p.m.

The snow and wind have reached Rhode Island.

Snow is already falling in Rhode Island. Blizzard of 2026 is here.



You can also hear the wind starting to pick up in the video. The first light post is LITERALLY moving. @boston25 @ShiriSpear @VickiGrafWX @tuckerweather @KevinBoston25 pic.twitter.com/YMFhFBu2TA  bella pelletiere (@Bellapell__) February 23, 2026

Sunday, 7:50 p.m.

Dana-Farber announces that all in-person visits will be closed for tomorrow.

Sunday, 6:26 p.m.

The Town of Plymouth has announced that, beginning tonight at 10 p.m. in partnership with the American Red Cross, it will be opening an emergency shelter at Plymouth North High School.

Whether residents are experiencing a loss of heat or power, unsafe living conditions, or other storm-related challenges, the shelter is available to provide a safe and supportive environment, the town wrote in a press release. All disaster assistance is provided free of charge.

Important notes to add for all visitors

No identification is required. Individuals are only asked to provide their name and where they were living prior to the disaster.

The shelter is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Pets are welcome, and service animals are always permitted.

Shelter workers are available to assist guests whose pets or service animals may need food or supplies.

Sunday, 6:24 p.m.

Many local businesses are announcing closures for Monday, including the beloved Kanes Donuts.

Due to the blizzard, we'll be closed on Monday, February 23rd at all locations. Stay safe everyone! pic.twitter.com/EUL1GMXWbs  Kanes Donuts (@KanesDonuts) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 4:50 p.m.

A live look at the conditions in Atlantic City. Boston should look like this around midnight.

A live look at Boston at around midnight tonight. You know without it being daytime, at least https://t.co/MnaAf4t5uy  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 2:16 p.m.

The MBTA has announced that ahead of tomorrows winter storm, there will be multiple service changes to accommodate passengers as they implement its winter-weather mitigation measures.

To see which line will be impacted, go to their website or follow their social media.

Be prepared for another round of snow:

Follow us & @MBTA_CR_Alerts

Subscribe to T-Alerts: https://t.co/aiCsoYfwey

Download MBTA Go app for live vehicle tracking

Check winter travel guide: https://t.co/VHCW6B5D7t

Allow extra time

Use caution accessing stops & vehicles pic.twitter.com/HTrCZ6c7IZ  MBTA (@MBTA) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Mass. Gov. Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency. Healey also activated the national guard, while urging remote work for Monday.

This is one to take seriously, Healey warned.

BREAKING: Massachusetts Gov. Healey just issued a state of emergency ahead of the powerful nor'easter, warning the public, "This is one to take seriously." https://t.co/S2E64Gwbba pic.twitter.com/kL2aHrQ76I  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Mass. Gov. Maura Healey is providing an update on the states storm preparations.

Sunday, 12:45 p.m.

MassDOT announces that truck travel restrictions will be implemented on interstate highways beginning at 5:00 p.m. and will remain in place until further notice.

The announcement stated, During this time, truck traffic on interstate highways will be restricted from traveling on roadways, including box trucks, tractor-trailer, tandem, and special permit trucks. Truck deliveries of food, fuel, and medical supplies will not be subject to restrictions.

Travel Advisory: Due to the storm, truck travel restrictions will be implemented on interstate highways beginning at 5:00 p.m. today, February 22, until further notice. Restrictions include box trucks, tractor trailer, tandem, and special permit trucks. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/CdszkBh4QH  Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

Boston 25 Meterologist Tucker Antico says the storm is about to undergo rapid strengthening.

Our storm, currently around 1005mb, is about to undergo rapid strengthening.



Its incredible how different radar and impacts will look just several hours from now. Blizzard conditions will occur for nearly 24 hours along the East Coast as it progresses. pic.twitter.com/YpcMgImebK  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 12 p.m.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announces that schools, city offices, and buildings will be closed on Monday.

The city of Boston has canceled schools and will close city offices and buildings tomorrow as a powerful noreaster moves toward New England.https://t.co/l226J4nxC8 pic.twitter.com/U08Z1bUh2v  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 12 p.m.

National Grid announces that crews are prepared to respond to power outages during the storm.

A blizzard is expected to impact Massachusetts Sunday night through Monday, bringing heavy snow, strong wind gusts, and dangerous travel conditions. Some areas could see up to two feet of snow, with sustained winds expected to continue through Monday and poor visibility on the pic.twitter.com/hwCsHTP86u  National Grid US (@nationalgridus) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 11:30 a.m.

School closures across the state are starting add up.

SNOW DAY! Schools across Massachusetts have announced closures for Monday due to a noreaster that could dump up to two feet of snow. https://t.co/psXTk3PDVs pic.twitter.com/aZw3Z7pQxf  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 11:20 a.m.

The blizzard warning has been extended to cover central Massachusetts and some parts of western Massachusetts.

Blizzard Warning extended to include central and parts of western MA pic.twitter.com/7kcDwkAPs5  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Now is the time to make preparations because driving during the storm will be nearly impossible.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Boston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf is timing out the arrival of the storm, noting snow will start falling between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., with conditions going downhill fast overnight.

Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

Hundreds of flight cancellations have been reported at Bostons International Logan Airport.

Over 300 flights canceled at Logan Airport ahead of storm https://t.co/qTR4YRbx37  Boston 25 News (@boston25) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 8 a.m.

Boston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf reminds coastal residents that flooding will also be a concern during the storm.

We will be dealing with coastal concerns from this storm. Minor coastal flooding, rough seas, and erosion will be issues Monday. Also be aware of ice left behind from our deep freeze is still floating in harbors and could be driven ashore with strong winds and tides. pic.twitter.com/IWAbREJX2w  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 22, 2026

Sunday, 7:45 a.m.

No changes to the snow map. One to 2 feet of snow is expected across many areas.

No changes to the snow map from last night. Be prepared for 1-2 feet of snow from this storm. It will be a heavy, wet snow as well -- making it tough to shovel and adding to power outage concerns (also because of stronger wind!) pic.twitter.com/TNSBk4dYDN  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 22, 2026

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
With heavy snow falling on Delmarva and expected to continue into the morning of Feb. 23, Lower Shore school systems have proactively announced closures.

Worcester County Public Schools

Due to inclement weather conditions, Worcester County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23. All afterschool, evening, and Adult Education classes are also canceled.

Wicomico County Public Schools

Due to expected severe weather conditions, Wicomico County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23.

Somerset County Public Schools

Due to inclement weather, Somerset County Public Schools will implement a Virtual Learning Day on Monday, Feb. 23. All after-school activities are canceled.

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Students should do their best to attend, but safety comes first. Families and students should review the Virtual Day Plan, including schedules, expectations, and helpful resources, available atwww.somerset.k12.md.us/virtual-day-plan

Essential staff will receive direction from the Supervisor of Operations. Non-essential staff should follow the Emergency Virtual Work Day Plan and contact their supervisor for further instruction.

Salisbury University

Widespread power outages have led to the decision to cancel classes, in addition to closing campus, on Monday, Feb. 23. Classes will not meet, either in person or virtually, and only essential and emergency personnel, notified by their supervisors, should report to campus.

For the latest information on any weather-related disruptions, please visit https://www.salisbury.edu/

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Due to inclement weather, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore will operate remotely on Monday, Feb. 23.

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All classes will be held virtually.

Essential personnel are required to follow the guidance and instructions of their supervisors.

HOW MUCH SNOW TO EXPECT: Snow is back in Salisbury, Ocean City. Here's how much to expect

KEEP UP WITH SNOW NEWS: Snow live updates, Salisbury, Wicomico declare states of emergency

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Snow brings Feb. 23 closure of Lower Shore schools, universities
Editors Note: The national suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 988. More information can be found at 988lifeline.org.

The man who allegedly killed his family before the Bibb County Sheriffs Office could evict them this week owed more than $10,000 in rent and fees, according to court records.

Since at least 2025, Ray Summers, 51, rented and lived in a house on the 1100 block of Ridgeview Circle in Lake Wildwood, a private community under a homeowners association in north Macon, according to Bibb County Civil & Magistrate Court records obtained by The Telegraph.

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The property owner claimed Ray Summers owed $6,800 in rent costs by Dec. 22, 2025, according to a warrant to dispossess him from the house.

The Byron-based property owner, under the name People, Sales and Profit Company, was represented by an attorney. Ray Summers was not, court records showed.

Summers said he was dealing with financial struggles and responded to the claim on Jan. 6, according to the magistrate court records.

I DENY the claim of the Plaintiff as follows: I have applied for a hardship loan to settle this and future rent. However, I could not complete the process without a copy of the eviction court paperwork. Now that I have them I can settle this within 10 days, Summers said in the records.

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Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said Ray Summers was recently fired from his job at YKK Americas, a local zipper manufacturing company. Ray Summers worked there for about a decade, Jones said.

On Jan. 29, Judge Pamela White-Colbert ordered that he owed $10,488.65, which included $9,455.65 for monthly rent, $600 for utilities, $300 for late fees and $133 for court costs.

Therefore, White-Colbert wrote a writ of dispossession to the sheriffs office, which allowed the plaintiff to take full possession of the property.

A shattered window with what appears to be blood sits in the front of the home on Ridgeview Drive in the Lake Wildwood neighborhood on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. A man allegedly killed his wife, daughter and pets, then himself, in their home in Macon after officers came to issue an eviction notice on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

When deputies arrived at the Summers home to evict them Tuesday morning, nobody responded. Deputies said they heard gunshots inside after their arrival, according to a news release from the sheriffs office.

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A SWAT team later forced its way in because nobody exited the home or responded for two hours, deputies said.

Inside, they found Haliegh Summers, Rays 21-year-old daughter; Brande Summers, his 49-year-old wife; and their dog and cat dead from gunshot wounds, according to the Bibb County coroners and sheriffs offices.

Summers tried to kill himself but was still alive, deputies said. He was transported to a local hospital and later died of his injuries.

According to the Georgia Secretary of State, People, Sales and Profit Company was formed in 2007 and is based out of Byron.

When reached for comment Thursday, the CEO/CFO said they did not own the Lake Wildwood home and didnt know why records showed it was connected to their company.

The Telegraph was unable to contact relatives of the Summers family prior to publication.
Julia had been dating her partner for about a month when the abusive phone calls began.

The partner had warned Julia when they got together that he had a stalker: a former girlfriend intent on sabotaging his life. But neither expected the woman to find the phone number for Julias family home and threaten her relatives with violence.

Soon Julia was being bombarded with emails, texts, and even a Venmo request with a note claiming to have "pornographic evidence" of her partner's infidelity. The woman walked past Julia's house, confronted her outside a McDonalds, drove a nail into her car tire.

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But how did the stalker know where to find Julia, who barely used social media? During a brief encounter, she got a worrying reply: "I found your info online."

That was how Julia, a white-collar worker in her thirties in the U.S. northeast, discovered the shadowy and barely-regulated industry of data brokers. When Julia searched her own name, and paid a small fee, she found her "whole life story": where she went to college, her past addresses, the names of her roommates and closest friends.

New York City's 35-story Helmsley Building where the headquarters of leading data broker LexisNexis is located (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

"It was shockingly personal, and made me feel incredibly vulnerable," Julia, who asked to be identified by an alias, told The Independent.

Even if you don't know data brokers  and most Americans don't, according to a recent survey  they almost certainly know you. These companies compile vast amounts of public and private information that they then sell on to customers.

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Some of this data comes from public documents such as marriage certificates, drivers licenses and voter registrations. But bank records, loyalty cards, internet browsing histories, and even braking and acceleration logs from internet-connected cars are also sold to brokers by the collecting companies (often via a complex web of intermediaries).

The U.S. has no comprehensive nationwide privacy laws, meaning data brokers are barely regulated at the federal level and only partially in some states. Hence, experts say there are often minimal safeguards against people exploiting them for ill ends.

We see data broker information used as a tool of abuse with alarming frequency, especially in stalking and coercive control cases, Belle Torek, of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, tells The Independent.

Chilling doorbell cam footage allegedly showing Vance L. Boelter, the man charged with murdering Melissa and Mark Hortman. Authorities say Boelter had notebooks with details of 11 data brokers, plus the names and home addresses of many Minnesota officials (FBI)

A memorial for Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, right, and her husband Mark, left. In charging documents, the FBI shared photos of notebooks left inside the alleged killer's car, which listed internet-based people search engines (Steven Garcia/Getty Images)

An abusive partner or ex doesnt have to be particularly tech-savvy: they can easily Google a name and suddenly have an address, relatives, work history, and other identifiers that [they] can use to dox, harass, impersonate, and intimidate survivors.

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The consequences can be devastating. In 2020, a disgruntled attorney named Roy Den Hollander broke into the home of New Jersey federal judge Esther Salas disguised as a FedEx delivery man, killing her 20-year-old son Daniel Anderl and critically injuring her husband Mark before taking his own life.

Salas said in a statement that Den Hollander, a self-described anti-feminist, had used data brokers to assemble "a complete dossier" on her family, including her address and route to work.

More recently, an FBI affidavit stated that Vance Boelter  accused of murdering Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark last June  possessed a notebook listing 11 data broker sites and their offerings. (The affidavit did not say whether Boelter accessed the sites.)

U.S. immigration authorities have also bought domestic flight data and cell phone location data from brokers to help track down undocumented immigrants, reports by 404 Media have claimed.

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"It is safe to assume that data brokers have personal information ranging from your name, address, and phone number to your geolocation, political beliefs, and sexual identity," Sam Adler, co-author of an upcoming academic paper on how data brokers endanger abuse survivors, told The Independent.

An uncontrollable beast

In October 1999, a 20-year-old dental assistant named Amy Boyer was shot dead in Chicago by a stalker who had bought her details from a private investigations company.

It was an early sign of how dangerous society's ever-increasing accumulation of digital data could be in the wrong hands.

There are at least 750 data brokers in the U.S., according to digital rights group Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. They range from tiny, fly-by-night firms on strip malls to globe-spanning titans with Park Avenue headquarters.

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"People search" websites, such as industry leaders Spokeo, WhitePages, and Intelius, allow practically anyone to look you up for a small fee (sometimes less detailed searches are free). Meanwhile, credit reporting giants such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and data crunchers such as Acxiom, Epsilon, CoreLogic  the largest by revenue, according to data deletion service OneRep  limit their products to business customers such as marketers, banks, debt collectors, and realtors.

CoreLogic, Experian, Equifax, Epsilon,, Intelius, Spokeo, WhitePages, and the Association of National Advertisers did not respond to questions from The Independent. The Consumer Data Industry Association, an industry lobby group, declined to comment.

The industry says its services are crucial for businesses to verify customers or run background checks, as well as for law enforcement investigating crimes. They also help journalists check facts and find sources. (Like many news outlets, The Independent uses legal information provider, LexisNexis, to search public records.)

Esther Salas, left, and her son, Daniel Anderl. In the wake of her sons killing, Salas urged policymakers to protect the private information of judges, leading to a New Jersey statute known as Daniels Law (Social media)

Some parts of the world have robust laws limiting this trade, such as the European Unions GDPR. But only 20 U.S. states have similar comprehensive data laws  and none are as strong as GDPR, according to the Center for Information Policy Leadership.

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State DMVs are explicitly permitted by law to sell personal data. Cell phone carriers, payment providers, car companies, menstrual tracking apps, and an app for tracking a childs location: all have sold users' data to third parties, according to media reports and academic studies.

Some of this data is incredibly sensitive. The World Privacy Forum, a non-profit campaign group, testified before Congress in 2013 that it had found brokers offering lists of rape survivors, seniors with dementia, HIV/AIDS patients, and potential alcohol or drug addicts.

In theory, that kind of data is usually restricted to business clients who must agree to only use it in certain ways. "We have extremely strong controls to protect the data we hold, and we carefully vet potential customers," a LexisNexis spokesperson told The Independent.

"Our databases are not available to the public; only to verified entities after a thorough credentialing process. We audit customers, mandate customer training on how to use data legally, and monitor data usage to identify potential abusers."

Turquoise Williams, a Maryland-based anti-stalking advocate, said that adding todays level of access to personal data to the obsession stalkers have always shown is like throwing gasoline on a fire (Turquoise Williams / JSMR)

Acxiom said it does not offer data to the general public, nor allow its customers to look up specific individuals, and that all its data is ethically sourced from publicly available information and trusted sources.

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TransUnion said all its customers are bound by rigorous contractual agreements and must certify that they have an appropriate use for the product."

But not all brokers make such efforts. A 2023 Duke University study found seemingly minimal vetting of customers and seemingly few controls on the use of purchased data, while Adler  a doctoral student at Fordham Law School  says the industry has practically zero safeguards against misuse.

"These companies are largely unregulated and have no incentive to inquire about their users or make it more onerous for them to quickly and frictionlessly purchase data," Adler argued.

Turquoise Williams, executive director of Just Stalking Maryland Resources, said when you combine a dangerous obsession with this level of access to someones personal life, the consequences can be terrifying.

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"It seems to be this beast that is uncontrollable," Williams, a survivor of a violent stalker, told The Independent.

I live in perpetual fear

It has been four years since Julia's ordeal began, and the stalking continues to this day.

"I don't give my phone number out for almost anybody, and I live in perpetual fear of my data leaking out," she told The Independent. "I have extreme anxiety now... I've kind of stopped being forward and making new friendsI don't really go out that much anymore."

She is far from alone. According to Meghan Land, executive director of Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, data brokers have been a "common subject of complaints" to her group for "many years", especially for victims of abuse, identity theft, and fraud.

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"Victims can see the unsuccessful result of what are often great efforts theyve undertaken to protect their information," Land told The Independent.

Jessica Tunon, a financial consultant in her forties in Washington, D.C. and founder of the wellness firm Netwalking, similarly believes her stalker was able to track her by using data brokers even as she relocated multiple times.

"I always felt like I was being followed," Tunon told The Independent. "There was never a time when I didn't feel like someone was watching me. Being on high alert for that long definitely affected my health, my wellbeing, my stress."

The stalking continued for 13 years, and only stopped when she got a lawyer involved.

Jessica Tunon says her stalker worked as a realtor, which likely gave him access to enterprise-grade data broker services (Jessica Tunon)

Its not just abuse survivors who are put at risk. In 2020 and 2021, three brokers  Epsilon, KBM, and Macromark  admitted knowingly supplying information on millions of vulnerable elderly people to scammers who defrauded them of savings, according to the Justice Department. Two Epsilon employees were later jailed.

Last year the data removal service Atlas, on behalf of roughly 20,000 New Jersey law enforcement workers, filed class action lawsuits against 118 data brokers for failing to stop selling their information under Daniel's Law (named in honor of Judge Salas's son).

One police officer, who had helped take down an organized crime group, discovered the criminals had hired a private investigator to get her address from data broker websites and taken night-time exterior photos of her childs bedroom window, one lawsuit alleged.

Another officer was targeted by an online influencer whose fans allegedly got his details from data brokers then spread them online, leading to death threats and a neighborhood visit from two armed, masked men.

A burden on your daily life

Many data brokers say that individuals can opt out of having their personal information shared. But research suggests these requests are not always honored  and if they are, sometimes the information reappears within months.

"It is extremely challenging," says Hayley Kaplan, a privacy consultant who helps celebrities, police officers, judges, rape victims, and others, scrub personal information from data brokers. "Sometimes you can't reach anybody. They have phone numbers that are disconnected. Contact forms that don't work. [And sometimes], when you do reach them, they'll say 'no problem!', but then not actually do it."

Muriel, a rape survivor who asked to be referred to by an alias, told The Independent: "I find a lot of them to be incredibly dodgy and shady.... sometimes they'll just flat-out lie to you.

Even when brokers remove personal data, it takes ongoing efforts to keep it offline. One woman quoted in Adlers paper described it as like playing whack-a-mole a burden on your daily life.

Adler and his co-authors propose a centralized, government-maintained register of people whove opted out, putting the onus on brokers to obey or face penalties.

The industry would probably resist that, just as it reportedly lobbied hard against Daniel's Law and California's DELETE Act, which gives consumers more power to opt out of having their data shared. The World Privacy Forum, the campaign group, describes past self-regulation efforts by the industry as lacking credibility, sincerity, and staying power.

For now, those endangered by the sale of their data must rely on patchwork regulation. California, Vermont, Texas, and Oregon all require data brokers to delete data upon request, though privacy advocates say there are loopholes.

Some people try to minimize their online footprint using P.O. boxes or state-backed home address confidentiality programs. Some 40 states offer such schemes, according to the Safety Net Project, although scope and eligibility vary.

Paid services such as DeleteMe, Optery, and EasyOptOuts can also help by automatically submitting opt-out requests to data brokers on your behalf. But these cost anything from $20 to $250 per year for one user, and theyre rarely comprehensive.

"I don't make a ton of money," says Julia. "[But] I have to pay for a lot of different services. The data cleanup services, the burner phone services, the misdirected package services. It's expensive and anxiety-inducing."

As for the brokers, her opinion is frank. "I think [they're] the scum of the Earth."
A man who was fatally struck by a vehicle on Interstate 75 Thursday afternoon was a suspect in a carjacking that happened earlier in the day in Toledo.

A 38-year-old man from West Virginia had crashed a sedan in the northbound lanes of I-75 near Anthony Wayne Trail, according to our CBS news affiliate, WTOL.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

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The driver of the sedan then ran across the interstate, jumping the barrier into the southbound lanes, where a commercial vehicle hit him.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Just before the I-75 incident, the man was suspected of stealing the sedan from a 67-year-old man at the Greyhound bus station in south Toledo.

The 67-year-old man was dragged by his sedan after the suspect had stolen it before he let it go free a half a mile away on South Erie Street, according to a police report.

The 67-year-old was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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The driver in a 2024 hit-and-run crash that left a Long Beach woman dead accepted a plea deal with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Mario Acosta listened to victims' impact statements on Friday and pleaded no contest to felony hit-and-run resulting in death.

The day after Christmas in 2024, Acosta crashed into Nikki Rash's car near her Long Beach home. She died of her injuries nine days later. According to police, Acosta fled to his home in Northern California, just outside of Sacramento, and was later found.

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The DA's office sent U.S. Marshals to arrest Acosta and was brought back to Long Beach three weeks ago.

Rash's husband, Foster Rash, didn't hold back during his victim statement.

"You chose to operate your car at an excessive speed," he said in court. "You chose to disregard a red light, and your bad choices killed Nikki. Then, you chose to evade the authorities."

Acosta wiped away a tear as he heard from the victim's family.

"I'm here to see the person who took a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a sister," said the victim's sister Judith McCaughey. "The Bible says that a sister is worth more than rubies, and I can attest to that."

Depending on his conduct in prison, Acosta could be released in a year.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  A California man was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday, Feb. 19, for his role in sex trafficking two women across the country, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Demarco Raushi Coney-Jones II, 31, was charged after coercing two women to travel to Alexandria, Va., for prostitution.

Decomposing remains found inside Charles County home, crematorium owners arrested

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According to court documents, one woman traveled from Las Vegas, Nev., in Aug. 2023, and the second traveled from California in Oct. 2023.

The USAO explained that Coney-Jones committed part of the crime while he was detained on charges tied to a $3 million jewelry theft from a sex buyer of one of the trafficking victims.

Additionally, a stolen handgun and an AK-47 assault rifle with a scratched-off serial number were found in his possession during his arrest, despite being previously convicted of possession of an unregistered firearm.

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Washington  A man armed with a shotgun was shot and killed early Sunday morning after making an "unauthorized entry" into the secure perimeter at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, the U.S. Secret Service said.

Multiple sources identified the man to CBS News as 21-year-old Austin T. Martin of Cameron, North Carolina.

Speaking at a news conference Sunday morning, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the security detail detected that an individual had made his way into the inner perimeter of Mar-a-Lago at around 1:30 a.m. near a gate on the north side.

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"A deputy and two Secret Service agents on the detail went to that area to investigate," Bradshaw said. "They confronted a white male that was carrying a gas can and a shotgun."

Bradshaw said the individual was ordered to drop the gas can and shotgun, at which point he put down the gas can and "raised the shotgun to a shooting position." The deputy and Secret Service agents then fired their weapons and "neutralized the threat," Bradshaw said. He said the man was declared dead at the scene.

Officials are investigating whether Martin purchased the shotgun along his driving route from North Carolina to Florida. His family reported him missing to authorities on Saturday. He had no known prior law-enforcement history, and investigators say the motive remains unknown.

Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the U.S. Secret Service Miami Field Office said no law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.

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The Secret Service noted that no protectees were present at the location during the incident. The Secret Service agents involved have been placed on routine administrative status pending review, which is standard after an officer-involved shooting. The president remained in Washington this weekend.

Bradshaw said the FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, assisted by the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

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For first time, a man who was shot during an officer-involved shooting at a warming center is talking about the experience.

The shooting happened on Merritts Avenue in Atlanta nearly one month ago. Atlanta police say two men were injured when a man opened fire inside the warming shelter just before 10 a.m. Jan. 15.

The victim says he was lying on a cot when the suspect opened fire, Channel 2s Cory James says.

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He said he chose to come to the warming center to avoid sleeping outside during the extremely cold weather in mid-January.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, an off-duty officer working at the center saw two people arguing.

During that altercation, investigators say 37-year-old Antonio Wooten pulled out a gun and shot the victim.

But nearby was Clarence Spratlin. He said he was lying down when it happened.

Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, he said. The next thing you know, I felt where I was hit.

He says he shot in the hip and leg.

But Spratlin says this situation should have never happened because of the safeguards that were in place.

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They have an Atlanta police officer there, three security guards over there ... and they have a metal detector right at the door and they give you a pretty good shakedown, so the question is how did he get the gun in there? he asked.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to the City of Atlanta Friday to see if any steps have been taken to improve security at warming centers but did not hear back.

Spratlin was taken to Grady Hospital, where he received treatment for about eight days.

He says he has a long recovery.

The suspect was arrested. He is still in jail tonight and facing multiple aggravated assault charges.

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One of the men in a stolen SUV with Ryan Hinton before he was fatally shot by police last year was recently arrested on new charges.

Cynsere Grigsby, 19, was charged with aggravated robbery Feb. 18 after Cincinnati police say he pulled a gun on someone, stole $230 and fled in a car, according to court documents.

Police say Grigsby, of Avondale, used a black Glock handgun in the robbery on Argus Road in College Hill.

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On May 1, 2025, Grigsby was one of four people, including Hinton, who were in an SUV parked in East Price Hill that had been reported stolen.

Still image from bodycam video showing the stolen SUV that officials say Ryan Hinton and three others ran from on May 1, 2025.

A Cincinnati police cruiser pulled in front of the stolen car to block it in. Officials say Grigsby, then Hinton, fled on foot.

Hinton was carrying a gun with an extensive magazine as he fled. The officer who shot him said he believed Hinton was pointing the gun at him. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich later found that the officer was legally justified to shoot Hinton.

Officials say the fatal shooting of Hinton led his father, Rodney Hinton Jr., to drive a car into a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy the next day, killing the deputy.

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In January, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Katie Casch sentenced Grigsby to two years of intensive supervision probation on an obstructing police charge.

Grigsby remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $25,000 bond. He is expected next in Hamilton County Municipal Court at 10:30 a.m. March 2.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man in stolen car before fatal Ryan Hinton police shooting arrested
Pennsylvania American Water has lifted the mandatory water conservation order for approximately 42,000 customers in the Mechanicsburg area.

The order, originally issued Feb. 21 after a potential contaminant affected the water source for the West Shore Water Treatment Plant, no longer remains in effect as of 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The company said production at the plant has been restored following acceptable test results and approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The conservation order had applied to customers in Silver Spring Township, Hampden Township, Lower Allen Township, Lemoyne Borough, Wormleysburg Borough, East Pennsboro Township, New Cumberland Borough, Fairview Township, Shiremanstown Borough, Camp Hill Borough, and Newberry Township.

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In a press release, Pennsylvania American Water said drinking water remains safe, and normal water use may resume, though customers are still encouraged to use water wisely. Affected customers are being notified through the companys automated emergency notification system.

Pennsylvania American Water thanked customers for their cooperation during the conservation period.
Those in Maryland who often travel north might want to know that the Delaware Memorial Bridge between New Jersey and Delaware is going cashless.

The move is still about four years away, but it will change the way drivers connect the two states.

Here's what to know.

What is toll-by-plate?

Delaware Memorial Bridge will go cashless once the existing toll plaza is demolished and the new overhead structure with sensors and cameras is built, expected in 2030.

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Currently, New Jersey and Delaware E-ZPass users pay $4.75 entering Delaware. Other E-ZPass users pay $5, and cash tolls are $6.

When the cashless system goes live, drivers will simply keep moving through the toll area instead of passing through toll lanes.

Drivers with E-ZPass will be billed through their toll accounts. Other drivers will be mailed a bill based on license plate registration.

It's not clear yet how much tolls will be when the cashless system goes into effect, but it's not uncommon for rates to go up when toll-by-plate is enacted.

In Maryland, all Maryland Transportation Authority toll are already are cashless.

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Juan Carlos Castillo is a New Jersey-based trending reporter for the USA Today Network. Follow him on X: @_JCCastillo.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Delaware bridge to go cashless. Are tolls by plate more expensive?
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie kicks off campaign, see photos 1 of 9 Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026.

This article has been updated.

FLORENCE, KY  More than 100 people drove hours from Indiana, northern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky, to see the man who President Donald Trump called the "worst Republican Congressman."

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Garrison, kicked off his reelection campaign with a headquarters launch party Feb. 21 in Florence.

I was worried nobody would show up, Massie jested when he took the stage in this Northern Kentucky city near Cincinnati. "And I'm just blown away."

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Massie, a seven-term incumbent, is facing his toughest Republican primary since he took office in 2012.

Hes been in Trumps social media crosshairs since their working relationship took a nosedive last year. The two publicly disagreed about federal spending via the Big Beautiful Bill, international U.S. military intervention, and the release of the Epstein files.

Massies GOP challenger in 2026 is Ed Gallrein, who's backed by the president and at least three billionaires who have funneled millions of dollars into the Kentucky race, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

The fight for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, which more than 776,000 people call home, has become a referendum  one where voters will decide whether they're willing to cast a ballot for someone Trump wants to unseat even though they've already cast a ballot for Trump.

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Here are the biggest five takeaways from the event:

A Donald Trump impression, vow to survive Trump's attacks

Massie's impersonation of President Trump is uncanny.

"Never in your life before have you seen the way in which I will come at you. I'm more popular than you in Kentucky. I'm backing your primary opponent and you're gonna lose," Massie said, mocking a phone call from Trump he said he got in 2020.

Trump stopped short of endorsing Massie's challenger that year, but on social media, he did call for Massie to be voted out of office.

Massie survived that run-in with Trump and won his GOP primary that year with more than 80% of the vote.

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"I've got the Trump antibodies from a natural infection, but I guess my antibodies are waning," Massie told the crowd. "So we're getting a booster shot in this election."

Epstein files and 'true evil at work'

Massie was the lead Republican voice who called for the public release of the Epstein files, initially against most other GOP politicians, including Trump.

The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act was officially passed in November and thousands of files about Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring have been released.

But justice for survivors isn't happening quickly enough in the United States, Massie said.

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"Why is it in these monarchies, in these socialist countries, they are resigning and stepping down and going to jail but it's not happening here?" Massie asked. "It's because there is a corruption happening that is deeper than I even realized."

He pointed to the mass coverup of the crimes and involvement of some of the most wealthy and influential people in the world.

"This is the first time where I feel there are demons and spirits at work.  I think it was evil at work," Massie said.

Republians who hesitated to speak out against the sexual abuse of minors are "cowards," he added, saying they were worried about their careers instead.

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is facing a tough Republican primary against Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein this spring.

Guns are a 'God-given right

Massie, who is chair of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus, said gunrights are an essential issue for him and the people he represents.

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"The founders never intended for you to have to ask, 'Mother may I pretty please exercise a constitutional right  (one) that is actually a God-given right,'" he said.

That's why he introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act last year and in 2024, which would permit people to carry firearms in public spaces throughout the country, he said.

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie speaks to supporters during a campaign headquarters launch party in Florence.

Voting against Republicans, sometimes

In January, a clip of Thomas Massie went viral when someone asked him when he'd change his political affiliation to Democrat instead of Republican.

"I vote with Republicans 91% of the time and the 9% I don't, they're taking up for pedophiles, starting another war, or bankrupting our country," Massie zinged back.

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He told the crowd he was surprised the person, who works for conservative activist Laura Loomer, actually posted the video.

"I am not on the bandwagon," Massie said to the cheering crowd. "And I never will be."

Kentucky state Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, speaks during U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie's Northern Kentucky headquarters launch party in Florence.

NKY Republicans publicly pick a side

Notable Northern Kentucky Republicans showed their support for Massie  a candidate many of them have relied on for endorsements and support during their own political campaigns over the years.

Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, called them "liberty warriors" who are upholding a movement that represents GOP voters who aren't already represented by politicians in Washington, D.C.

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"It's not about one race," Massie said. "It's about a movement and we are building it."

Republicans who attended the event include:

State Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona

State Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington

State Rep. Steve Doan, R-Erlanger

State Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge

State Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union

State Rep. Felicia Rabourn, R-Turners Station

State Rep. T.J. Roberts, R-Burlington

Boone County Commissioner Chet Hand (and Boone County Judge Executive candidate)

Cole Cuzick, candidate for state House in District 63

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Massie talks Trump, 'true evil' of Epstein files at launch party
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie kicks off campaign, see photos 1 of 9 Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign opening rally at his Northern Kentucky headquarters in Florence, Ky., on Feb. 21, 2026.

This article has been updated.

FLORENCE, KY  More than 100 people drove hours from Indiana, northern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky, to see the man who President Donald Trump called the "worst Republican Congressman."

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Garrison, kicked off his reelection campaign with a headquarters launch party Feb. 21 in Florence.

I was worried nobody would show up, Massie jested when he took the stage in this Northern Kentucky city near Cincinnati. "And I'm just blown away."

Advertisement Advertisement

Massie, a seven-term incumbent, is facing his toughest Republican primary since he took office in 2012.

Hes been in Trumps social media crosshairs since their working relationship took a nosedive last year. The two publicly disagreed about federal spending via the Big Beautiful Bill, international U.S. military intervention, and the release of the Epstein files.

Massies GOP challenger in 2026 is Ed Gallrein, who's backed by the president and at least three billionaires who have funneled millions of dollars into the Kentucky race, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

The fight for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, which more than 776,000 people call home, has become a referendum  one where voters will decide whether they're willing to cast a ballot for someone Trump wants to unseat even though they've already cast a ballot for Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Here are the biggest five takeaways from the event:

A Donald Trump impression, vow to survive Trump's attacks

Massie's impersonation of President Trump is uncanny.

"Never in your life before have you seen the way in which I will come at you. I'm more popular than you in Kentucky. I'm backing your primary opponent and you're gonna lose," Massie said, mocking a phone call from Trump he said he got in 2020.

Trump stopped short of endorsing Massie's challenger that year, but on social media, he did call for Massie to be voted out of office.

Massie survived that run-in with Trump and won his GOP primary that year with more than 80% of the vote.

"I've got the Trump antibodies from a natural infection, but I guess my antibodies are waning," Massie told the crowd. "So we're getting a booster shot in this election."

Epstein files and 'true evil at work'

Massie was the lead Republican voice who called for the public release of the Epstein files, initially against most other GOP politicians, including Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act was officially passed in November and thousands of files about Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring have been released.

But justice for survivors isn't happening quickly enough in the United States, Massie said.

"Why is it in these monarchies, in these socialist countries, they are resigning and stepping down and going to jail but it's not happening here?" Massie asked. "It's because there is a corruption happening that is deeper than I even realized."

He pointed to the mass coverup of the crimes and involvement of some of the most wealthy and influential people in the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is the first time where I feel there are demons and spirits at work.  I think it was evil at work," Massie said.

Republians who hesitated to speak out against the sexual abuse of minors are "cowards," he added, saying they were worried about their careers instead.

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is facing a tough Republican primary against Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein this spring.

Guns are a 'God-given right

Massie, who is chair of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus, said gunrights are an essential issue for him and the people he represents.

"The founders never intended for you to have to ask, 'Mother may I pretty please exercise a constitutional right  (one) that is actually a God-given right,'" he said.

That's why he introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act last year and in 2024, which would permit people to carry firearms in public spaces throughout the country, he said.

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie speaks to supporters during a campaign headquarters launch party in Florence.

Voting against Republicans, sometimes

In January, a clip of Thomas Massie went viral when someone asked him when he'd change his political affiliation to Democrat instead of Republican.

Advertisement Advertisement

"I vote with Republicans 91% of the time and the 9% I don't, they're taking up for pedophiles, starting another war, or bankrupting our country," Massie zinged back.

He told the crowd he was surprised the person, who works for conservative activist Laura Loomer, actually posted the video.

"I am not on the bandwagon," Massie said to the cheering crowd. "And I never will be."

Kentucky state Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, speaks during U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie's Northern Kentucky headquarters launch party in Florence.

NKY Republicans publicly pick a side

Notable Northern Kentucky Republicans showed their support for Massie  a candidate many of them have relied on for endorsements and support during their own political campaigns over the years.

Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, called them "liberty warriors" who are upholding a movement that represents GOP voters who aren't already represented by politicians in Washington, D.C.

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's not about one race," Massie said. "It's about a movement and we are building it."

Republicans who attended the event include:

State Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona

State Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington

State Rep. Steve Doan, R-Erlanger

State Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge

State Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union

State Rep. Felicia Rabourn, R-Turners Station

State Rep. T.J. Roberts, R-Burlington

Boone County Commissioner Chet Hand (and Boone County Judge Executive candidate)

Cole Cuzick, candidate for state House in District 63

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Massie talks Trump, 'true evil' of Epstein files at launch party
After years of controversy, the latest overhaul of New Mexico's medical malpractice laws took just 28 days this legislative session.

Under a reform bill expected to be signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham:

* Hospitals will benefit from a first-ever cap on punitive damages, and they won three more years to participate in a state-run malpractice insurance fund.

* New Mexico's doctors could see malpractice insurance premiums drop anywhere from 3% to 16%.

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* Those who have been seriously harmed, or lost loved ones to medical malpractice, will find more legal hurdles to achieving big payouts if they sue for damages.

And as for the public frustrated with long waits for doctor appointments or sick patients who can't find specialists? Relief will arrive, supporters say.

But just about everyone agrees it will take longer than just 28 days.

"I think we will know that it has been effective when we all aren't having the conversations around our dinner tables or in the neighborhood saying, 'I'm trying to get an appointment, and I can't get in,'" said Troy Clark, president and CEO of the New Mexico Hospital Association. "I think that really is the true measuring stick."

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Clark said it's going to take "some time" for the impact of the changes to be felt.

"I hope within, goodness, no more than three years," Clark told the Journal, "we will have made significant improvements in access to care in our state."

The Senate voted 40-2 late Tuesday to approve House Bill 99, sending to the governor's desk a bill that would limit punitive damages in medical malpractice cases for the first time in New Mexico's history.

Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, the lead sponsor and driving force behind the bill, said she hopes word will get around that New Mexico is a good place to practice medicine.

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"Doctors within the state will start, hopefully, telling their colleagues from outside the state that it's a better environment to be practicing from a litigation standpoint," Chandler said Friday.

How long before New Mexicans notice shorter wait times to see a doctor?

"That's a tough one," Chandler said. "I think in a couple of years, we should start seeing some reaction to what we've done. People have to start feeling confident that the changes have stuck."

A key feature of HB 99 is a tiered system that caps punitive damages at about $1 million for independent physicians and clinics, $6 million for locally owned hospitals and $15 million for larger corporate-owned hospital systems, Chandler estimates. Punitive damages are intended to deter and punish willful and reckless behavior.

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New Mexico currently has no caps on punitive damages awarded by juries, which in the past two years resulted in a $15 million punitive damage award against Presbyterian Hospital over a metal retractor left inside a patient during abdominal surgery.

In November 2024, a Bernalillo County jury awarded $412 million in compensatory and punitive damages to a widower who suffered permanent harm after receiving penile injections at NuMale Medical Center in Albuquerque. That award, which was also based on claims of deceptive trade practices and fraud, was later reduced to $96.5 million under a bankruptcy settlement in Nevada involving the national chain.

Kathy Love, a New Mexico trial attorney, participated in negotiations seeking changes to the state's Medical Malpractice Act agreeable to doctors, hospitals and other stakeholders. Love said she is disappointed with the final outcome.

"We agreed to caps on punitive damages for doctors," Love said of the talks. "These corporations and insurance companies put millions of dollars into advertising, misinformation and fear tactics that resulted in a law that gives multibillion-dollar companies a pass on accountability."

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A $15 million cap on punitive damages will do nothing to deter multibillion-dollar hospital corporations from behavior that harms patients, Love said.

"I think the most important part about this particular bill is that individual patients are getting nothing out of this," she said. "Only the hospitals and the insurance companies are getting something out of this bill."

Somewhat more tangible, is the anticipated increase in the number of physicians expected to seek licenses to practice in New Mexico under related legislation approved this session allowing the state to join an interstate medical compact.

The New Mexico Medical Board projected that physician license applications will increase by 10% to 15%, in line with the average rate of increase experienced by other states that have joined the compact, according to a legislative analysis.

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The compact will allow a more expedited licensing process for physicians. That bill sailed through the Legislature this year, after a similar measure stalled in committee during the 60-day session in 2025.

In that same session last year, lawmakers killed a different measure aimed at alleviating the physician shortage by limiting attorneys fees and setting up a public safety fund with 75% of any punitive damages awarded to an injured patient.

Proponents blamed New Mexico trial lawyers for the defeat back then.

But this year, the political winds shifted as hospital and medical-backed groups took to social media and other outlets to rally for malpractice reform. The governor herself made the issue a priority of this year's legislative session.

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"Everybody we heard from understood they couldn't get the care when they needed it," Clark told the Journal, "but they didn't understand what the underlying problems were, and that's what a lot of that effort is, to say, 'Let's help you understand access to care is the problem. Medical malpractice is one of the contributors along the way.'"

Other contributing factors: the gross receipts tax on physicians, expedited licenses, student loan repayments and tax credits that weren't to the level other states, Clark said.

Fueling the push for change, a legislative survey found that 65% of New Mexico physicians surveyed last December were considering leaving the state to practice elsewhere. Of those, 83% reported the cause as punitive damages associated

with medical malpractice, with 76% citing medical malpractice

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and 51% citing quality of life and compensation.

Rep. Nicole Chavez, R-Albuquerque, sounded the alarm in a recent legislative committee hearing.

"If we don't act this session, I think it's going to be too late and our constituents are just not going to be able to see doctors," Chavez said. Speaking of House Bill 99, "I really think it has a balance of fairness and it's making sure New Mexicans can see a doctor when they need one."

House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, said during that same hearing that it was a struggle to set a punitive damages cap, which she said has the greatest impact on those most severely harmed by medical malpractice.

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Those would include families of people who have died as a result of medical negligence or those seriously and permanently harmed.

"You know, 99% of cases (of malpractice) probably would never even come close to the cap," she said.

2021 compromise

Just five years ago, the Legislature passed a comprehensive malpractice bill that required hospitals to exit participation in a state fund originally set up in 1976 to help physicians unable to access private medical malpractice insurance.

The so-called patient compensation fund is supposed to provide affordable malpractice coverage that caps the amount of damages

awarded against the member health care providers.

New Mexico hospitals were permitted as qualified providers in 2006 but were required to leave the fund by the end of this year, under the 2021 legislation. Chandler's bill this year extends the deadline for another three years.

The fund ran into solvency issues that required a $100 million bailout from the state Legislature from 2022 to 2024.

Chandler, the sponsor of House Bill 99, cautioned during committee debate that the bill wasn't a panacea but was an attempt to create a stable environment that should lead to lower medical malpractice premiums. In recent days, Chandler has argued that the bill should significantly lower premiums.

If malpractice premiums don't decline, the state Office of the Superintendent of Insurance could review rates set by insurance companies because state law prohibits excessive rates, she said.

The New Mexico Medical Society said the new reforms will offer greater protections to physicians who fear the consequences of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

"While HB 99 does not outright bar the enforcement of a judgment for punitive damages against a physician, it caps any such judgment and makes it much harder for a plaintiff to plead and recover punitive damages," said Jessie Hunt, a spokeswoman for the organization.

Reaction

The state's three largest hospital systems lauded the Legislature's action this session.

"We are encouraged by the passage of HB 99 and view it as an important initial step forward for New Mexicos healthcare system," said Lovelace Healthcare system spokeswoman Whitney Alcantar on Friday. "Improving the states medical liability environment helps address pressures that have contributed to physician recruitment and retention challenges and should, over time, support improved access to care."

Asked about the new legislation, she added that a more stable environment will better position us to attract and retain physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses, helping ensure New Mexicans can receive timely, high-quality care close to home.

At Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, spokesman Arturo Delgado said the reforms will "contribute to improving access to care over time." He said the company expects to see gradual improvements in recruitment and retention of clinicians that will help reduce wait times for appointments and expand services.

"It won't be an overnight fix, but changing the legal framework sends a strong message that New Mexico values and supports its health care workforce," Delgado told the Journal.

Dr. Darren Shafer, Presbyterian Medical Group president, said the reforms create "clearer standards and greater predictability in the malpractice environment.

As a nonprofit health system, he said, "any financial benefit realized would be reinvested into patient care and expanding access to services.

Presbyterian, which employs 850 doctors, currently has 101 physician vacancies statewide, said a spokeswoman.

In the future, longtime Albuquerque medical malpractice attorney Lisa Curtis said there will be more legislative efforts to protect patients and good doctors.

"Our people need better medical care and the good doctors need protection," Curtis said. "This law does neither."

Szczepanski said the Legislature still has "a lot of work to do," including addressing deficiencies in health care data, such as determining the number of physicians practicing in the state.

Or else, she said, how will the state know if the medical malpractice reforms are attracting and retaining physicians?

"One of the goals has been to increase the number of physicians statewide," Szczepanski said. "And I don't know that we're going to have an answer a year from now."
Mexican authorities have killed one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," founder and leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation cartel, which controls drug smuggling, extortion, fuel theft and other rackets throughout Mexico.

Oseguera, believed to be 59, suffered fatal wounds during a Sunday morning military assault in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state, according to the Mexican Defense Ministry. He died while being airlifted to Mexico City for medical treatment along with other cartel associates injured in the raid, the military said.

Six other cartel operatives were also killed in the operation, the military said, and three soldiers were injured.

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The drug kingpin's killing also triggered violence. As the news spread, apparent supporters of the late cartel boss set fires to vehicles and blocked roads across western Mexico, prompting fears of escalating chaos in coming days and weeks.

Oseguera's death is the most significant takedown of a Mexican capo since the 2016 capture of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, former head of the Sinaloa cartel. El Chapo was extradited to the United States and is serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison.

Read more: Gold, guns and cartels: The battle for a billion-dollar mine

The operation comes as the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has been under intense pressure from the Trump administration to crack down on U.S.-bound drug trafficking.

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In a brief reaction, Sheinbaum applauded the military and security services and urged people to remain calm amid TV and social media images of blockades, towers of smoke and torched vehicles.

"We must remain informed and calm," she posted on X. "In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality."

Under Oseguera's leadership, the Jalisco cartel has been on a relentless effort to extend its tentacles throughout Mexico, especially after the downfall of El Chapo, which weakened the once-dominant Sinaloa cartel.

Jalisco operatives have aggressively invaded the turf of other gangs, incorporated smaller criminal bands into its ranks and put legions of police officers, judges, prosecutors and politicians on its massive payroll.

A burned car near Guadalajara after the killing of drug lord Oseguera. (Alejandra Leyva / Associated Press)

Though rumors circulated on social media that the American military was directly involved, U.S. authorities denied any such role. Sheinbaum has pledged "cooperation and coordination" with U.S. officials in anti-cartel actions, but has rejected any direct U.S. role on the ground in Mexico.

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The takedown of Oseguera, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City said, "was planned and executed by Mexican Special Forces" and "was carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation." U.S. authorities, the embassy said, provided "complementary intelligence."

U.S. officials were quick to applaud Mexican authorities.

"This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America and the world," Christopher Landau, deputy secretary of State, said on X. "The good guys are stronger than the bad guys."

Derek Maltz, the retired former acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration under President Trump, described Oseguera as one of the most dangerous narco terrorists in the world whos responsible for killing historic amounts of Americans"  the latter a reference to U.S. citizens who have died of overdoses of smuggled drugs, notably fentanyl, the synthetic opioid.

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Like other current and former U.S. law enforcement officials, Maltz praised Mexico's recent campaign to ratchet up pressure against criminal groups. In the last year, Mexico has dispatched scores of suspected cartel operatives to the United States, where many face criminal charges.

I applaud the efforts of the Mexican government and the brave warriors on the front line that have been going after [Oseguera] for many years, Maltz told The Times. Hes no longer able to destroy communities and families around America or terrorize the citizens of Mexico."

Read more: A dangerous new element in Mexico's cartel wars: Colombian mercenaries

The Jalisco cartel is among the Mexico-based mobs that the Trump administration has formally designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

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But the designation has been viewed warily in Mexico: Many worry that the move could also be used to justify direct U.S. military action in Mexico  a step that Sheinbaum's government has strenuously sought to avoid.

The death of Oseguera, like the previous takedowns of El Chapo and other cartel leaders, is unlikely to reduce the volume of drug-smuggling to the United States, experts said. The exit of kingpins in the past has never offset the lure of huge profits tied to the voracious appetite for illicit substances north of the border.

Read more: Inside the bloody cartel war for Mexico's multibillion-dollar avocado industry

But many in Mexico and elsewhere feared the capo's death could spark a deadly round of violence in the country, as lower-level cartel operatives fight for supremacy amid a leadership void. Deadly intra-cartel battles have previously followed the killings or arrests of other crime bosses in Mexico.

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"Hopefully, this will not spiral out of control and generate an epidemic of violence nationwide," Eduardo Guerrero, a security analyst, told Mexico's Milenio news outlet. "I hope [the government] has thought about a plan to control this violence that could surge in various places."

But there were already indications of a violent reaction, especially in western Jalisco, the capital of which is Guadalajara, Mexico's second city.

A family sheltering in place in the state of Jalisco  whose members asked to not be identified because of safety concerns  said cartel members were pulling people out of vehicles in the street and setting the vehicles on fire. Cars, trucks and buses going up in flames were visible on roads in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, according to video circulating on social media, as well as in the states of Nayarit and Michoacan.

A group of Jalisco New Generation Cartel fighters in the Mexican state of Michoacan. (Juan Jose Estrada Serafin / For the Times)

The governor of Jalisco reported roadblocks and other disturbances throughout the state and advised people to stay home.

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There were also reports of roadblocks and shootouts in more than a dozen other states in Mexico where the cartel held sway.

U.S. authorities had offered a $15-million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Oseguera. He was under indictment for drug trafficking and other crimes in U.S. federal court.

Oseguera oversaw a military-like buildup of his cartel, which pioneered the use of armored vehicles, land mines, drones and other military hardware. Among other attacks, the Jalisco gang was blamed for the 2015 downing of a Mexican military helicopter, which resulted in the deaths of nine Mexican law enforcement officials. The helicopter  reportedly hit with U.S.-made .50-caliber machine-gun rounds  was on a mission to capture the elusive cartel boss.

Oseguera was born in 1966 in Naranjo de Chila, a sun-bleached town with fewer than 500 residents in a region of Michoacan state known as the Tierra Caliente, or Hot Land. He dropped out of primary school to help his family cultivate avocados before migrating to the United States.

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Oseguera is said to have begun his storied career in humble fashion, as a small-time drug dealer in California. A 1992 arrest for selling heroin to an undercover officer in a bar in San Francisco led to a U.S. prison term. He was deported to Mexico, became a police officer, and eventually built his own crime network, one known for its brutality.

Rumors about El Menchos death and capture have circulated in the past and turned out to be false. But in recent years, authorities appeared to be closing in, capturing several high-ranking associates and close family members.

Read more: This Mexican city had one of the world's highest homicide rates  so it fired most of its police

His son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, known as El Menchito, was captured and extradited from Mexico in February 2020. He was convicted in 2024 on an array of drug and weapons charges related to his leadership role in the cartel and is serving a life sentence.

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U.S. Bureau of Prisons records show he is housed at a maximum-security federal prison in Florence, Colo., known as the "Alcatraz of the Rockies," that also houses El Chapo and other high-profile criminals.

His daughter, Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez, was arrested while visiting one of her brothers court proceedings and eventually pleaded guilty to violations of the so-called Kingpin Act related to money laundering. She reportedly spent just over two years in prison before her release in 2022.

Times staff writers McDonnell, Linthicum and Hamilton reported from Mexico City, New York and San Francisco, respectively. Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in Mexico City contributed to this report.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Corrects Oseguera's age to 59, not 60, in third paragraph. Removes reference to Tapalpa being on the Pacific Coast in third paragraph.)

By Lizbeth Diaz and Laura Gottesdiener

MEXICO CITY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - One of Mexico's most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera, or "El Mencho," was killed in a military raid on Sunday, sparking widespread retaliatory violence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has been under mounting pressure from Washington to intensify her offensive against drug cartels blamed for producing and smuggling drugs, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl, across the border to the U.S.

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Oseguera, 59, the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died in custody after being injured in a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa in Mexico's Jalisco state, according to Mexico's defense ministry.

His corpse arrived in Mexico City on Sunday afternoon in a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard troops.

Reuters had reported on Sunday that a new U.S.-military-led task force played a role in the raid led and carried out by Mexican forces. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later posted on social media that the United States provided intelligence support.

Leavitt added that the Trump administration "commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."

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After reports of El Mencho's death, cartel henchmen blockaded highways with burning cars and torched businesses in more than a half a dozen states, paralyzing parts of the country. No civilian deaths have been reported.

In Jalisco's popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, frightened tourists on social media described a "war zone" as plumes of dark smoke rose into the sky from around the bay. Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines suspended flights in the area.

FORMER COP TO CARTEL KINGPIN

Oseguera, a former police officer, founded and oversaw the rapid rise of the CJNG, named for the western state of Jalisco that is home to one of Mexico's biggest cities, Guadalajara.

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In recent years, CJNG has expanded into one of Mexico's most powerful cartels, known for violent tactics including forced labor and forced recruitment.

Under El Mencho's leadership, CJNG also became a highly diversified criminal enterprise, expanding from drug trafficking to fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling, and complex financial frauds. The cartel pioneered use of drones in attacks against civilians in remote regions of western Mexico as part of its rapid territorial expansion.

Sunday's raid was one of Mexico's highest profile blows against drug gangs responsible for smuggling billions of dollars of drugs - including fentanyl - into the U.S. In recent years, the leaders of the rival Sinaloa Cartel - Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada- were captured alive. Both are now in U.S. prisons.

President Donald Trump's administration lauded El Mencho's killing, but domestic violence it triggered highlighted the political balancing act Sheinbaum must strike as her government escalates its cartel offensive.

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On Sunday, Sheinbaum stressed that activities in most areas of the country were proceeding as usual. Schools in various states across Mexico protectively canceled classes for Monday, according to announcements by state-level education departments.

Security experts were watching whether the raid and death of the cartel boss will fracture CJNG leadership and trigger bloody infighting.

"There will definitely be skirmishes between the various factions, and these spasms of violence could last for years," said Carlos Olivo, a former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge and an expert in CJNG.

KILLING WINS US PRAISE

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U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, previously ambassador to Mexico, said Oseguera's killing was a "great development" for the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the rest of Latin America.

In January after the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump said "the cartels are running Mexico," and warned "we are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels."

Sheinbaum said she would strengthen efforts to cooperate with the U.S. to fight cartels., but vowed to uphold Mexico's sovereignty and warned against any unilateral military action by the U.S. in Mexico.

Sheinbaum in a social media post on Sunday said security officials would provide information on the operation.

(Reporting by Emily Green, Lizbeth Diaz, Stephen Eisenhammer, Leila Miller and Laura Gottesdiener; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon, Editing by Christian Plumb; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal Jasper Ward and Alexandra Alperin Washington, Gnaneshwar Rajan and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, David Gregorio and Michael Perry)
TUCSON  Lupita Tello poked the dirt outside Nancy Guthries home on Feb. 22 with a sharp metal rod soldered to a handle. After wiggling the rod in the dirt, Tello pulled it out and smelled the sharpened metal tip.If it smells bad like something decomposed, thats where we start, Tello said in Spanish, showing reporters and true crime streamers the main tool she uses in her searches for missing people in Mexico.Tello is member of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, a nonprofit search collective based in northern Mexico.

Known in English as the Searching Mothers of Sonora, the group was founded in 2019 to search for tens of thousands of missing people across Mexico. In 2021, members uncovered more than 20 bodies in clandestine graves near Hermosillo and had previously located at least 42 bodies near Puerto Penasco.

The nonprofit is planning an official search for Guthrie later in the week, Tello said. It will be the first time the group will conduct a search in the United States, she said.

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Tello said her group was told about Guthries case on Feb. 17 by a journalist friend of Guthries daughter Savannah Guthrie and were asked to make flyers and search for her.On Feb. 22, she and her colleague Raquel Navarro werent in the area just for Guthrie. An anonymous tipster had sent them a coordinate of a potential dead body unrelated to the Guthrie case.

Tello and Navarro wore white T-shirts stamped with the photo of a purple-and-white missing persons poster ubiquitous with their group.We know the pain, we can relate, Tello said about why she wanted to help find Guthrie. Tello's son disappeared in Mexico in 2020. After six years of experience in finding people in the Sonoran Desert, Tello says she and members of the Buscadoras can bring their years of expertise to the search.Those searches have taught us about the dirt and the area, Tello said. At times even the air smells different when theres a body.

Navarro joined the group after her brother, Jesus, went missing five years ago. She said the work was difficult and often emotional, but she and hundreds of other volunteers remained determined to help families searching for answers.

Volunteers were not required to obtain a permit to help but were asked to give investigators space.

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We appreciate their concern and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals, said Angelica Carrillo, Pima County Sheriff's Department spokesperson. She said the department had volunteer opportunities for those who wanted to assist.

Carrillo said the group must abide by private property laws and get permission from homeowners if they search on someone's property.

Despite a 22-day search and desperate pleas from the Guthrie family for her return, few leads have publicly emerged about where Nancy Guthrie is or who may have taken her.

Guthrie's Tucson-area home is about an hour and a half north of the United States-Mexico border.

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No evidence exists that Guthrie may have been taken to Mexico.

In a Feb. 18 statement posted on X, the Sonora state prosecutors office said it had not received a formal request for collaboration, assistance or information exchange from U.S. investigators in the Guthrie case but expressed its willingness to help.

What to know: Did they find Nancy Guthrie? Lab experts continue DNA analysis

(This story was updated with new information.)

Reach reporter Helen Rummel at hrummel@azcentral.com.

The group in Mexico: Mothers lead movement to find missing loved ones amid Mexico's raging drug war

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexican 'searching mothers' join US hunt for Nancy Guthrie
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an emergency security alert for its citizens in five states in the country, following the unrest sparked by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco Cartel  New Generation (CJNG), at the hands of the Mexican Army.

The agency ordered Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to take immediate shelter in their homes or lodgings.

The measure is in response to security operations, road blockades and an increase in criminal activity in the area following the alleged killing of the drug lord.

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Through a statement published on its website and social networks, the diplomatic agency instructed its nationals to follow a specific security protocol:

Avoid areas close to police or military operations.

Remain alert and aware of the surroundings at all times.

Seek shelter and reduce any non-essential movement.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Monitor the media for updates.

Notify family and friends of your location and status by calling or texting.

In case of emergency, use the national 911 number.

For those requiring consular assistance, the Embassy activated these numbers: from Mexico 55 8526 2561 and from the United States +1-844-528-6611. The U.S. Department of State contact numbers are also available: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444, in addition to its official WhatsApp and social media channels.

Army confirms death of 'El Mencho,' Mexico's most wanted drug lord, violence breaks out

A wave of high-intensity violence has been unleashed in various regions of Mexico, mainly in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Colima, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Zacatecas and Tamaulipas, following the death of El Mencho.

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The Mexican Army confirmed that it had killed the powerful drug lord on Sunday, Feb. 22. Before the official announcement, the crisis erupted with the burning of buses and other public transport vehicles, as well as cars crossing the roads to block traffic.

The violent reaction of the Jalisco Cartel  New Generation was not long in coming after the death of its leader, unleashing a wave of blockades and narco-blockades that paralyzed different points of the state. The violence has quickly spread to neighboring states.

In Michoacan, Governor Alfredo Ramirez adopted measures similar to those in Jalisco, with at least 13 municipalities with roads blocked by burning vehicles. Ramirez called on the population to remain calm while security forces carry out their operations.

As the hours passed, violent events were replicated in Colima, Nayarit, Aguascalientes and Guanajuato, where blockades and attacks on infrastructure are multiplying.

Chaos at Jalisco airport

The chaos and uncertainty unleashed by the report of the death of El Mencho was violently transferred to the Guadalajara International Airport, which became a powder keg of tension.

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The calm of the terminal was abruptly broken. Suddenly, passengers and workers began to run in panic through the corridors, seeking refuge without knowing exactly from what. Fear spread faster than any official announcement, and in a matter of seconds, the airport operation was paralyzed by panic.

Despite the chaos, the Federal Government has specified that the airports of Jalisco are operating normally, although previously the Manzanillo Airport (Colima) had confirmed the cancellation of several flights.

Chaos in Mexico following the death of 'El Mencho'

Jalisco. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro activated Code Red, following the criminal confrontations, derived from the operation where El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco Cartel  New Generation, was killed. At the same time, he informed that for security reasons, on-site classes will be canceled tomorrow in the State of Jalisco, as well as major events. Although official information does not confirm it, videos are circulating on social networks of several smoke columns, mainly in Puerto Vallarta (where a Costco store and gas station were set on fire), as well as blockades on different highways leading to Guadalajara.

Nayarit. In view of the series of blockades and attacks registered on the highways that connect with Jalisco, Governor Miguel Angel Navarro Quintero suspended classes in the State at all educational levels and called on the population to stay indoors. Through social networks, videos and photographs are circulating, where columns of smoke can be seen in Tepic due to the burning of vehicles, and there are citizen reports of several cities taken over by members of the CJNG. At least in Nayarit, all economic activity is closed.

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Michoacan. Governor Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla reported they are permanently monitoring the situation throughout the state, in close coordination with the Ministry of Government, the Michoacan Attorney General's Office and the Civil Guard. The latter is on high alert, operating together with the National Guard, Army and Navy through strategic deployment and aerial monitoring at key points in Michoacan. All actions are monitored in real time through the video surveillance system. We urge the population to stay informed and follow official instructions.

Guerrero. Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda assured that the incidents registered in Acapulco were immediately dealt with and are under control, without posing any risk to citizens, and will continue to work jointly with federal and municipal authorities to preserve tranquility.

Quintana Roo. Mara Lezama, Governor of Quintana Roo, expressed they are working in permanent session, following up on the actions and operations implemented to guarantee peace and tranquility in the state, after three vehicles were set on fire on the Cancun-Leona Vicario highway, as well as attacks on convenience stores in Cozumel.

Colima. Governor Indira Vizcaino Silva informed that they are maintaining a statewide deployment and an operation to preserve order and safeguard the tranquility of the families of Colima, after some fires and blockades caused by a criminal group, for which the State Coordination Table for the Construction of Peace and Security was convened to a permanent session since Sunday morning.

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Puebla. The State Government called on citizens to remain calm, to be informed only through official sources and avoid spreading rumors. Likewise, they are invited to report any risky situation to 911 and anonymously to 089, because citizen participation strengthens the security of all. A blockade is reported on the Mexico-Puebla and Orizaba-Puebla highways, with vehicles and convenience stores being set on fire.

Nuevo Leon. The state civil police force activated Operativo Muralla to protect the state borders and prevent the incursion of armed groups from other states.

Guanajuato. Surveillance operations are maintained in the municipalities with the support of the State Public Security Forces (FSPE), Mexican Army, National Guard and municipal police. The deployment throughout the state resulted in the arrest of several people in various municipalities who were handed over to the State Attorney General's Office (FGE). It was also possible to prevent the burning of several vehicles in different parts of the state.

The Guanajuato Government assured that they do not deny the facts and are transparent.

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El Mencho was wanted by U.S. authorities as one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico, with influence in Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Guerrero and Morelos.

The U.S. Department of State had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the capture of Oseguera Cervantes.

Veracruz. Although there is no official statement, according to reports on social networks with videos and testimonies, highways in municipalities such as Tuxpan, Orizaba, Ciudad Mendoza, Tihuatlan, Martinez de la Torre, Nogales and Jalapa have been blocked with burned vehicles in response to the death of El Mencho by elements of the CJNG. So far, highways to the Port of Veracruz remain blocked.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: "El Mencho" dead. U.S. Embassy issues alert as cartel violence erupts
Mexico's most wanted man and the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel has been killed during a security operation to arrest him, the defence ministry has said.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", died on Sunday as he was being taken to the capital Mexico City, after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and the army.

Four CJNG members were killed in the town of Tapalpa, the central-western Jalisco state. Three army personnel were also injured. The US had given Mexico information that assisted the operation.

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CJNG retaliated by setting cars alight, building roadblocks and attacking security forces in eight states.

The US State Department issued a shelter-in-place warning for US citizens in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, as well as some areas in Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo later urged people to remain "calm".

She wrote on X that "in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally".

El Mencho, a 59-year-old former police officer, ran a vast criminal organisation responsible for trafficking huge quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US.

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The US State Department had offered a $15m (11.1m) reward for information leading to El Mencho's capture.

The Mexican defence ministry said in a statement that the operation was "planned and executed" by the country's special forces.

Aircraft from the Mexican Air Force and the National Guard were also deployed.

It also said that several armoured vehicles and weapons - including rocket launchers - were seized during the operation.

The US had been providing information to Mexico that assisted its operation, the statement said.

A burning bus that appears to have been used as a roadblock by organised crime during the Mexican military's move against El Mencho [Reuters]

Eyewitnesses have filmed plumes of smoke rising over several cities including Guadalajara - one of the host cities of the forthcoming Fifa World Cup.

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In the tourist hotspot of Puerto Vallarta, on the Jalisco coast, potentially thousands of tourists are trapped in the resort because of the unrest.

Throughout Sunday, there were reports of gunmen on the streets in Jalisco and elsewhere.

The governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus Navarro, advised residents of the state to adhere to a code red warning and stay in their homes.

He also said that public transport was suspended in the state.

US carriers United Airlines and American Airlines, as well as Air Canada, have cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. A flight operated by Delta Airlines bound for Guadalajara from Atlanta was diverted to Austin, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware.

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Former US ambassador to Mexico and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described El Mencho on social media as "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins".

He added that El Mencho's death was "a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world".

Who was El Mencho, Mexico's most wanted man?

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), described the operation as "one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking" to CBS, the BBC's US news partner.

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The killing of El Mencho represents a victory for the Mexican president in her fight against the country's drug cartels.

It also could strengthen her relationship with US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to target the cartels on Mexican soil.

Last January, Trump told Fox News that after targeting drug trafficking boats "we are going to start now hitting land," adding that "the cartels are running Mexico".

Sheinbaum later responded by saying a US troop deployment across the southern border was "not on the table".

However, if the security forces cannot bring the situation under control quickly, the Mexican administration's victory may be overshadowed by the cartel's violent response.

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The Jalisco cartel has gained notoriety for a series of attacks on security forces and public officials.

It has downed an army helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade, killed dozens of state officials, and has even been known to hang the bodies of its victims from bridges to intimidate its rivals.

CJNG cartel - Mexico's major drug trafficking player

The CJNG cartel - which had its original power base in Jalisco in 2010 - is now present across Mexico.

The DEA considers it to be rivalling the powerful Sinaloa cartel, which has a presence in all 50 US states.

CJNG is also a key supplier of drugs to the US, earning billions from fentanyl production.

Most fentanyl enters US via Mexico

Since October 2024, 9,200lb (4,182kg) of fentanyl has been seized in the US, according to figures published by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) in June 2025.

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Almost all (96%) was intercepted at the south-west border with Mexico.

Less than 1% was seized across the northern US border with Canada. The remainder was from sea routes or other US checkpoints.
Misty McMichael, the widow of late Chicago Bears great Steve "Mongo" McMichael, is facing a domestic battery charge on Friday, the Will County Sheriff's Office said.

The sheriff's office said deputies were called to a Frankfort home on Kuse Road for a welfare check after someone hung up on a 911 call just before 5:30 a.m. Friday.

McMichael, 55, and a man both told responding deputies that they had been drinking and arguing for hours.

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The man said the fight became physical, and McMichael choked him, the sheriff's office said. McMichael said the argument did not become physical, but deputies said they noticed injuries and scratches on the man's neck.

Deputies also spoke to a witness who said the two had been arguing for hours. The witness said they heard a lot of noise and banging before finding both adults on the kitchen floor.

McMichael was arrested and charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic battery, the sheriff's office said. She was transported to the Adult Detention Facility.

Her late husband, a legendary Bears defensive tackle, died at age 67 after a battle with ALS last year.

You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin his two-day visit to Israel on February 25, nine years after his first trip to the country.

His 2017 trip was the first ever by an Indian prime minister to Israel.

His upcoming visit also comes just days after India, together with more than 100 other nations, condemned Israels de facto expansion in the occupied West Bank after New Delhi initially appeared to hesitate about adding its name to the criticism.

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From defence and security to trade and technology, India and Israel have forged tight ties in recent years, even as New Delhi has turned cool towards the plight of Palestinians, despite decades of support for their struggle for a sovereign nation.

While multiple Western leaders have visited Netanyahu in Israel since the October 7, 2023 attack, very few Global South leaders have, making Modis visit more significant, say analysts.

Addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations in Jerusalem on February 15, Netanyahu said the two prime ministers were going to discuss all sorts of cooperation.

Tremendous alliance between Israel and India, and we are going to discuss all sorts of cooperation. Now, you know, India is not a small country. It has 1.4 billion people. India is enormously powerful, enormously popular, he said.

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But Indias ties with Israel were not always this cosy. Here is a timeline of how their relations have evolved  from hostility and suspicion, to secret weapons trade and now open embrace  and what that means for Indias relations with Palestine.

1930s and 40s: India opposes the creation of Israel

Under British colonialism, India strongly identified with the Palestinian struggle for independence.

Between 1920 and 1948, Palestine was under British administration, and the United Kingdom, through the Balfour Declaration of 1917, had promised Jews, who had been displaced from Europe due to Adolf Hitlers oppression, a homeland in the British Mandate in Palestine.

This was opposed by many nations, including India, which were also fighting British colonialism at the time.

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Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English, or France to the French, Mahatma Gandhi, Indias most prominent freedom fighter, revered as the Father of the Nation, wrote in an article in his weekly newspaper Harijan, on November 26, 1938.

While he also sympathised with the Jews in his article and said the German persecution of the Jews seems to have no parallel in history, Gandhi stressed that it would be wrong and inhumane to impose the Jews on the Arabs.

It would be a crime against humanity to reduce the proud Arabs so that Palestine can be restored to the Jews partly or wholly as their national home, he wrote.

In 1947, India became an independent nation, and that same year, it voted against the United Nations Partition Plan of Palestine into the Jewish state of Israel and the state of Palestine, comprising Palestinian Arabs. According to the book, Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Volume 5, the first Indian prime ministers sister, Vijaylaxmi Pandit, who was Indias envoy to the UN, received death threats to pressure New Delhi to vote in favour of the division. But the Nehru government did not buckle.

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Instead, India, erstwhile Yugoslavia and Iran advocated for a single federated state with  per Nehru  the largest possible autonomy to respected regions where the Jews and Arabs are in majority.

We have maintained that Palestine should be independent and free from the control of any single power; that no solution can be lasting unless it is based on the consent of both Arabs and Jews; and no lasting solution is possible which is imposed and maintained by force, Nehru said in 1948.

In 1949, India also voted against Israels UN membership.





1950s: India recognises Israel, but refuses to set up diplomatic ties

But Israel was keen for recognition and sent many envoys to meet Indian officials.

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Renowned scientist Albert Einstein was among those nudged by Israel to help convince India to recognise the Jewish nation.

In a letter to Nehru in June 1947, Einstein told him to end the rivalries of power politics and the egotism of petty nationalist appetites and support the glorious renaissance which has begun in Palestine.

At the time, Nehru was not convinced, but eventually, on September 17, 1950, India recognised Israel. We would have [recognised] long ago, because Israel is a fact. We refrained because of our desire not to offend the sentiments of our friends in the Arab countries, Nehru said, post recognition.

However, India steered clear of establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. For four decades to follow, India even forbade the use of its passport for travel to Israel.

1960s: Pro-Palestinian, with an opening for Israel

Indias political and diplomatic sympathies continued to lie firmly behind the Palestinian cause. In May 1960, Nehru visited UN troops stationed in Gaza.

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But when war broke out between India and China in 1962, then Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion wrote to Nehru, offering his sympathies and weapons.

India accepted Israeli weapons and munitions, but requested that the ships supplying them not bear Israeli flags, so as not to antagonise New Delhis Arab allies. These details have been revealed in documents held in archives in Jerusalem, and India has not disputed them. This marked the beginning of a decades-long covert relationship between India and Israel.

Israel again supplied India with munitions during its 1965 war against Pakistan.

1970s: Secret Israeli weapons and a historic Palestinian recognition

As tensions between India and Pakistan spiked in 1971, DN Chatterjee, Indias ambassador to France, wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs, advocating for New Delhi to seek Israeli assistance.

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The then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, accepted the proposal, scholar Srinath Raghavan wrote in his book, 1971. Through Indias external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the country began the process of procuring Israeli arms via Liechtenstein.

Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir wrote to Indira, seeking diplomatic recognition for Israel in return, but India demurred.

Instead, despite the military help it had sought and received from Israel, India grew even closer to the Palestinian movement diplomatically through the 1970s. In 1974, it became the first non-Arab country to recognise the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. The following year, the PLO opened an office in India. Thousands of Palestinian students came to India for their higher studies.

1980s: My sister and a planned attack on a nuclear facility

By the 1980s, Indias relations with Palestine and Israel had fallen into a familiar pattern. New Delhi overtly, loudly declared its support for the Palestinian cause, and PLO leader Yasser Arafat made frequent visits to the country. But covertly, Israel and India had established security ties.

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In 1983, when Arafat visited India for a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, he described Indira, the prime minister, as his sister, underscoring the personal and nation-to-nation affinity that existed at the time between India and Palestine.

But the early 1980s also saw Israel propose to India a joint operation to attack a Pakistani nuclear facility, which New Delhi turned down.

In 1988, India became among the worlds first non-Arab nations to recognise Palestinian statehood.

1990s: India and Israel establish diplomatic ties

With the Cold War over and a unipolar world emerging, India adjusted several of its diplomatic positions. Domestically, India opened up its economy starting in 1991. Externally, it reached out to the United States and, in January 1992, turned its long-hidden relationship with Israel into the establishment of formal diplomatic ties.

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In a September 2022 report for the Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation, retired Indian diplomat Navdeep Suri wrote that New Delhi took decades to establish diplomatic ties with Israel because of Indias support for anti-colonial movements and its close ties with Arab countries.

In fact, Indias prime minister in 1992, PV Narasimha Rao, announced the decision to set up diplomatic ties with Israel just weeks after Arafat had visited New Delhi and said he would respect Indias decision on the matter.

India and Israel set up their embassies in Tel Aviv and New Delhi, respectively.

In 1999, Israel helped India during the Kargil war when its troops were trying to force out Pakistans military and Kashmiri rebels who had occupied strategic positions on the Indian side of the de facto border between them, known as the Line of Control or LoC. Israel aided India militarily by supplying laser-guided bomb kits and missiles.

2014 onwards: An open embrace

In the early 2000s, India became one of Israels largest buyers of defence equipment.

But in 2014, when Modi came to power, Indias ties with Israel witnessed a sharp upturn; the hesitancy of the past was shed once and for all.

Under the Modi government in 2015, Indias president at the time, Pranab Mukherjee, became the first Indian president to visit Israel, seeking to strengthen bilateral economic and defence ties.

In July 2017, Modi visited Israel, becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit the country. During that visit, according to Indian media reports, Modi and Netanyahu said they visualised that the two countries will become close partners in development, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, defence and security. A year later, in January 2018, Netanyahu also visited New Delhi.

In 2021, under Modi, the Indian Air Force participated in a multilateral air force exercise called Blue Flag-2021 in Israel. Israeli defence companies like Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have also established partnerships with Indian firms, such as Adani Group and Tata Advanced Systems.

Trade relations between the two nations have also strengthened under the Modi government. India is currently Israels second-largest trading partner in Asia, after China. According to Indias Ministry of External Affairs, trade jumped from $200m in 1992 to $6.5bn in 2024.

Indias main exports to Israel include pearls, precious stones, automotive diesel, chemicals, machinery, and electrical equipment, among others, while imports include petroleum, chemical machinery and transport equipment, etc. The two countries also signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) last September.

At a time when many Western countries, including allies of Israel, have sanctioned far-right members of Netanyahus cabinet, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, these ministers have been welcomed in India.

Israeli companies have also sought to hire more employees from India in recent years. After Israel suspended work permits for thousands of Palestinians following the October 2023 attack by Hamas and other Palestinian groups, Israel hired thousands of Indians to work in their place.

Meanwhile, India has been a tourist destination for Israelis, with many of them holidaying in the country after serving their mandatory time in the Israeli army.

Kfir Tshuva, a lecturer in economics at the Ramat Gan Academic College in Israel, said, under Modi, India and Israels relationship has become more visible and politically open.

However, he noted that Indias approach in the Middle East was also one of strategic balancing  in which New Delhi maintains separate and independent relationships with multiple actors that may have conflicting interests, rather than framing its policy as a zero-sum choice.

This allows India to deepen cooperation with Israel in areas such as defence, technology and economic integration, while also sustaining diplomatic engagement with the Palestinian leadership and strong ties with Arab states, he said.

Modis visit to Israel [next week] should therefore be understood within this broader strategic calculus. It reflects New Delhis effort to integrate stronger bilateral cooperation with Israel into its wider regional strategy without undermining its commitment to peace, its support for a two-state solution, or its substantive relationships with Arab partners, he added.

Kadira Pethiyagoda, author and geopolitical strategist, told Al Jazeera that there are currently multiple countervailing forces at play.

On one hand, Indias short-term interests are advanced by defence trade and investment, and remittances from Israel; on the other, Indias long-term goal of becoming a great power with a strategic footprint in the Middle East, invariably involves reducing US regional hegemony, he said.

This requires that Israel is balanced by other regional powers, like Iran, which have closer ties to India than the US. India would not want to contribute to Israel achieving complete dominance in the Middle East, he noted.

What does this mean for Indias relations with Palestine?

Under Modi, India has officially maintained its support for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel  backing the two-state solution  even as he has embraced more publicly warm ties with Netanyahu.

But India has been cautious in criticising Israels actions on Gaza, even before the genocidal war that began in 2023.

In 2016, India abstained from a UN vote which sought to bring Israel before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its alleged war crimes during its conflict with Gaza in 2014. When Israel began its genocidal war on Gaza, India condemned the humanitarian crisis in the enclave but repeatedly abstained from UN resolutions which called for a ceasefire. In 2024, India also abstained from a UN Human Rights Council resolution which called for an arms embargo on Israel.

India has, however, been critical of Israels actions in the occupied West Bank. Last week, India joined more than 100 nations in condemning Israels recent plans to occupy more territory in the region.

A joint statement issued by the nations rejected all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.

Such measures violate international law, undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region, run counter to the Comprehensive Plan, and jeopardize the prospect of reaching a peace agreement ending the conflict, the statement added.

But India joined that statement only a day after the first batch of 80 countries and organisations signed it, drawing criticism from the domestic opposition.

Modis visit to Israel, too, has drawn condemnation from the opposition Congress party and others, who have accused him of reversing decades of Indian support for the Palestinian cause.

In a post on X after India condemned Israels actions in the occupied West Bank, Congress partys general secretary in charge of communication and media, Jairam Ramesh, said: This is sheer hypocrisy and cynicism since the PM will be going to Israel early next week. If he is really serious  which of course he is not  he should call out his good friend Mr Netanyahu, and publicly express Indias grave concern at what Israel is executing in the occupied West Bank.

Analysts have told Al Jazeera that Modi will likely be highly diplomatic with respect to discussing the Palestine issue during his Israel trip.

According to Pethiyagoda, India has had a fairly unique position among large powers in maintaining cordial ties with both sides in most of the worlds major conflicts.

But the timing of the [Israel] visit, when the US is likely to strike Iran, is not ideal in terms of maintaining this image, he said, referring to soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration has amassed warships and jets close to Iran, in preparation for a potential attack, even as the US and Iran also engage in diplomatic talks.

He added that during his visit, Modi will likely make reference to the Gaza conflict but in a neutral, highly diplomatic way.

Tshuva said beyond Indias engagement with the Palestinian leadership, its ties with Arab states remain strategically significant.

Gulf countries are vital to Indias energy security, trade flows, investment partnerships and the welfare of millions of Indian nationals working in the region, he said.

These economic and geopolitical considerations form an essential part of New Delhis Middle East policy and shape its careful approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, he added.
A total of 1,557 Venezuelan political prisoners have applied for amnesty under a new law introduced on Thursday, the country's National Assembly President has said.

Jorge Rodriguez, brother of Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez and an ally of former President Nicolas Maduro, also said "hundreds" of prisoners had already been released.

Among them is politician Juan Pablo Guanipa, one of several opposition voices to have criticised the law for excluding certain prisoners.

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The US has urged Venezuela to speed up its release of political prisoners since US forces seized Maduro in a raid on 3 January. Venezuela's socialist government has always denied holding political prisoners.

At a news conference on Saturday Jorge Rodriguez said 1,557 release requests were being addressed "immediately" and ultimately the legislation would extend to 11,000 prisoners.

The government first announced days after Maduro's capture, on 8 January, that "a significant number" of prisoners would be freed as a goodwill gesture.

Opposition and human rights groups have said the government under Maduro used detentions of political prisoners to stamp out dissent and silence critics for years.

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These groups have also criticised the new law. One frequently cited criticism is that it would not extend amnesty to those who called for foreign armed intervention in Venezuela, BBC Latin America specialist Luis Fajardo says.

He noted that law professor Juan Carlos Apitz, of the Central University of Venezuela, told CNN Espanol that that part of the amnesty law "has a name and surname". "That paragraph is the Maria Corina Machado paragraph."

It is not clear if the amnesty would actually cover Machado, who won last year's Nobel Peace Prize, Fajardo said.

He added that other controversial aspects of the law include the apparent exclusion from amnesty benefits of dozens of military officers involved in rebellions against the Maduro administration over the years.

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On Saturday, Rodriguez said it is "releases from Zona Seven of El Helicoide that they're handling first".

Those jailed at the infamous prison in Caracas would be released "over the next few hours", he added.

Activists say some family members of those imprisoned in the facility have gone on hunger strike to demand the release of their relatives.

US President Donald Trump said that El Helicoide would be closed after Maduro's capture.

Maduro is awaiting trial in custody in the US alongside his wife Cilia Flores and has pleaded not guilty to drugs and weapons charges, saying that he is a "prisoner of war".
A federal judge told a 61-year-old woman who stole Medicare money meant for her severely disabled son that her case showed a level of cruelty and brutality he'd never seen in typical bank fraud cases.

Before handing down a 17-year federal prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Wesley Hendrix told Judy Terecia Sanchez, that she betrayed her role as the one person who had the duty to care for her son, who was left quadriplegic, blind and bedridden after a shooting in 2009.

Instead, she prioritized money over his wellbeing, subjecting him to prolonged suffering and isolation.

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"You robbed your own son of the very care and protection he needed," Hendrix told her.

He also ordered her to pay the Texas Health and Human Services Commission $227,377 in restitution - the full amount of money she received in the six years she engaged in her fraudulent scheme.

Sentenced on federal bank fraud charge in Lubbock court

Sanchez appeared in court Wednesday, Feb. 18, for a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty in July to a count of bank fraud, which carries a punishment of up to 30 years in prison.

A pre-sentencing report by the U.S. Office of Probation recommended a 78-97 month sentence but advised the court that a heftier punishment was warranted for Sanchez's conduct, which was described as "unusually heinous, cruel and brutal as the evidence showed she neglected her disabled son for profit."

Texas Medicaid fraud investigation

Her charge stems from an investigation by the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

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In December 2014, Sanchez's son was released from the hospital and moved in with his parents, who applied for benefits for home healthcare services that would be provided by a qualified caregiver.

The benefits came from Medicaid but was disbursed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission through Consumer Directed Services in Texas, Inc.

Court records show Sanchez hired a certified nurse aid in April 2015 to care for her son and provided CDS with documentation of the services her son would receive, including bathing, repositioning him in bed to prevent bed sores, eating and hygiene care.

The nurse cared for Sanchez's son for a few weeks and Sanchez provided CDS with timesheets she signed.

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However, the nurse quit shortly after when she disagreed with circumstances related to Frankie's care, the documents state.

Meanwhile, Sanchez continued submitting timesheets to CDS week after week for six years that indicated the nurse continued to care after her son.

CDS would in turn, send paychecks to a post office box registered to Sanchez, who would deposit them in a bank account she created fraudulently using the nurse's information.

"This was a scheme that she perpetrated week after week for six years with callous disregard to the community and to her own son's life," said prosecutor Anne Howe.

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She told the court that having to care for her son should have inspired uncompromising integrity. Instead she exploited him for money.

Court records do not indicate what Sanchez, who was on probation for a 2019 arrest for possessing meth and shoplifting, spent the money on.

The fraud was discovered in August 2021, when paramedics were called to Sanchez's home and found her son alone in the house, covered in pus and wounds that were infected with maggots, his catheter was clogged and breathing tubes caked with saliva, according to descriptions discussed in court.

Howe quoted one of the responding paramedics who said she had never seen a living body in that state in her nine years on the job.

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Frank Sanchez Jr. died Sept. 29, 2021.

Investigators believe Sanchez left her son alone for at least three days.

"She lied for financial gain and capitalized on her son's profound suffering," Howe said.

She argued to the court that Sanchez deserved a significant sentence for her actions that left her son in misery but also took money away from a program meant to be a lifeline for severely disabled people.

"Every fraudulent dollar paid out to her diverted the money from a legitimate cost," she said. "A light sentence is an incentive (for other people) not to comply with regulations."

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She read a victim-impact statement from Texas Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General Raymond Charles Winter, who asked for a sentence that sends a message to the state that depriving someone of medical services paid for by taxpayers would not be tolerated.

Sanchez's attorney, Kristen Ayers, asked the court to consider medical records that reflected periods of time when Sanchez provided excellent care for her son. She also argued that multiple health care providers with whom she consulted had contrary views about the level of care Sanchez's son received while he was in her care.

She said the restitution Sanchez was ordered to pay back should be reduced to include the care she provided her son.

However, Hendrix rejected the argument saying the money Sanchez stole came from a program that required a qualified healthcare provider, which she was not.

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"Your son was left rotting away in a state that is hard to imagine," he told her.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock mom to prison federal bank fraud charge linked to disabled son
UPDATE: N.J. school closings, delayed openings due to snow, blizzard conditions

Get ready to fire up your snowblowers.

A monster snowstorm thats expected to turn into a rare widespread blizzard in New Jersey will be ramping up Sunday afternoon and Sunday night, with powerful winds and huge amounts of snow, according to weather forecasters across the region.

While anticipated snowfall totals for different regions of the state may vary a bit from forecaster to forecaster, everyone seems to be in agreement that this will be a blockbuster storm.

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Some forecasters are predicting as much as 26 to 30 inches of snow could pile up along parts of the Jersey Shore or in other areas of the state where very heavy bands of snow develop.

Heres a look at the latest snow forecasts, as of Sunday morning.

Forecasters from AccuWeather are predicting a widespread 12 to 18 inches of snow across New Jersey, with swaths of 18 to 24 inches in Monmouth County, northern Ocean County and parts of Burlington County.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

National Weather Service - N.J. office

Forecasters from the National Weather Service forecast office in Mount Holly, which covers most of New Jersey, are predicting a major, potentially historic winter storm with very heavy, crippling snowfall and areas of blizzard conditions.

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The agency is calling for widespread snow totals of 18 to 24 inches, with the highest accumulations  possibly as much as 24 to 30 inches  likely in the northern Jersey Shore region.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

National Weather Service - N.Y. office

The National Weather Services New York office, which issues forecasts for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties, is calling for 18 to 20 inches of snow across most of northeastern New Jersey and New York City, and about 24 inches of snow in Passaic County.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

Joe Martucci, a New Jersey meteorologist at Cup A Joe Weather, is predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow across most of the state, 7 to 12 inches of snow in northwestern New Jersey and in coastal Cape May County, and 18 to 26 inches of snow in Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

NY NJ PA Weather - Steven DiMartino

Steven DiMartino, a meteorologist who runs the NY NJ PA Weather forecasting company, is predicting a wide swath of 12 to 16 inches of snow in New Jersey, and 14 to 20 inches of snow across most of the Jersey Shore region.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

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Meteorologists from News 12 New Jersey are calling for 12 to 18 inches of snow in most areas of New Jersey, but as much as 18 to 24 inches of snow across most of Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic counties.

Watch

Dan Zarrow, chief meteorologist for NJ 101.5 FM radio and the Townsquare New Jersey Weather Network, is predicting 8 to 12 inches of snow across most of northern and north-central New Jersey, 12 to 18 inches of snow in most of South Jersey, and 18 to 24 inches across most of the Jersey Shore.

ABC7 News in New York

Forecasters from ABC7 in New York are calling for 12 to 18 inches of snow across most of New Jersey, and 18 to 24 inches  possibly even more than that  in most areas of Monmouth and Ocean counties.

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6ABC News in Philadelphia

Forecasters from 6abc in Philadelphia are predicting 8 to 12 inches of snow for most areas of New Jersey, and 12 to 18 inches of snow for most of the Jersey Shore.

Watch

Fox29 News in Philadelphia

Forecasters from Fox29 in Philadelphia are predicting 8 to 12 inches of snow across the Philly metro region and western New Jersey, and 12 to 18 inches of snow across most of the Jersey Shore.

Watch

PIX11 News - New York

Forecasters from PIX11 News in New York are calling for 12 to 20 inches of snow across most of New Jersey and the New York City metro area, and isolated areas of 24 inches or more.

Watch

Current weather radar

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
New York City's boroughs are forecast to get up to two feet of snow between Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23, from a blizzard that may break some snowfall records.

The National Weather Service is forecasting snow accumulations of at least 20 inches in several locations, including Manhattan, Coney Island and Kennedy Airport. Similar to what is expected in nearby New Jersey.

A man walks along President Street, Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, as snow falls in Passaic. A woman holds an umbrella as snow falls Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, as snow falls in Passaic. A woman heads to a laundromat as another pedestrian gets ready to open an umbrella as snow falls, Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, in Passaic. A man walks along President Street holding an umbrella to as snow begins to fall, Sunday morning, February 22, 2026. Snow from a January storm still sits on the sidewalk. Blizzard of '26 begins in New Jersey 1 of 4 A man walks along President Street, Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, as snow falls in Passaic.

This exceeds the forecast from Feb. 21, which showed the Metro New York area would get about 9 inches.

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The predicted snowfall for the New York City area as of 4 p.m. on Feb. 22:

Coney Island: 22 inches

Crown Heights: 21 inches

East Tremont: 19 inches

Flatbush: 22 inches

Flushing: 21 inches

Jamaica: 22 inches

New York City: 20 inches

Rockaway Beach: 23 inches

Tottenville: 22 inches

Washington Heights: 19 inches

JFK Airport: 23 inches

LaGuardia Airport: 20 inches

Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com

Twitter/X: @ricardokaul

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How much snow will NYC get? Updated blizzard inch count predictions
Illinois State Police are investigating an expressway shooting that hurt multiple people on Sunday.

The shooting happened at about 1 a.m., police confirmed multiple people were injured.

A car riddled with bullets was seen outside Comer Children's Hospital.

ISP confirmed there were multiple injuries.

All inbound lanes of I-57 reopened just before 7 a.m. ISP said.

No other information was available.

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With a blizzard bearing down on New Jersey and forecasts calling for a foot or more of snow and dangerous winds, students are likely betting  and hoping  that schools will be closed Monday, if not longer.

That will only shorten their spring breaks or extend their school year further into June because state law prevents school districts in New Jersey from switching to remote learning on days when snow or other factors make it difficult or impossible for students and teachers to get to class.

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School districts must instead announce either a delayed opening or a full snow day, giving teachers and students a day off.

Under state law, New Jersey public school students must be in classrooms for the day to be counted toward the minimum 180 days of instruction that are required. So, learning from home via video or doing remote schoolwork on laptops would not count as a school day under New Jerseys rules.

However, the law includes an exception that was used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote learning may be offered when schools are closed more than three consecutive school days due to a declared state of emergency or a public health emergency, said state Department of Education spokesperson Michael Yaple.

Any proposal to change the statute would need to be determined by the Legislature, Yaple said.

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Snow projections continue to rise for a potentially historic storm expected to paralyze New Jersey with widespread snowfall totals of 12 to 24+ inches today into Monday.

Blizzard warnings have expanded to the entire state with up to 60 mph winds, whiteout conditions and power outages possible.

Life-threatening travel is expected and crippling impacts to infrastructure could last beyond Monday, the National Weather Service warned.

New Jersey schools faced numerous days of delays and cancellations during last months snowstorm that also brought below freezing temperatures.

Other states have more flexible rules on allowing schools to offer remote classes in bad weather.

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In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani ruled out a snow day for New York City students last month. For this storm, however, kids will get the day off.

No online school, no remote learning. Full classic snow day, Mamdani told New York City students on Sunday.

Some New Jersey educators have sought for years, even prior to the pandemic, to loosen the states restrictions on remote learning. Efforts to change New Jerseys law date back to at least 2015, when the Bergen County Association of School Administrators first endorsed learning from home as an option.

In 2016 and 2018, then-Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen, introduced legislation that would permit up to three days of virtual instruction when schools close due to weather or other emergencies.

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Neither bill came up for a vote.

A similar bill was introduced in the state Legislature in 2024, but did not come up for a vote before the legislative session ended last week. The proposed law would have allowed New Jersey schools to offer remote classes for one or more school days due to inclement weather or hazardous transportation conditions.

Richard Bozza, executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, has offered support for allowing remote learning when it snows or due to problems unrelated to weather, such as a malfunctioning boiler.

Its hard to understand, post-pandemic, why this hasnt moved. It makes absolutely perfect sense, Bozza told NJ Advance Media in 2024.

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The New Jersey Education Association, the states largest teachers union, has not taken a position on changing the law to allow remote learning on snow days, spokesperson Steve Baker said Friday.

Some school districts have also pushed for New Jersey to make exceptions to the limits on remote learning.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Abdellatif Hafraoui sits at a small dining table in the Bayonne apartment he shares with his wife, Sandra, sipping his morning coffee  a ritual unchanged over their 15 years of marriage.

Since August, however, that routine has been shadowed by months in ICE detention and the black ankle monitor now strapped around his leg.

The couple paid a $15,000 bond for his release just before Thanksgiving. Abdellatif spent 108 days detained  from Aug. 11 to Nov. 26  after ICE agents arrested him at Newark Liberty International Airport. His Moroccan passport remains in government custody while his immigration case proceeds.

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I would like to go back to work, to feel normal again, Abdellatif, 60, said. To have my life back without all this fear and uncertainty.

As of late December, 70,805 people were in ICE detention nationwide, according to USAFacts, a nonprofit that compiles government data. Various reports have found that only a small percentage of detainees have criminal records.

Immigration attorneys say many detainees, like Abdellatif, have longstanding ties to the United States and are caught in years-old removal orders triggered by missed court dates or paperwork errors.

Abdellatif is among those detained despite having no criminal record.

Abellatif Hafraoui was nearly deported despite a pending case

ICE comes for Latif

The Hafraouis were headed to Fort Myers, Florida, for a two-week getawaytheir first time away in years.

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They never made it past the terminal.

As they prepared to board their early-morning flight at Newark, three men in plain clothes and a woman wearing a lanyard with a badge approached them. The woman identified herself as an ICE agent. Moments later, Abdellatif was handcuffed.

He had dressed for warm weather  T-shirt, shorts and sandals.

Agents shuffled him into an unmarked van and drove away without telling Sandra Hafraoui, 53, where he was going.

They looked at him and said his status is unclear, Sandra said. Youre going with us. Then the lady pointed at me and said, You dont want to make a scene here.

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The van disappeared. Sandra was left standing in the terminal with their luggage.

An airport employee saw her break down in the nearly empty baggage claim area and brought her a bottle of water. It was a small kindness she hasnt forgotten.

The couple had planned to meet Monica Nunez, 52, and her husband, Richard Nunez, 54, who had flown in from California. Monica was on a connecting flight when she switched off airplane mode and saw Sandras frantic messages.

She was huffing and puffing, saying ICE had taken Latif, Nunez said. My stomach dropped. I looked at my husband and said, Lets reroute our trip. There was no vacation.

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Most of the expenses were nonrefundable  flights, an Airbnb rental, car reservations. Thousands of dollars were lost.

It wasnt just the money, Sandra said. It was everything we put into it.

While in New Jersey, the Nunezes helped Sandra gather paperwork for an attorney and agreed to serve as co-sponsors in Abdellatifs case.

To be a co-sponsor, you have to prove he wont be a burden on society, Nunez said. We had to show our income, our bank accounts, any property we own  everything. Its a lot of personal information. But we filled out the paperwork and submitted the documents because we werent going to let him face this alone.

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Sandra served as Abdellatifs primary sponsor.

Abdellatif Hafraoui has known his wife for 20 years

Life before detention

Abdellatif arrived in the United States at 22.

He has now lived in here for more than 38 years  longer than he lived in Morocco.

Im American. I actually dont know anything thats going on in Morocco.

He was drawn by images of prosperity he saw in Hollywood films.

When I was a kid, I used to watch American movies, he said. Thats what attracted me to come here.

Sandra remembers him telling her about an episode of the iconic television show, Dallas. In a scene, a character tipped a gas station attendant $50. He told her he just sat there calculating how much that was in Moroccan money.

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Years later, he had built a life here.

Before his arrest, Abdellatif worked as a concierge in a Midtown Manhattan residential building for nearly two decades. He had previously been sponsored by an employer and held valid work permits for several years. After marrying Sandra in 2011, his authorization was renewed under a spousal petition while he pursued permanent residency.

More than a decade ago, before their marriage, Abdellatif hired attorney Earl Seth David to file naturalization paperwork. David failed to notify him of a scheduled immigration court hearing. When Abdellatif did not appear, a deportation order was issued in absentia.

David was later convicted in federal court for running a large immigration fraud scheme and sentenced to five years in prison.

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Unaware of the missed court date, Abdellatif continued renewing work authorization and later filed a Form I-130  Petition for Alien Relative  after marrying Sandra.

Because the prior deportation order remained active, ICE later moved to enforce it.

The Hafraouis thought Trump was going after criminals

Political reckoning

The arrest forced Sandra to reconsider assumptions she had long held about immigration enforcement.

To think we were MAGA!, Sandra proclaimed. The couple even attended a Trump rally in Las Vegas in 2020.

Sandra voted for President Trump three times, believing enforcement would focus on people with criminal records  not individuals like her husband.

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Asked what she would say to him now, she paused.

You said you were going after the worst of the worst, but instead you ruined our life, she said.

After weeks in detention centers, this man is not fully free

A detainees experience

Abdellatif was first taken to the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, where he was fingerprinted, photographed and issued a blue jumpsuit.

Days blurred quickly.

Visiting proved difficult. Instructions were unclear, and volunteers outside the facility helped Sandra navigate the process.

During one visit, Abdellatif reached over to brush crumbs from her sleeve. A guard intervened, shouting obscenities and threatening to end the visit.

There was no compassion, Sandra said. Just constant humiliation.

Solitary confinement

About two and a half weeks after his arrest, Abdellatif said officers pressured him to board a commercial flight and sign away his rights.

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They told me if I didnt get on the flight, I would be punished, he said.

He refused.

The punishment was 10 days in solitary confinement.

After that, he was transferred out of statefirst to Louisiana and later to Arizona moves Sandra struggled to track.

On one charter flight, he said shackled detainees who became ill struggled to reach the bathroom.

The smell filled the plane, he said. People were vomiting. You couldnt move.

Weeks later, he was again placed on a charter flightthis time scheduled to deport him to Morocco, even though his case was still pending review in New Jersey.

That same morning, a New Jersey immigration judge overturned the prior deportation order.

Abdellatif was removed from the plane.

Contacting congress

The Hafraouis are represented by U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-8th Dist.

In this instance, it was both ICE and USCIS that we were engaging with to determine where he was, Menendez said. He was moved several times, and I think thats a purposeful decision this administration has madeto make it hard to track individuals and for attorneys to have access to their clients.

After additional pressure from Menendezs office, Abdellatif was transferred back to New Jersey and later released on bond.

After weeks in detention centers, this man is not fully free

Living in limbo

Since his release, Abdellatif has been required to attend ICE check-ins and live under electronic monitoring. He cannot return to work.

In addition to the $15,000 bond, the couple estimates they have spent about $50,000 in legal fees to date, draining savings built over decades. They have launched a GoFundMe to help cover ongoing costs.

We just want to be treated like people with rights, Sandra said. Not as problems to be managed.

They still hope to take that beach vacation one day.

Next time we take a trip, she said, well be driving right past the airport.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It has been exactly three weeks since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. Law enforcement continues to pursue thousands of leads in the search for the 84-year-old Tucson, Arizona resident, who is presumed kidnapped.

Authorities have struggled to come up with a motive for someone abducting Guthrie. Now, a former FBI agent has shared his own possible theory on what motivated the suspected perpetrator.

'Personal grievance' a possibility

Jonny Grusing, a 25-year veteran of the FBI's Denver Division, spoke with Fox News Digital this weekend regarding Guthrie's case.

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Going off public information only, the longtime investigator and published author hypothesized that an unknown "personal grievance" may be the explanation for the kidnapping of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother.

"It's hard to be an expert in human behavior because it's so unique to that person," said Grusing.

"You know, I'm just trying to use the experiences of different cases and trying to apply any sort of logic to this in the hopes that someone from the public who has thought it might be someone they know whether it's his family or whether now it's a coworker or friend or associate or whatever, to put that one puzzle piece together that says, 'Yes, and now I think it could be him.'"

What evidence led Grusing to this theory?

Grusing cited a number of factors, including the actions of the subject in the surveillance video released by the FBI earlier this month.

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"The first thing he does is with his glove, and with his glove, it doesn't look like he's trying to take [the camera] off," Grusing said. "It looks like he's trying to cover it with his right hand.And then he looks down, he looks around, and he gets the branches, and he puts the branches up in front of it."

"Is there a chance, since we don't have audio, that he is either knocking on the door loudly or that he has pressed the ring doorbell, [that] he's trying to get Nancy to answer the door, and he's shielding himself from being seen as a masked person, so she will, in her confusion, open the door?" Grusing continued.

If this is the case, Grusing said the situation would not fit the home robbery gone wrong theory, since the suspect seemingly wanted to lure Nancy Guthrie onto the porch for a confrontation.

Grusing also said kidnapping for ransom seems unlikely since none of the ransom notes were sent directly to the Guthrie family.

Guthrie latest: DNA testing hits possible snag

On Saturday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos issued an update on DNA found in Nancy's home, calling it "mixed," meaning there is material from more than one individual.

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This makes DNA testing more difficult when entering the findings through national databases.

Our lab tells us that theres challenges with it, Nanos said before reiterating that "we're not quitting" and his department remains steadfast in locating Nancy, who was last seen on Jan. 31.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Department of Homeland Security says a Nashville plumber arrested by ICE Feb. 17 did not present a driver's license and had two previous arrests for driving without a license.

Both those arrests were dismissed, according to Nashville's criminal court records.

The DHS statement comes amid an outpouring of support for Juan Martin Espindola Ramirez, 27, who has been in ICE custody since his arrest on Nolensville Pike in South Nashville. As of Feb. 22, a GoFundMe page has raised about $9,000 on behalf of Espindola, who has two sons, one of them a newborn, at home with his partner Juana Bautista, and towards his legal defense.

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According to Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Criminal Court records, Espindola was arrested May 5, 1998 on a charge of driving without a license. On July 27, 1998, that case was dismissed. Espindola was arrested again on another charge of driving without a license on Feb. 4, 2019, and the case was dismissed May 2, 2019, records show.

What did the Department of Homeland Security say about Juan Espindola's arrest?

On Feb. 21, DHS released a statement in response to a post by NewsChannel 5, which first reported Espindola's arrest:

"On February 17, ICE arrested Juan Espindola-Ramirez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico. During a vehicle stop, Espindola-Ramirez refused to exit his vehicle when officers requested him to do so. ICE officers removed him from his vehicle. During the stop, he continued to resist arrest and attempted to run away from officers. ICE safely took Espindola-Ramirez into custody.

"Espindola-Ramirez did NOT present any form of a driver license during the encounter. He has two previous arrests in 2018 and 2019 by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department for driving without a license. He will receive full due process and remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

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"He was granted work authorization by the Biden administration. To be clear work authorization does not confer any legal status in this country."

Protesters gather at the corner of Nolensville Pike and Harding Place on May 17 to protest the recent ICE immigration enforcement operations that have resulted in the arrest of nearly 200 immigrants in Nashville.

Espindola and his family says he has no criminal background and showed his documentation

Espindola told NewsChannel 5 he has a driver's license and work permit. He said he was born in Mexico and has been in the United States for 10 years. He said he was the victim of a crime, and was given a U visa, which is for people who help police prosecute criminals. Espindola said he hired an attorney and applied for a green card.

He is still waiting for his green card.

Victoria Villanueva, who is Bautista's sister, wrote on the GoFundMe page: "Juan Martin Espindola Ramirez is a devoted husband, father, and my brother-in-law. He has always worked hard to provide for his family, including his wife Juana Bautista and their two sons, the youngest being a 10-day-old newborn. Everything he ever does is for his family. Martin has zero criminal background and has always followed the law. Despite being here legally and showing his documentation, Martin was recently forcibly and wrongfully detained by ICE. ICE broke the windows to his van to get to him, showing no regard for his rights or the well-being of his family."

Where is Juan Martin Espindola now?

In an update on the GoFundMe Page, Bautista says Espindola arrived Friday in Louisiana where ICE has several detention centers.

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In their statement ICE said Espindola "will receive full due process and remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: As Nashville father's ICE arrest spurs support, DHS issues statement
To say North Carolina is a state of weather extremes is to put it mildly.

The mountains could see up to a half-foot of snow and wind chills in the single digits this weekend, while Charlotte set a record Friday for its highest temperature ever in February, according to the National Weather Service.

Fridays 83-degree high in the Queen City broke the 82-degree mark for February set in 2018, NWS meteorologists said.

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A rainy cold front barreling into the state Saturday is forecast to return reality to Charlotte, plummeting highs by 30 degrees, according to the NWS forecast.

Throughout Sunday in the mountains, 1-3 inches of snow are likely across the counties bordering Tennessee, with isolated accumulations of 3-6 inches above 3,500 feet, according to an NWS hazardous weather outlook bulletin.

Very windy and cold conditions Sunday night will lead to widespread wind chill values in the single digits across the mountains, NWS forecasters said on X.

Sub-zero wind chill values expected for elevations above 4000 feet, according to the NWS. Wind chill values will be in the teens and single digits again Monday night.

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Cold weather shelters will operate Sunday in Asheville, emergency officials said. A low of 20 is expected with snow showers and blustery winds, the forecast showed.

The hottest day ever in the month of February in Charlotte today. Are we sure the Ground Hog saw its shadow? pic.twitter.com/Vnw8bKxlHB  NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) February 20, 2026

Charlotte forecast

Highs in Charlotte are expected to drop from 62 on Saturday to 52 on Sunday and 44 on Monday, the forecast showed. Highs should rebound to 50 on Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday, 64 on Thursday and 62 on Friday, according to the NWS.

Charlotte has a 70% chance of rain late Saturday and early Sunday, with a 10th to a quarter-inch possibly falling, the forecast showed. Skies should gradually clear later Sunday morning.

Monday and Tuesday should be mostly sunny and Tuesday partly sunny, with rain likely on Thursday, NWS forecasters said.
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AP)  Over and over, the Republicans and former Republicans who gathered just outside Washington this weekend warned that President Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are tearing at the very fabric of American democracy.

A former congressman described the president's party as an authoritarian-embracing cult. A prominent conservative writer said Trumpism is an "existential threat." And a retired Army general, his voice shaking with emotion, cited post-Nazi Germany as a roadmap for the nation's post-Trump recovery.

It's unclear how many people are listening.

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The main convention hall at the sixth annual Principles First summit on Saturday and Sunday was half empty. About 750 chairs were set up in a room that could have fit thousands, and many were unfilled. Not a single current Republican elected official participated in the two-day program.

This is what remains of the Grand Old Partys Never Trump movement, a coalition of Republicans, former Republicans and independents who banded together as Trump consolidated power. They largely remain political exiles  not quite at home among Democrats yet disgusted by how the president has abandoned Republicans' longstanding commitments to free trade and limited government.

John McDowell, 69, who was a lifelong Republican before Trumps emergence, acknowledged that the diminished group had virtually zero political clout within his former party.

Its just a fact. Were losing good people, said McDowell, a former Capitol Hill staffer and county Republican official from San Carlos, California. The party is becoming more and more MAGA-fied.

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White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed all the criticism from what she called a bunch of deranged has-been politicians.

The only people who will pay attention to this event are the journalists who are forced to cover it, she said.

Virtually everyone who gathered at the hotel in National Harbor, Maryland, said they are rooting for Democratic victories in this fall's midterm elections. One of the only Democrats there was Conor Lamb, a former congressman from Pennsylvania who lost his party's primary to John Fetterman four years ago.

Despite dire concerns, there was a slight sense of optimism among the half-empty convention hall and quiet hotel hallways.

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Several people cheered last weeks Supreme Court decision to strike down Trumps tariffs, the economic tool he has wielded without congressional approval in his attempt to force friends and foes around the globe to bend to his will. Trump insisted he would implement a new round of tariffs despite the ruling.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a former Trump adviser, highlighted recent AP-NORC polling showing that 1 in 4 Republicans nationwide do not approve of Trump's job performance.

Its like any show thats on TV for a long time  the ratings start to go down. And the ratings are going down, Christie said. I am willing to bet you that by next February, this room is going to be twice the size of what it is now. After the midterms, you watch.

Ex-MAGA diehard Rich Logis, wearing a red I left MAGA hat, hopes to see an electoral revolt against MAGA in the midterms.

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I think theres a shift in our country right now," he said. "It happens slowly."

Logis was promoting support groups for friends and family of Trump loyalists at a table outside the convention hall. Nearby, someone was selling books about how to escape cults.

At the podium, former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh implored Trump's critics not to downplay the seriousness of the threat the president poses to the nation.

Hes everything our founders feared. Say it. Believe it, Walsh said. He said his former party is an authoritarian-embracing cult" and "a threat to everything I love.

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Retired Gen. Mark Hertling, who once commanded the U.S. Army's European forces, said he's haunted by allies who ask him whether American institutions ever can be trusted again.

Our nation's institutions have been shaken. Our alliances have been strained. Our credibility has been damaged. And our nations values have been cast aside, Hertling said. He suggested the U.S. should look to the reconstruction of Germany after the defeat of Nazism if it hoped to to restore the damage caused by Trump and his allies.

The nation's recovery, he said as his voiced cracked, would be something people have to earn over many years.

Bill Kristol, who worked in previous Republican administrations and helped found the Weekly Standard magazine, described Trump and his Republican supporters in Congress as an existential threat to the nation. But he was also optimistic about the upcoming midterm elections.

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Kristol said Democrats are almost certain to win the House, could possibly win the Senate, and have a good chance to win the presidency in 2028.

Brittany Martinez, executive director of the host organization Principles First, also tried to cast an optimistic tone, even after describing the many reasons why she couldn't bear to continue her career as a Republican staffer on Capitol Hill.

I hope that Republicans continue to wake up, she said. I do think that those folks exist. And I hope that they exist in greater numbers.




All nine bodies of those killed in California's deadliest known avalanche have been recovered, according to officials with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.

In a press conference, Dennis Haack, a lieutenant at the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, confirmed that the deceased victims were removed from the area via helicopter over two days.

Haack also gave more information about what occurred during the avalanche. "My understanding is that there was initially two individuals that were towards the rear that were not initially swept away in the avalanche," he said. "Everybody that was located at the bottom of the fall was in close proximity."

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Intense snow and wind in the area in the days after the avalanche made it difficult for search and rescue personnel to return to the site after the initial rescue of six survivors on Tuesday.

On Friday, helicopters were used to check the scene from the air and perform avalanche mitigation measures before members of the California Highway Patrol search and rescue team entered the area. The search and rescue team were able to locate the last missing person and remove five of the bodies from the area. The final four bodies were removed from the area Saturday.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office also released the names of the victims, including the three Blackbird Mountain Guides, which had not been made public. The guides who perished were identified as 32-year-old Andrew Alissandratos of Verdi, Nevada, 42-year-old Nicole Chu of South Lake Tahoe and 30-year-old Michael Henry of Tampa, Florida.

More News

- Founder of tour company speaks out on deadly Tahoe avalanche

- Bay Area man dies at Tahoe ski resort after collision

- Missing child's partial remains found in California desert

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This article originally published at All nine bodies recovered after fatal avalanche near Lake Tahoe.
Denmark and its territory Greenland on Sunday rejected Donald Trump's offer to send a naval hospital ship to the Arctic island coveted by the US leader.

A day earlier, Trump said he was sending "a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there".

But Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who heads the autonomous territory's government, wrote on his Facebook page: "That will be 'no thanks' from us."

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"President Trump's idea to send a US hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens," he said.

"This is not the case in the United States, where going to the doctor costs money."

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen likewise told Danish broadcaster DR: "The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialised treatment, they receive it in Denmark."

He added: "It's not as if there's a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland."

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On the day that Trump made his proposal, Danish forces evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland's capital Nuuk after the sailor requested urgent medical attention.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command said in a post on Facebook that the crew member was flown to a hospital in Nuuk after an unspecified medical emergency on board the vessel.

- AI-generated hospital ship -

In Greenland, as in Denmark, access to healthcare is free for citizens. There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the one in the capital Nuuk serving patients from all over the territory.

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Without explicitly mentioning the US proposal, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was "happy to live in a country where access to healthcare is free and equal for all. Where insurance or wealth does not determine whether one receives dignified treatment".

Trump, in his Truth Social message on Saturday about the hospital ship, posted an AI-generated image of a US Navy medical vessel, USNS Mercy.

"It's on the way!!!" he added.

It was not immediately clear if that meant he was deploying that ship to Greenland.

The US president indicated the deployment was being carried out in coordination with Jeff Landry, appointed in December as the US Special Envoy to the Arctic island.

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Aaja Chemnitz, who represents Greenland in the Danish Parliament, wrote on Facebook that, while Greenland's health system had its share of problems, they were best resolved through cooperation with Denmark.

Denmark, she noted, "is one of the wealthiest and most educated countries, for example in the field of healthcare," contrasting it with "the United States, which has its own healthcare system problems".

Earlier this month, Greenland signed an agreement with Copenhagen to improve the treatment of Greenlandic patients in Danish hospitals.

Denmark's central bank had warned in January that the Arctic island's public finances were under pressure from demographic trends, pointing to its ageing population and shrinking workforce.

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- 'New normal' -

Trump has repeatedly said he believes the United States must control Greenland to ensure US national security.

Earlier threats he made to seize the territory, by force if necessary, have ebbed since he struck a "framework" deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence.

The defence minister, Lund Poulsen, told DR he was not aware of a possible arrival of the suggested US hospital ship.

"Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics," he said.

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Meanwhile, in Nuuk, where a third of the island's 57,000 inhabitants live, people are tired of the US president's repeated jabs.

"I don't care," a man said under sparse, icy snowfall when asked by AFP about Trump's recent remarks, while most people avoided journalists' questions.

cbw/thm/rh/sbk
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said there are no threats to his country's energy security due to a halt in oil supplies through the Druzhba oil pipeline but he has announced three "countermeasures" against Ukraine.

Source: Viktor Orban, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Orban said he convened the National Energy Security Council due to alleged "blackmail from Ukraine".

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He claimed that Kyiv's actions regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline have created risks for the country's energy supply.

"We have eliminated this danger, made appropriate decisions, so today there is no threat to the security of supply in Hungary. Uninterrupted, normal functioning of the country is ensured," Orban said.

Despite this he said that the government will take three "countermeasures" against Ukraine. Hungary will not resume exports of diesel fuel to Ukraine until it receives oil through Ukrainian territory. Budapest is officially refusing to approve the allocation of a military loan to Ukraine that was previously agreed in Brussels. Hungary will also block the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Orban stressed that Budapest will act "carefully" on issues of energy supply on which Ukraine depends on Hungary because ethnic Hungarians live on the other side of the border.

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"If oil transportation is restored then normal relations will be restored," Orban said.

Background: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Ukraine rejects and condemns ultimatums and blackmail from the leadership of the governments of Hungary and Slovakia over the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Trump administration halted disaster aid Sunday to states for long-term rebuilding projects in order to focus on emergency operations as the partial government shutdown enters its second week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is scaling back to bare-minimum, life-saving operations only, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. All non-emergency recovery work is paused.

The funding freeze for projects stemming from past disasters adds a source of uncertainty for states as they navigate the government's shifting system for catastrophe response after President Donald Trump vowed to reduce aid for extreme weather.

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It's also a sign that political acrimony over Trump's immigration crackdown has affected FEMA, which is housed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security. Congressional Democrats have blocked a DHS spending bill over ICE's aggressive tactics.

It's the 11th time since 2003 that FEMA has suspended funding for long-term disaster recovery projects, such as rebuilding public facilities, based on budget constraints.

The latest restriction was unusual because the agency had $7.1 billion available in its disaster fund in late January. Historically, FEMA has waited until the disaster fund drops to about $3 billion before it restricts spending.

FEMA officials told Congress last week that the fund had $9.6 billion, according to a senior congressional aide who was granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations. The fund's balance increased in February because FEMA recovered aid that had been approved but not spent, the aide said.

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On Sunday, Noem said DHS must take emergency measures to preserve limited funds and personnel." The announcement came days after FEMA employee travel was restricted by DHS.

Noem blamed Democrats for the shutdown, which she said forced her to halt the FEMA funding. Noem also suspended two DHS airport programs over the weekend that allowed some travelers to skip long lines at screening checkpoints and at customs entry stations. These actions reflect the reality of operating without appropriations, she said.

Noem, whose department includes the Transportation Security Administration, said she wanted to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers.

The TSA contradicted Noem hours after her announcement and said its PreCheck program at passenger screening checkpoints remains operational with no change for the traveling public.

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That led some Democrats to criticize the administration for politicizing homeland security programs.

These nitwits are at it again, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement, adding that the airport programs REDUCE airport lines and ease the burden on DHS.

Noems decision on FEMA funding will not affect operations at 44 active disaster sites, including those in a dozen Southern states that are recovering from a massive winter storm in late January. Nearly 2,800 disaster specialists were working across the country Sunday, and another 4,400 were available to be deployed, according to a FEMA report.

But the funding restrictions could delay thousands of long-term disaster rebuilding projects. FEMA pays at least 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects. Many states and localities delay or halt work when FEMA stops its payments.

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States and communities will be forced to wait for long-term response work to continue, Gregg Phillips, FEMAs associate administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery, told a House Appropriations subcommittee on Feb. 11.

The FEMA disaster fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities for the foreseeable future, Phillips said in written testimony submitted to the panel. But if a disaster occurred, the fund would be seriously strained.

The funding restriction also threatens to further delay Trump's decisions on granting 14 requests for disaster aid by governors and tribal leaders since Nov. 26.
Blizzard and winter storm warnings have been issued in Massachusetts ahead of a noreaster thats expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding concerns.

The noreaster is expected to move in on Sunday night, tapering off Monday night into Tuesday.

Things really go downhill overnight. Driving is going to be nearly impossible at times on Monday, Boston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf said in her Sunday forecast. Were looking at some heavy bands of snow. Its a heavy, wet snow. Visibility will be limited, down to less than a quarter of a mile. Roads will be slippery. We cant rule out thunder snow from this storm, either.

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Graf added, This is an all-day event.

The rare blizzard warnings, first since January 2022, are in effect across eastern, central, and parts of western Massachusetts.

Blizzard Warning extended to include central and parts of western MA pic.twitter.com/7kcDwkAPs5  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 22, 2026

The storm is expected to dump 1-2 feet of snow across much of the state. Boston and points southward are projected to see the heaviest snowfall, with 18-24 inches.

This is going to be different from that storm we had in January. It was a light, fluffy snow last month. This is heavy and wet. Its tougher to shovel, better for making snowmen.

Worcester County, the Merrimack Valley, and the North Shore are expected to see 12 to 18 inches of snow. Western Massachusetts looks to be in for 8 to 12 inches

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The farther north and west you go, those numbers taper, but were still talking a lot of impactful snowfall, Graff said.

No changes to the snow map from last night. Be prepared for 1-2 feet of snow from this storm. It will be a heavy, wet snow as well -- making it tough to shovel and adding to power outage concerns (also because of stronger wind!) pic.twitter.com/TNSBk4dYDN  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 22, 2026

Power outages will also be a major concern with the heavy, wet snow and strong wind gusts, especially along the coast and in southeastern Massachusetts.

The worst of this will be Monday morning, and then eventually, as that wind eases up later in the day, its not going to be as much of a concern, Graf said. Now is the time to start preparing in case we lose power. Charge those devices.

The Red Cross of Massachusetts also reminded residents to charge devices and make sure enough nonperishable food is on hand, as well as water, pet supplies, and prescription meds.

With a major storm on the way, now is the time to make sure youre ready. Charge devices, make sure you have enough nonperishable food, water, pet supplies and prescription meds. Make copies of important documents, keep an eye on the local news and plan check in on loved ones. pic.twitter.com/qZvJTCK6Xf  RedCrossMA (@RedCrossMA) February 22, 2026

This is going to be a noreaster, a classic one, Boston 25 Meteorologist Tucker Antico said of the storm. So, we have heavy snow, were going to have coastal flooding, mainly on the South Shore and Boston area too. Im most concerned about power outages here because we have this heavy, wet snow and some very strong winds.

Power outages are a top concern in our Monday blizzard. Heavy, wet snow and 50-70 mph gusts will lead to widespread issues. A lack of recent wind events, doesn't help.



Make sure to charge devices ahead of time and have what you need to stay warm if the power goes out   Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 21, 2026

Whiteout conditions are possible at times and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, the National Weather Service of Boston warned.

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A coastal flood warning is also in effect for Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties from Monday afternoon through Monday evening. Eastern Essex, Suffolk, and Eastern Norfolk are under a coastal flood advisory.

We will be dealing with coastal concerns from this storm. Minor coastal flooding, rough seas, and erosion will be issues Monday. Also be aware of ice left behind from our deep freeze is still floating in harbors and could be driven ashore with strong winds and tides. pic.twitter.com/IWAbREJX2w  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 22, 2026

The Boston 25 Weather team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as they develop.

For the latest forecast, visit the Boston 25 Weather page or download the Boston 25 Weather app.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A missing North Carolina mother who vanished in 2001 has been found alive, according to officials.

In a statement, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office announced that Michelle Hundley Smith was located somewhere in North Carolina, adding that the womans "current whereabouts will remain undisclosed per her request.

The woman is not in any danger and doing well, police said, adding that her loved ones have been "notified that she has been located and informed of this request as well."

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Smith, who is now 62, was last seen leaving her Eden home back on December 9, 2001. She reportedly told her husband she was going to a Kmart in Martinsville, Virginia, to do Christmas shopping at the time, but never returned.

Wisconsin Teacher Caught Snorting Cocaine in Kindergarten Bathroom, Left Bloody Tissues Behind

A formal missing person's report was filed for the then 38-year-old mom, and "an extensive investigation was immediately launched," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

"Over the years, the case drew the attention and collaboration of multiple agencies across North Carolina and Virginia, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)," reads the press statement. "Despite countless hours of investigative work and the pursuit of numerous leads, Michelle Hundley Smiths whereabouts remained unknown."

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The sheriff's office never gave up on their search, which ended on Friday, February 20.

The sheriff's office's Criminal Investigations Division "received new information regarding Michelle Hundley Smith and her disappearance" and "detectives immediately followed up on the lead and began further investigative efforts," the statement explained.

Police Find Body of 72-Year-Old Navy Veteran Missing from Florida Miles Away in Georgia

Two detectives spoke with her and confirmed her identity. It does not appear she is facing any criminal charges.

"The Rockingham County Sheriffs Office extends its sincere gratitude to the many agencies and investigators who dedicated substantial time, resources, and unwavering determination to this case over the years," the police statement added.

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"Their persistence and commitment ultimately led to the locating of Michelle Hundley Smith and is a testament to the dedication of the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office and the Criminal Investigations Division, and the many other Law Enforcement agencies that have assisted throughout the years," the statement concluded.

Father Reunited with Daughter 43 Years After Alleged Abduction by Mother

A Facebook page about Smith's case, run by her daughter, Amanda Smith, thanked "everyone for their support" but said that "the personal details are not going to be dived into right now."

"I will say that my mother chose her new life, and we know she is alive, and for now that is enough. I can't really think straight right now to make a heartfelt post but again, Amanda wrote, adding that she plans to rename the Facebook page now that her mother has been located. Instead, Amanda will focus her efforts on highlighting other unsolved missing person's cases.

He believes she just took off and left him, and us, that night, Amanda told NBC News in 2020 of her fathers theory regarding her mothers disappearance. And I guess thats possible. Its hard to rule out that she just left all of us and started a new life. But theres also something that nags at me, that something happened to her on her way back home.
SEOUL, Feb 22 (Reuters) - North Korea's ruling Workers' Party held the third day of its Ninth Congress on Saturday, with leader Kim Jong Un continuing a report reviewing the party's work in the last five years, state media said on Sunday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim's report assessed the party's activities over the past term and outlined a new strategy and goals for the next five years, including tasks across all sectors aimed at advancing socialist construction.

Delegates said the report set out strategic and tactical directions for what it described as a new stage of national development and reaffirmed confidence in the country's future, KCNA reported.

(Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim; editing by Diane Craft)
Feb. 21COLUMBUS  Democrat Sherrod Brown received the endorsement of the Ohio AFL-CIO last week.

Brown who served three terms as one of Ohio's U.S. senators, is running to return to the chamber in this year's election.

"The Ohio AFL-CIO is proud to endorse Sherrod Brown for the U.S. Senate," said Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga. "Sherrod has never backed down from a fight to stand up for all Ohioans, no matter what part of the state they call home. Whether fighting for good jobs that expand the working middle class, securing earned retirement benefits, or taking on powerful special interests, Sherrod has consistently delivered for working families. He is guided by the values he learned growing up in Mansfield, and unlike his opponent, he will make the affordability crisis his number one priority. Ohioans deserve a senator who will fight every day for a worker-first agenda  not one who caters to the interests of billionaires."

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Brown responded to the endorsement.

"I have proudly spent my career advocating for Ohio workers and fighting against a system that is rigged against them. It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Ohio AFL-CIO," Brown said. "Together, I worked side by side with the AFL-CIO to fight for the pensions of over 100,000 Ohioans and ensure workers receive the full retirement benefits they've earned. Now more than ever, we need a Senator who will put the interests of working people first. I will continue to uplift the voices of Ohioans and ensure our unions have a seat at the decision-making table."

Brown faces incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted in the general election.
Thomas Suddes is a former legislative reporter.

Were the late John le Carre still among us  The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and many other spy-fiction masterpieces  what a tale he might base on the Jeffrey Epstein/New Albany story, whatever it really is.

A private island in the Caribbean. A townhouse in Manhattan. A ranch in New Mexico. and, to some degree and in some dimension, the suburban Columbus domain of somebody often classified as Ohios richest person, Leslie H. Wexner.

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Wexner, clothier extraordinaire, is a munificent philanthropist to and supporter of Columbus institutions and causes. So is his wife and fellow philanthropist, Abigail S. Wexner, whose encouragement helped make possible architect Daniel Libeskinds stunning Ohio Holocaust and Liberators Memorial on Capitol Square, just south of Ohios Statehouse.

Arguably, the Epstein/Maxwell story  will anyone fully capture it, except perhaps in a Carre-class masterpiece?  traces back before the Second World War.

The 'Lady Ghislaine'

Thats when the father of Ghislaine Maxwell, the future Robert Maxwell, was born in 1923 as Jan Ludvik Hoch in a dirt-poor Czech town, now in Ukraine. Later, amid the Second World War, renamed as Robert Maxwell, he was awarded one of Britains highest decorations, the Military Cross, for bravery.

Maxwell later became a printing and publishing mogul in Britain and the United States  he once owned the New York Daily News  and was elected to Britains parliament. But U.K. regulators were unimpressed by his business practices; they said Maxwell could not be "relied on to exercise proper stewardship of a publicly quoted company.

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Maxwell died in 1991. As the story goes, he fell off his 189-foot yacht near the Atlantic Oceans Canary Islands

The yacht? The Lady Ghislaine, named for Maxwells youngest daughter, Ghislaine Maxwell.

She was perhaps the woman closest to Brooklyn-born Jeffrey Epstein, an NYU dropout who, for a time, was Wexners right-hand business associate and lived in New Albany.

Epstein died in 2019 in federal custody in Manhattan in a death ruled a suicide. Ghislaine Maxwell is now a 20-year guest of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at a minimum-security federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas.

When Robert Maxwell died after falling off his yacht, his funeral was held not in Britain, but in Jerusalem. Among the attendees: Israeli then-President Chaim Herzog, and the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir.

The documents and the donations

Ohio retail mogul Les Wexner is deposed by the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 18.

Of course, once Congress forced President Donald Trump to release millions of pages of files on the Epstein case, some of Ohios many highly principled politicians nearly trampled each other returning campaign donations from Wexner or redirecting that money to other causes.

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The Columbus Dispatch recently reported, for example, that among those officeholders is State Treasurer Robert Sprague, a Findlay Republican whos running for secretary of state.

Sprague donated the $23,000 in campaign contributions he's received from the Wexners to Findlay Hope House, which serves the homeless.

Thats commendable; homelessness in Ohio is heartbreaking. Even so, theres a PR advantage when an officeholder makes these wash-my-hands transfers to a charity; the cleanest break is to return contributions directly to donors.

(Another Republican seeking the GOP nomination for secretary of state is Marcell Strbich of suburban Dayton. Democrats seeking their partys nomination for secretary of state are Bryan Hambley, M.D., of Loveland, in suburban Cincinnati, and state Rep. Allison Russo, of Upper Arlington.)

The plot remains thick

If the truth  as in, 100%, solid-gold, no questions left  ever emerges about Epsteins ultimate masters, besides his colossal ego and talent for self-invention, there will still be those who will argue that the real story is and will remain hidden, like whatever really happened on Dealey Plaza in Dallas in 1963 or inside Washingtons Fords Theatre in 1865.

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If the General Assemblys publicity hounds are really as desperate as they seem for ink and airtime, maybe they could set a special investigation committee, like the General Assemblys 1985-86 Joint Select Committee on Savings and Loans, created after the 1985 collapse of Cincinnati-based Home State Savings Bank.

The bank was controlled by an ally of then-Gov. Richard F. Celeste, a Lakewood Democrat. No wrongdoing was attributed to Celeste, and the bail-out of Home State depositors was considered a national model for constructive bipartisanship  try that in Ohio today. And a Statehouse look-see at Epstein?

Dream on.

Thomas Suddes

Thomas Suddes is a former legislative reporter.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio lawmakers could get to bottom of Epstein, Wexner saga | Opinion
In January, Oklahoma gubernatorial candidates raced to denounce a proposal before the Broken Arrow City Council to build a Muslim mosque. That this was an urgent campaign issue signals a remarkable detachment from mainstream America. In a world where institutional erosion, economic instability and global conflict are rising, one thing is clear: Our Muslim neighbors are not the problem. And yet one of these candidates will become our next governor, raising serious concerns about the quality of our candidates.

A group of people against State Question 836 stand Jan. 17 in the parking lot of the Belle Isle Public Library in Oklahoma City, where Mayor David Holt made himself available to discuss the measure with the public.

Or take the upcoming U.S. Senate election where Markwayne Mullin is seeking reelection. Mullin tried to physically fight a Senate hearing witness in 2023, casting aside his legislative duties and putting an adolescent view of masculinity on full display. Last year, Mullin announced he would approve all presidential nominees without examination, many of whom we knew were controversial at best. The Senate was designed by James Madison, in part, as a necessary check on the executive branch (see Federalist 51, 63). Now more than ever, we need the Senate to apply scrutiny to the president who increasingly acts on a whim without consequence.

More broadly, no Republican candidate for any race has acknowledged, much less condemned, the assault on our nation's Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020. Nor have we heard them utter any concern about federal overreach in Minnesota. They made excuses for the president when he called for the GOP to nationalize elections. There was notable silence when President Donald Trumps name was found throughout the Epstein files. Concern about the national debt flew out the window long ago. The list goes on, but the pattern is clear.

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More: Oklahoma's political system is broken. SQ 836 will help | Opinion

In short, our state's Republican candidates are long on loyalty to Trump but short on commitment to the conservative principles that once united the party. We must break this cycle of foolishness. Many Oklahomans want serious leadership from principled conservatives, but the current system denies us the option. Our closed primary system is not inherently flawed, but it does incentivize these types of extreme partisan and performative people rather than serious candidates.

Its against this backdrop that Oklahoma is set to consider State Question 836, which would create an open primary system that allows citizens to vote for any candidate, regardless of political party.

As with anything, there are tradeoffs. Opponents use words, such as "California" and "New York" to scare or shame those who consider supporting the measure. But Ive yet to discover any sound logic behind the dire warnings.

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Here's what we do know:

Open primaries would shift the focus away from fringe party agendas back to the candidates themselves, where they belong. This way candidates speak for themselves, and their messages dont get filtered through political party machines. This would encourage them to exercise better judgment in elevating issues worthy of public debate and to frame them in a way that strengthens our shared commitment to liberty rather than inflame divisions. By widening the field, open primaries would create space for statesmen who speak truth instead of conspiracy, who persuade rather than provoke and who lead with discernment rather than outrage. Leadership like this engages boldly but cordially, rejects name-calling and casts a positive vision that voters can unite behind.

To say it another way, open primaries would have a moderating effect on candidates. Not in the sense of creating "RINO" candidates with watered-down principles. Quite the opposite. It would moderate them from extreme tribalism. This is about rescuing conservatism from degradation  not abandoning it. In this way, it would invite true conservatives who hold fast to first principles, such as limiting government from overreach, upholding the rule of law, fiscal restraint, strong (not cavalier) foreign policy that encourages (but doesnt build) democracy overseas, pro- (but not illegal) immigration policies and respecting the separation of church and state.

More: Democrats liked closed primaries when they had majority | Opinion

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Candidates like this are currently discouraged from running because the large middle segment of voters are less avid about participating in primary elections. This is so engrained that without structural change, well likely get more of the same.

To be clear, this is not a full-throated pitch for open primaries. Rather, its a plea to voters to insist on higher quality candidates and an acknowledgement that the current closed primary system discourages them from running in the first place. Open primaries might help, but the hard truth is  open primaries or not voters must raise their standards for candidates if Oklahomas leadership is to improve.

Our state has a long, proud history of independence. Why would we allow ourselves to be shackled to the agendas of political parties or the outsized influence of a singular political figure when it prevents independent conservative thinkers from running. We can do so much better. But change starts with us, the voters.

Clay Lightfoot

Clay Lightfoot is a former Senate staffer for U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK). He currently lives in Oklahoma City and works in the oil & gas industry.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Being a true conservative doesn't require supporting Trump | Opinion
Around 3,200 people took part in a demonstration led by far-right groups on Saturday, following the death of a nationalist activist who was beaten in the French city of Lyon.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm ahead of the tribute to Quentin Deranque, 23, who died of brain injuries in a hospital last week. The demonstrations took place under heavy police scrutiny, with no major incidents reported.

The mayor of the 7th arrondissement neighbourhood, Fanny Dubot, told Euronews that security had been stepped up at potentially threatened locations, such as an LGBT bar and a mosque.

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This is a moment of remembrance and respect for this young compatriot who was killed, for his family and loved ones. That must come first. And then it is a moment of firmness and responsibility, Macron said.

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Seven people have been handed preliminary charges. The Lyon public prosecutors office requested that each of them be charged with intentional homicide, aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy. Six of the accused were charged on all three counts. The seventh was charged with complicity in intentional homicide, aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy.

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Deranque was attacked during a fight that erupted between far-left and far-right supporters on the margins of a student meeting where a far-left lawmaker, Rima Hassan, was a keynote speaker.

Macron said he will hold a meeting with ministers next week to carry out a comprehensive review of all violent activist groups that have links to political parties. He hinted that some groups could be dismantled.

In the republic, no violence is legitimate, he said. There is no place for militias, wherever they come from. We must be absolutely uncompromising.

Lyon emerges as a battleground

The main tribute to Deranque took place in Lyon, where clashes between far-right activists and far-left groups have become frequent. Their fighting often takes the form of organized street battles in the city, sometimes involving groups of several dozen people.

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Lyons far-left-leaning militant groups are more recent and were created in reaction to the many far-right groups that have been present for several decades. The city is seen by intelligence services as the cradle of far-right activism in France.

Deranques parents also called for calm and did not take part in the tribute, which was not banned by French authorities.

Deranques death triggered a storm of recriminations, mostly blaming the far-left France Unbowed party and its leader, Jean-Luc Melenchon. Among the suspects is the parliamentary aide of a France Unbowed lawmaker who set up the anti-fascist group The Young Guard.

There was a minutes silence before the start of the march. Some demonstrators held white tulips and displayed stickers bearing the slogan: Quentin, killed by Melenchons militia.

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Many men dressed in black, some with their faces partially covered, joined the march. Police are investigating individuals suspected of making Nazi salutes, chanting racist slurs and homophobic insults during the demonstration, incidents that were captured in videos circulating online, local authorities said.

Christian Petiteau, 70, who traveled from the neighboring Isere region, said Deranque was cowardly murdered and that he came to honor his memory.

Far-left in focus

France Unboweds opponents accuse it of fomenting violence and tensions with its combative far-left politics. Melenchon has condemned the violence and insisted that his party bore no blame for the tragedy.

Melenchon stood for the presidency in 2012, 2017 and 2022, but failed to advance to the decisive runoff round. He is preparing for another expected run next year, when Macrons second and last term ends.

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France is holding municipal elections next month and right-wing political forces have been using the incident to demonize France Unbowed. Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella has called for a common front against Melenchon's party.

Criticism also came from prominent figures on the left, including former French President Francois Hollande. He said the mainstream left, including his Socialist Party, must not team up again with Melenchons party for the upcoming elections, as they did in the past.
Pakistans military early on Sunday carried out air raids in Afghanistan, targeting what it called camps and hideouts belonging to armed groups behind a spate of recent attacks, including a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad.

Pakistans Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement on X on Sunday that the countrys military conducted intelligence-based, selective operations against seven camps and hideouts belonging to the Pakistan Taliban, also known by the acronym TTP, and its affiliates.

The ISIL (ISIS) affiliate in Khorasan Province, or ISKP, which claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in the capital earlier this month, was also targeted in the operation, the ministry said.

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The Pakistani ministry said it had conclusive evidence that recent attacks in Islamabad, as well as in the northwestern Bajaur and Bannu districts, were perpetrated by fighters at the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

The Afghan Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks that hit a religious school and residential homes in the border provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, including women and children.

The Defence Ministry condemned the attacks as a breach of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, and promised to respond.

We hold the Pakistani military responsible for targeting civilians and religious sites. We will respond to these attacks in due course with a measured and appropriate response, it said.





Reporting from the scene of an attack in Nangarhars Bihsud district, Al Jazeeras Naser Shadid said at least 17 people were confirmed killed and six others are missing, feared trapped under the rubble of an attacked house.

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A religious centre was also hit in this area, according to Afghanistans authorities, and there are an unknown number of casualties there as well, he said.

There was no information on any casualties in Paktika yet.

People search for victims after a Pakistani air raid in a residential area in Girdi Kas village, Afghanistan [Aimal Zahir/AFP]

The attacks threaten a fragile ceasefire between the South Asian neighbours, negotiated following deadly border clashes that killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected fighters in October last year.

Pakistan said it has repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban government to take action to prevent armed groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, but that Kabul has failed to undertake any substantive action.

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Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, it added, but said the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained its top priority.

The Pakistanis continue to insist that these are intelligence-based operations against camps located inside Afghanistan and hideouts of the TTP and its affiliate groups. It has warned the Afghan authorities on several occasions that they gave their commitment in the Doha agreement that Afghan soil will not be used by any other country, Al Jazeeras Kamal Hyder said, referring to the 2020 agreement the Taliban signed with the United States in the Qatari capital.

Taliban security officials inspect the site of a Pakistani air raid in Nangarhar, Afghanistan [Samiullah Popal/EPA]

The Pakistani air raids on Afghanistan came hours after a suicide bomber attacked a security convoy in the Bannu district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two soldiers, one of them a lieutenant colonel.

On Monday, a suicide bomber, backed by armed men, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of a security post in the nearby Bajaur, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national.

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On February 6, another suicide bomber detonated his explosives during noon prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabads Tarlai Kalan area, killing at least 31 worshippers and wounding 170 others.

The ISKP had claimed responsibility for the Islamabad attack.

While bombings are rare in the heavily guarded capital, it was the second such attack on Khadija Tul Kubra in three months, raising fears of a return to violence in Pakistans major urban centres.

At the time, the Pakistani military said the planning, training, and indoctrination for the attack took place in Afghanistan.

The aftermath of a Pakistani air raid that hit a residential area in the Girdi Kas village [Aimal Zahir/AFP]

In its statement on Sunday, the Pakistani Information Ministry reiterated its call for the international community to press the Taliban to uphold its commitments under the Doha deal. The ministry said the move was vital for regional and global peace and security.

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Pakistan has seen a surge in violence in recent years, much of it blamed on the TTP and outlawed Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from Afghanistan, a charge the group denies.

The Taliban government has also consistently denied sheltering anti-Pakistan armed groups.

Relations between the neighbouring countries have remained tense following the deadly clashes in October. The fighting followed explosions in Kabul, which Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan.

A ceasefire mediated by Qatar on October 19 has largely held, but subsequent talks in Turkiyes Istanbul failed to produce a formal agreement.
Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Pakistan confirmed its Sunday attack on seven militant camps in Afghanistan Sunday.

The Pakistan Air Force launched a series of airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika, leaving some 18 people dead, including women and children.

"Pakistan has carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates in the border region," said Attaullah Tarar, the country's information minster.

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In a post to social media Sunday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it has "summoned the Ambassador of Pakistan in Kabul."

"IEA-MoFA vehemently condemns the violation of Afghanistan's airspace and the targeting of civilians, describing it as a flagrant breach of Afghanistan's territorial integrity and a provocative action," another post states.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan summoned the Ambassador of Pakistan in Kabul. In response to the Pakistani military strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, which resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, IEA-MoFA summoned pic.twitter.com/1RUGczap4n Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Afghanistan (@MoFA_Afg) February 22, 2026

Sunday's attacks were apparent retribution for violence that information ministry officials linked to "Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers," CNN reported.
The Asia Pacific generative AI market size is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 37.5% from 2024 to 2030, and is likely to contribute around USD 76 billion annually to the economy by 2030, depending on adoption and how workers transition to other tasks, said a report by Colliers. In a report titled "AI in Corporate Real Estate" Colliers said in Japan, it is estimated that generative AI could unlock JPY 148.7 trillion (around USD 1.1 trillion) in productive capacity. Singapore is expected to be among the leaders of this AI revolution within the region, with AI adoption in Singapore expected to provide economic benefits of up to SGD 198.3 billion (USD 147.6 billion) in 2030. Singapore tops the list of Asia Pacific countries for AI readiness, according to Salesforce AI Readiness Index 2023, which also revealed that Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Thailand have improved their overall AI readiness score since 2021. On AI's influence on the commercial real estate sector, the report said the influence will undoubtedly be felt, but its timing and extent of impact will differ depending on the specific domain. "Some segments, like transaction management, present challenges to adoption due to their sensitive nature. In contrast, areas like lease administration and facility management are already witnessing the integration of AI, albeit with a potentially lesser overall impact on the industry," it said. On the impact of AI on jobs, the report said the extent of AI's impact on job loss and creation varies across industries, and its overall effect remains uncertain. If harnessed correctly and used to augment the industry's roles, AI becomes a vital tool to empower workers. Further it said that AI will introduce employment opportunities that currently do not exist. Within the realm of CRE, emerging jobs may include Ethicists/Ethics experts, Security Engineers, AI-Enabled Property Managers, AI Trainer/Model Curators, and more. The report also highlighted five focus areas for AI Implementation. First is transparency. It said the data across CRE firms and businesses are often nonstandardised and, most importantly, closely guarded as proprietary information. This systematic hindrance will need to undergo a transformation for CRE companies to utilize AI's full potential. Second is Comprehensive Data. Limited and biased data in AI applications can lead to varied results; to maximise AI benefits in CRE, comprehensive data across organizations is necessary for accurate benchmarking and trend forecasting, it said. Third is Governance. The report said for success in the evolving landscape, clients and providers need to create data governance programs or content libraries that support increased data sharing. Data governance programs should focus on minimising risk, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and enabling more effective data utilization. Fourth is Data Volume. The CRE industry is abundant with data on markets, leases, and transactions, which is vital for training AI systems for intricate tasks. Ensuring this training is not skewed by biased or incomplete data sets is essential for effective AI application. Fifth is Data Management. Efficiently managing the vast data within the CRE sector is key to maintaining its integrity and ensuring its accuracy and effective use. It also involves regulating access, both granting and restricting it appropriately. Data management contracts between all parties involved are critical to uphold these standards. (ANI)
Afghans gathered around a mass grave on Sunday to bury villagers who died in overnight air strikes by Pakistan, which said its military operation killed dozens of militants.

The overnight attacks left at least 18 people dead including children, Afghanistan said, and were the most extensive since border clashes in October that killed more than 70 on both sides and wounded hundreds.

"The house was completely destroyed. My children and family members were there. My father and my sons were there. All of them were killed," said Nezakat, a 35-year-old farmer in Bihsud district, who only gave one name.

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Islamabad said it hit seven sites along the border region targeting Afghanistan-based militant groups, in response to suicide bombings in Pakistan.

A Pakistani security source told AFP on Sunday that the strikes killed "more than 80" militants, adding the death toll was expected to rise.

AFP journalists in Afghanistan were not able to verify the toll, which was rejected by an Afghan security source.

"The figure of 80 martyrs given by the Pakistan regime is false and imaginary," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Islamabad said its military targeted the Pakistani Taliban and its associates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group, an information ministry statement said.

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Afghan authorities have previously denied harbouring militants.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said "people's homes have been destroyed, they have targeted civilians, they have committed this criminal act" with the bombardment of eastern Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Residents from around the remote Bihsud district in Nangarhar joined searchers to look for bodies under the rubble using shovels and a digger, an AFP journalist said.

"People here are ordinary people. The residents of this village are our relatives. When the bombing happened, one person who survived was shouting for help," said neighbour Amin Gul Amin, 37.

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Nangarhar police told AFP the bombardment started at around midnight and hit three districts, with those killed all in a civilian's house.

"Twenty-three members of his family were buried under the rubble, of whom 18 were killed and five wounded," said police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad.

Strikes elsewhere in Nangarhar wounded two others, while in Paktika, an AFP journalist saw a destroyed guesthouse but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

- 'Calculated response' -

Afghanistan's defence ministry said it will "deliver an appropriate and calculated response" to the Pakistani strikes.

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The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021 as foreign forces withdrew.

Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians between October and December, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan.

Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but the efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

The deteriorating relationship has impacted people in both countries, with land border crossings -- crucial gateways for trade -- largely shut for months.

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Islamabad said Sunday that despite repeated requests, Taliban authorities have failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan, which Kabul denies.

Islamabad launched the strikes after a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other attacks more recently in northwestern Pakistan.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest attack in Islamabad since 2008.

The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul last month.

burs-rsc-je/sst
Pakistan has carried out multiple overnight air strikes on Afghanistan, which the Taliban has said killed at least 18 people, including women and children.

Islamabad said the attacks targeted seven alleged militant camps and hideouts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and that they had been launched after recent suicide bombings in Pakistan.

Afghanistan condemned the attacks, saying they targeted multiple civilian homes and a religious school.

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The fresh strikes come after the two countries agreed to a fragile ceasefire in October following deadly cross-border clashes, though subsequent fighting has taken place.

The Taliban's defence ministry said the strikes targeted civilian areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces and had killed dozens of people.

In Girdi Kas village, in the Bihsud district of Nangarhar, a man named Shahabuddin told reporters while pointing at his destroyed house that of 23 members of his family, only five had survived the attack.

Local Taliban spokesman Sayed Taib Hamd said that 18 members of the family had been killed.

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The BBC had earlier been told about 20 people were thought to have died.

No deaths have been reported so far in the other areas hit. A guesthouse and a religious school were targeted in the Bermal and Urgun districts of Paktika province, but they were empty at the time of the attacks, local officials and locals told the BBC.

Houses were also destroyed in Balish village in the Urgun district of Paktika province (pictured) [AFP via Getty Images]

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it had carried out "intelligence based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts".

In a statement on X, it said the targets included members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, which the government refers to as "Fitna al Khawarij," along with their affiliates and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province.

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The ministry described the strikes as "a retributive response" to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan by terror groups it said were sheltered by Kabul.

The recent attacks in Pakistan included one on a Shia mosque in the capital Islamabad earlier this month, as well as others that took place since the holy month of Ramadan began this week in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to take action against the militants, adding that it had "conclusive evidence" that the attacks were carried out by militants on the instructions of their leadership in Afghanistan.

The Taliban's defence ministry later posted on X condemning the attacks as a "blatant violation of Afghanistan's territorial integrity", adding that they were a "clear breach of international law".

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It warned that "an appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time", adding that "attacks on civilian targets and religious institutions indicate the failure of Pakistan's army in intelligence and security."

The strikes come days after Saudi Arabia mediated the release of three Pakistani soldiers earlier this week, who were captured in Kabul during border clashes last October.

Those clashes ended with a tentative ceasefire that same month after the worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 1,600-mile (2,574 km) mountainous border.
Pakistan has carried out air strikes against alleged terror sites in Afghanistan in an overnight attack.

The countrys air force struck seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State-Khorasan Province in areas near the Pakistani-Afghan border on Saturday, the Pakistani ministry of information and broadcasting said.

The Taliban said dozens of innocent civilians were killed and injured, and warned of a timely, appropriate and calculated response against the air strikes.

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Pakistan launched the strikes after a string of suicide bombings that killed soldiers and civilians in recent weeks.

The Taliban has warned of a timely, appropriate and calculated response to Pakistans strikes on Saturday - Hedayat Shah/The Associated Press

On Feb 6, a bomber killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 169 at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, in the deadliest attack to hit Pakistans capital in nearly two decades.

The explosion went off after Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of the city, when the mosque was packed with worshippers.

Earlier this week, a suicide bombing also targeted a joint security post in a province bordering Afghanistan, killing 11 Pakistani soldiers and a civilian girl.

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Hours before the border strikes, another suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the nearby Bannu district, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

The Pakistani government said in a statement it possessed conclusive evidence that the attacks were directed by terror leaders based in Afghanistan.

It also said that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)  also known as the Pakistani Taliban that primarily operates along the border with Afghanistan  and the Islamic States regional branch had claimed responsibility for the bombings.

The statement said: Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time, the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority.

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The government added that the strikes were conducted through intelligence-based selective targeting.

Taliban security officials and residents inspect scene of Pakistani air strikes

After the strikes, Pakistans military warned it would not exercise any restraint and operations against those responsible for the spate of bombings would continue irrespective of their location, suggesting rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

According to the Afghan news channel Tolo News, the strikes hit a residence in the Gardi Kach area of Behsud district was hit, killing at least 23 members of the same family.

A Taliban defence spokesman said: The ministry of national defence strongly condemns this clear violation of Afghanistans national airspace and describes the act as a blatant breach of international law, principles of good neighbourly relations, and Islamic values.

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The ministry of national defence considers the protection of the countrys sovereignty and the security of its people a religious and national responsibility and warns that an appropriate and calculated response will be delivered at a suitable time, God willing.

A man holds a mortar shell that struck the Behsud district on Saturday - AFP via Getty Images

The air strikes could trigger yet another wave of violence in the region and diplomatic crises between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Pakistan has faced a significant increase in attacks, in which thousands of civilians and soldiers have been killed.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistans Taliban authorities of providing operational and logistical support to the TTP, leading to the increase in violence in its towns bordering Afghanistan.

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The TTP is separate from but closely allied with Afghanistans Taliban. Islamabad has accused the TTP of operating from within Afghanistan, which both the group and Kabul deny.

The TTP is also believed to maintain close ties with al-Qaeda and has threatened to carry out attacks inside its cities and towns.

The Pakistani government claims terrorists in Afghanistan were behind a spate of bombings in recent weeks - Reuters

Relations between the neighbouring countries have remained tense since October, when deadly border clashes killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants. The violence followed explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan.

A Qatar-mediated ceasefire has largely held, but talks in Istanbul failed to produce a formal agreement, and relations remain strained.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Panama City Trilingual School has been hosting the International Festival since 2020.

The event is a chance for students to show their families and community what they have learned.

School officials say the event is all about creating a place to love and appreciate other cultures.

Were all about different cultures and bringing harmony. And thats what obviously the world needs. And so thats very important for us growing in a global society, Founder and Director Kellie Dingus said.

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Students from Pre-K through ninth grade performed various dances throughout the program. Each class is assigned a different country to represent in the performance.

I love this school because it helps me broaden my knowledge of places outside of America, 9th-grade student Sara Dingus said.

This year, the school featured a traditional dragon dance to kick off the show. The mission of the school is to approach language learning in a different way than most traditional schools do.

What we do at the private school is we not only teach English, but we teach languages. So if they come in in kindergarten, they get their math, science, and social studies all in Spanish. We also provide Mandarin Chinese and English, Dingus said.

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For some students, the benefits of the school extend past the language learning aspect.

One benefit is the languages, but another thing, its a small school, so everybody is so closely knit. Like, I have a lot of close friends here. Its really nice to have that, 9th-grade student Abigail Fehnrich said.

The Panama City Trilingual School hopes that through their immersive instruction, students can gain global awareness and language fluency.

If you are interested in registering your student for the trilingual school, click here.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Philadelphia Police are seeking assistance in solving a murder that remains unsolved five years later.

"Anybody out there who has information regarding the shooting, we could use the help solving this crime," says Santo Montecalvo, Vice President of the Citizens Crime Commission.

32-year-old Julius Chandler was shot numerous times back on Thursday, March 25, 2021 along the 5200 block of Knox Street in the city's Germantown section.

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He was pronounced dead from his wounds just three minutes later.

"We're looking for an armed gunman who is seen in video running through streets of Philadelphia shooting at the victim," says Montecalvo.

Disturbing surveillance video shows the suspect in broad daylight, firing those fatal shots.

You can see that the gunman is dressed in all dark clothing, with his face and head covered.

There is a $20,000 reward that leads to an arrest and conviction in the murder of Julius Chandler.

If you have any information, you're urged to call police.
Ortings new mayor says the city is in a rebuild phase after controversy surrounding the citys wastewater treatment plant.

The citys current plant is 30 years old and needs upgrading. In order to do that, the city is working on the Water Resource Recovery Facility, a project to upgrade the plant.

Last September, The News Tribune reported on two ethics complaints tied to the plant, one against then-deputy mayor Melodi Koenig and one against then-city council member and mayoral candidate Christopher Moore. These complaints led to heated city council sessions that, at its peak, led former mayor Josh Penner to withdraw city staff from future meetings.

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Since then, Orting has seen many new faces.

Current mayor Scott Drennen won the mayoral election on Nov. 4, 2025, with 1,274 votes to Moores 1,216. Drennen took over the seat from Penner, who left the mayoral position to represent District 31 in the Washington State House of Representatives.

The 7-person Orting City Council also has some fresh blood in three of its seats. Ed Torres, John Williams and Dale Reed were the winners of the November election, replacing former council members Tod Gunther, Moore and Koenig respectively.

The citys attorney, Kendra Rosenburg, resigned  and former city administrator, Scott Larson, left after the city ended his contract.

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Starting the new position as mayor, it was coming in, with, basically an opportunity to start anew, Drennen said.

I think theyre working very well together

On Sept. 4, Koenig submitted the ethics complaint against Moore. In the complaint, she alleged that Moore inappropriately used his power to influence John Bielka  the citys former project capital manager who later filed a $10 million wrongful termination claim after being fired for bringing up concerns he had about the plant. Among other things, Koenig alleged that Moore ordered Bielka to fire Parametrix, the citys main engineering partner, from the project.

Moore reacted by filing an ethics complaint against Koenig, Penner and Larson on Sept. 9. In his complaint, he denied using his power to influence Bielka, saying Bielka became concerned about the plant on his own. Moore alleged he was subpoenaed in Bielkas case. When Moore asked the city for conflict counsel  an attorney that represents a client when a conflict of interest prevents the original attorney from doing so  the city allegedly refused to provide that for him. He alleged that Penner threatened him with legal action, exclusion and censure if he spoke with an independent attorney.

During its meeting on Sept. 10, the council discussed whether to pass a motion that would have sent Koenigs ethics complaint against Moore to a hearing examiner for further investigation.

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Moore then had an intense back-and-forth with Penner and Rosenburg, which went on for roughly 90 minutes.

The meeting ended with a 5-2 vote to postpone the discussion until after the Nov. 4 election. The next day, Penner announced in a public Facebook post that he would be withdrawing city staff  which included the city administrator, the clerk and the city attorney  from council meetings to protect them from repeated attacks on staff.

This is not a one-off. It is part of a long-standing pattern that has now led to an outright staff exodus. I have now requested this behavior be addressed for nearly a year, and I will take action now, Penner wrote in his post. ... In less than a year, we have lost or are in the process of losing the services of two city attorneys.

In his first month as the new mayor, Drennen said one of his top priorities was to make council meetings functional again.

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We looked at how we run our council meetings and what things can I do, structurally, to make our council work more effectively together, Drennen told The News Tribune.

Drennen has since restructured the committee meetings to follow a Committee of the Whole structure  a contrast against the citys former approach of having individual meetings for the Community & Government Affairs Committee, Finance Committee, Public Safety Committee and Public Works Committee.

Weve kind of restructured that whole process to kind of allow for a lot more conversation to take place, all the council members at one time, to better understand all of the issues, Drennen said.

He noted the meetings will be open to the public, and council members wont vote at these meetings  they are purely for discussion that allows council to get all of the information they need to make good decisions going forward.

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On top of these changes, Drennen said, council will have another study session before all of its regular city council meetings to brief council members on topics in the agenda.

We have a lot of positive input from the council members, Drennen said. Coming onto this council, it was difficult at best. I think right now, theyre working very well together and Im looking forward to getting some things done.

In its first meeting on Jan. 14, council voted to dismiss both the ethics complaint against Moore and the ethics complaint against Koenig in a 6-1 vote, with council member Greg Hogan being the sole no vote.

You cant really hold a person to an ethics standard if theyre no longer in office. Pursuing that and taking the citys resources to try and prove the ethics complaint policy had been violated would have cost the city some financial resources, and, at the end of the day, it would have no impact, Drennen told The News Tribune. To kind of begin a rebuild process, we opted it was just best to move forward and start focusing on the future for this city.

City attorney and city administrator

The city attorney at the Sept. 10 meeting, Kendra Rosenburg, resigned from the City of Orting shortly afterward. On Sept. 23, then-city administrator Scott Larson submitted an agenda item indicating that Rosenburgs firm would leave the city in early October.

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The citys current city attorney is Dan Lloyd from Lighthouse Law Group. The agenda for the Nov. 25 meeting is the first to name Lloyd as the citys attorney.

Around this time, Orting also lost Larson, the city administrator. Larson had been with the city for 10 years, starting as the city treasurer in 2015.

Drennen told The News Tribune that Larson  who served as the city administrator from December 2024 to November 2025  was terminated without cause. He said he was unsure of the rest of the details because it occurred before he was sworn in as mayor in January.

The News Tribune emailed Penner to ask about Larsons departure. Penner directed The News Tribune to file a public records request for documents such as Larsons contract and termination letter.

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On Feb. 19, the city sent The News Tribune copies of Larsons termination letter and employment contract. The termination letter  which Penner sent on Nov. 5, 2025  does not list a reason for the termination.

Effective today, I am terminating your employment with the City of Orting, without cause. ...I thank you for your service to our community and to the staff of the City of Orting, the letter says.

Penner said the city will pay 10 months of severance pay per Larsons contract, which adds up to about $154,734.

On Jan. 14, the council hired former city administrator Mark Bethune to be Larsons temporary replacement.

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Bethune was our city administrator for 17 years before that and he came back to work with me and help with that bridge until we get a more permanent city administrator, and return some stability back to the city, Drennen told The News Tribune. Were very thankful to have him come back on board and work with us during this transition phase and were hoping to have a new city administrator on board before summer.

Where does the wastewater treatment plant stand?

Penner told The News Tribune last year that the city dredges its plant every couple years and sends the material to Eastern Washington.

Over the past couple of decades, the process for applying those solids to fields has changed, and so the kind of standard best practice is to refine those solids to a more dry form locally and be able to apply them [here] rather than apply them to fields in Eastern Washington, Penner previously told The News Tribune.

In order to do that, the city has to make upgrades to the plant and get it up to speed. Penner said many small cities are also struggling to upgrade their plants to meet new standards.

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This is pretty common for cities our size. Yelm is going through a similar wastewater treatment upgrade, a lot of small cities are struggling, Penner said.

Drennen told The News Tribune the city is in talks with the state Department of Ecology for upgrades to the plant.

Were negotiating with the Department of Ecology to create a pathway to go forward, but we have a couple options. Were just looking at balancing that with the rate ratepayers are able to pay, Drennen said.

In September, Larson told The News Tribune the cost of the project is estimated to be $36 million, with the city looking for ways to reduce that.

Drennen said the specifics of the project  such as the cost and timeline  are still being ironed out, but that he would have more details to share soon.

The project will be funded with an increased sewer rate, Drennen said, which residents will see on their monthly utility bill.

Its a real challenge because you have limited resources with what the ratepayers are able to actually be able to afford going into the future, so we wanted to make sure we could find the improvements that are the most respectful to our stewardship of the ratepayers, Drennen said.

In a Facebook post on Oct. 17, Penner said the DOE told the city they needed to take action before the rainy season started. Drennen said the city was able to make it through the fall  particularly the atmospheric river events in December  relatively unscathed.

We were able to make it through the high-flow event in December, we were able to make it through that without violation, which was a huge accomplishment, Drennen said. We did install a near-term type of fix to remain in compliance where we began removing some of the solids we had in our lagoon and put them into storage to be applied later.

On June 12, 2024, the city fired the former capital projects manager, Bielka.

On Aug. 28, 2024, Bielka filed a $10 million wrongful termination claim against the city, alleging he was wrongfully terminated after bringing attention to problems with the citys wastewater treatment plant. The city put Bielka on administrative leave on March 4, 2024 and fired him on June 12, 2024.

Mr. Bielka was placed on administrative leave after he documented that there were ongoing concerns with the wastewater treatment plant, the proposed design of the plant, and constant leaching of wastewater into the aquifer surrounding the wastewater treatment plant that has continued unabated for over a year, the tort claim alleged.

Penner previously told The News Tribune the city tested the plant in 2022 and 2025, and both tests showed no fecal coliform bacteria in any tested sites or wells.

He also previously told The News Tribune there was an investigation before the city fired Bielka.

The independent investigation found evidence that Bielka  coordinated to meet with vendors outside of executive or legislative purview  as well as coordinating to terminate a vendor contract without the knowledge of the executive branch  or the legislative branch - despite Bielka being an employee of the executive, Penner previously wrote in an email to The News Tribune.

Richard Wooster, Bielkas attorney, previously told The News Tribune the city settled the case for $525,000, with language in the settlement saying the city has no admission of liability.
KYIV, Feb 22 (Reuters) - One police officer was killed and 24 people were wounded after several explosive devices detonated at midnight in Lviv, in western Ukraine, the National Police said on Sunday, in an attack President Volodymyr Zelenskiy blamed on Russia.

"It has been preliminarily established that homemade explosive devices detonated," the police said on the Telegram messaging service.

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, writing on Telegram, described the incident as a terrorist act and said a 23-year-old policewoman had died. Twelve people remained in hospital, two in serious condition, he said.

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Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said a woman had been detained in connection with the investigation.

The police said that the first explosion occurred after a patrol crew arrived at the suspected scene of a shop break-in, while the second explosion occurred a little later.

Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, accused Russia of being behind the attack and said the perpetrators had been recruited online. Ukrainian intelligence believed Russia would "continue to do such things, real attacks on Ukrainians. There needs to be more protection for people", Zelenskiy said.

The fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine falls this week.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus, Alex Richardson and Ron Popeski)
UPDATE: N.J. school closings, delayed openings due to snow, blizzard conditions for Monday

The weekend blizzard expected to blast New Jersey with at least a foot of snow could be the worst in 30 years, with a 90% chance of 12 inches of snow falling in all 21 counties, Gov. Mikie Sherrill said at a noon press conference.

The entire state is under a blizzard warning for the first time since 1996, with heavy winds and dense snow expected to cause power outages.

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We are going to get through this, but please heed the warnings and stay off the roads, Sherrill said at the event in Woodbridge.

The latest forecasts call for a 90% chance of at least one foot of snow in every county, Sherrill said.

Watch

Some areas could see snow totals closer to two feet while areas of Ocean, Monmouth and southeastern Burlington County could expect to get more than two feet of snow, according to forecasts.

A state of emergency took effect at noon and roads across the state will begin to close to commercial traffic at 3 p.m.

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Sherrill announced speed restrictions of 35 miles per hour in the state that will also go into effect at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Service on New Jersey Transit buses, light rails and access link will stop at 6 p.m., according to NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri.

NJ Transit trains are expected to continue running, but officials will monitor conditions throughout the day to decide if service should be paused, Kolluri said.

Sherrill said the public should reasonably anticipate that trains will shut down tonight.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

Heaviest snow fall is expected overnight, with the possibility of snowfall rates of three inches per hour, Sherrill said.

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Sundays storm is expected to last into Monday afternoon, with snow falling at rates much faster than the January storm, according to Sherrill.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has already coordinated with utility companies to address widespread power outages caused by dense snow and heavy winds, officials said.

Officials asked the public to check on neighbors periodically and report power outages to their utility companies.

Snow was already falling in northwestern New Jersey as of 7 a.m. For areas south of I-78, precipitation is likely to start as rain and transition to snow.

Precipitation will likely begin as a period of light rain for most areas, before changing over to snow by late this morning into the afternoon from north to south, the weather service said. Heaviest snowfall rates are expected this evening through Monday morning.

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The highest snowfall amounts of 20 to 28 inches are possible in Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties, which could also see the highest wind gusts around 60 mph.

Blizzard warnings have been expanded to all 21 counties, with widespread snow totals of 12 to 24+ inches now expected Sunday into Monday.

Wind gusts inland could also hit 45 mph and power outages are possible statewide, the weather service said.

Blowing and drifting snow will result in visibilities of 1/4 mile or less, the weather service said. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

NJ snow forecast maps for blizzard

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An historic winter storm has begun lashing the north-east US, causing tens of thousands of properties to lose power and prompting a travel ban in New York City.

Some 59 million people are under weather warnings, and states of emergency have been declared across the region. Several states have instituted travel restrictions or bans due to the blizzard, while thousands of flights have been cancelled.

Forecasters say much of the US north-east and Canada's maritime provinces will be affected from Sunday evening into Monday.

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It's expected to be the most powerful nor'easter storm in nearly a decade for much of the region, bringing snow, fierce winds and coastal flooding.

Much of the north-east has already been blanketed in several inches of snow, with 10 inches (25cm) recorded in Manorville, New York, and Howell, New Jersey, as of midnight local time (05:00 GMT on Monday).

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that the storm will bring an estimated 2-3 inches per hour, and that snowfall could reach 1-2ft (30-60cm) in places, resulting in "nearly impossible" travel conditions that were "extremely treacherous".

"While we do get plenty of these nor'easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it's been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country," NWS meteorologist Cody Snell told the BBC's US partner CBS News.

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Nearly 90,000 properties were without power in New Jersey alone, with tens of thousands more affected in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia as of 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT), according to tracker PowerOutage.

Meanwhile, around 5,500 US flights were cancelled on Sunday and hundreds of others were delayed, according to monitor FlightAware. Thousands more have already been cancelled on Monday, with New York's John F Kennedy and LaGuardia airports worst affected.

A full travel ban is in place in New York City from Sunday evening till noon local time on Monday as the city is expected to be hit with 18-24 inches of snow and temperatures as low as -6C (20F).

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said all streets, highways and bridges would be shut to traffic - apart from for emergencies - while schools would also be closed. The most severe snowfall of up to 28 inches (70cm) was expected overnight into Monday, he said.

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It's the first time in nine years that New York City has been under a blizzard warning and the second major snowstorm of Mamdani's new administration, after 19 people died during a three-week cold snap in January.

"It's gonna be difficult for most New Yorkers to get around because we still have to go to work," Brooklyn resident Brandon Smith told news agency AFP.

"It's unfortunate [roads] are suspended as jobs are not gonna stop calling us in."

All Broadway shows were cancelled on Sunday evening due to the nor'easter, while the New York Racing Association cancelled Sunday's eight horse races at the Aqueduct Racetrack.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the whole state ahead of the storm's arrival and put 100 members of the National Guard on ready alert.

"This will be something the likes of which we've not seen in years," she said. "People will be in the dark. Long Island and New York City and lower Hudson are literally in the direct eye of the storm."

Across the state, the highest wind gusts - up to 65-70mph (104-112km/h) - are expected along the coast, with officials warning of downed tree limbs and power outages.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate across much of the US north-east into Monday [Reuters]

Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island all declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. The city of Boston, Massachusetts, closed its schools.

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In Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee issued a travel ban across the state and enabled the activation of the National Guard as needed. He also closed state government offices on Monday.

"We're asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home," he said. "This is an all-hands-on-deck response."

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also halted services on the state's transport network from Sunday evening, describing the weather front as potentially "the worst storm we have seen since 1996".

In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont signed an emergency order halting all commercial vehicles from travelling on highways across the state until further notice.

New York City will shut streets, highways and bridges during the storm [Reuters]

Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro signed a disaster declaration ahead of the storm to provide state agencies with additional resources.

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Although the nation's capital is not expected to be as severely impacted, school districts near Washington DC have announced closures. Federal government offices have delayed the start of the work day and said workers could take unscheduled leave or work remotely due to the weather.

In Canada, Nova Scotia's east coast is expected to be the worst hit, with many parts currently under an amber weather warning from Monday morning - suggesting widespread outages, roof damage and falling debris are possible - until early on Tuesday.
Israel intensifies strikes on Hezbollahs missile sites, preparing for potential conflict with Iran and reducing the group's threat capacity.

Israels latest strikes in Lebanon are not just another round in the slow-burning shadow war with Hezbollah. They are part of something larger: an effort to ensure that if the US  or Israel  strikes Iran, Tehrans most powerful proxy will not be able to carry out the mission it was built for.

For decades, Hezbollah has served as Irans forward deterrent against Israel, with an arsenal amassed on Israels northern border designed to unleash massive rocket and missile fire in the event Irans nuclear facilities or regime come under attack. That strategic logic has not changed. What has changed is Israels determination to degrade that capability before a wider confrontation begins.

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On Friday, Israel carried out strikes deep in the Bekaa Valley, which  according to Lebanese officials  killed at least 10 people and eliminated several Hezbollah missile-unit commanders.

This fits into a pattern that has intensified over the past month: sustained IDF action targeting long-range missile sites, command centers, and Hezbollahs efforts to rebuild military infrastructure. These strikes, Israeli officials acknowledge, are meant to disrupt the groups readiness and force build-up, including missile units planning future attacks on Israel.

The timing is telling. A similar surge in Israeli activity took place late last May, just weeks before the June 2025 war with Iran. Then, as now, Israel appeared intent on degrading Hezbollahs capabilities before events elsewhere triggered escalation.

Hezbollah did not launch a missile barrage during the 12-Day War

What makes that comparison particularly relevant now is what happened next  or rather, what did not happen.

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Despite longstanding Israeli assumptions that any attack on Iran would automatically trigger massive rocket fire from Lebanon, Hezbollah did not launch a sustained missile barrage during the 12-day war  the feared all-out northern front never materialized.

Why Hezbollah stayed restrained remains debated. One explanation is that the group had little appetite for inviting Israeli attacks that could have further degraded its military infrastructure, already devastated during the Israel-Hamas War.

Another explanation concerns domestic pressure. Lebanon is economically shattered and politically fragile. A decision to unleash massive rocket barrages in the service of Iran  one that would have invited heavy retaliation from Israel  could have triggered sharp backlash from Lebanese political leaders and large segments of the public asking why the country should again be dragged into a war not its own.

Whatever the mix of considerations, the restraint was notable. There is no guarantee, however, that those same calculations will hold this time, especially if the Iranian regime believes it is facing a do-or-die moment.

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The Iranians appear not to be taking any chances with Hezbollah this time.

Arab media reports suggest Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel are operating inside Lebanon and advising Hezbollah on operational planning. If Tehran concludes that its core assets are under threat, it may decide that its northern lever must be activated  and reportedly has personnel on the ground to ensure orders to do so are implemented.

The tempo of Israeli strikes

That possibility helps explain the tempo of Israeli strikes.

January alone saw 87 Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon  more than double Decembers number and the highest number since the ceasefire went into effect in November 2024  with roughly half targeting infrastructure north of the Litani River, Hezbollahs operational heartland, according to the Alma Research and Education Center.

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February has also seen intense action, including drone strikes, artillery fire, and targeted eliminations. The campaign appears designed to reduce Hezbollahs ability to launch large-scale fire if ordered to do so.

Lebanons internal political landscape adds another layer of complexity.

President Joseph Aoun has called for international intervention to halt Israeli strikes, warning that Lebanons involvement in a wider war would have devastating consequences. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has described the current situation as a one-sided war of attrition. Influential Lebanese political figures are reportedly urging neutrality, concerned that Hezbollah could drag the country into a regional war not of its choosing.

That tension strikes at the core of Hezbollahs domestic narrative. The group portrays itself as the defender of Lebanon. But if it launches massive rocket barrages in response to an Iran-related escalation  prompting extensive Israeli retaliation  that image would fracture, and the organizations legitimacy inside Lebanon would be dented.

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Israeli officials have indicated that escalation would not remain confined to tit-for-tat exchanges. In past confrontations, such dynamics have expanded beyond individual launch sites to broader strikes against Hezbollahs military infrastructure, with the risk that Lebanese infrastructure could be hit as well.

Israels overall posture toward Lebanon since October 7 has changed dramatically. As Brig.-Gen. Yuval Gez, commander of the IDFs 91st Division, told leaders of northern communities last week: Our responsibility is not only to respond, but to anticipate, initiate and defend.

He said the IDF was prepared for various scenarios, with forces deployed along the entire border and deep into Lebanese territory. The language suggests preparation not only for deterrence, but for rapid escalation.

The central question is whether Hezbollah will once again remain on the sidelines if confrontation erupts between Israel and Iran, or whether Tehran will decide that this is the moment to activate the asset it has invested billions of dollars in building up precisely for this purpose.

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Israels current strategy is designed to shape that decision before it is made. By degrading missile units, targeting command centers, and keeping up the military pressure, Jerusalem is seeking to ensure that even if Hezbollah chooses to fire, its capacity to damage is reduced.

It is also sending a message to the organization that if it acts on Irans orders, the consequences will be devastating.

One thing is clear: Israel is no longer assuming that last years restraint will hold. If Tehran pulls the Hezbollah lever this time, Jerusalem is working to ensure that there will be far less force behind it.
Samir Arora, Founder of Helios Capital Management, said that a 15 per cent tariff "is nothing wrong as far as India is concerned," arguing that the revised rate largely normalises trade conditions rather than worsening them. "Nothing wrong with 15% as far as India is concerned. India would have been happy to have a signed deal at 18% and for now it is 15%," he said in a social media post on X. "There were more than 90 countries which had a 10% tariff and I guess they will all be at 15% for now. Some of them are Australia, UK, Singapore, UAE who had 10% tariff before and will now be at 15%," he added. Commenting on other major economies, Arora said Europe, Japan and South Korea are "back to where they were." On India's position, he said the country "would have been happy to have a signed deal at 18 per cent," suggesting that 15 per cent is comparatively favourable. Arora also observed that even if tariffs eventually revert to 18 per cent for India under other provisions, "It is the same as it would have been without this recent drama." "Beyond 5 months, how this will be extended is not obvious anyway and will need congressional approval," he said. In a major blow to Trump's signature trade policy, the US Supreme Court on Friday ruled against most of his sweeping tariff measures. Trump later signed an order making 10 per cent global tariff on all countries, effective "almost immediately". Afterwards, Trump on Saturday said that he is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries announced yesterday "to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level." In a post on his social media handle Truth Social, Trump also said that during "the next short number of months", his Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue "the extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again". "Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been 'ripping' the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level," Trump said. (ANI)
Guest Opinion.Presidents Day, a federal holiday, falls around George Washingtons birthday, February 22, 1732. But it was not always February 22, 1732. At the time of his birth, he was born on February 11, 1731. When the U.S. changed from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, his birth date became February 22, 1732.

This year, the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence, there is much reflection on the pathway to electing a President. The creation of a President in the Constitution was not a given. Some even considered having two people serve as co-Presidents.

Much has been said about George Washington and his humble demeanor in refusing to take on the role of King.

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He did turn down the role of King and went to great lengths to deny his interest in serving as President, but his humbleness is somewhat in dispute in the clever historical account of the election of 1789 by Marvin Kitman, entitled The Making of the Prefident 1789 (1989). He made quite a point, in his dry humor, of saying that using an f in the title instead of an s (as was the custom at the time) was proof that his book was historically accurate. Kitmans historical research on George Washingtons election as President is admirableand memorable.

We learn that Washington appeared wearing his uniform to Congress during the debate about who should be Commander in Chief of the Army, not just for one day but from May 24 to June 15, 1775. During that time, there was a rumornever substantiatedthat Colonel Washington offered to use his own wealth to raise an army of 1,000 men to defend Boston against what could be described as a British occupation. That seemed to give him even more momentum, without having to spend a penny.

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington was elected President of the federal convention that was to meet in Philadelphia and revise the Articles of Confederation. They ended up doing much more and kept it all secret until the release of the document to the newspapers. They knew the public might not tolerate such radical change, but here it was, and it came with the blessing of George Washington.

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He ran unopposed for the Presidency.

Washington was so closely associated with the Constitution that ratification of the Constitution was almost synonymous with a vote for George Washington. He was so popular that no one ran against him, and when he was asked to run for a second term, he reluctantly accepted. When the chants of four more years began again (figuratively speaking) for a third term, he declined. The Constitution had not yet been amended to limit Presidents to two terms. It was not until after Franklin D. Roosevelts fourth termwhen he died in officethat Congress proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the Presidents terms to two.

The election of 1789 was surprisingly like most elections. There was a campaign. However, traditional handshaking was not in George Washingtons set of campaign tools. Historians say he stood by the fireplace and received visitors with a courtly bow. According to historians, he believed a handshake was beneath his dignity.

While there could have been scandals about misspent public funds in the Army and rumors of indiscretions, there were none that shook the campaign.

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The President was elected by the Electoral College, and there were to be 72 electors from ten states. The ballots were cast on February 4, 1789, and opened on April 6. Washington received 100% of the electoral votes69 (three did not appear). According to Kitman, the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson, rode his horse to Mount Vernon to tell George Washington that he had been elected President on April 14, at about 1:00 p.m. He wrote:

Sir, The President of the Senate chosen for the special occasion having opened and counted the votes of the Election in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your Excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of Prefident of the United States of America

George W. Bush (43) was once asked to write about George Washington for the 250th anniversary of the United States. He said it was Washingtons humility that most impressed him. Despite George Washingtons overt, almost Instagram-like behavior of wearing his uniform every day to Congress while everyone looked around the room for the next Commander in Chief, I agreeat least that he was employing a humility strategy.

Remarkably, the country followed the process outlined in the Constitution, fresh off the press. Establishing three branches of government followed, with some tensions among them as they determined where the lines were drawn (we are still working on that). George Washington considered it a miracle and told Lafayette on February 7, 1788:

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It appears to me, then, little short of a miracle, that the Delegates from so many different States (which States you know are also different from each other), in their manners, circumstances, and prejudices, should unite in forming a system of national Government, so little liable to well-founded objections.

George Washington had flaws, and I acknowledge that the Father of our Country was far from perfect. But he seems to have been the right person for the timethe leader who graciously gave much of his life to the service of his country at critical points in our history. Presiding over the miracle of a Constitution, with agreement from the states followed by ratification, is still impressive. Launching a non-candidate-style campaign for President, running unopposed, and winning is impressive as well. For that, he deserves our thanks and a happy birthday on his actual birthday, February 22, 1732 (with calendar adjustments for the Gregorian calendar, of course!).

To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to https://profvictoria.substack.com/

Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States.

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About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
OAK PARK, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called Thursdays announcement by the Chicago Bears surprising and dismaying, after the team praised Indiana lawmakers for setting the stage for a new stadium in Hammond.

On Thursday, an Indiana House committee advanced Senate Bill 27, which would create a stadium finance authority to help the team build a domed stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, just across the Illinois state line.

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said the Bears have committed $2 billion toward the project.

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Speaking at an unrelated event on Friday, Pritzker said Illinois officials were blindsided by the teams statement, noting that on Wednesday, the governors team and Bears representatives had spent more than 3 hours reviewing a bill that mostly reflected a negotiated framework for a stadium in Arlington Heights.

The Bears then asked Illinois legislators to cancel Thursdays hearing so they could tweak items in the bill, only to release the Indiana-focused statement hours later.

Pritzker said the team assured state officials that the statement was not some confirmation that theyre moving to Indiana, despite appearances. Illinois is now waiting for clarity on the Bears next steps.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO WQRF News, Weather and Sports.
On Friday morning, dozens of homeschooling parents and their children and other school choice advocates lined the hallway outside of the House Finance Committee.

A helium tank was propped up on a chair so families could blow up balloons. Kids held posters with phrases like, Dont take the hope out of Hope Scholarship.

Theyd shown up to oppose a bill that would put restrictions on how families can use the Hope Scholarship, West Virginias education voucher program.

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We came here today because of the proposed changes to the Hope Scholarship bill. They are truly detrimental to our kids and many other special needs kids that are in the state, said Katie Switzer, who lives in Cabell County and homeschools her young children. She brought her kids to the Capitol to tell lawmakers to leave the program as it is.

The Hope Scholarship gives West Virginia students roughly $5,200 to use for private school tuition, homeschooling supplies, extracurricular activities and more.

Switzer has used the funds to pay for speech and dyslexia tutoring services for her children  the type of specialized help she said her kids couldnt receive in her local public schools.

Having Hope allows us to use a curriculum that matches their needs, she added. We want our kids to be confident. We want them to get a good education, and Hope helps us access that.

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The Hope Scholarship opens up to all West Virginia students for the first time next school year, escalating its price tag to $230 million compared to the current $100 million cost this fiscal year.

Del. Vernon Criss, R-Wood

House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, hopes putting new restrictions on how the money can be spent  like banning its use at out-of-state schools and for tutoring services  could decrease the price tag. He says the state cant afford a $230 million voucher program alongside other budget pressures, like funding Medicaid and a potential tax cut.

One of the things that were trying to do here is bring in line the things that we want to provide through Hope Scholarship, so in the long term, that the program can survive, Criss said on Friday. Thats one of the main problems that we solve with where were at right now.

The measure is likely to face a fight on the House floor should it make it there, and over the last week, it has become the legislative sessions most contentious issue. Some Senators have already voiced opposition to the measure, which hasnt yet made it before them. And, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said on his X account that the program must be fully funded and the state can afford to do it.

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The GOP-heavy House of Delegates has historically voted in favor of school choice measures, including the Hope Scholarship. Several House members are homeschool parents and advocates who champion the program.

The House Finance Committee was expected to take up the Hope changes bill on Friday, but it was pushed to next week while lawmakers continue tweaking the bill.

Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison

Del. Clay Riley, vice chairman of the House Finance Committee, said it was common for agendas to be fluid during the bill debate process. The Houses committee process allows multiple days of bill consideration.

We can get feedback from committee members. We can get feedback from the rest of our colleagues in the House. We can get feedback from the 1.8 million citizens of the state of West Virginia, and thats really important, said Riley, R-Harrison. So, its not uncommon that agendas are changed and adjusted as feedback comes in to the delegates.

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At the end of the House Finance meeting, several parents in the audience raised their voices at lawmakers, saying theyd be back to watch how lawmakers vote on the Hope Scholarships future.

Well be back and well come with more families, said a mother in the room.

Families lined the hall outside of the House Finance Committee on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, before lawmakers were expected to consider proposed changes to the Hope Scholarship. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)

New restrictions proposed for Hope Scholarship

The House bill proposing changes to the Hope Scholarship, as of now, would make the voucher amount a fixed $5,250, compared to the $5,435.62 planned for next school year.

It would also disperse the funds four times a year, which Criss said is important for financial stability.

The House Finance bill would also eliminate some qualifying expenses like fees for examinations related to college admissions and for after school and summer programs.

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The funds also could no longer be used to pay for tutoring services provided by a tutoring facility or individual.

Jaimee Szymanski is the owner of Dynamic Dyslexia and Speech in Weirton, where she accepts the Hope Scholarship to help children through tutoring, speech therapy and more.

Public schools are not equipped to handle dyslexia. Kids with dyslexia need a minimum of two hours of one-on-one tutoring a week, she said. With the Hope Scholarship, which is money they would already be giving if they were in the public school, they are able to get this money, and so then they are able to be literate, and they can be functional in society.

The bill would also require students using the Hope Scholarship to participate in statewide student growth assessments, like what is required in public schools. These tests could be administered online, according to the state education department.

Hope changes would face questionable future before Senate and governor

If the measure gets through the House, it will face challenges in the Senate, too. Notably, senators voted Friday morning to put $300 million in Hope Scholarship funding in their budget bill.

Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson

Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, held a press conference Thursday where she was joined by Senate Finance Chairman Jason Barrett, Sen. Jay Taylor, R-Taylor, and a handful of House members.

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These changes would drastically change the benefits of the whole scholarship and dramatically decrease the parents ability to make decisions that best fit their childs needs, she said.

West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack

Rucker said the State Treasurers Office does an excellent job tracking the use of the funds in its annual reports.

State Treasurer Larry Pack has urged lawmakers to reconsider the proposed changes, saying it would produce negative effects for families using the program. Pack noted that the proposed changes come as the program less than two weeks out from universal expansion.

We believe it is inappropriate, at this time, to push for such drastic deviations and welcome additional discussions down the road on the future of the program, he wrote in a statement.

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The House Finance Committee is expected to take up the Hope Scholarship bill as early as Monday.

Every one of these kids deserves a chance, and politicians need to set aside their politics and give every one of these kids the best opportunity that they have, Switzer said.

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As Rep. Tony Gonzales prepares to face Republican primary voters in Texas on March 3, the Office of Congressional Conduct has conducted  and concluded  an investigation into an alleged affair between Gonzales and a former staffer who died by suicide in September.

Two sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News that the probe has wrapped up, but the OCC cannot transmit its report to the House Ethics Committee within a 60-day window before an election involving a member of Congress in the investigation.

But the allegation regarding Gonzales and his former regional district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, has roiled the final days of the congressmans primary in West Texas 23rd District.

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The congressman had previously denied the affair months ago, but his new statements in response to questions avoid addressing the allegation. His office did not respond to repeated requests from NBC News to clarify whether he stands by that past denial, and he did not respond to a request for comment on the OCC investigation.

Instead, Gonzales has framed the allegations as politically motivated, as his most prominent primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, calls for him to resign and claims the alleged affair broke ethics rules. The congressman has also accused the womans husband and the husbands lawyer of blackmail.

Its shameful that Brandon Herrera is using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points, conveniently pushing this out the very day early voting started, Gonzales said in a statement. I am not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.

Herrera called for Gonzales to resign in a statement and has argued the Republican Party could pay a political price if he wins re-nomination.

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A new ad from Herreras campaign blasts Gonzales for an affair that puts Republicans at risk of losing this seat and handing control of Congress to the Democrats.

Thats a risk we cant afford. In the March 3rd Republican primary, vote for the pro-Trump Republican who can keep this seat, the ads narrator says.

Meanwhile, Gonzales wrote on X Thursday, I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED. Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death, including a photo that purports to be an email from a lawyer for his late staffers husband discussing a $300,000 non-disclosure agreement.

Bobby Barrera, the attorney for Adrian Aviles, the husband of Santo-Aviles, confirmed to NBC News that his client received a letter from the OCC in November. A source familiar with the investigation said at the time Aviles chose not to cooperate with their probe. He has now offered to participate, but it is too late because the investigation has concluded.

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Punchbowl News was the first to report on the existence of the OCC investigation. The sources with knowledge of the OCC investigation say the report is expected to be transmitted to the committee the day after the Texas primary.

Gonzales, who is married, denied rumors he had been romantically involved with Santos-Aviles in the weeks after her death in September. But this week, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Santos-Aviles had mentioned having an affair with Gonzales in text messages with a former colleague who spoke to the news outlet anonymously. NBC News has not verified the text messages.

Barrera then told news outlets, including NBC News, that Aviles believed his wife had been having an affair with the congressman. The couple was estranged at the time of her death. Aviles subsequently told the Express-News that he discovered texts between his wife and the congresswoman that he said confirmed the affair. Barrera told NBC News they are working to release the text messages, but he and his client have not yet produced them.

Aviles responded to Gonzales' post on social media denying any blackmail, accusing the congressman of deception, and criticizing the congressman for calling for the release of the police report related to his wifes death, warning that he doesnt want their young son to ever come across graphic material.

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We have never blackmailed anyone. What weve seen instead is a consistent pattern of evasion, refusal to take accountability, and outright lies to protect your image, Aviles wrote.

The Office of Congressional Conduct serves as an independent watchdog in the House of Representatives. Its board is made up of non-elected volunteers, including some former members of Congress. The body has no power to penalize members of Congress, but it conducts investigations and offers recommendations to the House Ethics Committee, which is comprised of sitting members and can choose to adopt or ignore their suggestions. The ethics committee can also use the OCCs work to build its own investigations.

Gonzales, who was first elected to Congress in 2020, has crossed party lines on a handful of key votes, including one to establish an independent commission to investigate the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol and another supporting a bipartisan gun safety measure in the months after a mass shooting at an elementary school in his district.

Those votes drew the ire of conservative Republicans and fueled a 2024 primary challenge from Herrera, a pro-gun influencer. The challenger pushed Gonzales into a primary runoff that year, but he fell short of defeating Gonzales by just a few hundred votes in the head-to-head GOP contest.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Data centers are causing headaches nationwide, and public backlash continued into the new year as plans were canceled and corporations regarded water usage as an afterthought.

When Steve Hacker turned on the tap in his Chester County, Pennsylvania, home last fall, nothing came out. After more than four decades of reliable well water, the retiree found himself without running water for a month.

Hacker, who moved to East Vincent Township in 1983, told Spotlight PA that his well ran dry for the first time in October. For 39 days, he showered at the YMCA or at his part-time job.

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While drought conditions likely contributed, Hacker believed the incident reflected a bigger problem: the rapid growth of water- and energy-hungry data centers with little state oversight.

Data centers, which house massive computer servers for cloud storage and artificial intelligence systems, require millions of gallons of clean water each year to cool their equipment, often drawing from the same groundwater sources on which residents like Hacker rely.

"They want to pull millions of gallons out," Hacker said. "Who is responsible if all the wells in my town dry out? Who is going to compensate us?"

A single large AI data center can consume more than 5 million gallons of water per day for cooling, roughly equivalent to the water use of a small town of 10,000 to 50,000 people, according to EESI.

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The majority of U.S. freshwater use is for agricultural irrigation and for cooling or steam in energy generation, totaling about 250 billion gallons per day. As AI demand grows, it will further strain freshwater supplies, which make up only about 3% of Earth's water.

Across Pennsylvania, communities have pushed back against data center proposals over fears of rising utility costs, pollution, and strain on local water supplies.

A recent poll found that nearly half of Pennsylvanians don't want a data center built in or near their community, yet leaders like Governor Josh Shapiro continue to welcome the industry as a source of private investment and temporary construction jobs.

Hacker has become a vocal opponent of a proposed data center campus near his home, arguing that residents are being asked to absorb the risks while corporations reap the rewards.

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He has attended zoning hearings, contacted lawmakers, and urged officials to slow down approvals until stronger protections are in place. Some state lawmakers agree.

Proposed legislation would require data centers to report water and energy usage, allow regulators to oversee costs passed to consumers, or even pause development to study impacts on communities.

But many of these measures remained stalled as major companies like Amazon Web Services announced multibillion-dollar expansion plans in the state.

Hacker fears history is repeating itself, comparing the unchecked growth of data centers to past industrial booms, where harms only became clear years later, after residents had paid the price.

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"To let industry do whatever they want and deal with the consequences later, we should know better," he said. "I absolutely want our state legislators, right up to the governor, to listen to people."

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Observations of Comet 3I/ATLAS taken using the Gemini South Observatory. | Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Shadow the ScientistImage Processing: J. Miller & M. Rodriguez (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

Scientists think it's possible for a spacecraft to gain enough velocity to catch up with iconic interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which is currently speeding away from us, by firing its booster rockets during a very close approach to the sun.

If this mission could launch in 2035, the researchers say, it could at minimum catch up with 3I/ATLAS by 2085 at a distance of 732 astronomical units (AU) from the sun . In other words, that's 732 times farther from the sun than Earth is, which is 68 billion miles (109 billion kilometers). For comparison, our most distant active space probe, Voyager 1 , is currently only 170 AU from the sun after almost the same flight-time as the proposed mission to 3I/ATLAS.

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To cross such huge distances so quickly, the mission would take advantage of something called the Oberth effect, named after the AustroHungarian rocket scientist Hermann Oberth (who later became a nationalized German and worked for the Nazis). Oberth first proposed the concept in 1929 in his book "Wege zur Raumschiffahrt" (meaning "Ways to Space Travel").

The idea is that as an orbiting spacecraft falls into a gravitational field produced by a planet or, in this case, the sun, the spacecraft accelerates. At periapsis  the spacecraft's closest point to the gravitating body  it fires its engines to gain even greater velocity. The Oberth effect describes how doing this when at higher velocities produces a greater change in velocity  what rocket scientists refer to as "delta-V"  and the highest velocities attainable are at periapsis.

"Pretty much every launch uses the Oberth effect," T. Marshall Eubanks, a former NASA scientist who is now chief scientist at Space Initiatives Inc. and an author of a new paper describing this mission to 3I/ATLAS, told Space.com. "It's why for example missions such as Artemis 2 do their translunar injection burns at perigee, not apogee. That's an Oberth maneuver. However, I cannot find a record of a straight-out Oberth maneuver of the type we propose, which is a major rocket burn at closest approach in a flyby."

As the most massive body in the solar system , the sun is the best place to take advantage of the Oberth effect. But that means getting close  really close.

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To achieve a delta-V of at least 5.1 miles (8.4 kilometers) per second, which you can think of as the work required to accelerate a spacecraft onto a new trajectory, the mission would have to perform a solar Oberth maneuver (SOM) at a distance of 3.2 solar radii from the center of the sun. The radius of the sun is 432,450 miles (696,000 kilometers).

Three solar radii equals about 0.015 AU.

Getting this close to the sun, which would be deep inside the solar corona , is not impossible. When NASA's Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the sun in 2023, it came within 0.04AU (3.7 million miles/6.1 million km). Even though this isn't quite as close to the sun as the proposed 3I/ATLAS interceptor would get, it gives an indication of what would be in store: Parker Solar Probe experienced temperatures of 2,5002,600 degrees Fahrenheit (1,3701,400 degrees Celsius).

Still, Parker Solar Probe's heat shield protected it. Adam Hibberd, who is a member of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies and lead author of the research, cites the example of a 2015 design study from the Keck Institute of Space Studies for an interstellar mission that would take advantage of the risky maneuver. The heat shield in the Keck study was a carbon-composite, like the one on Parker Solar Probe, but with added layers of aerogel to further insulate from the sun's searing heat .

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"In principle, a similar heat shield could be used for the mission to 3I/ATLAS," Hibberd told Space.com.

An artist's depiction of the Parker Solar Probe at work around the sun. | Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben

The solar Oberth maneuver would accelerate the 3I/ATLAS interceptor so much it would become the fastest spacecraft ever, "by a good measure," said Eubanks.

Hibberd is a software engineer by trade and creator of the Optimum Interplanetary Trajectory Software, which he utilized for this study to determine when would be the most efficient time to launch, given the relevant positions of the Earth, the sun, Jupiter and 3I/ATLAS. He found that 2035 provided the optimum trajectory.

The idea is to first fly out to Jupiter, and use Jupiter's gravity to slow the spacecraft enough that it is then able to loop back around and fall towards the sun. Though this sounds counterintuitive, it's necessary. Any spacecraft launched from Earth already possesses Earth's orbital motion of 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) and at this velocity a spacecraft heading towards the sun would be moving too fast and end up being flung around the sun on a wide orbit rather than get close.

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So, the spacecraft needs to shed velocity first. Parker Solar Probe used seven flybys of Venus over seven years to achieve this. Since 3I/ATLAS is racing away from us at 38 miles (61 kilometers) per second, any mission to it doesn't have time to make multiple Venus flybys, so the 3I/ATLAS interceptor would race out to Jupiter on a journey taking about a year, before heading back towards the sun.

Hibberd, Eubanks and their co-author Andreas Hein of the University of Luxembourg calculate that the spacecraft could have a mass of about 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms), which is about the same as NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto . The mass of the heat shield would have to be deducted from this 500 kilograms  on Parker Solar Probe the heat shield is 160 pounds (73 kilograms).

Separate to this payload would be two or three solid-rocket boosters needed to provide the immense thrust needed at perihelion for the solar Oberth maneuver. The team suggests that several Starship Block 3s (featuring nine Raptor 3 engines) attached to the spacecraft in low Earth orbit before it departs on its mission would be sufficient.

A Hubble Space Telescope image of comet 3I/ATLAS. | Credit: NASA/ESA/David Jewitt (UCLA)/ Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)

How quickly the mission would reach 3I/ATLAS would depend on the delta-V provided during the solar Oberth maneuver. A delta-V of 5.19 miles per second (8.36 kilometers per second) would enable a fly-by of 3I/ATLAS after a flight duration of 50 years. If we dont want to wait that long, then if it is possible to get the delta-V up to 6.43 miles per second (10.36 kilometers per second), the rendezvous would take place in just 30 years. This is not impossible  NASA's Dawn spacecraft to the Asteroid Belt achieved a delta-V of 6.84 miles per second (11 kilometers per second) after separating from its booster rocket.

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Because both 3I/ATLAS and the spacecraft would be moving so fast, only a flyby would be possible, rather than entering orbit around the interstellar interloper. This however begs the question, why bother chasing 3I/ATLAS down? Especially as astronomers expect the Rubin Observatory , which has now begun science operations in Chile, to find on average one interstellar comet per year  a big increase on the three that have been identified so far. Very soon there should be plenty of easier targets to reach.

"We'll just have to see," said Eubanks. "Maybe after, say, 10 interstellar objects have been found, 3I will seem commonplace and it won't seem worthwhile to mount an expedition to chase it. But then again, maybe it will seem different and unusual and there will be such a desire."

3I/ATLAS was well-characterized by astronomers as it passed through last year, and if he had the choice, Hibberd would prefer to see a mission to 1I/'Oumuamua , which was a more puzzling object, instead. In fact, Hibberd has already developed a mission plan for an 'Oumuamua interceptor called Project Lyra , but feels that the chance to catch it has now slipped away.

Indeed, if we have a mission ready to go, then if we can spot an interstellar comet early enough, more conventional means of reaching it should suffice. This is a viewpoint that was supported by a study from scientists at the South-west Research Institute in 2025.

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"For future interstellar objects, a solar Oberth maneuver should be avoided if possible, since it is designed to catch a specific interstellar object 'after the bird has flown' and it is heading away from the sun," said Hibberd. There are better mission architectures, using a probe already in orbit in space, which would intercept an interstellar object around perihelion in much less time, rendering an Oberth unnecessary."

A visualization of 1I/'Oumuamua. | Credit: K. Meech et al./ESO

The European Space Agency's Comet Interceptor mission, set for launch either in late 2028 or early 2029, is just such a mission. It will wait at the L2 Lagrange point for a suitable target, either a new long-period comet from the Oort Cloud or an interstellar comet, before being dispatched to rendezvous with it. So, there is a fair chance we'll have a spacecraft investigating an interstellar comet in the next 10 years.

"I feel quite confident that when we develop the ability to reach these interstellar objects, there will be a strong desire to directly explore at least some of them," said Eubanks.

That doesn't mean that the mission profile of a spacecraft taking advantage of a solar Oberth maneuver needs to be discarded. A spacecraft could swing past the Sun to gather speed to head out to explore the outer solar system beyond Neptune .

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"Any trans-Neptunian object would be a pretty easy target, and the exploration of those has hardly begun," said Eubanks.

Additionally, if the theorized Planet Nine is discovered, then it would be so far away, with estimates ranging from 290 AU to 800 AU; a mission to it would likely have no choice but to make use of a solar Oberth maneuver if it wants to get there anytime soon. The maneuver could even be used to send a telescope out to 550 AU from the sun, which is the distance at which the sun's gravitational field creates a gravitational lens that can be used as a telescope far more powerful than any built so far.

For the time being, 3I/ATLAS continues to speed away from us. Regardless of whether anyone gives chase or not, the development of spacecraft trajectories utilizing solar Oberth maneuvers means that the outermost reaches of our solar system may not be as inaccessible to us as we had feared after all.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A more than two-decade-long missing persons case has finally been solved, according to the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office.

On December 31, 2001, the RCSO received a report that Michele Hundley Smith, 38 at the time, of Eden, had been missing since December 9 of that year. According to her husband, Smith left home to go to K-Mart in Martinsville, Va., for Christmas shopping but never returned home.

An investigation was launched, with multiple agencies across North Carolina and Virginia, including the NC State Bureau of Investigation, the DEA and the FBI, working the case.

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On Thursday, the RCSO Criminal Investigations Division received new information regarding Smith and her disappearance and immediately followed up on the lead. On Friday, detectives made contact with Smith, who was alive and well, at an undisclosed location in North Carolina.

Her current location will not be disclosed at her request, according to the RCSO.

A member of Smiths family shared the following statement with FOX8.

We also would like to thank all the people who supported and continue to support her daughter throughout 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 FOX8 WGHP.
A group of runners made the most of the sunny weather on Saturday.

It was the 14th-annual Cupids Undie Run, a 1-mile dash through the North Shore where participants dress in nothing but their undergarments.

Around 300 people were registered to take part in Saturdays event, which raised funds and awareness for neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the body and nervous system.

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Basically, we want to get people aware of neurofibromatosis, race director Brooke Bissell said. We want people to realize this is not a bunch of people running because were silly. There is a purpose. Were running in our underwear because those with tumors cannot cover up their tumors all the time.

Organizers say their goal is $110,000, and anyone interested can still donate until the end of the month by clicking here.

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Russia fired scores of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine on Sunday, crashing into energy and rail infrastructure and residential buildings, just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.

AFP journalists in Kyiv heard a series of blasts starting at around 4:00 am (0200 GMT), shortly after an air raid alert was issued, with the air force later widening the alert nationwide citing the threat of missiles.

"Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the attack on social media, saying that Russia launched about 50 missiles and 300 drones overnight.

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"The main target of the attack was the energy sector. Ordinary residential buildings were also damaged, and there is damage to the railway."

One man was killed and a dozen more people were wounded, among them four children, in and around Kyiv, Ukraine's national police said.

AFP saw rescuers sifting through debris of a largely destroyed two-storey house in Sofiivska Borshchagivka in the Kyiv region.

Temperatures had plunged to nearly -10C when the capital was struck, with emergency services deployed across the city.

The Ukrainian capital, regularly targeted by Russian missile and drone attacks since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, has faced waves of overnight strikes in recent weeks as Moscow has intensified its winter assaults.

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The Russian army said it had carried out a mass strike targeting facilities used by Ukraine's military, saying all targets were hit, in a standard comment for such attacks.

Authorities in Russia's western Belgorod region said one man died after a Ukrainian drone strike.

- 'Act of terrorism' -

The bombardment, which included ballistic and cruise missiles, prompted heightened vigilance across Ukraine, all the way to the western border.

Ukraine's energy ministry said consumers in six eastern and southeastern region were without power after the strikes.

Poland's Operational Command said early Sunday it was scrambling jets after detecting "longrange aviation of the Russian Federation conducting strikes on the territory of Ukraine".

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In a separate attack, an explosion rocked a store in central Lviv, a western city near the Polish border far from the front line that is largely spared the worst of the conflict.

Explosions ripped through a central shopping street at around midnight, killing a policewoman and wounding 25 people after officers responded to a reported breakin.

Hours later, law enforcement said it had detained a Ukrainian woman suspected in carrying out the bomb attack, without providing any further details and saying that an investigation was ongoing.

"This is clearly an act of terrorism," mayor Andriy Sadovyi said of the nighttime assault.

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- Ukraine 'not losing' -

Ukraine will mark four years since Russia's assault on February 24, 2022, a war that has shattered towns, uprooted millions and killed large numbers on both sides.

Moscow occupies close to a fifth of Ukrainian territory and continues to grind forward, especially in the eastern Donbas region, despite heavy losses and repeated Ukrainian strikes on logistics.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told AFP on Friday that Ukraine was "definitely not losing" the war and that victory remained the goal.

He said Ukrainian forces had clawed back about 300 square kilometres (116 square miles) of territory in recent counterattacks, gains AFP could not immediately verify.

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If confirmed, they would be Kyiv's most significant advances since 2023.

The United States is pushing both sides to end the war, brokering several rounds of talks in recent weeks without a clear breakthrough.

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Tucked between the 9-Line trail and the Smiths Ballpark redevelopment area, Jefferson Park could be considered the heart of the Central Ninth and Ballpark neighborhoods outdoor scene.

Its one of the few current green spaces in the neighborhood, but even city leaders admit its forgettable.

Ive driven by it a thousand times, and I never felt like it was a park, said Salt Lake City Council Chairman Alejandro Puy, during a recent Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency meeting.

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Thats because Jefferson Park, 1084 S. West Temple, is primarily a 3-acre detention basin, a feature that helps prevent stormwater runoff flooding in the middle of Utahs capital city.

It was created in the mid-80s in response to the severe flooding that impacted the area in 1983, yet its design is outdated, with raised edges creating a bowl that has led to nefarious activity, says Amy Reid, landscape architect for Salt Lake Citys public lands department. Residents tell her they often avoid the area because of crime.

Thats why she hopes a new plan to redesign the space will fix its issues, keeping it as a vital detention basin while turning it into a community asset. While the city added a new playground last year, the department on Wednesday unveiled two potential designs for what the rest of Jefferson Park may soon look like.

Both would feature a walking path around its perimeter, as well as new gathering spaces with seating, native landscaping, and new recreation amenities that all revolve around Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design guidelines. Enhanced lighting to improve safety would be included, too, which is on top of a new playground that was installed last year.

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Theyd also better connect with the 9-Line and MeadUP, an underpass park that opened last year.

One would focus on a variety of gathering spaces on the concept of bringing the community together; the other would add more walking paths, centering more on connectivity in the neighborhood.

These concepts reflect what we heard from the community, a desire for a safer, more welcoming space that supports recreation, connection and sustainability while honoring the parks unique function, Reid said in a statement.

This shows the "Heart of the Neighborhood" concept that Salt Lake City is considered for Jefferson Park. | Salt Lake City Public Lands

This shows the "On The Go" concept that Salt Lake City is considered for Jefferson Park. | Salt Lake City Public Lands

The designs were released a week after the Community Reinvestment Agency board agreed to authorize $300,000 toward the project from an infrastructure improvement fund that the agency created during the 2023 fiscal year to enhance areas near State Street in the area.

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The project also received $750,000 from the general obligation bond for park improvements across the city, while the city recently directed $530,000 in capital improvement program funds toward a community-led project to add the walking loop.

Investing in the park may help reduce the costs associated with what made the park undesirable, said Salt Lake City Vice Chairwoman Erika Carlsen, before the vote to add $300,000 to the budget.

Its a steal, compared to the amount that Id imagine we have historically had to spend investing in responding to crime, investing in responding to neighbors concerns, and the police departments responding to unsavory activities happening in this park, she said. I think this is a wise stewardship of funding that supports the neighborhood.

Salt Lake City Public Lands launched a new public survey along with the two conceptual designs on Wednesday. The survey will remain open through March 11, before feedback is used to pick a final design that could be announced this spring, per city documents.

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The city will then start looking for a contractor to build out that design, which is expected to take place during the summer. Construction could begin by the end of the year or early next year, Reid said last week.

Its a passionate neighborhood, and they really want to see Jefferson Park be a place they can use more regularly, she added. Were trying to make this a safe park.
India is on track to become the first country in the world to decouple healthcare from wealth, says Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Founder of Narayana Health. While speaking on the sidelines of the 25th Global Conference of Actuaries at BKC, Dr Shetty predicted this shift will occur within the next five to seven years. Dr Shetty emphasised that the quality of medical treatment in India will soon be independent of a citizen's financial status. He noted that the country has already increased the number of doctors and hospital beds significantly. "India will become the first country in the world to dissociate healthcare from wealth. India will prove to the world that the wealth of the nation or wealth of the family has nothing to do with the quality of healthcare its citizens will enjoy. And India is going to do it within the next five to seven years. because we have now virtually triple the number of doctors who are getting trained. We have an adequate number of beds. The only missing link is 70 % of the people may not have the cash money to pay for the health care with various government schemes as well as the private health insurance. Believe me, in the next five to six years, seven years time, everyone will have adequate coverage to enter a corporate hospital or a government hospital for the care. This is going to happen very very soon." Addressing concerns regarding technology in the operating room, Dr Shetty clarified that Artificial Intelligence is a tool for productivity and safety rather than a replacement for human surgeons. "The AI will not make doctors redundant. AI will make doctors safer for the patient. AI will improve the productivity of doctors. A dermatologist who will otherwise take care of maybe 3,000, 5,000 patients with the AI assistance, he may be able to take care of 30,000 people. So AI will only make doctors more productive and health care safer for the patient," he said. Dr Shetty also proposed a hybrid healthcare model. While government hospitals and insurance schemes are necessary for the poor, he suggested that a paid universal insurance model is essential to manage the patient load. He highlighted Health Savings Accounts as a solution for the middle class. "We need both models. People who cannot afford any money to go to the private hospital need the government hospital and the government insurance schemes are doing a great job But at the same time we cannot fill the government hospital with too many patients So there is a need for alternative treatment for people who can pay at least some premium like as low as three thousand five hundred rupees per year Which may cover them up to three lakh rupees in a private hospital and this is possible and thanks to government, today We have what is called the health savings account. Health savings account is nothing but a zero balance account. Whatever money is deposited in that account can be used only for buying the health insurance. And with 3,500 rupees, if you get a coverage up to 3 lakh rupees, most families, 70 % of the families can be protected," Dr Shetty said. In comparing India to developed nations, Dr Shetty remarked that India's lack of waiting lists for critical diagnostics like CT scans and MRIs puts it in a privileged position despite current challenges. "Every country in the world, including United States, England, European countries are struggling to offer health care. The crisis in those countries are not much better than what we are having. So the India is very, very, very privileged, mainly because in a matter of time, every Indian will have a health insurance, and that will dramatically transform the way health care is delivered." He further added, "Today, if you look at the waiting list in most of the developed countries, it is huge whereas in India The government hospitals are there, private hospitals are there, you need a CT scan, you need an MRI, there is no waiting list. Maybe it costs you money, but how much it costs? A thousand rupees, two thousand rupees? Even if you pay two thousand, three thousand dollars in those countries, they can't afford to walk into a CT scan room and get their CT scan done. So people in India are better off than what other parts of the world is, but I understand that everyone should be covered for walking into any... hospital of their choice and get the treatment done with the huge growth of health insurance, what is happening is going to happen." (ANI)
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, detective had an unconventional idea of how to help solve the murder of 19-year-old college student Sade Robinson.

It all began in April 2024, when the charred remains of Robinson's car were found behind an abandoned building in Milwaukee. At the time, first responders weren't immediately alarmed for her safety.

Sade Robinson / Credit: Sheena Scarbrough

"An abandoned car ... on fire doesn't necessarily mean that the driver's in danger?" asked correspondent Anne-Marie Green in "Sade Robinson and The Secret Beach," an all-new "48 Hours" now streaming on Paramount+.

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"No, no," replied lead Detective Jo Donner of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

But then the fire investigator noticed that the passenger side of the vehicle smelled heavily of a petroleum distillate.

This was arson.

An image from security camera footage of Sade Robinson leaving her apartment on the morning of April 1, 2024. That night, she would meet Maxwell Anderson for their first date. / Credit: CBS 58/Trial pool

Law enforcement learned that the night before the car fire, Robinson had gone on a first date but had not been seen since.

Donner and her team examined Robinson's damaged car for clues. Though the fire had ruined any chance of obtaining DNA or fingerprints, investigators were able to recover crucial evidence.

"Underneath the driver's seat, Sade's purse was tucked under there," Donner pointed out. "To me it definitely eliminates a robbery, right?"

Detective Jo Donner of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, left, and

The position of the car's driver's seat caught Donner's attention.

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"I noticed that the level of fire damage ... that's gonna lock that seat in," the detective said. "That seat position is kind of frozen in time."

This led Donner and her team to wonder if someone else had driven Robinson's car to that abandoned building. Donner decided to perform an experiment.

"We take note of the seat positioning, cause that'll give height indicators," Donner explained. "I was able to determine about how far back that seat was. I then went to a dealership and found an identical model."

With the driver's seat in the same position as the one in Robinson's vehicle, Donner found a deputy who was about Robinson's height.

A sheriff's deputy who was about the same height as Sade Robinson sat in the same position as the driver's seat in Robinson's vehicle. The deputy's arms were outstretched and her feet could not touch the pedals. / Credit: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office

"And when she sat in the car, she couldn't touch the pedals. Her arms were straight out and she's like, 'There's no way. I can't drive like this without perching on the very edge of the seat,'" Donner said.

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Donner also had a taller detective sit in the car.

A taller detective sat in the same position as the driver's seat in Sade Robinson's vehicle and seemed to fit comfortably. / Credit: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office

"It was a very comfortable seat position for him," said Donner.

Based on her experiment, Donner says the last person to drive Robinson's car had to be at least 6 feet tall.

"There's no way Sade was the last person in that driver's seat," said Green.

"No way. No, no," Donner confirmed.

As investigators worked to find Robinson, they quickly tracked down the man she had gone on that date with: a 6-foot-1-inch bartender named Maxwell Anderson.

On April 12, 2024, law enforcement confirmed that Robinson had been killed. That same day, Anderson was charged with Robinson's murder.

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Anderson would later say he had nothing to do with Robinson's death.

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One of the most disturbing child molesters in recent Sacramento County history is set to be released from prison despite receiving three life sentences for his crimes. David Allen Funston, now 64, was officially approved for parole late last week.

Funston's spree of assaults began in the summer of 1995 and lasted until his arrest in early 1996. Then in his early 30s, Funston was working as a marketing associate at a wholesale foods company and living in North Highlands, a suburb of Sacramento. Detectives would later learn that he'd moved to the Sacramento area after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado. Prosecutors speculated the arrest spurred Funston to switch his victims to children, who he believed were less likely to identify him as their attacker.

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Funston lured children into his car using promises of candy or by holding out a Barbie doll. One girl, a 5-year-old Russian immigrant who spoke limited English, was assaulted and left 50 miles from home in rural El Dorado County. He was eventually caught when he lured two children into his car outside an apartment complex, prompting a neighbor to write down his license plate number and contact police. Funston was eventually found guilty of kidnapping and molesting six girls and one boy.

"The terror the children felt is too terrible to contemplate," Judge Jack Sapunor said at Funston's sentencing, calling him "the monster parents fear the most."

At the time of his sentencing, the Sacramento Bee reported that "Funston will die before he ever gets a parole hearing." But that has not borne out. According to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation records, Funston first came up for parole in 2022. He was denied at that time, but at a subsequent Sept. 2025 hearing, he was approved under the state's Elderly Parole Program. As part of the program, inmates who have been incarcerated for at least 20 straight years and are at least 50 years old become eligible for parole.

After a review process, Funston's parole approval was upheld on Feb. 18, CDCR records show.

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The news has been met with outrage from Funston's victims, some of whom were interviewed by the Los Angeles Times. "He shouldn't be breathing the same air that we're breathing at all," one told the outlet. "I disagree with him getting paroled out because he's a horrible person. That man is a monster."

Former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who was one of the prosecutors on Funston's original case, told the Times she's asked CDCR to place Funston in a sexually violent predator program upon his release. The program commits offenders to state hospitals, rather than releasing them into the public.

It's not clear when or where Funston will be released. He is currently still incarcerated at the California Institution for Men in Chino.

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This article originally published at Serial Northern California child molester to be paroled, prompting outcry.
A second round of genetic testing of shrimp served at more than 20 Charleston restaurants has revealed that most continue to sell farm-raised imports, with some passing off the food as wild and locally caught.

The Charleston findings are part of a broader multi-state investigation into shrimp mislabeling and substitution fraud by SeaD Consulting at the behest of the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), a not-for-profit coalition of shrimping businesses in eight southern coastal states, including South Carolina.

The latest testing showed just a slight improvement from an initial round a year ago, at the same Charleston restaurants, that found widespread sales of foreign shrimp and instances of false advertising, according to SeaD Consulting.

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The struggling shrimping industry has long complained that many restaurants arent serving local shrimp in South Carolina, even though the Palmetto State boasts shrimp as its No. 1 seafood. The alleged shrimp fraud, the industry says, is occurring at a time when domestic markets are being overrun by foreign imports of farm-raised shrimp.

Dave Williams, the founder of SeaD and a commercial fishery scientist, said in a news release that the economic stakes of the labeling issue are high because of the importance of local fisheries to coastal communities.

Seventy percent of seafood expenditures in the United States are in restaurants, so having restaurants tell the truth about what they are serving is paramount, Williams said. Consumers should be empowered to decide whether they want to eat and support the highly regulated and inspected American wild-caught fisheries versus very low-inspection-rate imported shrimp that are likely from ponds in Indonesia, Vietnam, or India.

An employee heads freshly caught shrimp at Bluffton Oyster Company at Wharf Street on June 4, 2024, in Old Town Bluffton. (Drew Martin/dmartin@islandpacket.com)

Thats why the U.S. shrimping industry is backing undercover investigations of the origin of seafood being sold across the eight states. Threatened tariffs by the Trump administration have recently cast a spotlight on the unfair trade practices shrimpers say they are facing.

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Last year, shrimp served in 44 restaurants were randomly selected in the Charleston area for testing. The results showed 4 of the 44, or 9%, were serving wild shrimp caught in American waters with the rest serving farm-raised imports. Of the 40 restaurants serving imports, only 15 verbally acknowledged using imported shrimp, the SeaD consulting said.

This years results

This year, on Feb. 10-11, 22 of the original 44 restaurants were tested again with the results showing 5 of the 22 restaurants, or 23%, were serving wild-caught shrimp. The 17 restaurants serving farm-raised imported shrimp implied it was U.S. wild caught, the group said.

Three restaurants found to be serving American shrimp also were serving local fare in the first round of testing: Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, Isle of Palms; Grace & Grit, Mt Pleasant, and Rappahannock Oyster Bar, Charleston.

Fresh, plump shrimp were on ice at Bluffton Oyster Company at Wharf Street on June 4, 2024, in Old Town Bluffton. (Drew Martin/dmartin@islandpacket.com)

Two restaurants, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar in Charleston and Mt. Pleasant Seafood, were serving American shrimp after selling imports at the time of the original tests.

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Results from Myrtle Beach tests will be announced next week, SeaD Consulting said.

Whether tests are planned in Beaufort County isnt known. To ensure scientific validity, SeaD Consulting and SSA never announces the markets that will be tested in advance, said Deborah Long, an SSA spokesperson.

Labeling laws needed?

Officials with the alliance and the South Carolina Shrimpers Association said the testing demonstrates a need for better labeling laws.

Five of the eight shrimping states have passed labeling or disclosure laws, said Blake Price, director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

In light of widespread false advertising of shrimp, we hope the Carolinas and Florida will follow suit, Price said.

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Bryan Jones, vice president of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, said the group is working on labeling legislation in South Carolina. People deserve to know what is in their shrimp and grits, he said.

Last year, Jones organization sued 40 Charleston-area restaurants in federal court in Charleston for shrimp fraud. The lawsuit accused the restaurants of breaking state and federal laws for advertising South Carolina seafood but serving foreign shrimp.

Craig Reaves, who owns Sea Eagle Market in Beaufort, a retail seafood business with shrimp boats based at Village Creek on St. Helena Island, has previously described imports as farm-raised crap.

Its unbelievable people would come from all over the country expecting to get local seafood and it be represented as such and then be served pond-raised garbage from India, Reaves says.
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Firefighters from across Smith County worked to contain a large fire near County Road 246 on Saturday.

East Texas firefighters deployed to Panhandle to battle Lavender, 8 Ball wildfires

According to Smith County Emergency Services District 2 (ESD2), multiple crews responded to the scene of the fire near County Road 246 and County Road 346. The Texas A&M Forest Service listed the fire as being 47-acres across and 100% contained as of 7:29 p.m. on Saturday.

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No structures were endangered by the fire and no injuries have been reported. Smith County ESD2 asked drivers in the area to watch out for first responders directing traffic or bulldozers being unloaded near the fire.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.



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The flashbacks to the day Rojia Afshars life changed forever are easily summoned.

It was May 2012 in Tehran, Iran. Afshar, 24 at the time, had been granted a student visa to study in America two days earlier. Now she was huddled in the back of a taxi with her mother on their way to the airport bound for Connecticut, unsure of what lie ahead.

In the 14 years since, Afshar is thriving. She graduated from law school, received asylum and became an American citizen. She moved to Maryville last summer to be a top lawyer for gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson.

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Afshar's journey to Maryville took time, and now she's unable to travel back to Iran. Shes seen her mother only once in 14 years. The two FaceTime daily but both women are alone (Afshars father died in 2011).

It's the crushing downside to thriving here.

Afshar is at the mercy of the U.S. immigration system to help her mother and to protect her safety as the United States ramps up military pressure on the Iranian regime.

The same system that gave her a new life is blocking her mother. After nearly four years of trying to obtain a visa for her mother through the United States embassy in nearby Armenia, Afshar recently filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, hoping to unjam the gears of her mothers case.

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It may all be too late. The chances of getting her mother here are dwindling. After filing the lawsuit, her visa application was denied due to President Donald Trumps travel ban that stops indefinitely the processing of immigrant visas for residents of 75 countries, including Iran.

With the recent denial and as rumors of war swirl, Afshar flew to meet her mother in Armenia on Feb. 20, unsure of when the two would have the chance to meet again.

The will and the drive to bring her mom to America

Afshar took time in late January to discuss her situation with Knox News at her Maryville home. It was frosty outside, and she made tea. One living room wall has a needlepoint rug made by children in Tehran. On another is a framed embroidered stitching of Brooklyn townhomes. Theres a Persian rug on the floor and a shotgun in a case next to the door.

At one point during the conversation, we asked Afshar if she regrets coming to America because shes not able to see her mother, Fariba, a 64-year-old retired corporate human resources manager who lives in Teheran.

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For a whole minute, Afshar was silent. She grabbed a tissue and composed herself.

Ive thought about it, if I regret it. I love this country. This country gave me freedom. It gave me so many things that I didnt have.  So many things I do today I would not have been able to do back (in Iran). Its an amazing country.

There are immigrants here like myself. We try so hard to assimilate, she continued. We try so hard to become an American. We learn the language. We learn the culture. We want to be an American.  Its not easy. The least Im asking is to have my mom here. You know, Im not asking a lot from the U.S. government. And its a right I have, to have my mom with me.

Trying to get mom out of Iran

Afshar said while it would be easier for her mom to come here without a visa, shes determined, on principle, that her mothers process will be by the book.

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This has been reinforced by her own shifting beliefs on politics. Afshar was a progressive liberal when she moved to America, but completely rewired her outlook after COVID-19 lockdowns and her questions about the 2020 presidential election Trump falsely claims was stolen.

Her own journey took years and started with her application for a student visa and an interview at an embassy in Turkmenistan (she crossed the border by foot, she said). It took five years for her asylum claim to be finalized and years more for her to obtain a green card.

Getting her mother a visa to come to the United States is step one. But four years in, theres little to show for her efforts.

Its unfortunate that the system takes so long. I mean, during the Biden administration they let so many people in, she said, referring to a significant jump in the countrys unauthorized immigrant population. You question it. Had my mom been one of the illegals, she would have been here by now, by three years ago. So, its very unfortunate how the system is working.

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Due to shifting U.S. policy  Iran has been listed on Trump's travel ban  and potential military action against Iran, Faribas chances dont look good.

Out of options, Afshar filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, attempting to force action on her mothers case, which was delayed last summer for a background check, according to documents included in the lawsuit.

Whatever chances were there before took a major hit when Faribas visa was denied. Todays decision cannot be appealed, the letter says. The lawsuit will likely be dismissed by the court soon.

Afshar is evaluating her options.

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Kelsey Norman is a Middle East fellow and the director of the Womens Rights, Human Rights and Refugees Program at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. She told Knox News before Faribas visa was denied its next to impossible for an Iranians asylum case to be granted in the current climate.

Anyone who had been granted asylum are having their cases reviewed  its just a really, really dismal time and I just feel so badly for people who have been hopeful and had been waiting for years just to attempt to see their family again.

American military action against Iran wouldnt necessarily open doors for asylum seekers either, Norman said. U.S. military action in Syria in the 2010s, for example, didnt ease the path for Syrians seeking refuge here.

The government always has discretion when it comes to immigration cases and isnt required to provide a reason why a particular application is rejected or stalled, she said. The Trump administration is using that discretion more frequently.

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Tyler Whetstone is an investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Email: tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com; X: @tyler_whetstone; Signal: twhetstone141924.39

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Smith & Wesson attorney, an Iranian immigrant, sues to bring her mother here
Blizzard and winter storm warnings have been issued in Massachusetts ahead of a noreaster thats expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding concerns on Monday.

BLIZZARD WARNING now issued for eastern MA as well as a Winter Storm Warning west of 128. Travel will be dangerous Monday! pic.twitter.com/WwUCIC6ujn  Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) February 21, 2026

The noreaster is expected to move in on Sunday night before tapering off Monday night into Tuesday.

This is going to be a big impact storm, said Boston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf. Were not just talking about the heavy wet snow; were also talking about some stronger wind and some coastal flooding concerns.

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This is going to be a noreaster, a classic one, Boston 25 Meteorologist Tucker Antico said of the storm. So, we have heavy snow, were going to have coastal flooding, mainly on the South Shore and Boston area too. Im most concerned about power outages here because we have this heavy, wet snow and some very strong winds.

Were looking at gusts anywhere from 30 to 60 mph, so with the heavy wet snow were looking at some power outages especially for the coast and southeastern Massachusetts. Something to keep in mind, Monday, the worst of the wind will be early on, eventually easing up late Monday, said Graf.

Power outages are a top concern in our Monday blizzard. Heavy, wet snow and 50-70 mph gusts will lead to widespread issues. A lack of recent wind events, doesn't help.



Make sure to charge devices ahead of time and have what you need to stay warm if the power goes out   Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 21, 2026

The worst of it will be with us overnight throughout the day on Monday, said Graf. This is an all-day event. Were looking at heavy wet snow initially, and then eventually a little bit of a lighter snow later in the day on Monday.

South of Boston into Rhode Island, including parts of the South Coast, South Shore, and Norfolk County are expected to see 18-24 inches.

From most of Connecticut to Worcester County, up to the New Hampshire border, up to a foot of snow is possible.

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The farther north and west you go, those totals will taper slightly, Graf said.

Antico added, Just from the numbers alone, this will be a big storm.

Monday Blizzard Snowfall 

This will be our most impactful storm in several years. Primary impacts occur late Sunday night through Monday evening.



Powerful wind will cause widespread power outages. Minor-mod. coastal flooding will occur too. More of a wet than fluffy snowfall. pic.twitter.com/DlhvuMO3AM  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) February 22, 2026

Whiteout conditions are possible at times and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, the National Weather Service of Boston warned.

A coastal flood watch has also been issued for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties from late Sunday evening through Tuesday morning.

The Boston 25 Weather team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as they develop.

For the latest forecast, visit the Boston 25 Weather page or download the Boston 25 Weather app.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Somaliland is prepared to grant the United States access to its mineral resources and military bases, a senior minister says, as the breakaway Somali region pursues international recognition.

We are willing to give exclusive [access to our minerals] to the United States. Also, we are open to offer military bases to the United States, Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, told the AFP news agency in an interview on Saturday.

We believe that we will agree on something with the United States.

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Israel became the only country in the world to recognise Somalilands independence in December, something the territory has been seeking since declaring its autonomy from Somalia in 1991.

The region seceded from Somalia during a civil war that followed the more than two-decade hardline rule of President Siad Barre, whose forces devastated the north.





While large parts of Somalia descended into chaos, Somaliland stabilised by the late 1990s.

The US has yet to signal a major shift on the question of Somaliland.

But in August, US President Donald Trump, who had previously lobbed insults at Somalia and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, suggested he was preparing to move on the issue when asked about Somaliland during a White House news conference.

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Somalia has denounced Israels recognition as an attack on its territorial integrity and unity, a position backed by most African and Arab leaders, and has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw the recognition.

But Somalilands leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, has welcomed Israels diplomatic move, praising Netanyahu for his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace in the region.

Cirro in recent weeks had already suggested granting Israel privileged access to its mineral resources. Meanwhile, Hussein Abdi said he could not rule out the possibility of also allowing Israel to set up a military presence.

Somaliland lies across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where Houthi rebels have often attacked Israeli assets to show solidarity with Palestinians.

Somaliland officials have said their natural resources include lithium, coltan and other sought-after materials although independent studies are lacking.
SEOUL, Feb 22 (Reuters) - South Korea on Sunday protested a Japanese government event commemorating a cluster of disputed islands between the two countries, calling the move an unjust assertion of sovereignty over its territory.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said it strongly objected to the Takeshima Day event held by Japan's Shimane prefecture and to the attendance of a senior Japanese government official, urging Japan to immediately abolish the ceremony.

The tiny islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, which controls them, have long been a source of tension between the two neighbours, whose relations remain strained by disputes rooted in Japan's colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

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"Dokdo is clearly South Korea's sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international law," the ministry said, calling on Japan to drop what it described as groundless claims and to face history with humility.

The ministry summoned a top Japanese diplomat to the ministry building in Seoul to lodge a protest.

A person at Japan's foreign ministry said no one was available on Sunday to comment. A call to the Prime Minister's Office went unanswered. The government sent a vice-minister from the Cabinet Office, not a cabinet minister, to the ceremony.

Seoul has repeatedly objected to Japan's territorial claims over the islands, including a protest issued on Friday over comments by Japan's foreign minister during a parliamentary address asserting Tokyos sovereignty over the islets.

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The territory lies in fertile fishing grounds and may sit above enormous deposits of natural gas hydrate that could be worth billions of dollars, Seoul has said.

(Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim in Seoul; Additional reporting by Kaori Kaneko in Tokyo; Editing by William Mallard)
SpaceX padded the record for its most flown rocket booster late Saturday with its 33rd trip to space.

A Falcon 9 flying 28 Starlink satellites launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Space Launch Complex 40 at 10:47 p.m.

The first-stage booster first launched in June 2021 and has been the pace setter for SpaceXs reusability efforts as it attempts to get it to 40 flights.

That would surpass the most flown orbiter of the Space Shuttle Program. Space Shuttle Discovery retired after completing 39 missions.

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This particular SpaceX booster has notably flown two crewed missions to space, Crew-3 and Crew-4, along with a pair of cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, the Galileo satellite for the European Commission, several commercial satellite missions and now 21 Starlink missions.

It made a successful landing downrange on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic.

While turnaround on boosters can be as quick as nine days, SpaceX officials have said it takes much longer to refurbish one flown so many times to ensure it will be successful. This booster last flew about 2 1/2 months ago.

This marked the 12th launch on the Space Coast in 2026, which is off the record pace set in 2025 that surpassed 100 launches for the first time. By Feb. 21 a year ago, there had been 17 launches, which helped push the total from all Florida launch sites to 109 orbital missions for the year.

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SpaceX has flown all but one of this years missions, with United Launch Alliance having sent up a lone Vulcan rocket earlier this month as well. All have been from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with SpaceX launch from SLC-40 and ULA from SLC-41 so far.

Blue Origin, though, which flew two New Glenn missions from Canaverals LC-36 in 2025, is nearing the heavy-lift rockets third ever mission.

The payload fairing for NG-3, set to launch the BlueBird satellite for AST SpaceMobile, arrived to the companys integration facility at the launch complex this weekend.

When it launches, it will be reusing the booster from NG-2, which the company dubbed Never Tell Me The Odds, after it the companys first successful landing of its own reusable boosters last year.

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New Glenn boosters are designed to be reflown up to 25 times.

Also set to fly this year is NASAs Space Launch System rocket on the Artemis II mission from Kennedy Space Centers Launch Pad 39-B.

After having run through a successful wet dress rehearsal last week, NASA had announced it would target a launch as early as March 6, but then announced Saturday it was instead taking steps to roll the rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building because of a helium gas flow issue to the SLS upper stage. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman later confirmed it would push back the launch to no earlier than April.

The first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft, which looks to make a lunar fly-by with four astronauts on board, would likely be the first from KSC this year as SpaceX performs repairs on Launch Pad 39-A and continues to build out its Starship and Super Heavy launch tower adjacent to the pad.
For the latest information from Monday, Feb. 23 go to this story.

With a blizzard imminent, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts.

"This is a serious storm," Healey said in a press conference. "This is one to take seriously ... whatever you need to do over the eight hours, six hours to so, get it done."

The storm is expected to up to two feet of snow on Massachusetts, with winds up to 70 mph on the coast. At time, snow is predicted to fall at a rate of 2 to 3 inches her hour.

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In light of that, Healey told people to stay off the roads, but stopped short of a driving ban.

"We want people off the roads," Healey said.

She also warned that power outages are likely with the snow expected to be heavy and wet.

"Be safe, be smart and, look out for your neighbors," she said.

What is a state of emergency?

When there's a threat of disaster coming, the governor can issue a state of emergency, which allows them to take steps like activating the national guard, which Healey has done.

"A state of emergency can be declared by the Governor of Massachusetts in the event or imminent threat of a disaster. Under a state of emergency, the Governor has the power to take extraordinary steps to protect the Commonwealth," the state website said. "A state of emergency may cover a specific municipality, multiple communities, or the entire Commonwealth. "

Snow maps for Massachusetts

A significant storm is expected to hit New England Sunday night into Monday morning, bringing over a foot of snow.

Significant snowfall is expected in Massachusetts, with the highest totals currently being predicted for southeastern Massachusetts.

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Here are the predictions that National Weather Service has issued for some towns.

Boston: 13 inches, high end prediction 23 inches

Fitchburg: 10 inches, high end prediction 16 inches

Gloucester: 13 inches, high end prediction 20 inches

Greenfield: 5 inches, high end prediction 10 inches

Hyannis: 12 inches, high end prediction 25 inches

Mansfield: 16 inches, high end prediction 27 inches

New Bedford: 15 inches, high end 26 inches

Nantucket: 4 inches, high end prediction 17 inches

Plymouth: 14 inches, high end predictions 27 inches

Provincetown: 9 inches, high end predictions 23 inches

Springfield: 7 inches, high end prediction 10 inches

Worcester: 12 inches, high end prediction 20 inches

What time snow start on Sunday?

The snow is expected to start in the evening on Sunday, and be the heaviest around 10 p.m. and continue into Monday afternoon.

Snowfall rates of about two inches an hour are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

MA Weather watches and warnings

Massachusetts weather radar

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts state of emergency declared ahead of blizzard
In a post on X, Hrithik reflected on the profound and lasting influence his "teacher," Baig, has had on both his career and his life.

"My dear Baigji, I will forever be grateful to you for being the teacher I so needed at the start of my journey as an actor. You helped me gain confidence in my speech and delivery ... you were instrumental in shaping the actor in me. For helping me overcome my shyness, at the same time, empowering my vulnerability. I was lost. And you helped me find my way. Back when I was only 18years old. I still practice the lessons to this day. I will miss you. Rest in peace, my teacher - M.M Baig. My thoughts and prayers for the Baig family," Hrithik wrote.

MM Baig was reportedly found dead at his Mumbai home earlier this week. He was in his seventies.

As an independent director, he helmed two films, such as Maasoom Gawah (1990), featuring Naseeruddin Shah, which remains unreleased, and Chhoti Bahu (1994), starring Shilpa Shirodkar. (ANI)
Editor's note: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Register-Guard and its sister publication, the Statesman Journal, are embarking on a year-long project exploring the history and culture that define Oregon and shape the lives of its residents in the modern day.

Oregon has long been a majority White state, though diversity is increasing. According to the 2020 census "non-Hispanic White" made up 74.8% of the state's population, down from 83.6% in 2010.

The state has one of the smallest populations of Black residents in the U.S., making up just 3.2% of Oregonians. That makes Oregon the ninth least Black state in the country, according to World Population Review.

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Local historians point to several factors making this the reality. It arguably started with a series of laws, one of which was enshrined in Oregon's state constitution, barring Black people in the state's early history.

When Oregon joined the union on Feb. 14, 1859, Article 1, Section 35, of Oregon's founding constitution excluded Black people who were not already living here.

In Oregon's 1857 election, voters ratified the Oregon constitution while also banning slavery, and Black people.

Oregon's early Black exclusion laws

Oregon wasn't the first state with such a law, said Mariah Rocker, public programs and exhibits manager for Oregon Black Pioneers. But it was the first and only state to put such a law in its constitution.

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Rocker said the Oregon territory's original settlers primarily came from former "Northwest" states like Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio: all free states that bordered slave states, and they brought with them the prejudices and laws they were familiar with.

"These residents resented the Black people who had fled to their states for safety," Rocker said. "Because Black men were paid less than White men to do the same work, White laborers feared that the presence of Black laborers would depress the wages of White labor."

The Black exclusion law approved in Oregon's constitution was the last of three that have been in place throughout Oregon's history, Rocker said.

In 1844, Oregon's provincial government barred Black people from living in the area. Violating the law was initially punishable by public whipping, and changed six months later to manual labor.

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In 1848, Oregon became a U.S. Territory, and the territorial legislature passed a new Black exclusion law the next year. Rocker said there's one documented case of this law being enforced. Jacob Vanderpool owned a boarding house and saloon in Oregon City and, after being exposed as Black, was kicked out of Oregon.

An advertisement for Jacob Vanderpool's boarding house and saloon appearing in the Oregon Statesman on Aug. 26, 1851.

Voters then passed the final Black exclusion law in the 1857 election alongside the vote to become a state. Oregon's founding constitution states:

"No free Negro, or Mulatto, not residing in this state at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall come, reside, or be within this state, or hold any real estate, or make any contracts, or maintain any suit therein; an the Legislative Assembly shall provide by penal laws, for the removal, by public officers, of all such Negroes, and Mulattos, and for their effectual exclusion from the state, and for the punishment of persons who shall bring them into the state, or employ, or harbor them.

This section stayed in the constitution until 1926.

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Congress recognized Oregon statehood two years later, in 1859, one year before Abraham Lincoln was elected, and two years before the Civil War began.

A few Black people came to Oregon despite the exclusion law, Rocker said. The people who did found that, besides Vanderpool, the Oregon government wasn't equipped to enforce exclusion laws.

The Northwest was inviting because it was so large, because especially at the time it was a territory, there was so little ability to enforce (exclusion laws), said Walidah Imarisha, a Black studies professor at Portland State University. So a lot of Black people banked on the idea we could come here and we can just kind of disappear and we can build our own homes and we can be self-sufficient.

Rocker said many Black people who came to Oregon in this time were newly freed and came with their former enslavers. Since slavery was illegal in Oregon, slave owners who wanted to come west had to free any people they owned. Many of these people then chose to come west as well to avoid being labeled a "fugitive slave" and resold.

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The 1850 Fugitive Slave Act required that escaped enslaved people be returned to their former enslavers, regardless of local laws. Since someone suspected of having escaped slavery was not eligible for a trial, it was sometimes enforced even against people legally emancipated.

Some of Oregon's Black Pioneers

Mariah Rocker of Oregon Black Pioneers stands with a portrait of Letitia Carson, an early Black Oregon resident, displayed in the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Jan. 29, 2026. Painted by Jeremy Okai Davis.

The University of Oregons Museum of Natural and Cultural History recently opened its ReEnvisioned exhibit featuring the portraits and stories of Black people who came to Oregon in this period.

One such person was Letitia Carson, who came across the Oregon Trail with David Carson, a White man who might have been her enslaver or her romantic partner. While she was able to stay, Letitia regularly encountered legal hurdles because she was Black.

Rocker said after arriving, David attempted to use The Donation Land Claim Act of 1850 to claim the 640 acres available to married White couples, and was instead given the 320 acres granted to single White men.

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When David died, Letitia couldn't inherit his land or possessions. She had to buy some of these possessions at auction, and was later able to win back some of their property in court, making her the first Black person in Oregon to successfully get a Homestead Claim.

A portrait of Rose Jackson, an early Black Oregon resident, displayed in the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Jan. 29, 2026. Painted by Jeremy Okai Davis.

Another example was Rose Jackson, who came across the Oregon Trail with her enslaver William Allen. A popular story is that Jackson hid in a box for much of the journey to avoid authorities. Rocker said while historians havent confirmed that story, the fact it's plausible, does tell us a lot about how people felt at that time.

Later in life, Rose married John Jackson, another Black Oregonian, and the couple raised two children in the Waldo Hills east of Salem.

A portrait of Louis Southworth, an early Black Oregon resident, displayed in the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Jan. 29, 2026. Painted by Jeremy Okai Davis.

Rocker said Louis Southworth came to Oregon in 1853 at age 23 from Tennessee with his mother Pauline and enslaver James Southworth. After buying his freedom, Louis Southworth settled in Waldport where he operated a ferry and was well-known for his fiddle skills.

A portrait of America Waldo Bogle and Richard Bogle, early Black Oregon residents, and their children, displayed in the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Jan. 29, 2026. Painted by Jeremy Okai Davis.

America Waldo Vogel was born in Missouri in 1844 to a Black mother and White father who brought her to Oregon as a child. Richard Vogel came to Oregon from Jamaica to mine, and later opened a barber shop.

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After marrying, the couple moved near Walla Walla, Washington, where they raised eight children on a 200-acre farm. Two of their sons went on to become professional farmers in Portland.

A portrait of Ben Smith, an early Black Oregon resident, displayed in the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Jan. 29, 2026. Painted by Jeremy Okai Davis.

Ben Johnson Mountain, near Medford, is named for another early Black Oregonian. Ben was a blacksmith and his horseshoe pincers were featured in the 1884 world's fair.

Learn more about the exhibit: Portraits of Black Oregonians on display at University of Oregon

Exclusion a chain reaction

Exclusion laws were widely practiced, according to the City of Eugene's Stories of Exclusion and Inclusion exhibit. Feb. 6, 2026.

The exclusion laws were one of the first in a long chain of policies and attitudes that kept Black people out of Oregon, explained Steven Beda, a University of Oregon history professor specializing in Pacific Northwest history.

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"If I'm writing a book that's trying to answer this question of why does Oregon's racial landscape look like it does today, the exclusionary laws would be the first chapter, and there's several more chapters," he said.

Rocker concurred, saying "that atmosphere of exclusion created sentiments that trickled throughout history that would impact the later displacement that communities in Portland and in Eugene would experience as a result of that mentality being baked into our state's history."

During the "great migration" of the 20th century, when many Black Americans left the South for other parts of the country, Oregon's industries and White residents made sure most of those people went elsewhere.

Beda said Oregon's early timber industry, which imported workers to Oregon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ensured most of those workers were White. Timber employers believed a racially diverse workforce wouldn't get along and would be less productive.

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By contrast, mining, another early Oregon industry, did bring Black workers, often to break strikes. Once a mine was extracted, the White residents of Oregon's mining towns would then drive out the Black residents.

Oregon also had a heavy Ku Klux Klan presence in the 1920s, Beda said. Because there were so few Black people in Oregon, their main targets were immigrants, but that presence discouraged Black people from coming to the state.

"Oregon gains this reputation as a place where Black migrants coming out of the South know they're not welcome," Beda said.

According to historian James Loewen's sundown town database, 26 towns in Oregon were likely sundown towns.

Displacement prevents Black community connections

Irene Rasheed, who put together an exhibit for the Springfield History Museum documenting Black history in the area, added another factor: displacement.

One of the most well-known examples is the neighborhood in what is now Alton Baker Park, which was demolished to build the Ferry Street Bridge, but it's not the only one, Rasheed said.

Eugene's Ferry Street Bridge area was outside city limits in the 1940s, largely because of racial restrictions in zoning, and neighborhood covenants also were a factor.

Imarisha described these various policies as tools growing from Oregon's "foundational idea" that the state would be "a utopia that excluded anyone who wasn't White."

And while those laws have lifted, that lack of diversity can self-perpetuate.

"American Black culture is not a monolith, but there are some threads that are universal," Rasheed said. "Those threads not being present in a local community, I think that makes this a place that you don't feel welcome. (Then) new people that we attract won't stay, because of the lack of any sort of cultural or communal foundation or any space or indication that you belong."

For example, Rasheed said she and her husband have hosted events at local schools; where they serve soul food that local Black children don't recognize. For example, Black children will ask her, "What are greens?"

"It breaks my heart," Rasheed said.

Exclusion, displacement leave a lasting impact

Black people are still left behind in Oregon today, according to the 2015 State of Black Oregon report. It found, among other data points: Black parents were more financially burdened than White parents, Black children were disproportionately suspended or expelled from schools or incarcerated, and Black young adults were more likely to be unemployed and more likely to have student debt of $30,500 or more.

Imarisha traced those financial disparities to those early employers. In addition to the industrial work Beda mentioned, white collar employers would rarely hire Black people.

"There were very few employment opportunities for Black folks," she said. "You could go to college, if you can get in, and if you can pay for it, you can get a degree. And there were still no job opportunities available in Portland because Portland continued to be a place that excluded, exploited Black communities."

Eugene's Johnson family

The Across the Bridge Community shown as part of the City of Eugene's Stories of Exclusion and Inclusion exhibit in the Hult Center, Feb. 6, 2026. According to the exhibit, Black people in what's now Eugene from the 1800s to the 1950s, faced multiple floods per year.

Another Johnson family, most likely unrelated to Ben, was among the five original Black families to settle in Eugene.

Charlie Johnson worked at a rendering plant and Bertha Johnson cleaned houses. Their family settled in Eugene's historically Black Ferry Street neighborhood.

They and their children were among the families displaced when the neighborhood was leveled to build the Ferry Street bridge, according to their grandchildren Rosita, Tyrone and William Jr.

Rosita said Charlie came to Eugene from Georgia in the late 1930s after seeing an ad seeking railroad workers. By the time he reached Oregon, the railroad was no longer hiring, so he switched to the plant.

Charlie and Bertha lived in the Ferry Street neighborhood for three to four years and while there, Bertha gave birth to triplets, one of whom was William Sr.

"They gave them a short notice to get out of there and they bulldozed down their makeshift home, and then they were displaced," Rosita said.

William Jr. said even though Oregon's law barring Black people from settling the state ended in the 1920s, his family continued to experience exclusion from economic opportunities.

"My father wasn't able to get the job that he may have been overqualified for. (When) we were coming up in school, we wouldn't get the help necessarily that we needed," William Jr. said. "So I think that (exclusion) lasted through the jobs, through housing, through education."

William Jr. said he experienced this as well. He struggled to get a job out of college despite earning a computer science degree during the early tech industry boom.

William Jr. said he didn't want to blame racism, "But it's kind of hard to say that it wasn't racism when my father faced the same problems, and my grandfather faced the same problems."

Rosita, Tyrone and William Jr. grew up in Eugene in the 1970s and '80s and had few Black peers.

William Jr. saw burning crosses in his Black friends' yards. He suspected the Klan left the Johnsons alone because of how big their family was.

Rosita said there weren't enough Black students at Willamette High School for a Black Student Union, but she managed to start a multi-cultural club with her Latino, Asian and Arabic classmates.

William Jr. had a hard time in school. He often got into fights in order to demand respect for himself or his siblings, and ultimately dropped out of high school and went to work in the mills. When the timber industry started to decline, he was one of the first laid off.

He doesn't know for sure he was laid off because he was Black, but based on the racism he'd experienced up to that point, he suspected that was the case.

"When you walk down the street and people shout the N-word at you and different things, it just kind of felt like everything was a microcosm of the society that was going on at that time," he said.

William Jr. said he had a hard time getting hired despite his computer science degree compared to his White classmates.

"I always heard that everywhere I went, even after I got my degree, 'you have no experience,' he said. "Maybe that's a commonality, but it didn't feel like it. ... Because my friends would get jobs out of school."

William Jr. did eventually find work in the tech sector, and was able to keep his children away from violence.

"I know my kids are good, grounded people because I didn't share that violence with them," he said.

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached by email at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Why are there few Black people in Oregon?
Braverman asked the Supreme Court to lift the travel ban, arguing it harmed his UK ambassador appointment and Israels foreign relations after the Lod court overturned an earlier ruling.

Supreme Court Justice David Mintz on Sunday rejected a request by Prime Ministers Office chief of staff Tzachi Braverman for leave to appeal a district court ruling that reinstated restrictive conditions against him in the so-called midnight meeting affair, including a ban on leaving Israel, keeping the restrictions in place through Tuesday.

Braverman had asked the Supreme Court to intervene after the Lod District Court overturned an earlier magistrates decision that had lifted the travel ban and narrowed limits on his contacts, arguing that the continued restrictions were unnecessary and disproportionately harmed both his diplomatic appointment as Israels next ambassador to the United Kingdom and the countrys foreign relations more broadly.

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According to his appeal, the case raises unresolved legal questions about whether courts weighing pre-trial release conditions may consider broader public interests - including potential harm to Israels diplomatic standing - alongside the needs of an ongoing investigation.

Mintz declined to rule on that broader question, saying the case did not justify Supreme Court intervention at this stage. Leave to appeal in matters involving pre-trial restrictions is typically granted only in rare cases that raise a significant legal issue of public importance, he noted - a threshold this case did not meet.

He added that the restrictions imposed on Braverman were due to expire within days, making the case a poor fit for setting precedent on how much discretion judges have in weighing such conditions.

Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of the testimony of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the trial against him, December 18, 2024. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)

Even assuming, for arguments sake, that diplomatic considerations could be relevant in such proceedings, Mintz wrote, it was difficult to see how a brief extension of the travel ban would meaningfully harm Israels foreign relations in a way that would justify overturning the district courts balancing between investigative needs and Bravermans personal interests.

Court upholds Bravermans restrictions amid probe into leak

The decision leaves in force the set of restrictions reinstated by the district court, which bar Braverman from leaving Israel, restrict his contact with individuals connected to the probe - including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - and prevent him from entering certain sensitive workplaces, including the Prime Ministers Office compound and the Kirya military headquarters.

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Investigators suspect Braverman of transmitting official information by a public servant, obstructing justice, and fraud and breach of trust in connection with a broader investigation into the leak of classified military intelligence to the German newspaper Bild during wartime.

The underlying probe centers on the unauthorized transfer in September 2024 of sensitive intelligence materials relating to Hamass internal assessment of hostage negotiations and Israeli public pressure for a deal - documents that were published abroad after failing to receive military censor approval and which investigators believe may have been leaked in an effort to shape domestic opinion on the continuation of military pressure in Gaza.

Former Prime Ministers Office spokesman Eli Feldstein was later charged in connection with the possession and dissemination of the materials, which prosecutors allege could have caused serious harm to state security and to wartime efforts to secure the release of hostages.

According to investigative material cited in the court proceedings, Braverman is suspected of having learned in October 2024 that security authorities had opened a probe into the leak and subsequently summoning Feldstein to a late-night meeting at the Kirya, where he allegedly showed him the names of individuals believed to be under investigation and asked whether the matter was connected to us, adding that if it involved the Prime Ministers Office he could turn it off.

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The Bild leak itself forms part of a wider investigation into the unauthorized transfer of sensitive security materials abroad during wartime that has intersected with what has become known as the Qatargate affair, examining alleged improper channels and foreign influence surrounding hostage diplomacy after October 7.

That parallel probe has focused on suspicions that senior advisers to Netanyahu - including Feldstein and close associates Yonatan Urich and Israel Srulik Einhorn - received payments tied to Qatari interests in order to promote a favorable public narrative about Dohas role in mediation efforts following the Hamas attacks, despite the Gulf states longstanding ties to the terror group.

In rejecting the appeal, Mintz also addressed Bravermans contention that a travel ban requires concrete evidence of an intent to flee the country, reiterating that under existing Supreme Court case law such a restriction may also be imposed where there is a substantive concern that a suspects presence abroad could obstruct an ongoing investigation.

The district court, he noted, had already determined on the basis of the investigative material before it that the case presented a significant risk of obstruction, justifying the reinstatement of the full slate of conditions.
If asked to name examples of sins, most people would probably not mention empathy. But in recent years, attacks on empathy have moved from fringe talking points into mainstream right-wing Christian discourse.

Conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey released a book in 2024 titled Toxic Empathy. The following year brought the release of The Sin of Empathy by right-wing theologian Joe Rigney. Shortly thereafter, billionaire Elon Musk declared on Joe Rogans podcast that the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.

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Empathy is typically defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of other people. Its a skill that many Christians have long seen as aligning with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

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But proponents of the toxic empathy critique now argue that empathy can cloud moral judgment or be manipulated to advance policies they see as unbiblical. That shifting view on empathy in this era of MAGA Christianity concerns many religious scholars and advocates.

In the last several years, especially within MAGA-aligned Christian spaces, Ive watched empathy get rebranded as weakness, said Malynda Hale, executive director of the Christian nonprofit The New Evangelicals. In choosing to care about the lived experiences of others  whether they are immigrants, LGBTQ people, Black communities, anyone outside the white evangelicals space and ideological lane  people are framed as being too emotional, unbiblical, or even compromising your faith.

The rise of Christian nationalism has seen empathy demonized as sinful,dangerous, weak, and even a tool of liberal manipulation. Calls for compassion toward marginalized groups are increasingly met with defensiveness or hostility.

With the popularity of books like those mentioned above driving this blatant move away from Christs message of radical love, justice and preferential treatment of the oppressed, MAGA Christians are able to sit comfortably in their bigotry as their neighbors are kidnapped and murdered in the streets, said Bible scholar Mattie Mae Motl.

Motl believes the vilification stems in part from the fact that empathy promotes a kind of compassion that cannot be controlled or commodified by profit-driven economic systems.

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I first noticed empathy specifically demonized during the 2024 election, but its just a repackaging of a phrase that was popular when I was a conservative Christian: love the sinner, hate the sin. This phrase has also been weaponized to keep Christians from being too loving, said April Ajoy, author of Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding A True Faith.

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She recalled learning this framework with regard to the LGBTQ+ community.

It gives justification to Christian parents to abandon their queer kids without feeling guilty, Ajoy said. It also gives other Christians permission to bully LGBTQ people and work to take their rights away in the name of tough love. But hate wrapped in piety is still hate.

The Role Of Empathy In Christianity

In todays political climate  particularly amid horrifying news surrounding immigration enforcement  critics say the anti-empathy rhetoric represents a sharp departure from Christianitys New Testament foundation.

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Christianity is a faith built on compassion for the other, Motl said. It is the heart of Christs message. The greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is that we love our neighbor as ourselves. Without empathy, we are only able to love the neighbor who looks, thinks and believes like us.

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She pointed to the parable of the Good Samaritan, in which Jesus demonstrates what neighborly love looks like using the example of a Samaritan.

Samaritans were a people group historically despised and rejected among the Jewish communities that Jesus grew up in, Motl said. The message is clear: you are to love and fight for your neighbor, even when they look, think or believe differently than you.

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Scripture also describes Jesus as empathetic. Motl quoted Hebrews 4:15: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.

The Bible shows us that Christs work of salvation would be nothing without his divine and ultimate work of empathy, she said. This empathy was not neutral or passive. Instead, Christs empathy got him executed by the state  not unlike Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good. Christ-like empathy comes at a cost, and this is not a cost that MAGA Christians are willing to pay.

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Ajoy sees the doctrine of the Incarnation as another reflection of Christianity as a fundamentally empathetic theology.

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In Jesus Christ, God enters into human vulnerability and suffering, she said. The Gospels repeatedly depict Jesus as emotionally responsive to the pain of others, most notably in John 11:35  Jesus wept. Romans 12:15, which commands believers to rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, further underscores empathy as a normative Christian practice.

She highlighted Jesus as a figure who stood with the outcast, not with the oppressors.

Hale recalls empathy being at the center of the Christian faith in which she was raised.

Life: Vertical Morality Might Describe Why MAGA Christians Seem So Unchristian

I think specifically growing up in the Black church, that message of empathy was a core message because our understanding of Jesus words [was] to care for the marginalized and to understand the struggles of others, she said. Thats literally the foundation of what Jesus taught. And because so many outside factors in the United States affected the Black community differently, the church was always a place where you could go for that love and compassion.

Why Empathy Has Been Demonized

Its so alarming to see so many MAGA Christians demonizing empathy today, Ajoy said. Empathy is frequently depicted as a moral liability that threatens political loyalty. If they can get their followers to believe its toxic to care about immigrant families being ripped apart, then its easier to continue cheering on the administration they claim came from God.

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She believes the far right Christian movement is targeting empathy as a defense mechanism.

They have no excuse for supporting the inhumane treatment of our immigrant neighbors while claiming to follow a Christ who said, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me ... and what you do to the least of these, you do to me, Ajoy explained. So, they deflect instead.

Calling empathy spiritually dangerous is a way to keep congregants tied to this MAGA Christian ideology.

It trains regular churchgoers to keep their distance from those outside their small community, Ajoy said. If you never meet a trans person, its easier to believe all trans people are evil. Because its really hard to demonize someone when youre close enough to see their humanity. And once the other is humanized, a decent person would condemn their inhumane treatment. Toxic empathy keeps well-meaning Christians from loving the neighbors Jesus called us to love.

The view of empathy in "MAGA Christianity" diverges from what many theologians see as the foundational teachings of Christ. Leon Neal/Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

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Hale echoed that white Christian nationalists generally cannot relate to the marginalized communities impacted by the current administration. So they feel more comfortable fearing and/or judging them.

Because empathy requires you to see beyond your own experience, it forces you to acknowledge others have been hurt, reconsider your beliefs and sometimes confront the fact that your community has been on the wrong side of a lot of things, she said. Thats uncomfortable. And its also realizing that maybe they are clinging to the construct of whiteness and the protection it typically brings more than they are to a faith system.

Empathy disrupts the MAGA movements clean narrative of hierarchy, identity and certainty. Rather than engage with discomfort or challenge certain beliefs and systems, it demonizes empathy.

If a MAGA Christian witnesses something painful, like a child torn away from their parents, for example, or a woman bleeding out in a parking lot because of a change in abortive healthcare laws, they could be moved with compassion to soften their hard stance on the rules according to the law, said Tia Levings, a former Christian fundamentalist and author of A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.

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They might vote differently, pay more attention to real outcomes or feel motivated to advocate for the weak or innocent, she added.

People in power in extreme religions need rigid rules and static positions to maintain power and order, so they warn against the danger of compassion, flexibility and nuance.

Framing empathy as a sin introduces shame and fear  two powerful motivators and manipulations in high-control religion, Levings said. If a pastor or teacher can make someone afraid theyll sin against God and go to a literal hell to burn for eternity if they allow themselves to be moved with compassion and take action to relieve someones pain, that person is more likely to put their blinders on and hope the pain isnt happening.

Thus, branding empathy as toxic serves both an ideological function and an institutional one by protecting existing power structures.

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MAGA-aligned pastors and influencers have their livelihoods on the line, Ajoy said. If they admitted they were wrong about Trump or started condemning his administration, theyd lose their pulpits, platforms and community. These pastors told their congregants that Trump was Gods chosen, influencers told their followers Christians had to vote for him. And as Trumps administration continues to enact policies that are in direct conflict with Jesus teachings, MAGA Christians are left with a choice: Admit they were wrong or manipulate the narrative.

The changing views on empathy both reflect and stem from what Levings sees as a major theological shift in evangelical churches and seminaries from 2000 onward.

Scripturally, its Jesus who fulfills compassion and empathy, moving the hard lines of Old Testament law to soften into the fruits of the spirit  love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control, she said. But when churches and seminaries moved towards reformed theology and Calvinist doctrine, that came with a return to Old Testament law.

She pointed to fundamentalists like Doug Wilson and John MacArthur, who were influential in shaping congregations to view empathy as weakness. Its all part of theonomy  the belief that Old Testament biblical law, including its judicial and penal codes, should be applied to modern society and civil government.

Jesus is too liberal, too socialist, too forgiving, Levings said. Most importantly, Jesuss compassion is at odds with the political power sought by the religious right. They prefer the ten commandments, harsh sentences, vanquishing so-called enemies and a militaristic stance in their culture war against science, progress and growth.

The idea is that God is rigid and static. Faith is holding a line, not feeling moved to comfort pain or see someones humanity, Levings added.

What Happens When We Vilify Empathy

Discouraging empathy leads to apathy, which leads to the approval of inhumane horrors, Ajoy said. Moral blindness is the direct result of discouraging empathy. We see this today in the unwavering loyalty MAGA Christians have extended to Trump, whose policies frequently stand in direct contradiction to the teachings of Jesus.

Rather than stand with the marginalized, adherents of MAGA Christianity seem to have chosen to align with the powerful.

As empathy is suppressed, emotional callousness is reframed as moral strength, and bigotry is reinterpreted as faithfulness, Ajoy said. Within Christian communities, condemning empathy distorts the character of God, severing divine justice from divine compassion. It also undermines the command to love our neighbor, where people become issues to solve instead of humans to love.

Prioritizing self-interest and the interest of any specific political movement over compassion, love and decency risks us losing our humanity.

Empathy is not optional in a faith that claims to be centered on love, Hale said. Love requires understanding and humility. Love requires stepping into someone elses perspective, even when its uncomfortable. The more people choose to villainize empathy, the more risk losing the opportunity to live in a just compassionate world.

That kind of loss is evident in todays news headlines and the cognitive dissonance in how so many people respond to them.

People are looking away and ignoring current events to avoid feeling moved, Levings said. Theyre insisting they arent political to avoid being engaged citizens. Theyre hardening their hearts, defiant and unfeeling. Theyre reframing what it means to be called Christian because their platform has so little to do with Jesus and what it means to follow Christs example.

The real-world consequences are serious and even deadly at times.

Sufferers can not count on the Christian community to relieve their suffering, because theyre obeying a dictator rather than living like Christ and seeking to relieve suffering, Levings added. Another consequence is that democracy is weakened, and our religious freedoms are stripped as we move into a Christian theocracy that has claimed to punish, suppress, legislate, imprison and vanquish those who dont agree with them.

Much of the anti-empathy rhetoric aims to control women. Levings observed that when federal immigration officers detained a preschooler and allegedly used him as bait to capture his family members, some of the most outraged and vocal critics were mothers.

The Christian patriarchy views empathy and compassion as feminine weaknesses, and less masculine, making this part of the overall gender distinction they claim makes men and women different from one another, Levings said. Women as a voting bloc also endanger the patriarchys grip on political power. This press against empathy runs parallel to other attempts to marginalize womens power, such as repealing the 19th Amendment, removing women from professional roles and programs and changing divorce laws so that we cant leave marriages.

Many of the theologians who spoke to HuffPost highlight the tenet that humans are made in Gods image and Christians are called to imitate Christ, who treated the poor, marginalized and oppressed with dignity and worth.

Be wary of those flaunting their Christianity instead of living it out, Ajoy said.

She pointed to the worship services at the White House, Oval Office prayer sessions and loud declarations that religion and Christianity are back as showy demonstrations of faith without caring for the poor, the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, the single parent, etc. As the Bible notes, faith without works is not true faith.

These are an example of the religious hypocrites Jesus condemned in Matthew 15  These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, Ajoy said. It appears to me that if MAGA Christians lived in Bible times, they would say Jesus had toxic empathy when he healed people without health care, when he fed people who didnt earn it or when he forgave and loved the adulterous woman instead of judging her. To have empathy is holy, not toxic.

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

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Read the original on HuffPost
Feb. 21----

will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance that, if adopted, would make the county a shotgun-only zone for the 2026 deer firearm season.

The

voted 3-2 at its meeting Tuesday to hold the hearing. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the Benson High School Performing Arts Center.

Commissioners Eric Rudningen, Edward Pederson and Pete Peterson voted to hold the hearing, while Commissioners Larry Mahoney and Gary Hendrickx voted against it.

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Beginning this year, deer hunters throughout the state will be able to use all legal shotguns and rifles. The Legislature eliminated the shotgun-only zone that had been in place across western and southern portions of the state, but counties in the zone may enact local ordinances.

Board Chair Rudningen said he has heard from constituents who are adamant in wanting to retain the shotgun-only restriction in the northeast corner of his district. He made the motion for the hearing, with Commissioner Pederson offering a second.

"Will it change individual votes, I do not know," said Pederson during discussions prior to the vote. "At least people will have an opportunity to express their opinions."

Holding the hearing does not mean the county will adopt the ordinance, but it is a required step if the county would decide to do so.

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Hendrickx said he does not favor holding a hearing. He will not support a shotgun-only restriction, he said.

In a representative democracy, "we are asked to use our best judgment," said the commissioner in explaining his opposition to holding a public hearing.

Peterson said he's heard from many on the issue, and believes a hearing will provide the opportunity for many to express their views.

Mahoney said he initially had favored retaining the shotgun-only rule, but now is leaning toward allowing the state law to go forward permitting the use of rifles as well.

The split vote came after the commissioners heard from eight advocates for allowing rifles. They were among 13 who attended the meeting. Those speaking during a citizen comment period in the agenda encouraged the commissioners to allow the use of rifles.

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"It is a more ethical hunt in that I am going to hit what I am shooting at," said Neil Henriksen, who served as a conservation officer with the

in the Benson area.

Henriksen was among those who told the commissioners that hunting has changed dramatically in the county: Today's hunters are poised in elevated stands, and are not conducting drives and chasing deer out into open areas as was often the case years ago.

"It was the wild, wild west," deer hunter Ray Johnson told the commissioners. He was among those who said they believe a rifle hunt can be a safer hunt due to their accuracy and the changed hunting practices.

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Along with safety, the rifle advocates told the commissioners that their use could help with hunter retention, and would not adversely affect the deer population. Mike Bates, owner of Mike's Guns and Sporting Goods in Benson said the variety of rifles makes it possible for more youth and women to hunt, as they can use a gun better suited to their physical abilities.

A 12-gauge shotgun delivers 50 pounds of recoil when firing a slug, according to Seth Olson, who was among the rifle advocates. A rifle firing .243-caliber ammunition, legal for deer hunting, has only 7 pounds of recoil, he said. A young hunter will have a more favorable experience firing a rifle, he explained.

Wisconsin began allowing rifles throughout the state in 2013, and the deer harvest has stayed relatively flat, Olson said.

Debra Bursken, of Appleton, said rifles are used in the county for coyote hunting without any issues. She said she has hunted deer for 51 years, and does not want to lose this first-time right to use rifles during a hunt. She delivered the signatures of 19 neighbors favoring rifles.

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Henriksen also told the commissioners that if the county adopts a shotgun-only ordinance, it becomes responsible for enforcement. "Does Swift County want to do wildlife enforcement?" he asked.

In the discussions the commissioners had among themselves, they pointed out that they have been hearing lots of comments from constituents on both sides of the issue.

Hendrickx said the Appleton Sportsmen's Club is preparing a letter stating support for rifles by its members. A public hearing, said Pederson, would give hunters and non-hunters alike the opportunity to speak.

"We do need to hear from people who want to be heard from," he said.

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Pederson and other commissioners said they do not want to be an island, or the lone shotgun-only county. It was pointed out that

while Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, and Chippewa are allowing rifles.

Kandiyohi County will be holding a listening session on March 9 before deciding whether or not to consider a shotgun-only ordinance.

Counties must notify the DNR no later than May 5 if they opt to adopt a shotgun-only ordinance.
Reuters reported for the first time that Iran is offering fresh concessions since its talks ended last week, when the sides appeared far apart and were heading toward military conflict.

Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear program in talks with the United States in return for the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, as it seeks toavert a US attack.

Both sides remain sharply divided - even over the scope and sequencing of relief from US sanctions - following two rounds of talks, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

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However, Reuters is reporting for the first time that Iran is offering fresh concessions since its talks ended last week, when the sides appeared far apart and were heading toward military conflict. Analysts say the move suggests Tehran is trying to keep diplomacy alive and stave off a major US strike.

The official said Tehran would seriously consider a combination of sending half of its most highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the rest, and taking part in creating a regional enrichment consortium - an idea periodically raised in years of Iran-linked diplomacy.

Iran would do this in return for the US recognizing Iran's right to "peaceful nuclear enrichment" under a deal that would also lift economic sanctions, the official said.

People attend the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran February 11, 2026 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

In addition, Iran has offered opportunities for US companies to participate as contractors in Iran's large oil and gas industry, the official said, as part of negotiations to resolve decades of dispute over Tehran's nuclear activities.

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"Within the economic package under negotiation, the United States has also been offered opportunities for serious investment and tangible economic interests in Iran's oil industry," the official said.

The White House did not respond immediately to queries on the issue.

Iran and the United States resumed negotiations earlier this month as the US builds up its military capability in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to strike US bases in the region if it is attacked.

The Iranian official said the most recent discussions underscored the gap between the two sides, but stressed that "the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists" as negotiations continue.

Iran seeks 'logical timetable' for lifting sanctions

"The last round of talks showed that US ideas regarding the scope and mechanism of sanctions relief differ from Iran's demands. Both sides need to reach a logical timetable for lifting sanctions," the official said.

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"This roadmap must be reasonable and based on mutual interests."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday he expects to meet with US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Geneva on Thursday, adding that there is still "a good chance" of a diplomatic solution.

Araghchi said on Friday that he expected to have a draft counterproposal ready within days, while Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Geneva, Switzerland, February 16, 2026 (credit: IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY)/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

Citing officials on both sides and diplomats across the Gulf and Europe, Reuters reported on Friday that Tehran and Washington are sliding rapidly towards military conflict as hopes fade for a diplomatic settlement.

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On Sunday, Witkoff said the president was curious as to why Iran has not yet "capitulated" and agreed to curb its nuclear program.

"Why, under this pressure, with the amount of seapower and naval power over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'? And yet it's sort of hard to get them to that place," Witkoff said on Fox News.

Negotiations yield 'encouraging symbols'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described recent negotiations as having yielded "encouraging symbols" in a post on X/Twitter on Sunday.

"Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals," Pezeshkian stated. "However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

Readiness to compromise on nuclear work

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Iran's leadership is seeking to buy time via the talks.

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"Iran will use that time for various reasons, including to avoid a strike and to harden nuclear, missile, and military facilities," he said.

While rejecting a US demand for "zero enrichment" - a major sticking point in past negotiations - Tehran has signaled its readiness to compromise on its nuclear work.

Washington has also demanded that Iran relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last year estimated that the stockpile was more than 440 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% fissile purity, a small step away from the 90% that is considered weapons-grade.

Ali Larijani, a close adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told Al Jazeera TV that Iran was ready to allow extensive IAEA monitoring to prove it is not seeking nuclear weapons.

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The agency has been calling on Iran for months to allow for inspection of three nuclear sites that were struck by the US in June last year during the 12-day war. Since then, Tehran has said its uranium enrichment work has stopped.

Satellite images show that Iran has begun rebuilding at a location reportedly bombed during the June strikes, recently building a concrete shield over a new facility at a sensitive military site and covering it in soil, experts say.

A deal with benefits for both sides

Among US demands are restrictions on Tehran's long-range ballistic missiles and an end to its support for regional terror proxy groups.

Iran has flatly rejected discussing its missiles, while sources have told Reuters, without elaborating, that "the issue of regional proxies is not a red line for Tehran."

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Iranian authorities have said that a diplomatic solution would provide economic benefits for both Tehran and Washington.

The Iranian official said Tehran would not hand over control of its oil and mineral resources.

"Ultimately, the US can be an economic partner for Iran, nothing more. American companies can always participate as contractors in Iran's oil and gas fields."
In London, there is a new Embassy of Palestine and the British Government recognises a Palestinian state. But where is that state in reality? It does not exist. A majority of European Union member states have also recognised Palestine. There is no willpower in Britain or Europe to do the heavy-lifting to help create a genuine Palestinian state, but the Americans and President Trump have plenty of zest and political resolve. Trumps Board of Peace is a reflection of that American can-do approach, in contrast to British and Europeans combination of grand-talk with a lack of delivery.

Given that all other attempts from Oslo Peace Accords onwards have failed, it is time to stop sniggering at Americans and engage with Trumps board; there are no credible alternatives. China, Russia, India  for example  also have no real offers to help Palestinians.

When I spoke with people who were in the room at the inaugural meeting in Washington DC, there was much enthusiasm from the participants. The Americans have committed $10bn in aid to the reconstruction of Gaza. The United Arab Emirates has already contributed half of all aid to Gaza and committed an extra $1.2bn. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have pledged troops to the Gaza stabilisation force as part of Trumps 20-point plan to stop the war. A 12,000-strong police force and 20,000 troops from Gaza are to be trained, starting from the Israeli-controlled territories in Rafah.

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Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland all stayed away from the Board of Peace. But none have offered the finances or the fresh ideas that the Trump-led global alliance has put on the table. This not surprising from Briatin and Europe because we have seen this complacency before: the Abraham Accords.

When the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan normalised relations with Israel under the first Trump presidency, we saw the same European condescension. Diplomat friends mocked those of us who supported the 2019 Accords signed at the White House. Through war and terrorism, the Abraham Accords have stood the test of time and helped the Emiratis to provide aid and assistance directly to Palestinians. Engagement, rather than isolation and condemnation, is thus the way forward.

To ensure the naysayers do not win, the Trump plan Board of Peace now needs to pay attention to three strategic areas. First, the views and demands of Palestinians have been represented by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Turkey, but it is now time to have direct Palestinian representation on the Board of Peace. Cries of colonialism will stick. Illegitimacy will appear. And dishonouring Palestinians to save Gaza will not work. In a shame and honour culture, the White House should be seen to actively engage and invite Palestinian leaders.

Second, if we bring in Palestinian factions the chances of Hamas disarming some of their weapons are higher because it will trigger a conversation inside the tribes and families of Gaza. Israels demands are that Hamas surrender its weapons. Hamas will refuse, but even if it does surrender (unlikely), other violent factions will emerge. Pouring money to build schools, hospitals, houses and infrastructure will be held ransom by or worse, blown up by terrorist groups who value their own power and honour.

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Third, Irans government and others will try to outlast Trump. I was in Israel on October 7 at the helm of a similar attempt to bring nations together for peace on October 10. Hamas blew up our dreams of peace. Street-level demands can reach a bottleneck and, when Trump is not in office, terrorists could exploit those frustrations. It is not obvious that the Board of Peace has structural longevity.

It is apt to remember the old adage that we have to be successful at every juncture constantly  terrorists have to be successful once. Given the urgency of providing a homeland and honour for the Palestinians, and security for Israelis, Britain and Europe should work with Trump.

Ed Husain is a senior fellow at the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations and the General Brent Scrowcroft Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has a three-word response to whether he is running for president in 2028.

When asked directly by the California Post on Thursday, Newsom did not provide a clear answer on his future political plans.

Its wildly premature, Newsom said during a press conference after signing a bill authorizing a $590 million emergency loan to Bay Area Transit.

He then pivoted to the release of his new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, which is set to hit bookshelves on Feb. 24.

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According to its synopsis on Penguin Random House, the book explores the long personal journey that ultimately shaped him into one of the most recognizable and accomplished elected officials in America, and highlights his experience as mayor of San Francisco before becoming governor. It also touches on a deeply resilient California story of identity, belonging, and the defining moments that inspired a life in politics.

But there is a book  and by the way, it talks a lot about the Bay Area and our respective histories, and, Im looking forward to sharing it," Newsom said. And well be on that book tour, this weekend and a little bit through next week.

Newsom went on to discuss what he described as the journey were all on together, according to the California Post.

Not just my journey  well see where it takes us  but its a precious time in American history and were on the 250th anniversary of this great adventure that our Founding Fathers conceived of in the best of the Roman Republic and Greek democracy," he said.

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He added: Whether or not we tempt fate and decide to enter in a particular race or serve in a particular office, all of us have a responsibility and a role at this time to stand tall, and I think thats represented here today.

Early polling among Democrats continues to show Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris as the leading contenders for the nomination in 2028.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal last June, Newsom did not deny that he may eventually seek higher office.

Im not thinking about running, but its a path that I could see unfold, he said at the time, noting it was too early to make a decision.

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Newsom added that he is waiting to see if a moment feels right, the Journal reported.

On the Republican side, President Donald Trump appeared to flirt with the idea of seeking an unconstitutional third term during an interview with NBC News earlier this month, after he toyed with the prospect in the fall before acknowledging that he cant run again.

When asked if he saw any scenario in which he would still be president in January 2029, Trump said: I dont know. It would be interesting.

He has also repeatedly floated Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a 2028 ticket, but has not chosen who would most likely lead it.

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Something I dont have to worry about now. Ive got three years to go, Trump told reporters on Monday. JDs fantastic, and Marco  theyre both fantastic, I think, really."

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Investing.com  President Donald Trump has announced a plan to deploy a hospital ship to Greenland, a move that further complicates the ongoing diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Denmark.

In a social media post shared Saturday, Trump stated he is working alongside Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to send the vessel to "take care of the many people who are sick" on the island. The announcement comes as the administration continues to signal its long-term interest in acquiring the strategic Arctic territory.

The timing of the post coincided with a White House dinner for Republican governors, where Landry and the President were seen in close discussion. However, the proposal has raised immediate logistical and diplomatic questions.

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Neither the White House nor the Department of War has clarified if the mission was requested by the Greenlandic government. Notably, the U.S. Navys primary hospital ships are not stationed in Louisiana, leaving the specifics of the vessels origin unclear.

Rising tensions and the NATO alliance

This latest development follows months of heightened tension within the NATO alliance over the status of the island. Just last month, officials from the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland held talks to de-escalate the situation.

Despite these efforts, Danish King Frederik made a high-profile visit to the territory last week. This was largely viewed by analysts as a "unity tour" to reaffirm Danish sovereignty in the face of U.S. acquisition interest.

The Presidents push for a medical mission may be linked to a recent emergency. Hours prior to Trumps post, Denmarks Joint Arctic Command confirmed it had evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine just seven miles outside the capital, Nuuk.

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Geopolitical observers are interpreting this "unsolicited" aid as a "soft power" play to increase American influence in the region. For investors, the continued focus on Greenland underscores the regions rising importance to the U.S. defense budget.

Strategic competition for the Arctic

The Arctic has increasingly become a focal point for global power competition due to its untapped natural resources and strategic shipping lanes. While the U.S. maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base, the Danish government has remained steadfast in its refusal to sell the territory.

This medical mission represents a potential shift in strategy, moving from direct acquisition talks to humanitarian-focused engagement. However, unilateral moves like this risk further alienating key European allies. Market participants will be watching for a formal response from Copenhagen to gauge the level of diplomatic pushback.

Reporting by Simon Mugo

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Feb 22 (Reuters) - Iran and the U.S. will hold a third round of nuclear talks on Thursday in Geneva, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said on Sunday, amid growing concerns about the risk of military conflict between the longtime adversaries.

The U.S. has built up its military presence in the Middle East, with President Donald Trump warning on Thursday that "really bad things will happen" if no deal is reached to solve a longstanding dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme.

"Pleased to confirm U.S.-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal," said Oman's foreign minister, who acts as a mediator in indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.

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Reuters reported on Sunday that Iran was offering fresh concessions on its nuclear programme in order to reach a deal, as long as it includes the lifting of economic sanctions and recognises Tehran's right to "peaceful nuclear enrichment".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced cautious optimism on Sunday in a post on X saying recent negotiations had "yielded encouraging signals", while pointing at Tehran's readiness for "any potential scenario".

TRUMP CURIOUS AS TO WHY TEHRAN HASN'T 'CAPITULATED'

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, who leads nuclear negotiations on the U.S. side, said on Saturday that the U.S. President was curious as to why Iran has not yet "capitulated" and agreed to curb its nuclear programme.

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"I don't want to use the word 'frustrated,' because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated,' but why they haven't capitulated," Witkoff said during an interview with Fox News' "My View with Lara Trump," hosted by the president's daughter-in-law.

"Why, under this pressure, with the amount of seapower and naval power over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do'? And yet it's sort of hard to get them to that place."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reacted in a post on X saying: "Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are Iranian."

He also said in an interview with CBS that a diplomatic solution with the U.S. was still within reach.

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IRAN DENIES SEEKING NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Indirect talks last year did not bring any agreement, primarily due to friction over a U.S. demand that Iran forgo uranium enrichment on its soil, which Washington views as a pathway to a nuclear bomb. Iran has denied seeking such weapons.

The U.S. joined Israel in hitting Iranian nuclear sites in June, effectively curtailing Iran's uranium enrichment, with Trump saying its key nuclear sites were "obliterated". But Iran is still believed to possess stockpiles enriched previously, which Washington wants it to relinquish.

"They've been enriching well beyond the number that you need for civil nuclear. It's up to 60% (fissile purity)," Witkoff said. "They're probably a week away from having industrial, industrial-grade bomb-making material, and that's really dangerous."

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Fresh concessions being considered by Iran include sending half of its highly enriched uranium abroad while diluting the rest.

Washington has also sought to expand the talks beyond the nuclear issue to cover Iran's missile programme and its support for regional armed groups. Iran has publicly rejected this, although sources have told Reuters that unlike the missiles, support for armed groups may not be a red line for Tehran.

Another topic of friction is the scope and mechanism of lifting sanctions on Iran. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Sunday that Iran and the United States still have differing views.

Witkoff also said he has met at Trump's direction with Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, son of the shah ousted in Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. He did not provide further details of the meeting.

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Pahlavi, who lives in exile, served as a rallying figure for some of Iran's opposition during anti-government demonstrations last month in which thousands of people are believed to have been killed, the worst domestic unrest since the revolution era.

Earlier in February, Pahlavi said U.S. military intervention in Iran could save lives, and urged Washington not to spend too long negotiating with Tehran's clerical rulers on a nuclear deal.

(Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru, Writing by Dubai NewsroomEditing by Peter Graff)
Donald Trump raised the global duty on imports into the US to 15% on Saturday, doubling down on his promise to maintain his aggressive tariff policy a day after the supreme court ruled much of it illegal.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that after a thorough review of Fridays extraordinarily anti-American decision by the court to rein in his tariff program, the administration was hiking the import levies to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.

Shortly after the courts 6-3 ruling that rejected the presidents authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers act, Trump had initially announced a new 10% global levy by invoking a different legal avenue.

Trump raises tariffs to 15% on imports from all countries

While Trumps announcement claimed the new tariffs would take effect immediately, it was unclear whether any official documents had been signed confirming the timing. A White House fact sheet issued on Friday regarding the original 10% tariffs said the levies would go into effect at 12.01am ET on 24 February.

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German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said he would travel to Washington with a coordinated European position, and warned of the poison of more uncertainty. French president, Emmanuel Macron, said France would consider the consequences of the new global tariff and that the fairest rule was reciprocity.

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US businesses clamor for refunds after supreme court strikes down Trumps tariffs

Top associations of American businesses are demanding to be repaid for Trumps tariffs following Fridays supreme court ruling. The US Chamber of Commerce, too, called for swift return of an estimated $133bn in collected tariffs covered by the ruling.

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Dictator vibes as Trump puts name and face front and center

Thursdays unfurling of a massive banner bearing the visage of Donald J Trump, on the exterior of the Washington headquarters of the federal justice department was only the latest example of how he has imposed himself on every facet of American life. Some critics have called it dictator vibes.

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Trump approves federal emergency declaration for Potomac River sewage spill

Trump approved a federal emergency declaration Saturday related to a sewer main break north of Washington DC that threatens to put a stink on the USs 250th anniversary celebrations in the US capital this summer.

Iran prepares nuclear counterproposal as US considers limited military strikes

Irans foreign minister has said he expects to have a draft counterproposal ready within days after nuclear talks with the US this week, while Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened on 20 February 2026.
Sinners' Wunmi Mosaku has won her first EE BAFTA Film Award.

Sinners' Wunmi Mosaku accepting her Best Supporting Actress gong at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards

The 39-year-old actress beat Odessa A'zion (Marty Supreme), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Carey Mulligan (The Ballad of Wallis Island), Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) and Emily Watson (Hamnet) in the Best Supporting Actress category for her performance as Annie in the 2025 supernatural horror.

Memory of a Killer actor Patrick Dempsey, 60, and The Wizard of the Kremlin star Alicia Vikander, 37, announced her as the winner at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Sunday night (22.02.26).

In Mosaku's acceptance speech, she started by thanking her family for their love and support.

The star - who had a daughter in 2024 with her husband, Tash Moseley - said: "To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher. I am most proud of you. Everything begins and ends with you.

"To my mom, dad and sisters, niece and nephews. I love you all.

"Mum, thank you for all you have sacrificed, for your protection and your unwavering faith in God's plan.

"Much like Aesop's Fable, the son and the wind, you shine, you beamed love, and gave me the freedom to make my own choices and dare to dream."

Mosaku then shared how her Sinners alter ego Annie helped her reconnect with her cultural roots, inner strength and hope - something she once had to hide to fit in as an immigrant.

She continued: "I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts of myself, I thought I'd lost her or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.

"Through her, I deepened my belief in my potential, my capacity to love and hope in the darkest moments of grief, and in the face of this harsh world."

Mosaku then spoke about how her husband saw her potential before she did.

She said: "Tash, thank you for always seeing that potential in me, long before I saw it in myself, or believed myself. Thank you for reminding me to tap in daily. I love you."

Mosaku went on to praise 39-year-old Sinners director Ryan Coogler's talent.

She said: "Ryan, like Creature Boy, your gift comes from home, and it is big, conjuring spirits from the past and future.

"I felt the presence of the ancestors' pride and joy daily on your set.

"Your commitment to artistry, truth and humanity is to be treasured and protected at all costs."
Actor Madhuri Dixit recently took a short break from work and travelled to Japan with her husband, Shriram Nene. The 'Tehzaab' actress, on Saturday, took to her Instagram account to share a joint post, giving fans a peek into their getaway. The first picture shows the two holding each other and smiling, with Mount Fuji in the background. Madhuri can be seen in a cream sweater, black pants, and a scarf, with her hair tied back and sunglasses on. Shriram chose a grey sweater and trousers. The post also included solo pictures of both. Another photo shows Madhuri dressed in a printed saffron kimono with a cream sash. The couple also shared a selfie taken in front of a Japanese temple. Along with the pictures, the actress added a caption that read, "Fuji: A view from the top of an active volcano, full of tradition, temples, snow, and samurai." Take a look https://www.instagram.com/p/DVBL7mfDHHr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Soon after the pictures were shared, fans chimed in the comment section to shower love on the couple. One fan said, "The most beautiful smile in the world, evergreen superstar diva Madhuri ji, a very nice person, Nene sir ji, my favorite star, so elegant, amazing, lovely post," while another added, "You both look absolutely stunning." Madhuri married Shriram, a doctor, on October 17, 1999. She relocated to the US and lived there for over a decade. The couple's first son, Arin, was born in 2003, and their second child, Ryan, was born in 2005. On the work front, Madhuri was last seen in the series 'Mrs Deshpande,' which started streaming on JioHotstar on December 19. She will next be seen in Netflix's upcoming film 'Maa Behen,' where she stars alongside Triptii Dimri and Ravi Kishan. (ANI)
(Photo Credit: @RealDonaldTrump on Truth Social)

President Donald Trump posted a rendering of a U.S. hospital ship sailing into the sunset on the high seas to announce he was sending medical aid to Greenland  the country he is pushing hard to acquire.

In the post Saturday, Trump wrote, Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!!

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It wasnt clear whether Greenland asked for the extra medical help or why Trump inferred that Greenlanders werent being properly taken care of.

Trump named Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) as his as his envoy to the arctic nation in December.

Trump has been threatening to take over Greenland from Denmark in the name of national security because of its proximity to Russia and China.

Both Greenland and Denmark vehemently protested Trumps proposal, and in January, Denmark led a deployment of troops to the area with the backing of NATO allies including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

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Trump told CNBCs Joe Kernan at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that he worked out a concept of a deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

I think its going to be a very good deal for the United States [and] also for them, and were going to work together with something to do with the Arctic as a whole, but also Greenland, Trump said, It has to do with the security  great security, strong security, and other things.

Its a little bit complex, Trump told Kernan, but well explain it down the line.

During his address at the Forum, Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, but said he didnt plan to take the land by force as he hinted to in the past.

The post Trump Posts Picture of US Hospital Boat Hes Sending To Greenland For Those Who Are Not Being Taken Care of There first appeared on Mediaite.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Feb. 21 said he was working with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to send a hospital boat to Greenland, a Danish territory that Trump has said he wants to acquire.

Trump announced the plan on social media moments before hosting a dinner for Republican governors at the White House, where he sat next to and chatted with Landry.

"Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!!" Trump said.

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Neither the White House nor Landry's office responded to queries about the post, whether the ship had been requested by Denmark or Greenland and which sick people needed help. The Department of War had no immediate comment.

Danish King Frederik paid a second visit to Greenland in a year last week, an attempt to demonstrate unity with the territory in the face of Trump's push to buy the island.

People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen walks with people during a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. A child is wrapped in Greenlandic flag as people attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Jens Kjeldsen, a 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland, paces with flags of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland (Kingdom of Denmark) protesting outside the US consulate's wooden cabin in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 20, 2026. The 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland is holding daily early morning protests outside the US consulate this week in hopes of getting his message across to US officials. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen waves a flag during a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026, in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. A mother and daughter with their faces painted with the Greenlandic flag stand on a street after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. A couple depart after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters on City Square during a protest in support of Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The United States president continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, even by military means if necessary. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which has forcefully pushed back on the U.S. threats, saying they jeopardize the future of NATO. Greenlanders march in defiance of Trumps efforts to claim the island 1 of 20 People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026.

Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. late last month held talks to resolve the situation following months of tensions within the NATO defence alliance.

Trump's post came hours after Denmark's Joint Arctic Command said it had evacuated a crew member who required urgent medical treatment from a U.S. submarine in Greenland's waters, seven nautical miles outside of Greenland's capital, Nuuk.

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It was unclear what connection Landry had with the matter or if the post had any connection to the evacuation.

The U.S. Navy has two hospital ships, the Mercy and the Comfort, but neither are stationed in Louisiana.

Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he is sending a hospital ship to Greenland
The United States plans to send a hospital ship to Greenland, President Donald Trump said on Saturday, a move that could heighten tensions with NATO ally Denmark.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that the vessel would "take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there."

"It's on the way!!!" he added, calling it a "great" hospital boat, but provided no further details.

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Trump's repeated threats in recent weeks to potentially annex Greenland, a Danish territory of strategic importance, have strained relations between Europe and the United States.

The US Navy operates two large hospital ships, each with about 1,000 beds, including 80 intensive care units. These vessels have previously been deployed after natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes, and temporarily served US ports during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, has not recently reported a significant medical need that would require the deployment of a hospital ship.

It is unclear whether the mission has been coordinated with the Danish government or Greenland's largely autonomous authorities, and the timeline for deployment remains uncertain. Hospital ships usually operate with minimal crews when at anchor, requiring time to mobilize full personnel.

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Greenland's public health system includes local clinics and Queen Ingrid Hospital in the capital Nuuk for complex cases, with occasional medical evacuations to Denmark.

European countries including Germany, the United Kingdom and France have supported Denmark and Greenland, rejecting any US annexation plans. Talks between Copenhagen, Nuuk and the Trump administration are ongoing to seek a compromise.
Irans envoy to the United Nations has said that Tehran will respond decisively to any military aggression by the United States in a letter urging the UN Security Council to condemn recent threats from President Donald Trump.

Irans UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani called on Thursday for members of the council and UN chief Antonio Guterres to act, noting in particular Trumps recent specific threat to use an airfield located in the Indian Ocean in the Chagos Islands, in a potential attack on Iran.

Given the volatile situation in the region and the persistent movement and build-up of military equipment and assets by the United States, such a belligerent statement by the President of the United States must not be treated as mere rhetoric, Iravani wrote.

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The Iranian envoy emphasised that his country neither seeks tension nor war and will not initiate any war.

But, he said that if Iran were attacked, it would consider all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region as legitimate targets.

Irans UN envoy warns that recent US statements about possible use of Diego Garcia and Fairford bases signal a real threat of military action, calling them violations of the UN Charter.

Tehran says it seeks diplomacy, not war, but any attack would make US regional assets pic.twitter.com/vICub6XaSd  Ali Hashem   (@Alihashem) February 19, 2026

Trump warned on Thursday that Tehran had 10 to 15 days to make a meaningful deal with Washington, as he hosted dozens of leaders from around the world for the first official meeting of his newly created Board of Peace in Washington.

So now we may have to take it a step further, or we may not, Trump said, again alluding to his threat of military action against Tehran.

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Maybe were going to make a deal. Youre going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days.

Asked later to elaborate, Trump told reporters on board Air Force One: I would think that would be enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much, maximum.

Speaking earlier in Washington, Trump renewed his argument that the joint Israeli-US strikes against Iran in June of last year paved the way to the ceasefire in Gaza.

Trump maintained that without the US attack on Irans nuclear facilities, the threat of Iran would have prevented countries in the region from agreeing to peace in the Middle East.

Otherwise, bad things happen: Trump

The renewed threats and tension come just days after the US and Iran held a second round of indirect talks, which were largely described in positive terms.

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On Wednesday, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides made good progress in the negotiations in Geneva and were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles for an agreement.

On Thursday, Trump said his diplomatic aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have had very good meetings with Irans representatives.

We have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise, bad things happen, he said.

Despite the talks, the US has continued to amass military assets in the Gulf region, including two aircraft carriers and dozens of fighter jets.

Iranian officials have expressed defiance against the US presidents constant threats.

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The Americans constantly say that theyve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wrote on X on Thursday.

However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.





Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been escalating since late 2025, when Trump, while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December, promised to strike Iran again if it attempts to rebuild its nuclear or missile programmes.

Days later, antigovernment protests broke out in Iran. Trump encouraged the demonstrators to take over state institutions, promising them that help is on the way.

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Trump appeared to step back from the brink of attacking Iran last month, saying that the country had agreed to halt the execution of dissidents under US pressure.

The two countries later renewed negotiations with the first round of talks since the June war that took place in Oman on February 6.
President Donald Trumps winning streak at the Supreme Court snapped emphatically Friday as the justices handed him the most significant loss of his presidency.

The 6-3 ruling striking down the broad tariffs at the center of Trumps trade and economic agenda could upend the global economy and shatter the presidents most potent non-military negotiating tool. And the decision ripped the heart out of a central premise of his presidency  an unbridled, ever-escalating assertion of executive power, countenanced by the Supreme Court.

Trump had racked up a near-perfect record of victories at the high court to open his second term, and at the end of his first. The sting of sudden defeat was palpable at a White House press conference Friday where Trump raged against the ruling.

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Theyre just being fools and lapdogs for the RINOs and radical left Democrats, Trump said of the conservative justices who ruled against him. He vacillated between slamming the justices who rejected him and suggesting implausibly that the defeat had actually strengthened his power to level tariffs against other nations.

Often acting over strenuous objections from the courts liberal wing, the conservative majority has allowed Trump to fire large swaths of the federal workforce, cancel billions of dollars in grants and contracts, end the legal status of hundreds of thousands of immigrants and deport some migrants to countries in which they have no ties.

But the court has cast a wary eye toward the White House lately.

In December, the justices said Trump does not have the authority to send the National Guard into American cities at will. And they have seemed skeptical of Trumps efforts to fire a member of the Federal Reserve.

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Few issues have been as central to Trumps identity in public life as his steadfast insistence that tariffs could be used as leverage to secure favorable trade deals with allies and punish countries that refuse to bend to Americas will. Trumps increasingly furious defense of tariffs, when it appeared likely the Supreme Court would reject them, underscored his view that tariff authority is synonymous with presidential power.

In the lead-up to the tariffs decision, Trump repeatedly upped the ante, trying to goad the justices into ruling for him by predicting fire-and-brimstone destruction of the U.S. economy if the court forced him to cancel the duties.

The defeat Friday may have been extra dizzying for Trump because he had gotten used to winning at the high court. It has reversed lower-court orders blocking parts of his agenda about 80 percent of emergency appeals Trump has filed.

The unanimous ruling in 2024 rejecting state efforts to keep him off the ballot, and the 6-3 decision later that year endorsing broad criminal immunity for presidents, ended legal crusades that could have proven fatal to his bid to return to the White House.

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Trumps feeling of betrayal was evident during the Friday press conference. In addition to calling the courts majority a disgrace to our nation, the president made clear the court had rubbed salt in the wound by keeping him hanging for months.

I've been waiting for this decision so long, Trump said. They could have made this decision a long time ago.  He should have released this a long time ago. We waited months, and that gave uncertainty. 

The justices handed Trump a reminder of his fallibility at an especially unwelcome time: Hes seen a string of defeats and brushbacks in the Republican-led Congress; signs of economic weakness; an intense worldwide focus on the Epstein files, whose release he initially sought to prevent; and a rising tide of Democratic enthusiasm heading into the midterms.

While the ruling seems certain to create some tension between Trump and any of the justices in the majority who show up at his State of the Union address Tuesday, some of his appointees tried to use their opinions Friday to cushion the blow.

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In his dissent, Justice Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly asserted that the tariffs could easily be replaced with other similar measures under less contested legal authority. Kavanaugh also sought to minimize the significance of the majoritys decision, arguing that the court simply found that Trump checked the wrong statutory box in implementing the tariffs.

Trump in his press conference Friday referenced Kavanaughs opinion before he announced a new 10 percent global tariff using another statute.

And while Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the majority in rejecting Trumps tariffs, Gorsuch closed his solo concurrence with a passage that seemed aimed at soothing Trumps anticipated anger. Adopting an almost patronizing tone, Gorsuch said he knew the courts ruling will be disappointing and he observed: Legislating can be hard.

But Gorsuch also warned that effectively sidelining Congress by deferring to the executive branchs view on matters in which the law is vague would risk concentrating too much power in the presidency.

Our system of separated powers and checks-and-balances threatens to give way to the continual and permanent accretion of power in the hands of one man, he warned. That is no recipe for a republic.


Two people have been arrested following an eight month investigation into a multi-state retail theft ring by the Durham County Sheriff's Office.

Jefferson Dinartes-Chavez, 21, and 19-year-old Edenillson Dinartes Chavez are accused of stealing from retailers across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Following the arrests on Saturday, deputies executed a search warrant at a home on Liberty Street.

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Authorities say they found a large collection of stolen goods, including power tools, TVs, electronics, small appliances and other household items. Investigators believe the items came from major retailers like Home Depot, Target, Lowe's and Walmart.

Both suspects are being held at the Durham County Detention Center.


Following The Baltimore Suns reporting on the states handgun roster board, two bills will be heard in Maryland legislature committee Tuesday and Wednesday that would revamp the way the board works, adding what advocates of the bills say are structure and guidance to the process of deciding which guns can be bought and sold in the state.

A Second Amendment supporter, however, sharply criticized the bills as unnecessary.

All it does is add a layer of bureaucracy  to a process that already takes many months, said Second Amendment advocacy organization Maryland Shall Issue President Mark Pennak.

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This is a solution in search of a problem.

Sponsored in the house by Baltimore City Del. Elizabeth Embry and in the senate by Montgomery County Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher, both Democrats, the bills would restructure the states handgun roster board, a group of governor-appointed citizens who determine whether a gun makes the states roster, a list of guns Marylanders can purchase or sell.

The bill would provide more guidance to the board, structure to safety testing, how often someone can apply, how to interpret safety testing [and] if it fails, what that should mean, Embry said in an interview. And, she argued, the changes would improve the safety of her constituents.

Gun violence is one of the biggest public safety and public health issues in Baltimore City, she said. Weve seen amazing improvements but we have a long way to go in terms of gun safety. Having the handgun roster board live up to its potential  that can only help protect the citizens of Baltimore.

What is a handgun?

Both SB 830 and HB 1339 would require petitions undergo legal review before being presented to the board, as well as codifying requirements to test the guns. Bill advocates say this would ensure short-barreled rifles are not approved under the provision for handguns and would guarantee that the guns approved function as intended.

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Board member and Baltimore City States Attorney Ivan Bates said that although he believed Marylanders should be able to own guns, he hoped this bill would address his main concern with the board: competing definitions of a handgun.

I do think this bill is able to accomplish one of the things that Ive been concerned about: are we meeting the definition of a handgun? Bates said. I want individuals to be able to have weapons legally.

Several amendments would also allow board members to reevaluate previously approved handguns, something Bates suggested could be applied only to new purchasers of models that have been removed from the roster.

I think you definitely want to make sure you grandfather in people who already had the gun, he said. They did everything the right way  and I dont think you necessarily penalize them because the state didnt have everything correct on its end [in the first place] and now you feel these weapons are illegal.

A rubber stamp

The Sun reported on the gun board and its practices in 2025. Criticized by some as a rubber stamp, the board approved 95% of handguns put before them between 2018 and 2025, near-uniformly denying a guns addition to the list only if it did not fire or misfired in testing.

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During those seven years, the board added nearly 2,500 new gun models to the roster, including, controversially, short-barreled rifles.

Many short-barreled rifles come with braces  meaning they could be fired from the shoulder  additional barrels or long stocks. Theyre more powerful, can cause more damage and are more dangerous in the wrong hands, gun control advocates say.

The federal definition of a handgun says a gun can be held and fired in one hand.

Board members said they and petitioners alike were often confused by vague requirements guns must meet for inclusion on the roster, leading to guns being passed through that shouldnt be.

But Second Amendment advocates say the board is already too restrictive and that the state has no business preventing people from buying or selling whatever guns they like within its borders.

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Pennak said he believed these bills were put forward to force the states gun roster board to echo the handgun roster board in California, which requires both legal review and independent accredited laboratory testing of handguns petitioners have put forth. That, he said, was a mistake that could end the existence of Marylands roster board altogether.

If they do this, then it will come under attack, Pennak said. Too, Pennak worried that the amendment allowing members to re-evaluate handguns on the roster would strip people of guns they lawfully own.

The Constitutions Second Amendment protects the right to purchase firearms that are common use for lawful purposes, Pennak said. The guns they want to exclude have already been found [lawful] by virtue of being on the roster board.

No subjective analysis

Embry and an anti-gun violence advocate said The Suns 2025 articles on the roster board shed light on the challenges the board faced, inspiring them to write and sponsor these bills.

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Ive been trying to get legislators attention on this for years, said Karen Herren, who leads the nonprofit advocacy group Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence.

The Suns reporting on the matter made a huge difference getting leadership attention  and a senate sponsor, she said.

The legislation doesnt expand or restrict Maryland gun laws; its merely trying to create a process whereby current Maryland law is upheld, Herren said. Right now, the board is not functioning as the consumer protection filter it was designed.

We want to see that petitions are reviewed by legal experts for compliance with all Maryland and federal laws and make sure that the product itself is considered safe under regulated product safety standards.

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If both of those hurdles are met, then theres no subjective analysis going into whether or not the firearm makes it onto the roster, she said.

Contact journalist Kate Cimini at 443-842-2621 or kcimini@baltsun.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  One day after roughly 1,500 construction workers returned to the job site of the new Highmark Stadium after it was halted for much of the week due to vandalism, project officials are now saying two individuals have been identified who may be responsible for the graffiti.

Gilbane Turner, the company leading construction of the new stadium, issued WIVB News 4 a statement Saturday afternoon, saying, The investigation and tip line conducted in coordination with local law enforcement, have at this time, led to the identification of two individuals who may be responsible for the graffiti.

The graffiti was found in several areas, including some suites. It was pornographic and homophobic in nature, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

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The areas that were vandalized with spray paint will cost upwards of $150,000 to fix, according to the Erie County Executive.

Paul Brown, president of the Buffalo Building Trades Council, said extensive work is needed for the repairs.

It got into the marble, they cant get it out, so theyve got to chop the marble out, and some of the floor, because it got on the floor, and they cant get it out, Brown said. So, yeah, its costly, expensive, and somebodys got to pay for it.

Following the statement issued by project officials, News 4 reached out to officials with the Erie County Sheriffs Office, the law enforcement agency tasked with leading the investigation, who said no charges have been filed at this time and their investigation continues.

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The Gilbane | Turner team has worked diligently to create a respectful and supportive environment on this project, the companys statement read. We have made significant investments in jobsite amenities to support the trade workers performing demanding work, often in challenging weather conditions. They deserve a professional and respectful workplace. The actions of a very small number of individuals do not reflect the values or conduct of the approximately 8,000 people who have worked on this project to date. They demonstrate professionalism, pride, and respect each and every day.

The company, earlier this week, announced a $100,000 reward for information leading lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

This remains a developing story that will be updated as more information is made available.

Latest Local News

Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking here.

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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 News 4 Buffalo.
On February 18, the United States reissued a travel advisory for people planning or wanting to visit the Ivory-Coast. According to the U.S. Department of State's official website, the African country is currently at a Level 2, which warns travelers to "exercise increased caution."

The risk indicators listed as the reason for the advisory include unrest, crime, health, terrorism, and piracy. This is not a new advisory, however, but an updated advisory, which stems back to 2024.

As part of its update, the U.S. Department of State clearly warns travelers hoping to enjoy a trip to the region. "Do not travel to the northern border region of Cote dIvoire for any reason," the advisory reads.

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"The main terrorist threat to Cote dIvoire is from a group called Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). JNIM is linked to al-Qaida and mostly operates in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali. In the past, JNIM has crossed the border from Burkina Faso to conduct attacks in northern Cote dIvoire. Attacks have occurred in the Savanes and Zanzan Districts, including Comoe National Park. These attacks have mainly targeted Ivoirian security forces, and sometimes civilians," it continues.

In addition to exercising caution when traveling to the Ivory Coast, the U.S. included a list of things to do before heading to the region. Some of these things include having an emergency plan to leave the country, telling a relative or close friend about travel plans, and not displaying "signs of wealth," such as wearing a pricey watch or expensive jewelry.

The Ivory-Coast has become an emerging travel destination in recent years. The country's historic town of Grand-Bassam is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other attractions include the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro. Additionally, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches.

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In 2002, Maine became the first state to implement a statewide laptop program to some grade levels. Then-governor Angus King saw the program as a way to put the internet at the fingertips of more children, who would be able to immerse themselves in information.

By that fall, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative had distributed 17,000 Apple laptops to seventh graders across 243 middle schools. By 2016, those numbers had multiplied to 66,000 laptops and tablets distributed to Maine students.

Kings initial efforts have been mirrored across the country. In 2024, the U.S. spent more than $30 billion putting laptops and tablets in schools. But more than a quarter-century and numerous evolving models of technology later, psychologists and learning experts see a different outcome than the one King intended. Rather than empowering the generation with access to more knowledge, the technology had the opposite effect.

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Earlier this year, in written testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath said that Gen Z is less cognitively capable than previous generations, despite its unprecedented access to technology. He said Gen Z is the first generation in modern history to score lower on standardized tests than the previous one.

While skills measured by these tests, like literacy and numeracy, arent always indicative of intelligence, they are a reflection of cognitive capability, which Horvath said has been on the decline over the last decade or so.

Citing Program for International Student Assessment data taken from 15-year-olds around the world and other standardized tests, Horvath noted not only dipping test scores, but also a stark correlation in scores and time spent on computers in school, such that more screen time was related to worse scores. He blamed students having unfettered access to technology that atrophied rather than bolstered learning capabilities. The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 also didnt help.

This is not a debate about rejecting technology, Horvath wrote. It is a question of aligning educational tools with how human learning actually works. Evidence indicates that indiscriminate digital expansion has weakened learning environments rather than strengthened them.

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The writing was perhaps already on the wall. Fortune reported in 2017 that Maines public school test scores had not improved in the 15 years the state had implemented its technology initiative. Then-governor Paul LePage called the program a massive failure, even as the state poured money into contracts with Apple.

Gen Z will now have to face the ramifications of eroding learning capabilities. The generation has already been hit hard by the transformations of the 21st centurys other technological revolution: generative AI.

Early data from a first-of-its-kind Stanford University study published last year found AI advancements to have significant and disproportionate impact on entry-level workers in the U.S. labor market. But a less capable population means more than just poorer job prospects and fewer promotions, Horvath warned; it endangers how humans are able to overcome existential challenges in the decades to come.

Were facing challenges more complex and far-reaching than any in human historyfrom overpopulation to evolving diseases to moral drift, he told Fortune. Now, more than ever, we need a generation able to grapple with nuance, hold multiple truths in tension, and creatively tackle problems that are stumping the greatest adult minds of today.

Technologys impact on learning

Classroom technology usage has ballooned in recent years. A 2021 EdWeek Research Center poll of 846 teachers found 55% said they are spending one to four hours per day with educational tech. Another quarter reported using the digital tools five hours per day.

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While teachers may be intending for these tools to be strictly educational, students often have different ideas. According to a 2014 study, which surveyed and observed 3,000 university students, students engaged in off-task activities on their computers nearly two-thirds of the time.

Horvath blamed this tendency to get off-track as a key contributor to technology hindering learning. When ones attention is interrupted, it takes time to refocus. Task-switching also is associated with weaker memory formation and greater rates of error. Grappling with a challenging singular subject matter is hard, Horvath said. For the best learning to happen, its supposed to be.

Unfortunately, ease has never been a defining characteristic of learning, he said. Learning is effortful, difficult, and oftentimes uncomfortable. But its the friction that makes learning deep and transferable into the future.

Sustained attention to a singular subject is anathema to how technology today has been deployed, argues Jean Twenge, San Diego State University psychology professor studying generational differences and the author of 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. More time on screens isnt just ineffective in facilitating learnings; its counterproductive.

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Many apps, including social media and gaming apps, are designed to be addictive, Twenge told Fortune. Their business model is based on users spending the most time possible on the apps, and checking back as frequently as possible.

A Baylor Universityled study published in November 2025 uncovered why this is: TikTok required the least amount of effort to use, even less than Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, by balancing relevant videos with surprising and unexpected content.

Concerns over social media addiction have become so dire that 1,600 plaintiffs, across 350 families and 250 school districts, filed a lawsuit alleging Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube created addictive platforms leading to mental health challenges like depression and self-harm in children.

Solving the tech crisis

Horvath proposed a swath of solutions to Gen Zs tech problem, at least as it pertains to classroom use. Congress, he suggested, could impose efficacy standards to fund research on what digital tools are actually effective in the classroom. The legislature could also require strong limits on tracking behavior, building profiles, and collecting data on minors using tech.

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Some schools have taken matters into their own hands. As of August 2025, 17 states have cracked down on cellphone use in school, banning the technology during instructional time, and 35 states have laws limiting the use of phones in the classroom. In fact, more than 75% of schools have said they have policies prohibiting cellphone use for nonacademic purposes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, though enforcing those bans has been met with variable success.

Ultimately, Horvath said, the loss of critical thinking and learning skills is less of a personal failure and more of a policy one, calling the generation of Americans educated with gadgets victims of a failed pedagogical experiment.

Whenever I work with teenagers I tell them, This is not your fault. None of you asked to be sat in front of a computer for your entire K-12 schooling, Horvath said. That means wescrewed upand I genuinely hope Gen Z quickly figures that out and gets mad.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Bollywood star couple Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar are celebrating four years of their marital bliss. The couple shared heartfelt messages for each other, expressing their love as they marked the special occasion. Farhan Akhtar dropped a series of pictures with his wife and wrote, "To the woman who makes everything feel better.. happy fourth anniversary Shu .. love you @shibaniakhtar." https://www.instagram.com/p/DVDvKFaArMs/ Likewise, Shibani also showered Farhan with much love and warmth as she added, "8 and 4. Happy Anni @faroutakhtar To forever and beyond, Love you endlessly." In the picture, the couple could be seen posing for a cute frame, as the actor-filmmaker planted a kiss on Shibani's cheek. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVDtFeECMxq/ While fans extended their best wishes to the couple, Farhan's sister, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also sent her greetings on their anniversary. Among others were Farah Khan Kunder, Viineet Kumar Singh, and Anusha Dandekar who greeted Farhan and Shibani. Farhan and Shibani, who dated for almost three years, tied the knot at Farhan's family farmhouse in 2022 in the presence of close friends and family members on February 19, 2022. Farhan was previously married to celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani. The two got married in 2000 and parted ways in 2017. They are parents to two daughters Shakya and Akira. On the work front, Farhan Akhtar is set to play the role of music maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, marking a Hollywood debut. Taking to his Instagram handle, Farhan said, "Honoured and grateful to be part of the ever expanding legacy of the beatles and of Pandit Ravi Shankar ji. Their creative genius is a rite of passage for generation after generation of listeners and I could go on for days about how their music has influenced me and been a companion through the good times and the not so good." https://www.instagram.com/p/DU8JittAse0/ The upcoming film series is structured as four interconnected biopics, each narrated from the perspective of a different member of the iconic British band, The Beatles. The project is slated for a global theatrical release in April 2028. (ANI)
By Catarina Demony

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - London police officers assigned to King Charles' younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide security for a dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein's residence in New York in 2010, British media reported on Sunday.

The Sunday Times, which first reported the story, cited emails from the Epstein files that appear to detail arrangements for Mountbatten-Windsor to stay with the late convicted sex offender in December 2010, along with his two protection officers from London's Metropolitan Police force.

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In an email sent the night before the event with the subject line "Security for party", a staff member informed Epstein the two officers had been given "instructions on the door".

The reports come after police said on Friday they were contacting former protection officers who worked for Mountbatten-Windsor, urging anyone with allegations of sex offences relating to Epstein to come forward.

Police said they have not identified any wrongdoing by the protection officers at this stage. Asked to respond to Sunday's reports, the Metropolitan Police said it had no further comment.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office in a separate investigation, and was released under investigation after being held by another police force, Thames Valley, for more than 10 hours.

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His arrest related to allegations that he sent confidential government documents to Epstein while working as a trade envoy. As part of its investigation, Thames Valley Police continued to search his former mansion in Windsor on Sunday.

Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and said he regretted their friendship.

In 2022, the royal settled a civil lawsuit brought in the U.S. by the late Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager at properties owned by Epstein or his associates. He has denied ever meeting her.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Helen Popper)
Kiev has accused Hungary and Slovakia of provocation and blackmail following threats to cut off energy supplies unless Kiev resumes the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.

"Statements from Budapest and Bratislava are provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X on Saturday.

Kiev is considering activating an early warning mechanism in its Association Agreement with the European Union, he added.

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Earlier, Slovakia and Hungary had threatened Ukraine with a halt to emergency power supplies if Kiev does not allow the resumption of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.

If oil transit to Slovakia is not resumed on Monday, Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would call on the state grid operator SEPS to halt emergency power supplies to Ukraine, according to a government statement, quoted by news agency CTK.

Ukraine: Repair work on pipeline under way

Unlike other EU states, Hungary and Slovakia continue to receive relatively cheap Russian oil despite Western sanctions and rely on the Druzhba pipeline for their supplies. Ukrainian officials have said that the pipeline was damaged in the Russian attacks and repair work is under way despite the risk of further missile strikes.

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However, Hungary and Slovakia accuse the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately preventing the resumption of deliveries.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said the governments in Budapest and Bratislava should address their complaints to the Kremlin, not to Kiev, and criticized what it said were plans to withhold electricity, heating and gas from Ukrainians during a period of extreme cold.

"The governments of Hungary and Slovakia are not only playing into the hands of the aggressor, but also harming their own energy companies that supply energy on a commercial basis," it added.

Ukraine sees the purchase of gas and oil from Russia by the two EU countries as helping finance Russia's war against it.

Hungary threatens to block huge Ukraine loan

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hinted a few days ago that his country could hinder power supplies to neighbouring Ukraine if Kiev continues to disrupt Hungary's supplies.

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Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also announced on Friday that his country would block the EU's 90 billion ($106 billion) loan for Ukraine until oil transit to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline is resumed.

Orban has expressed the view that Ukraine is interested in him losing the parliamentary election scheduled for April 12, and therefore wanted to ensure that heating costs in Hungary rise by blocking the Druzhba pipeline.
Ukraine hit an oil depot in Russian-occupied Luhansk and destroyed two Tor air defense systems in occupied Donetsk Oblast in an overnight strike on Feb. 22, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces confirmed on Telegram.

Earlier, Luhansk residents reported that a strong fire erupted at the oil depot overnight as a result of strikes and that the facility continued to burn into the morning.

The Unmanned Systems Forces reported that its drone operators successfully hit the oil base, which Russia uses to supply its forces with fuel.

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The same night, members of the elite drone unit "Madyar Birds" destroyed two Tor anti-aircraft missile systems in occupied Donetsk Oblast, the Unmanned Systems Forces said. The total estimated value of the destroyed equipment is over $50 million.

One Tor system was hit in the Russian-occupied village of Kyslyche, while the other was struck in Topolyne, the military said. The attack was launched in coordination with the Unmanned Systems Forces' Deep Strike Center.

The Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed two Tor air defense missile systems and also struck an oil depot in Luhansk. Units of the Unmanned Systems Forces continue to reduce the capabilities of the enemys layered air defense.



Over the past 24 hours, two Tor surface-to-air missile pic.twitter.com/pr7bh5hnzg   Unmanned Systems Forces (@usf_army) February 22, 2026

The military released video footage of the operation on social media.

The Unmanned Systems Forces were established as a separate branch of Ukraine's military in June 2024, with the aim of improving and expanding Ukraine's Ukraine's drone operations. Since its inception, the branch has carried out hundreds of operations deep within Russian territory.

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Kyiv regularly strikes deep within Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine in an effort to diminish the Kremlin's fighting power.

Ukraine considers Moscow's energy facilities valid military targets as they fund and supply Russia's war against Ukraine. Previously, Ukraine reported a successful attack on a Russian drone warehouse in occupied Luhansk Oblast on Jan. 19.

Ukraines Luhansk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

More recently, overnight on Feb. 18-19, Ukraine reportedly struck an oil depot in Russia's Pskov Oblast and launched missiles at the Russian city of Belgorod, causing power outages in parts of the city, Telegram news channels and local authorities reported.

A source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent that the attack on the oil depot in Velikiye Luki was the work of their "Alpha" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle unit, which managed to make their way through the anti-drone nets spread over the facility.

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"Such operations are an element of systematic weakening of the military potential of the Russian Federation," the SBU source wrote in a statement.

Read also: Europes green transition is now a matter of energy security

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
UN human rights experts demand that Iran reveal the fates of detainees, stop executions, and provide accountability amidst the brutal crackdown on protesters in recent months.

Amid reports of secret burial sites and executions, UN human rights experts demanded, on Friday, that Tehran disclose the fates of those detained, disappeared, and killed since the Islamic regime began its brutal crackdown on protesters in January.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mai Sato, confirmed last week that she was among the experts urging the regimes authorities to reveal the whereabouts of detainees and halt planned executions linked to the demonstrations.

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Sato pointed to what she described as a significant discrepancy between the number of casualties acknowledged by the regime  over 3,117 as of last month  and estimates from human rights and grassroots organizations, which in some cases have reached into the tens of thousands.

The Islamic regime and human rights groups point fingers

The Islamic regime claimed that the majority of those killed were murdered by foreign-backed rioters, while human rights groups pointed the finger at Tehrans security forces, claiming that the government cracked down in a similar fashion to that witnessed in the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom demonstrations.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency insisted that at least 7,015 people were killed in the protests and crackdown, including 214 government forces, which is hundreds less than figures published by the regime. Human rights groups, including those who earlier spoke to The Jerusalem Post, claimed the regime had forced families of killed protesters to say their loved ones were members of the Basij paramilitary force and killed by rioters.

The true scale of the violent crackdown on Iranian protesters remains impossible to determine at this point, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights experts said. The discrepancy between official figures and grassroots estimates only deepens the anguish of families searching for their loved ones and displays a profound disregard for human rights and accountability.

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The vast majority of those detained or killed are ordinary people, including children, from all provinces and diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as Afghan nationals, Sato said.

They include lawyers who sought to represent protesters, medical professionals who treated the wounded, journalists, writers, artists, and human rights defenders, she added.

When a state refuses to account for the whereabouts of its people, others will fill that void  and the picture that emerges will define this period in Irans history, Sato wrote, encouraging Tehran to be forthcoming about the true scale of the atrocities.

30 individuals face the death penalty

At least 30 individuals are facing the death penalty for alleged offences linked to the January protests, including several minors, Amnesty International reported.

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The Iranian authorities are once again laying bare the depth of their disregard for the right to life and justice by threatening expedited executions and imposing death sentences in fast-tracked trials, only weeks after arrest.

In weaponizing the death penalty, they are seeking to instill fear and crush the spirit of a population demanding fundamental change, Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Diana Eltahawy said.

Children and young adults form the bulk of those caught in the machinery of state repression following the January protests, denied access to effective legal representation and subjected to torture or other ill-treatment and incommunicado detention to extract forced confessions. The international community must take coordinated global action, pressuring the Iranian authorities to stop using the court system as a conveyor belt for executions.

Matin Mohammadi and Erfan Amiri, both 17, are reportedly being held in connection with a fire inside a Basij base located in a mosque in Pakdasht. They were allegedly tortured into confessing before being put before the Revolutionary Court of Tehran at an unusually fast pace.

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An informed source told Amnesty International that Basij agents arrested the teenagers on January 8, before the fire, and forced Amiri to confess after severe beatings. The source also said that interrogators had put a gun in his mouth and added that the judge refused to recognize the representation of at least three lawyers chosen by Amiris family, threatened them, and imposed a state-appointed lawyer who failed to defend the young man effectively.

Mohammadi reportedly remains in a detention facility for children, facing capital charges, despite international law outlawing the use of the death penalty on minors.

The Bahai community

Sato acknowledged that, in connection with the protests, minority faiths such as the Bahai community have faced heightened incitement and detention. In early February, the Bahai community issued a statement saying it was being scapegoated for protests that erupted in response to the countrys economic crisis.

International condemnation of the Iranian governments persecution of the Bahai community is widespread and indisputable, said Principal Representative of the Bahai International Community to the United Nations Bani Dugal. The Iranian government must heed these concerns  which have been repeated for so many decades  by respecting the rights of Bahais and all religious and ethnic minorities.

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The Bahai community also cited a recent forced confession aired on Irans Channel 2 in which two Bahai men were allegedly coerced into admitting guilt.

This is another attempt by the Iranian government to falsify the truth and present falsehoods to its own public. But this attempt is threadbare, and its baselessness is proven. During every period of national crisis, whether social, economic, or political, the Iranian authorities consistently and systematically scapegoated the Bahais, said Bahai International Communitys United Nations Office in Geneva representative Simin Fahandej.

The Bahai community is often among the first to be accused of false allegations, scapegoated, and targeted through coordinated disinformation and hate campaigns. This is a repeated pattern, and we are seeing it again, he said.

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network told the Post that it is investigating more than 2,000 cases of Kurdish citizens being arrested, in many instances violently and without judicial warrants, and has so far publicly named 470 detainees. The NGO added that because of the ongoing security situation, it had been unable to obtain reliable information about the identities of many of those killed; it has thus far identified 242 members of the Kurdish community killed by regime forces during the protests.

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Due to the ongoing security situation, we have unfortunately been unable to obtain reliable information about the majority of those killed or to confirm many of their identities. So far, we have verified and documented the identities of 242 Kurdish citizens who were killed during the protests in Iran, the Network confirmed.

Concerns by religious minorities and human rights experts heightened shortly before protests recommenced across the Islamic Republic.

While the first round of protests was in response to the weakening of the rial and the overall declining economy, the new round is said to have been in response to the regimes brutality.

On Saturday, students protested across five campuses in Tehran on the 40-day memorial for those killed in earlier demonstrations, and on Sunday, a demonstration erupted in Mashhad, reported by Iranian state-affiliated media.

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Iran International and Tousi reported that students at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran staged a protest and blocked a street near the campus, chanting, Dont be afraid, we are all together.

At Sharif University of Technology in the capital, chants of Death to Khamenei were allegedly heard along with Long live the King, referring to exiled monarch Reza Pahlavi.

The Media Line and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
Concerns are growing about the safety of travelers in the popular Mexican beach resort, Puerto Vallarta.

The U.S. government released an advisory on February 22, urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place. "Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice," the warning said.

The U.S. Government Urges Travelers to Exercise Increased Caution Throughout Mexico

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Mexico was already at a level 2, instructing tourists to exercise increased caution. "Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico," the advisory reads.

Concerns intensified after the cartel leader's death.

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Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro said on X. Also as a result of said operation in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.

Atencion 

Vehiculo en llamas en la Ciudad turistica de Puerto Vallarta en Mexico estos momentos por la muerte del lider de la organizacion Jalisco Nueva Generacion.

El poder de los narcos se expresa en Mexico.

Comenta, comparte y sigueme. pic.twitter.com/F9dXkbE8d2  EL DIEGO (@Diegooficial239) February 22, 2026

He shared a post from the Mexican government that reads, "The Security Cabinet reports that the airports in Jalisco are operating normally. Passengers are taking their flights as scheduled, and no relevant incidents are being recorded at the facilities." However, Puerto Vallarta's airport then essentially closed for international and most domestic travel, as a precaution. The airport wrote that national security forces were protecting it.

Puerto Vallarta currently https://t.co/D59RfviZcD  Rocky Mountain Duke (@the_salty_duke) February 22, 2026

However, a man wrote on X, "Airports shut down, military getting involved, power may soon be cut, our resort is surrounded by burning cars, the situation is intense!"

 Chaos at Guadalajara International Airport: Videos show employees sprinting for cover as reports spread of armed men inside the terminal.



This follows CJNG's cartel meltdown, retaliating hard after rumors of federal ops targeting their leader "El Mencho."



Mexico needs to https://t.co/fNEsPI7Kdr pic.twitter.com/NDJo5REZnf  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2026

Wrote another person, "So my parents who are at Puerto Vallarta airport, sheltered on the second floor, and theyre telling me that all the flights have been canceled are they lying?"

The Canadian Government Warns That Criminal Groups 'Have Set Up Roadblocks With Burning Vehicles' in Puerto Vallarta & Other Cities

Diversi veicoli bruciano nel parcheggio di un Costco a Puerto Vallarta, mentre il cartello CJNG continua a imperversare in citta e nello Stato messicano di Jalisco.

pic.twitter.com/xnXCGDoiJk  Daniele Angrisani (@putino) February 22, 2026

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"Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta. There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions," the Canadian government warned. "A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice."

If you are in Jalisco State, Canada's government urges you to:

"Follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place."

"Keep a low profile."

"Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation."

The U.S. government offered these additional suggestions:

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"Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements

Monitor local media for updates.

Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.

Avoid crowds.

Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media."

Related:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Arab and Muslim countries on Saturday condemned comments by US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggesting that Israel has a biblical right to large parts of the Middle East.

In an interview with right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson published on Friday, Huckabee was asked whether, based on a literal reading of the Bible, Israel had a right to claim much of the modern Middle East.

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee replied. He later appeared to backtrack, saying the question was irrelevant because Israel had no such ambitions. Israel has the right to live in the land it currently possesses, he said.

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In a joint statement posted by Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry on X, the foreign ministers of several Arab and Muslim countries, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, expressed their "strong condemnation" and "deep concern."

They called Huckabee's comments a "flagrant violation" of international law and the UN Charter.

The statement was endorsed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine.

Israel has had no fully recognized borders since its founding in 1948. In the 1967 Six-Day War it captured, among other territories, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where about 700,000 Israeli settlers now live among roughly 3 million Palestinians.

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The Palestinians seek those territories for a state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel's government recently approved a proposal, according to media reports, aimed at making it easier for Israeli settlers to purchase land in the West Bank. Germany and other countries criticized the move.
Arab and Muslim governments have condemned remarks made by the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who suggested Israel would be justified in taking over a vast stretch of the Middle East on Biblical grounds.

In an interview with conservative US commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee was asked whether Israel had a right to an area which the host said was, according to the Bible, "essentially the entire Middle East".

The ambassador said "it would be fine if it took it all". But he added Israel was not seeking to do so, rather it is "asking to at least take the land that they now occupy" and protect its people.

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In a joint statement, more than a dozen governments including Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates called the comments "dangerous and inflammatory", and a threat to efforts to end the war in Gaza.

In the interview, released on Friday, Carlson pressed the ambassador on his interpretation of a Bible verse which the host claimed suggested Israel had a right to the land between the River Nile in Egypt and the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq.

Huckabee said "it would be a big piece of land" but stressed that "I don't think that's what we're talking about here today".

He later added: "They're not asking to go back to take all of that, but they are asking to at least take the land that they now occupy, they now live in, they now own legitimately, and it is a safe haven for them."

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He also said his earlier remark that Israel could take it "all" had been somewhat "hyperbolic".

Following the interview's release, the UAE's foreign ministry released the statement on behalf of various governments and other actors expressing "strong condemnation and profound concern" regarding the comments.

The statement said Huckabee had "indicated that it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank".

It said the remarks violated international law and directly contradicted US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, including efforts to create "a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people have their own independent state".

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The statement continued: "The ministries reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty whatsoever over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands."

"They reiterated their firm rejection of any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip, their strong opposition to the expansion of settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and their categorical rejection of any threat to the sovereignty of Arab states."

The statement said it was signed by the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria and the State of Palestine, as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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Huckabee has frequently expressed his support for Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank, contradicting decades of US policy.

Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state - during the 1967 Middle East war. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them.

The settlements are illegal under international law - a position supported by an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in 2024.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the time that the court had made a "decision of lies" and insisted that "the Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land".

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Successive Israeli governments have allowed settlements to grow. However, expansion has risen sharply since Netanyahu returned to power in late 2022 at the head of a right-wing, pro-settler coalition, as well as the start of the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's deadly 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.

More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's subsequent military offensive, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
The U.S. State Department issued a security warning on Feb. 22 advising Americans in Mexico to shelter in place until further notice, after the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed by the Mexican army.

Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice, the state department said in its security alert.

The areas listed by the state department include Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.

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Mexican drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes's death was confirmed by the country's Ministry of National Defense in a news release. Known as "El Mencho," the cartel leader was killed in a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco on the morning of Feb. 22.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called El Mencho one of the "bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins" in a post on X.

"This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world," he wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Americans asked to 'shelter in place' in parts of Mexico
By Jasper Ward and Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - U.S. Secret Service and local police shot and killed a man armed with a shotgun early on Sunday after he breached a secure perimeter at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, law enforcement officials said.

Trump, who is currently in Washington, was not at the site at the time. The man in Sunday's incident was identified as Austin Tucker Martin, 21, from North Carolina, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Martin was reported missing within the last few days, according to the source.

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The incident occurred at a time when the United States is facing a spike in political violence. In 2024, a gunman's bullet grazed Trump's ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, and a man later convicted of attempted assassination was spotted hiding in the bushes of a Florida golf course with a semi-automatic rifle while Trump was on the course.

'A CRAZY PERSON,' WHITE HOUSE SAYS

The man was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can, the U.S. Secret Service said in a statement, adding that he was observed at the resort's north gate around 1:30 a.m. EST (0630 GMT).

Two U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy confronted the man and ordered him to drop the two items, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a press conference on Sunday morning.

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The man put down the gas can and raised the shotgun "to a shooting position," prompting law enforcement to open fire, Bradshaw said.

The man was declared dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the Secret Service "acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump's home."

FBI HEADS INVESTIGATION

Law enforcement officials did not reveal any information about the motive for the incident. The FBI has taken over the investigation and is collecting evidence from the scene, officials said.

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FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post that the agency is "dedicating all necessary resources" to the investigation.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he spoke with Trump after the incident. Bessent thanked the Secret Service for protecting the president and his family.

"We don't know whether this person was a mastermind, unhinged or what," Bessent said on the Fox News program "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo."

In 2024, Trump faced two assassination attempts, including one at his golf course in West Palm Beach. The perpetrator of that incident was sentenced to life in prison this month.

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Melissa Hortman, a Democratic state lawmaker in Minnesota, was shot and killed in June 2025 along with her husband. Months later, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was also assassinated.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; additional reporting by Andrea Shalal; writing by Andrew Goudsward; editing by Michelle Nichols and Chizu Nomiyama)
The past month of Utah redistricting chaos has left voters as uncertain as ever about the fate of Proposition 4, according to a new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll.

More than 4 in 10 Utah voters remain undecided on whether the state should reverse the map-drawing law, a nearly identical share as a month prior despite extensive messaging by supporters and detractors.

When asked about the ballot proposition to undo Prop 4, 27% said they supported eliminating Utahs independent redistricting commission, 32% said they opposed it and 41% said they did not know.

DN-Prop4

The poll, conducted from Feb. 11 to 14, in the final days of signature gathering for the repeal petition, mirrored the month before, with a slight uptick in support and opposition within the margin of error.

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When Proposition 4 passed, it was narrow, and a lot has happened since then, Hinckley Institute director Jason Perry said. When 4 in 10 voters are unsure about a particular issue, it shows the issue itself is not defined in their minds.

How did Utah get here?

In 2018, Utah voters narrowly approved the Prop 4 ballot initiative to create a commission that would advise the Legislature on congressional district maps every decade according to partisan fairness criteria.

The new law quickly became one of the most explosive topics in Utah politics.

After seven years of legislative opposition, contentious litigation and Republican protest, Prop 4 spurred new levels of polarization in recent weeks as efforts to repeal it accelerated, attracting national attention.

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The GOP-sponsored petition to put Prop 4 before voters again spiraled into reports of violence toward signature gatherers, claims of misleading tactics by gatherers and a coordinated signature removal campaign.

This came amid endorsements from President Donald Trump, Ted Nugent, Donald Trump Jr. and Scott Presler; a last-minute push from conservative turnout operation Turning Point Action; and a new federal lawsuit.

Support for the Prop 4 repeal clearly diverges along partisan lines. Support among Republicans sits at 35%, then falls to 23% among Democrats  51% of whom oppose it  and 16% among independents.

Serving as a backdrop to the Prop 4 repeal effort is a yearslong legal saga beginning in 2022.

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Following a landmark Utah Supreme Court ruling in 2024, a district judge rejected Utahs 2021 map in August and replaced it with one submitted by advocacy groups in November, creating a new Democratic district.

The large share of voters who say they dont know what to think about the Prop 4 repeal effort arent ignorant, Perry said, rather they are likely undecided because they have seen what the actual application of Prop 4 is.

Voters who were at the time thinking an independent redistricting commission is exactly what theyre looking for, theyre looking at all that has happened in the middle of that and they need to make up their mind, Perry said.

Where does the Prop 4 repeal stand?

On Sunday, Utahns for Representative Government, the committee funding the initiative, submitted its last drop of signature packets, bringing the estimated total to over 225,000, according to the groups director.

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On Friday morning, the Utah Lieutenant Governors Office had recorded over 117,000 verified signatures, a lagging indicator of signatures verified by county clerks, who have until March 7 to review every packet.

With a statewide signature rejection rate of around 25%, according to the states VISTA system, the effort appears on track to reach 170,000 verified signatures, significantly above the initiative threshold of 141,000.

This polling confirms what many on the other side have tried to ignore: this issue remains unsettled. Utahns have strong opinions and are deeply divided, Utah GOP chair Robert Axson said in a statement to the Deseret News.

With significantly more than 200,000 signatures gathered in less than 100 days, the path forward is clear  let the people vote, Axson continued. Efforts to pressure voters to withdraw their name for the purpose to avoid a public vote should end immediately. Utahns deserve the final say, not an appointed judge.

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The signature rejection rate varies widely. In Salt Lake County, the average rejection rate is roughly 35%, falling to 30% in Weber County, 25% in Utah County and 14% in Davis and Washington counties.

But this does not account for the organized effort to undermine the GOPs Prop 4 repeal petition.

Earlier this month, Better Boundaries, the nonprofit group behind Prop 4, said it sent thousands of letters encouraging voters who signed the GOPs petition to contact county clerks to get their name removed.

Utah voters made their voices clear in 2018 when they created the independent redistricting commission, and this new poll shows they still want it protected, Better Boundaries director Elizabeth Rasmussen said.

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Rasmussen continued in a statement to the Deseret News: Utahns oppose eliminating the commission by a clear margin. Fair maps should not be drawn by politicians with a stake in the outcome.

Salt Lake County has received by far the greatest number of requests to remove signatures, at around 2,000, followed by roughly 500 in Utah County, 300 in Weber County and 150 in Washington County.

Whats next for Prop 4?

Utah has become saturated with news, accusations and misinformation surrounding Prop 4. This suggests the polls significant share of dont know respondents are likely aware but unsure about the issue, according to Perry.

For the GOP and Better Boundaries, this means a lot of work lies ahead to persuade voters. But it also means that both sides need to articulate a clear explanation that voters feel is not trying to lead them astray, Perry said.

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If the Prop 4 repeal initiative qualifies for the ballot, it is likely to trigger a tremendous amount of money being spent to educate the public on why they think that this needs to be undone, the practical and political implications, Perry said.

The Prop 4 redistrict saga has already put the spotlight on Utah as an unlikely swing state that could shape the congressional majority in 2026. The newly created 1st Congressional District would have handed Kamala Harris a 24-point win in 2024.

Getting Prop 4 on the ballot in November would ensure that national interests, from both sides of aisle, pour even more money into Utahs map-drawing mayhem. It is yet to be seen whether this will further convince, or confuse, Utahs ballot initiative voters.
The upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2' has stirred a fresh debate even before its release, drawing sharp reactions on its narrative. Director Kamakhya Narayan Singh, in a strong-worded response to the ongoing controversies and criticism of the film, has also called out filmmaker Anurag Kashyap for his remarks. Speaking to ANI, Kamakhya Singh emphasised that Kashyap has been "blind to the truth" about the society. "Kai saalon se unki saari filmein flop hui hai...woh mansik roop se durbal ho chukka hai...unko sachai dikhta nahi hai. (His films have been flopping for many years. He become mentally weak. He isn't able to see the truth)", the director said. "If he has a problem with the truth shown in our film, it means he has a problem with entire world. Every scene of our film is based on true incidents. We know that it is based on true incidents, so if Anurag ji wants, then we will send all the research materials to his house. But he has to find fault in everything. He has just become blind to the truth. He doesn't want to see it or understand it," he added. Earlier, Anurag Kashyap, while speaking to the media, slammed 'The Kerala Story 2' trailer, describing it as a "propaganda". 'The Kerala Story 2' trailer has lately sparked controversy, with some calling it "brutal truth" and others labelling it "propaganda". The film explores themes of religious conversion and coercion, set in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. https://youtu.be/j0_038C5RRk?si=YZEUX8TzmvoZ3nra Amid the ongoing debate surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2,' producer Vipul Shah opened up about the film, stating that it does not target Kerala as a state. While speaking to ANI, Shah said that the issue highlighted in the film is an "evil" that needs to be addressed. "We're not after Kerala. Kerala is God's Country... We want this evil in that state to be eradicated as soon as possible." He also spoke about the criticism faced by the first film, especially over the numbers shown in the movie. Shah further alleged that the lack of action from the government, even after the release of the first film, prompted them to make a sequel. "Some people criticised the first film, claiming the 32,000 figure was false. We made a video on this figure on YouTube, which is currently available. We've added the names and shown the figures. The government must have even more figures than us, but we've never heard of any strict action being taken since the release of the film...," he told ANI. The Kerala Story 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on February 27. (ANI)
When Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, he is expected to tout his policies from his first year back in the White House.

But one thing likely won't get a mention: Project 2025.

Just months before he won the 2024 presidential election, Trump publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, a 900-page policy "wish list" that some believed was a detailed blueprint for his second term.

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"I have no idea who is behind it," he said at the time. "I disagree with some of the things they're saying and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal."

His efforts to distance himself from the document, which was published by the Heritage Foundation think-tank and laid out an ultra-conservative vision for how Trump could govern, followed a prolonged backlash from his Democratic opponents.

But now that Trump is in office, many of the ideas suggested in Project 2025 have become reality.

From a major crackdown on immigration to a renewed focus on Venezuela and the firing of thousands of federal employees, liberal groups tracking Trump's second term say around half of Project 2025 has been implemented.

Comedian Kenan Thompson held an oversized copy of Project 2025's Mandate for Leadership as a prop while addressing the Democratic National Convention during the election campaign [Getty Images]

Washington think-tanks regularly produce ideas for incoming presidents, and the right-wing Heritage Foundation released its blueprint in April 2023 when it was still unclear who would be the Republican Party's nominee.

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Project 2025's centrepiece is a document titled Mandate for Leadership. It set out a means to make radical change by expanding presidential power, implementing sweeping cuts to the federal workforce, and imposing an ultra-conservative social vision.

Outside experts say the document not only provided a list of ideas, but outlined legal and administrative methods to achieve them.

"It really is a very detailed blueprint," said Eugene Kiley, who wrote a comprehensive rundown on Project 2025 for the nonpartisan website Factcheck.org. "It sets out how to fire government employees and which ones, and how to take control of independent agencies."

Democrats campaigned heavily against the document during the 2024 election [Getty Images]

Those methods were front and centre during the early days of Trump's second term, when the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) made aggressive moves to cut staff and Trump moved the United States Agency for International Development under the purview of the state department.

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The Heritage Foundation said in a statement to the BBC that "all policy and personnel decisions are up to President Trump and his team" and played down suggestions it was behind administration policy.

In response to a list of questions about Project 2025, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said: "In just a year, President Trump has made America the hottest country in the world by securing the border, signing the largest middle class tax cuts in history, and bringing in trillions of dollars in investments."

How much of Project 2025 has been implemented?

An analysis released by a left-wing think tank, the Center for Progressive Reform, said that the White House has "already initiated or completed" 53% of the policies in the document.

A separate Project 2025 tracker using different methodology came up with roughly the same figure at 51%.

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Proposals in Project 2025 that have been enacted since Trump returned to the White House include:

A halt to billions of dollars of foreign aid

Moves to end federal diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) programmes

Increases in the scope and scale of immigration enforcement

An end to federal funding of public broadcasters NPR and PBS

In a section on immigration, the document proposed authorising military troops to seal the country's borders, eliminating protected enforcement zones such as schools and churches, sweeping workplaces for undocumented migrants and boosting the number of detention facilities for prospective deportees.

These are all measures the Trump administration has since implemented.

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Trump's foreign policy has also echoed elements of Project 2025.

A chapter on foreign policy, which includes a section on Venezuela, stops short of calling for the removal of President Nicolas Maduro - something the Trump administration did earlier this year.

But it reads: "To contain Venezuela's Communism and aid international partners, the next Administration must take important steps to put Venezuela's Communist abusers on notice while making strides to help the Venezuelan people."

The document also mentions three other South American countries - Colombia, Guyana, and Ecuador - which it says are "either increasingly regional security threats... or are vulnerable to hostile extra-continental powers" such as China and Russia.

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"The US has an opportunity to lead these democratic neighbors to fight against the external pressure of threats from abroad and address local regional security concerns," its authors wrote.

The 2025 US National Security Strategy identifies China as a leading adversary and, in a section on the Western Hemisphere, states: "The choice all countries should face is whether they want to live in an American-led world of sovereign countries and free economies or in a parallel one in which they are influenced by countries on the other side of the world."

Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks with reporters at the US Capitol in July [Getty Images]

Several contributors to Project 2025 are now inside the Trump administration, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe; Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission boss; Tom Homan, Trump's "border tsar"; Paul Atkins, chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and trade adviser Peter Navarro who has championed Trump's tariffs.

Russell Vought, who wrote a Project 2025 chapter on remaking the bureaucracy and leads the department which administers the vast US federal budget, has also played a key role in implementing the president's policies. Trump even gave him a shout-out during a Congressional battle over government cuts, posting an AI-generated video that celebrated Vought as a cost-cutting grim reaper.

What's next for Project 2025?

Paul Dans - who directed Project 2025 before resigning from the Heritage Foundation in August 2024 to focus on supporting Trump's election campaign  told the BBC the plan is "conservative gospel right now".

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"Any outsider looking at this can easily see how much of this first year was set out by Project 2025," he said. "If it wasn't for President Trump this would just be a report on a shelf."

Dans, who served in the US Office of Personnel Management during Trump's first administration, said he felt "gratified" by the number of policies in the document that have already been adopted.

"The real measuring stick of this whole thing is going to be how we keep implementing it," he said.

Dans added that he was acutely aware of the midterm elections and the three-and-a-bit years left in Trump's second term. "The hourglass is slowly running out, and time is being wasted," he said.

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And while commentators agree that about half of Project 2025's proposals have been implemented, that means over half have not, including:

Rescinding approval of abortion pills and a ban on sending them through the post

The classification of teachers and librarians who discuss "transgender ideology" with children as sex offenders

A reduction in US forces in Europe and a shift in the US military's focus towards China

The addition of a citizenship question to the US Census

Paul Dans says the project he spearheaded is now 'gospel' on the right of American politics [Getty Images]

Dans argued the policies laid out in Project 2025 are popular with the president's base, and said: "I think it was one of the great electoral miscalculations in history [by the Democratic Party] to demonise Project 2025 rather than just tell the people what their vision was for the next four years."

There is also the prospect that Democrats could use sweeping executive powers, which have been expanded in part because of Project 2025, to pursue a completely different agenda if they regain the White House.

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"This can come back and bite [Republicans] someday," Kiley said. "It's inevitable. There will be liberals in the White House and conservatives in the White House, it will swing back and forth".

Dans, however, said he believed further adoption of Project 2025 is the future of Trump's movement.

"It really is the barometer of whether Maga lives another day or whether this whole thing sinks back into a storyline where the establishment wins out," he said.

But for liberals currently frozen out of power at the federal level, the way forward might be creating a policy document with Project 2025's vast scope, only with left-wing priorities, said James Goodwin of the Center for Progressive Reform.

"To the extent that there is a silver lining we're presented with this unique opportunity to rebuild things," he said. "We have an opportunity to articulate a vision for how to do things better and build consensus around it."
Montgomery County health officials are warning residents after a Virginia resident with a confirmed case of measles visited a building in Bethesda earlier this month.

According to health officials, the Virginia resident visited a building at 7200 Wisconsin Ave. on Feb. 10. While a bank and Starbucks appear to be located nearby, health officials did not go into further detail as to where the Virginia resident visited.

RELATED: Harris Teeter, Target among Northern Virginia measles infections sites for 2 new confirmed cases

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"Anyone who visited this building during that time period may have been exposed to measles," Montgomery County health officials said in a press release Friday.

The Virginia Health Department released a more comprehensive list of locations connected to the confirmed measles case. VHD says two patients are adults who traveled together domestically. They visited several places in Virginia, possibly exposing others:

Harris Teeter, located at 10060 Market Circle in Manassas, between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 13

Walmart, located at 9401 Liberia Avenue in Manassas, between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, February 13

Marcos Pizza, located at 9223 Sudley Road in Manassas, between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, February 13

Bull Run Unitarian Universalists, located at 9350 Main Street in Manassas, between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14

Best Buy Outlet, located at 7665 Sudley Road in Manassas, between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14

Mountaintop Church, located at 9213 Center Street in Manassas Saturday, February 14 between 4:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, February 15 between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lidl, located at 9795 Liberia Avenue in Manassas, between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, February 15

Target, located at 9900 Sowder Village Square in Manassas, between 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, February 15

Medical Center, located at 7051 Heathcote Village Way in Gainesville, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, February 16

Office Building, located at 2800 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 17

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread through the air easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Earlier symptoms include:

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running nose

cough

red and watery eyes

small white spots inside the cheeks

The measles virus may remain in the air for up to two hours.

If you believe you may have been exposed to the measles, VDH says to follow these guidelines:

Those with symptoms should not attend child care, school, work, or be out in public, as they may have early measles symptoms and be contagious.

Individuals with any of these symptoms who visited the building on Tuesday should call their health care provider about their symptoms before showing up in the waiting room so that the office can take measures to prevent spreading to other patients.

Measles symptoms typically develop 1014 days after exposure, but can appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure.

Early symptoms include: Fever above 101 Runny nose Cough Red, watery eyes

One to four days after early symptoms begin, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash begins.

People are considered immune to measles if they: Were born in the United States before 1957 Previously had measles Have received two measles vaccine shots



Those who may have been exposed may also call the Montgomery County Health and Human Services Disease Control Office at 240-777-1755 to determine their risk of contracting measles.
Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

A man named John Barron called into C-SPANs Washington Journal on Friday morning to complain about the Supreme Courts ruling against President Donald Trumps tariffs.

Barron was described as a Republican from Virginia, and as he began talking about the worst decision the Supreme Court has ever made, his voice sounded a lot like Trumps. It just so happens that John Barron is also the pseudonym Trump used throughout the 80s when he wanted to talk to journalists directly  but instead pretended to be his own spokesperson.

Politics: Kash Patel Faces Backlash For Flying To Winter Olympics, Partying It Up With Team USA

This is the worst decision you ever have in your life practically, Barron said on C-SPAN.

A free press is the backbone of democracy  and its under pressure. At HuffPost, were committed to independent, courageous journalism that speaks truth to power. Help keep our reporting strong and accessible: Join our membership program today.

He continued: This is a terrible decision, and you have Hakeem Jeffries, who ... hes a dope. And you have Chuck Schumer, who cant cook a cheeseburger. Of course these people are happy. Of course these people are happy. But true Americans will not be happy.

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Greta Brawner, host of Washington Journal, cut off Barron and took a call from another viewer.

News: Former Trump Lawyer Rips Karoline Leavitt With A New Nickname After She Lashed Out At Judges

Barrons call came during a segment that hears opinions from viewers. Barron voiced his opinion on the Supreme Courts ruling right after the court ruled in a 6-3 decision that Trump doesnt have the authority to impose tariffs.

After the Supreme Courts ruling, Trumps opinion was similar to Barrons. During a news conference Friday afternoon, Trump called the court a disgrace and said the ruling was an embarrassment to their families.

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The Supreme Courts ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and Im ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do whats right for our country, Trump said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. C-SPAN said the call was not the president.

Politics: Dan Bongino Goes On R-Rated Rant At Donald Trump Voter Who Dared To Complain

The call came from a central Virginia phone number and came while the president was in a widely covered, in-person White-House meeting with the governors, C-SPAN wrote on social media. Tune into C-SPAN for the actual president at the State of the Union Address on Tuesday night.

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According to the presidents public schedule, Trumps meeting with the governors started at 9:30 a.m. at the White House. Two of the governors Trump met with began their post-meeting news conference at 11:53 a.m. at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C.

Trump held a private meeting beginning at 10:30 a.m., which was closed to the press.

Barron called into C-SPAN at 10:51 a.m.

Politics: Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariffs, Search Of Andrew's Former Mansion Continues: Live Updates

According to a 2016 Washington Post article, Barron was Trumps go-to alias when he was under scrutiny, in need of a tough front man or otherwise wanting to convey a message without attaching his own name to it.

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Barron was quoted several times throughout the 1980s, but in 1990, Trump testified in a lawsuit: I believe on occasion I used that name.

Trump also has reportedly used a different pseudonym apart from John Barron. A former People reporter said that in 1991, Trump admitted to her that he pretended to be a spokesperson named John Miller.

He said that he was sorry that he made the call, that was a joke that went awry, Sue Carswell said in 2016.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
On Sunday, Feb. 22, volunteers got together to conduct a search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, who went missing three weeks ago.

About a dozen or so people met in the parking lot of a Hobby Lobby in the area, according to a photo shared by investigative reporter Jonathan Lee Riches, better known as JLR. The group set out with maps in hand, ready to look for anything that could help find Nancy, or the person or persons responsible for her disappearance.

JLR shared some additional photos of items that have been found thus far this morning, including a backpack and some clothing.

Searchers found a backpack along the side of the road near Nancy Guthrie's home. pic.twitter.com/PgVtziNZZm  JLR (@JLRINVESTIGATES) February 22, 2026

Searchers looking for Nancy Guthrie found articles of clothing in a drainage pipe. pic.twitter.com/tdpYO1TiER  JLR (@JLRINVESTIGATES) February 22, 2026

The people involved in the search have apparently disregarded a stern warning from the Pima County Sheriff's Department about private search parties.

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"Volunteer search groups have inquired about being in the area. Per the Sheriff, they were asked to please give investigators the space they need to do their work," the department posted on X on Saturday, Feb. 21.

"We appreciate their concern, and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals. PCSD has volunteer opportunities if they wish to get involved with the department," the message continued. "Private property laws apply and it is up to each individual property owner to grant permission for someone to search their property."

Related: Savannah Guthries Mom: Sheriffs Latest Update on Mixed Samples of DNA Infuriates the Internet

Authorities believe that Nancy may have been abducted from her home in Arizona in the middle of the night. Although her property has been called a crime scene, authorities have not revealed what was found inside the home, though they did confirm that they obtained DNA samples and found blood. Meanwhile, droplets of blood on the home's front stoop have been confirmed to be a match for Nancy.

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READ NEXT: Who Is Zack Jaghoub? The Man the Internet Linked to Nancy Guthries Disappearance Speaks to Parade

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
War with Iran would put Trumps crackdown on dissent into overdrive

It seems increasingly likely that the United States will once again soon be at war  this time with Iran, a regional heavyweight, long-time nemesis of the West and state-sponsor of extremist terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and many more.

President Donald Trump previously insisted that U.S. forces completely and totally obliterated Irans nuclear capabilities in June, when the U.S. joined Israels 12-day war against the Islamic Republic and supposedly reintroduced Americas peace-through-strength deterrent.

So, if Irans nuclear threat has been obliterated, why is the U.S. heading headlong toward war now? Well, to stop Iran from building or acquiring a nuclear weapon, of course.

To put it plainly, Iran became much closer to having a nuclear weapon  thanks to Trump.

You see, most of Irans weapons-grade enriched uranium was either moved prior to the attacks or survived the 14 bunker-buster bombs the U.S. dropped on its nuclear facilities. Years before that, Trump ripped up the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that allowed for Iran to have some nuclear capabilities, subject to regular inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Iran responded by massively increasing its uranium enrichment.

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To put it plainly, Iran became much closer to having a nuclear weapon  thanks to Trump.

Now the president, who ran on an America First isolationist foreign policy and politically capitalized on the backlash to the forever wars former President George W. Bush launched in Afghanistan and Iraq, has America once again on the brink of a major conflict sold on dubious pretenses. The difference is, unlike Bushs wars, Trump has barely even attempted to sell the merits of his wars to the American public or Congress.

At this critical juncture, its important to remember what happens to most countries, but particularly America, when it goes to war. Residents are expected to put politics aside, rally around the flag and support the troops. Dissent is vilified, and sometimes even criminalized.

The frequently misunderstood fire in a crowded theater legal analogy itself came from the 1919 Supreme Court decision in Schenck v. United States, which found that socialist protesters leafleting against the military draft during World War I constituted a clear and present danger to the country and was punishable under the Espionage Act. (That standard was replaced in 1969s Brandenburg v. Ohio decision, though the fire in a crowded theater analogy, unfortunately, remains prominent in popular thinking today.)

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Though the protests against the Vietnam and Iraq wars have aged well, at the time they were widely seen as unpatriotic, disloyal and providing aid and comfort to the enemy. But there are some important differences between Americas body politic today and during those earlier eras. Americas involvement in Vietnam started slowly, before becoming all-encompassing, and it took place squarely in the middle of the Cold War, its justifying logic built on the so-called domino theory that all of East Asia would go communist if the Viet Cong won. The Iraq War was sold (on lies) to a public still traumatized by losing thousands of fellow Americans on 9/11.

There is no clear justification for starting a war with Iran right now, nor is their a popular clamoring for war. And if the conflict ends up lasting longer than a few weeks  or if theres blowback in the form of terror attacks on Americans at home or abroad  its hard to say how the American public will react.

Trump is deeply unpopular, but his MAGA followers remain devoted to no coherent ideology other than Orange Man Great; they will abandon their America First isolationism at his command just as quickly as they ditched their free market principles, becoming jingoistic war cheerleaders as easily as they became tariff and punitive regulation groupies.

Ive long argued that Trump would exploit a Black Swan event like a major terror attack to invoke emergency powers that would infringe on civil liberties. If anything, Ive actually underestimated the extent hed do so without an actual emergency.

Trump is deeply unpopular, but his MAGA followers remain devoted to no coherent ideology other than Orange Man Great.

In his first 13 months back in power, Trump and his administration have assaulted free speech by targeted activists for deportation based on their politics; declared peaceful protesters to be domestic terrorists; deployed the military on America soil to restore public order; filed bogus shakedown lawsuits against news organizations, law firms and universities; threatened to use regulatory power for political purposes; unleashed a secret police force that acts without due process and has killed U.S. citizens with no accountability or transparency; and declared the use of words like fascist to be incitement to violence against right-wingers (even though they use the word themselves regularly to describe their political opponents).

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Even observing federal agents  a First Amendment right  is something the administration has sought to criminalize. And now the administration is reportedly sending subpoenas to major tech companies demanding information on accounts that are critical of the governments brutal immigration crackdown.

This is far from a comprehensive list, and if Trump sends America to war, then expect the federal government to ramp up its war on free speech, dissent and accountability. Trumps power grab is a failure of American institutions  but he is not invincible. He is a flailing bully presiding over an administration whose popularity is in free-fall.

If the president puts America on a war-footing, do not obey in advance. Know your rights  and express yourself.

The post War with Iran would put Trumps crackdown on dissent into overdrive appeared first on MS NOW.

This article was originally published on ms.now
A person holds a flag with an image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as people wait for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, during his first apostolic journey, in Beirut, Lebanon, November 30, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/YARA NARDI)

The assessment comes only days before the Saudi media outlet Al-Arabiya reported that Hezbollah is now being led by officers from Tehrans IRGC.

As tensions continued to escalate between the United States and theIslamic Republic of Iran, experts told The Jerusalem Post that Hezbollah remains capable and willing to join an attack on Israel, but such a move would prove costly for the Lebanese terror group.

The experts spoke to The Post after the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) had assessed, on Friday, that Hezbollah could participate in the potential conflict should the terror group perceive that the US or Israel were aiming at toppling the Islamic regime.

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Former deputy national security adviser Prof. Chuck Freilich (New York University), a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, affirmed to The Post that the Hezbollah terror group had been created by Iran as a backup for any significant potential attack against the regime.

Founded on the ideology of velayat-e faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), the Lebanese terror group is loyal to Ali Khamenei, binding his position as the authority on the groups future role.

Freilich said that the regime had been certainly disturbed by Hezbollahs absence from the 12-Day War in June, and that the potential incoming conflict would be treated as the test for the proxy group.

They [Hezbollah] would like to join; the Iranians are going to be pressing them to join, he said.

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On the other hand, they have domestic Lebanese constraints which are very much against it. I think a lot of the Lebanese public, even part of the Shia population, has had enough of paying the price for  so to speak  Hezbollahs wars, and theyre under international pressure, and of course theyre under Israeli pressure, and weve seen Israel upping the ante in the last few days, especially.

On Friday, the IDF struck several terrorists in charge of Hezbollahs missile array in three separate command centers in the Baalbek area in Lebanon. The military claimed the terrorists were operating to accelerate Hezbollahs readiness and force build-up while planning fire attacks on the State of Israel and advancing the readiness of terror attacks.

Freilich stressed that the loss of Tehrans financial and military support would make it very, very hard for them [Hezbollah] to survive as a military organization for very long and may be the scenario that finally forces them to go the political route and become a political party, more of a political and socioeconomic force in Lebanon.

Zoe Levornik, a nuclear policy and security researcher and analyst at the Alma Research and Education Center, told The Post that, despite nearly two years of war with Israel, the terror group is understood to still have an arsenal of around 25,000 rockets and missiles, mostly short- and medium-range, and at least a 1,000 suicide drones, as well as approximately 40,000-50,000 personnel on active duty, with another 30,000-50,000 reservists.

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With the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, the damage inflicted during the conflict with Israel, along with its weakened political position in Lebanon, Hezbollahs ability to recover has been slow.

ISW assesses Hezbollah could join war to protect Tehran

A disarmament campaign by Lebanese authorities, though criticized for its lack of speed, has also led Hezbollah to relocate many of its forces to north of the Litani River, according to ISW [a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research organization].

Freilich predicted that in the coming days, it should be anticipated that there will be IDF activity to degrade the terror group.

If they do join, they can still cause us a fair amount of pain, but much, much less than they could have a year ago, a year and a half ago, he said, explaining how the IDF has significantly reduced Hezbollahs capabilities and may choose to continue to do so.

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Despite Hezbollahs weakened state, ISW published that the terror group could still join an incoming conflict, both out of its loyalty to the regime and out of fear of losing its largest sponsor. That would result in serious setbacks in its ability to rearm and achieve its regional goals. This analysis was mirrored by the experts who spoke to The Post.

ISW noted that if Hezbollah does join the conflict, prioritizing loyalty to the regime over its domestic limitations, there are multiple courses of action that it could take, ranging from the symbolic to a large-scale aerial assault.

Most likely, according to the ISW assessment, the terror organization would carry out a symbolic attack by firing into open areas of northern Israel. This would likely avoid the risk of a large Israeli response but allow Hezbollah to continue to justify its existence as part of the axis of resistance.

Hezbollah took such action in firing two missiles at the Shebaa Farms in December 2024, claiming their missiles were a defensive warning strike in answer to what they alleged Israeli ceasefire violations; no casualties resulted, and while Israel responded with some attacks, the conflict did not escalate.

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Hezbollah could also choose to target the five Israeli outposts in Lebanese territory, framing the attacks to align with the groups image of resisting occupation. However, such attack would likely incur a swift response from Israel, ISW noted, which in turn would fuel discontent within southern Lebanese civilian society, which is still recovering from the last war Hezbollah started.

The terror group could also fire at IDF positions within Israel with medium-range projectiles, as it did during its war with Israel following Hamass October 7, 2023, attacks.

However, ISW highlighted that this type of attack, likely leading to a significant response from Israel, would then create significant political repercussions for Hezbollah and lead to further support for the Lebanese governments disarmament plan.

Finally, Hezbollah could attempt to target civilians across Israel in missile and drone attacks, using large salvoes as it did during the October 2024 attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus home.

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ISW stressed that such an approach would likely lead to an Israeli response that would deeply endanger Hezbollah and its Shia support base, triggering major aerial operations.

Its possible that they will try to attack one of the Israeli communities by the border; try to fire a few rockets or missiles on Israels North. All of those are possible, Levornik confirmed. We dont know if they will do something symbolic and limited or if theyll join in a more supportive role as they did after October 7.

Out of the question now, Levornik said, would be the type of October 7-incursion Hezbollah had been planning in the last quarter of 2023.

They dont have the capability to do what they were planning before October 7 because of the attacks on the Radwan unit and their infrastructure, and the fact that Israel is in those five strategic locations [outposts in Lebanese territory] and has cleared the contact line on the border, she clarified.

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They dont have the capability to do something at the moment that is very extensive with many operatives invading Israel, but as far as a small operation, a few operatives, a kidnapping; something like that is still possible.

The ISW assessment came only days before Saudi media outlet Al-Arabiya reported that Hezbollah is now being led by officers from Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Citing sources close to the terror group, the outlet claimed that IRGC officers already in Lebanon had joined Hezbollahs senior ranks, along with new arrivals from the Islamic Republic, with plans to accelerate the rebuilding of Hezbollahs military capabilities.

Levornik told the Post she had seen similar claims coming out of institutes in Beirut, adding that it was very possible that Iran is taking a more active role at the moment.

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We do know that theyre very active in the rehabilitation of Hezbollahs capabilities. So it makes sense that theyre also involved in organization and in leadership. They are, of course, involved in the decision-making process, she confirmed.

Levornik added that Iran has taken a more active role in the decision-making since Hassan Nasrallah was killed in September 2024. The death of Nasrallah, she said, also led to significantly less consensus within Hezbollah.

He had more of a standing vis-a-vis Iran; he [Nasrallah] wasnt just taking orders, he was someone that they consulted with, Levornik explained. The current leadership is a little bit weaker when it comes to Iran
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP)  Interested in starting a business, learning about artificial intelligence or exploring a new hobby? There's a class for that.

Millions of U.S. adults enroll in credit and non-credit college courses to earn professional certificates, learn new skills or to pursue academic degrees. Some older students are seeking career advancement, higher pay and job security, while others want to explore their personal interests or try new things.

They might have kids, they might be working full-time, they might be older non-traditional students," said Eric Deschamps, the director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. But returning to school "opens doors to education for students that might not have those doors open to them otherwise.

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Older students, many of whom bring years of work and life experience to their studies, often are juggling courses with full-time jobs, caregiving and other family responsibilities. It is a challenging balancing act but can also sharpen priorities and provide a sense of fulfillment.

Here's what experts have to say about returning to school, what to consider beforehand and how to balance coursework with work and personal commitments.

Why more people want to continue learning

UCLA Extension, the continuing education division of the University of California, Los Angeles, offers more than 90 certificate and specialization programs, from interior design, early childhood education and accounting to photography, paralegal studies and music production. Individual courses cover a wide range of topics, including retirement planning, writing novels, the business of athletes and artists, and the ancient Japanese art of ikebana, or flower arranging.

About 33,500 students  nearly half of them older than 35  were enrolled during the last academic year. UCLA reported a full-time enrollment of about 32,600 degree-seeking undergraduate students during the same period.

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I prefer calling our (adult) learners not only continuous, but the new majority student. These are learners who tend to already be employed, often supporting a family, looking for up-skilling or sometimes a career change, Traci Fordham, UCLA's interim associate dean for academic programs and learning innovation, said.

Higher education experts say some adults take classes for professional development as economic concerns, technological advances and other workforce changes create a sense of job insecurity.

A great example of that is artificial intelligence. These new technologies are coming out pretty quickly and for folks that got a degree, even just 5 or 10 years ago, their knowledge might be a little bit outdated, Deschamps said.

What to ask yourself before returning to school

Adults interested in becoming students again may want to assess their time and budgets, and weigh the potential benefits and consequences, including the financial impact, the potential for burnout and rewards of education that may take a while materialize, academic advisors say.

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Deschamps suggests asking where you want to be in 5 or 10 years and how the training and knowledge received through an additional class or certificate can help get you there. For example, if you want to start a microbrewery, learning to brew your own beer or launching a business will help. If a promotion or career change is the goal, training for a new job, refreshing skills or understanding a different industry may help show you are qualified.

Schools like UCLA and Northern Arizona University are working to make continuing education courses accessible by keeping the cost low in comparison to degree-track classes and offering financial assistance. A variety of learning environments usually are offered  in-person and online classes, accelerated and self-paced instruction  to help adults integrate schoolwork with their home and work lives.

Katie Swavely, assistant director for academic advising and student success at UCLA, started at community college before transferring to UCLA to study anthropology. She said it took her 10 years after graduating to go back for her master's degree in counseling with a focus on academic advising. Swavely completed that degree in 2020 and credits access to the program through employer-sponsored tuition assistance from her job at the time.

I felt like in so many ways I didnt really know who I was or what I wanted to do other than just pay the bills and survive, said Swavely, who is married and has two children. It was hard. And I thought about quitting many times. We had to budget to the extreme and find additional ways to make it work.

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She added: There are questions of how are we going to make it work and do we have the money. As a parent, sacrifices are there all the time. You make those judgment calls every day. But making sure that youre investing in yourself. Theres always gonna be reasons why its not today, not this month, not this year, but its also OK to just jump in and go for it and see how it works out.

As an avid book lover, Swavely now wants to take a book editing course and hopes to continue her education and enroll in that through the university soon.

Overcoming barriers to returning at any age

Some experts say one of the main barriers to returning to school is psychological. There might be concerns that their writing skills are rusty and that they don't know enough math or technology, bringing up feelings of uncertainty or failure.

I think this is tied to access. Many of our learners, not all of them, havent imagined themselves in any kind of higher education, post-secondary education environment, Fordham said.

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Swavely said it was important for her to build a support network and take advantage of the counseling and advising options that were available to her as a student.

She encourages adults who are furthering their educations to spend time finding your community. Having people around who helped build up her confidence at home and during classes got her through graduate school, Swavely said. She also suggests setting boundaries and giving yourself grace when you need need help.

The biggest piece of advice is for people to realize youre never too old to learn," she said.
In January, Ethiopian police said they had seized thousands of rounds of ammunition sent by Eritrea to rebels in Ethiopia's Amhara region.

Eritrea denied the allegation, and said Ethiopia was using it to justify starting a war..

The regime "is floating false flags to justify the war that it has been itching to unleash for two long years," Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel told news agencies.

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Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki said in an interview earlier in February with state-run media that Ethiopia had declared war on his country.

He added that Eritrea did not want war, but knows "how to defend [its] nation".

Ethiopia demands Eritrea 'immediately withdraw' troops from its territory

Historical feud

Eritrea broke away from Ethiopia in 1993, after a series of insurgencies and wars starting from 1961. The two countries went to war against each other from 1998 to 2000, which was followed by a border conflict that lasted for nearly two decades.

They finally agreed to normalise relations in 2018  an agreement that won Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize the following year.

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However, the fragile peace deal has since given way to renewed threats and acrimony.

In Tigray, a region in Ethiopia on the border with Eritrea, a war that erupted in 1975 has been reactivated multiple times  most recently from November 2020 to the end of 2022.

The conflict was reignited in January, as the issues underlying the conflict resurfaced.

"I think one has to start with the Tigray war, with the consequences of the war and the rift that the post-war period and the Pretoria agreement has created between the federal government of Ethiopia and their Eritrean leadership," an Addis Ababa-based security analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told RFI.

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Eritrea has been trying to get closer to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) recently, leading to a feud with Addis Ababa.

"There is information circulating that Eritrean troops have gotten deeper into Tigray, even nearing the capital, Mekelle," the security analyst said. "They station [themselves] at some of the checkpoints around that area."

An insurgency movement in the neighbouring Amhara region could be impacted as well by "the security vacuum that has unfolded following the partial withdrawal of security forces and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces from the region," the analyst said.

World leaders urge restraint as clashes in western Tigray resume

Red Sea access

The tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia have many other unresolved roots. Ethiopia's anger at Eritrea's independence stems in part from the fact that this resulted in it losing its access to the Red Sea, as Eritrea sits along the coastline.

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"Ethiopia is a much larger country than Eritrea... and Ethiopia has every right to say, listen, we're going on 120 million people, we need sea access," Clionadh Raleigh, director of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data organisation and a professor of African politics and conflict at the UK's University of Sussex, told RFI.

Eritrea, she said, is less densely populated, and led by an old dictator. "The Isaias Afwerki regime is something that people cannot wait to see end. And Addis is still hoping to reintegrate it into a larger Ethiopia, potentially within the next generation."

Eritrea regularly accuses the Ethiopian government of threats of military action to regain access to the Red Sea. Abiy has also tried to gain access via a deal with Somaliland, another breakaway region that is destabilising the equilibrium of power within of the Horn of Africa.

But Abiy insists that Ethiopia is not seeking conflict with Eritrea and wants to address the issue of access through dialogue.

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The Ethiopian analyst said this is particularly strategically important to the current leadership, which aspires to play a greater regional role and address its geopolitical and strategic vulnerabilities  stemming from lack of access to the Sea.

Ethiopia inaugurates Africa's biggest dam, despite concerns in Egypt and Sudan

Wider regional instability

The war in Sudan is also contributing to worsening relations, as Eritrea supports the Sudanese army, along with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, against the paramilitary RSF, which many accuse Ethiopia of supporting.

According to Raleigh, there will be no stability in the Horn of Africa for some time to come.

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"Ethiopia is desperate to change, and they do not expect this process to be victimless or peaceful. It has allied itself to both the United Arab Emirates and Israel, against a Saudi-Egyptian-Sudanese coalition, with Somalia somehow," she said.

As Ethiopia and Eritrea appear to be moving towards conflict, the peace-building agency International Crisis Group has recommended de-escalation steps to avoid direct hostilities  whether these are accidental or, as many fear, the result of Ethiopian aggression.

"Either scenario would be a disaster for the Horn of Africa and its vicinity, potentially drawing in neighbours and non-African powers, particularly from the Arab Gulf," the group wrote in its latest report.
The US envoy left out that Iran currently has no access to its material, no machines to enrich it, and no weapons program to use it for any operational purpose.

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that Iran could theoretically be about a week away from being able to enrich its existing uranium to a weaponized level, though the envoy left out that Iran currently has no access to its material, no machines to enrich it, and no weapons program to use it for any operational purpose.

Theyre probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material. And thats really dangerous. So they cant have that, Witkoff said on Fox Newss My View with Lara Trump, clearly wanting to highlight the severity of the potential future nuclear issues should Iran rebuild all the other elements of its nuclear program, which were bombed in June 2025.

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In June 2025, Israel and the US destroyed Irans entire fleet of around 20,000 nuclear centrifuges, its entire multifaceted weaponization program, most of its three major nuclear sites, and dozens of minor nuclear sites. It also killed most of its leading nuclear scientists, and it caved in portions of its nuclear facilities, making it hard for the Islamic Republic to access its existing enriched uranium.

Prior to June 2025, Iran had been a week away from weaponizing its uranium  if it chose to do so  and would then have been around three to six months away from the ability to implant the uranium in a missile, where it would have assembled the components for a nuclear weapon.

That tiny window was deemed so small (and it had shrunk fast from an original two-year window) that Israeli intelligence no longer believed it would necessarily catch when Iran crossed the threshold for a nuclear bomb if it did not attack.

Currently, Israel and the US believe that the Islamic Republic is at least two years away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon, given all of the many items it must rebuild.

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However, Witkoff seemed to be focusing on the fact that Iran has shown it can get quite close to the weaponized uranium level, to explain why the Trump administration does not want to let it enrich uranium anymore going forward, as Washington starts to lay out more of its potential case for going to war with Tehran.

In the candid interview, Witkoff also said that President Donald Trump wasnt exactly upset about Tehrans unwillingness to reach a deal, but more curious.

I dont want to use the word frustrated, the envoy said, offering a rare glimpse into Trumps decision-making process on the issue.

Its curious. Hes curious as to why they havent capitulated... under this sort of pressure, with the amount of sea power, naval power, that we have over there.

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Witkoff restated Trumps previous commitment to zero enrichment by Tehran in any future deal. There have been some very hard red lines drawn, he said.

Trump, however, is reportedly considering an Iranian proposal that would allow so-called token uranium enrichment.

According to the report, the Trump administration is open to a limited compromise, as long as it can be verified that any uranium enrichment is purely civilian and cannot be used as a stepping-stone toward nuclear weapons development.

The special envoy also pointed to domestic pressure in Iran as another factor in the administrations decision-making process on Iran.

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Protests resurfaced on Iranian streets on Saturday, as students from several universities across the country rallied against the Islamic regime.

Addressing the exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, and his potential role in a new regime in Iran, Witkoff said that Pahlavi cares about his country but that at the end of the day, the countrys future will depend on President Trumps policies, not Mr. Pahlavis policies.

Witkoff added that Trump is interested in hearing everyones views.

BoP funds to get Gaza 'ready for a renaissance'

He went on to reveal ambitious plans for Gazas reconstruction, highlighting the Trump administrations commitment to transform the region with a massive $17 billion investment.

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Reflecting on Thursdays inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace in Washington, Witkoff said it was uplifting to see such progress made on Gaza. Who would ever have thought that wed get to this place a year ago? he said in his conversation with host Lara Trump.

The special envoy expressed optimism about the future of the Palestinian enclave following the US-backed ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, and stressed the potential impact that President Trumps vision could have on the socio-economic recovery of the entire region.

Asked where the newly pledged funds would be directed, Witkoff said they would be used to launch mass housing and transportation projects.

Were going to be able to clear and demolish all the areas there and get it ready for a renaissance. And I think this is just the beginning, Lara, Witkoff said. I think today its 17 [billion], tomorrow it could be 34 [billion].

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He noted that the future of the Middle East would largely depend on the unfolding situation in Iran.

'Its a silly war'

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Witkoff emphasized the leadership challenges and territorial disputes that continue to hinder peace talks.

Its a silly war, he said, referring to the conflicts focus on territory, despite the significant human toll.

He identified the major holdup in the negotiations as territory and security guarantees, as both sides grapple with what Witkoff called dignity, a term he questioned in light of the ongoing violence.

Despite these hurdles, the US envoy expressed cautious optimism, noting that efforts to bring the two sides together had yielded positive results.

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They dont seem like they really want to fight with one another, he said, adding that he hopes upcoming proposals could finally bridge the gap, potentially leading to a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'I saw a tear in [Trump's] eye'

Trumps envoy and close friend highlighted the significant role the president has played in shifting international diplomacy. He attributed much of the success of the US peace initiatives to the presidents personal leadership.

What presidency has ever done this much in four years, or even eight years? But hes done it in 11 months, Witkoff said.

Finally, he spoke about the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and the impact that had on the president.

None of them were going to come home without him, Witkoff insisted. I told this story... about how the 20 hostage families came in, and I saw a tear in your father-in-laws eye, he added, referencing the family connection between the Fox News shows host and the president.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A woman is dead after her car was hit on Interstate 70 in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, police say.

According to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), officers were called to westbound I-70 near the Walnut Street exit around 8:30 a.m.

FOX4 Forecast: Falling temperatures & cold wind

KCPD says that their investigation revealed that a Hyundai was stopped in a lane of I-70 with a flat tire and no hazard lights on. A semi truck was heading westbound on I-70 when it switched lanes to pass another semi truck, subsequently hitting the Hyundais rear end.

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KCPD says that the driver of the Hyundai was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead sometime after.

KCPD also confirmed that their investigation remains ongoing.

This is the tenth traffic death in KCMO this year.

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 ongoing BAFTA Awards 2026 has brought good news for India this year as the Manipuri-language debut feature, won a major honour on the global stage. India made its mark at the British Academy Film Awards as 'Boong' won the Best Children and Family Film award. The film was the only Indian nominee at the BAFTAs this year. The official BAFTA social media pages shared the announcement. With this, Boong has also created history by becoming the first Indian Indian film to win the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Award in the Best Children's and Family Film category. Boong is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. The makers, including Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Lakshmipriya Devi and Alan McAlex, were present at the event held at London's Royal Festival Hall to receive the award. The film revolves around the story of a young boy named Boong from Manipur. He plans to surprise his mother with a special gift. In his innocent mind, he feels that bringing his missing father back home would be the best gift. His search slowly changes his life and leads to an unexpected new beginning. Boong competed with popular international films such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco and still managed to win the award. The film first premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section. It was later screened at many global film events, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. Meanwhile, the 79th BAFTA Awards ceremony is being held at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Actor-producer Alia Bhatt is also set to present an award at the event. (ANI)
A womans limbs have been amputated after she contracted sepsis from what is believed to be a dog lick.

Manjit Sangha spent 32 weeks in hospital and had several cardiac arrests after falling unwell. She warned that cases such as hers could happen to anybody.

Doctors say the 52-year-old may have developed sepsis from something innocuous, potentially a lick from her dog on a small cut.

Sepsis is a serious medical condition which occurs when the bodys immune system overreacts to an infection and starts attacking the bodys own tissues and organs.

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The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that there are around 50,000 sepsis-related deaths in the UK each year.

Manjit Sanghas heart stopped six times while in intensive care - Kam Sangha

After being discharged from Moseley Hall Hospital in Birmingham on Wednesday, Mrs Sangha said she was still coming to terms with her quadruple amputation.

She told the BBC: Its difficult to explain the experience. Losing your limbs and your hands in a short time period is a very big thing.

Its very serious and not to be taken lightly.

Found unconscious

Mrs Sangha returned home feeling unwell on a Sunday afternoon in July last year.

The following morning, she was unconscious, her feet were cold, her lips had turned blue and she was struggling to breathe.

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Her husband, Kam Sangha, said the speed at which she declined was alarming.

He said: One minute on a Saturday shes playing with the dog, Sunday shes gone to work, Monday night shes in a coma.

Mrs Sanghas heart stopped six times while in intensive care at New Cross hospital in Wolverhampton.

As her condition spread, surgeons had to amputate both of her legs below the knee, as well as both of her hands, and removed her spleen as she also battled pneumonia and gallstones.

Mr Sangha, a distribution worker at Screwfix, said he had been off work for seven months to support his wife.

Shes so strong, the 60-year-old said, adding: She proved us wrong every single day with what shes been through.

Manjit Sangha spent 32 weeks in hospital - Kam Sangha

The former pharmacy worker is now fundraising for advanced prosthetics and raising awareness of the dangers of sepsis.

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The couple, who celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary in hospital, have raised more than 22,000 through a GoFundMe webpage and fundraising at Screwfix.

Mrs Sangha said she was now determined to walk again and to return to work.

Ive sat down in my chair and my bed enough. Its time to walk now.

The case comes after June Baxter, a retired legal secretary, was found to have died last year after suffering an infection caused by a dog licking a wound on her leg.

An inquest found that the 83-year-old had been alone at home when she fell and cut her leg while using a commode

Her granddaughter arrived at the property in Alleborough, Norfolk, on June 29 with her dog.

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Norfolk Coroners Court was told that the dog licked Baxters wound before paramedics arrived and she started to feel unwell the following day.

Tests revealed the presence of pasteurella multocida, a bacteria commonly found in the mouths of animals, and Baxter died from septic shock on July 7.

Secondary causes of death included kidney, liver and heart conditions.

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At least one person died and eight others, including a child, were injured in new Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.

"The main target of the attack was the energy supply, but normal residential buildings were also damaged, and there was damage to the railway," Zelensky posted on Telegram.

A 49-year-old man was killed in the Kiev region as Russia launched almost 300 drones and 50 missiles and cruise missiles at Ukraine, he said.

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In addition to Kiev, the areas of Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odessa, Poltava and Sumy were also affected.

"Moscow continues to invest more in attacks than in diplomacy," Zelensky said, referring to the ongoing negotiations between the warring countries.

This week alone, Russia deployed over 1,300 combat drones, more than 1,400 glide bombs and 96 rockets and cruise missiles, according to the president.

"That is why we must strengthen our air defence," Zelensky stressed, adding that that Ukraine needs systems that can respond to ballistic missiles. "Each such package protects critical infrastructure and maintains normality of life."

Ukraine has been resisting a full-scale Russian invasion for almost four years with Western assistance. Tuesday will mark the anniversary of the start of the war on February 24.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday described a pair of explosions in Lviv as a "cynical and brutal terrorist act" that was "organized by Russia."

Two explosions rocked the western Ukrainian city in the early hours, killing a 23-year-old policewoman and injuring 25 others.

"This was a terrorist attack," Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said in a video posted on his Telegram channel, adding that police have detained a female Ukrainian national.

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Police said that the detained woman was a 33-year-old Ukrainian who had made and planted the bombs herself on behalf of Russian intelligence services.

Zelensky said the "perpetrators were recruited via Telegram."

"We have intelligence indicating that the Russians intend to continue carrying out such actions  in effect, attacks on Ukrainians," said the president. "We must strengthen protection for our people."

Zelensky expressed his condolences to the victim's relatives and declared that everything necessary would be done to investigate the terrorist attack. Moscow has not responded to the allegations.

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Security forces had initially responded to a reported break-in at a shop near Lviv's old town.

Police said the first explosion went off shortly after midnight as they arrived, followed by a second blast just after reinforcements reached the scene.

The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine near the Polish border.

The region has become a refuge for many internally displaced people who fled the fighting in eastern Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion, which enters its fifth year on Tuesday.

At the same time, Lviv has repeatedly been targeted by Russian missile and drone strikes, underscoring that even areas far from the front lines remain vulnerable.

One dead, 15 injured in Russian airstrikes

Russia carried out a further wave of airstrikes overnight, leaving one person dead and 15 injured.

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Four children were hurt in the Kiev region while a 49-year-old was killed, the regional administration said.

"The main target of the attack was the energy supply, but normal residential buildings were also damaged, and there was damage to the railway," Zelensky said on Telegram.

Russia attacked with almost 300 drones and 50 missiles and cruise missiles, Zelensky added.

In addition to Kiev, the areas of Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odessa, Poltava and Sumy were also affected.

"Moscow continues to invest more in attacks than in diplomacy," Zelensky said, referring to the negotiations between the warring parties, in which no peace is in sight so far.

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This week alone, Russia deployed over 1,300 combat drones, more than 1,400 glide bombs and 96 rockets and cruise missiles, according to the president.

"That is why we must strengthen our air defence," Zelensky stressed, adding that that Ukraine needs systems that can respond to ballistic missiles. "Each such package protects critical infrastructure and maintains normality of life."

Russia also reports Ukrainian attacks

The Russian Defence Ministry said that objects used by the armed forces in Ukraine had been attacked, including a centre for drones and components for unmanned aerial vehicles. At the same time, the ministry reported the shooting down of dozens of Ukrainian drones.

In the afternoon, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that several drones had been shot down as they approached the Russian capital. The air traffic authority announced that the four Moscow airports Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky were temporarily not allowing take-offs and landings due to the danger.
New Delhi: Private sector lender IDFC First Bank has reported a suspected fraud of around Rs 590 crore at its Chandigarh branch, raising serious concerns. The bank said the irregularities may involve certain employees along with accounts linked to the Haryana government. An internal review has been initiated, and the matter is being examined to understand how the alleged fraud took place and who was involved.

The bank said it detected suspected unauthorised and fraudulent activities at one of its Chandigarh branches in a regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. It added that the incident may involve certain employees along with other individuals or entities.

The bank said it has filed a complaint with the police and will fully cooperate with investigating agencies. It has also sent recall requests to certain beneficiary banks, asking them to place a lien on balances in suspicious accounts.

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The issue came to light when the bank received a request from a Haryana government department to close its account and transfer the funds to another bank. During this process, the bank noticed a mismatch between the amount mentioned in the request and the actual balance in the account.

From February 18, 2026, other Haryana government entities also contacted the bank regarding their accounts. In these cases too, discrepancies were found between the balances in the banks records and the figures shared by the entities.

Based on a preliminary internal review, the bank said the issue appears limited to a specific group of Haryana government-linked accounts handled through the Chandigarh branch. It clarified that other customers of the branch are not affected. The total amount currently under reconciliation across the identified accounts is estimated to be around Rs 590 crore.
SSC GD exam date 2026: The SSC GD 2026 Exam Date has been revised, and candidates are now eagerly waiting for the updated schedule from the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The Commission is expected to release the revised dates for the SSC GD Constable 2026 Examination soon on its official website at ssc.gov.in. Aspirants are advised to regularly check the portal for the latest updates regarding the exam calendar and notification.

SSC GD 2026 Revised Exam Date Update

As per the latest developments, the previously announced schedule for the SSC GD 2026 exam has been postponed. The new dates are yet to be confirmed by SSC.

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Once released, the revised exam dates will include details about the Computer-Based Test (CBT), admit card release, and city intimation slip. The SSC GD Constable exam is conducted to recruit candidates for various forces such as:

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Border Security Force (BSF)

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Assam Rifles

Also Read: France to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030

What Candidates Should Do Now

While waiting for the revised SSC GD 2026 exam date, candidates should continue their preparation without interruption. It is recommended to:

Revise the complete SSC GD syllabus.

Practice previous year question papers.

Focus on time management and mock tests.

Keep documents ready for the admit card process.

SSC GD 2026 Admit Card

The SSC GD 2026 Admit Card will be released a few days before the revised exam date. Candidates will be able to download their hall ticket from the respective regional SSC websites using their registration number and date of birth.

The official notice regarding the revised schedule is expected shortly. Candidates are advised to rely only on updates published by the Staff Selection Commission to avoid misinformation.
The BAFTA Awards 2026 night brought a big surprise for Robert Aramayo, who pulled off one of the all-time BAFTA upsets when he stunned the room by clinching Best Actor for 'I Swear', beating some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Aramayo won the top acting honour for playing real-life Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in the film, which is set in 1980s Scotland. His win came over strong contenders like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Jesse Plemons, and Michael B Jordan. A clearly emotional Aramayo said he never expected the win and shared his disbelief while addressing the audience and fellow nominees. He spoke about how strange it felt to stand alongside actors he had admired for years and said he was still trying to process the moment. "I absolutely can't believe it. I can't believe that I'm looking at people like you, in the same category as you, never mind that I'm standing here," the tearful actor, who also stars as Elrond in Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, said to his fellow nominees, as per Variety. "I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away." Earlier in the evening, Aramayo also picked up the EE Rising Star Award, adding to his glorious night. The film's casting director, Lauren Evans, won the casting award, while co-star Peter Mullan received a nomination for supporting actor. I Swear was also nominated for Outstanding British Film but lost to Hamnet. The film tells the story of Davidson, a young man living with severe Tourette syndrome at a time when the condition was not well understood. It shows his struggle with family and society, and how he later became a strong voice for others living with the condition. Davidson attended the first half of the BAFTA ceremony. Due to involuntary outbursts, he left midway through the event. Host Alan Cumming later apologised to anyone who felt uncomfortable and thanked the audience for their support and understanding. This marked Aramayo's first BAFTA Film Award nomination and win. Before this, he had already received the British Independent Film Award for Best Lead Performance and the ALFS Breakthrough Performer of the Year award at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, according to Variety. (ANI)
The Delhi Police has busted a suspected terror module, linked to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist organisations, officials said on Sunday.

In a coordinated operation, police arrested eight suspects from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal for planning a major terrorists plot with the help of ISI and Bangladesh's terrorist organisation.

The six accused identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid and Mohammed Ujjal. They all were detained from garment unit in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the other two suspects have been arrested from West Bengal.

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Police also informed that some of the arrested suspects are Bangladeshi nationals, who allegedly used forged Aadhaar cards to hide their identities. Dozens of mobile phones and SIM cards were recovered from them, which are now being inspected for digital evidence and potential connection with other operatives.

As per the investigators, the suspects were allegedly preparing a major terrorist attack in India under the direction of foreign handlers and are being brought to Delhi for further questioning and legal actions.

The module came under scrutiny after provocative posters seen across Delhi, for instance in Metro, which allegedly featured inflammatory content and reference to Kashmir, that raised security concerns.

A thorough investigation by the Special Cell into the origin of the posters traced the network based in Tamil Nadu, resulting the arrests.

Officials called the operation a significant breakthrough in averting a potential terror plot, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify more suspects, funding sources, and possible cross-border links.
Under the Delhi Behaal Jan Samvad campaign, Delhi State President of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saurabh Bharadwaj addressed a large public gathering in Chirag Delhi, launching a sharp attack on the BJP government. As part of the ongoing outreach being held in every mandal across the capital, he stated that despite the BJPs four-engine government in Delhi, citizens continue to suffer. He said that one year after coming to power, the government has failed to deliver on key promises, like women have not received the promised 2500, and bus marshals have not been granted permanent jobs.

On Sunday, the AAP Delhi State Chief called out the Rekha Gupta government for engaging in farziwada (fraud) in the name of reducing pollution, fabricating Yamuna-cleaning claims, and merely renaming 370 Mohalla Clinics as Arogya Mandirs. He further stated that the closure of Mohalla Clinics has left thousands of young people unemployed and that 6,000 bus conductors are now being dismissed. He announced that on March 1, the AAP will hold a massive public meeting at Jantar Mantar to amplify the voice of distressed Delhi.

During the Delhi Behaal Jan Samvad in Chirag Delhi Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, BJP has always been a party of wealthy traders and big industrialists. They visit the poor only during elections, eat meals in jhuggis, and play carrom board games. Poor people are innocent and get misled by their words. In this Delhi election, BJP deceived common and poor people, and after 27 years formed the government in Delhi.

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Saurabh Bharadwaj continued, The BJP took away the facilities that the AAP government had worked hard to create for villages. Dispensaries were built in villages and towns so that poor people and elderly citizens could easily access treatment.

He said that at the Mohalla Clinic built under the water tank in Sheikh Sarai, the maximum number of village women used to come for treatment. Due to lack of money and time, women are often unable to visit doctors. Free tests and medicines for diseases like diabetes, thyroid, and hypertension at Mohalla Clinics were very helpful to them, he said.

But BJP Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is closing Mohalla Clinics one by one. The CM falsely claims to have built 370 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. In reality, she has merely repainted dispensaries built during Arvind Kejriwals tenure and written Arogya Mandir on them. This is open fraud and farziwada, he added.

Saurabh Bharadwaj asserted that people living in bungalows may think Rekha Gupta is doing good work, but villagers know the truth because they see the ground reality. BJP has done no work for villages in one year. Sewer, chaupal, and road works are being carried out from budgets passed during the AAP government, he added.

The senior AAP leader said that for the past 89 years, the AAP government organized a Shahpur Jat Festival for 360 villages of Delhi in Shahpur Jat village, where even village elders participated in fashion shows. But a BJP MLA stopped this festival and shifted it from the village to the bungalows of Greater Kailash, he highlighted.

BJP believes festivals are only for the elite, not villagers. No one wants to attend this festival now. On Saturday, BJP workers were filling buses with street vendors to take them to the festival. People reported being threatened that if they did not board the buses, they would not be allowed to set up their stalls, he stated.

He said that PM Modi had guaranteed Delhis women that from March, after winning the election, 2500 would be deposited into every womans account. But no woman has received 2500. No one trusts BJP leaders because everyone knows they lie, he stated.

That is why PM Modi himself campaigned. But after the election, he too disappeared. No one has the courage to question the Prime Minister about the 2500. Whoever asks will face ED and CBI raids and be arrested, he continued.

On pollution and Yamuna cleaning, Saurabh Bharadwaj said that during Chhath Puja, CM Rekha Gupta gave many interviews claiming she cleaned the Yamuna in eight months, something Arvind Kejriwal could not do in ten years, and later it was exposed that they had created a fake Yamuna.

Drinking water supply was disrupted for days because water pipes were used to fill the fake Yamuna to stage interviews claiming the river was clean. Similarly, the BJP government shut down pollution measuring meters and sprayed water on the ones that were operational day and night to show lower pollution levels. Aam Aadmi Party exposed this as well, he noted.

The AAP Delhi Unit Chief said that the government shut down about 250 Mohalla Clinics and terminated pharmacists, nurses, sample collectors, sanitation workers, and doctors working there. Data entry operators were removed from government hospitals, leaving thousands unemployed. 6,000 DTC bus conductors have also been dismissed. The CM claims new buses are being added daily. If new buses are coming, new conductors should be recruited, why dismiss them?, he questioned.

He further said that under Arvind Kejriwals leadership, the AAP government had appointed around 10,000 bus marshals for womens safety. But the LG first removed them and then blackmailed them with a promise that if BJP won, they would be given permanent jobs within 60 days. Bus marshals campaigned for BJP and helped them win, but after victory BJP stopped talking to them and gave them no permanent jobs, he said.

Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, BJP is organizing grand Hindu conventions but hiding that they are the organizers. They know people do not gather in their leaders names, so instead of using their own photos, they put pictures of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Sant Ravidas on posters to attract crowds.

He asked where they were when Ramleela in Chirag Delhi was shut down, and said, BJP exploits Hindus in the name of religion and organizes Ramleela once a year to profit from it throughout the year. When AAP started affordable Ramleela, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj and the LG opposed it.

The LG (Lieutenant Governor) had trees planted overnight at the Ramleela ground and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) built a wall so the Ramleela could not take place. BJP members are not true Hindus but do business in the name of Hindus and exploit people, he added.

Saurabh Bharadwaj said that despite a four-engine government in Delhi (Centre, LG, Delhi Government, and MCD), more than 800 people went missing in the first 15 days of January this year, including several minor girls. When this issue is raised, police threaten to file FIRs. But we are not afraid of FIRs, he noted.

We have already faced FIRs from ED (Enforcement Directorate), Economic Offences Wing (EoW), Delhi Police, and ACB (Anti Corruption Bureau). Delhi Police wants to suppress this news, which means there is collusion between police, BJP government, and child kidnapping gangs. Instead, police should have printed posters to create awareness, Saurabh Bharadwaj said.

Referring to the Epstein case in the United States, he stated that young girls were sent to powerful politicians and industrialists there and that discussions included the name of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. He urged parents to remain vigilant and immediately report missing children. If police do not register the complaint, inform the AAP, he asserted.

He further said that after BJP formed the government, several private schools such as Apeejay, Indian School, and BPS increased fees by 20% to 80%. Children of parents unable to pay increased fees are being harassed, made to sit in libraries, and denied admit cards, while BJP remains silent, he said.

In 2020, the AAP government sealed Apeejay schools for arbitrary actions and fined private hospitals (such as Max, PSRI, Escorts) 490 crore for not providing free treatment to poor patients. After that, hospitals resumed free treatment, but after BJP came to power, they again stopped providing free treatment to the poor, he continued.

He said BJP has canceled ration cards of 8,00,000 poor people in Delhi and stopped pensions of 25,000 widows and thousands of elderly citizens because BJP hates the poor. They are bulldozing jhuggis and homes of the poor while dancing with the rich, he emphasised.

The AAP Delhi State President stated that in the last 10 years, whenever MCD attempted to demolish homes built by poor people, the AAP stood firm and prevented demolitions. Just before elections, when MCD officials arrived with JCB machines to demolish homes in Shahpur Jat, he said he personally intervened and stopped them. BJP never gathers for legitimate causes or when poor people are harmed, but when it comes to illegal buildings of builders in Greater Kailash, they make a spectacle, he further said.

Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned whether Greater Kailash has run out of space and that they are turning villages into hubs of exploitation. Their intention is to sell flats in unsafe, tilted buildings to poor people and flee; if the building collapses later, so be it, he stated.

Saurabh Bharadwaj concluded that BJP is squeezing the poor everywhere, and said, BJP has come to power to do such work. They are squeezing the poor everywhere, cutting pensions, canceling ration cards, closing Mohalla Clinics, and increasing school fees. Their loot continues everywhere.
An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Chatroo, Kishtwar district, on Sunday. Security forces have cordoned off the area as reinforcements continue. Currently two terrorists have been neutralised and arms recovered as hunt continues.

Indian Armys White Knight Corps in an X post informed about the ongoing operation Trashi- I, and the established contact with terrorists, security forces have neutralised two terrorist in the ongoing operations. In the post White Knight Corps said, "Displaying tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression, troops dominated the encounter site wherein two terrorists have been successfully neutralised including 02 x AK-47 rifles have also been recovered."



Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from #JKP, #IB and own intelligence sources, a  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) February 22, 2026

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Along with J&K police and CRPF, the Indian army launchedOperation TRASHI-I in Kishtwar's Dolgam village, similar to current ops, where 3 soldiers were injured on Jan 31 after re-contacting trapped JeM terrorists following the Jan 18 clash that killed Havildar Gajendra Singh.

Earlier the corps informed about established contact with terrorists in a similar X post saying, "Firefight is on. Troops have cordoned off the area."

Troops of #WhiteKnightCorps, alongwith @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, in a joint operation, established contact  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) February 22, 2026

Also Read: Red Fort and Chandni Chowk on LeT targets, intel warns of IED blast in national Capital

Joint teams tracked the group over 12 days across tough Chatroo-Sonnar terrain; ops continue amid rising JeM infiltration from Pakistan.

The development comes after an intelligence alert was issued in the national capital after warnings of a potential terrorist threat near the Red Fort, with sources indicating that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be a target.

#WATCH | J&K | Security Forces conduct cordon & search operation as an encounter has started between security forces and terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar



(Visuals deferred by unspecified time; no live operational details disclosed) pic.twitter.com/AkHiUKaDQo  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Security intels warned that targeted attacks at key religious spots near Red Fort and in Chandni Chowk are still targets for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

On February 21, security forces also detected a suspected IED in a bag on the Ganderbal-Safapora road. Third such incident in North Kashmir last week after Baramulla/Kupwara, highlighting terrorists' tactics.

Earlier today, in a different operation, police arrested eight suspects from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in a joint operation for plotting a major terror attack backed by Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh terror groups.

The module, including a Bangladeshi national using fake Aadhaar cards, posted "Free Kashmir" propaganda in Delhi and was foiled before larger strikes.

Under the operation, the six accusedMizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammed Ujjal- were nabbed from garment units in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district, while two others were arrested from West Bengal.
















A Delhi court observed that while the right to protest is a fundamental feature of democracy, it cannot be exercised in a manner that disrupts public order or harms the rights of others, particularly at an international event attended by foreign delegates.

The Patiala House Court made the observation on Saturday while remanding four Youth Congress members  Krishan Hari, Kundan, Ajay Kumar Singh, and Narsimha  to five days of police custody in connection with a shirtless protest during the AI Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.

As per the prosecution, the accused persons, in a "pre-planned conspiracy", gathered on February 20 at the high-security venue wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan "India US Trade Deal Compromised", raised provocative and anti-national slogans, created public disorder, and allegedly assaulted police officials on duty, resulting in injuries to three police personnel.

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An FIR was registered at Tilak Marg police station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 61(2), 121(1), 132, 195(1), 221, 223(A), 190, 196, 197 and 3(5).

In its order, the court noted that the summit was "an international event attended by national and foreign delegates" and that the accused had allegedly orchestrated a "premeditated intrusion into the high-security precincts of Bharat Mandapam during the premier international conclave hosting global delegates and dignitaries".

Rejecting the contention that the act amounted to protected dissent under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, Judicial Magistrate First Class Ravi said: "The right to protest and dissent is fundamental to democracy, enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution. However, it is not absolute and subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and (3) for sovereignty, public order and decency."

Referring to the Supreme Court decision in Amit Sahni v. Commissioner of Police relating to the Shaheen Bagh protests, the court quoted: "The right to protest is part of fundamental freedoms under Articles 19(1)(a) & (b), but cannot extend to causing grave inconvenience to commuters public ways cannot be indefinitely occupied rights of protesters must be balanced with rights of others under Article 21 protests must be at designated places even with permission."

The order said that the conduct alleged in the present case "palpably transcends the ambit of legitimate dissent, metamorphosing into a blatant assault on public order".

It added that such actions "imperil not merely the event's sanctity but also the Republic's diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders, rendering it wholly unprotected by constitutional safeguards".

On the question of police custody, the court observed that while "bail is the rule, jail is the exception", discretion can be exercised where investigative imperatives are demonstrated.

The Investigating Officer submitted that custodial interrogation was required to ascertain the identity and role of other co-accused who allegedly fled the spot, unearth the larger conspiracy, including funding and organisational support, recover and analyse digital evidence such as mobile phones and social media chats, and trace the source of T-shirt printing and related financial transactions.

The court held that the investigation was at a crucial stage and that the requirements referred to by the Delhi Police, including confrontation with electronic evidence and tracing financial and organisational links, could not be effectively carried out in judicial custody.

While acknowledging the Supreme Courts principle that "bail is the rule and jail the exception", the court held that the gravity of allegations, presence of absconding associates and potential risk of evidence tampering justified the denial of bail at this stage.

Terming the bail application "premature and untenable at this nascent investigative juncture", the order observed that the offences implicated "grave threats to public order and state security at an international forum".

"In view of the above, the application under Section 187 BNSS for police custody remand of all four accused persons is allowed for five days," the court ordered, directing that the accused be handed over to the Investigating Officer till February 25.

BJP leaders had criticised the protest, terming it inappropriate and accusing the Congress of attempting to derail a national event showcasing Indias technological progress.

In a statement, the youth wing of the opposition Congress said the demonstration was meant to highlight concerns that "corporate interests are being prioritised over national interests" and alleged that the governments foreign policy stance had weakened. The group also linked the protest to economic issues such as rising prices and joblessness, claiming that young people were increasingly frustrated.
Rain is likely in some parts of West Bengal over the next two days due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, the Regional Meteorological Centre said on Sunday.

As per the forecast, there is a possibility of light rain with thunderstorms in some districts of south Bengal as well as north Bengal on Monday and Tuesday.

Rain is likely in the districts of Jhargram, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas in south Bengal. Apart from this, there will be dry weather in the state for the next seven days.

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"A depression-like situation has developed in the Bay of Bengal. Due to this, there is a possibility of rain in some districts. However, there is no forecast of heavy rain. Only light to moderate rain is likely," an official of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata's Alipore said.

Meanwhile, due to a western disturbance, there is a possibility of rain in the districts of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong in north Bengal.

The minimum temperature is expected to increase slightly over the next two days across the state and may rise by two degrees. The minimum temperature in Kolkata and surrounding areas may increase to 21 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature may range between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius.

Kolkata and the surrounding areas will have mainly cloudy skies on Sunday and Monday. After a long winter season, there is a possibility of rain in West Bengal. This may also affect the agricultural sector. It is believed that potato cultivation may be damaged, as this is the time to move the crop to cold storage.

Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in Kolkata and surrounding areas on Saturday was 19.5 degrees Celsius, which is normal. The maximum temperature was 31.3 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees above normal. The relative humidity was a minimum of 38 percent and a maximum of 83 percent.
In a significant move towards strengthening Indo-France relations, Paris is eying Indias indigenously built Pinaka Rocket system.

According to several reports, India-France defence ties enter a new era as Paris eyes the purchase of India's homegrown Pinaka rocket system, signaling a shift toward mutual arms procurement.

As India advances its $36 billion order for 114 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, France plans a reciprocal move to acquire Indian-made weapons in a shifting from the traditional one-way arms trade.

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France is addressing urgent gaps in its artillery capabilities, heightened by the Ukraine war and Indias Indegenoiusly built Pinaka rocket system emerged as the frontrunner.

Reportedly, France's LRU rocket systems based on the M270 are running low, with just nine left after donating four to Ukraine, and will retire by 2027.

Stockpiles are depleted from ongoing Ukraine aid, creating an urgent need for fast, mobile rocket replacements.

Apart from Pinaka, French buyers are closely monitoring India's artillery platforms, missile programs, and electronic warfare systems. Paris officials are eager to build resilient supply chains.

Also Read: Jai ho! India-France ties elevated to Special Global Strategic Partnership; What it signals?

Pinaka offer cost effective alternative

Pinaka offers a cost-effective alternative for far less than Western rivals like Unted States HIMARS. While delivering a 90-130 km range, firing 12 rockets in 44 seconds, and proving itself in Indian strikes on Pakistani positions, Pinaka set its ground as a reliable yet destructive option.

Reportedly, Brigadier General Stephane Richou tested it during his 2024 India visit, praising its speed, easy movement, and fit with NATO gear as a quick fix until France's own FLP-T rocket trials in mid-2026.

Built by Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Pinaka is a home-made rocket launcher system. It can be perceived as a wheeled "rocket shotgun", which blasts 12 rockets in only 44 seconds, wrecking a huge enemy zone up to 1 km wide from 45-120 km away.

Easy to move around, suitable for any weather, and six units together can fire 72 rockets fast to destroy troops, trucks, or enemy camps.

India has used it in real operations and has also gained foreign attention with the recent Armenia deal. Its affordability and speed attract international buyers, catching France's eye too.

Advancing Indo-France Defence Ties

Indo-French defence ties are rapidly advancing through joint production, tech sharing, and reciprocal deals, shifting from buyer-seller to true partners.

A few days earlier, during French President Emmanuel Macrons three-day India visit during the India AI Impact Summit, India and France elevated their ties to Special Global Strategic Partners, strengthening defence, tech, and Indo-Pacific issues under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

PM Modi hailed the visit as elevating ties to new heights, emphasising Rafale co-production, innovation, and mutual security, while Macron called relations at their "highest point," pushing deeper tech and strategic collaboration.






























The grand old party of India, Congress, is facing several challenges in more than one state. On one hand, the party high command has to deal with the tussle over the Karnataka chief ministers post between CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. On the other hand, the exit of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah over alleged humiliation has added to its troubles.

Borahs surprising exit from the party and his formal joining of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not only marks a major political shift ahead of the crucial elections in Assam, but has also set political circles abuzz, raising questions over Congresss failure to take effective action to pacify its veteran leaders.

In several states, Congress has been reduced to the margins, marred by internal disputes and a lack of trust among its allies.

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According to an IANS report, amid the above-mentioned issues, the party high command has failed to rise to the occasion and retain the trust of senior leaders, apparently because of its inertia and latency in decision-making, leading to its persistent decline.

Past five years of Congress

Over the past five years, several instances point to Congresss setbacks under the party high command, including the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The party has not only delivered poor performances in state elections, but has also witnessed disagreements and spats within its state units.

The issues appear to stem from a failure to address internal differences and to prevent disgruntled leaders from jumping ship.

Karnataka CM tussle

The SiddaramaiahShivakumar power tussle in Karnataka is one of the most visible episodes of internal discord, yet the Congress high command has failed to broker peace between the two factions.

Rahul Gandhis meeting with Shivakumar also did not yield anything substantial. According to IANS, reports suggest the rebellion is far from over.

Other issues within the party

Here are a few instances in which the Congress top brass failed to steer the ship, instead leaving state units to deal with the situations on their own:

In Himachal Pradesh, two factions led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Pratibha Singh engaged in an organisational battle over the state party presidents post in 2025, even holding several meetings in Delhi to reach a deal. The party dissolved its state unit, triggering a scramble for the top post, with the leadership even considering a formula of one state president and four working presidents to balance factions.

In Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the partys clout remains in shambles and appears beyond repair:

a) Despite being out of power in the national capital for 15 years, after ruling for more than a decade, a united face continues to elude the party.

b) In Haryana, Congress had a golden opportunity in 2024 to overthrow the BJP government, but internal rivalry doomed its chances of revival.

Uttar Pradesh also reflects the partys weak state-level condition. Congress reportedly dissolved its state unit in 2024 and largely remains non-existent.

The latest example is Assam, where Borah resigned just ahead of the crucial elections, citing insult and ignorance by the top leadership before switching to the BJP.

In poll-bound West Bengal, the party has been relegated to the margins by its own regional ally, the Trinamool Congress.

In the 2025 Jharkhand Assembly elections, the party fought alongside Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), but the alliance soured, with the regional partner accusing Congress of betrayal, as per IANS.

The most recent example of poor electoral performance came in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) mounted a visibly strong campaign, but as results favoured the incumbent government, the grand old party was seen as a liability rather than an asset.

In Odisha, the PCC remains affected by the exit of key leaders.

In Gujarat, the party has failed to challenge the BJPs more than two-decade-long dominance.

In Maharashtra, the partys strength and presence have withered over time due to the exit of veterans and high-profile leaders.

Tamil Nadu, another state headed for elections this year, is preparing for a fierce contest involving the BJP.

Congress continued electoral setbacks and internal discord across multiple states show a widening gap within the party, which could be fuelling concerns and doubts among allies ahead of key state elections.

(with IANS inputs)

Also Read- You can't become PM by sending women MPs to occupy seat: PM Modi shreds Cong over LS ruckus
Gurugram horror: A shocking case of brutality has come to light from Haryana's Gurugram, where a female student has alleged that she was assaulted by her live-in partner. It is alleged that the girl's partner poured sanitiser on her private parts and set them on fire.

Also Read- Gurugram: Man allegedly sets live-in partner's private parts on fire with sanitizer, FIR registered

FIR registered in Gurugram case

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The case occurred in the Badshahpur police station area of Gurugram. The police have registered a case under serious sections and started an investigation.

FIR was registered in Gurugram against the alleged accused, after he allegedly set the private parts of his live-in partner on fire after pouring sanitiser on her and shot her video during the act, according to news agency ANI.

Sections 115, 118(1), 118(2), 127(2), 69 and 351(2) of BNS have been invoked in the FIR. The report was filed on February 19, 2026, at 8:35 pm.

The FIR, registered based on her statement, states that he was having a physical relationship with her under the pretext of marriage, thrashing her, and subjecting her to violence.

Online meeting, live-in relationship

The victim is a student, and according to the FIR, she is originally from Tripura.

ANI reported that the victim was reportedly living in a PG in Gurugram while pursuing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology. She met the alleged accused through an online app, and they began talking in September 2025, which later led to meetings.

They lived together in Gurugram for some time, and during this period, the alleged accused began doubting her and started physically assaulting her, as per ANI.

As per the statement recorded in the FIR, on February 16, 2026, the alleged accused brutally thrashed the victim.

It is alleged that the accused attacked her head with a steel bottle, smashed her head against the wall and furniture, hit her with an earthen pot, and even attempted to set her private parts on fire after pouring sanitiser on them.

Furthermore, the alleged accused attacked her legs with a knife and threatened that he would beat her so badly that she would never be able to walk or become a mother.

After this, on the night of February 18, the victim managed to use the alleged accused's phone to tell her mother everything in Bengali, as the accused did not understand the language. Her mother then called 112.

Furthermore, the victim, who is undergoing treatment at the Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, is in a "stable condition", the Gurugram Police said on Sunday.

Victim's mother recalls phone call

The mother of the victim said that her daughter had called to inform about the atrocities on February 16, and said that at that time, she would be killed by the accused.

ANI further reported that the victim's mother said that the accused locked her in a room for days and also alleged that he tortured the victim by burning her private parts.

(with ANI inputs)
A shocking case of brutality against a 19-year-old has emerged in Haryana's Gurugram. It is being alleged that the girl's boyfriend poured sanitiser on her private parts and set them on fire. The victim is currently being treated at the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.

FIR has been registered in Gurugram against the accused, after he allegedly set his live-in partner's private parts on fire while pouring sanitiser and made a video of his act.

The victims mother said, "On 16th February at 10 PM, my daughter called me and said- "I don't have time, I will be killed... A man named Shivam has been assaulting me for the last 3 days. He hit me and also burnt me, he will kill me today."

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#WATCH | Delhi: On the Tripura girl assaulted in Gurugram, mother of the victim, says, "On 16th February at 10 PM, my daughter called me and said- "I don't have time, I will be killed... A man named Shivam has been assaulting me for the last 3 days. He hit me and also burnt me, https://t.co/3jLxPqkhXZ pic.twitter.com/cytvR0wHDR  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Sections 115, 118(1), 118(2), 127(2), 69 and 351(2) of BNS have been invoked in the FIR.

The FIR, which was registered based on the victims statement, said that the accused was having a physical relationship with her under the pretext of marriage. He even used to thrash her and subjected her to the extreme violence.

As per the FIR, the victim is originally from Indian state of Tripura and was living in a PG in Gurugram. He is pursuing a BSC in Biotechnology. She met the accused via a online app, and they started talking in September 2025, which eventually led to their meetings.

The accused is reportedly belong to Delhi's Narela. The incident of extreme cruelty took place in the Badshahpur police station area of Gurugram. Police have registered a case under stringent sections of the law and initiated an investigation.

She alleged that the accused established forced physical relations with her under the marriage pretext. For some time they both lived together in Gurugram and it was during this period of time, the accused started doubting her began assaulting her physically.

The FIR states that on February 16, 2026, the accused allegedly assaulted the victim severely. He reportedly struck her head with a steel bottle, bashed it against walls and furniture, hit her with a clay pot, and set her private parts on fire after pouring sanitiser on them.

He also allegedly slashed her legs with a knife and threatened to injure her so badly she could never walk or bear children. Additionally, the victim claims the accused filmed nude videos of her.

On the night of February 18, the victim allegedly used the accuseds phone to inform her mother about the incident in Bengali, a language he did not understand. Her mother subsequently called the emergency helpline (112). The police reached the location and took the victim to a government hospital.

Initially, doctors declared her unfit to provide a statement and later referred her to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. After doctors there found her fit to give a statement, the police recorded her detailed testimony.
Hyderabad Ferrari accident: After a Ferrari car ran amok in Hyderabads Jubilee Hills on Sunday, three individuals were reportedly injured. This led to a huge traffic jam on the busy road.

On receiving information, the police sprang into action and rushed to the spot. The injured were shifted to a private hospital. Notably, the condition of the injured is stable.

Hyderabad Ferrari accident: What happened?

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The Ferrari car, which, according to IANS, is said to be worth Rs. 3.5 to 4 crore, lost control and hit an electric pole on the divider before ramming into a car coming from the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, a few cars and other vehicles coming behind the car hit by the Ferrari were also damaged in the collision.

At least three cars and a few two-wheelers were damaged in the accident.

Ferrari, which was heading to Kondapur from Jubilee Hills, was allegedly being driven at a high speed.

The preliminary investigation shows that a brake and engine malfunction led to the crash.

The man behind the wheel tested negative for alcohol. He was on his way to attend a wedding. The car is registered in the name of E. Venkata Raja Reddy.

IANS also reported that the incident occurred on Road No. 45 near the residence of popular Tollywood actor Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Traffic in Hyderabad

After the incident, the authorities diverted traffic on the stretch for some time and later cleared the jam.

Jubilee Hills Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the crash.

Bihar road accident

In a separate incident, three people died in a road accident while on their way to attend a 'tilak' ceremony. The accident near Katghar village under Sitamarhi police station area around 11 pm on Saturday.

The accident took place when they were reportedly travelling from Rivala village to Mohgay village in Nawada district to attend a 'Tilak' ceremony. The trio was proceeding to Mohgay village on a motorcycle.

According to IANS, the eyewitnesses stated that as the bike approached Katghar village, the motorcycle rider lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an electric pole.

The eyewitness also said that the accident occurred as the motorcycle was being driven at a high speed.

(with IANS inputs)

Also read- Three heading for 'tilak' ceremony die in road accident in Bihar
Paul Thomas Anderson has won the Best Director award for his film 'One Battle After Another' at the 79th edition of the British Academy of Film and Television Awards. Continuing his winning streak from the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Thomas Paul Anderson has grabbed another Best Director award. He dedicated his award to the late producer and assistant director Brit Adam Somner. "You may think that your greatest export is Alfred Hitchcock or Charlie Chaplin, but it wasn't. To me, it was Adam Somner, who was my assistant director and producer for about 20 years. He came over to America and the line was out the door of people who wanted to work with him because he made us all better," said Anderson as quoted by Variety. Anderson continued: "About three weeks into our film, he found out he was sick, and he made it through production. If you've ever gone to work before with someone who's very ill, there's something miraculous that makes you pay attention and reminds you of the privilege of the work that we do. So thank you for sending him to me," as quoted by Variety. Earlier in the night (UK Time), the director also won the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay in One Battle After Another. He also won the award for Best Cinematography. One of contemporary cinema's most acclaimed directors, Anderson's BAFTA win is his first for best director, having previously been nominated in the same category for "There Will Be Blood" and "Licorice Pizza." 'One Battle After Another' follows a rabble of ex-revolutionaries reuniting to rescue a comrade's daughter after an old enemy resurfaces. The ensemble cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and breakout Chase Infiniti. With this, Anderson can now add another director award to an array of honours that already include best director at the Cannes Film Festival, the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and the Silver and Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. 'One Battle After Another' went into the BAFTA Awards leading the pack with 14 nominations, just two short of the record set by "Gandhi." The Award show streamed on Lionsgate Play. For the upcoming Oscar Awards, the film has 13 nominations, with hopes to add Best Actor and Director honours in its kitty. (ANI)
India and Brazil on Saturday agreed to significantly raise their bilateral trade target to $30 billion by 2030, revising the earlier goal of $20 billion.

Meanwhile, Both countries signed agreements for cooperation in critical minerals and the steel supply chain as talks between PM Modi and President Lula da Silva focused on strengthening multilateralism in an era of turbulence and uncertainty.

Lula noted that Indias strengths in information technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and the space sector have opened up fresh avenues for collaboration. This translates our commitment with an agenda that places technology in service of inclusive development. Increasing investments and cooperation in renewable energy and critical minerals is at the core of the pioneering agreement that we have signed today, he said.

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Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, said the decision was taken during the visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India, where he underscored that the previous target did not adequately reflect the potential of the economic partnership.

Speaking at a Special Briefing organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the State visit of the President of Brazil to India, Kumaran said that Silva believed the earlier trade target was not ambitious enough and therefore suggested setting a higher goal.

"We had set a target during PM's visit to Brazil for increasing bilateral trade from USD 15 billion to 20 billion by 2030. But President Lula today mentioned to the PM that 20 billion doesn't seem ambitious enough and that we should therefore try and target something higher, like 30 billion by 2030. And he said with the kind of excitement and interest there is on both sides. He said I have brought 11 ministers with 300 businessmen, which shows the kind of commitment there is to enhancing India-Brazil trade and investment. So he said our ambition should be much bigger," he said.

The two nations are seeking to deepen collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energy, the launch of Brazilian satellites and joint satellite development, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel, agriculture and livestock, healthcare, as well as Yoga.

"You know the number of areas identified is in great detail in the joint statement. I would, for example, name the energy oil and gas sector, space opportunities to launch Brazilian satellites, work together to build satellites, there is a lot of cooperation possible in the area of bio energy, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, green economy, agriculture and livestock, healthcare, and traditional medicine. Yoga is also a subject of great interest in Brazil," Kumaran said.

In addition to the memorandums of understanding on cooperation in rare earth and critical minerals, as well as mining for the steel supply chain, India and Brazil finalised a joint action plan on a Digital Partnership for the Future. The two sides also concluded agreements covering collaboration in the coastal sector, MSME entrepreneurship and crafts, and signed an MoU between Brazils Health Regulatory Agency and Indias Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.

The initiative is expected to further reinforce India-Brazil relations and contribute to broader economic expansion.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18, 2026, and took part in the India AI Impact Summit from February 19 to 20.

On Saturday, he received a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Accompanied by 11 ministers, he later held discussions with the Prime Minister and his delegation at Hyderabad House. This marks President Lulas fifth visit to India in his capacity as President of Brazil and comes seven months after the Prime Ministers State visit to Brasilia on July 8, 2025.
India-Israel ties: Ahead of his high-profile visit to Israel on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his enthusiasm in response to a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Prime Minister stated that he is "looking forward" to their upcoming discussions.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi replied to the Israeli PM and expressed his appreciation for the strong bond between the two nations.

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The PM stated that India deeply values the friendship with Israel and that the friendship is built on "trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress."

"Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit," the post read.

Netanyahu on PM Modi's Israel visit

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu termed Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Israel as "historic", saying the partnership between India and Israel continues to scale new heights across innovation, security and regional cooperation.

In a post on X, ahead of PM Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu described the Prime Minister as a "dear friend" and highlighted the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.

"This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Israel this coming Wednesday," he said.

Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders," Netanyahu said Israel and India are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision.

Referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination, Netanyahu added, "From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights."

He concluded by saying he looks forward to welcoming Modi in Israel.

Meanwhile, bilateral discussions between the two leaders are likely to cover a series of sectors.

(with ANI inputs)

Also read- India eyes advanced Anti-Ballistic missile defence pact with Israel ahead of PM Modis visit
India and the United States have postponed their meeting on the interim trade deal, which allows both sides to consider the impact of a recent US Supreme Court ruling that overturned Trump administration tariff decisions.

Earlier, India and the US had planned a three-day meeting on February 23 in Washington, led by their top trade negotiators, to finalise a bilateral trade deal.

A senior official confirmed the Indian team's visit is now postponed, allowing both sides to review the impacts of the recent US Supreme Court ruling. They will soon pick a new date that works for everyone.

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US President Donald Trump on Saturday raised the global tariffs from 10 per cent to 15 per cent after the big setback in the Supreme Court on Friday.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ripping the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level."

The Supreme Court of the United States on Friday struck down President Donald Trumps sweeping reciprocal tariff measures, ruling that the executive branch exceeded its constitutional authority by using emergency powers to levy broad import duties.

In a decisive 6-3 verdict, the US Supreme Court judges determined that President Trump's aggressive strategy of imposing steep tariffs on a wide range of products imported into the United States from countries around the world was not legally authorized under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, commonly known as IEEPA.

This landmark ruling effectively invalidates many, but not all of the tariffs enacted during Trump's administration.

An outraged President Trump labeled the judgment a "disgrace" right after learning of it during a meeting with governors, while confidently assuring everyone that he already has a solid backup plan in place to address the situation.

On Saturday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that India will carefully study the recent US Supreme Court decision striking down several Trump-era tariffs before responding officially.

Speaking to reporters, Joshi noted he has seen media reports on the ruling and emphasized that any formal reaction will come from the Commerce Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs, not him.

The Commerce Ministry acknowledged the US Supreme Court tariff ruling from yesterday followed by US President Trump's press conference, and new steps by the US Administration, saying "they are reviewing all these developments to assess their implications,"

(with IANS inputs)






Security forces on Sunday neutralised a third terrorist belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district, the Indian Army said.

In an official statement, the Armys White Knight Corps said that troops of CIF (D) under the White Knight Corps carried out the operation jointly with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF as part of ongoing counter-terror efforts.

In a post on X, the Indian Army's White Knight Corps said, "In continued operations under Op Trashi-I in Kishtwar, troops of CIF (D) White Knight Corps, in coordination with J&K Police and CRPF, have neutralised the third terrorist. The remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered."

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White Knight Corps tweets, "In continued operations under Op Trashi-I in Kishtwar, troops of CIF (D) White Knight Corps, in coordination with J&K Police and CRPF, have neutralised the third terrorist. The remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered." pic.twitter.com/uOy8vVBx9i  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

According to sources cited by NDTV, the slain Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist has been identified as Saifullah, who had been active in the region for the past two years and had repeatedly evaded security forces.

Saifullah group is WIPED off...



Done and Dusted... pic.twitter.com/br687ubZ23  OsintTV (@OsintTV) February 22, 2026

The militants were hiding inside a mud house on a hillside in the Chatroo area. The operation was launched after agencies received specific intelligence about their presence and movement, NDTV reported.

As troops moved in to establish the cordon, the terrorists opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Security forces retaliated effectively, resulting in the killing of the third militant.

Earlier in the operation, two terrorists had been neutralised at the same site. The Army said troops displayed tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression during the joint action, and two AK-47 rifles were recovered.

Joint teams of the Army, J&K Police and CRPF had tracked the group for several days through the difficult ChatrooSonnar terrain before contact was made.
Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao was taken into custody by police here on Sunday when he tried to leave for Banswada town in Kamareddy district, which witnessed a communal clash on Friday.

Ramchander Rao, who was placed under house arrest since Saturday night, tried to leave for Banswada but was stopped and taken into custody by the police.

Tension prevailed at his house in the Tarnaka area when his supporters tried to resist the police. Police arrested some of the protesters.

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The BJP leader was shifted to Bollarum Police Station.

Earlier, Ramchander Rao told the media that he would visit Kamareddy to express solidarity with BJP MLA K. Venkata Ramana Reddy, who was allegedly attacked. He alleged that in Banswada town, 100 BJP workers were arrested during a bandh called by Hindu organisations.

Following his arrest, Ramchander Rao alleged that there is an emergency in Telangana. The Anti-Hindu, Muslim League Maoist Congress has arrested me and are taking me to Bollarum PS for standing up for the Hindus of Banswada and for our karyakartas in Kamareddy, reads a post by the BJP leader on X.

He earlier wrote that in Congress-ruled Telangana, it appears that standing up for the Hindu victims of Banswada and raising a voice for our karyakartas in Kamareddy has become a crime.

Let it be clear, Congress is the New Muslim League, it has reduced itself to lower and lower levels of appeasement. By its actions, it seems determined to outdo even the worst chapters of divisive politics in our history. If Congress believes that confining me to my home will silence me or allow it to escape accountability, it is gravely mistaken. I will continue to stand firmly with our people - no matter the pressure, he said.

Banswada town saw a clash on Friday evening after a youth raised an objection to the playing of a devotional song in a supermarket. The employees of the supermarket assaulted the youth. Later, members of both the communities near the supermarket indulged in stone pelting, resulting in injuries to two police personnel.

Following the clash, police deployed additional forces in the town to prevent further clashes.

Police registered two cases and arrested 12 accused involved in rioting.
Telangana BJP chief N. Ramchander Rao faced house arrest late on Saturday night as a preemptive measure before his planned visit to Kamareddy on Sunday, February 22.

In a phone call, Telangana BJP chief N. Ramchander Rao confirmed, "Police placed me under house arrest tonight." Tensions boiled in Kamareddy after alleged Congress workers launched a "ghastly attack" on BJP MLA Katipalli Venkata Ramana Reddy's camp office. Rao had planned to console the stone-pelting victims in Banswada.

On February 20-21, violent clashes broke out between BJP and Congress workers in Kamareddy town. The tension was sparked by a dispute over Government Degree College land, which BJP MLA Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy alleged was being illegally sold or handled by Congress leaders, specifically targeting Shabbir Ali.



During protests on Saturday, a vehicle belonging to a Congress leader was overturned, and stones were pelted, leading to injuries among party workers and police personnel.

Telangana BJP slammed the arrest of BJYM leaders en route to protest the Youth Congress's "misconduct" at the India AI Global Summit in New Delhi. Chief N. Ramchander Rao blasted Congress for enforcing "Sharia Law" and ignoring citizens, questioning: "Can they truly stand with the people?"

Rao argued that being prevented from meeting victims of violence is a message that the government will not allow the opposition to stand with citizens. Rao confirmed via phone that he was placed under house arrest at his residence in Tarnaka.



Other senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, have called the state government's tactics "dictatorial" and an attempt to cover up political failures.



Telangana BJP chief N. Ramchander Rao beamed on Tuesday over the party's civic poll haul, celebrating a historic first, clinching both mayor and deputy mayor posts in a municipal corporation. He highlighted the BJP's rise as the single largest force in Adilabad, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad, while criticizing the opposition's unity as a desperate bid to block their surge.

"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, Congress came out swinging as a real powerhouse in Telangana's municipal elections, leaving Bharat Rashtra Samithi in second gear. Picture this: on February 11, folks voted in seven big municipal corporations, like Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, and Ramagundam, tallying 414 wards, plus 116 smaller municipalities with a whopping 2,582 wards across the state.

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(with ANI inputs)
Celebrations turned sour for two families in Bihar's Nawada when three people lost their lives in a horrific road accident while on their way to attend a 'Tilak' ceremony.

The accident took place near Katghar village under Sitamarhi police station area around 11 p.m. on Saturday, plunging two families into mourning and casting a pall of gloom over the region.

According to the SHO of the Sitamarhi police station, the three victims were residents of Gayaji district.

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The incident occurred when they were travelling from Rivala village to Mohgay village in Nawada district to attend a 'Tilak' ceremony.

The trio was proceeding to Mohgay village on a motorcycle.

According to eyewitnesses, as the bike approached Katghar village, the motorcycle rider lost control over the vehicle and crashed into an electric pole.

The eyewitness said that the accident occurred as the motorcycle was being driven at a high speed.

The impact was so severe that the motorcycle was completely damaged, and all three riders died on the spot.

The deceased have been identified as Sonu Kumar, Pratap Kumar, and Indal Manjhi.

Sonu Kumar and Pratap Kumar were uncle and nephew, while Indal Manjhi was accompanying them to the ceremony.

The deaths of the two men from the same family have left their relatives inconsolable.

On receiving information, police rushed to the spot, took possession of the bodies, and sent them to Nawada Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The family members reached Nawada Sadar hospital on Sunday, where the post-mortem examination of the deceased was being done.

The damaged motorcycle has been seized, and further investigation is underway.

Following the incident, a large number of villagers and relatives gathered at the accident site and later at the hospital. A pall of gloom descended on the families of trio.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Rivala village, where the wedding celebrations have now turned into mourning.


If you are a foodie who loves trying new recipes, theres no way you havent come across Chef Sanjyot Keers content. Sanjyot is a popular internet personality and the founder of Your Food Lab (YFL). From Ed Sheeran to David Beckham, he has cooked alongside some of the biggest celebrities.

His journey began as a food producer on MasterChef India, and recently, he returned to the show in a new role, where contestants had to match his culinary skills.

In an exclusive conversation with Zee News, Sanjyot opened up about staying relevant in the food content creation industry, working with some of the biggest chefs in the country, and returning to MasterChef India.

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1. You began your career as a food producer on MasterChef India and recently returned to the show in a new role. How did that full-circle moment feel for you personally and professionally?

It felt like a true homecoming.

When I first entered the MasterChef kitchen, I was behind the cameraquietly learning, observing, and absorbing everything I could. Walking back in after more than a decade, on the other side of the camera, brought a deep sense of gratitude and calm.

Over the years, Ive been building with one clear vision: to present Indian cuisine to the world with authenticity and depth through Your Food Lab. Returning to that same kitchen reminded me how far consistent work, patience, and belief in your vision can take you. It didnt feel like a milestone to celebrate, but a moment to pause and acknowledge the journey.

2. You have worked closely with some of the biggest chefs in the country, from Vikas Khanna to Sanjeev Kapoor. What is one key lesson you learned from them, and who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your journey?

One of the biggest lessons Ive learned is humility, no matter how much you achieve, you remain a student of the craft.

Working alongside chefs like Vikas Khanna, Sanjeev Kapoor, and Ranveer Brar taught me discipline, respect for ingredients, and clarity of thought. But inspiration doesnt come from just one person.

It comes from everywherefrom legendary chefs to home cooks, from my mother to street food heroes across India. My journey is really a reflection of the many people Ive learned from along the way.

3. Pursuing food and digital content creation was once considered an unconventional career choice in India. What kept you motivated to follow your passion despite the uncertainties?

At the time I started, there was no roadmap. The creator economy wasnt even a term people used.

What kept me going was clarity of purpose. I always saw myself as a chef and storyteller first, and digital as simply a medium. I believed that if we stayed consistent, focused on quality, and remained honest in how we presented food, the audience would connect.

Choosing belief over certainty was my biggest motivator.

4. You started Your Food Lab when YouTube was still emerging, and today social media is filled with food creators across platforms like Instagram and YouTube. How do you continue to stay relevant and stand out in such a competitive space?

For me, it has always come down to making food the hero.

We focus deeply on storytelling, technique, and claritynot just recipes. Indian cuisine is incredibly vast, and there is always more to explore, reinterpret, and present thoughtfully.

Staying curious, evolving with how audiences consume content, and constantly raising our own benchmarks keeps us relevant. Competition exists, but if you stay rooted in your purpose, you naturally find your space.

5. As a Punjabi, many people associate you with Punjabi cuisine, yet your channel features recipes from different states and countries. How did you learn these diverse cuisines, and what advice would you give to young chefs so they dont limit themselves to just one style of cooking?

Curiosity has been my biggest teacher.

Ive spent years travelling, researching, cooking with people, learning from regional experts, and simply being a student of food. Indian cuisine alone is so diverse that you could spend a lifetime exploring it.

My advice to young chefs is simpledont limit yourself. Stay open, respect traditions, and learn deeply before you innovate. The more you explore, the richer your perspective becomes.

6. You also made an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. How do you approach styling and presentation as a chef who usually works behind the scenes in the kitchen?

For me, it has always been about styling and presenting my food more than presenting myself.

People whove followed me know that I wear the same black T-shirt almost every day. I like consistency, it simplifies life and lets me focus on what truly matters. That simplicity has become part of who I am.

But when you step onto global stages like Cannes, youre representing more than yourself- your cuisine, your community, and your country. In those moments, I believe in being presentable and stylish without going overboard.

If you can carry yourself with simplicity, a bit of class, and stay connected to your roots, thats enough. And then Im happy to go back to my kitchen, where the black T-shirt feels like second skin.

7. Who is your favourite celebrity chef, and which dish is closest to your heart?

Thats a difficult one because I dont see inspiration coming from just one person.

Ive learned from so many chefs, home cooks, street vendors, and my family and each has shaped my journey in different ways. To name one would not do justice to the many influences that have contributed to how I cook and think about food.

As for a dish closest to my heart, its really the act of cooking for someone and seeing them enjoy it that makes any dish special.

But if we talk about comfort and personal taste, Im a Mumbai boy at heartI love vada pav, pav bhaji, misal pav, and Mumbai sandwiches. Butter chicken is comfort food. A good chilli chicken with butter naan makes me very happy. And if I absolutely had to pick one iconic dish, biryani would be hard to beat.

Honestly, I love everything from idli-sambar to rasam to tamarind rice. I could eat Gujarati kadhi and khichdi four times a week. I just love Indian food in all its forms.

8. Youve shared countless recipes over the years. If you had to give one recipe for success to aspiring chefs who are afraid to choose an unconventional path, what would it be?

Dont be afraid to believe in your ideas.

Show up consistently, stay curious, work hard, and dont rush the process. There will be uncertainty, but if you remain committed and honest in your craft, things eventually fall into place.

Success is rarely overnightits built quietly over time.

9. Having recently cooked alongside contestants on MasterChef India, who was your favorite participant this season to work with, and do you have any predictions on who you think could win the show?

MasterChef is one of those journeys where contestants keep surprising you because theyre learning every single day.

During my challenge, I was genuinely impressed by how well everyone performed under pressure. I didnt expect anyone to complete even 60 percent of such a complex dish, and they reached nearly 70 percentwhich in that environment is remarkable.

Dipali and Jamuna really stood out with their enthusiasm and execution. Others did well too.

Contestants like the Gandhe brothers also look very promising from what Ive seen.

But ultimately, for me, MasterChef is about Indian cuisine winning. The platform showcases the depth of our food culture, and thats what truly matters. May the best contestant win.
Mumbai: Actor Hrithik Roshan expressed grief over the demise of veteran filmmaker MM Baig.

In a post on X, Hrithik reflected on the profound and lasting influence his "teacher," Baig, has had on both his career and his life.



"My dear Baigji, I will forever be grateful to you for being the teacher I so needed at the start of my journey as an actor. You helped me gain confidence in my speech and delivery ... you were instrumental in shaping the actor in me. For helping me overcome my shyness, at the same time, empowering my vulnerability. I was lost. And you helped me find my way. Back when I was only 18years old. I still practice the lessons to this day. I will miss you. Rest in peace, my teacher - M.M Baig. My thoughts and prayers for the Baig family," Hrithik wrote.

My dear Baigji, I will forever be grateful to you for being the teacher I so needed at the start of my journey as an actor. You helped me gain confidence over my speech and delivery ... you were instrumental in shaping the actor in me. For helping me overcome my shyness , at the  Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) February 21, 2026

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MM Baig was reportedly found dead at his Mumbai home earlier this week. He was in his seventies.



As an independent director, he helmed two films, such as Maasoom Gawah (1990), featuring Naseeruddin Shah, which remains unreleased, and Chhoti Bahu (1994), starring Shilpa Shirodkar.
New Delhi: In his latest Mann Ki Baat address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay vigilant against growing digital scams that target unsuspecting users  especially those involving fraudulent claims of digital arrests or legal actions.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of keeping Know Your Customer (KYC) information up to date across financial and digital platforms to avoid becoming a victim of fraud and to ensure seamless access to essential services.

What Are Digital Arrest Scams?

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Digital arrest scams are a type of online fraud where criminals send messages  typically through SMS, email or messaging apps  claiming that the recipient has been digitally arrested or faces some legal trouble. These messages often include:

Fake links

Threatening language

Instructions to click or respond immediately

Once a victim interacts with the link, attackers can steal personal data, banking information, or install malware on the device. PM Modi warned that such scams are increasing in frequency, and citizens should be wary of unexpected messages that create panic or urgency.

Why Keeping KYC Updated Matters

KYC  short for Know Your Customer  is a process used by banks, telecom companies, digital payment apps and financial institutions to verify a persons identity. Updated KYC records help:

Prevent fraud and identity theft

Enable secure access to banking and financial services

Ensure government welfare and subsidy schemes reach the right beneficiaries

The Prime Minister reminded people that keeping KYC details updated makes it harder for fraudsters to misuse personal information and easier for individuals to access services without interruption.

Tips to Avoid Digital Scams

PM Modi shared practical advice for all citizens to protect themselves online:

Dont click on suspicious links  especially from unknown senders or unexpected messages.

Verify messages claiming legal issues  contact official authorities instead of reacting to urgent claims.

Use secure apps and websites  check URLs carefully and only use trusted platforms.

Regularly update passwords and security settings  avoid sharing OTPs or passwords with anyone.

The emphasis was on caution and common sense  an informed user is a safer user.

Broader Digital Awareness

Digital scams are not limited to arrest threats. Other common fraud tactics include:

Fake investment or win-money schemes

Fraudulent job offers

Phone call impersonations

Fake customer care messages

By staying alert and informed, citizens can spot red flags and report suspicious activity swiftly.

PMs Message on Digital Safety

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the digital revolution  from online banking to mobile payments and e-commerce  has brought tremendous convenience, but it also requires responsible use. While technology empowers users, it also opens opportunities for misuse if proper precautions arent taken.

Citizens were encouraged to educate family members, especially the elderly or less digitally fluent, about common scam patterns and digital safety measures.

Keep KYC Status Current

Updating your KYC might feel like a small administrative task, but PM Modi highlighted it as a key defense against fraud. Many services  such as bank accounts, mobile connections, insurance policies, mutual funds, and digital wallets  require up-to-date KYC to function smoothly.

Failing to update KYC can lead to:

Account blocks or freezes

Inability to receive government transfers or benefits

Greater risk of identity misuse

Regularly checking KYC status and updating it when required protects both your financial accounts and digital credibility.

The Bottom Line

In his Mann Ki Baat message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a simple but powerful point: stay alert, stay informed, and keep your digital and financial details updated. In an era where scams evolve rapidly, proactive citizens are the first line of defense.

By understanding common threats and following basic security practices  such as avoiding suspicious links and maintaining updated KYC  Indians can enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity without falling victim to fraud.
Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant welcomed the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration at the AI Impact Summit 2026, calling it a historic step towards ensuring that Artificial Intelligence becomes a force for human progress and global welfare. Invoking the message "Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay", Sawant said the coming together of nations from across the world reflects a shared commitment to make AI a tool for inclusion and development. The New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the AI Impact Summit 2026, reflects a global commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human progress and welfare. India's leadership, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played a key role in shaping this initiative, with over 80 countries endorsing the declaration. "I wholeheartedly welcome the historic New Delhi Declaration adopted at the AI Impact Summit 2026. The coming together of nations from across the world reflects a shared commitment to ensure that Artificial Intelligence becomes a force for human progress, inclusion and global welfare," he said. The Goa Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the endorsement of the Declaration by more than 80 countries is a testimony to India's growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping emerging technologies. Highlighting the key outcomes of the Summit, Sawant said responsible AI governance, inclusive development, innovation, capacity building and global collaboration will help harness technology for sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic growth, particularly benefiting the Global South. He emphasised the need to translate the shared vision into concrete action by promoting ethical innovation, encouraging research, building skilled talent and ensuring that AI delivers benefits to every citizen. Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called the Indian Youth Congress protest "a betrayal of India's image. "On behalf of the Goa government, I condemn the way Congress, due to its low-level politics, sent its young workers to this AI Summit, and the way they have taken off their clothes and protested... This is a betrayal of India's image...," the CM said. In the protest held at the Al Impact India Summit in the national capital, the Youth Congress members removed their shirts with slogans that read, "Compromised PM". The party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent. The Patiala House Court on Saturday rejected the bail applications of all four arrested Indian Youth Congress workers in connection with the protest and sent them into a five-day police custody. (ANI)
New Delhi: Professional tax is a small but important tax many salaried individuals and professionals in India need to know about. Unlike income tax  which goes to the central government  professional tax is collected by state governments, and not all states impose it. This guide breaks down what professional tax is, who must pay it, where it's applicable, and how it affects your cost-to-company (CTC) and take-home pay.

What Is Professional Tax?

Professional tax is a tax that some Indian states charge on individuals earning income from salary, profession, trade, calling, or employment. Its regulated by state law, and the amount varies based on income slabs set by each states legislature.

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Although the amount is usually small (often a few hundred rupees per year), its a legitimate tax deducted from salaries and remitted to the state government under the Constitution of India.

Who Has to Pay Professional Tax?

Not everyone in India pays professional tax. Heres who typically must pay it:

Salaried employees whose employer deducts the tax from their salary.

Self-employed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, traders, and consultants, if their state charges professional tax.

Business owners or partners in a firm who are liable under their states professional tax law.

However, whether you pay professional tax depends on the state you work or reside in and the tax slabs defined by that state.

Which States Charge Professional Tax?

Professional tax is not uniform across India. Some states or union territories do not levy it at all, while others have active schedules for this tax. States that commonly impose professional tax include:

Maharashtra

Karnataka

West Bengal

Tamil Nadu

Kerala

Andhra Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh

Delhi (in some categories and slabs)

Each state has its own income slabs and rates, which mean two people earning the same salary in different states might pay different amounts of professional tax  or none at all.

For example, a state might charge Rs 200 per month on employees earning above a specified threshold, while another might cap the annual professional tax at Rs 2,500 based on different income bands.

How Is Professional Tax Collected?

For Salaried Employees:

Your employer deducts the professional tax from your salary every month and pays it to the state government on your behalf. This deduction shows up under professional tax deductions in your salary slip.

For Self-Employed:

Professionals and business owners registered under professional tax laws must file returns and pay the tax directly as per their states process. The frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annual) depends on the states rules.

Does It Affect Your CTC or Take-Home Salary?

Yes  but in a specific way.

Cost to Company (CTC): Professional tax is generally included under statutory deductions in your CTC structure, but its a small component. It does not significantly change the overall CTC figure compared with income tax or employee provident fund (EPF) contributions.

Take-Home Salary: Because its deducted from your gross salary, professional tax reduces take-home pay slightly each month. However, the amount is usually minimal compared with major deductions like income tax and EPF.

For example, if your monthly salary is Rs 50,000 and your state levies Rs 200 per month as professional tax, your take-home salary will be Rs 200 less every month due to this deduction.

Professional Tax vs Income Tax: Whats the Difference?

Its important to distinguish professional tax from income tax:

Professional Tax: A state-level tax, usually small, based on employment status or income. Its deducted at source by employers for salary accounts.

Income Tax: A central government tax on total income, structured in slabs, which applies to all taxpayers depending on their overall earnings.

Both taxes can be deducted from your pay, but they serve different purposes and are governed by different authorities.

What If You Dont Pay Professional Tax?

If a state has enacted professional tax laws and you are liable but fail to pay or register appropriately:

The state authority may charge penalties or interest for delayed payment.

Salaried individuals may see issues with compliance records if their employer does not deduct the tax when required.

Self-employed professionals may face enforcement actions under state tax laws.

Therefore, its important to know whether your state requires professional tax and ensure compliance.

The Bottom Line

Professional tax is a legitimate state-level tax deducted from your salary or paid directly by professionals and businesses. While its a small amount, it affects your take-home salary and needs to be managed properly.

Whether you pay professional tax depends on:

The state you work in

Your salary or income level

Whether you are salaried or self-employed

Regular deductions by employers and timely payments by self-employed professionals keep you in compliance and avoid penalties.
New twist in Gurugram Muslim man assault case. A 25-year-old Muslim man was allegedly slapped by a group of men in Gurugram on May 25. The victim was reportedly asked to remove his skull cap and forced to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'. Watch this video to know more.
The European Union last month announced it had adopted the legal framework to lift its sanctions against Iran, once Tehran has curbed its nuclear activities.
An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Chatroo, Kishtwar district, on Sunday. Security forces have cordoned off the area as reinforcements continue. Currently, operations are underway with two terrorists neutralised and arms cache recovered.
Rain is likely in some parts of West Bengal over the next two days due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, the Regional Meteorological Centre said.
India AI Impact Summit 2026: Global technology giants are planning to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in artificial intelligence projects linked to India. The announcement came as the country hosted a major AI summit, bringing together world leaders and top industry executives. This surge in investment comes at a time when governments and companies around the world are racing to expand their AI capabilities.

Major global players like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet are expected to spend up to $700 billion on AI-related projects this year. In India, industrial giants are making big moves. Reliance Industries plans to invest $110 billion in data centres and related infrastructure, while the Adani Group has revealed a $100 billion plan over the next decade to build AI-focused data centres.

Microsoft, OpenAI to invest in AI projects

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Several American firms also made significant announcements during the summit. Microsoft said it will invest $50 billion in AI projects across the Global South by 2030. OpenAI and chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices are partnering with Tata Group to boost AI capabilities in India. US-based asset manager Blackstone joined a $600 million equity funding round for Indian AI infrastructure firm Neysa.

The summit highlighted Indias ambition to become a global technology leader. The country has also approved $18 billion in semiconductor projects to strengthen its domestic supply chain. At the same time, the United States and India are moving closer to a trade agreement aimed at lowering tariffs and boosting economic cooperation. (Also Read: Vivo V70 Elite Vs OnePlus 15R Vs Oppo Reno 15: Battery, Performance, Camera and Price in India explained; Which one should you buy in India?)

Top global leaders attend India AI Impact Summit 2026

During the summit, representatives from both countries signed the Pax Silica agreement, a US-led initiative launched under the Trump administration to secure the global supply chain for silicon-based technologies. Top global AI leaders attended the event, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic chief Dario Amodei and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. (Also Read:WhatsApp is working on scheduled messages in latest iOS Beta and new spoiler feature; Heres what it means for users)

Chip giant Nvidia also announced that it is expanding partnerships with venture capital firms in India to increase its exposure to emerging technology startups in the country. (With IANS Inputs)
New Delhi: A legal decision in the United States has raised questions about trade ties with India. The US Supreme Court struck down Trumps reciprocal tariffs, raising questions in New Delhi about the recent trade deal with Washington. Analysts are now questioning whether the earlier understanding still holds any legal or practical weight.

Earlier this month, President Trump had announced an interim trade deal with India, reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent. He also claimed that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil. The 50 percent tariff had been split into a 25 percent reciprocal tariff and a 25 percent tariff tied to Russian oil purchases.

After the Supreme Court declared Trumps global tariffs illegal by a 6-3 vote on Friday (February 20), he immediately moved to use another law, Section 122 of the Trade Act 1974, to impose a new 10 percent global tariff, which he later raised to 15 percent. This new tariff is set to take effect from February 24 for a period of 150 days.

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During a press conference at the White House following the ruling, the president addressed questions about the India trade deal, saying, Nothing will change in the deal with India, and it will continue payments.

Political reactions and legal concerns

The Supreme Court ruling has removed the legal basis for the old tariffs imposed on India. Opposition leaders in India, including the Congress party, have questioned why the deal went ahead without waiting for the court decision. On Saturday, the Congress called for a review of the interim trade deal and its terms, arguing that it was rushed and now impractical.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, Why was it so urgent for Prime Minister Modi to ensure that on the night of February 2, 2026, President Trump announced the India-US trade deal? If the prime minister had waited 18 more days, Indian farmers could have avoided this crisis and Indias sovereignty would have stayed intact.

The Congress described the deal as a betrayal, while Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated that the agreement protects Indias agriculture and dairy sectors.

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram also questioned the impact of the Supreme Court ruling, adding that India had already made several concessions without reciprocal benefits from the United States.

Global implications and the need for review

International affairs expert Brahma Chellaney said that India agreed to the basic trade deal despite knowing that the legal validity of the tariffs was still under review by the US Supreme Court. Trumps tariffs will continue to be central to his agenda as indicated by the new 10 percent global tariff, later raised to 15 percent, even though the court has weakened his position, he said.

He also highlighted that Indian government often leaves advantages on the negotiating table and said the recent trade deal continues that pattern. He stated that the agreement included commitments beyond trade, such as gradually reducing Russian oil imports and restricting oil transfers in Indias maritime zones for ships under Western sanctions.

Reports from Reuters on February 16 suggested that India seized three oil tankers linked to Iran to enforce US sanctions, although Iranian news agency Fars denied the tankers connection to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Under the new Section 122 tariff, according to a BBC report, countries with trade deals with the United States, including India, the United Kingdom and European Union members, will face a 10 percent global tariff, which Trump has raised to 15 percent. Quoting a White House official, the report said, The US administration expects these countries to continue following the concessions agreed under their trade arrangements.

Experts in India said that the Supreme Court ruling will affect the India-US trade deal. They explained that Trump had promised to reduce the reciprocal tariff from 25 percent to 18 percent, but the court ruling made the old tariff illegal. Now the new 15 percent global tariff will apply temporarily, regardless of any free trade agreement.

They also clarified the impact on Indian exports, adding that about 55 percent of Indian exports to the United States faced a 25 percent reciprocal tariff, which will now be replaced by the 15 percent global tariff. For the remaining 45 percent, the United States had already given exemptions for products like smartphones, medicines and petroleum. Other products such as steel, aluminum and some auto components will see high tariffs applied uniformly.

The Supreme Court ruled the old tariffs illegal on the grounds that the authority to impose them lies with the US Congress. Experts said that the only legal basis for the India-US deal is the joint statement of February 6. Any modification in tariffs by either side allows the other country to respond. Since the US tariffs have changed, India needs to reassess the deal.

They added that the 15 percent global tariff announced by Trump is also weak and likely to face legal challenges. They stated that Section 122 allows such tariffs only for 150 days and under conditions of payment balance problems, which presently do not exist in the United States.

The experts recommended that India review its trade deal, saying, The previous agreement is now irrelevant. With such uncertainty over US tariffs, India should step back and observe the evolving situation before making further commitments. A pause on the trade deal is necessary.

The Indian Commerce Ministry has issued a statement confirming that it is reviewing the Supreme Court ruling and the new developments announced by the US administration. We are studying the impact of all these developments on the trade deal with the United States, it said.
At least 10 people were reported killed and around 50 others injured in Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon, Times of Israel reported, citing Lebanese authorities, after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted Hezbollah command centres. Two more people were reported killed in a separate strike on Hamas targets in southern Lebanon.

The strikes were among the deadliest since the November 2024 US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

In a statement, the IDF said it struck three Hezbollah command centres belonging to the group's missile force in the Baalbek area of the Beqaa Valley. The military said the strikes eliminated "a large number of operatives" from Hezbollah's missile array who were allegedly working to accelerate force build-up and planning rocket fire and terror attacks against Israel.

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Hezbollah later announced the deaths of eight operatives in the strikes, including Hussein Mohammed Yaghi, whom it described as a "commander," indicating a senior position within the group. Hezbollah said the men were killed "while defending Lebanon and its people during a treacherous Israeli attack on the Beqaa region."



Speaking at a protest in Beirut broadcast by Hezbollah's Al-Manar network, senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qamati termed the strikes a "new massacre" and said the group's only option was "resistance."



"What option do we have left to defend ourselves and our country? What option do we have other than resistance?" Qamati said.



The IDF maintained that Hezbollah's missile forces were actively planning rocket and missile attacks against Israel and that their activities constituted a violation of the ceasefire understandings reached in November 2024, Times of Israel reported.



Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities said an Israeli drone strike targeted the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern coastal city of Sidon, killing two people. The IDF said the strike targeted a Hamas command centre where operatives were allegedly gathered to advance attacks against Israeli forces.



Lebanon's health ministry said the two killed were identified by Hamas as members of the group.



According to the IDF, the site had been used in recent months by Hamas operatives to prepare terror activities and training aimed at carrying out attacks against Israeli troops and civilians. The military also accused Hamas of embedding its infrastructure within civilian areas and using residents as human shields, adding that the activity violated the November 2024 ceasefire, Times of Israel reported.



Hamas condemned the strike on Ain al-Hilweh, rejecting Israeli claims and asserting that the targeted site belonged to the camp's Joint Security Force responsible for maintaining security.



Israel has repeatedly said it is acting to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities following the ceasefire that ended more than a year of hostilities. The truce followed two months of open conflict, including Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon, aimed at halting near-daily rocket attacks that began on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza.


Dhaka: Leaders and workers of the Bangladesh Awami League, which was barred from contesting the recently concluded national elections in Bangladesh, are reportedly forcibly entering party offices across the country. At several places, they even broke the locks and walked inside. It began soon after the election.

The party offices were closed after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August 2024. So how are these offices opening? Who gave the party workers the green signal to go ahead and reclaim their spaces?

During the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the Awami League was not allowed to carry out political activities. Many of its offices across the country were closed for months. Some were damaged or taken over.

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As the elections ended and a new government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) took over, political activity gained momentum. In Dhaka and many other areas, party workers gathered outside offices with flags. Some cleaned dusty rooms and shouted slogans. In a few towns, this led to tension as rival activists also gathered there and arguments turned into clashes.

Many in the Awami League believe that visiting party offices does not violate the restrictions on the party. Senior leader AFM Bahauddin Nasim feels the offices themselves were never seized by the state. Party members therefore see no barrier in going there. Supporters expect normal political life to return once the present political phase passes and public activity becomes open again.

The government order mainly stopped organised political activities. Restrictions are in place on publications, campaigns, rallies, meetings and conferences. The restriction will continue to be there until the cases against party leaders are finalised in the international crimes tribunal. Supporters argue that they are not violating any condition as going to a party office is not banned.

Even during the restrictions, some activity continued from time to time. Small surprise marches took place on the streets of Dhaka and online campaigns kept going. Before the election date was announced, calls for an election boycott were given on social media.

The Panchagarh video that led to the row

Among youth supporters of the Awami League, the momentum never fully disappeared. A student wing worker, Rehan Sardar, spent months away from his home district after the political uprising of August 2024. He went into hiding and secretly travelled between safe locations and joined protest marches in the capital.

Messages circulated among grassroots networks encouraging supporters to visit party offices wherever possible. Many workers treated the message as a call to show presence.

Talks among organisers often happened through encrypted mobile apps. Senior party leaders were in touch with local leaders across districts. Messages spread informally among supporters. The idea was to keep the party active on the ground.

Awami League workers and supporters began forcing their way into party offices after a video surfaced on social media showing activists opening an office in Panchagarh in the presence of a local BNP leader. After the clip began making rounds on the internet and triggered a political storm, the BNP leader, Abu Daud Pradhan, said he did not know the building belonged to the Awami League.

Several other such videos from other areas soon surfaced on the social media. Small protest demonstrations were held outside party offices in Barguna, Thakurgaon, Satkhira, Betagi, Patuakhali and Khulna. Workers and supporters stood outside the gates and shouted slogans. In districts such as Narayanganj, Shariatpur, Noakhali, Jamalpur and Rajbari, some offices were reopened. Workers swept floors, cleaned walls and raised party chants.

The atmosphere did not stay calm everywhere. In some areas, rival political activists gathered after the doors of Awami League offices were opened. The offices were attacked again and locks returned to the gates. Tension spilled into the streets.

Tensions return to the streets

A tense situation was seen in Tarakanda in Mymensingh. Protesters linked to a student movement and members of the National Citizen Party marched to a newly opened Awami League office. Tyres were set on fire inside the compound. As smoke rose above the building, the police reached the area and brought the situation under control.

The roots of these events go back to the fall of the Hasina government. In the days that followed, many Bangladesh Awami League offices across the country were attacked. Buildings were damaged and some were set on fire. The historic Dhaka home of Bangladeshs founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as Dhanmondi 32, was also demolished during the unrest.

Party leaders believe many offices fell under the control of rival groups during that period. The reopening campaign shows a belief that the political environment has begun to change again.

Small symbolic appearances in Dhaka added to that feeling. On February 14, several Awami League supporters stood outside the partys central office and waved the national flag. A few days later, another video surfaced online showing women activists gathering outside a building in Dhanmondi once used as a political office by the party president. Flags rose into the air and slogans echoed through the street.

Political observers see several possible reasons behind the sudden reopening. They believe there may be an informal understanding between local leaders of the Awami League and the BNP. A newly elected government often tries to maintain stability in the political system. The absence of a major party can create long-term tension. Many Awami League supporters are still in the country, and some of them are in prison.

Some analysts believe the reopening of offices may be an early sign that politics is returning to normal. The elections are over and a new government is now in power. In such times, political space often becomes wider. The earlier ban kept the party out of the election, but it may not decide its future permanently.
Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has claimed that a final decision has been reached by the United States to initiate a military strike against Iran early next week.

Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou revealed that a fellow former intelligence official who was recently at the White House suggested that an attack could be imminent, despite public deadlines given by the administration.

Revealing the sensitive nature of the discussions, Kiriakou said, "I have a friend, a former CIA officer, who was at the White House this morning talking to his friends, and he says that a decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday."

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He noted that while the President publicly offered a 10-day window for the Islamic Republic to accept a comprehensive proposal, such timelines are often used as a tactical distraction.

"The president yesterday gave the Iranians 10 days to accept our proposals for an end to their ballistic missile programme, an end to their uranium enrichment programme, and an end to supporting groups in the Middle East like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. But he's done this before," Kiriakou observed.

Explaining the strategy behind the shifting deadlines, he remarked, "Well, he'll give you 10 days, he'll give you two weeks, and then he'll just attack two days into it. He thinks that keeps people off balance."

Supporting these claims of imminent action, the United States has reportedly begun the strategic movement of military personnel stationed at various installations across the Middle East for undisclosed missions. This redeployment comes amid growing concerns about a potential direct military conflict with the Islamic Republic.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, a recent disclosure from The New York Times indicates that hundreds of servicemen have been transferred from the Al Udeid base in Qatar. Similar logistical shifts have been identified across a network of American facilities in Bahrain, the headquarters of the Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Government officials are reportedly concerned that the 30,000 to 40,000 US troops currently deployed in the region could become primary targets of the Islamic Republic in the event of an all-out war. Military experts suggested that such a confrontation would differ drastically from the strike on Al Udeid in June 2025, during which Iranian authorities reportedly provided the US with advance notice.

The Jerusalem Post highlighted a stern warning from the Iranian mission to the UN, which stated that, in the event of an American attack, "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."

In light of these threats, the US is reportedly strengthening its regional posture by shifting air defence systems into the Middle East to safeguard its forces. This defensive buildup accompanies a decision to maintain two aircraft carriers at a significant distance from Iranian territory to ensure they do not become easy targets for retaliation.

The former CIA officer also detailed the internal political divisions driving this escalation, identifying key figures on both sides of the intervention debate. "He said that there are battle lines, that the anti-war forces are JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard," Kiriakou stated, adding that the pro-war faction is reportedly "led by Marco Rubio and includes Pete Hegseth and now the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

Kiriakou expressed surprise at the inclusion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the pro-interventionist camp, noting a significant departure from historical military caution. However, he pointed out that recent leadership changes at the Pentagon have reshaped the military's stance.

"Trump has replaced all of the Joint Chiefs this year, in the past 12 months, which I had forgotten," Kiriakou explained. "He promoted people whom he knew would be politically loyal."

While the Trump administration officially remains dedicated to seeking a diplomatic resolution, several insiders believe that current offers from Tehran are not enough to deter military strikes. The Jerusalem Post further indicated that internal planning has become increasingly detailed and ambitious, as the President has recently floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic.

The discussion also touched upon the potential timing of recent government disclosures, including the anticipated release of UFO-related documents, as a possible distraction. Kiriakou agreed, "Probably in part, yeah, about them saying they're going to release the UFO files last night, which I've wanted released forever, but the timing."
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday criticised the Centre over the India-US interim trade deal, alleging that despite claims of a "masterstroke," India is facing an effective tariff burden of 18.4 per cent. In a post on X, Khera said, "All pain, no gain. khaayaa piyaa kuch nhiiN, glaas todd'aa baarh aanaa After all the 'masterstroke' claims and clamour, India once again ends up with an effective 18.4% tariff burden. It is 15% + 3.4% (average MFN rate) = 18.4%." The India-US trade deal has left India with an effective 18.4% tariff burden, sparking criticism of the Modi government's concessions to the US. Pawan Khera slammed the deal as "all pain, no gain," pointing out that countries like Brazil refused to rush into a deal and are now vindicated. "Along with this Modi has granted the most unreasonable concessions to Washington. So much ado for nothing. Meanwhile, countries like Brazil, which stood their ground and refused to rush into a deal with the U.S., must feel vindicated in their decision not to blink first. Tough days for the BJP ecosystem. They have to wake up to a new definition of the "masterstroke" everyday," he remarked. Pawan Khera said that the recent US-India trade maneuvers not a "masterstroke," but a strategic misstep. His critique comes after India rushed into an interim deal on February 6 to lower a massive 50% penal tariff (imposed by the Trump administration over Russian oil imports) down to 18%. However, after the US Supreme Court struck down those global tariffs as unconstitutional on February 20, the legal floor for most countries theoretically dropped back to the 3.4% - 3.5% MFN rate. By having already "agreed" to an 18% reciprocal rate in the interim deal, Khera argued India has effectively locked itself into a much higher burden than it would have faced if it had simply "blinked last." There was no immediate response from the government to his remarks. Earlier on Saturday, US President Donald Trump said that he is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries announced yesterday "to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level. "In a post on his social media handle Truth Social, Trump also said that during "the next short number of months", his Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue "the extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again". "Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been 'ripping' the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level," Trump said. "During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again - GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP," the post added. The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration exceeded its legal authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose broad-based import tariffs. Terming SC's ruling as a "terrible decision", Trump on Friday announced he would sign an executive order for a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This authority allows for a temporary import surcharge (up to 15%) for 150 days to address balance-of-payments deficits. (ANI)
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory that resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in an official statement, said India strongly condemned Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that led to civilian deaths, including those of women and children.

Condemning Pakistans action, Jaiswal described it as an attempt by Islamabad to externalise its internal failures.

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It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures, the statement said.

Jaiswal also reiterated Indias support for Afghanistan, stating that India stands firmly for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, he said.

The MEAs remarks came after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on militant targets inside Afghanistan on February 22, 2026, aiming at groups blamed for recent attacks on Pakistani soil.

Afghanistan reacts

Following the strikes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) summoned Pakistans ambassador in Kabul over what it termed Pakistani army attacks in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul, the statement said, adding that the envoy was called in after attacks in Nangarhar and Paktika that allegedly left dozens of civilians dead or wounded.

Human rights group flags Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory

Meanwhile, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) issued an urgent warning over verified reports of a devastating airstrike in Afghanistans Behsud district.

In a post on X, the organisation said a Pakistani military strike hit a civilian home, leading to the massacre of at least 16 members of a single family.

The victims, including men, women and children, ranged in age from a one-year-old infant to an 80-year-old elder, according to local sources cited by the IHRF.

The foundation said the incident represented not just a loss of life, but the complete annihilation of a family lineage.

While 16 relatives were killed, two children reportedly survived the strike, and at least one other person, identified as 20-year-old Riyazullah, was injured.

Those killed included 80-year-old Shahabuddin, 30-year-old Sharakat and 40-year-old Muhmanda, along with several other adults and minors.

Emphasising the human cost, the IHRF said, They are not numbers; they are human beings.

The Behsud strike appears to be part of a wider campaign. Tolo News reported that Pakistani aircraft carried out multiple air raids in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar and also targeted a religious seminary in the Bermal district of Paktika province.

Pakistan has reportedly conducted several strikes since Saturday in Bermal and Argun in Paktika, as well as in Khogyani, Behsud and Ghani Khel districts of Nangarhar.

(With ANI inputs)
Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that it now views the naval and air forces of all European Union countries as terrorist organisations.

This decision came directly in response to the EU recently adding Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a key part of its military, to its official terrorist list.

The ministry issued a formal statement calling the EU's step illegal and a clear violation of core United Nations Charter principles and international law rules.

They stressed that Iran is acting on a "reciprocity" basis, following a 2019 law triggered by similar US actions against the IRGC, which could lead to frozen assets and sanctions on those EU forces.

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This tit-for-tat move heightens tensions, as the IRGC faces new EU restrictions like asset freezes and funding bans, amid broader regional strains including US military presence and Iranian drills.

Invoking the Article 7 of the Law on "Reciprocal Action in Response to the Designation of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization by the US" passed in 2019, which stipulates that "all countries that in any way follow or support the decision of the United States to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization are subject to reciprocal action," Iran made this decision, as per the Foreign Ministry statement.

This comes after the EU designated Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organisation, placing the powerful military force in the same category as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

Formed after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution to safeguard the Shi'ite clerical system, the IRGC wields significant influence across Iran's economy and armed forces and oversees the country's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.

Meanwhile, the US, Israel, and their allies keep pressing Iran to stop enriching uranium. They worry Tehran is trying to build nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran to agree on a nuclear deal in 10 to 15 days. Otherwise, bad things will happen.

On Thursday, Trump told reporters, "We will get a deal, or it will be unfortunate for them. Ten to fifteen days is enough time."

At the Board of Peace meeting, Trump repeated the warning. He said Iran must join the US path now. If not, it faces a different road.

Trump added that Iran cannot keep making the region unstable. They must make a deal, or bad things will follow.

The US sent air and naval forces to West Asia. This is the biggest buildup since the 2003 Iraq invasion, says CNN.

CNN reports the US military may strike Iran this weekend. Trump has not decided yet, sources say.



(with ANI inputs)


The ongoing US-Iran tensions have taken a flip, with the negotiations talks from Oman to Geneva, leaders drawing red lines and US President Donald Trumps stark 10-15 day ultimatum to Iran, demanding a nuclear deal centered on completely abandoning uranium enrichment or facing severe consequences.

Reports indicate President Donald Trump is contemplating military options well beyond diplomacy, including targeted strikes on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba, and key mullahs.

According to reports, US President Trump is weighing his options, one of which is taking out" the nation's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Imam Ali Khamenei, his son, and the mullahs.

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Also Read: EXPLAINED | Talks in Geneva, tensions in Hormuz: Whos blocking a US-Iran breakthrough?

US plans to assassinate Iranian leader?

According to an Axios report citing multiple sources, President Trump is evaluating various military scenarios, including one targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his potential successor, son Mojtaba, for assassination.

"They have plans for every scenario. One option eliminates the ayatollah, his son, and the mullahs," a senior Trump advisor told Axios. The advisor stressed no final decision exists, "What the president chooses, no one knows. I don't think he knows". Another senior administration official confirmed the Khamenei and son Mojtaba assassination plan was briefed to Trump weeks ago.

Trump is maintaining strategic flexibility and could greenlight an attack anytime, a third Trump administration source said, including potential direct strikes on Iran's top leadership accroding to reports.

US troop movement intensified in Portugal and the Gulf

As US-Iran tensions escalate over Tehran's nuclear program, the United States has sharply escalated military deployments in Portugal's Azores islands and across Gulf bases, positioning forces for potential rapid strikes.

Several reports confirm an unprecedented buildup at Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island, alongside massive reinforcements in Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, fueling speculation of imminent action against Iran.

US troops stationed at Al Udeid in Qatar and Bahrain's 5th Fleet hub, a New York Times report detailed precautionary evacuations of hundreds of personnel amid fears of Iranian retaliatory strikes.

Quoting unnamed Pentagon officials, the Times noted, "Troops had been evacuated from key hubs like Al Udeid... and bases in Bahrain," though a senior US official later dismissed it to Fox News, insisting "there had been no such mass evacuation," fueling mixed signals as carriers like USS Gerald R. Ford surged toward the region.

This comes alongside buildups of 30,000-40,000 troops, fighter wings, and destroyers, per NYT mappings of the "armada" buildup, the largest since the 2003 Iraq Invasion.

US troops' lavish meal..a signal for a possible attack?

The escalating situation between Washington and Tehran, social media platforms erupted with photos of US troops at Gulf bases savoring steak, lobster, crab legs, and pie, igniting a viral theory that such lavish "surf-and-turf" meals signal an imminent strike on Iran.

Social media users drawing parallels to pre-2025 nuclear site attacks when similar feasts preceded action; experts note these boost morale but fuel speculation amid Trump's 10-15 day uranium ultimatum demanding zero enrichment.

The buzz aligns with the massive deployment of troops in Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and Gerald R. Ford near Hormuz, plus F-35s and tankers at Portugal's Lajes Air Base, though the claims have not been confirmed by the Pentagon. The timing aligns with the nearing deadline for Tehran.












Pakistan announced early on Sunday that it had conducted strikes along its border with Afghanistan, targeting the hideouts of militants it accuses of being behind a recent wave of deadly attacks inside the country.

As per reports, at least 17 members of a single family have been killed i the early morning airstrikes.

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Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the military carried out "intelligence-based, selective operations" against seven camps linked to the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its associated groups. He also mentioned that an affiliate of the Islamic State group was targeted in the border area.

Islamabad did not disclose the precise locations of the strikes, and there was no immediate response from Kabul.

However, social media reports indicated that the attacks took place within Afghanistan. Pakistani media, citing the Ministry of Information, reported that the targets included camps of Fitna al Khwarij and Daesh Khorasan Province.

According to Tolo News, Pakistani Air Force jets struck a religious seminary in the Bermal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province and carried out several airstrikes in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar province.

Strikes were also reported in Argun in Paktika, as well as in the Bahsod and Ghani Khel districts of Nangarhar. According to Geo News the operation was carried out "with precision and accuracy" as a response to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during Ramzan.

The recent strikes followed a suicide attack in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Authorities later identified the attacker as an Afghan national. Just hours before the border operation, another suicide bomber struck a security convoy in Bannu district, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Pakistani military warned that it will not "exercise any restraint" and that operations against those responsible for disrupting Pakistan peace and stability would continue irrespective of their location.



Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, while emphasising that the safety and security of its citizens remain the highest priority. He added that Pakistan possesses conclusive evidence showing that recent attacks including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad earlier this month, which killed 31 people were orchestrated by militants under the direction of their Afghanistan-based leaders and handlers.

According to Dawn news, Pakistan's Foreign Officer also indicated a tougher stance.

Its spokesperson said, Pakistan very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan. So, as long as this demand is not met, whilst exercising patience, all options would obviously remain on the table.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent years, most of Islamabad blamed on the TTP and Baloch separatist groups. TTP is different from Afghanistan's Taliban but one of its close ally. Taliban returned to power in 2021 after US troops pullout from the Afghanistan.

Pakistan has continuously accused the TTP of conducting its operation inside Afghanistan, claim vehemently denied by the group and the Kabul.

Ties between the two nations have stayed tense since October, when violent border clashes resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants. While a Qatar-mediated ceasefire has largely been maintained, negotiations in Istanbul did not yield a formal agreement, keeping bilateral ties under strain.
A 20-year-old man was fatally shot early Sunday after breaching the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's private estate and resort in Palm Beach, Florida, without authorization, according to the U.S. Secret Service. According to a statement from the Secret Service, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am (local time).

According to an official statement, the incident occurred on February 22nd when a 20-year-old man entered a secure area of Mar-a-Lago without permission. He was subsequently shot by US Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO).

During the time of the incident, the US President was, however, not present at the location, as official statements confirmed there were no Secret Service protectees on-site, NDTV reported.

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The identity of the armed intruder has not yet been revealed. Moreover, according to the statement, the individual was observed to be carrying what appeared to be a "shotgun and a fuel can."

"The individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced deceased. The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can," the statement read.

"U.S. Secret Service agents and a PBSO deputy confronted the individual, and shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter. No U.S. Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured. There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident," it added.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, in a post on X, informed about the incident and said that further details will be shared at a press briefing later.

"An armed man was shot & killed by U.S. Secret Service agents & @PBCountySheriff after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early this morning. A press briefing with additional details will be held at 9:00 a.m with

@FBI and Palm Beach County," Guglielmi said.

An armed man was shot & killed by U.S. Secret Service agents & @PBCountySheriff after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early this morning. A press briefing with additional details will be held at 9:00 a.m with @FBI and Palm Beach County. pic.twitter.com/jAXhdb1xEL  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 22, 2026

The individual's background, his motive, and other details of the incident are under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
The world is on a 48-hour countdown to a potential global conflict as reports of a Trump Monday strike on Iran send shockwaves through international capitals. Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has ignited a World War 3 alert by claiming that a final decision to attack Tehran has been reached within the White House, with military action scheduled for Monday or Tuesday.

Former CIA claims

Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou said, "I have a friend, a former CIA officer, who was at the White House this morning talking to his friends, and he says that a decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday."

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However, there has been no official confirmation from the White House, the Pentagon, or the Trump administration, and the claim remains unverified.

BREAKING | White House Leaks: Trump to attack Iran Tomorrow or Tuesday!



According to sources close to former CIA officer John Kiriakou, President Trump is prepared to launch a military strike against Iran.



The attack is expected as early as tomorrow or Tuesday.



Kiriakou pic.twitter.com/EuBJkQ4UBW | Gaith (@ig9wi) February 22, 2026

US Military substantial buildup around Iran

Kiriakous assertion comes amid reports of significant US military repositioning across the Middle East. As of February 2026, a substantial American buildup is visible around Iran. Two carrier strike groups, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, now anchor a naval formation of nine destroyers in the Arabian Sea. More than 250 combat aircraft, including stealth F-22 fighters and nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, are stationed across bases in Jordan and Qatar, positioning US forces for a potential rapid strike.

Russia signals support for Iran amid Trump strike tensions

Russia has indicated firm military and technical backing for Iran, describing any possible US strike as "dangerous." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow supports Tehran and noted that the two countries are holding joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman this week. Reports also suggest Russia has positioned S-400 air defence systems to help shield Iranian sites. However, Moscow has clarified that it does not plan to enter direct combat and would instead focus on sharing real-time intelligence to help Iran track US naval activity.

Iran signals retaliation capability

Tehran, meanwhile, has signalled it is preparing for the worst. Iranian officials have reportedly warned that the country would directly target the United States if attacked, including the possible use of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) such as the "Mazio," which is said to have a 10,000-km range capable of reaching Washington, DC, and New York.

In anticipation of a possible conflict, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has delegated significant authority to National Security Chief Ali Larijani, underscoring the seriousness with which Tehran is treating the situation. Khamenei has also ordered extensive contingency planning, including multiple layers of leadership succession if senior figures, including himself, are killed.

Iran has already placed its military on high alert, repositioned missile systems to strategic locations, conducted military drills, and readied domestic security forces to contain potential wartime unrest, signalling that both sides are preparing for a period of heightened tension.

(With ANI inputs)
The United States has started the strategic movement of military personnel from several Middle Eastern bases for undisclosed operations. This move comes amid rising concerns over a possible direct military confrontation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to The Jerusalem Post, citing The New York Times, Pentagon officials reported that hundreds of troops have been relocated from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as per the information given by Pentagon officials.

Similar troop movements have been observed at multiple US installations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, home to the Navys 5th Fleet, as well as in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Officials have reportedly expressed concern that the 30,000 to 40,000 US forces stationed in the region could become primary targets for Iran in the event of a full-scale conflict.

Military experts noted that a potential conflict would be different from the June 2025 strike on Al Udeid, when Iranian authorities had given the US prior warning.

According to the Jerusalem Post, Iranian mission to the UN has issued a stark warning, which said that, in case of any American attack, "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."

In response to these threats, the US is reportedly strengthening its regional presence by deploying air defence systems in a view to protect its forces and assets.

Additionally, two aircraft carriers are being kept at a safe distance from Iranian territory to reduce their vulnerability to potential retaliation. Reports said these manoeuvres shows a high level of preparedness for a possibly prolonged engagement.

Although the Trump administration officially continues to pursue a diplomatic solution, insiders suggest that Tehrans current proposals may be insufficient to dissuade US President Donald Trump from considering military action.

Reports also said that the internal planning has grown more detailed and ambitious, with the President recently raising the possibility of regime change in Iran.
US President Donald Trump increased a newly imposed global tariff to 15% from 10%, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a step that escalates his trade offensive just a day after the Supreme Court struck down significant parts of his previous tariff regime.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the increase followed a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday by the Supreme Court.

I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ripping the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level, he wrote.

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Earlier, Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers (IEEP) Act on April 2, 2025, to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries.

He used IEEP based tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada, citing their alleged failure to control the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the US On February 20, 2026.

Trump also said that he would consider other alternatives to bypass the Supreme Courts ruling.

Lets understand what is Section 122 that Donald Trump has invoked to impose global tariffs.

Section 122

Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the US President to impose tariffs of up to 15% on a country to address a large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficit. Such tariffs can be applied for a maximum of 150 days unless extended by Congress, and the President must consult Congress on their implementation and continuation. This provision has never been used before. Trump announced that he would initiate a Section 122 process on February 20, to impose a 10% global tariff. And on February 21, he raised the 10% global tariffs to 15% using same Section.

Trump referenced Section 301, 232 and 122 tariffs during his press conference on Friday after the US Supreme Court said his use of emergency powers granted by them was unlawfully used to impose sweeping tariffs on imports.

Section 301

Under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, tariffs can be imposed if the US Trade Representative (USTR) determines that a trading partner has engaged in what it considers unfair trade practices. This mechanism has previously been applied to several countries, including India.

The most recent probe against India was launched in 2020 by the first Trump administration in response to New Delhis digital services tax.

Section 232

Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962 allows tariffs to be imposed on specific sectors, not broadly,when the Secretary of Commerce determines they are necessary for national security. US presidents have occasionally chosen not to act on such findings.

The Trump administration has previously used Section 232 tariffs and continues to apply them across multiple sectors. For example, India is subject to 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium, automobiles, copper, and related products. Companies can sometimes obtain exemptions, which has been used as a politically acceptable means to maintain tariffs while limiting their practical impact.

According to the report of the Wall Street Journal, the Supreme Courts 6-3 ruling rejected the Trump administrations argument that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authorised the sweeping duties.

Some reports suggest, goods already under national security tariffs, such as steel and automobiles, would be exempt from the additional 15% levy.

Looking ahead, the administration is expected to consider using Section 301 and Section 232 to impose more targeted, country- or sector-specific tariffs, although these measures require investigations that may take several months.
A horrific case of brutality against a 19-year-old student has come to light in Gurugram. The victim is currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. It is alleged that the girl's boyfriend poured sanitiser on her private parts and set them on fire. FIR was registered in Gurugram against Shivam, after he allegedly set the private parts of his live-in partner on fire after pouring sanitiser on her and shot her video during the act. Sections 115, 118(1), 118(2), 127(2), 69 and 351(2) of BNS have been invoked in the FIR. The FIR was filed on February 19, 2026, at 8:35 PM. The FIR, registered based on her statement, states that he was having a physical relationship with her under the pretext of marriage, thrashing her and subjecting her to violence. The victim, a student, met a young man named Shivam from Narela, Delhi, through an online app. The case of extreme cruelty occurred in the Badshahpur police station area of Gurugram. The police have registered a case under serious sections and started an investigation. According to the FIR, the victim is originally from Tripura and was living in a PG in Sector-69, Gurugram, while pursuing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology. She met Shivam through an online app, and they began talking in September 2025, which later led to meetings. The victim alleges that the accused established forced physical relations with her under the pretext of marriage. After this, they lived together in Gurugram for some time. During this period, the accused began doubting her and started physically assaulting her. According to the statement recorded in the FIR, on February 16, 2026, the accused brutally thrashed the victim. It is alleged that he attacked her head with a steel bottle, smashed her head against the wall and furniture, hit her with an earthen pot, and even attempted to set her private parts on fire after pouring sanitiser on them. Furthermore, the accused attacked her legs with a knife and threatened that he would beat her so badly that she would never be able to walk or become a mother. The victim also alleged that the accused recorded nude videos of her. On the night of February 18, the victim managed to use the accused's phone to tell her mother everything in Bengali, as the accused did not understand the language. Her mother then called 112. The police arrived at the spot and admitted the victim to the Sector-10 government hospital. Initially, doctors declared her unfit to give a statement and later referred her to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. There, doctors declared her fit to give a statement, after which the police recorded her detailed testimony. (ANI)
Waris Pathan on Saturday said there is nothing wrong if the family of senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar seeks an investigation into the reported plane crash incident. Speaking with ANI, Pathan said, Ajit Pawar was a senior leader of Maharashtra. If his family wants an investigation, there is nothing wrong. "Ajit Pawar was a senior leader of Maharashtra... If his family wants an investigation, there is nothing wrong... Rohit Pawar is also raising a lot of questions", he said. He further added that questions are being raised by Rohit Pawar regarding the incident, and these concerns should be addressed. 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. As per the sources, aircraft accident investigations are carried out strictly in accordance with established international AAIB protocols and ICAO norms. These inquiries are technical, transparent, and entirely evidence-driven. They added that the matter should be left to the investigating agencies and described attempts to politicise the tragedy as unfortunate. "Rather than making wild allegations, we should let the investigating bodies do their job and come up with evidence-based answers. Unfortunately, the tragic loss of a respected political leader is being politicised for narrow political gains. The TDP has always held Ajit Pawar in the highest regard and remains fully committed to ensuring that the truth emerges and that those responsible, if any, are held accountable," the sources said. After Pawar's death, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, have raised questions over the incident, suggesting "foul play. Earlier in the day, NCP-SCP leader Rohit Pawar called for the personal involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the plane crash that led to the demise of Ajit Pawar. While addressing a press conference, he said that it is important to figure out whether the accident was a political controversy or a commercial controversy. He said, "If we talk about conspiracies, there can be two types of conspiracies: political and commercial. We want to find out which one it is. Another thing is that if someone is supporting or protecting the VSR company, which is responsible for it, that could also be a conspiracy. So many powerful people are behind this company. DGCA officials are behind it." (ANI)
Chris Hemsworth's children "don't care" about his global stardom.

Chris Hemsworth with his wife, Elsa Pataky, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan

The 42-year-old actor thinks daughter India, 13, and 11-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan - whom he has with his 49-year-old wife, model-and-actress Elsa Pataky - loved his films when they were younger, but have grown less interested.

Asked if his children are scoring him "cool points" for being a big film star, Chris told People: "They don't care. They dont care at all.

"I reckon when they first realised I was Thor, they thought it was really cool. And then they realised they couldn't fly, and they thought it was less cool.

"Now they're just like, 'Ah, Dad, whatever.' Teenagers."

The Crime 101 star and Elsa - who got married in his native Australia in December 2010, months after they were introduced by his talent agent, William Ward, earlier that year - welcomed India, Sasha and Tristan into the world in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Following their births, Chris - who grew up with little money - taught them the value of hard work.

In July 2017, the Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga cast member explained to People: "As a kid, we had very little money, and my parents saved up all year to just pay for a two-week camping vacation.

"Financially, were in a different position, but I want to make sure they know these things dont come easy. You have to work for it, and you cant take it for granted.

"Success is more about the values we have and the type of people we are rather than the material objects that we might obtain."

In 2015, Chris admitted that he relishes the challenges of fatherhood and that being a dad has changed his outlook on life, as well as his illustrious movie career.

The Extraction actor explained to E! News: "I think it makes you less selfish, because it's no longer about you.

"It can't be. It's about someone else, which is refreshing. It's nice to not spend all your time thinking about your own problems and garbage up there, and I just have so much fun doing it. It's the best.

"And now I'm a bit more choosy, I think, with when I work and how I work because it better be worthwhile to take me away from them."
Prime Minister Narendra Narendra Modi will visit Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday to inaugurate and dedicate projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore. PM will also inaugurate India's first Namo Bharat RRTS and dedicate the entire Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the Nation. At around 12:30 PM, the Prime Minister will flag off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station. From there, PM Modi will undertake a Metro Ride till Meerut South Station. At around 1 PM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore in Meerut. He will also address the gathering on the occasion, according to the release. The Prime Minister will dedicate the entire 82 Km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. He will inaugurate the remaining sections of India's first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). These include the 5 km section between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. With a design speed of 180 km per hour, Namo Bharat is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System. It will connect major urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut with Delhi at a faster pace. Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations to be commissioned with this inauguration. It is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and Ring Road. The other three Namo Bharat stations, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, being commissioned are in Meerut. According to the release, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram, operating on the same infrastructure as Namo Bharat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Meerut Metro will be India's fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. Metro will cover the entire stretch in just 30 minutes, with all the scheduled stoppages enroute. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Meerut Metro and the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail corridor on Sunday calling it a major gift for the people of the national capital. (ANI)
After the 'darshan', Adani said that he prayed for the well-being of the countrymen.

"It was my long-held wish to offer prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham. I feel very blessed to have offered prayers here. I prayed for the well-being of the people of Jharkhand and the nation..." he said.

Earlier, on Tuesday, he signalled a massive shift in India's technological role with a commitment to invest USD 100 billion in AI-ready data centres by 2035.

In a post on Twitter, he said, "Renewable energy. Grid resilience. Hyperscale AI. A $250B intelligence ecosystem in motion. India will not follow the AI century. India will shape it."

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 computing 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. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Meerut on Sunday. CM Yogi went to the airport to receive the PM Modi and felicitated him with a bouquet. In a post on X, Yogi wrote, "A heartfelt welcome and felicitation to the world's most popular politician, the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, who is ceaselessly serving to make the lives of 1.45 billion Indians seamless, simple, and effortless, on his revolutionary visit to Meerut." The Prime Minister flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station. PM Modi is set to undertake a Metro Ride till Meerut South Station. PM Modi is set to inaugurate and dedicate projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore. PM will also inaugurate India's first Namo Bharat RRTS and dedicate the entire Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the Nation. The Prime Minister will dedicate the entire 82 Km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. He will inaugurate the remaining sections of India's first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). These include the 5 km section between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. With a design speed of 180 km per hour, Namo Bharat is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System. It will connect major urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut with Delhi at a faster pace. Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations to be commissioned with this inauguration. It is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and Ring Road. The other three Namo Bharat stations, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, being commissioned are in Meerut. According to the release, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram, operating on the same infrastructure as Namo Bharat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Meerut Metro will be India's fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. Metro will cover the entire stretch in just 30 minutes, with all the scheduled stoppages enroute. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Meerut Metro and the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail corridor on Sunday calling it a major gift for the people of the national capital. (ANI)
Congress leader Imran Masood slammed the Central Government over the trade framework with the US, asserting that the ruling BJP is forcing America to enter Indian markets the way the East India Company entered in the past. Speaking to ANI, Masood called the BJP the real "traitors" of the country as he rejected criticism made over the Youth Congress protest during the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam. "Was the country being honoured when you displayed your name on other people's goods? You created a spectacle in the name of the AI Summit. What did you get? They have turned the country into a den of corruption. They can keep protesting; they have already ruined the country. They are calling us traitors. The traitors are those who stabbed us in the back, who surrendered to America. You have opened all the doors, and you have turned the country into a market. Just like the East India Company came into India, you are trying to force America into India," he said. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday also criticised the Centre over the India-US interim trade deal, alleging that despite claims of a "masterstroke," India is facing an effective tariff burden of 18.4 per cent. In a post on X, Khera said, "All pain, no gain. khaayaa piyaa kuch nhiiN, glaas todd'aa baarh aanaa After all the 'masterstroke' claims and clamour, India once again ends up with an effective 18.4% tariff burden. It is 15% + 3.4% (average MFN rate) = 18.4%."The India-US trade deal has left India with an effective 18.4% tariff burden, sparking criticism of the Modi government's concessions to the US. Pawan Khera slammed the deal as "all pain, no gain," pointing out that countries like Brazil refused to rush into a deal and are now vindicated. He said that the recent US-India trade maneuvers not a "masterstroke," but a strategic misstep. His critique comes after India rushed into an interim deal on February 6 to lower a massive 50% penal tariff (imposed by the Trump administration over Russian oil imports) down to 18%. Congress has demanded that the Centre immediately pause the Indo-US interim trade framework following the US Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs, as the apex court called global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump "illegal". Afterwards, Trump on Saturday said that he is raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries announced yesterday "to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level. "In a post on his social media handle Truth Social, Trump also said that during "the next short number of months", his Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue "the extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again". (ANI)
BJP spokesperson NV Subhash slammed Telangana Chief Minsiter Revanth Reddy for allegedly offering Rs 1000 crore for "financial requirements of the Gandhi family." Subhash took to social media platform X to share a purported video of Reddy in which the Chief Minister is heard saying, "People of Telangana can offer Rs 1000 crore if the Gandhi family has financial requirements.' The BJP leader accused Reddy of offering Telangana's public money to the Gandhi family, while alleging that the State serves as an "ATM for 10 Janpath," the residence of the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia Gandhi. "Shocking statement by CM Revanth Reddy! While Telangana's youth await DSC notifications and farmers struggle for Rythu Bharosa, the CM boasts about mobilising Rs 1,000 crore for the "financial requirements" of the Gandhi family. Is Telangana's hard-earned revenue meant for public welfare or for serving a single dynasty in Delhi? For Congress, is Telangana a state to develop or merely an ATM for 10 Janpath? People deserve a government that prioritises their needs, not the high command's," the BJP leader wrote. The BJP's IT department in charge, Amit Malviya, also slammed Reddy and Congress over his remarks. On similar lines as NV Subhash, Malviya wrote on X, "Shocking statement by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy! At a time when Telangana's youth are waiting for DSC notifications and farmers are struggling for Rythu Bharosa, the Chief Minister boasts about mobilising Rs 1,000 crore for the 'financial requirements' of the Gandhi family. Not too long ago, the Telangana CM had claimed that he had no money for loan repayment and infrastructure. Is Telangana's hard-earned revenue meant for public welfare or for serving a single dynasty in Delhi? For the Congress, is Telangana a state to develop, or merely an ATM for 10 Janpath? The people of Telangana deserve a government that prioritises their aspirations, livelihoods and future, not the demands of a high command." (ANI)
In a major development in the ongoing anti-terror offensive in Jammu and Kashmir, security forces on Sunday neutralised two terrorists during a joint operation in the rugged terrains of Kishtwar district under Operation Trashi-I, the Indian Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps said. An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Kishtwar earlier. According to the White Knight Corps, actionable intelligence was received from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Army's own sources about the presence of terrorists operating in the dense forest belts of the Chatroo areas. "Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from #JKP, #IB and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under Operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area," the White Knight Corps said in a post on X. https://x.com/whiteknight_ia/status/2025499795838657021 The Army said that contact with the terrorists was re-established at approximately 11:00 am in challenging terrain, where troops of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), re-engaged the terrorists. During the firefight, the security forces dominated the encounter site and successfully neutralised two terrorists. Weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and other war-like stores, were recovered from the site. "The hunt continues -- those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary," the Corps added. Operation Trashi-I, launched in January, has focused on challenging forested and mountainous areas of Kishtwar, including Chatroo, Sonnar, Dolgam and Dichhar, involving multiple cordon and search operations and firefights. Security forces continued their searches in the Kishtwar area to ensure that no hostile elements remain at large. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, describing the recently concluded AI Impact Summit as a "national embarrassment" and accusing the ruling party of prioritising optics over substance. Khera's critique focused on the absence of mention of the Galgotias University controversy in the Prime Minister's address to the nation, the 131st edition of the monthly radio broadcast - Mann ki baat. The university has faced intense social media scrutiny following the summit, with critics labelling it a symbol of staged innovation. In a post on X, Khera wrote, "Empty vessels make the most noise. Today's brief to BJP leaders is: flood every platform with praise for Modi's Mann ki Baat. They've been instructed to particularly glorify the AI summit. Yet, curiously, the centrepiece, the highlight, the national embarrassment - Galgotias University - found no mention in the Prime Minister's monologue. No remorse, no apology, no assurance of higher standards in the future. And perhaps understandably so - after all, announcing one's own folly and incompetence is never easy." Khera analogised "empty vessels make the most noise" and claimed that BJP leaders were briefed to flood every platform with praise for Mann Ki Baat while ignoring the "national embarrassment" of the university at the summit. He added that there was "no remorse, no apology, and no assurance of higher standards in the future", suggesting that "announcing one's own folly and incompetence is never easy." Furthermore, the Congress leader alleged that BJP-ruled states routinely spend taxpayers' money to orchestrate public listening events for Mann Ki Baat so that senior ministers can be photographed applauding the Prime Minister. He described the BJP as an "echo-chamber of yes-men." "Also missing was any acknowledgement that BJP-ruled states routinely spend taxpayers' money on to orchestrate public listening events for Mann ki Baat - staged so Chief Ministers, Deputy CMs, and ministers can be photographed dutifully applauding the self-styled "masterstroke deal-maker." BJP is an echo-chamber of yes-men," the post further read. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat to laud the summit as a turning point for global AI. He highlighted the launch of three "Made in India" AI models that he claims will redefine the domestic tech landscape, specifically mentioning Sarvam AI's LLMs, Gnani.ai's Vachana text-to-speech model, and BharatGen's Param2 17B multilingual foundational model. The Prime Minister specifically highlighted innovations at the Amul booth regarding AI-powered livestock management and the digital preservation of the Sushruta Samhita. He noted that world leaders showed great interest in learning about Bharat's ancient knowledge through these modern AI avatars, emphasising the summit's success in showcasing India's technological and cultural fusion. (ANI)
The role of two Bangladeshi handlers, Saidul Islam and Shabbir Ahmed Lone, has been clarified in the LeT-linked terror module busted by Delhi Police Special Cell. Shaidul reportedly facilitated Shabbir's illegal entry into Bangladesh and arranged hideouts. He also shared details about a Tamil Nadu-based LeT-linked group. Investigators believe Shabbir was operating from Bangladesh while coordinating India-bound operations. The target was to use undocumented Bangladeshi nationals and procure local arms to evade border scrutiny. Propaganda was used as a precursor to operational escalation, enabling cross-border coordination between Bangladesh-based handlers and India-based operatives. This follows the Delhi Police Special Cell's bust of a terror module handled by a Lashkar handler in Bangladesh, preventing a major untoward incident. Additional CP, Special Cell, Pramod Kumar Kushwaha, revealed that the plot involved pasting anti-national posters at metro stations in Delhi, including Kashmiri Gate, echoing terrorist slogans. The CISF alerted the Metro unit of the Delhi Police, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Umar Farooq and Robil Ul Islam, in Kolkata. In a press conference, Kushwaha said, "A team from the Special Cell busted a module that was being handled by a Lashkar handler based in Bangladesh. A major untoward incident has been prevented. On February 7th, anti-national posters were pasted on pillars at the Kashmiri Gate Metro station and some nearby metro stations in Delhi. The CISF noticed this and brought it to the attention of the Metro unit of the Delhi Police. The Special Cell team went to Kolkata. "The suspects revealed that they were directed by Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a Kashmiri terrorist based in Bangladesh, who has a history of terrorist activities. Lone was arrested in 2007 with an AK-47 and grenades, and had escaped to Bangladesh after his release from jail in 2019. "In 2007, Shabbir Ahmed Lone was arrested, and AK-47, grenades were found on him, and he had come for 'fidayeen' to kill a senior political leader...He remained in jail for many years and was released in 2019. After his release, he again fled to Bangladesh. He is a resident of Ganderbal, Kashmir. Initial investigations have revealed that he reconnected with the LeT leadership and re-established his organisation to carry out terrorist activities," Kushwaha added. Further investigation led to the arrest of six more Bangladeshi nationals in Tamil Nadu, who were allegedly part of the plot. The police stated that Lone had reassembled his men and conducted dry runs, planning to carry out terrorist activities in India. (ANI)
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy affirmed that all the projects which are being taken up between Tummidihatti barrage and Bhadrachalam on the river Godavari will be completed. The Chief Minister also announced that the State Government is ready to resolve inter-state water disputes through a dialogue. If not, the government is ready to knock on the doors of the courts to protect the state's interests in the utilisation of the river Krishna and Godavari waters. The CM conducted a review of the progress of the Devadula project works with top irrigation officials today. According to the Chief Minister's Office release, during the meeting, CM Reddy said that former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for Devadula in 2001 and the works were still pending. "We wanted to complete the construction with determination, but the state was reeling under the mounting debt burden of Rs 8.11 lakh crore. We will release funds immediately and complete the project for which the estimations were already escalated to Rs 18,500 crore from Rs 6000 crore," he added. Stating that the government will not abandon the Kaleshwaram project, the Chief Minister said that Telangana stood number one in Paddy production without using a single drop of water from Kaleshwaram in 2 years. "We are not criticising the government for constructing Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages. Agencies are examining the changes which may happen inside the earth at the barrages," he added. We are taking precautions to prevent any damage in the future. "We also constituted an expert committee. Kaleshwaram is not their own property. It is people's money. We will bring Kaleshwaram back into use". Observing that the river Godavari water dispute has taken a political turn, the Chief Minister said that the State Government is ready for a dialogue with the neighbouring state on water sharing disputes. If it is not resolved through discussions, we are ready to approach the courts. We will do politics only during the elections. We are not hesitating for discussions with neighbouring states. CM Reddy ridiculed the opposition's allegations of helping the neighbouring states in the exploitation of the river Krishna and Godavari waters. "Will any of the leaders who contested and became public representatives from Telangana cooperate with AP? The opposition was indulging in cheap accusations against the government, the CM charged. Reiterating that all the pending projects will be completed in 2 years, the Chief Minister took strong exception to the opposition party's false propaganda on water issues when the government is striving to provide irrigation to the entire North Telangana. We faced numerous problems in the united Andhra Pradesh. All the projects should have been completed in the united AP state but the Telangana projects were neglected. The CM criticised the previous government for not completing the Pranahita, SRSP, and Devadula projects during the 10-year rule. Telangana would have utilised 967 TMC of water if the previous BRS completed these projects with available funds and water resources. The Chief Minister also slammed the BRS President K Chandrashekhar Rao for spreading canards against the government and spewing venom on people for supporting Congress in Assembly, Gram Panchayat, Municipal and by-elections held recently. CM Reddy noted that the government had already held a debate on the river Krishna water issues in the Assembly and clarified every doubt and apprehension raised by the opposition party. Now, the government is ready for a debate on Godavari water in the assembly. We hoped that the opposition would change. Unfortunately, the opposition remains the same. The CM stated that there is a possibility of lifting Godavari water to the Krishna catchment area. Except for Kaleshwaram, the remaining projects on the Godavari were ignored. The Chief Minister appealed to the opposition party to make suggestions to the government and are ready to invite them for the development of the State. We are also ready to rectify the mistakes, if any, during the 2-year rule. "Our goal is to provide irrigation water to every acre of land and drinking water to every citizen", the CM said, reiterating that Congress will be in power until 2034. (ANI)
Prateek Yadav, brother of Akhilesh Yadav, joined a rally in Lucknow on Sunday supporting street dogs while urging Supreme Court to "not make any inhumane decisions", from the Taj Hotel to 1090 Chauraha. He also appealed to the people to support and empower animal birth control programs and organisations. Prateek Yadav, speaking to ANI, said, "I would like to request the Honourable Supreme Court not to make any inhumane decision that goes against humanity, which would separate dogs, who are part of our society and have been domesticated by humans, from society. This is cruel and inhumane because dogs are social animals. They cannot live in confinement, and confining them is not possible or feasible for the government. It would require too much manpower, space, and shelter, which I don't think is possible. Instead, if we work on animal birth control and aim to reduce their population over the next 10 years, that's what the government should do. Work on animal birth control, not confinement." "I appeal for people to support and empower animal birth control programs and organisations. Focus on neutering, castration, and spaying and implement these on a larger scale," Yadav added. Speaking to ANI, Rashmi Singh, who was a participant at the rally, said," I feed street dogs and provide them with medical care. You can say I am an animal lover as well as a humanity lover. The message is simply that this Earth doesn't just belong to humans. The solution suggested by the Supreme Court is inhumane and unjust to animals. We need to find a solution where both humans and animals can coexist safely. What is happening now is like completely blindfolding the animals, which is not right. We just want a solution that isn't unjust to animals." The Supreme Court has also clarified on January that it had not directed the removal of every dog from the streets, and the direction was to treat these stray canines according to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria said, "We have not directed the removal of every dog from the streets. The direction is to treat them as per the rules." (ANI)
Jerry O'Connell got hypnotised to quit smoking.

Jerry O'Connell 'struggled with nicotine for decades'

The 52-year-old actor has not touched a cigarette for "14 years" after he spent "$800" on seeing a hypnotist in 2012.

Appearing on a recent episode of the Work in Progress podcast, Jerry told 43-year-old host Sophia Bush: "I struggled with nicotine for decades, had to get hypnotised. I haven't had a Ciggy in like 14 years."

The Stand by Me star was also motivated to stop after his 53-year-old wife, actress Rebecca Romijn, threatened not to touch him for months.

Jerry - who married Rebecca in July 2007 at their ranch in Calabasas, California, three years after they met at a Maxim Hot 100 party in Las Vegas, Nevada - continued: "Also, my wife said she would not touch me if I smoked, and that lasted about two months. And by the way, no contact.

"My wife said, 'I'm not touching you anymore until you quit smoking.' And I thought it was a joke. And then after like two weeks, there was no physical contact.

"After about three-and-a-half weeks, you realise it was serious, this was game on. And I was like, 'I gotta do something.' And I tried to quit, and I couldn't quit."

Explaining what led him to be hypnotised, the Jerry Maguire actor shared: "I knew a girl who had quit smoking, and I called her up, and I said, 'How did you do it?'

"And she said, 'I'm gonna give you the number of this lady.'

"And I went to see her, and I had to bring a photo of my children and my wife.

"And I sat down on her recliner, and she put her headphones on me, and there was like spa music. And she was like, 'I'm gonna count to 10. 10, nine, eight...' And I fell asleep."

Jerry - who has 17-year-old twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, with Rebecca - then feared he had wasted "$800" on the hypnosis session.

The Kangaroo Jack star said: "When I woke up, I had to pay her cash. This was 13, coming up on 14 years ago, I had to pay her $800 cash.

"I woke up, and I was like, 'That was baloney. What a joke. I can't believe I just gave some old lady $800. What a waste of money.'"

However, Jerry was relieved that the hypnosis worked.

He said: "I walked to my car, I got in it. I had a pack of Marlboro Mediums. Put the Ciggy in my mouth, brought the lighter up. I wanted it so bad. I couldn't light it.

"I swear to you. I've never been hypnotised for anything else."
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hailed the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (LGBIA), calling it a "giant symbol of emerging Assam." In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, "As Guwahati's new airport terminal welcomes its first passengers, it stands as a giant symbol of a new and emerging Assam, being built to embrace the multitude of opportunities that Viksit Bharat will offer." He also shared a video of the formal inauguration of operations at the new integrated terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati. He was accompanied by Adani Airports Director Jeet Adani. Earlier, the Chief Minister warmly greeted the first batch of passengers, ushering in a new and elevated travel experience for the region. "This airport was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025. Exactly after 2 months, the building has been operationalised. I would like to congratulate Adani Aviation for this achievement as well as the people of Assam," the Chief Minister told the media following the inauguration. Earlier at the event, the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "I express my gratitude, and we are thankful to Mr Gautam Adani for keeping his commitment of investing Rs 50,000 crore made during Advantage Assam 2.0, last year. I believe that with the operationalisation of this new Terminal, Assam's tourism will get a boost. It will be a game-changer for Assam. The culture of Assam has been respected during the construction of this new airport terminal, and as Assamese, we are proud of it." Meanwhile, Jeet Adani said the expansion reflects the region's evolving demand and long-term growth trajectory. "Today is more than a commercial milestone. It is a proud moment for the people of Assam and the North-East. This achievement belongs to the countless hands and hearts that turned vision into reality. It resonates with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision for future-ready infrastructure and with the Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma's mission to position Assam as the economic engine of the North-East," Adani said. The new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (LGBIA) began commercial operations this evening, raising annual passenger capacity to 13.1 million and reinforcing Guwahati's position as the principal aviation gateway to India's strategic North-Eastern region to South and Southeast Asia. (ANI)
A fire erupted in a shop near Old Seelampur Chowki in the Krishna Nagar police station area of Shahdara district earlier today, prompting a swift response from fire authorities. Several fire tenders were dispatched to the scene. No casualties have so far been reported, according to officials. Speaking to the reporters, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sanjay Kumar Tomar informed that while initially 5 fire tenders were sent to the spot, over 100 firemen and more than 20 fire units are currently engaged in dousing the fire. He stated that the narrow lanes, closed shops and stuck vehicles are causing difficulty, but the fire has been extinguished to a great extent. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tomar said, "Today at 1622 hours we received information about a fire in a shop. Initially, 5 fire tenders were sent here... The lanes here are quite narrow, many of our vehicles are stuck on the way, yet we have contained the fire from all sides. This building has a large number of shops on the ground floor... More than 100 of our firemen and over 30 of our fire units are present at the spot... We are making every effort... So far, there is no information on any casualties. The fire will be brought under control very soon... The shops are closed, which has increased our work because we have to break the locks... Our first priority is to prevent the fire from spreading, in which we have succeeded to a great extent, but it will take some time to completely extinguish the fire." Further details on the fire are awaited as the relief work continues. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro route today in Meerut, describing the project as a new surge of energy for a 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh' and a 'Viksit Bharat'. This event marks the first time in India that both a rapid rail and a metro service have been launched from a single platform on the same day. The Prime Minister stated that this project provides a magnificent glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a Developed India. The integrated system utilises the Metro for intra-city travel, and the Namo Bharat trains to accelerate the "Twin Cities" vision. Highlighting the work culture of the Double-Engine government, the Prime Minister noted that projects no longer hang in limbo. He emphasised that his government completes the work for which it laid the foundation stone, having personally led both the laying of the foundation stone and the inauguration of these services. During his visit, the Prime Minister travelled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. The Prime Minister lauded the project as a symbol of 'Nari-Shakti,' noting that most train operators and station control staff are women. He congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh on the country's first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service. Recalling his special bond with Meerut, the Prime Minister noted that his national election campaigns in 2014, 2019, and 2024 all began from this revolutionary land. He thanked the farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs of the region for their consistent blessings. "Before 2014, metro services reached only 5 cities, but now metros are running in more than 25 cities, making India the third-largest network in the world," PM Modi noted. "A unique feature of the project is the integration of Indian Railways, Metro, and bus stands at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. For the first time in India, Namo Bharat and Metro rail will run on the same track and station", PM Modi highlighted. The Prime Minister noted that this integration allows commuters to travel within the city or to Delhi, thereby ending the compulsion for many workers and students to live in rented houses in Delhi. "The government's investment in modern infrastructure--including expressways, freight corridors, and the Jewar International Airport is creating vast employment opportunities. These projects attract new industries and businesses to the region", the Prime Minister stated. Describing Uttar Pradesh as a land of labour and creation, the Prime Minister said that the state's farmers and artisans are successfully realising the mantra of heritage and development. He noted that as India's global strength grows, developed nations are eager to sign trade agreements to tap into India's youth power. "Today, the world views India as a powerhouse capable of solving 21st-century challenges, directly benefiting the citizens of Uttar Pradesh", PM Modi remarked. Addressing the MSME sector, the Prime Minister highlighted a 10,000 crore rupee special fund in this year's union budget, which will make loans easier for MSMEs. He also mentioned the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana to help weavers reach global markets. The 10-lakh limit on sending goods via courier has been removed. This allows small entrepreneurs in Meerut and across UP to sell directly to customers in the US and Europe via online apps", the Prime Minister announced. "To honor the vision of Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, the government awarded him the Bharat Ratna. Inspired by him, the double-engine government is working to increase farmers' income through food processing and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under this scheme, nearly 95,000 crore rupees have already been provided to the farmers of Uttar Pradesh", PM Modi remarked. The Prime Minister emphasised that UP's development is paramount, noting the shift from an era of riots and crime to today's recognition for Brahmos, mobile manufacturing, and tourism. He stated that today, the criminals are in jail, the dignity of daughters is protected, and improved law and order has triggered a major economic surge and manufacturing boom. "UP is being transformed into a manufacturing hub, and recently, the foundation for the state's first semiconductor factory was laid. A developed Uttar Pradesh is essential for a developed India", the Prime Minister concluded. (ANI)
India and Brazil exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of regulation of pharmaceutical and medical products. The MoU was exchanged between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), marking an important step towards deeper regulatory collaboration between the two countries, according to a release. Director-President of ANVISA, Leandro Safatle and Indian Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, exchanged the MoU today in Hyderabad House in the presence of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil. The MoU establishes a structured framework for cooperation and exchange of information in the field of medical products, including pharmaceutical ingredients, drugs, biological products and medical devices. It aims to promote convergence in regulatory practices, enhance mutual understanding of regulatory systems and facilitate effective and coordinated oversight of medical products, the release stated. The exchange of the MoU reflects the shared commitment of India and Brazil to ensuring the availability of safe, effective and quality-assured medicines and medical products for their populations. The agreement is also expected to contribute to strengthening supply chains, encouraging regulatory best practices and supporting access to affordable healthcare solutions. The MoU between CDSCO and ANVISA builds upon the broader India-Brazil cooperation in the health sector and complements existing institutional mechanisms for bilateral engagement. It underscores the growing collaboration between the two countries in health, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, particularly in the context of their shared priorities as leading Global South partners. Through this MoU, both sides reaffirmed their intent to work closely in areas such as information sharing, regulatory capacity building, and cooperation in matters related to pharmaceutical and medical product regulation, in accordance with their respective national laws and regulations. The exchange of the MoU is expected to further strengthen India-Brazil relations and open new avenues for collaboration in the health and pharmaceutical sectors, contributing to improved public health outcomes in both countries. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18. During the period February 19-20 participated in the India AI Impact Summit. This is President Lula's fifth visit to India as President of Brazil. The visit comes seven months after the state visit of PM Modi to Brasilia on July 8, 2025. (ANI)
India and Brazil are exploring ways to strengthen their partnership, with Brazil showing interest in India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms. Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, said on Saturday that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed interest in the Indian UPI payments system. Discussions include adapting UPI-like frameworks for specific sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. Kumaran, while speaking at the Special Briefing by MEA on the State visit of the President of Brazil to India, said that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has proposed integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into DPI systems to enhance utilisation and drive policy initiatives. "There is a lot of interest in Brazil on some of our DPI platforms, whether it is linking our payment systems with theirs or using UPI for agriculture, for education or for healthcare. Some of our DPI-related NOS's are working with Brazilian counterparts to try to develop DPIs that Brazilians are interested in. Pharmaceuticals is another big area, and vaccines, artificial intelligence is again, you know very topical subject," he said. India and Brazil are working to link India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Brazil's Pix to facilitate cross-border transactions. A new Centre of Excellence for DPI is being established in Brazil, leveraging India's expertise in digital governance to support Brazilian initiatives. Silva also proposed to integrate AI in DPI systems. Brazil participated in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, focusing on sovereign AI models and responsible AI development. "President Lula suggested that we try to integrate AI into DPI platforms to try and maximize utilization of DPI platforms and use the data very effectively to drive policy initiatives. So there is a lot of mining and critical minerals. We already spoke about defence aircraft know an MOU with Embraer was signed, and President Lula pointed out that they will set up an assembly line or a production line for Embraer to manufacture regional jets in India. PM also asked for Embraer to set up an MRO, maintenance, repair and overhaul facility," he said. Kumaran said that both sides are also looking to enhance market access on both sides. "We are also talking about enhancing market access for agricultural products on either side. There were some crops that were named as areas where market access and tariff adjustments were suggested. But it's still too early. We will get into discussions and negotiations on how exactly to identify areas where we can mutually liberalise trade and open up each other's markets. I would suggest that we wait for details from the Ministry of Commerce," he said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18, 2026. During the period February 19-20 participated in the India AI Impact Summit. Today, he was given a traditional welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He, alongwith 11 ministers, met the Prime Minister and his delegation at Hyderabad House. This is President Lula's fifth visit to India as President of Brazil. The visit comes seven months after the state visit of the PM Modi to Brasilia on July 8, 2025. (ANI)
India and Brazil on Saturday set an ambitious target to boost their bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030, up from the previous goal of $20 billion. Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, informed that the decision was made during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's visit to India, where he emphasised that the earlier target wasn't ambitious enough. Kumaran, while speaking at the Special Briefing by MEA on the State visit of the President of Brazil to India, said that Silva thought that the earlier target was not ambitious enough, hence proposed a larger target. "We had set a target during PM's visit to Brazil for increasing bilateral trade from USD 15 billion to 20 billion by 2030. But President Lula today mentioned to the PM that 20 billion doesn't seem ambitious enough and that we should therefore try and target something higher, like 30 billion by 2030. And he said with the kind of excitement and interest there is on both sides. He said I have brought 11 ministers with 300 businessmen, which shows the kind of commitment there is to enhancing India-Brazil trade and investment. So he said our ambition should be much bigger," he said. The two countries are looking to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including Oil, gas, and renewable energy, launching Brazilian satellites and building satellites together, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel, agriculture, livestock, and healthcare, as well as Yoga. "You know the number of areas identified is in great detail in the joint statement. I would, for example, name the energy oil and gas sector, space opportunities to launch Brazilian satellites, work together to build satellites, there is a lot of cooperation possible in the area of bio energy, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, green economy, agriculture and livestock, healthcare, and traditional medicine. Yoga is also a subject of great interest in Brazil," Kumaran said. This move is expected to strengthen India-Brazil ties and promote economic growth. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18, 2026. During the period February 19-20 participated in the India AI Impact Summit. Today, he was given a traditional welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He, alongwith 11 ministers, met the Prime Minister and his delegation at Hyderabad House. This is President Lula's fifth visit to India as President of Brazil. The visit comes seven months after the state visit of the PM to Brasilia on July 8, 2025. (ANI)
Ukrainian forces carried out a strike on a key industrial facility, which produces ballistic missiles, in Russia's Udmurt region, DW reported, citing Ukrainian General Staff. Udmurt Republic head Alexander Brechalov confirmed the incident, stating on Telegram that "one of the republic's facilities was attacked by drones" launched by Ukraine. The Ukrainian military said it deployed domestically developed Flamingo missiles to hit the site, located around 1,400 kilometres from Ukraine. DW, citing Russian news Telegram channel Astra, reported that the intended target was the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a state-owned facility known for producing Iskander ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Footage shared by residents showed thick black smoke billowing over the area, with several buildings in Votkinsk sustaining damage, including shattered windows. Authorities temporarily suspended operations at multiple airports in the region following the strike. In a separate statement, the Ukrainian military said it also struck a gas processing plant in Russia's Samara region, DW reported. The attack comes days after US-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv concluded in Switzerland without any breakthrough. The meeting marked the third round of discussions facilitated by Washington, following earlier sessions in Abu Dhabi that officials had termed constructive but yielded no concrete progress. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia launched a massive strike with 29 missiles and about 400 drones According to a statement by Zelenskyy, nine people, including children, were injured in the attack. In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy slammed Moscow, saying that the strike shows its "true intent." The Ukrainian President claimed that Kyiv shot down 25 of 29 missiles fired by Russia. He said, "In the massive strike with which the Russians began the day, 29 missiles of various types were fired, and 25 were shot down. This is an important result for our air defence, and once again, we emphasise that air defence is a daily necessity. I thank all our partners who understand this. Russia greets with a strike even the very day new formats begin in Geneva--trilateral and bilateral with the United States. This very clearly shows what Russia wants and what it is truly intent on. Almost 400 drones were launched as well. (ANI)
The Indian and US armies will hold the 16th edition of joint Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar, at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 23 February to 15 March. According to the Indian Army, the exercise is designed to deepen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability and joint operational readiness and enable the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques and procedures. "Through rigorous training in realistic scenarios, both contingents will strengthen mutual trust and operational synergy," the Indian Army said in a post on X. https://x.com/adgpi/status/2025070623765172295?s=20 The 15th edition of the exercise was held in Idaho, US in 2024. 45 personnel, each from both sides, took part in the exercise. The Indian Army contingent was represented by Special Forces units, and the US Army contingent by the Green Berets of the US. The aim of this exercise is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through the enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics and to enhance combined capabilities in executing joint Special Forces operations in a desert/semi-desert environment. In 2023, the exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Individual Augmentees (IA) conducted various joint drills. During this exercise, troops from both countries conducted operations in a Mi-17 helicopter at Shillong's Umiam Lake. Additionally, helocasting operations were performed to showcase high standards of precision, synergy, and professionalism. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will also demonstrate its operational prowess through Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, Jaisalmer, on February 27, 2026. As the first, fastest, and fiercest responder, the IAF will highlight its capability to rapidly punish the enemy, dominate the operational environment from the outset, and decisively influence the course of operations by transforming tactical actions into strategic outcomes. The exercise will also provide glimpses of how the IAF plays a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management, offering rapid airlift and rescue and evacuation from conflict zones within the country as well as abroad. Full-spectrum operations involving fighter, transport, and helicopter platforms will be executed, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The exercise will also feature advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), performing day, dusk, and night missions to demonstrate the IAF's versatility and readiness. (ANI)
The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala, observed the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day-2026 with due respect and solemnity in Agartala on Saturday, organising a series of programmes to commemorate the historic Language Movement and honour the sacrifices of language martyrs. The observance was held in two phases. The first phase began at 9:00 am with the hoisting of the national flag of Bangladesh at half-mast and the rendition of the national anthem at the mission premises. This was followed by the laying of wreaths at a temporary Shaheed Minar set up at the High Commission compound, led by Assistant High Commissioner Hasan Al Bashar Abul Ulayee along with officials and staff of the mission, according to a release. Students and teachers of Ishwar Pathshala School in Tripura also paid floral tributes at the memorial. The Shaheed Minar was later opened to the public for offering respects. Messages issued on the occasion by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were read out, followed by special prayers seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the language martyrs and continued progress and prosperity of Bangladesh. A documentary on the Language Movement was also screened. In the second phase of the programme, guests paid floral tributes at the temporary Shaheed Minar in the afternoon. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of the Language Movement, followed by a discussion session highlighting the significance of the day, the release stated. The discussion session began with a welcome address by First Secretary Sharif Ahmed. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Vice Chancellor of Techno India University Ratan Kumar Saha, Principal of Agartala Government Medical College Anup Saha, noted businessman Priyanath Saha, senior journalist Amit Bhowmik, and President of Voluntary Health Association of Tripura Srilikha Roy. The speakers recalled with gratitude the contributions and sacrifices of the language martyrs. In his concluding remarks, Assistant High Commissioner Hasan Al Bashar Abul Ulayee highlighted how the historic Language Movement laid the foundation for a non-communal, democratic and language-based state system. He paid tribute to language martyrs, including Salam, Barkat, Rafique, Jabbar and Shafiul, and emphasised that the movement established Bengali nationalism, the release stated. He also expressed hope that children across the world would be able to speak and receive education in their mother tongue to ensure their intellectual development. (ANI)
The mission is being coordinated in partnership with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to address medical challenges in the region.

Taking to Truth Social to share the update, the President confirmed that the maritime initiative is currently in progress.

He noted that the administration is "Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It's on the way!!!"

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116111420567451198

The digital announcement was accompanied by a visual representation of the USNS Mercy, a prominent naval hospital ship.

This humanitarian move follows the President's December appointment of Landry to act as a special envoy to the Arctic territory.

Responding via the social media platform X, the Louisiana Governor expressed his gratitude, stating he is "proud to work" alongside the President regarding "this important issue."

Specifics regarding the nature of the health crisis or the exact objectives of the mission remain elusive.

Major entities, including the Pentagon, the US Navy, NORTHCOM, and the Danish Embassy, have been contacted for clarification, though formal details have not yet been provided.

The deployment comes on the heels of a shift in diplomatic tone.

Last month, the President indicated he had "formed the framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland during discussions with the head of NATO.

This followed a period of heightened tension where his persistent interest in the semiautonomous Danish island had sparked friction within European diplomatic circles. (ANI)
Kimberly Van Der Beek has offered support to Rebecca Gayheart in the wake of their husband's deaths.

James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane both died this month

The Bathroom Chronicles podcaster's spouse, Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek, died of cancer on 11 February and following Eric Dane's passing on Thursday (19.02.26), she has shared a photograph of the quartet together to pay tribute to the Grey's Anatomy star, who announced last year he was battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Kimberly posted the picture on her Instagram Story and wrote: "RIP @realericdane. We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together.

The picture was taken at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles in 2017, a charity event which raises money for Chrysalia, a non-profit organisation which helps people struggling to find work and security.

Meanwhile, Kimberly recently revealed she and James renewed their wedding vows days before the Varsity Blues star passed away.

Kimberly - who first married the actor in August 2010 in Tel Aviv, Israel - told People magazine: "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 described the ceremony - which was attended by family and a few close friends - as "simple and beautiful and moving".

Instrumentalist Porangui played the "most beautiful music" during the ceremony, before closing the event with a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

James' family launched a GoFundMe page shortly after he passed away.

The page - which has already raised more than $2.5 million - explains: "James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.

"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."
United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has launched a scathing critique against commentator Tucker Carlson, accusing him of platforming a ''dangerous conspiracy theory'' intended to delegitimise the Jewish people. The dispute follows a sit-down interview between the two, which Huckabee claims took an unexpected turn into fringe historical theories. Taking to the social media platform X to address the fallout, the Ambassador stated, ''When I sat down with Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, I was expecting a thoughtful conversation and that he would ask questions and give me the opportunity to actually respond--just like he did with the little Nazi sympathizer Nick Fuentes or the guy who thought Hitler was the good guy and Churchill the bad guy.'' https://x.com/GovMikeHuckabee/status/2025203824370090473?s=20 The Ambassador expressed surprise at the line of questioning regarding Jewish ancestry, noting, ''What I wasn't anticipating was a lengthy series of questions where he seemed to be insinuating that the Jews of today aren't really same people as the Jews of the Bible.'' Huckabee specifically targeted the ''Khazar hypothesis,'' a theory suggesting that Ashkenazi Jews are descendants of a Turkic kingdom rather than ancient Israelites. He noted that ''the discredited idea that most Ashkenazi or European Jews descended from the ancient Turkic Kingdom of Khazaria is bunk.'' The Ambassador warned that this narrative is an ''odious conspiracy theory'' that has been ''weaponised by people trying to deligitimize Jews, to strip them of their history, and to call them 'imposters' or 'fake Jews.''' He added that this idea is ''peddled by the likes of Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes'' and by ''Islamist accounts that make up false smears about Israel non-stop and are run out of countries like Pakistan and Turkey.'' Defending the historical and genetic lineage of the Jewish people, Huckabee asserted that ''the Jews of today can trace their lineage back thousands of years to Israel and the Jewish people of the Bible.'' However, this same interview has triggered a separate international crisis, as fourteen Arab and Islamic countries, alongside the secretariats of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have strongly condemned statements made by the Ambassador. The joint backlash follows the televised broadcast during which Huckabee suggested that Israel possesses the right to extend its borders across significant portions of the Middle East. The discussion centred on the geographical boundaries of Israel and historical territorial claims. During the exchange, Carlson questioned the Ambassador regarding the concept of a land spanning from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt and whether the modern State of Israel could claim that specific lineage. Responding to the enquiry, Huckabee stated, ''It would be fine if they took it all.'' In a joint statement issued on Saturday night from Doha, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and the State of Palestine described these as ''dangerous and inflammatory'' remarks. They expressed ''profound concern'' and ''strong condemnation,'' noting that the comments indicate ''it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.'' The signatories categorically rejected the statements, affirming that ''Israel has no sovereignty whatsoever over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands.'' They stated that such remarks constitute a ''flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations'' and ''pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the region.'' The vast territory described in the interview would encompass modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia. The joint declaration warned that ''the continuation of Israel's expansionist policies and unlawful measures will only inflame violence and conflict in the region'' and ''undermine the prospects for peace.'' The Ministries further stressed that these remarks ''directly contradict the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,'' which are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for an independent Palestinian state. Amidst the growing firestorm, the Ambassador later appeared to moderate his position, characterising his earlier remark as ''somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.'' He further noted that Israel is not seeking to enlarge its current territory and emphasised that the nation has a right to security within the land it currently holds. Despite this, the Ministries called for ''an end to these incendiary statements,'' underscoring that remarks seeking to ''legitimise control over the lands of others'' fuel tensions rather than advancing peace. (ANI)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has lauded the strategic partnership between Brazil and India, describing it as a relationship between peers that shuns the "authoritarianism" often found in negotiations with wealthier nations. Speaking at the India-Brazil Economic Forum, the President emphasised the deep-rooted similarities between the two countries and their shared vision for growth. Highlighting the unique nature of this bilateral bond, President Lula remarked, "What is really more important is that when we're talking about a negotiation with a country like India, we are not dealing with a coloniser." He further observed that, unlike dealings with rich countries that often fail to account for the happiness of individual nations, "with India, it's different." This balanced power dynamic, where "no one is above the other country," stems from a mutual understanding of shared needs and attitudes. President Lula noted that despite differences in religion and language, there is a profound similarity in the challenges both nations face. He asserted that this shared perspective makes it "much easier for us to work and to establish an action plan" and build partnerships between entrepreneurs from both sides. This ease of collaboration has already resulted in a significant economic trajectory. Since the President's first visit, trade has surged from USD 2.4 billion to USD 10.5 billion. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously established a target of USD 20 billion by 2030, President Lula expressed even greater ambition, stating, "We'll reach 30 billion dollars of trade because the economic potential of the two countries is very strong." A key driver of this growth is the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. Underlining this priority, India and Brazil exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the regulation of pharmaceutical and medical products. Exchanged between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), the agreement marks a vital step toward deeper regulatory collaboration. The MoU establishes a structured framework for the exchange of information on medical products, including pharmaceutical ingredients, biological products, and medical devices. By promoting convergence in regulatory practices, the partnership aims to enhance the oversight of medical products and ensure the availability of safe, quality-assured medicines for both populations. This regulatory alignment complements broader cooperation in the health sector and underscores the growing synergy between the two leading Global South partners. President Lula noted that the seven agreements signed during this trip are "something that is very important" for the development of Brazil's industrial sector. The President's current visit, his fifth to India, follows his participation in the India AI Impact Summit earlier this week. This period of intense diplomatic activity comes just seven months after PM Modi's state visit to Brasilia in July 2025, further solidifying the evolving strategic and economic ties between the two nations. (ANI)
The local administration of Nepal's Rautahat district has imposed an indefinite curfew in Gaur Municipality following a communal clash, as the coutnry heads into general elections next week. The District Administration Office, Rautahat, imposed the curfew last afternoon, which was relaxed for two hours on Sunday morning. "The curfew still remains in place since 8:30 am on Sunday," a notice read. The Chief District Officer of the district, Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, emphasised that all gatherings, rallies, meetings, and processions are strictly prohibited. "We have imposed the curfew to ensure the situation does not escalate. Security personnel have been deployed to bring the situation under control," Bhusal told ANI over the phone. "The curfew will remain in force until further notice, with authorities closely monitoring the situation," Bhusal added. As per the notice from the administration, the restricted area extends from Mudbalwa Gate in the east to Lalbakaiya Dam in the west, Bam Canal in the north, and the Gaur Customs Office boundary in the south. The curfew order was issued after a confrontation broke out in Ward 6, Sabgadh, Gaur, creating a tense situation. Tensions flared after a vehicle was set on fire during the clashes. Although a six-point agreement had been reached on Friday evening between the two sides following earlier confrontations, stone-pelting resumed at around 9 am on Saturday, further aggravating the situation. Dozens of personnel from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have been mobilised to restore order. Security has been tightened in the affected areas, and authorities have urged the public to exercise restraint. The dispute reportedly began when an argument broke out between members of two communities during a wedding procession in Sabgadh, leading to stone-throwing. Several people were injured in the incident, officials said. Next month's general elections marks the first since last year's deadly Gen-Z protests that toppled the K P Sharma Oli-led coalition government. Voters are set to elect 275 members to Nepal's House of Representatives in elections scheduled for March 5. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki became Nepal's interim prime minister in September (ANI)
Tourist visa services from Bangladeshi diplomatic missions located in India will resume on Monday, a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official stated on Sunday. The Bangladesh government had suspended tourist visa services from its diplomatic missions in India due to security reasons. However, after the Bangladesh election, the situation has improved, and the visa service will be fully resumed from Monday. "Including the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, and in various cities of India such as Guwahati, Agartala, Mumbai and Kolkata--wherever Bangladeshi diplomatic missions are located--apart from tourist visas, other visa services were mostly ongoing. However, tourist visas had generally been stopped, though they were still issued in urgent cases," a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official said on Sunday. "Although we did not formally announce it as stopped, we are not formally announcing it as resumed either; in fact, it was ongoing and will now be expanded widely from Monday," the official told ANI. Additionally, around the election held in Bangladesh on February 12, the Bangladesh government had instructed its missions in India to suspend tourist visas from January 15 to February 15. In urgent cases, visas were issued. Apart from India, due to security reasons, services were also completely stopped for countries such as Bhutan and Nepal. Now, after reviewing the overall situation, all types of visas, including tourist visas, are being fully resumed from all places from Monday. Indian visa services for Bangladeshis are still suspended--specifically tourist visa services, though some categories remain ongoing. During the period of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, relations between India and Bangladesh had deteriorated. However, after the February 12 election, when the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office, there are signs of improvement in relations. At the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet after the election, a high-level Indian delegation led by Speaker of India Om Birla participated and met with the Prime Minister. (ANI)
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has highlighted his "inspiring" meeting with young women in STEM at the India AI Impact Summit and emphasised the importance of ensuring they lead in developing artificial intelligence that "serves everyone and advances gender equality". In a post on X, he said, "I enjoyed meeting these inspiring young women in STEM at the AI Summit in India. With AI on the rise, we must ensure women are not just included - but leading - in developing artificial intelligence that serves everyone & advances gender equality." https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2025395174185095465 Under the vision outlined in the UN 2.0 Policy Brief, the Secretary-General is promoting a proactive approach for UN system organizations to use new technologies, such as AI, to support all steps of the innovation process, to address gender inequality, discrimination and bias in artificial intelligence data models, and to invest in predictive and prescriptive analytics, enhanced with machine learning and artificial intelligence. On Friday, Guterres called for utilising Artificial Intelligence for the global good and to mitigate challenges being faced by humanity. He urged countries to come together and prepare, protect, and invest in people. Today, international cooperation is difficult. Trust is strained, and technological rivalry is growing. Addressing Global AI Impact Summit 2026 here in the national capital on the role of science in international AI governance, Gutteres said, "We are barrelling into the unknown. AI innovation is moving at the speed of light, outpacing our collective ability to fully understand it. If we want AI to serve humanity, policy cannot be built on guesswork. It cannot be built on hype or disinformation. We need facts we can trust and share across countries and across sectors. Less noise, more knowledge", he said. Guterres highlighted the steps taken by the United Nations around AI, noting the recently formed AI Panel. He said, "The United Nations is building a practical architecture that puts science at the centre of international cooperation on AI. And it starts with the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. This panel is designed to help close the AI knowledge gap and assess the real impacts of AI across economies and societies, so countries at every level of AI capacity can act with the same clarity. It is fully independent, it is globally diverse, and it is multidisciplinary because AI touches every area of every society. And I'm delighted that the General Assembly of the United Nations confirmed the 40 experts I proposed to Member States. Now the real work begins on a fast track to deliver a first report ahead of the global dialogue on AI governance in July. The panel will provide a shared baseline of analysis, helping member states move from philosophical debates to technical coordination, and anchor choices in evidence." He called science-led governance an accelerator for solutions and a way to make progress safer, fairer, and more widely shared. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South from February 16-20, had brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement. (ANI)
ApexBrasil President Jorge Viana on Sunday highlighted what he described as "extraordinary results" from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's visit to India and announced a vast number of investment commitments and commercial partnerships aimed at strengthening India-Brazil economic ties. He also announced plans for a direct air link between the two countries, "probably with a stop in Johannesburg" in South Africa. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Viana said the scale of engagement between the two Global South partners was reflected in both participation and concrete outcomes. "We had over 300 Brazilian businesspeople and 600 participants registered from the Indian side for the forum," he said, calling the numbers "superlative" and indicative of growing bilateral interest. Among the key announcements was the opening of an ApexBrasil office in New Delhi and the rollout of Brazilian products across major Indian retail chains. "We have placed Brazilian products in the biggest New Delhi supermarket chain, and we are going to do the same on Monday, I think it's tomorrow, in the biggest supermarket chain in Mumbai, where we're going to have Brazilian products being sold. We are going to have 40 shops with Brazilian products, you know, cashew nuts, acai, lime, lemon," Viana said, describing it as a direct outcome of political-level engagement. Viana said a high-level meeting between President Lula and the leading India industrial group was coordinated with the support of Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group. "Chandra visited Brazil 18 months ago and met President Lula. Yesterday, he helped coordinate a meeting with major Indian economic groups that either have investments in Brazil or are planning to invest," he said, adding that several announcements were made during the interaction. Referring to the Tata Group's acquisition of Italian company, Iveco, Viana said the company plans to invest "a few hundred million dollars" in its Brazilian operations to expand automotive production. "Iveco in Brazil is worth around USD 1 billion, and now they are going to invest further in vehicle manufacturing," he noted. Emphasising improved connectivity as a game-changer, Viana announced plans for a direct air link between the two countries. "Soon we are going to have a direct flight from here in New Delhi to Brazil, probably with a stop in Johannesburg," he said. "This changes everything." Calling the visit one of the largest business missions undertaken by Brazil, Viana said the political engagement had translated into tangible economic gains. "In addition to the political side and cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, the President was able to create a strong business environment. Brazil is ready to receive investment with legal security and economic stability," he said. Describing the outcomes as forward-looking, Viana added, "I think there are extraordinary results ahead." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, adding that the two sides will look to strengthen economic, diplomatic and security cooperation "On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together," Netanyahu said at the start of a meeting of government officials here. His remarks were posted by the Israel Prime minister's office. "This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister Modi. We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan, though less in the Jordan," Netanyahu said. https://x.com/israelipm/status/2025547801489281339 https://x.com/israelipm/status/2025547803741618316 The Israeli PM said that "the fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation." Further regarding the diplomatic aspect, he said,"In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a 'hexagon' of alliances around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won't detail at the moment. I will present this in an organized manner." "The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis. All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future, Netanyahu said. During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu said Israel will "promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing." "I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present. We, of course, want to be among the world's leading nations in these fields, Netanyahu said. This will be PM Modi's second visit to the country, following his 2017 visit when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. PM Modi's scheduled Israel visit comes in the backdrop of the Board of Peace meeting on February 19. Board of Peace is an initiative originated from US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council but has since expanded beyond its original scope. Administration officials said around 35 nations had committed to join, while 60 received invitations, with Trump suggesting the new body could assume roles currently held by the United Nations During the recent AI Impact Summit 2026 that was held in New Delhi, Ilan Fluss, former Ambassador and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) Policy Coordinator at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the country's commitment to innovation, responsible development, and expanded bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies. Speaking on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Fluss described artificial intelligence as a turning point comparable to historic global shifts. A delegation from Isral had visited India during which they participated in the AI Summit as well as held bilateral meetings with Indian government representatives aimed at strengthening technological collaboration. Meanwhile, the global network israel.com on Sunday announced the launch of a new news portal, israelnews.in, aimed at Indian readers. According to The Press Service of Israel (TPS), the new platform is positioned as a bridge to enhance understanding of Israel's technological and strategic developments, at a time when defence and innovation partnerships between the two countries are expanding. "It's not just another website. It's a statement of intent," Jordan Fried, who heads the israel.com network, told TPS. Fried, known for co-founding Hedera Hashgraph, said the initiative seeks to present information without commercial influence. "No ads. No noise. Just the story. The story of Israel and India is a legacy, not a product to be sold between banner ads," he said. Fried told TPS he views the portal as a response to what he described as "broken infrastructure" in global media. "Most people in India don't get a clear picture of Israel. Our goal is to provide unfiltered access to tell the story directly, without intermediaries or commercial distractions," he said. The website operates on an official Indian ".in" domain, underscoring its outreach to India's population of 1.4 billion. It is also linked to Fried's broader digital ecosystem, Zooz, which includes cryptocurrency and stock components aimed at supporting independent media, TPS reported. The portal showcases collaborations spanning Israeli startups and advanced defence projects, while offering Indian readers direct access to developments in innovation and bilateral initiatives, TPS reported. (ANI)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) on Sunday summoned Pakistan's ambassador in Kabul in response to what it described as Pakistani "army attacks" on Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika. In a post on X, the Ministry said the envoy was called in following strikes that it alleged resulted in "dozens" of casualties. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul," the statement said. "In response to the Pakistani army's attacks on Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, in which dozens of fellow countrymen were martyred and wounded, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul." https://x.com/mofa_afg/status/2025531535349448785 Earlier, on Sunday, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) raised an urgent alarm over verified reports of a devastating airstrike in the Behsud District of Afghanistan. In a post on the social media platform X, the foundation stated that a Pakistani military strike targeted a civilian home, resulting in the ''massacre of at least 16 members of a single family.'' According to confirmed local sources cited by the IHRF, the victims, including men, women, and children, ranged in age from a one-year-old infant to an 80-year-old elder. The foundation noted that this attack represents ''not just a loss of life, but the complete annihilation of a family lineage.'' While 16 family members were killed, two children miraculously survived the strike, and at least one other individual, identified as 20-year-old Riyazullah, was injured. The deceased included 80-year-old Shahabuddin, 30-year-old Sharakat, and 40-year-old Muhmanda, alongside several other adults and multiple minors. The IHRF emphasised the humanity of those lost, stating, ''They are not numbers; they are human beings.'' The strike in Behsud appears to be part of a broader military campaign, as Tolo News reported that Pakistani jets conducted multiple airstrikes across the Khogyani district of Nangarhar and targeted a religious seminary in the Bermal district of Paktika province. Pakistan has reportedly conducted multiple strikes in Bermal and Argun in Paktika, as well as in Khogyani, Behsud, and Ghani Khel districts in Nangarhar since Saturday. Pakistani media sources and Geo News, citing the Ministry of Information, confirmed the airstrikes, reporting that they were focused on seven alleged terrorist camps and hideouts of Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh Khorasan Province (DKP). Islamabad claimed the action was conducted ''with precision and accuracy'' in response to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during Ramzan. The ministry alleged that these bombings were carried out at the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Despite Islamabad's claims that it repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups, Pakistan itself has long faced international scrutiny for providing safe havens and logistical support to various terror outfits operating across the region. In its statement, Pakistan said it expects the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of its soil against Pakistan, calling on the international community to press Afghan authorities to honour commitments under the Doha Agreement. The escalations follow a stern warning from Pakistan's Foreign Office on Thursday, which stated that the country reserves the right to target Afghanistan to protect the lives of its citizens. As per Dawn, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a weekly briefing, ''Pakistan very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan. So, as long as this demand is not met, whilst exercising patience, all options would obviously remain on the table.'' However, the IHRF has asserted that these attacks targeting civilians constitute a ''grave violation of International Humanitarian Law,'' stating there ''can be no justification for the killing of an entire household, including sleeping infants.'' In response to the reported casualties, the foundation has called for an ''immediate, independent, and transparent international investigation'' and demanded accountability for those who ''ordered and executed this attack.'' (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel as "historic", saying the partnership between the two countries continues to scale new heights across innovation, security and regional cooperation. In a post on X, ahead of Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu described the Prime Minister as a "dear friend" and highlighted the growing strategic alignment between the two countries. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2025579590152851515 "This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Israel this coming Wednesday," he said. Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders," Netanyahu said Israel and India are partners in innovation, security and a shared strategic vision. "We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he said. Referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination, Netanyahu added, "From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights." He concluded the post by saying he looks forward to welcoming Modi in Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, adding that the two sides will look to strengthen economic, diplomatic and security cooperation. "On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together," Netanyahu said at the start of a meeting of government officials here. His remarks were posted by the Israeli Prime Minister's office. "This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister Modi. We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan, though less in the Jordan," Netanyahu said. The Israeli PM said that "the fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation." Further regarding the diplomatic aspect, he said, "In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a 'hexagon' of alliances around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won't detail at the moment. I will present this in an organized manner." "The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis. All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future, Netanyahu said. During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, Netanyahu said Israel will "promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing." "I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present. We, of course, want to be among the world's leading nations in these fields, Netanyahu said. This will be PM Modi's second visit to the country, following his 2017 visit when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the middle eastern country. PM Modi's scheduled Israel visit comes in the backdrop of the Board of Peace meeting on February 19. Board of Peace is an initiative that originated from US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, but has since expanded beyond its original scope. (ANI)
Additional security forces have been deployed to districts outside Kathmandu valley, especially the southern plains of Nepal, to maintain security across nearly 11 thousand polling stations. More than 3 lakh security personnel, including police, Army, election police and more are tasked with ensuring a peaceful election process on March 5. These are the first elections being held after the Gen-z uprising which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli At the Nepal Police Academy in Kathmandu, over three thousand police personnel boarded buses as they started off for assigned districts to maintain security for the March 5 election. "Except for Karnali, we are deploying personnel to the remaining six provinces. An additional 13 thousand police personnel will be deployed across various districts for the election. Those sent today will be stationed in Morang, Dhankuta, Udaypur, Sankhuwasabha, Terhathum, Siraha, Parsa, Saptari, Sarlahi, and Rautahat districts," Central Spokesperson of the Nepal Police, Abinarayan Kafle, confirmed to ANI over the phone. Earlier this month, the Nepal Army was deployed for security as the Himalayan nation heads for the parliamentary election, which is scheduled for March 5. The polls, which come six months after the September Gen-Z uprising is being observed with caution. With hundreds of inmates on the loose and a higher number of polling stations deemed sensitive in comparison to the previous elections, security has been revamped all across the nation. The Nepal Army alone has deployed a total of 79,727 personnel across the nation as support for the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and election police in holding the polls peacefully. The deployment comes in line with the Integrated Election Security Plan and an earlier Cabinet decision. As per the Integrated Election Security Plan endorsed by the president in November, the army will replace police forces in airports, prisons, and other sensitive areas. Apart from guarding those sensitive areas, the army will provide security in the third layer while also patrolling as and when needed. As many as 338,000 security personnel, including the election police, are being deployed in the election period. The authorities have classified 3,680 of the country's 10,967 polling stations as "highly sensitive". According to the Nepal Police, among those polling stations, 2,845 have been placed in the "normal" category based on the level of security risk, while 4,442 have been designated as "sensitive" and 3,680 as "highly sensitive". There are more highly sensitive stations than in the 2022 election, according to Nepal Police data. In the previous election, 3,412 polling stations were classified as highly sensitive. This time, the number has risen to 3,680. In total, 268 more polling stations, compared to the last election, have been classified as highly sensitive stations. In the previous election, there were a total of 10,892 polling stations. This time, the number has increased to 10,967. (ANI)
Matt Bellamy and Elle Evans have reportedly split.

Matt Bellamy and Elle Evans have reportedly split

It has been claimed that the Muse frontman and the model amicably ended their six-year marriage in October 2025, and have been focused on co-parenting their two children - daughter Lovella, five, and 21-month-old son George - since.

An industry insider told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Matt and Elle quietly broke up last October, but their relationship is very amicable.

"They are now focused on co-parenting their children and still get on very well."

Matt, 47, and Elle, 36, have neither confirmed nor denied their separation at the time of publication.

Reports of a breakup for the couple - who got married in Malibu, California, in 2019 - come as Matt recently stepped out in Notting Hill, West London, with a mystery woman, and without his wedding ring on.

Matt and Elle - who started dating in 2015 after they met on the set of Muse's Mercy music video - have two children, daughter Lovella and son George.

George - who is named after Matt's dad - was welcomed into the world on Mother's Day in the US (12.05.24), a poignant date as it is Elle's mom Julie's birthday.

Matt and Elle divided their time between the UK and Los Angeles, where his 46-year-old ex-fiance, actress Kate Hudson's son Bingham, 14, lives.

And in May 2024, Kate admitted she would happily babysit his children.

Referring to Lovella, the Song Sung Blues star - who also has son Ryder, 22, with her 59-year-old ex-husband, musician Chris Robinson, and daughter Rani, seven, with her 39-year-old fiance, musician Danny Fujikawa - told People: "I'm like 'Yeah, bring her over!'

"And I'm sitting with all the kids, and I'm like, I am so happy we have this real family unit thats big. Its beautiful.

"Everybodys open to it and understands its the most mature thing for the kids. And you can see it in them - they feel loved, they feel protected, they feel safe."

In August 2022, Matt admitted he wanted to become an American citizen.

The rocker - who grew up in Devon, South West England - also shared his wish to move back to the UK with Elle and Lovella, but only if Kate and Bingham would relocate, also.

Asked about moving back to the UK, he told The Sun newspaper: "I would like to, and Elle loves it too. I need to work on the ex. Its trying to get them both to want to come here simultaneously. It could happen one day.

"Even though Ive lived in Los Angeles for 10 years now, this is still my home. I always spend a good chunk of time in Devon as well. I was raised in the nicest place in the world."
FBI Director Kash Patel on Sunday said the Federal Bureau of Investigation is deploying "all necessary resources" to probe the fatal shooting of an armed individual who allegedly breached the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, the Florida residence of US President Donald Trump. In a statement posted on X, Patel said the FBI is actively investigating the early morning incident in coordination with multiple agencies. https://x.com/fbidirectorkash/status/2025596613738000645 "FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning's incident at President Trump's Mar-A-Lago - where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter," he said. Patel added that the agency would continue to work closely with the United States Secret Service, as well as state and federal partners, as the probe progresses. "We will continue working closely with Secret Service as well our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able," he said. Earlier, on Sunday (local time), a man in his early 20s was shot and killed by agents of the United States Secret Service and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office after allegedly entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, authorities said. The perimeter was cited to be around "Trump's Florida home" by CNN. According to a statement from the Secret Service, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 AM when the individual was observed near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. "On February 22, around 1:30 AM, a male in his early 20s was shot by US Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) following an unauthorised entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago. The individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced deceased," the US Secret Service said in an official statement. The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can, the Secret Service said. The agents and a PBSO deputy confronted the individual, and shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter. No U.S. Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured. There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident. The incident, including the individual's background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Law enforcement personnel confronted the man, and shots were fired during the encounter. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin. "No U.S. Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured," the agency said, adding that there were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident. The shooting is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said the probe will examine the individual's background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force during the incident. The statement read, "In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation." (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to media queries regarding Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan, said on Sunday that India strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. The spokesperson in an official statement said, "India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan." Jaiswal further said that it was another attempt by Pakistan to "externalise its internal failures." The statement said," It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures." Emphasising the reiteration of support of India towards Afghanistan's sovereignty, Jaiswal said," India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence." Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) summoned Pakistan's ambassador in Kabul in response to what it described as Pakistani "army attacks" on Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika. In a post on X, the Ministry said the envoy was called in following strikes that it alleged resulted in "dozens" of casualties. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul," the statement said. "In response to the Pakistani army's attacks on Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, in which dozens of fellow countrymen were martyred and wounded, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the IEA summoned the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul." Moreover, on Sunday, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) raised an urgent alarm over verified reports of a devastating airstrike in the Behsud District of Afghanistan. In a post on the social media platform X, the foundation stated that a Pakistani military strike targeted a civilian home, resulting in the ''massacre of at least 16 members of a single family.'' According to confirmed local sources cited by the IHRF, the victims, including men, women, and children, ranged in age from a one-year-old infant to an 80-year-old elder. The foundation noted that this attack represents ''not just a loss of life, but the complete annihilation of a family lineage.'' While 16 family members were killed, two children miraculously survived the strike, and at least one other individual, identified as 20-year-old Riyazullah, was injured. The deceased included 80-year-old Shahabuddin, 30-year-old Sharakat, and 40-year-old Muhmanda, alongside several other adults and multiple minors. The IHRF emphasised the humanity of those lost, stating, ''They are not numbers; they are human beings.'' The strike in Behsud appears to be part of a broader military campaign, as Tolo News reported that Pakistani jets conducted multiple airstrikes across the Khogyani district of Nangarhar and targeted a religious seminary in the Bermal district of Paktika province. Pakistan has reportedly conducted multiple strikes in Bermal and Argun in Paktika, as well as in Khogyani, Behsud, and Ghani Khel districts in Nangarhar since Saturday. (ANI)
Solar power has grabbed a foothold in Romania, with installed capacity expected to surpass 7 gigawatts in early 2026, driven by high demand, EU funding and over 290,000 commercial and residential consumers.

The Eastern European country is rapidly installing solar to transition away from coal, enhance energy security, and meet European Union decarbonization targets.

While it is not among the top European countries for installed solar power  that, in descending order, is Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and France  Romania is aiming for 8.2 GW by 2030. The government plans to increase the share of renewables to 30.7% by the same year, focusing on solar and wind to replace older, polluting sources.

Solar currently supplies about 5% of Romanias electricity mix, with approximately 210 sunny days per year.

According to Wikipedia, the most important solar regions of Romania are the Black Sea coast, Northern Dobruja and Oltenia, with an average of 1,600 kWh/m2/year.

The Guardian says Romania has decoupled economic growth from pollution faster than anywhere else in Europe. The latest data shows its net greenhouse gas emissions intensity fell by 88% between 1990 and 2023.

While Romania turned to lignite coal and heavy oil for energy self-sufficiency during the reign of Nicolae Ceau?escu, after the dictator was tried and executed, factories closed, mines shut and power plants slashed their output, the newspaper explains:

Romanias entry into the European Union in 2007 held polluters to higher standards and forced the closure of unprofitable factories propped up by state support. Its emissions trading system put a price on carbon and its modernisation fund brought back cash to clean up the energy system. Meanwhile, workers completed a nuclear power plant in Cernavod?, a town in the south-east of the country, which had been commissioned under Ceau?escu, and the government introduced a green certificate scheme to bankroll renewables.

EU solar reached a record 56 GW of new installations in 2023, accelerated by high electricity prices and the need for energy security. Poland, the Netherland and Greece were among European Union countries that saw massive increases.

Following a 1.7 GW addition in 2024, the Romanian market is reportedly booming with large-scale projects, including the largest solar farm in Europe  a 760 MW facility soon to start construction just outside Bucharest, that features a million solar panels backed by batteries. In the northwest, authorities have approved an even bigger plant with a capacity of 1 GW.

According to Seetaoe, the Dama solar project being jointly developed by Rezlov Energy and Monsson has a planned peak capacity of 1.04 GW and a 500-megawatt energy storage system. It is expected to be put into operation in the third quarter of 2028.

Financing for projects is being provided by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, such as a 34 million loan for 190 MW of new photovoltaic plants in southwestern Romania.

Key players include OMV Petrom, which is installing 7 MW solar systems at industrial sites, along with developers active in large-scale projects such as Scatec, Enery and Rezlov Energy.

According to Balkan Green Energy, Norwegian company Scatec has reached financial close for 190 MW of solar power in Romania, enabling it to start construction.

Reaching financial close and starting construction of our first projects in Romania is an important step and confirms the attractiveness of the Romanian market and the strength of the CfD [contracts-for-difference] framework. With long-term revenue visibility and a robust financing structure in place, the projects are well positioned for construction and delivery. We look forward to advancing the projects together with our partner Defic Globe and contributing to Romanias energy transition, said CEO Terje Pilskog.

A CfD is a leveraged financial derivative that allows traders to speculate on the rise or fall of asset prices without owning them.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

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Copper prices rallied to a record high of over $13,000 per ton last month, but retreated to about $12,700 this week as expectations of long-term demand strength collided with massive stockpiling at the key exchange hubs in the U.S. and China.

Despite an unchanged outlook of soaring copper demand in the long term due to electrification and surging power consumption, near-term prospects in the copper market appear more fragile than the gold rally.

While we expect long-term gold prices to rise further, we see more differentiated returns across the broader commodity space in the base case, analysts at Goldman Sachs wrote in a recent note carried by the South China Morning Post.

In copper markets, the near-term outlook points to oversupply, which has tempered the price increase, analysts say.

Rising visible inventories, softer pre?holiday demand in China, and a cash?to?three?month contango in London signal ample near?term supply, offsetting coppers appeal as a long?term investment theme driven by electrification, AI data?centre power demand, electric vehicles, and cooling infrastructure, Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, wrote in an analysis last week.

While the longer?term narrative remains supportive, near?term upside may stay capped until post?holiday demand signals re?emerge.

Chinese markets have been closed for more than a week until February 23 due to the Lunar New Year, around which demand typically weakens and metals exchanges cannot influence global prices as they did in the past few weeks.

At the end of 2025 and the start of 2026, speculators held record-high open interest in the base metals copper, zinc, nickel, tin, lead, and aluminum traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange.

Traders have been betting record amounts of money on Chinas metals markets, expecting a continued rally in the prices of base metals and lithium. A large part of the speculative longs came from retail investors, and the metals mania gripped global markets, too.

Fundamentals in metals markets still matter, but the outsized positioning and the momentum have more prominent roles and lead to spikes to record-highs and subsequent violent corrections, according to analysts.

In addition, China has become the center of short-term price formation in metals, ING commodities strategist Ewa Manthey said in a note earlier this month.

Fundamentals still matter but this shift means that positioning and momentum play a bigger role, leading to more volatility, the strategist added.

Of course, other factors have also played a role in coppers recent rally, such as supply disruptions and the specter of U.S. tariffs, demand related to the infrastructure and hardware required to support AI, and investment flows, according to Deutsche Bank Research.

The threat of US tariffs on refined copper is expected to lead to continued metals flows to the US, but copper demand in China has slowed sharply since Q3 2025, with high prices acting as a headwind to short-term domestic demand, Deutsche Bank analysts noted.

They expect average copper prices of $12,125 per metric ton for 2026, with a peak at $13,000 per ton in the second quarter, when Chinas post-holiday demand is likely to rebound.

However, high stock levels at key hubs are weighing on copper prices now and until inventories start to fall, the near-term bull case for copper is just not there.

Coppers sizeable correction since the January record-high is being driven primarily by long liquidation amid a sustained build in exchange-monitored stockpiles, which have now surpassed one million tons for the first time since 2003, Saxo Banks Hansen said this week.

Goldman Sachs Research said in January that copper prices will decline later in the year following clarity on U.S. refined copper tariffs.

Goldmans base case is that a 15% tariff will be announced in the middle of 2026 and implemented in 2027, but any delay in either its announcement or implementation could dramatically impact the direction of copper prices this year.

Once the tariff uncertainty passes, investors are likely to renew their focus on a large global surplus in the metal, putting renewed pressure on prices, Goldman Sachs noted.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Last July, Ukraine started importing natural gas from Azerbaijan for the first time in history, just months after it officially stopped the transit of Russian natural gas through its pipeline network in January 2025. Ukraines Naftogaz signed a supply agreement with Azerbaijans SOCAR Energy Ukraine that saw the former Soviet nation export its natural gas through the Trans-Balkan Corridor, with Ukraine looking to diversify its energy supply, enhance energy security, and offset significant domestic production losses caused by a constant barrage of Russian hits on its infrastructure.

The Trans-Balkan route is highly strategic for Ukraine because it not only provides it access to Azerbaijani gas through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) but also LNG from terminals in Turkey and Greece, as well as access to the Black Sea shelves of Romania and Bulgaria.

However, Ukraine is hardly the only country that has deepened energy ties with Azerbaijan in recent years. The European Commissions recent meta-study on the continents energy connectivity highlights Azerbaijan as a critical and strategic partner for the EU, particularly through the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC).

In 2022, the European Commission signed a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy with Azerbaijan, aiming to double gas exports to the EU to 20 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually by 2027. Azerbaijan provides a vital "Southern Corridor" for gas, helping Europe reduce its dependence on single-source suppliers like Russia. SGC is a 3,500km megaproject that connects Azerbaijans Shah Deniz field to Europe via the South Caucasus Pipeline, the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

Related: US Oil Drilling Activity Still Going Nowhere

In January this year, Azerbaijan officially commenced gas deliveries to Austria and Germany, bringing the total number of countries using its pipeline gas to 16. Azerbaijan is already a primary gas supplier for Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Azerbaijan exported approximately 12.9 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to Europe in 2024, good for a nearly 60% jump in just three years. This volume, delivered largely via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), represents more than half of Azerbaijan's total 25.2 bcm exports for the year.

Azerbaijan is also actively leveraging its vast renewable energy potential--estimated at over 200 GW--to transition from a hydrocarbon-dependent economy to a green energy producer, with Abu Dhabis Masdar and Saudi Arabias ACWA Power playing key roles in this transformation. Azerbaijan is transforming into a key Eurasian hub for the transmission of renewable energy with a focus on connecting Central Asia and the Caspian region with Europe. The Caspian/Black Sea/Europe Green Energy Corridor is a primary renewable energy project connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary. A 1,155-kilometer, 1,300 MW undersea cable is planned to transmit wind and solar power from the Caucasus to Southeastern Europe. The EU has granted this project "Project of Mutual Interest" status, with completion aimed for 2032. The Trans-Caspian Energy Corridor is an initiative that connects the renewable energy resources of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, via a Trans-Caspian cable, to the Azerbaijan grid, feeding into the Black Sea route to Europe.

Last year, the Green Corridor Union LLC Joint Venture was registered in Baku to manage this project. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan/Turkey/Europe Corridor is a critical southern, land-based power transmission route being developed to link mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan exclave and Turkey, strengthening connection to European markets. This includes the construction of 330 kV transmission lines along the Aras River as part of the Zangezur Corridor project. Further, Azerbaijan is currently working with Turkey and Bulgaria to further integrate with Eastern European grids.

Finally, beyond its own resources, Azerbaijans geography makes it a pivotal transit node.

Azerbaijan serves as the central hub for the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), linking Chinese and Central Asian markets to Europe via the Caspian Sea, Georgia and Turkey.

The Middle Corridor is a faster alternative to northern routes, with freight volumes increasing rapidly. Azerbaijans Port of Baku is central to connecting Aktau (Kazakhstan) and Turkmenistan to the Caucasus. Cargo shipments are rising rapidly, with plans to triple freight flows by 2030. The Zangezur Corridor project aims to further boost connectivity, potentially increasing annual throughput by 15 million tons.

Meanwhile, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) Railway is entering a new expansion phase following significant modernization efforts. Last month, Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and Georgian Railways JSC signed key agreements in Tbilisi to ensure the full operational launch of their joint venture, BTKI Railways LLC. A critical 184-kilometre section in Georgia has been successfully upgraded, increasing the line's annual freight capacity from 1 million tons to 5 million tons.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Despite these financial structures and forecasts of huge corporate bond issuance to fund AI expansion, the largest US tech firms still hold substantial cash reserves, and the scale of off-balance sheet arrangements is considered modest relative to their enormous projected cash flows.

This accounting choice involves using an external entity to raise debt and lease the infrastructure back to the tech group, a practice that, while legal, is raising concerns among market watchers about complexity and hidden leverage, particularly if returns do not meet the massive spending.

Big Tech firms like Meta and Oracle are utilizing special purpose vehicle (SPV) financing to keep billions of dollars of AI infrastructure borrowing, such as data centers, off their main balance sheets.

Meta is paying roughly $6.5bn (4.82bn) in extra financing costs to keep $27bn of AI infrastructure borrowing off its balance sheet, a costly accounting choice that captures the mood in Big Techs race to build the pipes of AI without spooking investors.

The arrangement, known as special purpose vehicle financing (SPV), allows an external entity to raise debt, construct the data centre, and lease it back to the tech group.

On paper, Meta books lease payments rather than traditional borrowing, but really, it has committed to decades of payments tied to huge computing facilities.

The structure was used for Metas $30bn data centre project in Louisiana, which was financed largely through private credit heavyweights like Blue Owl Capital, Pimco, BlackRock and Apollo.

Meta owns around 20 per cent of the vehicle and has offered a residual value guarantee, meaning it could be required to compensate investors if the projects value falls below agreed levels at the end of the lease.

Oracle, too, has pushed tens of billions of dollars of AI data centre investments in similar ways, including a $38bn package tied to its partnership with OpenAI.

Elon Musks xAI has raised $20bn via a comparable structure, with debt secured against Nvidia chips.

And in some cases, Nvidia has even invested equity in customers that then use it to buy its hardware, a circular flow of capital that keeps revenue ticking while the chip giants liabilities sit elsewhere.

The accounting is legal and disclosed, but it is unfolding against a backdrop of eye-watering AI forecasts and a surge in borrowing across the sector.

Morgan Stanley estimates hyperscalers could raise $400bn in corporate bonds in 2026 alone to fund AI expansion.

JPMorgan has calculated that AI and data centre firms now account for 14.5 per cent of its $10tn investment-grade bond index, which is about $1.5tn in debt exposure.

UBS says roughly $450bn has flowed from private capital into tech infrastructure as of early 2025.

For market watchers, that scale and complexity are stirring memories of past tech bubbles.

AJ Bells Russ Mould points to Richard Bookstabers study of past market crises. He argued that leverage, complexity and opacity help to fuel bubbles, he told City AM.

The use of special purpose vehicles and off-balance sheet structures to fund enormous AI capital investment will bring back bad memories for experienced investors.

He also adds that while these structures comply with accounting rules, more debt and more complexity mean more risk, particularly if returns do not match the spending.

Strong balance sheets

But this doesnt yet look like a rerun of the late-1990s telecom crash, and the biggest US tech firms are still sitting on huge piles of cash.

Among the hyperscalers, only Oracle and Apple currently carry more long-term debt than cash and short-term investments.

Nvidias debt-to-capital ratio stands at 8.3 per cent; Alphabets at 10.3 per cent; Metas at 27.9 per cent.

Oracles is far higher at 83.9 per cent, though still investment grade, albeit on negative watch.

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, told City AM: Among the four largest public market AI investors  Amazon, Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft  total calendar-year 2026 capex is forecast at over $600bn, so its not like these companies are trying to hide their ambitions.

He adds that the combined operating cash flow across the group is expected to approach $700bn in 2026.

Off balance sheet arrangements also look modest in scale relative to the enormous cash flows that big tech are pulling in, which reduces concerns about hidden leverage.

Demand for compute remains extremely strong, and cloud giants are still seeing rental demand for six-year-old A100 chips, Britzman added.

The question, then, is less about solvency today and more about future durability.

Gartner forecasts global AI spending will hit $2.52tn in 2026, up 44 per cent year on year.

By 2030, it expects AI to completely dominate IT budgets. But credit agencies have flagged that some of the sectors biggest customers, including OpenAI, are not expected to turn profitable until later in the decade.

These data centres are financed on the basis of 20-year demand assumptions.

And if that demand translates into projected revenue growth, these structures will look prescient. On the other hand, if it does not, the risk will sit in private credit vehicles and long-term leases.

By City AM

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

The Senate bill to swap the gas tax vote from a November General election to a May election has hit a Constitutional wall. As a result the bill is stalled.

The petition itself on the front page in bold sets the election date.

Politicians cannot just move the election date  if they could, they then could conceivably move it to 10 years in the future.

Our legal commentators shared this analysis:

In 1902 the voters of Oregon voted the referendum into our Constitution by an 11 to 1 margin. They gave the legislature an explicit message: When you try to legislate for a particular interest, or you exercise partisan power like a machine, we the people will step in front of you with a referendum. Move aside. We will vote, as we determine, whether or not that bill will become law.That is what the words in the Oregon Constitution mean. The 250,000+ signers of the petition in Referendum 302 explicitly set the date of the vote for November 3, 2026. The legislature no longer has authority to tamper with that date, or with any other part of the referendum. Plain and simple, the process  all of it  belongs to the people of Oregon.

There are other constitutional issues such as the rushed May election blocking citizens from having enough time to submit and challenge ballot title changes, and also for citizens to submit their Voter Pamphlet arguments by utilizing the petition gathering method. Rushing all of this with mere weeks before the State mails out early ballots to military overseas is not feasible.

 Was this article helpful? If yes, please contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
Marina says over half of 9,500 meters of planned sargassum barriers installed off coast of Quintana Roo

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Approximately 59 percent of the 9,500 meters of at-sea sargassum barriers have been installed. The Secretaria de Marina, who are in charge of the installation, reported on their progress.

Over half of the planned at-sea barriers have already been installed. Photo: February 19, 2026.

According to the Navy, the barriers are being installed now in anticipation of the early arrival of sargassum. This year for 2026, the federal government says they will expand coverage to include 9,500 meters of coast.

In anticipation of the early arrival of sargassum, we have doubled our efforts in Quintana Roo. We are continuously installing strategic barriers to protect our coasts, with 59% completion, the Secretaria de Marina reported.

While they lay the barriers, which includes divers to attach support anchors to the sea bed, the Navy has also deployed a vessel.

Sargassum collection vessel Natans has been deployed off the coast of Puerto Morelos to intercept the seaweed in the open sea, they reported Thursday.

The vessel was deployed when satellite imagery picked up a mass of sargassum floating in the Western Atlantic.

Barriers installed off the Quintana Roo coast as of February 19, 2021.

We deployed the ocean-going vessel Natans in Puerto Morelos to intercept the seaweed in the open sea. We have reinforced beach cleanup efforts with our specialized brigades.

According to the Secretaria de Marina, as of February 19, 2026 59 percent of the barriers have already been installed out of the 9500 meters included in the total scheme.

We are a Navy tailored to Mexicos needs.

According to February 20 satellite images, over 300,000 tons of sargassum has been detected floating in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea with the highest concentration, over 276,000 tons, in the Western Central Atlantic.

Of that, only a small percentage is heading toward the coast of Quintana Roo with an even smaller percentage considered possible to make landfall in the next day or so.
Marina transfer suspected lawbreaker from island at request of Isla Mujeres Police

Isla Mujeres, Q.R.  Marina personnel escorted an island man to the mainland Saturday night as part of a lockup transfer. The jailed man was transferred from the island to Puerto Juarez by Mexican Navy personnel at the request of island police.

The unnamed lawbreake was escorted under full guard to the mainland for his transfer. February 21, 2026.

The transfer was made through the Fifth Naval Region who provided support to the Isla Mujeres Public Security Directorate with the transfer of a suspected lawbreaker.

According to the Secretaria de Marina this action was taken after receiving a call requesting assistance, prompting the immediate dispatch of an Interceptor Patrol Boat from this Naval Command to transport the individual to Puerto Juarez, they reported Sunday.

It should be noted that at the time of his arrest, he was informed of his legal rights and turned over to the appropriate authorities by Public Security personnel to continue with the corresponding procedures and determine his legal status.

Police did not say what he was accused of.
Tame Impala's Kevin Parker slept through his Grammy Awards win because he "forgot" about the ceremony.

Kevin Parker forgot about the Grammy Awards

The Australian musician's track End of Summer scooped the Best Dance/Electronic Recording accolade for the second year in a row at the event on 1 February but Kevin admitted he was left baffled when he received a string of congratulatory messages because not only had the Grammys slipped his mind, he had forgotten he had even been shortlisted.

Kevin - who won the same accolade for Neverender in 2025 - told Mac DeMarco for Interview magazine: Look, Im going to be dead honest with you. I forgot they were even on.

I forgot that I was nominated as well.

"You have to imagine my confusion because in Australia, we wake up and then we find out about what happened in America last night, so my phone has absolutely blown up.

"Ive got 30 messages on my phone, all saying congratulations. None of them are saying what for. And Im like, What for, motherf******? 

Elsewhere in the interview, the 40-year-old multi-instrumentalist admitted he would find it a "challenge" to perform sober.

He said: "My relationship with drinking and shows is Ive got this routine absolutely locked, and I follow it to the T. I dont really drink much before the show, but I like to drink throughout because its fun and Im up there with my friends.

"And for anyone whos not, lets say Australian, English or Canadian, the idea of getting drunk and then going on stage would be the challenge. But now the challenge is to do it sober.

"It would be a real challenge for me to get on stage sober and stay sober the whole time. That would be like playing my first gig all over again.

"But more and more, Ive just been appreciating the moments when it doesnt go to script because the bigger the shows you play, the more everything has to be to a script. If you go off it, then the whole show falls apart because its all time-coded and everythings locked in. So when things go wrong, for me, thats the sort of spice."
Afghans gathered around a mass grave on Sunday to bury villagers who died in overnight air strikes by Pakistan, which said its military operation killed dozens of militants.

The overnight attacks left at least 18 people dead including children, Afghanistan said, and were the most extensive since border clashes in October that killed more than 70 on both sides and wounded hundreds.

"The house was completely destroyed. My children and family members were there. My father and my sons were there. All of them were killed," said Nezakat, a 35-year-old farmer in Bihsud district, who only gave one name.

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Islamabad said it hit seven sites along the border region targeting Afghanistan-based militant groups, in response to suicide bombings in Pakistan.

A Pakistani security source told AFP on Sunday that the strikes killed "more than 80" militants, adding the death toll was expected to rise.

AFP journalists in Afghanistan were not able to verify the toll, which was rejected by an Afghan security source.

"The figure of 80 martyrs given by the Pakistan regime is false and imaginary," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Islamabad said its military targeted the Pakistani Taliban and its associates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group, an information ministry statement said.

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Afghan authorities have previously denied harbouring militants.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said "people's homes have been destroyed, they have targeted civilians, they have committed this criminal act" with the bombardment of eastern Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Residents from around the remote Bihsud district in Nangarhar joined searchers to look for bodies under the rubble using shovels and a digger, an AFP journalist said.

"People here are ordinary people. The residents of this village are our relatives. When the bombing happened, one person who survived was shouting for help," said neighbour Amin Gul Amin, 37.

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Nangarhar police told AFP the bombardment started at around midnight and hit three districts, with those killed all in a civilian's house.

"Twenty-three members of his family were buried under the rubble, of whom 18 were killed and five wounded," said police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad.

Strikes elsewhere in Nangarhar wounded two others, while in Paktika, an AFP journalist saw a destroyed guesthouse but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

- 'Calculated response' -

Afghanistan's defence ministry said it will "deliver an appropriate and calculated response" to the Pakistani strikes.

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The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021 as foreign forces withdrew.

Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians between October and December, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan.

Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but the efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

The deteriorating relationship has impacted people in both countries, with land border crossings -- crucial gateways for trade -- largely shut for months.

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Islamabad said Sunday that despite repeated requests, Taliban authorities have failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan, which Kabul denies.

Islamabad launched the strikes after a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other attacks more recently in northwestern Pakistan.

The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest attack in Islamabad since 2008.

The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul last month.

burs-rsc-je/sst
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Across the country, policies targeting transgender children are no longer hypothetical. Care is being withdrawn, institutions are retreating, and families are scrambling in real time to understand the rules that now govern their lives. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue rulings by late spring or early summer 2026 in two major cases, West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, which challenge state laws banning transgender girls from participating in school sports. Following arguments in January, the court appears poised to uphold these state bans.

In this hostile climate, its worth considering how we got here, and if here is where we were always destined to arrive. The fact is, there wereand areother possibilities. Long before transgender children became a political obsession, there was a small team directly involved in a major American institution confronting the question of transgender inclusion seriously, carefully, and without panic. And it worked.

In 2011, a 7-year-old transgender girl named Bobby Montoya was welcomed into a Girl Scout troop in Colorado. The local council supported her publicly. The story drew national attention. At the time, we worked at the national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA, as Chief Girl and Family Engagement Officer (Andrea) and Vice President of Communications (Josh). When a major conservative outlet signaled it planned to publish identifying details about a minor, alarms went off. Not because of politics, but because of harm. We knew what exposure like that could do to a child.

The organization brought in outside expertise to slow the moment down. Everyone involved insisted on restraint and prioritized minimizing harm over winning a news cycle. The story ran, but it did not metastasize into the kind of anti-trans venom Americans now take for granted. That difference matters. A 7-year-old remained a 7-year-old, not the center of a manufactured national panic.

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What followed was not a press release or a symbolic gesture. It was years of work.

Girl Scouts of the USA, a federally chartered youth organization with 112 independent councils operating in every ZIP code in the country, made the decision to develop formal transgender inclusion guidelines. We were part of the small team tasked with doing it, alongside legal counsel. Because the organization is federated, the policy could not be dictated from the top. Nearly every local council participated. Executives across political, religious, and cultural lines weighed in. Medical experts, faith leaders, advocacy groups, families, and transgender people themselves were included. The language evolved through testing, revision, and practical planning for what communities would actually need to implement it responsibly.

The guiding principle was simple: We are not in the business of harming children.

When the policy was finalized, it was not dropped into the world and left to burn. The rollout moved community by community, with in-person conversations explaining it. Often, those conversations happened in churches. People came with questions. Some were uncomfortable. None were hostile. Parents wanted to understand what this meant for their kids. Faith leaders wanted to understand what this meant for their values. When treated like adults, people behaved like adults.

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What surprised many inside the organization was that there was not backlash, but relief. Even in deeply conservative communities, people grasped the core idea quickly. This was about belonging, safety, and healthy child development. Not politics. Not ideology. Children.

In the years that followed, other national organizations quietly reached out to learn how the work had been done. The conversations focused on specifics: how to answer parent concerns, how to protect a childs confidentiality, and which rollout approaches had escalated tensions unnecessarily. Many went on to adapt those guidelines for their own institutions. There were no press releases announcing it. No culture-war theater. Just adults, across sectors, recognizing a responsible approach and choosing to replicate it.

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That response was not accidental. It reflected the fact that developmental science is not ambiguous about what young people need in order to thrive. A strong and secure sense of self, feelings of belonging, and protection from chronic stress are not political preferences. They are essential elements of healthy development. Decades of research show that children who are persistently invalidated or treated as problems to be managed experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. The harm does not come from being different or transgender. It comes from being told, repeatedly and by authority figures, that who you are makes you unsafe to be seen.

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What became clear was that institutions shape the developmental environment. Policies are not abstract. They signal to children whether the world is predictable, whether adults are trustworthy, whether safety and support are conditional. When an organization sends a clear, calm message that a child belongs, stress decreases, relationships improve, and healthy development is supported, making room for confidence and leadership to grow. When it does the opposite, it teaches insecurity and hypervigilance. These lessons unfortunately last longer than any court rulings.

In 2015, CNN reported publicly that Girl Scouts of the USA had adopted transgender inclusion guidelines. A month later, the organization partnered with NASA and the White House to host a campout for girls on the South Lawn. The administration was aware of the policy. No one flinched. No staffer raised concerns. No official suggested exclusion. It was treated as what it was. Responsible adult leadership. That kind of leadership is not complicated. It is just harder than cruelty.

That moment now feels almost impossible to imagine.

Today, transgender children are no longer discussed as children. They are framed as abstractions, threats, symbols, or proxies for adult grievance. Laws are written about them without listening to them. Court cases are argued as if their bodies are theoretical. Adults project fear and ideology onto kids who are simply trying to exist and families who are just trying to do right by their children. This did not happen because Americans suddenly learned something new. It happened because institutions stopped trusting the public with complexity.

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Media incentives began rewarding outrage. Political incentives hardened around recurring outrage cycles and ideological litmus tests. Fringe voices were elevated until they became policy drivers. The work of care was replaced by the performance of outrage. Institutions that once slowed moments down now race to escalate them. Nuance is treated as weakness.

Restraint is treated as cowardice.

Related From Slate Stephen Colbert Just Gave Brendan Carr a Free Lesson in the Streisand Effect Read More

The coming Supreme Court decisions will not be the end of this story. If the bans are upheld, they will mark a chapter that policymakers will need to correct later. That work requires memory, not hysteria. It requires record keeping, not denial. It requires remembering that responsible approaches once existed and can exist again.

Girl Scouts of the USA still stands by its transgender inclusion policy. That matters. Institutions that hold their ground become evidence. Evidence becomes precedent. Precedent becomes possibility. This moment will pass. Leadership changes. Courts change. Laws change. What endures is whether we chose to behave like adults when children needed us to.

We have been here before. We once knew how to do this, When the time comesand it will come soonwe can choose to remember and do it again.
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales exchanged thousands of texts, some of them of a "sexual" nature, with an aide who later committed suicide after their alleged affair ended, according to a new report.

Speaking to the New York Post, Bobby Barrera, the attorney of Adrian Aviles, ex husband of Regina Santos, said the communications "clearly indicate something more than a non-professional relationship."

He went on to say that they exchanged some 3,500 texts, including requests from Gonzales for Santos to send him pictures while she was in a motel. Barrera noted that there is no "graphic" content.

The texts are being downloaded by a forensics team, Aviles and Barrera said, promising to release the content soon.

"He lives his life as if nothing happened. He has no remorse. His office never reached out to us and given us any kind of condolences," Aviles said.

Gonzales, on his end, said Aviles is trying to "blackmail" him. He posted an image on social media showing a message from Barrera. It claims that Aviles is seeking $300,000 for a non-disclosure agreement to refrain from filing a civil action that could damage his career.

"We definitely have limitation deadlines on our CAA so time is of the essence," reads a passage of the communication.

Gonzales slammed the message, saying he "will not be blackmailed." "Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde Police report. I will keep fighting for" Texas' 23rd district, he added.

Barrera reacted, saying Gonzales "fails to comprehend that we really state: We don't want to go public" and "destroy his career."

Aviles this week gave an interview to the San Antonio Express-News to make public comments about the allegations for the first time since the incident.

"I said the truth would come to light when it's time, and the time is now," Aviles told the Texas-based outlet. "Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader." He added that he hopes Gonzales "will stand up and be accountable for his actions."

Authorities said Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself outside her home on September 13, 2025, and died the next day at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide, and police said surveillance video showed she was alone and that there was no evidence of foul play.

Aviles disputed that conclusion, saying, "I don't think that it was an intentional act. I think it was a cry for help that turned into a tragedy."

He said he discovered the alleged relationship in May 2024 when he saw his wife texting Gonzales and later found messages he described as "very sexual in nature." He said the relationship had lasted two to three weeks at that point. Aviles said he later contacted Gonzales and members of his staff to say he knew about the relationship and intended to make it public, after which, he claimed, his wife was marginalized at work.

Gonzales is seeking reelection in Texas' 23rd Congressional District where he faces a contested Republican primary led by challenger Herrera, who previously raised the issue of the affair back in December.

Originally published on Latin Times
In re ATM Imports & Exports (CAAR Mumbai)

In In re ATM Imports & Exports, the applicant sought an advance ruling from the Customs Authority for Advance Ruling (CAAR), Mumbai, regarding the classification of Roasted Areca Nuts (Whole and Cut) proposed to be imported from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Burma. The applicant contended that the goods were classifiable under Customs Tariff Heading (CTH) 2008 19 91 (earlier 2008 19 20) as Other roasted nuts and seeds under Chapter 20 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. It relied on the process of roasting at te

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Question: With everything we learned about the doorbell cam in the Guthrie case, should I be concerned about video being captured by all of the cameras in my house?

Answer: The recent headlines about investigators retrieving video from a doorbell camera  even without an active subscription  have understandably made people uneasy.

If you have cameras inside or outside your home, its natural to wonder: Is everything Im doing being stored somewhere? And who can access it?

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The short answer is that your cameras are almost certainly capable of capturing more than you realize  but that doesnt automatically mean you should panic.

Lets break it down.

How home cameras store video

Most doorbell and security cameras are cloud-connected. When they detect motion, clips are transmitted to company servers. A paid plan usually determines how long you can view and store those clips in your account.

Even without a subscription, short-term data may briefly pass through backend systems before being deleted. That technical nuance is what fueled concern in the Guthrie case.

If footage exists on a providers servers  even temporarily  it can potentially be obtained through proper legal process, just like email or social media data.

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That doesnt mean someone is casually watching your feeds. It does mean cloud-connected devices create digital trails.

Camera footage: Could Walmart security and sales systems help find Nancy Guthrie?

What about cameras in TVs, laptops and phones?

This is where fear tends to outpace reality.

Most smart TVs today do not include cameras. A handful of older models once offered built-in cameras for video calls or gesture control, but the feature never gained traction. If your TV has a camera, it will be obvious  typically centered at the top bezel or retractable. If you dont see one, you likely dont have one.

Laptops, tablets and smartphones absolutely do have cameras  and microphones  and they are internet-connected by design. However, modern operating systems tightly control camera access. Apps must request permission before using the camera, and visual indicators now appear when the camera or microphone is active.

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On iPhones and many Android devices, youll see a green dot when the camera is in use. On Windows and Mac laptops, an indicator light is wired to the camera hardware itself, so it physically illuminates when the camera is powered on.

The far more common threat isnt secret government monitoring  its malware or a compromised account granting unauthorized access.

On tape: How digital evidence complicates investigations like Nancy Guthrie case

Should you cover them?

Covering a laptop camera is a reasonable precaution if it gives you peace of mind. A simple sliding webcam cover works well and wont damage the device.

On smartphones and tablets, covering the camera isnt practical. Instead, focus on:

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Keeping your operating system updated

Installing apps only from official app stores

Reviewing camera permissions in settings

Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication

Smart TVs without cameras dont need covers. If yours does have one and you dont use it, disable it in settings or physically cover it.

Where you should be most careful

Interior security cameras pose the highest privacy risk because theyre intentionally designed to stream and record.

Before installing them, ask yourself if the benefit outweighs the exposure. Hallways and entry points are one thing. Bedrooms and bathrooms are another.

Technology isnt inherently invasive  poor security habits are.

Understand which devices actually have cameras. Know how they store data. Secure your accounts properly. If a small piece of tape over a webcam helps you sleep better, thats fine too.

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Peace of mind comes from understanding your tech  not fearing it.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Understanding your home camera privacy
New Year on the Frontlines: China's Gen Z who train robots

15:31, February 21, 2026 By Li Weijun from People's Daily ( Global Times

Editor's Note:

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). A new year begins with new resolve and new momentum. The call to "fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities" continues to inspire actions across China.

In the column "New Year on the Frontlines," reporters from the People's Daily traveled to the grassroots to witness the vitality of a vast nation, see its mountains and rivers in motion and its fields in abundance, and listen to the stories of people finding fulfillment in both life and work.

Through these stories, the column seeks to present a vivid portrait of Chinese modernization.

Inside the Guangxi Embodied Intelligence Data Collection and Testing Center at the Liuzhou Robot Industrial Park in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, blue indicator lights flashed beneath the forehead of a 1.76-meter-tall industrial humanoid robot, their glow mingling with the red radiance of lanterns reflected on the glass curtain wall.

25-year-old Wu Dongbo stood in front of the robot, meticulously manipulating a control stick. "Pull down the F-key, press D to start, then return F to reset." As soon as his colleague Tang Junyuan finished speaking, Wu began making adjustments. The robot slowly raised its head, its right arm gradually lifted into the air before suddenly pausing, its joints trembling slightly ... "Reinforcement learning mode still needs fine-tuning," he explained to the People's Daily reporter without interrupting his work.

Wu Dongbo uses a controller to practice screwdriving with an industrial humanoid robot at the Liuzhou Robot Industrial Park in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on January 30, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of Li Hanchi

Wu is a robot trainer at the center, and his job is to train these "iron kids," as they're fondly called. "It's essentially about making the robots learn human force and angles, then converting that into parameter adjustments," Wu said.

To improve his debugging skills, Wu practiced repeatedly until he could issue each command accurately. "For an industrial robot to learn a simple action, it needs at least 300 repetitions." As he spoke, the robot in front of him once again raised its arm, flexed, and reached out, steadily gripping a component on the table. A faint smile touched Wu's lips as he said, "Look, it succeeded this time!"

Wu Dongbo (left) and his new colleague discuss the key points of practicing operational movements for industrial humanoid robots at the Liuzhou Robot Industrial Park in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on February 11, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of Li Hanchi

Elsewhere in the workshop, 23-year-old Qin Meilian was debugging a robot. "These robots can enter fire scenes and confined spaces," she told the People's Daily, outlining their applications: They can carry heavy loads, withstand heat, and are impervious to toxic gases. "Our goal is to get these robots onto worksites as soon as possible. They will be our reliable partners."

At the sorting and distribution station, robots practiced accurately sorting components; at the Guangxi Automobile Group's loading/unloading station, they learned to coordinate with machine tools; and in the pre-packaging area for Luosifen (snail rice noodles), they practiced the precise grasping and dispensing of ingredients ... "These real-world training scenarios are our most substantial 'assets' for training robots!" Wu said.

As dusk fell, Wu and his colleagues gathered around their workstations, systematically inputting the day's parameter adjustments, action completion status, problems, and solutions into the intelligent management system. Liu Kun, the center's director, walked over, clapped his hands, and announced in a clear, loud voice: "Next, we will initiate synchronous training for 120 robots, collecting 10,000 training data entries daily." The young team members nodded in agreement; their enthusiasm was palpable.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Sheng Chuyi)
For decades, the Iranian regime has openly proclaimed slogans that leave no room for ambiguity: Death to Israel and Death to America. These were not mere words. While these slogans echoed in Tehrans main square, the regime enriched uranium, developed ballistic missiles, and buried military facilities underground. Its rhetoric was accompanied by a strategy.

They think she has it, my mother said, looking at me warily, her voice filled with dread. She has the Big One.

You mean, they think she has cancer? The Big C? I replied, thinking quickly and trying to figure out what the Big One was. The person to which she was referring was a mid-seventies retired nurse who was active and fearsome in her post-retirement days.
Did you buy ORCL common stock between June 12, 2025, and December 16, 2025?

Affected Oracle Corporation Investor Summary

Who : Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL)

: Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed

Securities class action lawsuit filed Class Period: June 12, 2025, through December 16, 2025

June 12, 2025, through December 16, 2025 Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026 Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's data center capabilities for artificial intelligence infrastructure and capital expenditures.

Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's data center capabilities for artificial intelligence infrastructure and capital expenditures. Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor

RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 22, 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) 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-JLH, was filed on February 3, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and is pending before the Honorable Jennifer L. Hall.

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 KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

If you purchased or acquired uniQure ordinary shares and experienced losses, you are encouraged to contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. at:

 (484) 270-1453

 [email protected]

 https://www.ktmc.com/orcl-oracle-corporation-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=orcl&mktm=PR

There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

ORACLE CORPORATION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY:

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 Oracle'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.

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 Oracle'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) Oracle'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 Oracle's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

WHAT ORCL INVESTORS CAN DO NOW:

File to be lead plaintiff by April 6, 2026. Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation. Retain counsel of choice or take no action.

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 for more information.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund raises money so children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona can attend camp on scholarships funded by Star readers.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 to send up to 400 kids to weeklong YMCA and Girl Scout overnight camps, and Camp Tatiyee, for school-age children with special needs. We've expanded our fundraising to send up to 400 more children from Title 1 schools to two shorter overnight camps: Sky School camp, a four-day, three-night science camp atop Mt. Lemmon, and to Camp Cooper, a three-day, two-night desert exploration camp on Tucson's westside.

The annual donation envelope will appear in the Star on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Since 1947, the Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 44,814 children to go to overnight camp. Were one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp.

Your contribution to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp fund qualifies for the Arizona tax credit for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450.

Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for 2025 taxes and $1,009 for 2026 taxes. Other Arizona filers can donate up to $495 for 2025 taxes and $506 for their 2026 taxes. Donations made during 2025 or from Jan. 1, 2026, through April 15, 2026, can be claimed on the 2025 Arizona income tax return. Our EIN is 86-6053274, which is needed for some fund transfers.

Credit-card donations and details on the camps we sponsor: azsendakidtocamp.org

Send checks, payable to Sportsmens Fund, to: Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141

For more information: Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or info@azsendakidtocamp.org

Donations are welcome throughout the year.

Recent donations include:

American Online Giving Foundation, $436.

Jack Arnold, $50.

Mary Black, $100.

Regina Bohnert, $15.

T.A. Brown, $200.

Jill Buxton, $104.70.

Loraine Chapman, $400.

John Cioffi, $200.

Michael DiNapoli, $300.

Carl and Sara Domitrovich, $250.

Susan Emerson, $150.

Christina Fell, $52.51.

Jim and Lynn Gardner, $25.

Kay Humphrey, $100.

Marge Kesler, $200.

Frank Kingman, $50.

Ronald Lee, in memory of Donald Lewis and Craig Faltin, $1,000.

Alfred and Sandra Luckau, $50.

JoAnne Mallie, $10.72.

Marsi Quigleu, $104.70.

Richard and Margie Replogle. $52.51.

Cheri Schwartz, $100.

Byron Snyder, $100.

The Ladies of Alpha Delta Kappa PSI chapter, in loving memory of our charter sister Marguerite and her loving husband, Mr. Ratcliffe, $150.

James White, $104.70.

Three anonymous donations totalling $600.
Myths about TEP

I was very glad to read Todd Hixon's column of Feb. 18 regarding Tucson Electric Power. He has put my mind at ease and convinced me that remaining with TEP is the best choice for Tucson. As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I was happy that the myth that TEP doesn't like people to get rooftop solar is nonsense. I had rooftop solar installed on my 1,800 square-foot house in 2018 and couldn't be more pleased. Because I paid for the system right then, my monthly bill is only $26.99, except for the one month when the bill is nothing. Solar makes sense in our climate, and staying with TEP also makes sense.

Aston Bloom

East side

Power to the people

I recently read an article about the current economic state being described as a boomcession. Its the blending of phrases; booming economy and economic recession and describes how the rich are riding high on the stock market while the poor and middle class are suffering more than ever. The Canadian-owned corporation TEP is one prime example of the boomcession. They are experiencing record profits and huge bonuses for C-suites while half of their customers are forced to decide between paying for medication, groceries or their electric bill because the TEP corporation jacked up their rates by 14%. In contrast, public power, as stated in the name, is for the public, not for corporations. It offers an alternative to price gouging and is for the people. For the people of Tucson. We dont have to accept the status quo of a foreign-owned corporation focused on profits and stock value. Lets consider an alternative and give the power back to the people with public power.

Dan Hunt

Midtown

Chris Nanos, please stop talking

What has happened to Nancy Guthrie is tragic and heartbreaking. I hope she is found soon and her family can find peace. But the past three weeks of nonstop coverage and breaking news is perplexing to me. How many dozens of Indigenous women and girls who go missing are never even investigated? Arizona ranks third for the most missing and murdered Indigenous women in the country. Why arent we hearing about them? Where are their pictures and yellow ribbons?

And Chris Nanos: Please stop talking to the media. You are as incompetent as you are corrupt and an embarrassment to Tucson.

Allison Bradford

Marana

Blue money and roads

Of the reported discussion items at the upcoming Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting is the question of what to do with the approximately $27 million from the recent sale of 290 acres to Beale Infrastructure (or is it Bobcat B1 LLC?). Transportation improvements are high on the radar these days, and improving and expanding the main entrance to the Pima County Fairgrounds, or the S. Rita Road/I-10 interchange, are likely candidates if Project Blue gets off the ground. Alternatively, given the recent jitters in the private debt markets, caused, in part, by Blue Owl Capitals liquidation of assets (to pay investors heading for the exits), maybe the Supervisors want to sit on the money. They might get a skeet range back that needs attention.

Sheldon Clark

Vail

The real voting crisis

The prevailing narrative insists our elections are riddled with fraud. The numbers tell a different story. Over 25 years in Arizona, documented fraud amounted to 0.0000845% of votes. Across six battleground states in 2020, investigators found fewer than 475 instances of fraud out of 25 million votes.

If we were serious about strengthening our democracy, we'd focus on encouraging more voting, not less. Roughly two-thirds of eligible voters participate in presidential elections, plummeting to under 50 percent in midterms. The genuine threat isn't phantom illegal votes; it's tens of millions of legitimate citizens who never cast a ballot.

Meaningful reform would lower barriers: automatic registration, expanded early voting, universal mail-in ballots, Election Day as a national holiday. Instead, we're raising barriers: voter ID requirements, purged registration rolls, reduced polling locations, shortened voting windows.

We're solving a problem that doesn't exist while ignoring the crisis that does. Vote!

Lawrence Mazin

SaddleBrooke

The Bobbsey Twins

Governor Walz and Mayor Frey of Minnesota are cheering the drawdown of ICE activities there. They claim those actions did irreparable damage to the state, caused massive economic disruption, and struck fear into the hearts of all Minnesotans. However, they failed to note that the majority of the serious disruptions were caused by unruly and oftentimes dangerous, unlawful protesters. They also failed to note that over 4,000 illegals were apprehended, and more than 2,800 were either convicted or accused of serious crimes and had orders of deportation. 2,800 unaccompanied children were located. No parents, where were they, and how were they being treated? Were they all in the Learning Center? Who, in their right mind would allow this injustice to befall their community? Obviously, this was a planned ploy to deflect attention from the $9 billion of fraud that those two allowed. They realize that the heavy hammer of the federal government is descending upon those two culpable miscreants, and they have no reasonable defense.

Loyal M. Johnson Jr.

Oro Valley

A war on children by a pro-life regime

Babies, young children, and pregnant women have become a casualty of Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. Its clear his goal is to inflict cruelty.

He and DHS claim they are detaining the worst of the worst as they abduct innocent babies and children.

As this newspaper reported, ICE is holding 71,000 people in detention centers, and 74% have never been convicted of a crime.

A two-month-old baby detained at the Dilly, Texas detention center, where a measles outbreak occurred, was described as choking on his own vomit. Children, some with chronic medical issues, are not getting the care they need and are spending months in horrible conditions.

Trumps regime is abusing children at detention centers; they have killed over 500,000 children by dismantling USAID, and are covering up child predation at Epsteins island and Zorro Ranch.

They think that because they are the federal government, they can deport sick babies, and sexually and physically abuse minors without any accountability. This is unconscionable.

Teresa Jenkins

SaddleBrooke

What is courage?

Courage is knowing you're likely to face danger, knowing that you may not succeed, and yet knowing you have the mental willingness to do it. The people of Minneapolis exhibited this courage recently and stood up for their city, their neighbors, their values and their right to march and speak. They protected young children, they delivered food, they drove people in their own cars to keep them safe. They spoke for all Americans who are totally opposed to Trump's reign of terror across our country.

Thank you to the people of Minneapolis, to the mayor who stood up and spoke truth to power, and all others, including the local police, for doing the right thing and doing it all lawfully and peacefully.

You all showed your spirit, backbone, boldness and spunk and for that we thank you all.

Sally Mayersohn

Northwest side

In a close call, I voted yes on RTA Next

I voted yes, mostly because I believe uninterrupted maintenance of the half-cent transportation sales tax is important and that Tucson really needs its portion of the projected $177M for pavement maintenance. Despite all the recent bond work and new roadway projects you see, decades of inadequate pavement upkeep and escalating roadway rehabilitation costs will still have us dodging potholes. If the RTA Next vote fails, having a replacement vote on Tucson-only transportation support will be iffy and too far into the future.

The time for disconnecting from RTA was this time last year or earlier, before the RTA Next package was finalized. Now, the wise course for Tucson residents is to vote yes on the current ballot, harvest what we can from the package and begin to look closely at Tucson's own Move Tucson program as a means for working on continuing unmet needs.

Donald Ijams

Midtown

In our place

As a nation, we have put ourselves in a position of having to slog through our country's divisive quagmire. It's time that we do a self-analysis. Why is it becoming increasingly obvious that we need to be put in  or return to  our place? We have lost our way. Our place is a place of strength and humanity based on civility, respect for others, cooperation, shared leadership, humility, understanding, forgiving, respect and judicious preparedness. Others no longer see our country in that light. The ability to correct our course is within us.

Don Gerlach
Three of the worlds most dangerous migration routes have seen a surge in deaths, figures show, as campaigners warn tough immigration policies are pushing desperate people towards riskier journeys.

The UNs Missing Migrants Project (MMP) has recorded 81,540 deaths worldwide since 2014, hitting a peak in 2024 when 9,197 refugees and asylum seekers died trying to reach another country for a better life.

Despite a small decline in fatalities in 2025, the first month of 2026 was the deadliest January since records began, with 713 lives lost.

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The deadliest single path is the Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Southern Europe, with at least 26,416 people killed over the last decade. At least 501 have died trying to make the journey in the first weeks of 2026 already.

Migrants are risking their lives crossing seas to find a better life - with often deadly consequences (file image) (AFP via Getty)

Two other routes have seen a particular surge in recent years. Deaths of migrants travelling overland from Afghanistan to Iran have risen by 1,900 per cent between 2019 and 2025 (65 to 1,323), with a particular increase since the Taliban retook control in 2021.

Lives lost between western Africa and Spains Canary Islands rose by 480 per cent during the same period (202 to 1,172).

[These routes] are some of the most dangerous in the world, and certainly the ones where weve seen the greatest increases over time, a spokesperson for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which runs the MMP, told The Independent.

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The organisation believes that tougher policies merely move the problem elsewhere.

Were seeing that, because the counter-smuggling enforcement on a lot of the West and North African departure countries is getting stricter, people are leaving from as far south as the Gambia, an overseas journey of weeks, which is crazy when its often a fishing boat, the spokesperson added.

Drowning during sea crossings is by far the leading cause of death (46,686), followed by transport accidents (7,188), lack of shelter, food or water (5,967), violent attacks (5,891) and illness (3,418).

European governments which have introduced strict policies to deter migrants claim this is the key to tackling the issue.

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Downing Street insists its stringent set of asylum measures announced in November, will dismantle the criminal networks profiting from human misery while Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni has said that crushing the traffickers business is the best method for reducing deaths.

However, while the Central Mediterranean route saw a steady fall in deaths in 2024 and 2025, campaigners warn that tougher migration policies are driving desperate migrants towards more remote routes, into the hands of criminal smugglers in regions with little humanitarian presence and where deaths are less well documented.

The more you restrict border crossings, the more people use more remote routes, she said. If youre already breaking the law, youre more likely to engage with criminal actors. This really is putting peoples lives at risk.

A spike in deaths in 2026 has seen 567 migrants killed across all three Mediterranean routes, including the eastern route from Turkey to Greece and the western route from North Africa to Spain.

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The second closest year was 2015, when there were 427 deaths. IOM data shows that there were around 3,500 arrivals by sea in Italy in 2015, compared to less than 1,500 in January 2026, which suggests the rate of deaths per crossing has increased.

On 6 February, 53 people died when a migrant boat capsized near the Libyan coast. Weeks earlier, Italian authorities estimated that 380 people may have drowned in a single week while trying to make the crossing as Cyclone Harry was battering southern Italy and Malta.

Amnesty UKs refugee and migrants rights programme director, Steve Valdez-Symonds, told The Independent that migration crackdowns have only increased the dependence of people on smugglers.

Unworkable deterrence policies will only cause more harm, he added, with campaigners arguing they do not stop people trying.

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Greece is a case in point, says Lora Pappa, president of Greek NGO Metadrasi. Last July, Athens temporarily banned asylum access for arrivals from North Africa.

But boat arrivals, which averaged 3,182 during the first six months of 2025, jumped to an average of 4,058 during the ban.

They stopped giving asylum... for people who are coming from Libya to Crete for three months. Did these people stop coming? No. They will take any risk, Ms Pappa said. I dont think we can stop this kind of movement of people without being inhuman."

In the UK, the government is introducing new deterrent measures that include 20-year waits for indefinite leave to remain, restrictions on benefits and family members coming to join people already here.

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Despite this, more than 41,470 people crossed the channel in 2025, the second highest since data collection began in 2018.

Labour party backbenchers have accused the government of shamefully ripping up the rights and protections of people who have endured unimaginable trauma with its tougher stance.

A Border Force vessel delivers migrants to Dover port after intercepting a small boat crossing in December (Getty)

Veteran MP Diane Abbott, who previously criticised the government for not doing enough to tackle the anti-migrant drift in global debate on migration, told The Independent a different approach is needed.

In response to the death figures, she argued the high number is a consequence of dehumanising migrants, so nobody really cares whether they drown.

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Governments need to make it easier for migrants to get here, she argued. People are desperate and they are going to risk their lives.

If anything, the MMP believes its figures on migrant deaths are a significant underestimate, warning that huge cuts to aid budgets that have limited the groups presence in hard-to-reach areas could make accurate reporting even more of a challenge.

Documenting irregular migration is really hard, the MMP spokesperson said. Bodies in remote areas may take days, weeks, months or never be found at all.

There are a lot of what we call invisible shipwrecks, where we have no trace of what happened. Weve had cases where whole boats of mummified remains are washing up in Brazil across the Atlantic.

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Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, the UNHCRs assistant high commissioner for protection, told The Independent the figures were a huge and growing concern.

We know that refugees and migrants continue to resort to dangerous journeys, often moving together, she said.

We urge states and partners to provide prompt search and rescue, to uphold their asylum commitments, to provide opportunities for refugees to rebuild their life in new countries, and facilitate the prompt return for those not in need of international protection.

But we must also help people find safety and life-saving assistance closer to home, where  contrary to the perceptions of many  most refugees stay.
25 years as a single mother

Online users have praised the couples carefully arranged wedding, which followed all customary procedures and rituals. Despite being in their later years, the couple enjoyed a full and heartfelt happiness in the presence of their children and relatives from both sides.

Everyone deserves happiness at any age, what matters is whether we dare to open our hearts; Just looking at how the groom cherishes the bride shows how deeply they love each other; Such a touching wedding, this mother has gone through so much and now deserves peace and joy were among the emotional comments shared online.

The bride is Pham Nhung (born in 1965, HCMC), while the groom is Tran Thong, an overseas Vietnamese living in the US, who is 10 years older than her. Their wedding was held on January 2829.

Before opening her heart to new happiness at the age of 61, Nhung had spent 25 years as a single mother. Her first marriage ended in 2000, after which she raised three children (two sons and one daughter) on her own.

During those years, out of love for her children and a desire to give them complete maternal care, Nhung did not seek personal happiness. Only when her eldest son had settled down and her other two children had stable jobs did she begin to think about finding a reliable partner to lean on.

My children encouraged me a lot. They work far from home and felt sorry seeing me alone, so they told me: Mom, you should get married. Only when you are happy can we truly be happy, Nhung told VietNamNet.

When my children were so understanding, I decided to open my heart and look for my own happiness, she said.

Happiness in later years

In 2022, through friends introductions, Nhung met her current husband, who was then living and working in the US.

She admitted that she was not particularly impressed with Thong during their first conversations. However, she was touched when he returned to Vietnam and stayed for five consecutive months because of her.

He is originally from HCMC. During that time, he came back to visit relatives and then visited my home every day. Through simple conversations, we realized we were quite compatible, Nhung recalled.

The relationship of the older couple was not as intense or passionate as that of younger people, but it was thoughtful and profound. They rarely discussed love, instead sharing views on raising children, maintaining health, and interacting with others.

Thongs calm and polite demeanor made Nhung feel secure by his side. In return, her cheerful personality, diligence, and thoughtfulness made him love her even more.

The first time he returned to Vietnam, he stayed for five months. The second time, six months. And the third time was recently, when he came back to marry me, Nhung said with a smile.

Nhung's relationship received enthusiastic support from her children. Meanwhile, Thong's three daughters from a previous marriage expressed concerns to their father: "We see that she is so beautiful. Is she being sincere with you?" Later, when they had the chance to meet Nhung, they completely changed their minds.

"My husband's children apologized to me and gave me a bouquet of flowers. I was very moved because, truly, it is only natural for children to think carefully about their parents' happiness," Nhung said.

Supported by their children, the couple decided to get married and officially move in together. Loving their parents for being alone for many years, the children organized a meticulous wedding with all the steps: the formal meeting, the engagement ceremony, and the wedding ceremony.

The wedding ceremony was held at Nhungs private home, while the party took place at a restaurant. Nhung described it as an unforgettable wedding, attended by relatives, close friends, and especially witnessed by their children.

The most memorable moment for me was when my best friend led me to the ancestral altar ceremony. Normally, my daughter would have done that, but she was too emotional and cried so much that someone else had to help, Nhung shared.

The wedding also featured a bouquet toss, with the bouquet caught by Nhungs close friends from her dance club. In every moment, she felt complete happiness through the care and love of those around her.

Currently, Nhung continues to live in HCMC, while her husband travels between Vietnam and the US.

Ha Nguyen
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2026, speaking with VietNamNet, former Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc emphasized that if Vietnam wants to reach double-digit growth, it must carry out sufficiently deep institutional reform and act decisively to unlock resources among the people.

We cannot move steadily

After the 14th Party Congress, Vietnam entered what has been described as a new era with the ambition of double-digit growth. If we do not pursue high growth, the opportunity to rise to high-income status may slip away, especially as the demographic golden period will last only about another decade. How do you view this goal?

Vo Hong Phuc: I fully support the objective set by the 14th Party Congress - to build a new era of development for Vietnam.

Mr. Vo Hong Phuc.

If we continue to move slowly and evenly as before, nothing will change and no breakthrough will occur. The countries around us are not standing still. I recall that during Prime Minister Vo Van Kiets tenure, we once set the goal of catching up with Thailand. But whenever we moved closer, they moved further ahead.

Therefore, without a genuine breakthrough, we will never catch up. If we move forward one step while others advance two, our relative position remains unchanged. To alter our standing, we must adopt a more resolute approach and make a stronger leap.

I believe the direction outlined by General Secretary To Lam - opening a new era and a new phase of development - is correct. But to achieve that, we must invest strongly, change our methods and, above all, act decisively. That is also the aspiration of the people.

In your view, how is that decisive spirit being reflected in reality?

After the 14th Party Congress, I have observed some positive signals. Let me cite a specific example in Hanoi: La Thanh Road.

Anyone who has lived in Hanoi for decades knows this road has been discussed since the 1990s. Through successive administrations, certain sections were expanded, but the project was never completed. The reasons were numerous, mostly related to land clearance, procedures and compensation.

In reality, had it been done earlier, clearance costs would have been far lower. Much of the land along the route was agricultural at the time, not residential, so compensation costs were modest. It is a vital traffic artery, yet hesitation caused missed opportunities.

Now, with new leadership acting decisively, tasks once deemed impossible have proven feasible. If action had come earlier, costs would have been significantly lower.

This example makes one point clear: once a goal is set, action must follow - and action must be thorough and resolute.

There are many other such examples. I believe this decisive spirit is precisely what the public expects from the new term and its leadership.

Resolute action

Beyond ring roads, more than 3,000 stalled projects remain, with total capital of about VND2.4 quadrillion (US$98 billion). If these bottlenecks were removed decisively, could Vietnam accelerate faster?

Indeed, these are major impediments to development.

One key issue lies in our operational mechanism, which emphasizes consensus. We discuss at one council, then at another level if opinions differ, and continue reconsidering at party committees. When dissent arises, momentum weakens.

At this stage, we must still uphold democratic centralism: discuss thoroughly and fully. But once a decision is made, implementation must be concentrated and unwavering. Leaders must take responsibility, dare to decide and dare to act. Only then can longstanding problems be resolved.

Other countries have shown this. South Korea under President Park Chung-hee or Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew achieved rapid development through centralized authority combined with decisive governance. With unified will and strong political determination, difficult issues were addressed.

Does Vietnam still have the opportunity for similar development?

I believe we do.

Vietnamese people possess advantages not every nation shares. International partners consistently describe Vietnamese as intelligent, adaptable and quick to learn.

We are also a unified nation with a long history of resilience. Yet the window of opportunity is narrowing. The demographic golden period will not last. In about ten years, population structure will shift and opportunities will shrink.

If we fail to seize this moment, we risk falling into the middle-income trap. We must confront this reality and act promptly.

Ultimately, must development begin by unlocking peoples resources?

Absolutely. The largest resource of any country lies in its people.

Development cannot rely on a single segment. It must start with each citizen having the conditions to work, innovate, invest and contribute. Only when society as a whole participates can development be fast and sustainable.

Liberating the mind

The Political Report of the 14th Party Congress calls for a new growth model focused on productivity, quality and competitiveness, driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. That requires institutional change. Do you agree?

Yes. Innovation requires individuals to have space, environment and motivation to create.

The core issue is liberation - liberating thinking. If people remain constrained, fearful of mistakes or risk, genuine innovation will not occur.

We must foster a clear direction to mobilize creative forces. That means open institutions and strong incentives so that citizens and enterprises dare to think and act.

The National Innovation Center and global innovation networks have been established. Is that sufficient?

Not yet. Innovation cannot rest solely on buildings or centers.

Institutions must be open and trustworthy enough to gather and connect Vietnamese intellectual resources at home and abroad. Innovation resides in people - not in equipment. A broad, capable intellectual community must be empowered.

Without institutional openness, double-digit growth is unrealistic. The old model of resource extraction and cheap labor is no longer viable.

I believe in the capacity and energy of Vietnamese people. Foreign investors consistently praise their intelligence and aspiration.

I recall Vietnamese students in Japan who began in small groups and built thriving technology firms. Even the Japanese Prime Minister visited them early on. They flourished because the environment compelled continuous innovation.

When they return to Vietnam, however, institutional bottlenecks remain. Many startups register in Singapore, not because they prefer it, but because procedures there are transparent and efficient.

If we do not reform institutions and administrative procedures, especially at the startup stage, we will struggle to retain talent and harness national energy.

Growth on a stable macroeconomic foundation

Double-digit growth must go hand in hand with macroeconomic stability. Can Vietnam rely on the old model of expanding credit and cheap resources?

Growth requires investment. But efficiency is decisive.

Vietnams incremental capital-output ratio remains around 6-6.5. To raise GDP by 1 percent, investment must rise by more than 6 percent. Maintaining that while targeting double-digit growth would endanger macroeconomic stability.

In more efficient economies, the ICOR is around 3-4. Ours is nearly double.

To achieve high yet stable growth, we must raise investment efficiency and expand private investment, especially domestic SMEs.

Vietnam lacks globally competitive industrial conglomerates comparable to those in South Korea or Japan. Many large firms concentrate on real estate or finance, rather than manufacturing. Only a few - such as FPT in software, Vinamilk in food processing, Hoa Phat in materials and Masan in consumer value chains - represent industrial capacity.

Expanding a robust ecosystem of production-oriented enterprises, particularly SMEs, must be a pillar of the growth strategy.

Institutional reform remains the breakthrough of breakthroughs. If decisions are made but implementation hesitates, growth will stall.

Democracy means thorough discussion, but once resolved, concentrated action must follow. Only action produces results.

Otherwise, even well-crafted resolutions will not deliver substantive change to the economy or to peoples lives.

Tu Giang-Lan Anh
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The headquarters of a scam ring located along the CambodiaThailand border was recently dismantled by authorities. Images from the site show that the suspects invested heavily to turn their operation into a space that looked like a law enforcement office.

The group also built a fake bank transaction office that closely resembled an Oriental Commercial Bank (OCB) branch. The purpose was reportedly to conduct video calls impersonating OCB staff who orchestrated pre-arranged traps fooling customers.

Immediately after the scam ring was busted, OCB issued urgent warnings to customers about common scenarios recorded from the site: impersonating police or authorities and requesting cooperation in investigations; impersonating bank staff to ask for verification, account upgrades, or to pitch high-return financial investments; and creating psychological pressure and demanding urgent disclosure of information or money transfers.

Staging realistic settings is a new step in scam tactics, making even people with technology knowledge potential victims if they are not vigilant, OCB warned.

OCB is continuing to send warnings to customers through its official communication channels. It has issued the following warnings:

Do not provide confidential information (card details, login credentials, OTP codes) to anyone, including those claiming to be bank staff.

Do not scan QR codes, access unfamiliar links, or enter personal information; do not photograph or send citizen ID cards or facial images through non-official OCB channels.

Be cautious of requests to verify accounts, upgrade information, redeem reward points, claims that points will expire within 24 hours, exclusive gift offers, installment payment information, or any requests involving urgent money transfers or investments promising high returns.

Immediately lock cards via the digital banking app or the banks hotline if information leakage is suspected.

Common scam tactics

As Lunar New Year approaches, shopping demand rises, and it becomes a peak season for scammers to activate fraud scenarios targeting busy consumers.

VPBank has advised customers to stay alert to scenarios that are not new but are reused by criminals to exploit customer trust.

Common scenarios that customers should be extremely cautious about include those below:

Impersonating bank staff to support financial services, such as receiving incoming transfers, unlocking accounts (after criminals deliberately lock them by repeated wrong logins), checking credit card transactions, registering biometric data, handling bad debt, or offering unrealistically low-interest loans.

Impersonating third parties with familiar scripts such as collecting card issuance fees, VAT fees, or delivery fees.

Impersonating authorities such as tax agencies, social insurance, police, or power utility staff to guide users to install apps via fake links or upgrade accounts (VNeID, VSSiD).

Impersonating major companies to invite users to download apps to enjoy sale promotion programs or announce gift giveaways (Vietnam Airlines, The Gioi Di Dong, Dien May Xanh, well-known restaurant chains).

Impersonating investigators, using threatening language and demanding money transfers to police accounts to prove innocence.

Persuading victims to join online investment channels with attractive commissions.

Banks emphasize that scam scenarios can be highly sophisticated and diverse, often incorporating personal information to build trust, but they usually boil down to the following actions:

Tricking users into installing fake apps on personal devices to seize control of the device.

Tricking users into providing card numbers on the front, CVV/CVC codes on the back, OTP codes, or performing biometric authentication to complete transactions.

Scamming victims into paying registration fees or cancellation fees for services they do not use.

Banks advise users to be extremely cautious before performing any of the above actions, and to pay special attention to the following points:

Be highly alert to contacts from unfamiliar phone numbers or friend requests from strangers on Zalo or Facebook.

Only install apps from official app stores (Google Play or App Store); never install apps via sent links.

Before performing biometric authentication for transactions, carefully check what transaction is being executed.

Never provide card numbers, CVV/CVC codes, or OTP codes to anyone, including those claiming to be bank staff.

Do not transfer money to individuals or organizations with unclear information.

Du Lam
The Government has set a target for GDP per capita to reach around US$8,500 by 2030. Vietnam has five years left to turn that ambition into reality.

Feasible

Vietnam has five years to raise GDP per capita from US$4,740 in 2025 to US$8,500 by 2030. Photo: Nam Khanh

Calculations based on data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) show that in 2025, Vietnams GDP per capita stands at US$4,740, ranking sixth in Southeast Asia. Within five years, the target figure would therefore need to rise nearly 1.8 times from the current level.

The IMF also estimates that by 2030, Vietnams GDP per capita will reach US$6,320. This reveals a gap of more than US$2,000 between the Governments target and the IMF projection.

Is the US$8,500 goal by 2030 feasible for Vietnam?

Feasible, Associate Professor Vo Dai Luoc, former Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, responded when asked by VietNamNet. However, it is a challenging figure. The Government will need significant effort to achieve it, he added.

IMF data show that Singapore continues to dominate the region, with GDP per capita nearing US$100,000 and projected to exceed US$114,000 by 2030, ranking among the worlds highest.

Meanwhile, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines are expected to fall within the mid-range, at around US$6,000-7,000 by 2030 - roughly one-fifteenth of Singapores level.

Reflecting on Singapores remarkable transformation and the lessons Vietnam might draw, Luoc recalled a story from more than 30 years ago.

In 1993, he was a member of the Prime Minister Vo Van Kiets Economic Advisory Group. At that time, former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, already retired, was invited to Vietnam to serve as an advisor.

During the two to three weeks Lee Kuan Yew worked in Vietnam, members of the advisory group spent considerable time asking about Singapores development formula.

Luoc remembers two key factors shared by the late Singaporean leader.

First was the use of talent. Singapore was willing to welcome foreign experts into the state apparatus. At one point, during Lee Kuan Yews tenure, only two cabinet members were native Singaporeans. The remaining ministries were led by foreign talents hired to run the country.

In addition, all ministers were paid exceptionally generous salaries, among the highest in the world. The Governments aim in offering high pay was to attract capable individuals to public governance and reduce corruption in the public sector.

Second was institutional design. Singapore adopted the British legal system, regarded at the time as one of the best in the world. In effect, Singapore imported nearly the entire institutional framework of the United Kingdom, then a leading industrial nation.

Thanks to such policies, Singapore was the first country in Asia to escape the middle-income trap, Luoc said, affirming that Vietnams economy could also achieve breakthrough growth. To do so, institutions and the people implementing policies are of paramount importance.

Activating new growth engines

Institutional quality and the effective implementation of policy are seen as decisive factors in achieving breakthrough growth. Photo: Nam Khanh
At the end of December 2025, the Ministry of National Defense held a ceremony to present decisions of the President and the Minister of National Defense to officers assigned to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Among them was Lieutenant Colonel Vu Thi Lien, assistant to the Training Department at the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, who successfully applied for and was selected as a Security and Defense Policy Expert at the United Nations Liaison Office on Peace and Security in Brussels, Belgium.

She is the first Vietnamese female officer to be selected for a position at a United Nations office, marking a significant milestone in the deepening and professional integration of Vietnams peacekeeping forces.

In the final days of the lunar year, as families across the country busily prepared for the Lunar New Year (Tet), Lieutenant Colonel Vu Thi Lien was quietly preparing for departure on her new mission.

Arriving in Brussels, she welcomed the New Year with staff at the Vietnamese Embassy before beginning her first working days at the UN Liaison Office.

With a radiant smile, gentle yet confident voice and her peacekeeping uniform, she leaves an immediate impression of warmth and professionalism.

Originally a French language lecturer at the Military Medical Academy before being assigned to the Postgraduate Department at the Military Technical Academy, Vu Thi Lien spent 10 years working in education.

She began her peacekeeping journey in January 2021. In November of that year, she received the Presidents decision to serve with the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic, becoming the first Vietnamese female officer deployed there.

Her primary role was as a training advisory and coordination officer, working with local armed forces to organize short-term courses for professional soldiers and officers. Fluent in French, she not only instructed Central African troops but also volunteered to teach French and office IT skills to colleagues from other countries to help them integrate into the mission area.

After two years back in Vietnam working at the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, she embarked on her second international mission, this time to a location far from home once again. Despite her experience, the mix of excitement and nervous anticipation remains.

The first time I deployed to the EU Training Mission in the Central African Republic, I felt eager and determined, but also somewhat overwhelmed stepping into a challenging international environment in Africa.

This time, serving at the UN Liaison Office on Peace and Security in Brussels, Belgium, I feel more mature, more thoughtful and more aware of the weight of responsibility. I now have experience and confidence working in a multinational and multicultural environment, she shared.

She has also strengthened her language skills significantly, improving not only her French but also her English.

Serving as an individual expert means representing not only herself, but also the image of the Vietnam Peoples Army and Vietnamese women in an international environment.

Being far from home and family, especially her children, inevitably brings moments of reflection. Yet she considers it a source of pride and remains acutely aware that every action and statement contributes to national credibility.

As a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, she views participation in peacekeeping as both an honor and a profound responsibility, continuously striving to enhance her knowledge and experience.

Recalling the application and selection process for the Security and Defense Policy Expert position, she described it as long and rigorous.

I had to meet very high UN standards in professional expertise, practical experience, policy analysis capacity, ability to work in a multinational environment and strict language requirements.

After passing the document screening round, I was invited to an interview. The UN interview lasted nearly 45 minutes with three panelists, focusing deeply on field experience, understanding of UN-EU cooperation mechanisms, tools within the EUs Common Security and Defense Policy and strategic approaches to supporting peacekeeping missions.

I considered it not merely an exam, but a professional dialogue at the international level, she recounted.

Her selection surprised many, but for her it was the result of persistent preparation, accumulated experience and confidence in her own capabilities.

If her mission in the Central African Republic was field-based and directly involved in training and coordination in a conflict area, her current work in Brussels is strategic, policy-oriented and global in scope.

In Belgium, she will analyze, advise and connect EU security and defense policy tools to better support UN peacekeeping missions. The role demands strategic thinking and deep analysis, as each policy recommendation may affect implementation in conflict zones.

Brussels hosts numerous EU security and intelligence agencies, creating a highly competitive information environment. This requires strong political steadfastness, strict adherence to confidentiality principles and caution in all forms of communication.

Compared with her previous mission focused on teaching, this assignment is entirely different.

The task is more complex, oriented toward research, analysis and advisory work. It requires broader and deeper knowledge, and a much higher level of strategic thinking, she noted.

To prepare, she attended security and defense policy training in Spain and studied extensively on political security and peacekeeping issues.

In a world marked by complex challenges, she emphasized that no single nation or organization can resolve global problems alone. Cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union is essential.

My role is to research and advise so that the United Nations can effectively leverage EU instruments. During my two years in the Central African Republic, I directly witnessed this cooperation, though at that time I did not know I would one day work in this field. It feels like a meaningful connection, she said.

Her current term will last one year.

During her service in the Central African Republic, she felt clearly the respect and goodwill international colleagues and local people held toward the Vietnam Peoples Army. Vietnam was seen as a nation with a resilient history, yet one that is humane, responsible and sincere in peacekeeping missions.

International colleagues were often initially surprised by the petite stature of Vietnamese female officers, but professionalism, discipline and dedication earned trust and admiration.

In photos with international peers, the image of the Vietnamese female officer may appear small, yet her bright presence stands out. For me, each photo is not only a memory but proof that Vietnamese women can affirm their role and capability even in the harshest international environments, she emphasized.

Photos: Provided by the subject

Vietnamese female peacekeepers also leave positive impressions on local communities, particularly African women and children, through compassion and readiness to share support in a distinctly Vietnamese spirit.

Strong and resolute like her male colleagues, in private life she is also a mother, a wife and a daughter.

During her two years in Africa, her husband and children were her steadfast support. My husband is also in the military. He is very capable in taking care of household matters, so I feel reassured, she said with a smile.

With the encouragement of her husband, children and both sides of the family, she feels secure in carrying out the tasks entrusted by the Party, the State and the Army. It is also an opportunity to develop her abilities and affirm her personal value.

Since she was permitted by Ministry leaders to apply for the new position, her children have eagerly hoped for her success.

Understanding her work, her children have become more independent. Her eldest daughter recently passed the entrance exam to Cau Giay High School and achieved an IELTS score of 8.0. Now in her final year of high school, she once again faces an important academic milestone while her mother is away.

The last time I left, she was finishing secondary school. This time it is her final year of high school. At important moments, I am absent, yet she reassures me and tells me to focus on my mission, Lieutenant Colonel Vu Thi Lien said emotionally.

Tran Thuong
Phuong Linh (born 1988, Hanoi) and Sam (born 1988, from Pakistan) met after both had experienced long-term relationships that did not lead to results. At the age of 37, having tasted both love and heartbreak, both hoped to meet a compatible partner for marriage. Therefore, the first criterion they set when getting to know someone was seriousness and a commitment to a long-term future.

Getting to know each other through a dating app in early 2025, Phuong Linh and Sam found themselves highly compatible. After several conversations over the phone, they decided to meet in person.

"I met Sam for the first time on an extremely hot day in Hanoi. Coincidentally, not long before that, I had returned from Indonesia, a country with a Muslim majority. Right after that, I 'ran into' a Muslim guy," Linh shared with a smile.

Sam fell in love at first sight. Every day, he looked for opportunities to meet Linh. Not long after knowing her, he was ready to drive Linh and her mother to their hometown to visit her grandparents.

When Linh's father underwent surgery at the hospital, Sam was eager to visit. During that visit, a subtle and delicate action of his made Linh melt. "Before holding my father's hand, he rubbed his own hands against his face to warm them up because he was afraid my father would feel cold. At that moment, I realized he was a family-oriented man," Linh recalled.

In the days that followed, he treated my family like his own. Whenever my family had something to do or needed to travel far, he would arrange his time to drive us. I realized he was a responsible man who would make a good husband, Linh shared.

Linh admitted that this was the first time she had dated a Muslim, so she did not know much about the religion.

Sam also did not present himself as strict about religious matters. He always made her feel comfortable, allowing her to get acquainted with Islamic culture in a gentle and natural way.

Cultural integration

Linhs parents followed their childrens journey from the very beginning, so they felt reassured and gave their full support and blessings.

So far, Linh has not yet had the chance to visit Pakistan to meet her in-laws in person, but through video calls and warm conversations, she knows she is welcomed.

The couple held an Islamic wedding ceremony (Nikah) in November 2025 in Hanoi and officially moved in together. They plan to travel to Pakistan after the 2026 Lunar New Year to hold a wedding ceremony there, followed by a celebration party in Vietnam.

Currently, the couple lives in Hanoi. Linh runs a business in the beauty sector, while Sam operates a business and works as an English teacher.

Since living together, Sam has proactively shared his vision for building a family culture and educating children according to Islamic values. Through this, Linh has gradually understood the disciplined lifestyle, principles, and standards her husband follows.

Observing how her husband lives and behaves daily, Linh recognized the positive values in that lifestyle. Instead of feeling pressured or restricted, she proactively chose a gentle approach to nurture their shared family life.

"My husband does not drink alcohol; he always maintains distance and respects women. I also want to pursue those values, valuing family, loving everyone, and finding peace in my soul," Linh shared.

Linh used to prefer a dynamic, modern fashion style. After marriage, she voluntarily chose more modest clothing as a way to show respect and harmony with her husbands family lifestyle.

Gradually, Linh became accustomed to wearing Hijab, the traditional headscarf for Muslim women, when going out. At first, she was still awkward because she had not found the right style, but over time, everything became easier and more convenient.

In the past, it took me quite a long time to put on the scarf, sometimes nearly half an hour. Now that Im used to it, I only need a few minutes before heading out, Linh said.

In daily life, Linh has adjusted her eating habits to suit their small family. She proactively changed the menu, choosing simple, easy-to-prepare dishes that fit both their tastes, especially the culinary culture of her husbands hometown.

Despite religious differences, Linh realized that she and her husband share many things in common. Both value family, love, and mutual respect.

Ha Nguyen
From a boy who loved mathematics to an International Mathematical Olympiad gold medalist and a PhD graduate from one of the worlds top 7 universities, Dr Can Tran Thanh Trung often speaks of Le Ba Khanh Trinh as the teacher who ignited his passion. That journey has also led him to a defining decision: to return home and contribute.

From IMO gold to a mathematics PhD at a top global university

Can Tran Thanh Trung graduated as valedictorian in mathematics in 2018 from Duke University in the US. Photo: Provided by the subject

Born in 1995, Dr Can Tran Thanh Trung is an alumnus of the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, one of the countrys leading specialized schools. He grew up in a modest family - his father worked in national defense administration, while his mother, an electrical engineering technician, retired early to take care of the family.

His mathematical talent revealed itself early. In previous interviews, his mother recalled that even in kindergarten, he could mentally calculate problems given by teachers. Because we did not recognize his gift early on, he was not systematically trained. In grade 8, he failed to make the math team at Nguyen Gia Thieu Secondary School in Ho Chi Minh City. He was very upset and begged me to ask his teacher to let him join because he loved math so much, she shared.

The turning point came when he entered the High School for the Gifted. For Trung, learning mathematics is not about solving as many problems as possible, but understanding why a solution works. As a child, he often reused his older sisters textbooks, and her handwritten notes in the margins became quiet lessons in reasoning.

Throughout his school years, he achieved numerous distinctions, including a fifth-grade math talent prize, a city-level prize in grade 9, a national second prize, a city third prize and a gold medal at the April 30 Olympic competition in grade 11. In grade 12, he was directly awarded the citys first prize in mathematics.

In 2013, he won a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Colombia. After graduating from high school, he received a full scholarship to Duke University, ranked among the top 10 universities in the US according to US News 2024, and graduated as valedictorian in mathematics in 2018.

He then pursued a PhD in mathematics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). According to THE 2024 rankings, Caltech stands seventh among the worlds best universities, while QS places it in the global top 10.

The flame of Le Ba Khanh Trinh burns within me

Can Tran Thanh Trung receives his PhD from the California Institute of Technology. Photo: Provided by the subject

Dr Trung shared that 16 years ago, as a math major student, he was fortunate to study in an environment that fully supported his passion.

At the High School for the Gifted, he not only learned alongside talented peers but was also inspired by devoted teachers, especially Dr Le Ba Khanh Trinh, whose legendary story of a special solution at the 1979 International Mathematical Olympiad in London has long inspired generations.

That story motivated me to nurture the aspiration to conquer similar heights, and eventually I had the opportunity to represent Vietnam at the 2013 IMO and win a gold medal, Dr Trung said.

After nearly a decade of studying and conducting research in the US, what concerned him most was that the potential of Vietnamese students remains underutilized. In his view, young people in Vietnam are no less capable or passionate, but they lack early access to high-quality academic environments.

Since 2015, Duke University has implemented a summer research program on big data for undergraduates and graduate students, attracting millions of US dollars in funding from businesses and local government. Such programs not only inspire but also equip research skills, shaping a new generation of experts in big data, he noted.

In the context of the AI boom and hundreds of billions of US dollars invested in data centers worldwide, the demand for high-quality human resources is increasingly urgent. Yet the core issue, he emphasized, is not technology or capital alone, but early preparation of people.

Nurturing talent is like planting a seed. With the right environment, proper guidance and enough time, the seed will grow strongly. Models like Dukes show that systematic, early investment in people yields more sustainable value than any short-term funding, he said.

Motivated by that belief and hoping to build a similar academic ecosystem in Vietnam, in 2016 he used his personal scholarship funds, along with support from students, graduate researchers and the University of Science, to establish the PiMA Summer Camp on mathematics and applications.

Over the past eight years, PiMA has introduced advanced content in machine learning, data science and bioinformatics to hundreds of high school students nationwide. Many alumni have gone on to pursue research at top universities worldwide or work at major technology corporations.

Seeing them mature, find their direction and continue on the path of science makes me reflect more deeply on my own responsibility. Those initial results also led me to seriously consider returning long-term to contribute more to my homeland, he shared.

In 2025, when faced with the choice of continuing his career in the US or returning to Vietnam, he learned about the VNU350 Program of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City - an initiative to attract and develop outstanding young scientists.

This was both the starting point and the aspiration I wanted to realize, he said. He applied and was selected as a lecturer at the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Science.

Returning home, each day carries meaning for me. Beyond the new and challenging work, I have the chance to understand my homeland more deeply. After one year of teaching, I feel more confident and flexible. What brings me the greatest joy and pride is directly teaching and mentoring students - young people full of enthusiasm, eager to learn and ready to pursue their passion, he said.

In addition, he participates in selecting and mentoring talented high school math students, inspiring those in regions with limited access to experts, and working alongside teachers he has long admired, including Dr Le Ba Khanh Trinh and Dr Tran Nam Dung.

I cannot say that in grade 10 I already thought of going far to return. But certainly, it was Dr Le Ba Khanh Trinh who lit in me the flame of passion for geometry and the spirit of dedication to the scientific path he chose, Dr Trung said.

He believes that within each person lies a natural longing to return to ones roots and witness the development of ones homeland.

I deeply admire the previous generation, those who quietly laid the first foundation stones for our nations science, such as Dr Le Ba Khanh Trinh, Professor Dang Dinh Ang, Professor Vo Van Toi and Dr Nguyen Thanh My. They show me a beautiful model of responsibility and perseverance in science, he shared.

Le Huyen
Ha Son Tung from the Singapore Academy of Sciences.

At a meeting with overseas Vietnamese scientists and entrepreneurs organized by Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) on February 6, Prof. Vu Van Yem, Vice President of the University, said the school is expected to become a key university, creating breakthroughs in science, technology, and innovation.

For the 2025-2035 period, the university aims to break into the top 150 in Asia, but not by chasing formal rankings but by aiming for qualitative changes in training and research.

According to Yem, for that to happen, human resources, including both domestic and international scientists, must play a key role. The university has developed a scheme to attract young PhDs, leading scientists, and engineers from major technology corporations to work with flexible cooperation mechanisms, which can be short-term or long-term, Yem said.

Nguyen Trung Kien, Chair of the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), said the overseas Vietnamese community has great potential in terms of capacity, technology, economy, and enthusiasm. However, in recent times, the effectiveness of connecting this resource with the domestic sector has not been truly commensurate.

He said salary levels offered by HUST to attract talent can be considered a revolution compared to the current salary system of civil servants. Even so, compared to the income that scientists are enjoying abroad, there is still a gap.

We hope that in the coming time there will be commitment from Vietnamese scientists abroad returning to contribute to the Fatherland. Conversely, domestic agencies must also boldly break the rocks to open the road and remove barriers, Kien emphasized.

Nguyen Thanh Vinh of the University of New South Wales (Australia) noted that the issue goes beyond remuneration. Many Vietnamese scientists abroad want to return and contribute to their homeland, because they still carry a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to give back to Vietnam in one way or another, he said.

He has returned to Vietnam many times to meet with institutes and universities in search of cooperation opportunities, and has even been willing to contribute his experience and expertise free of charge. However, so far, these efforts have remained at the level of discussion.

Mechanisms are already in place, but perhaps we still lack trust, openness, and frank, in-depth conversations with each other, he said.

I hope that after just a few discussions, cooperation can move straight into substance. Collaboration does not need to be grand or formal; it can start with a training program, a project, or even a short course, and we are ready to get started immediately. Therefore, the decisive factor is not salary, but goodwill and the ability to implement quickly, he added.

Vinh was the runner-up of the Road to Olympia, a well known contest for excellent students, in 2000 and won a silver medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad. He is also known to audiences for his role as Nam in the television series Phia truoc la bau troi (The sky ahead).

He studied industrial chemistry at the University of New South Wales starting in 2001. In 2010, he was admitted as a doctoral candidate due to outstanding academic achievements. After successfully defending his PhD thesis in Australia, he worked on organic catalysis at the RWTH Aachen Institute of Organic Chemistry (Germany). He is currently a professor at the University of New South Wales.

Meanwhile, Ha Son Tung, currently working at the Singapore Academy of Sciences, said that in terms of human resources, Vietnam is not inferior to any country and does not lack talent.

Currently, Vietnamese people hold many key positions in corporations and businesses globally, including in spearhead fields such as AI and semiconductors. Therefore, people are not the barrier because Vietnamese people have enough ability to elevate science, Tung said.

Regarding investment in science, according to Tung, Vietnam currently uses about 3 percent of the budget for science and technology. This figure is much larger than Singapore's.

However, that large resource has not created regional-level scientific centers. He said the reason may be that investment is still fragmented, lacking strong leading centers to lead.

In addition, bringing talented people back still faces many entanglements. There must be a clear policy mechanism, good facilities, and commensurate working conditions for scientists to promote their full capacity.

Thuy Nga
For more than a decade, the Realism Group has left its mark on the public through regular exhibitions.

Is realism appealing simply because it is easy to view, or does it carry deeper significance in todays context? VietNamNet spoke with painter Pham Binh Chuong about the issue.

More than a decade ago, Vietnamese painting had long moved away from realism. What prompted you and other artists in the group to return to it?

I had the opportunity to speak with painter and critic Phan Cam Thuong at one of our exhibitions. He shared the view that Vietnam has never truly had a fully developed realist painting tradition. I agree. During the Indochina period, Vietnamese students were only beginning to familiarize themselves with Western art - from figure study and anatomy to perspective, oil and pencil techniques. Everything was new to artists coming from an agrarian civilization.

Early Spring Morning by painter Pham Binh Chuong.

At that time, realism only reached a level sufficient to convey basic volume and simple space. Vietnamese painters excelled more in graphic art and decorative forms. As long as line dominated, realism did not truly emerge. After the resistance wars and the restoration of peace, the country entered a difficult postwar period. Artists lacked both the conditions and the mental space to deepen their technical skills. Later, with the opening of the market economy, painting took a turn toward modernity and market orientation, drifting further away from realism.

Contemporary art then flowed in, almost marking the end of realism as a tendency in Vietnam. The Vietnam University of Fine Arts once intended to develop a more complete and advanced realist training program, but it was never fully realized due to the social circumstances mentioned earlier.

Returning to realism has been a personal, unofficial path chosen by a small number of individuals driven by inner need. It is not that we moved away from realism - rather, we never truly entered it in the first place.

Dreamlike by painter Vu Ngoc Vinh.

In short, how does the realism of your generation differ fundamentally from realism before 1986?

The most fundamental difference lies in purpose. Before 1986, realism primarily served content. For us, realism is first and foremost about form, though content and form remain unified.

Could you elaborate?

Before 1986, socialist realism functioned as both a goal and a duty. Artists were expected to contribute to nation-building, so they painted subjects aligned with the criteria and missions of literature and art at the time. Form remained at a basic level - sufficient to convey meaning.

Youth by painter Nguyen Dinh Duy Quyen.

Some pioneering artists did apply modernist approaches, such as distorting the figure. There was a fascinating period when Vietnamese painting combined realist content with modernist form. Our focus, however, is on mastering technique at a deeper level - painting with such fidelity that viewers feel they stand before real space, able almost to touch the images.

Over the past 10 years and five exhibitions, your works have attracted large audiences and high acquisition rates. Yet some in the professional art community remain reserved in their assessment. How do you respond?

We formed the group simply to share the difficulties of painting realism - of being solitary practitioners in an art scene largely devoid of it. Evaluation belongs to the public. We may still have many limitations because Vietnam lacks clear standards of realism for reference and assessment. The public naturally embraces realism because it is accessible. For professionals, however, evaluation is more complex, shaped both by our limitations and by lingering preconceptions.

His Universe by painter Nguyen Van Bay.

What, in your view, is the groups most tangible achievement over the past decade? Which names stand out in contemporary realism?

Our greatest achievement is affirming that Vietnam does have realist painting - not only gentle, lyrical or rustic, but also strong, precise and lucid. We aim to dismantle the prejudice that Vietnam is not suited to detailed depiction or that realism is not in the Vietnamese temperament.

An art scene without realism is incomplete. Realism is an effective mode of expressing ideas, emotions and inner life, though a beautiful artwork requires many elements. As for representative faces, it is difficult for me as group leader to single out names without omission. Each painter has strengths and limitations. In terms of structure and spatial construction, Mai Duy Minh stands out. For color and material sensibility, Vu Ngoc Vinh. In watercolor depth, Nguyen Toan is indispensable. Luu Tuyen has a distinctive language, blending oil and lacquer techniques.

Among notable achievements: Nguyen Toan won Best of the Show from the prestigious US magazine Watercolour Artist in 2023. Trinh Minh Tien received Painting of the Year at the UOB Award 2023. I was honored with the Bui Xuan Phai Award 2025 for my 20-year Down to the Streets series. In 2025, my works were also included in the Grade 9 art textbook, Knowledge Connection series. These milestones affirm that realism is gaining recognition in modern Vietnamese art.

Nature by painter Doan Van Toi.

Looking internationally, how do you assess realism today compared with what your group has presented?

Compared with the international scene, we still have a considerable distance to travel. In Europe, realism was resolved as early as the 15th century, with solid theoretical and practical systems completed by the 19th century academies. In Asia, China is also a cradle of realism.

Today, realism addresses different issues - hyperrealist approaches beyond photography, deeper psychological exploration, or social themes. Contemporary realism is less about describing objects and more about expressing an attitude toward them - the artists stance toward the external world.

Within our group, clear distinctions have emerged. Social realism includes Mai Duy Minh and Pham Binh Chuong. Academic realism can be seen in Le Cu Thuan and Nguyen Van Bay. Romantic realism in Le The Anh. Photographic realism in Nguyen Toan and Nguyen Le Tan. Expressive realism in Vu Ngoc Vinh. Experimental, mixed-media approaches in Trinh Minh Tien, Luu Tuyen and Doan Van Toi.

Technological integration requires constant updating, but the unique artistic voice remains paramount. We must create a distinctly Vietnamese realism, rooted in our social reality and psychology. Technically, realism demands relentless discipline. It is a field for those who love learning, who are patient, who can endure slowness in a fast-paced society. Weak technique makes a painting feel superficial; overexertion makes it exhausting.

Given the current context, what are your expectations for Vietnamese realism in the coming years?

As mentioned, historical circumstances prevented Vietnam from building a strong realist foundation. Yet this absence also offers freedom: artists are not bound by tradition. They need not adhere strictly to classical multi-layer techniques; they may adopt Impressionist color theory or even the bold palettes of Pop Art.

The Realism Group represents diverse styles, educational backgrounds and independent technical cultivation. This diversity is essential to art.

Unnamed Treasure 14 by painter Luu Tuyen.

Photos: Provided by the artists

Vietnam is at a golden moment for realism. Rapid changes in economy, politics, culture and especially society - generational differences, individualization of thought, gender equality - provide countless subjects. Realism has particular advantages in addressing themes such as urbanization. Mastery of perspective and construction materials enables painters to articulate clear viewpoints, making works stronger and more compelling.

Public interest and reception are positive signals that Vietnamese realism is gaining strong momentum.

Khoi Nguyen
Police have confirmed that two bodies have been located in the Eryri mountain range during searches for two missing men, aged 19 and 20.

Concerns for the welfare of the men were reported to police on Wednesday, 18 February.

Crews from Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, SARDA and HM Coastguard were deployed and carried out extensive searches on Yr Wyddfa until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Searches resumed at approximately 8am on Thursday, 19 February.

In an update from North Wales Police this weekend they said, Tragically, the bodies of the two men were located and recovered as part of these co-ordinated search efforts. Both have now been formally identified, and their families have been informed.

The coroner has been notified, and we ask that the privacy of the families is respected at this difficult time.

Jurgen Dissmann, Chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said: On behalf of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the two men who have tragically lost their lives.

The team were tasked by North Wales Police and launched an extensive multi-agency operation in full winter conditions. Volunteers searched across challenging mountain terrain in snow and ice, working long hours through the night in difficult weather in an effort to locate the pair as quickly as possible.





Despite the determined and sustained commitment of everyone involved, we are deeply saddened that, despite all efforts, the outcome was not what we had hoped for.

I would like to sincerely thank our colleagues from Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Team, SARDA and HM Coastguard for their invaluable assistance throughout the operation.

(Top image: archive)





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A Senedd committee has said it is alarmed by ongoing failures in cancer services in Wales and has warned that progress has been too slow.

In a new report published on Friday, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee said performance remains unacceptable, with too many patients waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment.

The inquiry follows concerns previously raised by Audit Wales and examines performance, outcomes, leadership, prevention, digital systems and data across NHS cancer services.

At the centre of the criticism is the continued failure to meet the 62-day cancer treatment target.

The Welsh Governments standard requires 75 per cent of patients to start treatment within 62 days of cancer first being suspected.

The latest figures show just 58 per cent met that target in November 2025.

Performance has remained between 52 and 64 per cent since 2020.

An earlier ambition to raise the target to 80 per cent by March 2026 has now been dropped following advice that it was not realistically achievable.





Committee chair Mark Isherwood said members were concerned by what they heard during evidence sessions.

We were alarmed by the problems identified and remain concerned about the pace at which changes are being delivered, he said.

Whilst the Welsh Governments headline target of 80 per cent of cancer patients starting treatment within 62 days is admirable, it may not be realistic.

The committee heard evidence from patient groups about people chasing test results and appointments, and about the stress caused by long waits.





It also found that delays between diagnosis and the start of treatment have increased in recent years.

Members say relying on a single 62-day measure does not give a full picture of how services are performing.

They are calling for more detailed data to be published, including breakdowns by tumour type and region.

The report also highlights inequality in cancer outcomes.

Five-year survival stands at 69 per cent in the most affluent areas of Wales, compared with 51 per cent in the most deprived communities.

Mr Isherwood said the gap was deeply concerning.

We are particularly concerned by the significantly less favourable outcomes for patients from deprived backgrounds, he said.

The committee is urging the Welsh Government to strengthen targeted screening efforts and improve data collection so inequalities can be properly measured and addressed.

Lung cancer remains the biggest cause of cancer deaths in Wales.

Nearly half of patients are diagnosed at stage four, when survival rates are much lower.

The report calls for the rollout of a national lung screening programme to be brought forward.

On leadership, the committee says there has been confusion about who is responsible for driving improvement between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and Public Health Wales.

Members say roles need to be clarified and accountability strengthened.

They have asked for a formal update on how new governance arrangements will reduce variation between health boards.

One of the main recommendations is the development of a long-term cancer strategy lasting at least 10 years.

The committee says short-term improvement plans are not enough and that Wales needs a fully funded strategy with measurable outcomes and a national workforce plan.

Despite increased spending on cancer services in recent years, workforce shortages remain a problem.

The report points to gaps in radiology, oncology and clinical coding, all of which affect diagnosis and reporting.

Digital systems are also criticised, with the committee hearing that fragmented IT systems mean staff still rely on manual workarounds to transfer patient information.

It says upgrades to cancer informatics systems must be accelerated and that digital systems should allow better regional working and shared waiting lists.

Concerns were also raised about weaknesses in cancer data.

Large gaps remain in ethnicity recording and tumour-specific reporting.

Wales continues to lag behind England in publishing some cancer statistics.

Members say that without accurate and timely data, it is difficult to judge performance properly or tackle inequality effectively.

On prevention, the report notes that 38 per cent of cancers in Wales are considered preventable.

While work on tobacco control and obesity was acknowledged, the committee says there is no clear overarching prevention strategy and more must be done to address alcohol-related cancer risk.

The Welsh Government has accepted most of the recommendations made by the Auditor General and has established a new National Cancer Leadership Board.

However, the committee says stronger action is needed across the system.

For patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis, members say improvements cannot come soon enough.

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AceShowbiz - The acclaimed director behind one of The Last of Us' most celebrated episodes is setting his sights on a legendary sci-fi property. Per a report from Deadline, Emmy-nominated director Peter Hoar is developing a reboot of the cult British series Blake's 7.

The original Blake's 7, created by Terry Nation, aired on the BBC from 1978 to 1981. It followed a band of rebels and fugitives waging a desperate war against the oppressive Terran Federation. Despite a modest budget, its gritty tone and morally complex characters earned it a dedicated following, cementing its status as a foundational cult classic.

Hoar, who directed the critically lauded episode "Long, Long Time" for HBO's The Last of Us, will helm the project through his newly launched independent production company, Multitude Productions. The company, founded with partners Matthew Bouch and Jason Haigh-Ellery, aims to fill a gap in the UK's genre television landscape.

Matthew Bouch, who will executive produce, explicitly linked the project to recent shifts in the industry. "We're driven by our passions but also seeing that there is a gap in the market in the UK  particularly with the well-publicized dropping off of Doctor Who  for genre-based British IP," Bouch stated. This follows Disney+'s recent exit from its Doctor Who co-production deal.

The Multitude team, which also includes executive producer Lizzie Worsdell (The Carer), will soon begin shopping the Blake's 7 reboot to potential buyers. Bouch expressed a clear ambition for its home, saying he would "love it to go to the BBC." This would mark a return to the series' original broadcaster after 45 years.

Peter Hoar brings significant genre credentials to the project. Beyond his Emmy-nominated work on The Last of Us, his directing portfolio includes episodes of Doctor Who, The Umbrella Academy, Daredevil, and the BAFTA-winning miniseries It's a Sin. His skill with character-driven drama within high-concept settings makes him a compelling choice to revive the story of Blake and his crew.

For fans, a modern reboot of Blake's 7 presents an exciting opportunity. The core premisea ragged, often contentious group battling a vast, authoritarian empireresonates strongly with contemporary audiences. With today's visual effects capabilities and serialized storytelling, Hoar and his team could fully realize the epic scale and political intrigue the original series often aspired to.

While casting and a release timeline remain under wraps, the attachment of a director of Hoar's caliber signals a serious, high-profile attempt to reintroduce this seminal sci-fi story. The project aims to honor the dark, rebellious spirit of Nation's creation while reimagining it for a new generation of viewers.
AceShowbiz - In television history, few decisions have proven as costly as HBO's choice to pass on Yellowstone. The premium network initially developed Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western drama but ultimately rejected what would become Paramount Network's biggest hit and a multi-billion dollar franchise.

The rejection centered around two main issues that highlighted fundamental creative differences between Sheridan and HBO executives. The first major sticking point involved the character of Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly.

HBO executives found Beth too abrasive and demanded significant changes to soften her personality. "We think she's too abrasive. We want to tone her down. Women won't like her," Sheridan recalled the network telling him during a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

However, Sheridan refused to compromise his vision for the character. He believed Beth's harsh exterior masked deeper complexity that audiences would appreciate. "Beth says the quiet part out loud every time. When someone's rude to you in a restaurant, or cuts you off in the parking lot, Beth says the thing you wish you'd said," the creator explained.

Time proved Sheridan correct. Beth Dutton became one of Yellowstone's most beloved characters, combining fierce loyalty with vulnerability in ways that resonated with millions of viewers. Reilly is set to reprise the role in an upcoming spin-off series, confirming the character's enduring popularity.

The second reason for HBO's rejection was even more telling about the network's brand philosophy. During a lunch meeting in West Los Angeles, an HBO executive explained their hesitation to Yellowstone co-creator John Linson and Sheridan.

"Look, it just feels so Middle America. We're HBO, we're avant-garde, we're trendsetters. This feels like a step backward. And frankly, I've got to be honest, I don't think anyone should be living out there in rural Montana. It should be a park or something," the executive reportedly said.

This comment revealed HBO's disconnect from the very audience that would make Yellowstone a phenomenon. The show's appeal to viewers across Middle America became one of its greatest strengths, attracting demographics that traditional premium television often overlooks.

Yellowstone has consistently ranked among television's most-watched dramas, spawning multiple spin-offs including "1883" and "1923". The franchise's success demonstrates the massive market HBO chose to ignore.

Sheridan's unwillingness to compromise his creative vision ultimately benefited both the show and Paramount Network. Yellowstone found its perfect home with a network willing to embrace its authentic portrayal of rural American life and complex characters like Beth Dutton.

The rejection serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating audience appetite for stories outside traditional coastal perspectives, proving that sometimes the biggest risks yield the greatest rewards.










English News Suzhou infuse modern trends into traditional craftsmanship of silk weaving

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 19 Fevrier 2026



Beyond fabric, silk now embodies a lifestyle philosophy. In Qidu township's 33-hectare "Landscape Mulberry Fields" eco-park, the ancient mulberry-fish pond ecosystem thrives alongside modern silkworm rearing facilities and craft workshops. Partnering with Soochow University and industry leaders, the park serves as an innovation hub.

By Wang Weijian, People's Daily Silk stands as one of China's foundational innovations and a defining symbol of Chinese civilization. Today, this ancient textile is undergoing a quiet revolution -- transitioning from museum artifacts and luxury goods into contemporary fashion and daily essentials.



At 7 p.m. in Suzhou's Gusu District, 1990s-born tailor Shi Yi arranges new inventory at Dashi Tailor Shop. Their winter qipaos (Cheongsam), featuring innovative down insulation within traditional silhouettes, blend elegance with practicality, resulting in constant orders.



Since 2023, the Suzhou Silk Museum has digitized textile patterns, transforming static artifacts into dynamic cultural assets. Leveraging this resource, Shi Yi reinterpreted classic motifs -- cloud patterns, intertwining vines, and floral-bird designs -- for modern aesthetics. This approach birthed sophisticated products: Song brocade handbags merging heritage with functionality; silk cushions elevating living spaces; notebook covers offering tactile cultural experiences. Through such innovations, ancient craftsmanship finds new relevance.



Technology has meanwhile granted silk unprecedented resilience. At Jiangsu Huajia Silk Co., Ltd. in Shengze, Wang Yongyu, deputy general manager of Jiangsu Huajia Silk Co., Ltd (Huajia), demonstrates stain-resistant fabric by pouring red wine onto silk and effortlessly wiping it clean. "We've armored silk with nanoscale protection," Wang explains, solving a centuries-old maintenance challenge.



To address silk's wrinkling and shape retention issues, Huajia's R&D team perfected a silk-spandex fusion. This innovation preserves silk's natural luster, comfort, and breathability while adding elasticity and wrinkle resistance. With 5% annual revenue invested in R&D and over 180 patents secured, Huajia now exports globally.



Innovation extends to production methods. Nearby at Wujiang Dingsheng Silk Company, electronic jacquard looms -- enhanced with AI-powered monitoring systems -- produce intricate Song brocade. Once painstakingly woven at just 5cm daily, this luxurious textile now flows continuously with machine precision. Chairman Wu Jianhua's innovations have increased productivity hundreds-fold, democratizing what was historically elite craftsmanship.



Beyond fabric, silk now embodies a lifestyle philosophy. In Qidu township's 33-hectare "Landscape Mulberry Fields" eco-park, the ancient mulberry-fish pond ecosystem thrives alongside modern silkworm rearing facilities and craft workshops. Partnering with Soochow University and industry leaders, the park serves as an innovation hub.



Founder Liu Ying, whose silk enterprise previously exported to 30+ countries, explains: "After decades perfecting textiles, we now promote a 'silk lifestyle' -- reconnecting people with sericulture heritage and nature." Urban professionals like Xu Shasha frequent the park: "Here, city bustle fades. Time slows, and hearts find calm." In 2025, tens of thousands visited, boosting local homestays and agricultural sales.



Innovation extends to production methods. Nearby at Wujiang Dingsheng Silk Company, electronic jacquard looms -- enhanced with AI-powered monitoring systems -- produce intricate Song brocade. Once painstakingly woven at just 5cm daily, this luxurious textile now flows continuously with machine precision. Chairman Wu Jianhua's innovations have increased productivity hundreds-fold, democratizing what was historically elite craftsmanship.



Beyond fabric, silk now embodies a lifestyle philosophy. In Qidu township's 33-hectare "Landscape Mulberry Fields" eco-park, the ancient mulberry-fish pond ecosystem thrives alongside modern silkworm rearing facilities and craft workshops. Partnering with Soochow University and industry leaders, the park serves as an innovation hub.



The park's founder, Liu Ying, 63, previously built a silk enterprise whose products were exported to more than 30 countries, with annual output value exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.4 million). "For decades, we focused on weaving every inch of silk well and making every garment well," Liu said. "Now, we want to convey a 'silk lifestyle' rooted in sericulture culture and a return to nature."



Xu Shasha, an urban office worker, is a regular visitor to the park. On holidays, she brings her family to relax: sipping fragrant mulberry tea, tasting sweet mulberries, enjoying silk-themed creative dishes at a restaurant in the paddy field, and taking part in intangible cultural heritage workshops such as silk weaving.



"Here, the bustle of the city fades away. Time seems to slow, and the heart finds its calm," Xu told People's Daily. In 2025, the park drew tens of thousands of visitors, boosting nearby homestays and driving sales of local agricultural products.



In Suzhou, the ancient wisdom of sericulture is no longer just a museum relic--it has become a living economy, vibrant, thriving, breathing new life to everyday life.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China implements measures to counter Japan's accelerating remilitarization Professor helps high-altitude communities grow fresh vegetables year-round China's total power use exceeds 10 trillion kWh in 2025 Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Vice President JD Vances recent visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan was more than diplomatic choreography. It was a strategic re-entry into a region Washington neglected for too long, and one that now sits squarely inside the map of great-power competition.

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For years, the South Caucasus was treated as peripheral. Russia acted as security arbiter. Turkey expanded its political footprint. China quietly embedded itself through infrastructure projects, energy partnerships, and logistics investments tied to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Today, China is the largest trading partner of more than 120 countries worldwide. Its economic reach extends deep into Central Asia and the Caspian basin. Azerbaijan has elevated its relationship with Beijing to what China calls a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, its highest bilateral designation. Chinese firms are active in transport infrastructure, petrochemicals, renewables, and logistics across the region.

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In short, others recognized the corridors importance long before Washington did. Vances visit signals a correction.

At the center of the administrations effort is the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)  a connectivity initiative aimed at strengthening trade routes across the South Caucasus and reducing dependence on Russian and Iranian transit corridors.

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Trade routes always shape influence. Whoever helps build the corridor often shapes its political orientation.

The South Caucasus is a geographic hinge linking Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Currently, Azerbaijan alone exports roughly 400,000 barrels of oil per day and supplies natural gas to several European states. Caspian energy already helps diversify Europe away from Russian supply. That alone gives the region strategic weight. But energy is only part of the equation.

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In a world where roughly one-third of global maritime trade passes through the South China Sea, diversified overland routes are strategic insurance. The more transit alternatives the United States and its partners possess, the less leverage hostile actors can exert.

TRIPP offers the United States an opportunity to position itself inside that emerging architecture. American companies excel in logistics systems, digital trade platforms, infrastructure security, and energy services. A commercially integrated South Caucasus corridor could expand U.S. private-sector presence while reinforcing Western standards in transit and trade. That is the real benefit of Vances visit: repositioning the United States from observer to participant. The broader context makes the timing even more important.

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Russias influence in the region, while still present, has been strained by its war in Ukraine. Regional actors are recalculating their dependencies. China continues to expand its economic footprint but prefers environments where American competition is minimal.

Just as significant, the internal balance of the region is shifting. Armenia, long heavily dependent on Moscow for security guarantees, has begun signaling a willingness to diversify its foreign policy. Yerevan has expanded dialogue with the European Union, increased engagement with Western partners, and publicly questioned the reliability of Russian guarantees after Moscows muted responses to recent crises.

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That recalibration creates opportunity. A South Caucasus in which both Armenia and Azerbaijan maintain meaningful Western engagement reduces the likelihood that the region reverts to exclusive Russian dominance. It also creates space for economic integration that is not dictated by Moscow or Beijing. That is why American involvement now carries weight beyond symbolism.

Vances trip reflects an understanding that economic statecraft is central to strategic competition. Instead of defaulting to security commitments or rhetorical positioning, the administration is advancing a model rooted in trade, infrastructure alignment, and commercial access.

That approach is consistent with the 2025 National Security Strategys emphasis on economic security and supply-chain resilience. The $30 trillion U.S. economy depends on stable, diversified trade routes. Protecting those routes does not require military entanglement; it requires strategic positioning.

Of course, engagement must be disciplined. Azerbaijan practices multi-vector diplomacy, balancing relations with Moscow, Ankara, Beijing, and Washington. That is pragmatic behavior for a mid-sized state in a contested region. But Washington should approach such engagement with realism.

This is why preserving calibrated leverage remains prudent. Existing statutory frameworks, including Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, reflect congressional intent that U.S. assistance be linked to stability and restraint. Such guardrails do not obstruct engagement; they reinforce it by ensuring American involvement remains purposeful.

Section 907, in particular, serves as a low-cost instrument of strategic discipline. It does not block trade, prevent diplomatic engagement or foreclose cooperation on connectivity projects like TRIPP. What it does is preserve the principle that U.S. assistance carries expectations. In a region where political alignments shift quickly and external powers compete for influence, maintaining conditionality strengthens Washingtons hand.

If the United States is going to invest economic capital in shaping a transit corridor of growing importance, it should also preserve the tools that encourage restraint and stability. Removing leverage in the name of optimism rarely produces influence. Preserving it, by contrast, ensures that American engagement remains anchored to long-term interests.

The core story, however, is not about restrictions. It is about opportunity. For Armenia, U.S. engagement offers diversification beyond near-total dependence on Russia. For Azerbaijan, it offers expanded trade routes and integration into Western-linked economic networks. For the United States, it offers something more durable: a strategic foothold in a transit zone connecting major economic regions at a moment when global supply chains are being restructured.

Influence in the 21st century is increasingly built through economic architecture. Transit corridors, digital infrastructure, and energy networks create long-term leverage. If the United States is absent from those systems, others will set the standards and shape the incentives.

The South Caucasus is entering a transitional phase. Russian dominance is no longer absolute, Chinese expansion is accelerating but not uncontested. Regional leaders are recalibrating their options. In that environment, American engagement can shape outcomes  if it is sustained and disciplined.

TRIPP should be treated as a strategic infrastructure policy. It offers the United States a chance to expand commercial access, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and compete economically without overextension. Vice President Vances visit marks a recognition that even regions once dismissed as peripheral can influence global resilience. The United States has now repositioned itself in the South Caucasus. If Washington follows through with clarity and consistency, this opening could translate into measurable economic and strategic gains.

Den Kalmyk, Ph.D., is an expert on the post-Soviet space and a senior lecturer at the Central European University (CEU) in Budapest. Contributor to The Washington Times, Stars and Stripes, and American Thinker.

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Will this weeks Supreme Court decision limit the use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool of presidents, or did it set up a firewall against future leftist chief executives while allowing this president to continue to utilize other means to the same end? Is the decision momentous or of little consequence?

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A lot of attention this week was focused on Alysia Lius stunning Olympic performance and the tale of a baby monkey in a Japanese zoo (name Anglicized to Punch). Punch was abandoned by his mother, had been raised and bonded to his caretakers, who needed to integrate him into the monkey troop, which rejected him. Noticing his distress and the bullying he was receiving, the keepers gifted him a large orangutan doll, which he hugged and carried everywhere. Finally, he found a foster mom to hug and playmates, and all is well at the zoo.

In the meantime, the Supreme Court, after months of consideration, resolved 6-3 against the Administration in one of the two consolidated cases: Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Solutions. In the first case, the Court denied that the federal district court had jurisdiction, ruling that the Court of International Trade had exclusive jurisdiction of tariff disputes.

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The main and dissenting opinions are very lengthy, but the case, at a minimum, holds that the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act), which was the basis for the challenge in the V.O.S. case, cannot be used to raise revenue.

Justice Clarence Thomas strongly objected: Its the same basic statutory construction that Nixon used in his day to levy tariffs. And nobody at the time questioned the meaning of those words. So again, the Supreme Court is torturing the plain meaning of the statute. Its a shameful thing.

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But except for constitutional scholars, most of us are more curious about the impact of the ruling, and for many, it is inconsequential and may even strengthen Trumps hand.

Plan B

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent quickly announced that the administration was prepared for this eventuality and was acting to continue the tariffs:

This administration will invoke alternative legal authorities to replace the IEEPA tariffs. We will be leveraging Section 232 and Section 301 tariff authorities that have been validated through thousands of legal challenges. Treasurys estimates show that the use of Section 122 authority combined with potentially enhanced Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs will result in virtually unchanged tariff revenue in 2026. Advertisement

Stephen Miller confirmed this:

STEPHEN MILLER UNLEASHES: "As horrendous as the Supreme Court ruling was, as poorly as it reflects on John Roberts' court and the continued TORTURING of our statutes and our constitution, here's the good news!" Advertisement "The court also affirmed the president has the authority under section 301, section 232, section 122, section 338, and many other provisions of federal law, that the president can levy tariffs on foreign nations." "So his program will not only be fully reconstituted, but it will be EXPANDED." "The Supreme Court also affirmed that under IEEPA, the president has authority to restrict, impede, deny, license, or even fully embargo any foreign trade." "So the net result of all this is we're going to keep and grow the tariffs to bring back American manufacturing, which keeps prices low by incentivizing products to be made here in America." "But it also means that President Trump has even more tools when it comes to dealing with foreign countries that undermine our security." @StephenM

The IEEPA was obviously chosen by the Administration as it was a fast way to impose tariffs. By contrast, Section 232 requires a prior Commerce Department investigation. It should come as no surprise to those who marvel at the competence of the Administration that during the long delay between the filing in the Supreme Court and the decision this week, Commerce did conduct such an investigation.

Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 empowers the U.S. President to impose tariffs, quotas, or other trade restrictions on imports deemed to threaten national security.

Following a Department of Commerce investigation (maximum 270 days), the President has broad discretion to determine what constitutes a "national security" threat and to act, with no legal cap on the tariff rate.

Key Aspects of Section 232 Powers:

Broad Scope: The term "national security" is not strictly defined by the statute, allowing for expansive interpretation to cover various sectors.

Trigger Mechanism: Requires an investigation by the Secretary of Commerce into whether specific imports impair national security.

Actions Authorized: The President may impose tariffs (no upper limit), quotas, or negotiate agreements to limit imports.

Application: These measures are applied by sector, not as a universal import tax, and can be used to protect industries like steel, aluminum, automobiles, and minerals.

Buzz Patterson Trump is brilliant. Anticipating all along that the initial tariffs wouldnt stand eventual scrutiny, the Department of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, started the required review on day one and the 270 day review has been satisfied. Its a done deal. Go home, Gavin. And take your ball. @GavinNewsom

The decision really does seem inconsequential as it affects trade and revenue:

Given that the mess of a Supreme Court opinion rejecting Trumps IEEPA tariffs nonetheless leaves the door wide open for Trump to immediately re-implement the tariffs by different means and under different authorities, I think MacBeth has the best description of the Roberts decision: A walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

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Well, you might ask, will the $200 billion in tariffs paid under a mistaken interpretation of law be refunded, to whom, and how? I assume this matter will have to be decided by the Court of International Trade, which, as SCOTUS just announced, has jurisdiction of the case. The Hill has some ideas:

Justice Brett Kavanaugh dealt with the problem directly in his forceful dissent. He criticized the majority for its silence on whether or how such refunds would be made. Most pointedly, Kavanaugh noted that the federal government may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the tariffs, even though some importers may have already passed on costs to consumers or others. In other words, importers could be double-compensated if they are repaid, since, in many cases, the public paid for the tariffs in the form of higher prices. That is precisely what Democrats have been arguing for months, claiming that prices were raised to cover the added cost of the tariffs. Trump could therefore further force the issue by offering to pay the money directly to taxpayers as a tariff bonus as part of legislation that would ratify the tariffs. Would Democrats vote against such checks for average citizens? Even if Congress does nothing, this will take years to sort out. In the meantime, the administration has already utilized the other tariff powers recognized by the court.

But as it affects future executives, it is very consequential.

Jeff Childers contends the presidents fury at the decision was a performative display. In fact, he got everything he could have hoped for:

When Gorsuch asked him about the peril of future presidents, the DOJs lawyer -- Trumps lawyer-- agreed. If IEEPA allows Trump tariffing, then a future Democrat president could also use it, for whatever insane progressive agenda they felt like, just by declaring a state of emergency The Firewall. And that, as they say, was that. The ambiguously worded statute was a disaster waiting to happen [snip] When they stripped tariffs from IEEPA, Justices Gorsuch, Roberts, and Barrett werent betraying Trump. They were protecting America from the next Democrat president -- a Warren or Newsom -- declaring a climate emergency and using IEEPA to impose the Green New Deal by fiat. So they built a firewall. And so heres where we are: while the Court slowly considered it, it let President Trump use IEEPA for almost 8 months to get his Tariff Dashboard up and humming. [snip] Trump got to do it since he launched Liberation Day. But now the IEEPA store is closed, and nobody else can ever use it like Trump did. According to a quick Yale calculation by yesterdays close of business, after Trumps new executive order, the average tariff only dropped from 16.9% to 15.4%. In other words, Trump was ready. The SCOTUS decision barely registered on the needle. That was just the first disappointment Democrats havent yet grappled with. There were more. [snip] The Shield for Trump. The three rock-ribbed conservatives, Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh, wrote spirited dissents pre-empting Democrats from complaining that Trumps use of IEEPA was totally illegal and unconstitutional. [snip] Instead of a weaponized decision rebuking Trump as an out-of-control dictator, Democrats got a 6-3 split with a 40-page dissent explaining exactly why the 2025-26 tariffs could have -- in good faith -- been considered legal. Womp womp. The dissenters handed Trump an ironclad rhetorical shield to deflect Democratic criticism over his first eight months of IEEPA tariffs. [snip] The Machete. The majoritys legal reason for chopping out IEEPAs tariff power was actually another gift to conservatives -- a sharpened machete. Since 2022 or so, the Court has been sharpening a legal rule called the Major Questions Doctrine (MQD), which basically says the Executive Branch cant just read between the lines or fill in the gaps of statutes, even if they are badly written or ambiguous. MQD is widely considered a revolutionary tool that could finally clear the ungovernable wilderness of the administrative state -- a goal conservatives have longed for since the FDR days. Even sharper after yesterdays decision, MQD provides that if a statute doesnt say something, executive agencies like the EPA or CDC cant regulate into existence what are essentially new laws. [snip] In short, Major Questions says federal agencies cant just claim jurisdiction over the water in your backyard bird feeder and call it law. Revolutionary, I know. Had yesterdays decision swung the other way, had SCOTUS let Trump extrapolate tariffs from IEEPA, it would have undermined the terrific MQD machete, which is one of the Roberts Courts most important restrictions on future Democrat presidents. After this decision, the MQD is even stronger. Swing away, boys.

All in all, not a bad week. Alysia Liu won the gold, Punch was adopted by another monkey and accepted by the troop, Trump gets his tariffs, and future presidents and their executive agencies can no longer manufacture jurisdiction over matters Congress never granted them.
After years of Marxist professors spewing their propaganda at captive students who needed the class for graduation, the pendulum is slowly swinging to the Right.

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Professors at the University of Houston (UH) have been put on notice that bias-free academics is in and left-wing ideology is out. Many are still riled over being required to sign a pledge to leave propaganda out of their courses. With the latest UH requirement to self-censor their courses, left-wing professors are digging in. Maric C. Gonzales, UH associate English professor, fumes, The whole thing is draconian and ridiculous and out of control -- and its really galvanized all of my colleagues.

Is this a veiled threat for a walkout? Why are they so opposed to ensuring their courses fulfill the primary purpose for education -- to instill knowledge in the next generation? For years the Left has been forcing conservative professors to accept their socialist ideology or be forced out of academia while they have free rein to determine what students are forced to think while enjoying upward career mobility.

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UH professor Holley Carole Love actually admitted that professors indoctrinate under the guise of critical thinking, Discussing difficult topics is how we teach students to think critically, to form and support their own arguments, and to engage in thoughtful and respectful debate.

Texas law prevents the core curriculum of universities from endorsing specific public policies, ideologies, or legislation. Schools must ensure that their core curriculum is foundational and fundamental and is necessary to prepare students for civic and professional life and equip students for participation in the workforce and in the betterment of society. School systems now are forced by Texas law to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) departments and initiatives as well.

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Threatening defiance of state law, Gonzales said, Theres no way Im going to do a self-evaluation checklist to claim my innocence for accusation that dont exist.

Will these liberal professors actually exit our universities if they are forced to follow Texas law? We can only hope. I still believe in miracles.

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Before walking away from their cushy jobs, they should assess their future in academia. With the major changes occurring in education, there will be far less opportunity for them to engage students in their cultural revolution designed to turn America into their utopia.

In a presentation to the Institute for Business in Global Society, Harvard Graduate School of Education lecturer and co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute Michard Horn said 25 percent of colleges and universities are predicted to close in the next five to six years -- and perhaps up to 40 percent over two decades -- because of demographic shifts and changing demand.

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Horn said 15 percent of colleges and universities already have closed or merged over the past decade. In just the past year, nearly one college closed each week. Entire systems of public colleges and universities have merged, including those in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut, and Wisconsin.

Horn discussed a number of forces that are fundamentally reshaping education at all levels.

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Widespread disillusion over K-12 public education has led many parents to seek alternate forms of learning for their children. Homeschools, microschools, and computerized learning have emerged as popular school choices.

Since 2008 there has been a drop in the number of childbirths, which is causing a significant drop in school enrollment and a drop in the number of high school graduates available for college seats.

Together, school choice and a lower national birth rate are dramatically changing public education and forcing many schools to close or merge.

Another force is the shift in public attitude toward a college degree. For decades, high school students have been channeled by guidance counselors toward college as the only route to success in life. That is changing. No longer is college for everyone. Horn notes that parents are becoming more discerning as they examine the return on investment in a college degree and the thousands of dollars of debt incurred.

While more than 38 percent do not finish a degree within six years, half of those who do graduate are employed in jobs that do not require college to successfully perform the task.

Employer attitudes are changing. Evaluating whether their jobs actually require college work, many companies are dropping the degree requirement for employment with many preferring to train their new hires.

A major force impacting the future of higher education is GenZers who are shunning college for vocational programs. Noting the critical shortage of skilled workers for trades and technology, they are selecting this lesser expensive and shorter route to well-paid jobs.

AI is having a significant impact on education, too, with its quickly expanding need for continuous learning and work-based experiences rather than using traditional education models.

With the grim future of higher education, liberal professors should think very carefully before ignoring state law requiring the instilling of an academic education sans propaganda if they want a paycheck. Fortunately for America, they will have fewer opportunities to radicalize our next generation. America is moving on without them.

Carole Hornsby Haynes is an education policy and curriculum advisor to boards of education and political leaders. Additional commentaries can be found at www.drcarolehhaynes.com.

Image: Quinn Dombrowski
People are understandably anxious about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. There are serious moral, economic, and social issues that arise in a world where synthetic brains perform jobs and make decisions in place of humans. As AI takes over social media platforms and other online repositories of human knowledge, it is unsettling to see algorithmic entities policing language and curating established truths. The more widespread that AI becomes, the more dominant it will become in defining our world.

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There is a race underway to define what is true. Certain members of society have long imposed unwritten rules of political correctness to manipulate the acceptable limits of public debate. Certain governments are increasingly criminalizing thoughts and words as disinformation or hate speech to stifle free speech, silence dissent, and protect forms of institutional power. As tech companies and government bureaucracies teach AI to enforce speech rules upon human populations, politically correct propaganda and censorship will spread exponentially.

We humans are not prepared for what is coming. In increasingly fractured Western societies, the public cannot agree about anything. We already read different websites and pay attention to different social media influencers. As AI becomes more adept at influencing our opinions, we become more vulnerable to those who wish to distort or obscure the truth.

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The novelist Ann Bauer wrote a thread on X the other day in which she shared parts of an online conversation she had with a nice Minnesota woman. The woman had sent Bauer pictures of the makeshift Renee Good memorial in Minneapolis that included numerous images equating federal immigration enforcement to the Holocaust. Incensed by the obscene comparison, Bauer responded by pointing out that Holocaust remembrance groups had strongly objected to the way Governor Tim Walz has been describing legitimate law enforcement actions as tantamount to the murder of six million Jews. To the Minnesota womans credit, she acknowledged that she had no idea that Holocaust groups had condemned Walz for the comparison.

Bauer replied by stating that, as much as she personally deplored the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, she blamed Governor Walz for creating a dangerous, violent situation meant to run cover for the fraud investigations. To which the woman inquired, What fraud investigations? After sending the woman articles concerning the multi-billion-dollar Somali fraud scandal in Minneapolis, the poor lady later exclaimed, Oh my God. Do we ever get the money back?

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Though exasperated, Bauer wants readers to know that this is not a stupid woman, but shes busy. She relies on MN media for her news. Describing the plight of Minnesotans, generally, Bauer rues, They have no freakin idea whats going on.

I have seen this sharp information divide all over social media platforms. Outside of Minnesota, a lot of Americans wish that President Trump had officially declared leftist anti-ICE agitators in Minneapolis to be engaged in insurrection against the federal government. They wish the president had flooded Minnesota with troops in order to put an end to the political lefts armed rebellion against law enforcement agents. This recurring phenomenon in which Democrat-aligned groups are permitted to riot in Democrat cities without suffering any criminal repercussions sustains the growing sense that two-tiered justice exists in America in which Democrat politicians, prosecutors, and judges aggressively harass political opponents while protecting political allies.

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Inside Minnesota, however, there is a widespread belief that confrontations against federal ICE agents in the state are indistinguishable from the civil rights protests of the 60s. Businesses have signs on their front windows saying, ICE Out! Church pastors implore congregants to shield immigrants from federal authorities. There is endless online chatter about how the whole mood in and around Minneapolis is weighed down by dread and depression about the federal governments law enforcement actions in the state. Meanwhile, those locals seem completely oblivious to the reality that ICE agents are rounding up pedophiles and murderers living among them and rescuing trafficked children from dangerous homes. The disconnect is staggering.

The Minnesota information divide  in which locals and outsiders see the ongoing riots against ICE agents so differently  is mostly a result of self-identification. Democrat -leaning Minneapolis residents tend to trust what Democrat Governor Tim Walz and Democrat Mayor Jacob Frey say. When Democrat leaders describe ICE agents as Trumps Gestapo, Democrat voters nod their heads. Those voters listen to leftist voices on local NPR radio, watch leftist commentators on MSNOW, and share information on social media groups that are hostile to non-leftists. Self-selection prevents conflicting viewpoints from contaminating dominant leftist narratives. Online leftist safe spaces such as Bluesky actively censor anything that challenges leftist orthodoxy.

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As divided as society already is today, imagine how much more divided it will become as AI takes over the role of information curator for large chunks of the population. As algorithms become even more adept at filtering information and sequestering people according to their perceived political alignment, the remnants of societys shared public square will largely disappear. We will complete our transformation into plural societies living beside each other but separated by incompatible worldviews. We will become incongruous tribes beholden to contradictory facts. The more we abandon real human debate and rely upon artificial definitions of truth, the more likely that neighbors will become strangers.

This brave new world of ours is not for the faint of heart. Democrats in the United States have already repeatedly tried to establish governance boards to police the Internet for so-called disinformation and hate speech. On the other side of the Atlantic, the United Kingdoms Online Safety Act and the European Unions Digital Services Act are structured to eliminate public dissent to official government policies. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed unregulated free speech as pure bullshit. While Western governments become increasingly antagonistic toward citizens natural right to free expression, those governments describe the future of online communication as one in which AI will monitor everything and objectively police false or hateful information. A vast technological infrastructure for dominating our minds is being built all around us, and an era of unmitigated government propaganda is about to take effect. The Minnesota information divide will soon look small compared to the divisions yet to come.

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Thirty years ago, the rise of the Internet appeared liberating. People living under the yoke of dictatorships had access to information that could help set them free. People with limited access to books could find a lifetimes education right at their fingertips. People who had been taught to hate each other could find common purpose online.

Despite providing all of these great gifts, our online connections now isolate and divide us. It is as if we rolled the Trojan horse inside our own homes until the day when AI could burst out and subdue us. Instead of liberating our minds, we risk becoming prisoners under the watchful eyes of self-replicating digital wardens that intend to hide from us what we are not allowed to know. In this new world where governments and synthetic entities work together to keep us under their control, thinking outside the box becomes more important than ever.

Politicians already divide and rule over us. AI systems will do the same. Freethinkers capable of becoming real leaders will have to push back against both malevolent humans and malicious machines.

Image: Luidmila Kot via Pixabay.
February 20, 2026: Since Russia 2022, HUR/Ukrainian Military Intelligence service has grown in size and the number and types of operations it conducts. For example, many of the daring Ukrainian long-range drone attacks inside Russia are organized and carried out by HUR. This is made possible by years of work by HUR since 2014, when Russia first seized Ukrainian territory. Because of that long history, HUR became known for successful operations deep inside Russia that took a year or more to plan and organize.

Multiple attacks are used against economic targets over many months. This worked with the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian oil-refining, which ultimately reduced Russian refinery output by over 20 percent. Russia eventually rebuilt those facilities, at a cost of billions of dollars and months of shortages. HUR also organizes campaigns that concentrate on costly even more money to repair. At the end of 2025 it was discovered that Russia had to devote half the government budget to sustain the war in Ukraine and deal with all the damage and economic disruption HUR was causing inside Russia.

In addition to damaged and regularly sabotaged railroads, HUR also concentrated on Russian air defense systems, which Russia has a difficult time replacing because of so many Western components. These HUR operations weakened the Russian air defenses that detected and attacked incoming Ukrainian long range drone attacks. HUR operations would destroy air defenses to create a temporary undefended route into Russia. HUR also found critical and relatively unprotected targets inside Russia. Together, all these HUR preparations and operations led to crippling attacks on key segments of the Russian military economy.

HUR could also be called on to devise and carry out special operations to assist front line soldiers. Sometimes it meant gathering key information on Russian operations in a specific area and doing it quickly. In one case the HUR commandos organized a raid on Russian positions to rescue some Ukrainian troops that had recently been captured. When news of this spread to Russian troops along the 1,200 kilometers front line there was much distress about who might be next.

In other HUR operations, they equipped a dozen captured Russian FPV/First Person View drone operator goggles and arranged for them to be delivered to random Russian FPV units as a gift from Russian civilians. When these were worn and turned on, they exploded. There were several fatalities and many wounded before the Russians found all of these goggles.

Another area that HUR dominates, and invented, is naval drones. In the first two years of the war these drones destroyed or damaged about a third of the ships in the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The surviving ships took refuge in ports over a thousand kilometers from Crimea and Ukrainian ports. The naval drones continue to operate, patrolling the Black Sea looking for Russian merchant and military ships as well as making occasional attacks on Russian Black Sea ports.

While 2025 was an eventful year, earlier HUR activities were often international, like attacks on Russian military or intelligence overseas. These often involve the use of foreign airlines and railroads by unidentified Ukrainian HUR operatives passing themselves off as Ukrainian or Russian civilians. Because the Ukrainian and Russian languages closely resemble each other, its easy for a Ukrainian to speak unaccented Russian, but not so easy when a Russian tries it. Many intelligence operatives speak several languages, especially English. The international language airline flight control is English because early in the history of commercial flying most of the aircraft were American. During World War II, the largest air force the world has ever known was American. That continued for many decades after the war and is still generally true in 2024. In other words, if you want to be an intelligence agency field operative, you must speak English, even if it is heavily accented. The United States is a large country that includes Alaska and Hawaii. These two areas contain a lot of people who still speak Inuit Alaskan languages and Hawaiian native languages that never died out. America is the land of many different accents.

Which gets us back to the Ukrainian HUR intelligence field operatives in Syria, where the Khimik detachment got into the country unobserved and then infiltrated the Russian Kuweires airbase and destroyed a mobile electronic warfare system Russia had been using to protect the base from drone attacks. As soon as the electronic warfare system was out of action, numerous drones attacked the unprotected base and did significant damage.

Why would Ukrainian intelligence undertake such a mission so far from Ukraine? It was because this base was also used to train Russian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine. The training was specialized and the students caused problems for the Ukrainian forces fighting the Russian invaders.

Russian forces originally appeared in Syria after the Six-Day War, then left sometime after the Yom Kippur War, and returned in 2015 to assist the beleaguered ruler Bashar Al Assad. Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar, had ruled Syria from 1971 to 2000. Hafez sided with the Soviet Union during the Cold War and was a longtime ally of Russia until he died in 2000. His son Bashar took over and was even more efficient, and vicious, than his father. The relationship with Russia increased as Russia used the Syrian port of Targus for their tiny Mediterranean Fleet and a nearby airbase for military and commercial aircraft. This airbase was also used to support the activities of Russian ally Iran in Syria.

There are a lot of Russians operating in Syria, especially since 2015. Russia thought it was safe to train operatives for their war against Ukraine. HUR found out about that and did something to disrupt the Russian operation. This is not the first time HUR has gone after Russian operations in third countries. What was unique about the Syrian operation was that HUR involvement became known, something HUR prefers to avoid. HUR did achieve their objective in Syria, so the overall operation was a success.

It wont be known for years or decades how many overseas HUR operations there were and how many foreign countries HUR operated in to defeat Russian operations. For example, Russian paramilitary operatives have been very active in Africa, especially Congo, where Russia wants to assure their access to rare minerals that are mined there. They must compete with China and several Western countries. HUR has apparently been causing problems for Russia in Congo as well and has managed to conceal their involvement. HUR may be operating against Russian interests in other parts of the world, including South America. HUR prefers to keep their presence hidden, even from allies like the United States.
Apparently, it's panic time for Democrats in their one-party blue state of California.

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The Los Angeles Times reports that they are facing armageddon in the upcoming governor's race, whose "jungle" primary is in June.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

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SAN FRANCISCO  Leaders of the California Democratic Party, along with liberal activists and loyal power brokers, are openly expressing fear that their crowded field of candidates running for governor may splinter the vote and open the door to a surprise Republican victory in November. Because of those concerns, the Democrats lagging at the bottom of the pack are being urged to drop out of the race to ensure that the partys political dominance in statewide elections survives the 2026 election. Advertisement California Democrats are prepared to do whats required, state party chairman Rusty Hicks told reporters at the California Democratic Partys annual convention on Friday. We are ready and willing and able to do whats required  to ensure we have a strong candidate coming out of the primary to do whats required in November.

Based on what the story says, plenty of the small-fry don't want to drop out, and Democrats say they will muscle them out whether they like it or not. That should create some pretty good mudslinging and intra-party civil war activities, sapping the party's strength as the Republicans continue to cruise on with the lead, still winning votes, if not the same behavior from California machine pol leader Nancy Pelosi, who forced Joe Biden out of his race after his senility was revealed at a presidential debate, and Kamala Harris became the nominee, leading Democrats to a stinging defeat to Donald Trump.

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Quite a record you've got there on 'repeat,' Nasty Pelousy.

The bottom line here is that Democrats wouldn't have this problem at all if they hadn't changed the rules of electing governors to what is called a 'jungle primary.' Instead of one Republican and one Democrat candidate at the top of the ticket in November after the primary to be held in June, they changed the rule to 'top two vote-getters' imagining they would always secure the top two spots and with it, their permanent rule.

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Now the rigging is backfiring on them, with the top two spots occupied by two Republicans, a scenario they never once imagined could happened. Steve Hilton, who's the best Republican candidate, and Chad Bianco, who'd be better as governor than any of the clown Democrats populating that list, are holding a persistent lead of around 15% apiece and Hilton's lead is growing in big chunks at a fast pace, meaning, November's ballot may mean two Republicans, not two Democrats, for voters to choose from.

Maybe they will succeed in winnowing their list, but the fragmentation of these Democrats suggests a discontented and unenthusiastic voter base.

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That's their doing. They made the rules, now they have to live by them. Maybe they succeed in rigging things a new way, or maybe they don't. Pelosi sounded very certain that they would, which shouldn't surprise anyone. But maybe it's too late, too.

What a joy to see them hit in the face and tangled up by their own rigging.
On January 18, 2026, violent, anti-America/ICE insurrectionists disrupted worship services at the Cities Church of St, Paul. It was a planned attack. Multiple insurrectionists were already in the congregation when others burst in, screaming, from every entrance. They menaced congregants and prevented people from getting to their children and leaving. Local police were very slow in arriving and made no arrests.

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Graphic: Social Media Post

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Attorney General Pam Bondi visited the church, nine insurrectionists were soon arrested on federal charges, including journalist Don Lemon. No state charges have apparently been filed, and its entirely possible no Minnesota jury would convict the insurrectionists. Bondi has promised to prosecute any disruption of church services anywhere.

In the meantime, some red states have, or are considering, increasing penalties for disrupting church services to felonies. Oklahoma has passed such a law, and Ohio, Alabama, Idaho and South Dakota are considering similar laws.

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The insurrectionists and their Democrat supporters are claiming First Amendment protection, but thats nonsense. There is no unlimited right to protest, and certainly not violently and not on private property, which is what churches are. Trespassing laws certainly apply, and at the Cities Church, the insurrectionists were told many times they werent welcome and must immediately leave, but they, including Don Lemon, refused. State trespassing charges, in additional to federal charges, could be brought, but thats not happening in The Peoples Republic of Minnesota.

The federal charges filed against nine insurrectionists are, in relevant part:

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18 USC 248, the FACE ACT:

(2) by force or threat of force or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person lawfully exercising or seeking to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship; or Advertisement

18 USC 241 Conspiracy Against Rights:

If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same; or Advertisement If two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured

Is making what have previously been misdemeanor offenses felonies a good idea? Misdemeanors normally allow jail sentences of no more than a year and fines in the $1000 dollar range. Will felony sentences with two or more years in prison and $2000+ in fines deter true believers?

To be sure, leftist churches, which have largely abandoned the Scriptures and replaced them with social justice drivel, would never ask the police to arrest leftist insurrectionists, and thats a moot issue because such churches would almost certainly never be the targets of such protests.

The targets of Insurrectionists, Bible believing and preaching churches, now must deal with the threat of political disruptions. Leftist insurrectionists and anarchists are well-funded and organized on national and international levels. While disrupting services began in St. Paul, the tactic will surely be employed throughout the nation by people who hate Christians and other Normal Americans, and who seek publicity for their deranged causes.

Churches have always had to deal with the confused and crazy who might want to argue theology with ministers during services, or who might mumble, gesture and wildly gyrate during services. Churches have always dealt with them in-house, even if they dont have security teams, and seldom prosecute them.

With this new threat on the horizon, churches will need to adopt new policies, ideally immediately calling the police when a political protest occurs and adopting a default policy of prosecution. This will work in states where the police arent prevented from enforcing the law against leftists, and where prosecutors are more interested in prosecuting criminals than the police and innocent citizens.

Should a given minister be afraid to demand the arrests of dangerous insurrectionists, particularly because they dont want them to haveor add tofelony records, no law, enhanced or not, will be useful.

What many dont understand is the police, criminal justice system and prisons exist not only to protect the public from criminals, but to protect criminals from the public. If Americans cant be certain theyll be able to safely, peacefully worship in churches, theyre certain to take care of matters themselves, and might not be particularly gentle in expelling miscreants.

So, certainly increase penalties even though well never know who was deterred. Just keep human nature in mind.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
John Kudla wrote an important piece, The Butterfly that Broke Russia. Here is some further information that reinforces three of the points he made.

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He laid out 12 connected moves that led to where Russia finds itself now. There are three moves that are even stronger than the essay indicates:

The first move is the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.

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Contributing to Putins confidence in making this move was Obamas 2013 decision to withdraw all American armored forces from Europe.

You judge potential enemies by evaluating their intentions and capabilities. The most important factor is capabilities, since intentions without capabilities dont matter.

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NATO works when the US leads. Something like putting a large NATO armored force training in Poland before Putin invaded (which would have changed Putins calculation of the capabilities he faced) was not possible because no US armor meant there could not be US participation. Obama managed to deploy a rotational Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), and NATO did conduct a large armored training exercise in Poland in 2016, but it was two years too late.

The fourth move was that Trump during his first term decides to provide Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles to help them fight the Russian-backed uprising.

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Providing lethal aid to Ukraine broke with the Obama refusal to provide such assistance.

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Image created using AI.

Obamas deployment of the rotational ABCT was called the European Reassurance Initiative. Trump massively expanded this effort and renamed it the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI). Over his first four years, the administration spent $22 billion on EDI and reestablished a credible US armored presence in Europe, along with improvements in US military capabilities across the board.

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The eighth move was Putin senses weakness and decides he can live with more sanctions, leading to his 2022 Ukraine invasion.

It is worse than you think. The capabilities created by the Trump EDI meant that the United States had a continuous rotational ABCT in Europe and, within a week of decision, could have an armored division in Europe at virtually no additional cost, along with a command and control architecture to command a heavy Corps.

However, Biden chose not to use this capability to do what its name suggests, namely, deter. In fact, in the months leading up to the invasion, the Biden administration suspended lethal aid to Ukraine to give diplomacy a chance. When it was too late for deterrence, Biden finally deployed the Trump-created capability, and we very quickly had an armored division in Europe.

Would deploying the armored division in the months leading up to the invasion have changed Putins plans? Dont know for sure. But when he evaluated the possible capabilities arrayed against him, he would have had to change his risk/reward calculation. And who knows, maybe the butterflys wings would have folded.
New Hampshires House passed a bill on January 7 that would allow farmers to slaughter and process livestock on the farm and use local custom slaughterhouses without a USDA inspection. This would permit direct-to-consumer sales of individual cuts of meat, but only within New Hampshire.

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Given the national shortage of beef and other meat-processing facilities, expanding local meat processing would be a win for everyone. It increases consumer choice, improves affordability, enables successful local food systems, and improves food security. The New Hampshire bill reflects a revolt by states against longstanding federal laws that have centralized U.S. meat processing, crushed small producers, and prevented citizens from transacting with one another.

There is a shortage of USDA-inspected meat processing facilities in the United States. Nonetheless, every animal slaughtered in the U.S. whose meat can be sold must be processed at one of these facilities, by law. New Hampshire is trying to change that.

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New Hampshires initiative, HB 396, is modestly titled AN ACT relative to the processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. Federal restrictions on state businesses have undermined local farms for decades. The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 was broadened to encompass intrastate sales of meat under the 1967 Wholesome Meat Inspection Act. This law drove up compliance costs, put most local slaughterhouses out of business, helped large processing companies gain control of meat processing nationally, and increased prices.

As Attorney Pete Kennedy observed in 2020,

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the Wholesome Meat Act has done tremendous damage to local slaughterhouse infrastructure around the country. In 1967 there were nearly 10,000 slaughterhouses in the country; today there are [fewer] than 3,000. The bottleneck caused by the lack of slaughterhouses has frustrated small livestock operations in getting their products to market and has led to an inability to meet the overall demand for locally produced meat. The 1967 Act has been one of the worst laws ever passed for local food; whats more, it was known from the beginning that the Act would have the effect it did. Advertisement

Wheres the Beef?

By 2023, four companies controlled 85% of the U.S. beef market and 67% of the pork market, and two companies controlled 45% of the chicken market. New Hampshires effort to allow its small farmers and citizens to buy and sell freely seeks to counter this dangerous monopolistic trend.

Federal laws and agency regulations that were enacted under the claim of health and safety have instead led to industrial consolidation. Large meatpacking facilities, despite USDA inspections, regularly produce contaminated products.

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Severe droughts in recent years further aggravated the situation for small farmers as grasslands withered but they could not access slaughter and processing services for their animals. Livestock trailers were backed up for miles in the heat, and farmers were often paid only a pittance for their livestock because they had insufficient grazing land and no alternative processing facilities. As the processors grew to become cartels and tightly control livestock markets, farmers were unable to earn a living raising animals.

Food Liberty = Liberty!

New Hampshires defiant bill challenges a federal regulatory system that favors large corporate processors over small family farms. Americas cattle herd is the smallest its been in 75 years. Farms are going bankrupt while meat prices are at record highs. The nation cannot meet either domestic or foreign demand for high-quality U.S.-grown meats. Federal control has smothered economic opportunity. The free market has been sabotaged.

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New Hampshires bill, if passed by the N.H. Senate and enacted, would permit small farms to slaughter up to three cows, five swine, or ten sheep or goats per month in a sanitary manner. This is a reasonable way to remove the yoke from small farmers and allow them to serve their local communities.

A National MAHA Movement

Americans neednt hail from the Live Free or Die state to understand that small farmers and their customers simply wish to engage in the same local commerce as their forebears. For decades, small farmers have suffered from unfair regulations and competition from imported meat and other foodstuffs. In 2025, the United States imported 50 billion dollars worth of food more than it exported. The COVID pandemic and recent droughts revealed the calamity that can result from an overcentralized food system.

New Hampshire is on the front lines of a battle to bolster local food production. If Americans are to regain the right to buy fresh, local meat from well treated animals raised by their neighbors, New Hampshires bill is the bellwether. New Hampshire residents can contact their state senators to support HB 396. The rest of Americans must push for similar laws that support the availability of local food.

We must live free or starve!

Author and attorney John Klar raises grass-fed beef in Vermont. His Substack, Small Farm Republic, is based on his 2023 book Small Farm Republic: Why Conservatives Must Embrace Local Agriculture, Reject Climate Alarmism, and Lead an Environmental Revival. John is a staff writer at Liberty Nation News and a contributor to The MAHA Report on Substack.

Image via Pixabay.
Remember NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore? They piloted a Boeing capsule to the International Space Station for what was supposed to be a 10-day visit. They ended up staying about nine months and made it back to Earth only because Elon Musk sent one of his ships up to get them at President Trumps request.

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NASA admitted only to some vague thruster problems and eventually sent the capsule back to Earth empty out of an abundance of caution. Uh-huh.

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Graphic: NASA Social Media Post

After that adventure, first Wilmore, then Williams retired from NASA. Now were learning they came within a hairsbreadth of being lost in space, and the Boeing capsule has not flown again and likely wont.

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CFT launched on June 5, 2024, sending NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) for a planned 10-day stay. Starliner reached the orbiting lab safely. On the way, however, the spacecraft suffered multiple thruster failures and temporarily lost "six degree of freedom" control  the ability to precisely maintain its desired orientation and trajectory. Advertisement "Flight rules were appropriately challenged, control was recovered and docking was achieved," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said during today's press conference, reading from a letter that he said he had just sent to all NASA employees. But, he added, "it is worth restating what should be obvious: At that moment, had different decisions been made, had thrusters not been recovered, or had docking been unsuccessful, the outcome of this mission could have been very, very different." Advertisement

Graphic: NASA, Public Domain

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The empty capsule did manage to land, but NASA is now admitting it was a near thing indeed. They categorized the capsules problems as a type A Mishap, which translates into daily English as: holy s**t! Were lucky to be alive! Heres the best part:

The dividing lines between them are clearly defined. For example, any incident that causes at least $2 million of damages or other unplanned mission costs, or involves unexpected "departure from controlled flight," is a Type A mishap. CFT clearly met those criteria, Isaacman said today. But NASA did not classify the mission as a Type A mishap during and shortly after CFT, apparently because agency officials were too focused on getting Starliner certified to fly operational astronaut missions to the ISS.

The Starliner was a lemon from the start, and even after nearly killing Williams and Wilmore, Boeing and NASA wouldnt admit it because they were trying to save their worthless hides and keep a death trap flying. Williams and Wilmore eventually admitted they lost all thruster control as they were trying to dock with the ISS. If they hadnt miraculously regained it, they would have floated off into interstellar space until their oxygen ran out. No wonder Williams and Wilmore retired; they obviously couldnt trust the Biden era NASA that nearly killed them and had no faith things would get better.

"Concern for the Starliner program's reputation influenced that decision," Isaacman said today. "Programmatic advocacy exceeded reasonable balance and placed the mission, the crew and America's space program at risk in ways that were not fully understood at the time decisions were being contemplated. This created a culture of mistrust that can never happen again, and there will be leadership accountability." With CFT officially being designated a Type A mishap, he added, "the record is now being corrected."

Nonsense. They knew exactly what they were doing at the time: covering up incompetence and putting profit and careers ahead of astronauts lives. Thats not at all hard to fully understand. NASA contracted with SpaceX and Boeing for spacecraft to access the ISS, which will be deorbited and burn up in the atmosphere in 2030. Boeing is reportedly still trying to figure out whats wrong with the Starliner. Apparently, theyre not going to fly astronautsas if any would agree to fly on that deathtrapuntil theyre certain its fixed. Of course, they were certain it worked perfectly before they almost killed Williams and Wilmore.

New NASA boss Jared Issacman is still boosting the Starliner as essential to establishing and supplying multiple low Earth orbit space stations.

What seems obvious is Elon Musk can do the job more cheaply, reliably and safely. So why is the government still pouring truckloads of cash into Boeings death trap of a spacecraft?

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Over the years, the proponents of marijuana use have tried to brainwash us into its harmless effects. Then the medical benefits of taking the drug were lauded for people suffering from various maladies. At the forefront of these campaigns was the New York Times, which celebrated the use of the drug.

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They were dead wrong.

Too many people accept the NYT as the gospel in reporting, so when the publisher originally insisted that side-effects were limited, that the drug was not addictive, that it didnt lead to more serious drug use, the public believed it. The Times was not willing to wait until substantive studies could be done to assess the true effects, and people are paying the hefty price.

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How bad is the news?

Very bad:

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Alongside increased use, we are seeing serious side effects, including addiction, lung disorders, attention-span problems, memory and cognitive impairment, suicidality, and psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.

One therapist who worked in inpatient and outpatient studies reported the following:

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My role required conducting assessments and thoroughly reviewing patients histories. Over time, I noticed a troubling pattern reported by families of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: Many of these individuals were functioning normally until they began using marijuana. In some cases, the drug use was not even long-term. At first, I struggled to believe it. But as I investigated further, I found that my experience was not an anomaly; there was research supporting what I was seeing clinically.

The research was documented at the National Library of Medicine.

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The side-effects become even worse over time. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, reported on this.

Cannabis is definitely addictive  the brain is affected, leading directly to addiction, Siegel told Fox News Digital. It also interferes with performance and memory. Advertisement It isnt a question of whether legalization was a mistake or not, the doctor said, but whether it can be legalized without the potential for addiction, which fuels negative outcomes and a zombie society.

Causing even greater problems, the marijuana that is produced today is stronger in its THC concentration, which is what causes the hallucinogenic experiences, and probably the more debilitating psychotic experiences, including schizophrenia:

Dr. Laura Gardner, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychotic Disorders Program at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut, said she has seen firsthand the public health effects of the rise in cannabis use after legalization. As a psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of psychotic and mood disorders, I have witnessed the devastating impact that heavy use of high-potency cannabis can have on a subset of vulnerable young adults who develop severe and persistent psychotic disorders, she told Fox News Digital. When I treat young adults in the hospital whose lives have been completely derailed by the onset of severe psychosis associated with cannabis use, the typical response I get is outrage  How did we not know about this? Why did no one warn us that this could happen? Gardner said.

Perhaps the worst outcomes are with our youth, particularly people under 25. Their brains are still developing and are especially vulnerable to dangerous side-effects from THC. The frequency of cannabis use is also a factor:

Daily or near daily use of cannabis greatly increases the chances of negative consequences. Young people who use cannabis daily or near daily can have a 25% to 50% rate of cannabis use disorder. This disorder can cause repeated bouts of severe nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, and affects nearly 2.8 million Americans each year.

We have accepted the propaganda and brainwashing from the greedy marijuana production and sales industry. We have put our long-term health and well-being at serious risk. And we are jeopardizing the lives of our young people to satisfy the demands of an ill informed industry and public.

Marijuana usage is dangerous, and the truth must come out.

Image via Pexels.
Profanity is the parlance of the fool. Why curse when there is such a magnificent language with which to discourse. -- Theodore Roosevelt

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For many years now, the left has groveled to the people by escalating their use of profanity to express their visceral hatred of President Trump.

They apparently believe that gutter language is the way into the hearts and minds of mind-numbed Americans.

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While the overuse of profanity was once the province of the illiterate, it has now become the principal go-to language of Democrats who think obscenity is the primary path to electoral victory.

What does this say about the Democrat party? Like the racists they are, viscerally opposed to voter ID, they think blacks and other minorities are unable to figure out how to get an official ID. They think we Trump supporters are all moronic enough to fall for vulgarisms, that their brave, public use of profanity will surely win us, the stupid people, over to their side.

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Not only is this Democrat party trend so obviously childish, but it is also a blatant attempt to inhabit the locker-room of raunchy language where so much of the left now lives. It is the left that has so diligently worked to undermine the traditional values that are the fundamental tenets of this nation since its founding, values set forth in the Constitution.

But the Constitution is no longer taught in our schools. The anti-American Marxists who have taken over the Democrat party have also taken over the education of our youth.

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The last two generations, whether in state education deserts or in the privileged private schools of the wealthy, have been carefully indoctrinated, not in the constitutional values of our Founders but in the Marxist, anti-family, pro-socialist teachings of the far left. Approximately two generations of our young people cannot answer the most basic questions about what was once essential knowledge of American history.

In just the past week, Juliana Stratton, a Democrat candidate for the Senate in Illinois, released an ad in which several people express their hatred for our president with their beloved f-word. At a Democrat endorsing meeting in California yesterday, the execrable Katie Porter held up a sign that said the same.

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Democratic candidate for California Governor @katieporterca holds up a white board with a message that reads FU*K TRUMP at the @CA_Dem endorsing convention. pic.twitter.com/361YJ1UTPu  Eytan Wallace (@EytanWallace) February 21, 2026

Even Politico has addressed the lefts overuse of f-bombs.

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Democratic members of Congress have upped their use of profanity in an effort to be more relatable to Americans, Politico reported Sunday.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett can barely open her mouth without using the filthy ghetto argot she thinks will bind low-information voters to her cause. What is her cause? Shes a race hustler of the first order. Rather than attempt to elevate her voters with clear and appropriate language, Crockett speaks ghetto and is clearly proud of her skill at doing so.

California's Gov. Gavin Newsom spews foul language in public, too. Rep. Eric Swalwell, speaking on the congressional floor, has mocked those who object to his customary filthy language. Vice President Kamala Harris spewed so many f-bombs that she added them to her public speeches.

Is this really the depths to which the left wants to go? Or thinks it needs to go? Apparently so. It is James Carvilles stock in trade. It has seeped through like a sewage leak to the Democrat mainstream based on the copious use of foul language in the leaked DNC emails of 2016. It did not used to be this way.

Parents who are now of advanced age taught their kids that such language was not only inappropriate but also crude, rude, and unacceptable. Such words betrayed sloppy thinking. Offensive words were rare outside of the military and sports, and the men of those spheres did not speak that way outside of their insulated communities. They did not use those words in front of their kids.

This is no longer the case. Our language has devolved so egregiously that lewd expressions are commonplace, heard everywhere: in classrooms, theaters, mainstream television, on buses and planes. It is rampant now among politicians.

Does this descent into the salacious win over young people? Maybe, because it is now so common, and theyve not been taught that it is always disrespectful.

But one thing is clear: That such verbiage is now a regular feature of our politicians campaigns and so reflexively used to malign the president they hate (because they are so historically ignorant) is a very bad sign for the country.

It is another indication of the decline the far left has been engineering for decades, dating from at least the "filthy speech movement" of U.C. Berkeley's student radicals in the 1960s  anti-traditional values, anti-family, anti-Constitution, anti-law-abidance, pro-illegal migrant, pro-criminal.

That pretty much sums up the left of today. No wonder our language has been so thoroughly degraded.

If only there were enough Republicans to stand up and fight against this corruption of all things American.

Image: Screenshot from X video
The middle class in America is falling behind. The middle class is defined as families with incomes between the median family income and the 80th percentile of family incomes. The upper middle class is defined as families with incomes at or above the 80th percentile. Last year, the median family income was $130,000; families at the 80th percentile earned $242,000.

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For decades, incomes of families in the upper middle class have grown more rapidly than that for middle-income families. This decompression of incomes has resulted in greater income inequality, and for many middle-income families, the gateway to the upper middle class has been closing. Loss of upward mobility and decompression of incomes is a major source of dissatisfaction and conflict in American society.

Historically, homeownership has been one of the most important pathways providing upward mobility for middle-class families. But the closing opportunities for homeownership, especially for younger generations, have become a flash point of intergenerational conflict.

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My familys experience with homeownership is a good example of this upward mobility. I moved to Boulder as a new assistant professor at the University of Colorado in 1965. My salary as an assistant Professor was $7,000, which placed me squarely in the middle class in Boulder. I was able to purchase my first home for less than $15,000, reflecting the free market for housing in Boulder before city planning. Over the years, we moved into several homes, using our home equity for the down payment. We were also able to use our home equity to help finance a college education for several children and grandchildren. Homeownership provided the pathway for my family and other middle-class families to significantly improve our income and wealth.

Homeownership no longer provides a pathway for upward mobility for middle-income families in Boulder; indeed, middle-income families are disappearing from Boulder. Most of Boulders work force lives in surrounding counties with significantly lower housing costs and commutes to work.

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Public policy debates often ignore the decompression of incomes and lack of mobility for middle-class families. Public policies to redistribute income and wealth tend to target the wealthy, such as Californias proposed billionaires tax. Unfortunately, wealth taxes have unintended consequences. California citizens watch as billionaires leave the state, taking their businesses with them and diminishing the prospects for families left behind.

Public policies targeting the poor also have unintended consequences. For example, the city of Boulder designed a housing program targeting low-income families. The median price for homes in Boulder is now close to $1 million. The city has allocated millions of dollars for a program building homes for a few hundred low-income families. Price controls limit the ability of these homeowners to build up equity in their homes. Much of the benefit of this housing program is accrued by realtors, bankers, and lawyers who generate fees in these transactions. When this housing program was first enacted, some realtors purchased the homes, circumventing income restrictions, but Boulder has ended this fraud in the housing program.

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The real fraud in Boulders housing program, however, is that it does nothing to provide a pathway to homeownership and upward mobility for middle-income families. In fact, for more than half a century, the city of Boulder has pursued tax and regulatory policies that limit the affordability of homes for middle-class families. When the Boulder City Council announced plans to restrict construction of homes within the city limits half a century ago, my colleagues at the University of Colorado were ecstatic. Many of them had purchased homes in the Hill area, which now has some of the most expensive homes in the country. The city of Boulder and the state of Colorado have spent millions of dollars attracting corporations to relocate here. Boulder recently attracted the Sundance Film Festival from our neighbor Utah, further driving up home prices.

Boulder is only one of the many wealthy ghettos across the country where public policies benefit the wealthy. Policies that provide subsidized housing for the poor allow them to claim that their policies benefit the poor and middle-income classes, but except for low-income families eligible for subsidized housing, the reality is that only the wealthy can now afford to live in Boulder.

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It is time to tell city planners in Boulder and other wealthy ghettos across the country that enough is enough. If cities really want to provide upward mobility for middle-income families, they should eliminate the many tax and regulatory policies that are putting homeownership out of reach.

Barry W. Poulson is professor emeritus at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and on the board of the Prosperity for US Foundation.

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Image via PickPik.
In the realm of butt-ugly, nothing comes close to the Obama Presidential Center, plunked down in the heart of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's otherwise elegantly designed 1871 Jackson Park in Chicago.

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Now they've put Obama's words on one quarter of each of two sides of the squat brutalist cement edifice, with the letters all jammed together as if to ersatz-imitate immortal hieroglyphics, of Ozymandias maybe -- requiring a drone to read across the two cornered sides.

Excerpts from former President Barack Obamas 2015 You are America speech can be seen on the western and southern facing facades of the Barack Obama Presidential Library in Jackson Park, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times pic.twitter.com/8siI1RRUyy Advertisement February 11, 2026

According to the New York Post:

The bizarre design of former President Barack Obamas new presidential center in Chicago is being mocked once again  this time over complaints that a new inscription on the side of the building is nearly impossible to read. Advertisement The words recently added to the $830 million monolith are from a 2015 speech Obama delivered in Selma, Ala., to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic civil-rights marches, but the way the text is laid out and wraps around the building has left some people squinting and confused. Im outside the Obama Center museum tower right now. The new letters  an excerpt from Obamas Selma speech  are tough read to me, giving off the lorem ipsum vibes, Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bay wrote on Linkedin, referring to the Latin placeholder text often used in graphic design templates. Advertisement

The Obama Library is the ultimate monument to DEI.



The words are cut off. The Ts, Ls, and Is are indistinguishable.



Looks like a trash can.



Scheduled to open in 2021.

Still not done.

3x over budget.



Requirements: minority architect and contractors, stealing 20 acres of pic.twitter.com/vYDfb4D77s  John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) February 18, 2026

It's nasty stuff, and all one can conclude is that you're not supposed to like it. You're supposed to bow down in submission to The Won and just take it.

It gets worse when details about the financing come out:

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FREE? What was billed as a gift has turned into an albatross for the people of Chicago. The people of Chicago gave Obama 19 acres of parkland for $10 and in return he promised to setup a $470M reserve fund to protect the taxpayers from any associated costs. Obama only put $1M in pic.twitter.com/XFcfJpSyRm  @amuse (@amuse) February 21, 2026

FIRST ON FOX: Former President Barack Obama once declared that his presidential center would be a "gift" to Chicago, but taxpayers are on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden costs related to the beleaguered project.



A FOX News Digital investigation shows pic.twitter.com/tOI24HDSa0  Fox News (@FoxNews) February 21, 2026

Obama kicked in $1 million and left Chicago's taxpayers on the hook for $300 million, and millions more for the next 99 years. Call it an Obamaesque sleight of hand, along the lines of 'If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor,' which come to think of it, would be better words to adorn an Obama monument with, given that those words are his monument.

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It should look like this. pic.twitter.com/FG8WVHkfnK  The OverboostedOne (@OverboostedOne) February 17, 2026

Only a government could build something this ugly and get away with it. And it turns out, they did. The taxpayers of Chicago now not only have to pay for this, they have to look at it, too, a monument to the monstrous megalomania of America's most insufferable president, for the remainder of nearly all of their lifetimes.

Once you see it, you can't unsee it.  pic.twitter.com/lM93OQ1MUf  Emergent Perspective (@_emergent_) February 17, 2026

Image: X screenshot
Im a Musk fan. I own three Tesla cars. Automated driving is a huge breakthrough that will save tens of thousands of lives. But given Musks brilliance, it is hard to imagine that he doesnt understand that many of the things he says are just wrong.

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Solar energy is impractical and expensive, at least on Earth. Exclusive of the massive subsidies, it costs at least five times more than electricity from coal or natural gas. See SolarShame.com for the details. Yet Musk promotes solar energy. This may be related to the fact that Tesla sells solar energy components.

Musk wants to colonize the moon or Mars to ensure the survival of the human race. He has listed an assortment of catastrophes that could result in the extinction of humanity on Earth. Nuclear war is probably the most likely catastrophe, but there is no chance that it will cause the extinction of humanity. A system of bomb and radiation shelters following Switzerland or Israel would greatly limit deaths and preserve the nations future. I cant find any mention by Musk of the virtues of bomb and radiation shelters.

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His company SpaceX makes billions selling internet connectivity provided by low-orbit satellites. But by claiming that the main goal of his rockets is to preserve humanity in the case of catastrophe, a crass commercial motive is converted into a high-minded crusade.

Another of Musks catastrophes follows the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. An intelligent computer, Hal, murders fellow space travelers. One human survives and murders Hal by unplugging his circuit boards. Musk has positioned himself as seriously concerned that artificial intelligence must be carefully fenced while his competitors are forging ahead recklessly. He has compared himself to an organization dedicated to saving the rainforest while his competitors are like lumber companies. Musk good, competitors bad, again.

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Musk often sounds like early communists who believed that communism would create an age of abundance so that everyones needs could be satisfied. Musk says the humanoid robots that Tesla is developing will replace human labor so that humans will be freed to pursue higher interests. Poetry, anyone? Musk even advises parents to stop saving for college, as money will be unimportant in the new age of abundance. Presumably, everyone will be able to attend a top college at an affordable cost. But a college that everyone can attend is no longer a top college

Real U.S. GDP per capita has increased by at least 15 times since 1900. We are already in an age of abundance, yet money has not gone out of style. Modern man has increased his desires in proportion to the money available to buy things. Humanoid robots (mechanical slaves) wont change that.

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Musk has a genuine sense of humor. Perhaps he is amused that he is able to promote himself with wild schemes like a Mars colony. He may be mocking the gullible chattering classes that he manipulates. Even if Musks robots increase per capita GDP by another factor of 15, some things will always be in limited supply  for example, apartments overlooking Central Park in Manhattan or seaside bungalows in Malibu, or whatever replaces these scarce possessions in the future.

Status hierarchies are cultural universals. They are hardwired in the human psyche. Money is only one component of status. A billionaire will have high status only if he also claims to care about the welfare of the common man and the future of society. A critic might say that Musks emphasis on protecting humanity from an extinction crisis by means of colonies on the moon or Mars is nothing but a mask to make himself into a good billionaire. But it is possible that he is sincere.

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Ascribing base motives to people should be a last resort. Calculated manipulation of people is sociopath territory. Musks great accomplishments dont look like the products of a sociopath to me.

In June of 2025, Musk publicly broke with Trump, accusing him of being ungrateful for Musks help in the election. He accused Trump of hiding the Epstein files to protect his own reputation. He characterized Trumps tariff policies as reckless. He even briefly started a competitive political party, the America Party. This behavior looks like an emotional reaction, perhaps because E.V. subsidies were not renewed. Trump suggested that Musk had gone crazy. If Trump had renewed the subsidies, it would have been a clear political payoff.

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Obviously, it made no sense for Musk as an entrepreneur with government contracts and dependent on government regulatory approvals to viciously attack Trump, the president of the United States. They later patched up their relationship.

Is it possible to be a genius engineer and entrepreneur and at the same time be naive concerning politics and economics? Yes, it is. Engineering talent may be somewhat incompatible with political talent. Engineering is about facts and physics; politics is about people and mass psychology. Operating in both domains requires toleration of cognitive dissonance. Musk apparently suffers from some degree of political naivete.

Image: JD Lasica via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
February 22, 2026: A month before the American raid in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, a Russian radio commentator talked about how much Russia had done to fortify Venezuela and protect its leaders and military. The commentary also described how the Russian navy would sink any threatening U.S. warships off the coast while Russian supplied air defense systems would detect and shoot down any threatening American aircraft. On the day after the U.S. raid, the same Russian commentator announced that any future Russian efforts to get in the Americans' way would probably be crushed. Russian leader Vladimir Putin apparently agreed with this assessment as he made no critical comments about what had happened in Venezuela.

Putin has other things to worry about as the U.S. and its NATO allies are now tracking and seizing Russian shadow fleet tankers transporting oil in violation of economic sanctions. Russian propagandists are seeking some way to deal with all this unpleasant news. They have lots of experience at this and Russian propagandists are looking at past experiences for answers.

When the Cold War ended in 1991 and the Soviet Union disappeared, many Western intelligence agencies thought they had seen the last of Soviet maskirovka/masking and dezinformatsiya/ disinformation. That was an unrealistic expectation as the Russians have been reviving these deception practices and, as has been noted since the 1990s, several surviving communist governments like China and North Korea never stopped using the maskirovka and dezinformatsiya techniques they had learned from their Soviet patrons.

One rather obvious example of how Russia has revived its classic dezinformatsiya was seen when Russia accused the United States of committing atrocities in Syria by using American warplanes disguised as Russian ones while bombing civilians, hospitals and the like. To carry out this dezinformatsiya the Russians used photos from an American pilot training exercise in which some F-18s, which are somewhat similar in appearance to Russian Su-30s, were given a Russian Air Force paint job and flown by American pilots who knew Russian fighter tactics and techniques. This was part of the dissimilar training in the U.S. Navy revived, from World War II practice, in the late 1960s to better prepare American pilots to deal with North Vietnamese fighter aircraft encountered over North Vietnam. This led to regular Red Flag and Top Gun training programs that evolved as potential enemy air forces did. The Russians claimed these photos showed American aircraft operating over Syria and bombing forbidden by international law targets, in order to blame Russia.

This was classic Soviet era dezinformatsiya and it still works. Most people were not fooled but enough were to make it worth the effort. As Russia itself began using these techniques again most Western intel analysts were somewhat mystified because they had not seen this sort of thing at all if they were young and the older intel experts had not seen it done to this degree since the 1980s, when the Soviet Union was still around and using these techniques heavily right up until the end.

The Soviets pioneered the use of specialized organizations to carry out dezinformatsiya. A similar but even larger one was created for maskirovka. This agency planned and carried out large scale deceptions of photo satellites. In addition to concealing weapons, their performance, and movements, the Soviets also used satellite deception to mislead the West on how their troops would operate in the field. Several times a year the Soviets would hold large scale maneuvers. Each of these exercises would involve many divisions, plus hundreds of aircraft and helicopters. Satellite photos of these maneuvers were thought to reveal tactics the Soviets were going to use in future wars. But the Soviets knew when American satellites were coming over and sometimes arranged displays of tactics which they had no intention of using. Naturally, this made it more difficult for the Western intelligence analysts to figure out exactly what the Soviets were planning. That, of course, was the sort of confusion the Soviets wanted to create with these little deceptions. The current Russian government is reviving a lot of Soviet era organizations and practices because they have discovered maskirovka and dezinformatsiya still work on the West.

After 1991 this inherent fondness for maskirovka and dezinformatsiya was great news for a lot of former KGB Russian CIA/FBI/secret police employees who eventually found new jobs doing what they had done before the Soviet Union imploded, in part because of new technology. The 1990s were when the Internet blossomed into the World Wide Web. At the same time a lot of the deception and information manipulation the KGB long monopolized was now legal for civilian firms as well in Russia and China. Since then many KGB media specialists have gone commercial and trained a new generation of Internet savvy manipulators and often ended up working for the government again, as contractors rather than uniformed employees.

Spreading lies and rumors is a long standing practice in wartime. But in pre-Internet days it was developed into a fine art by the Soviets during the Cold War. This conflict, which raged or simmered from 1948 to 1989 or 1991, take your pick, never saw the main antagonists America and the USSR fighting each other directly, but rather it was a war of proxies. Other nations provided the battlefields while other peoples provided most of the fighters. The Soviets were calling most of the shots during this conflict even if they were not firing them. While both sides used the media and propaganda, the Soviets were enthusiastic users of a particular form of media deception called disinformation. This is the old repeat a lie often enough and it becomes a truth routine, distributed via press releases and planted media stories. On the Internet we call people who do this trolls or worse.

Disinformation is an ancient deception technique, but never has it been used so widely and for such a long time to keep numerous small wars going and generate such levels of hostility towards one's opponent. These fighters were not risking their lives for the Soviet Union but for a myriad of local causes. The Soviet disinformation program was intended to keep everyone in a combative mood and pursue goals that meshed with the Soviet Unions foreign policy.

Some of the disinformation was pretty outrageous, such as the planted story that AIDS was invented by U.S. military researchers or the CIA or whatever. Most of the disinformation was more minor, and locally relevant, in nature. The Soviets had a large bureaucracy, and equally vast budget, to buy the services of local journalists worldwide. The stories supplied would generally cast aspersions on the actions or motives of the U.S. government and Americans in general. While the Soviets were generally inclined to shovel out lies and half-truths pell-mell, they also had specific programs to bring down governments friendly to the West or, more importantly, to prop up the morale of rebels, revolutionaries, and terrorists fighting for a Soviet approved objective. ISIL Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al Qaeda and other Islamic radical groups have tried to use the same tactics but have not been nearly as deft and successful at it as the Soviets were.

What made the Soviet program unique was its global nature. The Soviets were quick to realize that the media in most countries was not as independent as in the United States. In fact, the U.S. media was something of an exception. In most nations the media are, like the first newspapers in the 18th century, the creatures of one special interest group or another. It was in America that the independent media was invented, and even the U.S. media was not completely free of biases and favoritism towards special interests. In most countries, the bias and special interest control is much stronger. That eventually happened in the United States, about a decade or so after the Cold War ended.

Yet in all countries the local media was, like it or not, the primary source of information for the population. Compared to America, the rest of the world's journalists are not well paid even by local standards. Thus it is common for journalists to accept gifts or outright bribes in return for writing certain stories or slanting their reporting a certain way. The Soviets took advantage of this and their local agents who were often not Russians were liberally supplied with cash in order to buy the media attention they needed. The American CIA engaged in the same practice but the Soviets were much more aggressive, generous and successful in this area. That has changed as traditional print and TV news media were supplanted by Internet based sources but disinformation is still available as a tool.

While many journalists worldwide admire the American model for media independence, the Soviets realized that they didn't have to buy a lot of journalists in order to give their agenda sufficient exposure. Most of the Soviet disinformation was purposely developed as sensational stuff. The Soviets knew what kind of stories played best in the media and this is what they provided. This was the importance of the large disinformation staff back in Moscow. Stories that played on local fears were favored. For example, over the years, the CIA was played up as the cause behind just about everything that people feared, up to and including the weather and earthquakes. In typical Russian fashion, the Soviets would plant dozens of stories in different countries all hitting the same invented idea from a different angle. That way, the press in one country could cite a Soviet story planted in another country to back up their local reporting. The Soviets also made the most of some outrageous story appearing in the Western press whether it was a Soviet plant or not, by planting more outrageous versions and elaborations via the more pliable journalists of other nations. The Soviets realized that the media had become a global system and that there was a great deal of following the leader or stealing from another newspaper, depending on how you look at it going on. The Soviets also knew that correcting an inaccurate story was nearly impossible. Once the lie gets loose, you can never correct the misinformation that then forms in so many peoples minds. Once the Internet came along, these techniques became easier and cheaper to use.

The Big Lie was something that was created in this century as the media grew in importance. The Nazis get a lot of credit for starting it, but it was actually the Bolsheviks the earliest incarnation of the Communists in Russia that first used it so effectively at the end of World War I. Indeed, the term Bolshevik is Russian for majority, a title the Communist minority among the Russian socialists gave themselves as they set out to seize control of Russia during World War I. The Communists kept repeating the term Bolshevik even when it was obvious they were a small minority of the Russian socialist party and eventually more and more people just took it for granted that the Communists were the majority, the Bolsheviks. And soon they were in control of the nation. And at that point they were still a minority, which is why they kept on killing off Russians into the early 1950s who actually or potentially thought differently.

Western countries only slowly became aware of what the Soviets were doing. The Voice of America and the BBC World Service radio broadcasts were intended to counter Soviet disinformation. But these efforts met with limited success. Imaginative lies travel faster and more widely than does the more mundane truth. Politicians in all nations know and take advantage of this fact. Negative campaigning is often little more than a disinformation campaign.

The only positive side of disinformation is that, eventually, most people catch on and no longer believe the lies. But this takes time, often decades. And the turnaround has to take place separately in each media area. That is, while people may begin to see through the local disinformation campaign in one area, people in a neighboring nation could still be under the spell of the clever forgeries. The Soviet Union and its East European satellite nations saw their web of disinformation come apart during the 1980s. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 will long be seen as the moment when the tower of deceit came undone. But in actuality, the process of disintegration took place over several years. And for many years to come there will still be people in those formerly Communist countries who will continue to believe the lies, even if the majority does not. Now, however, the large scale deception organizations are being revived.

The deception technique of disinformation had a palpable effect on dozens of battlefields during the Cold War and after. Thousands of pro-Communist fighters believed, to the death, in the tangle of disinformation the Soviets had created. Without such motivation, many of these wars, rebellions, and uprisings would not have happened. Information is power, even false information. And this translated into firepower for decade after decade. It has happened again and this time the true-believers are Islamic radicals. Russia, China and many Western nations have disinformation operations that exploit the Internet to get their version of reality to as many people as possible. The long term impact of all this is as yet unknown.
Taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epsteins New York home, emails suggest.

Two royal protection officers appear to have been told to act as doormen at the paedophile financiers seven-floor Manhattan mansion in 2010, after he had been convicted of a child sex offence.

The officers, given the job of protecting the prince, were staying at the multimillion-pound townhouse on 71st Street during the royals trip to visit his friend, according to emails unearthed in the latest tranche of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.

The emails, first reported in TheSunday Times, suggest those officers were also asked to provide security for a dinner party attended by the royal on 2 December. Celebrities named on the guestlist in the emails include Hollywood director Woody Allen, his wife Soon Yi Previn, as well as two US news anchors, Katie Couric and George Stephanopoulos, the comedian Chelsea Handler, and Charlie Rose, a talk show host.

The exterior of Jeffrey Epsteins residence on the Upper East Side in New York (Getty)

In an email sent the night before the party, a member of staff wrote to Epstein: The Dukes 2 protection officers along with state security will all be here for tomorrows dinner party [sic]... Rich has given them instructions on the door.

The reference to state security suggests that US diplomatic protection officers also attended. Rich is understood to be member of Epsteins team.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor told BBC Newsnight in 2019 that he had travelled to New York in 2010 solely to cut ties with Epstein. He was photographed with the financier in Central Park during the visit.

The findings come after the Met police urged the princes former close protection officers toconsider carefully whether anything they saw or heard is relevant to their investigation into Epstein and his associates.

The force said it is contacting former and serving close protection officers who worked closely with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor amid growing questions over what they witnessed.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and released under investigation over allegations of misconduct in public office (Reuters)

Dai Davies, the former head of the Royal Protection Command from 1994 to 1998, said on Friday it beggars belief that police and other officials working closely the royal never saw any untoward behaviour. He raised questions over a culture of silence around the former Duke of Yorks conduct.

Dont forget, this is going back many years now, 20 years plus, in some instances, so many of them will have retired, he told Channel 4.

So, clearly they will have to decide with their conscience and their moral compass, what they did or didnt see.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was last week arrested and later released under investigation by a different police force on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The royal has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday, the former princes 66th birthday, following allegations uncovered in the Epstein files, that Mr Mountbatten Windsorhad shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UKs trade envoy.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 awaiting trial for sex trafficking (New York State Division of Criminal Justice)

He was detained for 11 hours while being questioned, before he was pictured cowering in the back of a Range Rover as he was driven away from a police station in Aylesham, Norfolk.

Police also raided two addresses, with unmarked police cars and plainclothed police officers seen outside Wood Farm, where Mr Mountbatten-Windsor now lives on the Kings Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, on the morning of his arrest.

Searches are also entering their fourth day at his former home, the sprawling 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, that he shared with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson until recently.

An undated photo in the Epstein files shows Mr Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over an unidentified woman (US Department of Justice)

The government is understood to be considering bringing in a law to remove the disgraced royal, currently eighth in line to the throne, from the line of succession after the police investigation concludes.

A group of MPs are also considering launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys following the allegations.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles amid the ongoing scandal over his friendship with Epstein.

In 2022, he paid a reported 12m to settle a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by Virgina Giuffre, who said she was trafficked by Epstein and made to sleep with the royal on three occasions. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement, the Met said it was working with US officials to review whether Epstein may have trafficked victims on his private jet through London Stansted airport.

The force added: Separately, the Met is identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew MountbattenWindsor.

They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.
At the end of January, the Sydney Zoo announced the arrival of their newest family member: a male giraffe calf they named Tamboti! They've shared videos of him behind the scenes, exploring his enclosure and getting to know his mom and caretakers. One caretaker in particular has captured this little guy's interest, and he decided to make the man his new best friend.

Watch as Tamboti adorably follows his caretaker around as he introduces the baby to his outdoor enclosure for the first time. The curious little one even stops his exploring to get some cuddles. It's absolutely adorable, and we're not embarrassed to admit that we're jealous of this guy's job!

The Zoo shared a bit more in the caption. "From small beginnings to big adventures! Here are the first steps into the larger habitat, and we couldnt be prouder of how far our giraffe calf has come!

Moments like these are a powerful reminder of the impact passionate individuals have every day. Were incredibly proud of the team and grateful for the care they provide to our animals, big and small."

Related: Baby Giraffe Answers to Every Name but His Own in Cute Video

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Commenters Joke About the Baby Giraffe Being "Not Dwayne"

The Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas, also recently welcomed a baby giraffe to the family. They named the calf Dwayne, a name that he hilariously refuses to answer to. He'll answer to other giraffes' names, but if his caretakers call out "Dwayne", he immediately can't hear it or will not respond, and people cannot get enough of the stubborn baby giraffe.

Commenter @Delaney 228 joked, "Please don't name it Dwayne." @Monica Wisdom asked, "Does he know Not Dwayne?" @SweetNickie added, "This baby definitely likes his name!"

Even after all the Not Dwayne jokes, the Sydney Zoo explained the meaning behind their calf's name. "The name Tamboti was chosen for a reason. Our calf had a slow start to life, but with care and time, hes grown stronger every day. Tamboti is the name of an African tree known for growing slowly yet becoming resilient and enduringjust like him."

We can't wait to see more of Tamboti!

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
British actor Robert Aramayo has won the EE Rising Star Bafta.

The 33-year-old was recognised at the 79th British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday following his portrayal of Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome John Davidson in the biopic I Swear.

The Kirk Jones film follows Davidsons life as he grows up in Galashiels, in the Scottish Borders, when he starts to experience tics at age 12.

Accepting the prize, he said: This is really scary, last time I was at Bafta I dropped the award, so hopefully this will go better.

He added: I cant believe this, it really blows my mind.

John Davidson is the most remarkable person Ive ever met and he believes there is so much more we need to learn about Tourettes.

In the words of the film, they need support and understanding.

He continued: This means the world to me, I cant believe it.

According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics.

Aramayo joins previous recipients, including Sex Education star Emma Mackey, Get Out actor Daniel Kaluuya, Black Panthers Letitia Wright and Spiderman actor Tom Holland.

His portrayal of Davidson won the actor the British Independent Film Award (Bifa) for best lead performance, beating Cillian Murphy and Jennifer Lawrence.

Originally from Hull, Aramayo graduated from the Juilliard School in New York and has built up a number of film and TV credits, including starring as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV series.

He also appeared in Annemarie Jacirs historical drama Palestine 36 and portrayed a young Eddard Stark in Game Of Thrones.
A wave of violence has broken out in Mexico after El Mencho, the countrys most wanted drug baron, was killed - REUTERS/Gilberto Gallo

Mexicos most powerful drug lord has been killed by the countrys military, causing waves of revenge attacks by cartels.

Officials said Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, died following an operation in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday.

He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexicos richest and most violent criminal organisations.

El Mencho is said to have been seriously wounded during a gunfight between his bodyguards and Mexican special forces, dying shortly afterwards.

Seven CJNG members were killed and two arrested during the operation, which was carried out in collaboration with the United States. Three soldiers were injured and are receiving medical attention.

Authorities had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho - Alfredo ESTRELLA / MEXICAN TV / AFP via Getty Images

The Mexican government had been under pressure to tackle the cartels from the US, which had placed a $15m (11m) bounty on El Menchos head.

Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state, welcomed the death of one of Mexicos most ruthless drug kingpins on Sunday.

A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle set on fire in Cointzio - AP Photo/Armando Solis

Smoke billows from burning vehicles amid a wave of violence in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco - @morelifediares via REUTERS

CJNG have since launched brutal reprisals across Jalisco. Gangsters have shot members of the military, blockaded major roads and set fire to buses and cars.

Code red

As the situation spirals towards a state of open warfare between authorities and the cartels, state authorities have declared a code red emergency, fearing attacks on civilians.

Footage circulating on social media showed large plumes of smoke across the region, and what appeared to be gun battles in Guadalajara, the states capital.

The cartel members are believed to have set the fires in response to the security operation in Jalisco - ULISES RUIZ

El Mencho had hundreds of well-equipped gunmen at his command who were trained in sophisticated paramilitary tactics, according to The Wall Street Journal.

He is said to have controlled large swathes of territory, particularly in Jalisco, but rarely left his mountain compound.

The cartel leader was protected by a praetorian guard who carried heat-seeking rocket launchers capable of penetrating armoured vehicles, which have now been seized by the authorities.

Mexicos defence ministry said special forces had planned to arrest El Mencho but were attacked by CJNG.

A National Guard member stands guard on Sunday near a bus that was set on fire in Zapopan, Jalisco - Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty

Vehicles were set on fire by organised crime members, police said - ULISES RUIZ

Four of the cartel members were killed at the scene and another three who were seriously wounded, including El Mencho, died while they were being airlifted to Mexico City.

Three soldiers were also injured and have been sent to hospital for emergency medical attention.

It is unclear precisely what role US authorities, who the defence ministry said provided intelligence for the plan to capture El Mencho, played in the operation.

US officials previously offered a $10m reward for information leading to El Menchos arrest  before later upping their offer by a further $5m

The Mexican military had previously attempted to capture the drug kingpin in 2015, but its plans were thwarted when cartel members blew one of its helicopters out of the sky, killing nine people on board.

Pablo Lemus, the governor of Jalisco, warned of possible attacks against civilians by El Menchos lieutenants.

I have given instructions to immediately set up the security committee with authorities from all three levels of government and to activate the red alert in order to prevent acts against the population, he said on Sunday.

The Mexican military also deployed security forces across the west of the country

Video posted on social media shows passengers streaming out of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, while others in Guadalajara International Airport were seen cowering behind barricades.

Credit: @sentdefender X

On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta because of the ongoing security situation.

Buses were set on fire in Puerto Vallarta, while local media also reported there had been a gun battle in the city of Ixtapa.

At least 10 major roads were reportedly blocked.

The Foreign Office on Monday urged Britons in Mexico to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa, it said.

You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.

The US Embassy in Mexico also urged Americans to shelter in place.

Burnt-out vehicles were used to block roads in Jalisco to protest against the cartel leaders killing - Ulises Ruizu/AFP via Getty

El Mencho founded CJNG in 2009, quickly establishing a reputation for himself as one of the worlds biggest cocaine traffickers.

Through its illicit drug wealth, it has developed a fearsome arsenal of military-grade guns, including explosive drones and grenade launchers.

Mr Landau, a former US ambassador to Mexico, praised Mexican authorities for taking down one of the countrys bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.

This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world, he said.

The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.
Comedian Paul Elliott, known as one half of the Chuckle Brothers, will be travelling across the UK next month as he takes part in Marie Curies biggest annual fundraiser.

Elliott, 78, aims to raise 40,000 for charity as he travels from John OGroats to Lands End for the 40th anniversary of the Great Daffodil Appeal.

Elliott has been an official ambassador for Marie Curie since October 2016, and the charitys nurses provided end-of-life care to his brother, Barry, who died from bone cancer aged 73 in 2018.

Elliott said the charity was very close to his heart as its nurses helped care for his brother Barry before his death in 2018 (Artur Tixiliski/Marie Curie/PA)

Marie Curie depends on fundraising and public donations, and provides end-of-life care for people with an illness from which they are likely to die, as well as supporting family and friends.

Elliott said he was incredibly proud to be an ambassador for the charity, adding: Marie Curie helped care for my brother Barry at the end of his life in 2018, so its a charity very close to my heart.

When you think about it, theres only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life. Thats why the Great Daffodil Appeal is so important.

Every penny raised will help Marie Curie provide expert end-of-life care and support to people with a terminal illness and those close to them.

The childrens TV star and entertainer said he wanted to do something big and fun to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the fundraiser.

Paul Elliott with the Marie-Curie branded Chuckle Bike, dubbed the Daff Bike (Artur Tixiliski/Marie Curie/PA)

He will be making stops on his tour of the UK on the Daff Bike, a Marie-Curie branded version of the Chuckle Bike  a two-seater pedal car featured in ChuckleVision.

The entertainer is best known for starring in the BBC childrens programme with his brother, Barry, which was known for spawning catchphrases including To me, to you and Oh dear, oh dear.

He added: Whilst Id love to be able to cycle the iconic John OGroats to Lands End route like so many incredible fundraisers do, Im really excited to get to travel the route with the Daff Bike, raise lots of money for the charity and meet as many Marie Curie supporters, volunteers and staff as possible to say a huge thank you  from me to you.

Elliotts tour of the UK will kick off on March 3, with stops in Glasgow, Bradford, Birmingham, Penarth, Exeter and Plymouth, before his final stop in Lands End on March 11.

Paul Elliott is best known for starring in slapstick childrens comedy ChuckleVision (Artur Tixiliski/Marie Curie/PA)

Marie Curie chief executive Matthew Reed said: Every three minutes someone dies without the end-of-life care they need.

The Great Daffodil Appeal gives Marie Curie the chance to provide expert end of life care and support to more people, whatever their illness. Care that protects someones dignity, instead of leaving them alone or in avoidable pain.

A huge thank you to Paul for taking on this mammoth tour of the UK and thank you to our loyal supporters and volunteers for the last 40 years of support for the Great Daffodil Appeal.

Elliott has become known for his charitable service, and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Kings New Year Honours list this year.

He has also appeared on a number of quiz shows for charity, including Pointless Celebrities, Tenable All Stars and Celebrity Mastermind.
A survivor of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse has spoken out against billionaire Leslie Wexner, describing his recent deposition to members of Congress as abhorrent.

Wexner, the 88-year-old founder of retail conglomerate L Brands, sat for a nearly five-hour deposition Wednesday with members of the House Oversight Committee. Lawmakers subpoenaed Wexner after the latest release of the so-called Epstein files by the Department of Justice revealed new details about his relationship with the dead sex offender, who once worked as his financial adviser.

Appearing in the Epstein files does not imply wrongdoing, and Wexner has never been charged with a crime. Wexner has also denied knowing about Epsteins criminal activity.

I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein, Wexner said in a statement ahead of the interview. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.

Maria Farmer, who said she was abused by Epstein and his convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell at Wexners estate decades ago, has now accused the retail mogul of downplaying his relationship with Epstein during his deposition.

Maria Farmer accused retail mogul Leslie Wexner of 'downplaying his relationship' with the dead sex offender during a recent deposition (AP)

I am glad Wexners deposition, this lever of power, is being used to try to achieve some accountability and justice for the many survivors whose trauma has for so long been ignored, dismissed, or discounted, Farmer said in a statement shared with The Independent Saturday.

Wexners reported downplaying of his relationship with Epstein is abhorrent, particularly given Maxwells own description of him as Epsteins closest friend. I am also troubled by Wexners stated lack of knowledge about my abuse and suffering on his property, she added.

Farmer said the abuse began 30 years ago.

In the summer of 1996, I served as the artist-in-residence at Les Wexners estate. I was instructed to obtain a drivers license using the address of Wexners home, she said. Later that summer, while working and living on Wexners estate, I suffered abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Farmers statement included a photo of her drivers license at the time, which appears to list an Ohio address.

She also said Epstein stole photographs of her and her minor sisters, which she described as private anatomically-revealing photographs I used for artistic reference and kept numbered in a lockbox.

When I attempted to escape Wexners estate, I was threatened by his employees and associates, sharpshooters, guns and guard dogs, and held against my will, she added.

Retail mogul Leslie Wexner sat for an hours-long deposition with the House Oversight Committee this week (House Oversight Committee/YouTube)

Farmer said she eventually escaped and reported Epstein and Maxwell to law enforcement.

I told the FBI about Epstein and Maxwells sexual abuse of me on Wexners estate, the theft there of the images, and being held on Wexners estate, she said.

Farmers report to the FBI was included in a trove of Epstein-related files released late last year. The document reveals Farmer told the agency Epstein stole photos she had taken of her 12- and 16-year-old sisters. Farmer later said in an interview this included nude photos, according to The New York Times

A spokesperson for Wexner directed The Independent to his opening statement to the committee, during which he acknowledged the survivors of Epsteins terrible crimes and the devastation that each of them has endured as a result, and said his heart goes out to each of them.

As Mr. Wexner testified, he never even heard of Maria Farmer until her account surfaced in the media, the spokesperson told The Independent. Ms. Farmers statement is incorrect in many respects. Contrary to her statement, Epsteins house, where the abuse is said to have occurred, was not on land owned by the Wexners, was nearly one half mile away from the Wexner home, and was accessed through a separate driveway not controlled by Wexner security. There were no sharp shooters or guard dogs policing Epsteins property.

The Independent has requested additional comment from a representative for Farmer.

Wexner, the former CEO of Victorias Secret, has said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after discovering the financier was stealing from him. Epstein pleaded guilty to state-level charges of soliciting prostitution in Florida in 2008.

He told lawmakers Wednesday he was conned by the World Olympic, all-time con artist.

As far as I was concerned, once we knew how bad he was, he was dead, he said.

When asked about Farmer, Wexner replied: I never met her, didnt know she was here, didnt know she was abused.

The deposition also made headlines after Wexners attorney, Michael Levy, was caught on a hot mic telling him, I will f***ing kill you if you answer another question with more than five words.

The Independent has contacted Maxwells attorney for comment.
A montage including Jeffrey Epstein and material relating to The Telegraph's investigation

Jeffrey Epstein hid computers and photographs from United States authorities in secret storage lockers across the country, The Telegraph can reveal.

Documents uncovered by this newspaper show the paedophile paid private detectives to remove equipment from his Florida home in an apparent attempt to prevent investigators from finding it.

The documents also show that he rented six storage units across the US and used them to house items from his properties, including computers from Little Saint James, his private island in the Caribbean.

He leased at least one unit from 2003, when he was part of a Florida social set that included Donald Trump. Credit card receipts obtained by The Telegraph show regular storage payments continued until 2019, the year of his death.

Search warrants reviewed by The Telegraph suggest US authorities never raided the lockers, raising the possibility that they may contain unseen evidence relating to Epstein and his associates, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Mandelson.

In December, the US department of justice (DoJ) released thousands of files relating to the financier. The revelations they contain led Lord Mandelson to resign from the Labour Party and quit the House of Lords.

They have also led to the arrest of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office and the prospect of his removal from the line of succession. On Sunday, a Cabinet minister suggested the former prince could face a judge-led inquiry.

However, while Epstein has long been suspected of collecting compromising material on his associates, relatively few such photographs or videos have emerged. That has fuelled claims that the DoJ is seeking to shield powerful figures from scrutiny, although authorities have repeatedly denied this.

The emails the DoJ released, along with the financial records The Telegraph has unearthed revealing the secret storage units, raise the possibility that they housed compromising material.

Epstein owned five sprawling properties across the US and France at the time of his death. Photographs of the properties taken when US authorities raided them after his arrest in 2019 showed that many contained large storage areas and empty basements, so it is unclear why Epstein would need to rent external lock-ups.

Earlier this month, The Telegraph revealed that Epstein ordered staff to install secret cameras inside Kleenex boxes at his home (see below) after a contact told him the Russians may come in handy. The FBI had previously said there was no evidence Epstein was storing compromising material.

The documents The Telegraph unearthed show that Epstein instructed private detectives to move computers into another lock-up after apparently being tipped off about a police raid on his home in the mid-2000s. Private investigators were also asked to open a secret storage unit in New York on his behalf, while being paid tens of thousands of dollars for their work.

Separately, Epsteins staff discussed moving computers and CDs from his private island in the US Virgin Islands into hidden lock-ups. Material held in these units could pre-date the earliest tranche of Epsteins emails released by the US government, which begin around 2009.

The Telegraph approached Epsteins former private detectives in Florida about the storage lockers. They declined to comment, saying their work for Epstein was confidential. The FBI refused to say whether any storage units had ever been raided.

The identities of Epsteins victims were protected in files released by the US department of justice - US department of justice

Epstein is known to have introduced high-profile figures such as Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to women at properties around the world.

In August 2009, a month after his release from jail following a child sex offence conviction, Epstein received an email from a private investigator informing him that Virginia Giuffre had requested missing computer material.

Ms Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit in Florida in 2009 alleging that Epstein sexually abused her as a minor and trafficked her internationally.

On Aug 23 2009, Bill Riley  one half of the Riley Kiraly private detective agency that Epstein hired  emailed the financier and his lawyers: Over the weekend I learned that plaintiffs counsel are looking to get from me the computers and paperwork I took from Jeffs house prior to the Search Warrant.

I have them locked in storage and would like to know what to do with them. They are no longer needed in the criminal case, I assume. Is it possible to give you these items for your review and safekeeping or give it to Darren Indyke [Epsteins lawyer] or back to Jeff, etc.?

The email also said the computer drives in the lockup were to be copied, or cloned. It is not clear what happened to any copies.

Authorities have long suspected Epstein was tipped off about the first police raid on his Florida home in 2005. Michael Reiter, the former Palm Beach police chief, later said the place had been cleaned up and certain computer material appeared to be missing.

The emails The Telegraph unearthed suggest for the first time that this may have been because Epstein paid private detectives to remove material ahead of the raid.

It is unclear precisely where the computers were stored. However, emails show Epstein had been leasing a nearby self-storage unit in Florida called Uncle Bobs since 2003. This period overlaps with his years living in Palm Beach, when he moved in the same social circles as Mr Trump.

Credit card statements show Epstein was billed $374.13 per month by Uncle Bobs until March 2015, with a final smaller payment in late 2016.

Photos taken by a member of his staff in Aug 2012  believed to be from in this lock-up  show a cluttered unit crammed with fans, projectors, an old armchair and dozens of cardboard boxes. One box bears an image of a computer.

The Telegraph has also seen transactions for additional storage units across Florida over a 10-year period, including monthly payments of around $140 for a lock-up in Royal Palm Beach that continued until 2019.

Credit card data show Epstein paid the Riley Kiraly agency $38,500 from January to May 2010. The agency also sought payment for invoices outside that timeframe.

The Palm Beach storage locker. The Telegraph has unearthed receipts for its rental up until 2019 - US department of justice

The Florida lock-ups Epstein is believed to have used were located on industrial estates on the outskirts of Palm Beach and Delray Beach, just north of Miami. One public storage facility he paid for from 2009 to 2011 featured large garages capable of storing vehicles. The red roller shutters could be accessed by customers 24 hours a day without staff interaction.

An employee told The Telegraph that confidentiality agreements prevented staff from discussing who used the lockers or what they contained. He said he could not confirm whether the FBI had ever raided any of the units.

He said: It doesnt matter whether it is Epstein or anyone else. We would only disclose information if subpoenaed by the US state attorney.

Other storage companies that appeared on Epsteins credit card statements gave similar responses. Many had changed ownership since he began renting units. Employees declined to comment on whether he had ever used their facilities.

It remains unclear whether any remaining material was destroyed, relocated or retained by Epsteins estate after his death. His brother, Mark Epstein, told The Telegraph he had no knowledge of the lock-ups.

In Florida, companies can auction the contents of a unit if rent remains unpaid for 60 days.

Most of the units were within a few miles of the 14,000sq ft mansion Epstein owned on El Brillo Way in Palm Beach, the property central to the investigation into allegations of sex trafficking of minors, and where the first allegations against him emerged in 2005.

Epsteins storage locker in Palm Beach contained compact discs amongst other material - US department of justice

Emails show Epstein later instructed Riley Kiraly investigators to open a Manhattan storage unit on his behalf. In September 2010, Mr Riley asked Epsteins accountant to send credit card information so I can have it put on file to have the monthly charges at Manhattan Mini Storage billed directly to your card.

Subsequent correspondence shows the unit had been rented since at least May 2010 at around $500 per month, paid in lump sums of $2,000. It is not known how long the unit was kept on for.

Manhattan Mini Storage appears not to have known it was being used by Epstein. In 2022, the company launched an advertising campaign mocking the then Duke of York over his links to the paedophile, with billboards stating: Safe, secure, protected, with minimum charges. Just like Prince Andrew. The company was approached for comment.

Manhattan Mini Storage ran this advert making fun of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The company appears not to have known that Epstein was using it - US department of justice

Riley Kiraly  run by former police officers Mr Riley and Steve Kiraly  also stored photographs in the units and were instructed to gather damaging information on Epsteins victims.

In May 2009, while Epstein was serving his sentence at Palm Beach County Jail, he emailed Mr Riley: You were going to send me a copy of [redacteds] picture. Mr Riley replied: I thought I had a copy of it on my computer but it is in storage with everything else. I will get it out next time I go to the storage unit.

Epstein also appears to have directed staff to move computers from his private island into hidden storage, and to wipe material stored on them. In January 2015, Janusz Banasiak, house manager at Epsteins Palm Beach property, wrote that a local unit contained 3 computers and a screen from Little Saint James. Another staff member said it also held a box with CDs.

Richard Kahn, Epsteins accountant, forwarded the messages to him, saying: Janusz would like to review with you as he believes some items such as old computers (once wiped) can be discarded.

Computer discs in the Palm Beach locker were the kind used for storing data - US department of justice

Emails show Epstein also rented another lock-up five minutes from his New York mansion. Though largely used for furniture, Mr Kahn wrote in June 2012 that it also contained a lot of excess equipment including computers, supplies, etc.

Epstein further discussed paying $150 a month to store guns in a secure storage unit near his Zorro ranch in New Mexico. It is unclear whether he proceeded.

He was first arrested on sex-related charges in 2006 and convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor for prostitution. A controversial plea deal allowed him to leave jail for up to 12 hours per day; he was released after 13 months.

An audio file in the latest release of Epstein documents confirms authorities found covert cameras during the 2005 raid on his Palm Beach home, but no incriminating material.

A Florida detective can be heard telling the FBI: Two computers were seized. One was the covert cameras, and the other one was Mr Banasiaks personal computer. Asked whether any evidence of sexual activity was found, he replied: No.

In 2019, after Epsteins arrest on sex trafficking charges, the FBI searched his New York mansion. A warrant shows agents seized two electronic devices from Epstein himself, 33 devices from his Manhattan townhouse, and 27 devices from Little Saint James.

An FBI search warrant relating to the raid on Epsteins home in 2019 - US department of justice

Agents removed a computer monitor, hard drive and USB sticks from a storage area in the basement of the New York residence. There is no mention of raids on external units.

During the search of Little Saint James on Aug 19 2019, an FBI agent emailed the violent crimes task force: We are just about finish with the search, I am attaching they sit rep [situation report], we seized several computers storage devices documents, and a couple of servers. Nothing appears to be a smoking gun type of evidence, but well see when we do the computer forensics.

Last month, the DoJ published dozens of images of CDs and photo albums seized from Epsteins estate, suggesting he obsessively documented his life and those around him. Photographs of his New York home taken after his death show a media room with seven screens stacked in a tower.

Many victims have said they believed Epstein installed hidden cameras throughout his properties to record footage for sexual gratification or potential blackmail.

A small number of videos seized and published by the DoJ were apparently recorded using covert cameras. However, they were largely innocuous and unlikely to constitute compromising material. They appear to have been filmed in the living room of Epsteins Palm Beach home, not in bedrooms or elsewhere.

Epstein set up this media room in his New York home with stacked screens - US department of justice

Last July, both the DoJ and the FBI said there was no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals or possessed a client list.

An internal FBI memo released in the latest tranche of files stated: We are aware of the theories circulated in the media and online that Epstein video recorded the abuse of his victims, including by other men, but we have found no evidence to support that theory.

Indeed, had we found such videos, we certainly would have used them as evidence in the criminal cases we investigated and prosecuted, and would have pursued any leads they generated. We did not, however, locate any such videos.

The Palm Beach Police Department video-recorded interviews of victims at their police station, video-recorded parts of their search of Epsteins Palm Beach residence, and seized a small number of videos from Epsteins Palm Beach residence.

None of these videos depict the abuse of any victims or provide evidence suggesting anyone other than Epstein and [Ghislaine] Maxwell participated in the abuse of victims.

Credit: US Department of Justice

The apparent presence of hidden cameras at Epsteins properties appears to conflict with previous law enforcement statements.

Last March, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan emailed senior FBI officials following searches of Epsteins island and New York home: My understanding from the case agent is that there were no cameras found inside any bedrooms or living areas of either residence.

The Telegraph approached Mr Riley and Mr Kiraly, but they said they were legally unable to comment on work carried out for Epstein. Emails suggest some of that work was commissioned by lawyers acting for the financier, meaning it would be protected by attorney-client privilege even after his death.

On Sunday, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, refused to rule out a judge-led inquiry into Mr Mountbatten-Windsors relationship with the financier.

Ms Phillipson told Skys Trevor Phillips: Well look at any sensible proposals that do come forward. But its premature at the moment, because we do have the police doing their work.
February 22, 2026: The January 3 rd American raid on Venezuela involved a lot more operations beyond capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The American armed forces and intelligence agencies spent months gathering information and creating detailed plans for how to carry it out. The operation was carried out by 200 Special Operations troops brought in by helicopters. Air strikes destroyed anti-aircraft systems that could have fired on the helicopters. Those systems were destroyed with precision strikes that did not damage nearby or adjacent buildings. There was also some CyberWar activity to suppress communications between Venezuelan military and political leaders during the raid.

There was no major damage anywhere. There were only about 75 casualties, including the 32 Cuban soldiers guarding Maduro and his wife. At least two civilians were killed and a few dozen military personnel or civilians on duty at areas bombed. All the airstrikes apparently used 114 kg Small Diameter Bombs or 50 kg Hellfire missiles.

Bombs were used to block the exit from a mechanized infantry base. These were the only available units that could interfere with the U.S. Special Operations forces. There was minimal damage to four key military locations: the Fort Tiuna Military Complex, La Carlota Air Base, La Guaira Port, and El Higuerote Airport. No Venezuelan navy ships were damaged. The air strikes were designed to avoid damaging any economic or government facilities. The damage was minimal so that life would go on after the airstrikes, but the political leaders who replaced Maduro realized they would not be targeted as long as they did not continue Maduros drug smuggling and support of smuggling and rebel operations in adjacent countries. Oil exports to enemies of the United States were also supposed to stop because the American naval blockade off Venezuela would shut those down.

There were also air strikes on coastal facilities that supported cocaine and other drugs being exported to the United States. Another aspect of the raid was that it occurred shortly after Maduro met with Chinese diplomat Qiu Xiaoqi to discuss matters of mutual interest. China bought 68 percent of Venezuelan oil at a special, for China only, discount price. Thats only four percent of Chinese oil imports and was easily replaced by oil from other sources. In the last 19 years China loaned Venezuela $63 billion. Venezuela has a current GDP of $82 billion. In 2012 the GDP was $373 billion. Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor and mentor Hugo Chavez were not good for the economy.

China exploited Venezuela as well as invested in the country. China has done the same to five other South American nations. Many of the investments involved Chinese personnel building and managing new port facilities in South America. China sees its South American investments as something worth defending. Chinese wargames often involve Chinese forces operating in South America. To assist in that sort of thing, China has long maintained an ELINT/Electronic Intelligence operation in Cuba. This involves Chinese activities at several locations in Cuba. The recent American military operations in Venezuela involve blocking free shipments of Venezuelan oil to Cuba. Since Cuba is currently broke, with periodic blackouts when the national electric power system fails, the loss of Venezuelan oil is a major problem.

The current American president is pursuing a policy of increasing American economic, military and diplomatic activity in South America. This may also address the continuing plundering of offshore South American fishing grounds by fleets of Chinese trawlers. That would be part of the effort to keep the Chinese and Russians out. China planned to challenge that by selling Air Defense systems to Cuba and Columbia. This is happening despite the fact that Chinese Air Defense systems already in Venezuela were ineffective against the Americans raid that captured Maduro and his wife, killing 32 Cuban bodyguards and some civilians along the way.
Several ground beef products are being recalled over possible plastic contamination.

Food Lion is warning customers of its store in Midlothian, Virginia, that small pieces of a black rubber plastic gasket fell into four varieties of meat sold at the store  73% Lean Fresh Ground Beef, 80% Lean Fresh Ground Chuck, 85% Lean Fresh Ground Round, and 93% Lean Fresh Ground Beef.

The plastic became dislodged and damaged during the grinding process when it was produced February 6, Food Lion said in its recall warning. The products have a Sell By Date of February 8, 2026. Customers are urged to check their freezers for packs of the affected meat.

Possible plastic contamination could cause illness or choking hazards. No one has reported any illness or injury because of the meat so far, and Food Lion did not immediately return The Independents request for further comment.

Customers who bought the product can return it to the store at 11130 Hull Street in Midlothian for a refund of double the amount for which it was purchased.

Four varieties of ground beef sold at Food Lion in Virginia are being recalled (AFP via Getty Images)

Food Lion, which was founded in North Carolina, has over a thousand stores throughout 10 states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

It comes as multiple other recalls over plastic contamination are affecting customers across the country.

Thousands of jars of peanut butter and peanut butter and jelly combination snacks made by Ventura Foods LLC are being recalled after pieces of blue plastic were found in the food during the production process. More than 20,000 affected products were sold in 40 states.

The recall was upgraded to a Class II by the FDA last week due to the increased risk of health consequences.

In Idaho, federal health officials recently expanded a frozen tater tot recall at McCain Foods. About 648,000 pounds were recalled over possible contamination with hard plastic fragments.

The Food and Drug Administration acknowledged that the products were not sold in retail stores, but were primarily distributed to food service clients.

Millions of pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products sold at Trader Joes were also recently recalled due to potential glass contamination.

The contamination was discovered after four customers complained about finding glass pieces in their food, but no injuries were reported.

In the same recall, almost 3.4 million pounds of the Chicken Fried Rice was pulled from Ajinomoto Foods North America, which is based in Portland, Oregon. Plus, cardboard packages with six bags of Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Rice were recalled in Canada.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson has called for troops from the UK and Europe to be deployed immediately to Ukraine.

Mr Johnson said non-combat forces should be stationed in peaceful regions to send a firm message to Russian president Vladimir Putin otherwise the Russian leader would keep going with the conflict.

Speaking ahead of the four-year anniversary of the invasion, the former politician told BBCs Laura Kuenssberg that Ukraines allies had been too slow to respond.

We've always delayed needlessly, he said. We've then ended up giving the Ukrainians what they have been asking for, and actually it's always served to their advantage and to the disadvantage of Putin. I mean, the one person who suffers from escalation is Putin.

In the comments, which are set to air on Sunday, Mr Johnson said that he saw no reason why military action could not be taken to support Ukraine during wartime if security guarantees were promised in the event of a ceasefire.

Johnson said the UK had been too slow to respond (Getty Images for Fortune Media)

If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire, which of course puts all the initiative, all the power, in Putins hands, why not do it now? he questioned.

There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldnt send peaceful ground forces there to show our support, our constitutional support for a free, independent Ukraine.

Military strategists and commentators have suggested that such a move could be interpreted by Russia as an escalation. Putin has previously remarked that Russia is ready right now for war if Europe wants it.

Putin rejected Western peacekeeping proposals in September warning that troops deployed to protect Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.

Mr Johnson pushed back on those comments and insisted that Ukraine and its supporters should be able to operate on their own terms not those dictated by Russia.

The war approaches its four-year anniversary (Ukrainian 65 Mechanized brigade)

Its about whether Ukraine is a free country or not, he said. If its a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously its up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If its not, then its up to the Ukrainians.

Britains ministry of defence responded to the comments to reiterate the governments existing policy, confirming that ongoing work with the coalition of the willing would prepare for troop deployment in the event of a ceasefire.

The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities, the ministry said in a statement.

Mr Johnson said Putin had been emboldened by Western failure (AFP/Getty)

Mr Johnson also blamed Western failures for the invasion citing a lack of support for Ukraine after the invasion of Crimea in 2014, a chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and delays in punishing Bashar al-Assad for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

I think Putin was emboldened by a Western failure in Syria to punish Assad for using chemical weapons, he said.

I think Putin was further emboldened in February 2022 by what hed seen in Afghanistan, and a sort of general sense that the West was on the back foot. Hed seen those appalling pictures of Americans being forced to flee Afghanistan and the UK pulling out as well, and that really did embolden him.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We are proud of UK leadership on Ukraine  supporting the fight today and working to secure the peace tomorrow.

Its why this Government is providing the highest ever level of military support, including a recent half-billion-pound air defence package just last week, accelerating 200 million for the UK military to prepare for any Ukraine deployment, and working with over 30 nations through the UK-led coalition of the willing.

The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities.
A fundraiser has raised 250,000 dollars (185,466) for the late Greys Anatomy actor Eric Danes family.

Dane, who also starred in Euphoria, died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing he had been diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Following his diagnosis, a fundraiser was set up by friends of Dane and his family to raise money for his wife, Rebecca Gayheart and their two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia.

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley appeared to have donated 27,000 US dollars (20,000) to the fundraiser, while Hailey Bieber contributed 20,000 dollars (14,837).

Brad Falchuck, Glee co-creator and husband of Gwyneth Paltrow, donated 10,000 dollars (7,418).

The fundraiser said: It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.

Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness.

Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease.

As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Erics friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Erics wonderful daughters.

Gayheart shared a photo of the GoFundMe on her Instagram stories at its launch, captioning it: Thank-you everyone.

The US actors death was confirmed on Friday by his representatives in a statement to Associated Press that said he had been surrounded by friends and family.

Tributes have poured out from across Hollywood including from his co-star Patrick Dempsey who told The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio that the actor was the funniest man and a joy to work with.

Others who paid tribute include Ashton Kutcher, Alyssa Milano, John Stamos, Nina Dobrev, Maria Shriver, Greys Anatomy boss Shonda Rhimes and Euphoria creator Levinson.

Dane is best known for playing the fan favourite Dr Mark McSteamy Sloan on the long-running medical drama Greys Anatomy from 2006 until 2012, with a guest appearance in 2021.

He more recently starred in the HBO hit drama Euphoria alongside Jacob Elordi and Zendaya, playing the conflicted antagonist Cal Jacobs.

Dane is also known for his roles in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley & Me and Valentines Day and between 2014 and 2018 he played Tom Chandler in post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship.

ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease, a terminal condition that progressively robs people of muscle control with most people living three to five years after diagnosis.

In 2025, Dane went public with the news he had been diagnosed with ALS, later using his platform to advocate for greater awareness of the disease.
A father who has spent almost 20 years in prison for stealing 20 has begged the government to halt plans to deport him within days, fearing he faces homelessness in a country he does not know.

Sheldon Coore, 47, has lived in Britain since he was 16 months old, when he arrived with his mother to join his Jamaican grandparents who settled during the Windrush era.

He was handed a controversial imprisonment for public protection (IPP) jail term in 2005 after he put a man in a headlock and stole 20 from his pocket, having already racked up a string of previous convictions when he turned to crime in order to fund his drug addiction.

Despite originally being handed a minimum tariff of two years and 65 days, Coore languished in prison for two decades under the widely discredited open-ended jail term, which has since been scrapped.

But rather than releasing him into the community to rebuild his life with his five daughters in Huddersfield, the Home Office has decided to deport him to his country of birth.

In January, he told The Independent he felt he was being punished twice and thrice and even tenfold for his crimes after losing his last appeal against his removal.

On Friday, he was moved to Brook House immigration removal centre near Gatwick airport, where he is being held in segregation. He described the transfer process as heavy handed after officers dressed in riot protection gear put him in a body belt restraint device for the journey.

He was originally told he would be put on a flight to Kingston, Jamaicas capital city, on Monday, but his legal team is battling to halt this and seeking a judicial review.

Coore has only ever visited the Caribbean country once in his adult life. If he is deported, he has no idea where he will stay, if he will have any money or a phone to contact his family in Britain.

Sheldon Coore (inset) has been told he will put on a flight to Jamaica on Monday (PA/Dorrett Miller-Douglas)

In desperate messages from inside HMP Erlestoke, a category C prison in Wiltshire, before he was transferred, he revealed had not been able to eat or sleep since receiving the news of his imminent removal.

I am scared, in fact I am petrified, said Coore, who says he has recently been diagnosed with autism. I do not know what my future holds, do not know if I will make it through the night of my deportation.

He continued: Since this news, I have not slept or eaten and just keep on having all these thoughts going through my head. It is unbearable.

If this was to go ahead, l am worried about everything. Where am I going to sleep, eat, drink? How am I going to be able to survive without any money or job? Who is going to be there to help me as an autistic man?

He fears he will be left destitute with no family in Jamaica to support him after spending decades in prison.

He pleaded: I am asking the government to stop all of this once and for all and give me a break.

I have given them 21 years of my life on this IPP, and now they want my soul. What have I done to the British government so bad that they want to act this kind of revenge on me?

His lawyers are understood to be fighting his removal. An immigration expert told The Independent that, without friends or family to stay with, those deported will likely be directed to a homeless shelter on arrival in Kingston.

Coore is due to be put on a flight to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica (AP)

Campaigner group United Group for Reform of IPP (UNGRIPP), who have been supporting Coore in prison, compared his treatment to modern day penal transportation.

By forcibly removing a man who has lived here since infancy, the government is reviving the colonial practice of shipping undesirables out of sight and out of mind, a spokesman added.

Sheldon is a victim of the IPP sentence, a discredited, indefinite sentence abolished 14 years ago that has kept him trapped long past his original tariff. To use this failed sentence as a catalyst to deport him to a country he does not know is a cruel double punishment.

UNGRIPP has supported Sheldon for years; it is heartbreaking to see the government discard a man they failed to rehabilitate, rather than taking responsibility for the broken system they created.

IPP sentences were abolished in 2012, but not retrospectively. The flawed sentence has left thousands incarcerated indefinitely, with some trapped for up to 22 times longer than their original minimum term, including for some minor crimes.

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.

Coore served 10 years on his IPP sentence before he was released in 2015, but was recalled indefinitely around 18 months later over allegations in respect of which he was never charged.

He was further convicted of affray and sentenced to 15 months after he ran out with a knife when police came to arrest him, but he insists he only had the weapon to take his own life. He has been in prison ever since.

Coore, who says he has always considered himself British, has only visited Jamaica once on a two-week holiday 26 years ago.

Coore has begged home secretary Shabana Mahmood to halt his deportation (PA)

Being removed would mean leaving behind his five daughters  a nine-year-old, twins aged 10, and two in their twenties. He also has a granddaughter, aged four, and another on the way.

At an immigration tribunal hearing last August, Coore argued that deporting him would breach his human rights, but the judge ruled that  although he remains in close contact with his family  he has achieved no realistic or effective integration into British society because he has been in prison for so long.

A Home Office spokesperson said: This government will not allow foreign criminals and illegal immigrants to exploit our laws, which is why we are reforming human rights laws and replacing the broken appeals system, allowing us to scale up deportations.

All foreign national offenders who receive a prison sentence in the UK are referred for deportation at the earliest opportunity.
Hamnet director Chloe Zhao has said she has a very personal connection with Ireland and that the film has some energy from the country, while speaking at the 2026 Bafta film awards.

The hit film took home two gongs at this years ceremony and showcases Irish talent, having been adapted from author Maggie OFarrells award-winning novel and starring actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

Buckley takes the lead as Shakespeares wife, Agnes Hathaway  historically known as Anne  in the film, which follows the family life of William Shakespeare after the death of their young son.

During the winners press conference, Chinese filmmaker Zhao spoke about the Irish influence on the film after it took home the prize for outstanding British film.

She said: I have a very personal connection with Ireland, and I cant share what that is.

Liza Marshall, Jessie Buckley, Chloe Zhao and Maggie OFarrell attend the 79th British Academy Film Awards (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

But the land and the culture and the desire to try to remember what might have been forgotten and passed away from that culture is really, really strong.

When I met Maggie and read her book, I felt that, yes, this is a story about Shakespeares family, but for some reason, her being Irish has something to do with it.

Theres some spirit. Theres some energy in it that came from her part of the world.

Cast and crew of Hamnet Joe Alwyn, Maggie OFarrell, Liza Marshall, Dame Pippa Harris, Chloe Zhao, Jacobi Jupe, Jessie Buckley, Olivia Lynes, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Emily Watson and Nicolas Gonda celebrate winning the outstanding British film award at the Baftas (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Speaking about when Zhao proposed the casting for Hamnet, OFarrell joked: I said, did you actually do any auditions, or did you just go straight to Ireland and you didnt come back?'

The novelist, who is from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, continued: But they were just simply the best people for the job. All the cast, I think were just so perfectly cast.

During the press conference, Zhao also praised OFarrell for the transforming experience of the film, and called taking part in the making of Hamnet a life-changing experience.

She added: From now on we can always look across the room and go, we were there, transformed by that experience from the forest to (Shakespeares) Globe theatre.

Alongside the outstanding British film award, Buckley, from Killarney in Co Kerry, took home the best actress gong.

Mescal, from Dublin, has received a string of nominations across the awards season for Hamnet but has yet to receive a prize for his role.

Meanwhile, Buckley is a frontrunner for the Oscars and has dominated the awards season, having so far proved unbeatable for her role in the hit film.
Author Helen Fielding has said she would never write a Bridget Jones story unless there was something authentic she wanted to say.

Fielding wrote the screenplay for the Bafta-nominated film adaptation of her book Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy starring Renee Zellweger who reprised her role as the witty and chaotic protagonist.

The film follows the television producer as she navigates being a widowed mother to two children while also exploring the modern dating scene.

Helen Fielding attends the Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy world premiere, at the Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square in London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok)

Speaking at the red carpet of the 79th British Academy Film Awards, Fielding told the Press Association: It was partly based on personal experience. So its really important to me that it should be true to what actually does happen when children lose their father.

When someone is quite funny and normal, and when someone dies in their life, you dont stop being the same person. You dont stop laughing, you dont stop setting the spaghetti on fire. You dont change.

I would never write a Bridget story unless theres something authentic that I wanted to say about women, an important story and people.

The rom-com, which also stars Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Leo Woodall, has been nominated for the outstanding British film Bafta award, and is up against Hamnet, I Swear and 28 Years Later.

Speaking about the recognition, Fielding said it really touching and that it felt like a triumph of being honest about what a mess we all are underneath.

It is that acknowledgement that were all very vulnerable and we need each other to be nice to each other and be funny.
Stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Gillian Anderson and Kate Hudson have walked the red carpet ahead of this years 79th British Academy Film Awards.

Irish actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley  who are both nominated for their roles in Hamnet  were photographed together at the Southbank Centres Royal Festival Hall in London, as were Hollywood couple Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

Bafta chairwoman Sara Putt said the UK film industry has enjoyed a glorious year with a fabulous range of pictures.

She told the Press Association: You look at the best British film nominees  the 10 best British film nominees  and its sort of a panoply of British and Irish and international filmmaking, talent, producers, directors, behind the camera, talent, cast.

Then you put that alongside those big blockbusters: One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, Sinners; the range is fabulous.

Its been a really good year for watching.

Alan Cumming wore a long fringed coat (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Actors including Stellan Skarsgard and Emily Watson, who are both nominated for supporting actor awards, were on the red carpet along with Warwick Davis and the ceremonys host, Alan Cumming.

Scottish actor Cumming wore a pink, blue and white headpiece on the back of his slicked-back hair, with his long suit jacket covered in fringe that faded from black into green and cream.

British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku, who is up for best supporting actress for Sinners, wore as shimmering bright blue dress.

Wunmi Mosaku, is up for best supporting actress for Sinners (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Sentimental Value actor Skarsgard arrived wearing a classic black tuxedo and posed for photos with his wife, film producer Megan Everett-Skarsgard.

The Norwegian film is up for six Bafta nominations, with Skarsgard in the running for best supporting actor for his role as a film director past his prime.

Meanwhile, Davis wore an eye-catching hot pink shirt under his black tuxedo, standing out among the stars on the red carpet.

Warwick Davis chose a shocking-pink shirt under his tuxedo (James Manning/PA) (James Manning)

American actress Chase Infiniti, who is nominated for a best actress Bafta for her role in One Battle After Another, wore a simple burgundy dress with a bandeau top, leading into a flared mermaid skirt.

Buckley is tipped for victory after proving unbeatable so far through the awards season for her performance as Shakespeares wife Agnes Hathaway  historically known as Anne  in Hamnet.

Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley co-star in Hamnet (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

The big-screen adaptation of Maggie OFarrells award-winning novel about the family life of William Shakespeare and the death of their young son, helmed by Chloe Zhao, broke the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in Bafta history, with 11.

The nominations include best film, outstanding British film and best director for Zhao.

Mescal, who plays Shakespeare, is nominated for best supporting actor, while co-star Watson is nominated for best supporting actress.
In the days after Irans deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters, Amir*, a doctor in a private clinic outside Tehran, came face to face with one of the Islamic regimes spies.

According to Amir, the man had entered the clinic during a night shift posing as a patient. Once the time of his appointment came, the man began interrogating the doctor.

He asked whether Amir had been working on the nights of 8 and 9 January  the most deadly 48 hours of the protests, when security forces began firing lethal rounds on protesters under the cover of an internet blackout.

Shotgun pellets in the foot area of a patient seen in CT scan and X-ray images (Supplied)

I dodged the questions as much as I could, Amir says. I think he was there to scare me, more than to gather information, because I think they have the information.

Although he did not disclose this to his interrogator, Amir wasnt supposed to be working on that now infamous 8 January: a bloodstained date that will likely be etched into the Iranian national psyche for generations.

A network of doctors inside Iran estimates the national death toll could exceed 30,000 people. This far outstrips the regimes figure of 3,117 dead reported on Iranian state TV.

At around 9pm that Thursday night, Amir tells how he heard that regime forces were firing on protesters with live ammunition. He headed straight to his clinic to support his colleagues: one doctor and five nurses.

Over the course of that deadly weekend, Amir watched 30 people die in his clinic and patched up between 120 to 150 gunshot wounds, he says, losing track of the exact number in a muddle of blood and bullet holes.

Amir works in a small general practitioners clinic and does not have suitable equipment to treat the type of injuries more often seen on the front line of a war zone.

Theres nothing I can do for a punctured lung or a gunshot that has broken the forehead, he says. He and his colleagues were seeing multiple shots to the neck, abdomen and hands.

His patients that weekend ranged from a 12-year-old boy shot in the testicles to a 77-year-old man hit in the chest.

While this was happening, the clinic was also under attack by security forces. They shot teargas at us. They shot at the doorway of the clinic repeatedly both nights, Amir says.

Outside the clinic, Amir saw the bodies of two people who had been shot. They may have been alive, but the medical staff were unable to help for fear of being hit by snipers or gunmen. This scene continues to haunt Amir.

Based on conversations with colleagues at other hospitals, he estimates that 400 to 500 people were killed in his city alone over the two deadliest nights of the protests.

At great personal risk, Amir has been handing his mobile number out to friends and colleagues he trusts so the injured can get in touch.

The January protests in Iranian cities, seen here in the capital Tehran, led to a brutal crackdown leaving many dead (Getty)

The regime has been tracking down those who attended anti-regime protests. Iran has some of the most advanced surveillance technology imported from China and Russia, according to reports by the British human rights organisation Article 19.

This includes facial recognition tools trained on Uyghurs in western China and censorship hardware which Iran used to entirely cut off its 93 million population from the internet.

A radiologist in the country told The Independent: Many of the injured people did not go to hospitals out of fear. He knew of at least one person who had died of their injuries at home.

As well as working in a private clinic, this radiologist works in a military hospital in one of the major cities in Iran.

All doctors who have not completed their mandatory military service must serve in military medical centres, he says.

Civilians completely avoid the military hospitals in times of crisis, as security forces are treated there. According to the radiologist, there were no deaths of security forces at the military hospital, although there were severe injuries.

A bullet has entered through the front of the thigh and exited through the back, known as a through-and-through wound (Supplied)

The regime does not allow any independent lawyers to represent the estimated 42,000 people arrested during the protests, according to exiled Iranian lawyer Marzieh Mohebbi.

A prisoner who is lucky enough to survive will face judicial proceedings in which virtually all principles of fair trial have been eliminated, Mohebbi says.

Legal professionals have been targeted, too. At least one lawyer has died in police custody, according to the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center.

At the inaugural Board of Peace meeting on Thursday, 19 February, Donald Trump said that he will decide within 10 days if the US will strike Iran.

In June 2025, the US president made a similar statement before joining Israels bombing campaign against Iranian nuclear sites during its 12-day war.

In recent days, the US has deployed more military assets near Iran following Donald Trumps order for one of the largest regional build-ups since the 2003 invasion of Iraq (AP)

In the days following the protests, Amir experienced another spine-chilling appointment  this time coming face to face with a regime gunman.

He asked me for a day off, to give him a sick note to go home and rest because his finger was tremoring on the trigger, Amir recalls, his own voice trembling and then trailing off.

What I could see in front of me wasnt a fascist, orthodox Islamist, or defender of the Iranian government. I saw a hollow person, and this scares me a lot, he says.

Amir is no longer afraid of the consequences of disobeying the regime though, even if it costs him his life, he says, adding: Our problem is not fear. Our problem is hope. People are already dead and are dying now. The question is: for what?

*Some names have been changed to protect sources who requested anonymity because they fear reprisals
You may not know them, but they certainly know you: Inside the dangerous and shady business of data brokers

Julia had been dating her partner for about a month when the abusive phone calls began.

The partner had warned Julia when they got together that he had a stalker: a former girlfriend intent on sabotaging his life. But neither expected the woman to find the phone number for Julias family home and threaten her relatives with violence.

Soon Julia was being bombarded with emails, texts, and even a Venmo request with a note claiming to have "pornographic evidence" of her partner's infidelity. The woman walked past Julia's house, confronted her outside a McDonalds, drove a nail into her car tire.

But how did the stalker know where to find Julia, who barely used social media? During a brief encounter, she got a worrying reply: "I found your info online."

That was how Julia, a white-collar worker in her thirties in the U.S. northeast, discovered the shadowy and barely-regulated industry of data brokers. When Julia searched her own name, and paid a small fee, she found her "whole life story": where she went to college, her past addresses, the names of her roommates and closest friends.

New York City's 35-story Helmsley Building where the headquarters of leading data broker LexisNexis is located (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

"It was shockingly personal, and made me feel incredibly vulnerable," Julia, who asked to be identified by an alias, told The Independent.

Even if you don't know data brokers  and most Americans don't, according to a recent survey  they almost certainly know you. These companies compile vast amounts of public and private information that they then sell on to customers.

Some of this data comes from public documents such as marriage certificates, drivers licenses and voter registrations. But bank records, loyalty cards, internet browsing histories, and even braking and acceleration logs from internet-connected cars are also sold to brokers by the collecting companies (often via a complex web of intermediaries).

The U.S. has no comprehensive nationwide privacy laws, meaning data brokers are barely regulated at the federal level and only partially in some states. Hence, experts say there are often minimal safeguards against people exploiting them for ill ends.

We see data broker information used as a tool of abuse with alarming frequency, especially in stalking and coercive control cases, Belle Torek, of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, tells The Independent.

Chilling doorbell cam footage allegedly showing Vance L. Boelter, the man charged with murdering Melissa and Mark Hortman. Authorities say Boelter had notebooks with details of 11 data brokers, plus the names and home addresses of many Minnesota officials (FBI)

A memorial for Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, right, and her husband Mark, left. In charging documents, the FBI shared photos of notebooks left inside the alleged killer's car, which listed internet-based people search engines (Steven Garcia/Getty Images)

An abusive partner or ex doesnt have to be particularly tech-savvy: they can easily Google a name and suddenly have an address, relatives, work history, and other identifiers that [they] can use to dox, harass, impersonate, and intimidate survivors.

The consequences can be devastating. In 2020, a disgruntled attorney named Roy Den Hollander broke into the home of New Jersey federal judge Esther Salas disguised as a FedEx delivery man, killing her 20-year-old son Daniel Anderl and critically injuring her husband Mark before taking his own life.

Salas said in a statement that Den Hollander, a self-described anti-feminist, had used data brokers to assemble "a complete dossier" on her family, including her address and route to work.

More recently, an FBI affidavit stated that Vance Boelter  accused of murdering Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark last June  possessed a notebook listing 11 data broker sites and their offerings. (The affidavit did not say whether Boelter accessed the sites.)

U.S. immigration authorities have also bought domestic flight data and cell phone location data from brokers to help track down undocumented immigrants, reports by 404 Media have claimed.

"It is safe to assume that data brokers have personal information ranging from your name, address, and phone number to your geolocation, political beliefs, and sexual identity," Sam Adler, co-author of an upcoming academic paper on how data brokers endanger abuse survivors, told The Independent.

An uncontrollable beast

In October 1999, a 20-year-old dental assistant named Amy Boyer was shot dead in Chicago by a stalker who had bought her details from a private investigations company.

It was an early sign of how dangerous society's ever-increasing accumulation of digital data could be in the wrong hands.

There are at least 750 data brokers in the U.S., according to digital rights group Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. They range from tiny, fly-by-night firms on strip malls to globe-spanning titans with Park Avenue headquarters.

"People search" websites, such as industry leaders Spokeo, WhitePages, and Intelius, allow practically anyone to look you up for a small fee (sometimes less detailed searches are free). Meanwhile, credit reporting giants such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and data crunchers such as Acxiom, Epsilon, CoreLogic  the largest by revenue, according to data deletion service OneRep  limit their products to business customers such as marketers, banks, debt collectors, and realtors.

CoreLogic, Experian, Equifax, Epsilon,, Intelius, Spokeo, WhitePages, and the Association of National Advertisers did not respond to questions from The Independent. The Consumer Data Industry Association, an industry lobby group, declined to comment.

The industry says its services are crucial for businesses to verify customers or run background checks, as well as for law enforcement investigating crimes. They also help journalists check facts and find sources. (Like many news outlets, The Independent uses legal information provider, LexisNexis, to search public records.)

Esther Salas, left, and her son, Daniel Anderl. In the wake of her sons killing, Salas urged policymakers to protect the private information of judges, leading to a New Jersey statute known as Daniels Law (Social media)

Some parts of the world have robust laws limiting this trade, such as the European Unions GDPR. But only 20 U.S. states have similar comprehensive data laws  and none are as strong as GDPR, according to the Center for Information Policy Leadership.

State DMVs are explicitly permitted by law to sell personal data. Cell phone carriers, payment providers, car companies, menstrual tracking apps, and an app for tracking a childs location: all have sold users' data to third parties, according to media reports and academic studies.

Some of this data is incredibly sensitive. The World Privacy Forum, a non-profit campaign group, testified before Congress in 2013 that it had found brokers offering lists of rape survivors, seniors with dementia, HIV/AIDS patients, and potential alcohol or drug addicts.

In theory, that kind of data is usually restricted to business clients who must agree to only use it in certain ways. "We have extremely strong controls to protect the data we hold, and we carefully vet potential customers," a LexisNexis spokesperson told The Independent.

"Our databases are not available to the public; only to verified entities after a thorough credentialing process. We audit customers, mandate customer training on how to use data legally, and monitor data usage to identify potential abusers."

Turquoise Williams, a Maryland-based anti-stalking advocate, said that adding todays level of access to personal data to the obsession stalkers have always shown is like throwing gasoline on a fire (Turquoise Williams / JSMR)

Acxiom said it does not offer data to the general public, nor allow its customers to look up specific individuals, and that all its data is ethically sourced from publicly available information and trusted sources.

TransUnion said all its customers are bound by rigorous contractual agreements and must certify that they have an appropriate use for the product."

But not all brokers make such efforts. A 2023 Duke University study found seemingly minimal vetting of customers and seemingly few controls on the use of purchased data, while Adler  a doctoral student at Fordham Law School  says the industry has practically zero safeguards against misuse.

"These companies are largely unregulated and have no incentive to inquire about their users or make it more onerous for them to quickly and frictionlessly purchase data," Adler argued.

Turquoise Williams, executive director of Just Stalking Maryland Resources, said when you combine a dangerous obsession with this level of access to someones personal life, the consequences can be terrifying.

"It seems to be this beast that is uncontrollable," Williams, a survivor of a violent stalker, told The Independent.

I live in perpetual fear

It has been four years since Julia's ordeal began, and the stalking continues to this day.

"I don't give my phone number out for almost anybody, and I live in perpetual fear of my data leaking out," she told The Independent. "I have extreme anxiety now... I've kind of stopped being forward and making new friendsI don't really go out that much anymore."

She is far from alone. According to Meghan Land, executive director of Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, data brokers have been a "common subject of complaints" to her group for "many years", especially for victims of abuse, identity theft, and fraud.

"Victims can see the unsuccessful result of what are often great efforts theyve undertaken to protect their information," Land told The Independent.

Jessica Tunon, a financial consultant in her forties in Washington, D.C. and founder of the wellness firm Netwalking, similarly believes her stalker was able to track her by using data brokers even as she relocated multiple times.

"I always felt like I was being followed," Tunon told The Independent. "There was never a time when I didn't feel like someone was watching me. Being on high alert for that long definitely affected my health, my wellbeing, my stress."

The stalking continued for 13 years, and only stopped when she got a lawyer involved.

Jessica Tunon says her stalker worked as a realtor, which likely gave him access to enterprise-grade data broker services (Jessica Tunon)

Its not just abuse survivors who are put at risk. In 2020 and 2021, three brokers  Epsilon, KBM, and Macromark  admitted knowingly supplying information on millions of vulnerable elderly people to scammers who defrauded them of savings, according to the Justice Department. Two Epsilon employees were later jailed.

Last year the data removal service Atlas, on behalf of roughly 20,000 New Jersey law enforcement workers, filed class action lawsuits against 118 data brokers for failing to stop selling their information under Daniel's Law (named in honor of Judge Salas's son).

One police officer, who had helped take down an organized crime group, discovered the criminals had hired a private investigator to get her address from data broker websites and taken night-time exterior photos of her childs bedroom window, one lawsuit alleged.

Another officer was targeted by an online influencer whose fans allegedly got his details from data brokers then spread them online, leading to death threats and a neighborhood visit from two armed, masked men.

A burden on your daily life

Many data brokers say that individuals can opt out of having their personal information shared. But research suggests these requests are not always honored  and if they are, sometimes the information reappears within months.

"It is extremely challenging," says Hayley Kaplan, a privacy consultant who helps celebrities, police officers, judges, rape victims, and others, scrub personal information from data brokers. "Sometimes you can't reach anybody. They have phone numbers that are disconnected. Contact forms that don't work. [And sometimes], when you do reach them, they'll say 'no problem!', but then not actually do it."

Muriel, a rape survivor who asked to be referred to by an alias, told The Independent: "I find a lot of them to be incredibly dodgy and shady.... sometimes they'll just flat-out lie to you.

Even when brokers remove personal data, it takes ongoing efforts to keep it offline. One woman quoted in Adlers paper described it as like playing whack-a-mole a burden on your daily life.

Adler and his co-authors propose a centralized, government-maintained register of people whove opted out, putting the onus on brokers to obey or face penalties.

The industry would probably resist that, just as it reportedly lobbied hard against Daniel's Law and California's DELETE Act, which gives consumers more power to opt out of having their data shared. The World Privacy Forum, the campaign group, describes past self-regulation efforts by the industry as lacking credibility, sincerity, and staying power.

For now, those endangered by the sale of their data must rely on patchwork regulation. California, Vermont, Texas, and Oregon all require data brokers to delete data upon request, though privacy advocates say there are loopholes.

Some people try to minimize their online footprint using P.O. boxes or state-backed home address confidentiality programs. Some 40 states offer such schemes, according to the Safety Net Project, although scope and eligibility vary.

Paid services such as DeleteMe, Optery, and EasyOptOuts can also help by automatically submitting opt-out requests to data brokers on your behalf. But these cost anything from $20 to $250 per year for one user, and theyre rarely comprehensive.

"I don't make a ton of money," says Julia. "[But] I have to pay for a lot of different services. The data cleanup services, the burner phone services, the misdirected package services. It's expensive and anxiety-inducing."

As for the brokers, her opinion is frank. "I think [they're] the scum of the Earth."
Sir Keir Starmer has revealed that his late brothers fight every day to be seen in the classroom has inspired his 4bn overhaul of special educational needs (Send) to make the system more inclusive.

The prime minister said his brother Nick, who had learning difficulties, faced a constant battle in a system that never had any expectations for him and that the governments plans to transform the system would bring an an end to the one size fits all system.

The government is set to publish the Schools White Paper today, which includes plans to give more funding to mainstream schools to support pupils with special educational needs, as well as targeted interventions such as small-group language work and help for staff to introduce adaptive teaching styles.

Writing in The Times, the prime minister explained: I saw how much Nick had to fight every day just to be seen. To count. To be recognised by an education system that never had any expectations for him because he had difficulties learning.

My brother Nick had so much to contribute to Britain. He belonged in mainstream society, as do the wonderful adults that todays children with Send will grow up to be. And so I believe, where possible and right, these children also belong in mainstream schooling.

As part of the proposals, some 1.6bn over three years will be provided to early years, schools and colleges through an inclusive mainstream fund.

Another 1.8bn over the same period will go towards creating an experts at hand service, made up of specialists such as Send teachers and speech and language therapists in every area.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government faced a question of priorities (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) (PA Media)

Schools will be able to draw from this bank on demand regardless of whether pupils have education, health and care plans (EHCPs)  legal documents setting out the support children with Send are entitled to  the Department for Education (DfE) said.

Unions broadly welcomed the commitment to reform but warned they would be scrutinising the detail when the Schools White Paper is released to see whether the changes are enough.

A further 200m will be invested in Send outreach teams for communities, and another 200m for local authorities to transform how they operate in line with our reforms while maintaining current Send services, the DfE said.

Sir Keir Starmer claimed that tailored support for families would bring an an end to the one size fits all system.

Ive heard first hand the struggles and exhaustion faced by too many parents who feel they have to fight the system to get their child the support they need, he said.

But getting the right support should never be a battle  it should be a given.

Writing in The Times, the prime minister explained how his late brothers fight every day to be seen in the classroom inspired the reforms (PA Wire)

Meanwhile, the education secretary said the government was fiercely ambitious for children and young people with Send, who deserve a system that lifts them up, and that puts no limit on what they can go on to achieve.

She said: These reforms are a watershed moment for a generation of young people and generations to come, and a major milestone in this Governments mission to make sure opportunity is for each and every child.

But public service union Unison said the money has to go where its needed and exactly how that will happen under these new plans is not clear.

Head of education at the union Mike Short said: The broad themes in the White Paper are encouraging and cutting the disadvantage gap is key if every child is to achieve and thrive.

Any reforms must ensure theres enough funding to support all children and pay staff properly for the work they do.

He added: Ministers and schools must properly recognise and reward the vital role support staff play in delivering for children with Send.

It comes amid concerns that Send children will have plans setting out their right to support reviewed as part of the reforms.

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott said she has some big concerns about what is being floated in proposals to reform special education provision in schools, amid reports that children with a legal right to special needs support will face a review when they move to secondary school.

Ms Trott told BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: For too many parents  theyve had to fight for the support and the idea that theyre going to be reassessed will be genuinely frightening, and I do worry about that.

Ms Trott said it has been way too hard for many parents to get support, adding: Once that support is in place, for many young people that has actually been very effective.

So, its important that that is not taken away. The stress that this system has meant for so many parents up and down the country, theyve been worried for about a year now, because there was a leak that EHCPs (education, health and care plans) were going to be taken away.

Now weve got the education secretary on here saying that they might be reviewed. I mean, its just too much for parents. They need to just take away this anxiety and we would absolutely oppose any support being withdrawn.

The National Association of Headteachers welcomed the principle of more support for pupils in mainstream schools and said along with this significant investment, we will be scrutinising the details closely and speaking to school leaders to weigh up whether it is sufficient.

There will always be some pupils whose needs are so great that they require support in a special school, and its crucial the governments plans ensure all children get the support they need at the right time in the right setting, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the union, said.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: The move to make mainstream schools more inclusive is welcome news.

Families must have their childrens needs identified early and for them to be given the right help straight away, backed by services fully funded to do the job, and rights underpinned by law.

The Institute for Public Policy Research think tank said no plan will be perfect but that reforms to the system should not become the next political flashpoint in Westminster.

The costs of delay are already being felt, associate director Avnee Morjaria said.

This must now be a moment for everyone to get behind a serious programme of reform.

The White Paper, set to be published in full on Monday, will also set a target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time children born under this government finish secondary school, as part of a plan to improve the education system in England.
While the burning question over whether Constitution Hill will bid to regain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown remains unanswered, owner Michael Buckley has identified the Melbourne Cup as a potential dream target for his pride and joy later this year.

Following three falls in his last four starts over obstacles, National Hunt racings pre-eminent star switched to the Flat at Southwell on Friday night and brought the house down with a sensational display under the floodlights in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said on Saturday that Constitution Hill would be schooled again the coming days under the guidance of jumping guru Yogi Breisner before a final call is made over his Cheltenham Festival participation in little over a fortnights time  and speaking on Racing TVs Luck on Sunday programme the following morning, his proud owner admitted it is a difficult decision to make.

Im due to go to Cheltenham on the Tuesday and if he runs it will be very, very hard on my heart, and if he doesnt run and something else wins Im going to think we could have won that race, said Buckley.

I really dont want to sound disrespectful, but whatever those (other Champion Hurdle) horses do none of them have been winning by 20 lengths or breaking track records, so Im going to think we could have won it.

The question is do I want to watch a race thats hard on my head or hard on my heart, because its going to be hard on one of them which ever way we go.

The horse is going to do this schooling this week. I said to Nicky on Saturday, and its the third weekend in a row that Ive done so, if you could make a decision now, by yourself, what would you do  and you go round and round in circles and you never get an answer to anything, bless him.

I know how he feels We are both decent people I think and we certainly care like hell about our horses. We dont want to see the horse fall or do something that threatens his very existence and we certainly want to do something that hurts Nico (de Boinville).

We dont want to do something that disappoints everybody, most of all ourselves, but on the other hand you can see how much the horse is loved and people would like to see him run.

Buckley believes over-confidence has been the main reason for Constitution Hills recent travails over jumps, but he has been encouraged by what he has seen in the videos he has been sent of his recent schooling sessions.

He added: I think when he fell (in last years Champion Hurdle) it was such a shock its blown his mind in some ways and Nickys now been telling everybody that Yogi Breisner has been with him and gone right back to basics with the horse, with Nico riding him all the time.

Ive got to say, on the videos Ive seen, they look like a unit in a way that latterly they havent. I think if you look at his (jumps) races lately, the horse has decided to take over regardless of circumstance or common sense or what jockeys try to tell a horse to do  the horse has just decided to take off whenever he feels like it.

I think hes the best hurdler around and has been for some years. I never say that because its a bit diminishing for other people, but everyone tells me he is, so I might as well say he is!

He is an extraordinary horse  hes super talented, not just talented.

I think he became over-confident and I think he has a right to feel over-confident  look at what he did on Friday.

Whether Constitution Hill heads to the Cotswolds on March 10 or not, it appears increasingly likely he will target some major Flat prizes later in the year, with a trip to Australia in November uppermost in Buckleys mind.

He said: I did say to Nicky can we agree on one thing, whatever we decide about Cheltenham, lets for the rest of this year concentrate on a Flat campaign.

For me, if he doesnt run (in the Champion Hurdle), I dont see him running over hurdles again this year  thats 2026.

But if he ran and lets say he fell  and God forbid he does that  he would never run over hurdles again ever. If he ran and won it would be a hell of a swansong (over obstacles) and it would put a few demons to bed for me, Ive got to say.

I think the horse should be running around about the end of August or beginning of September, either in the Ebor (at York), or theres a race at Goodwood, or in the Irish St Leger, with a view to going to Melbourne.

If you were asking me what Id like to do, that is what Id like to aim at.
The most dangerous migrant routes in the world where deaths have surged

Three of the worlds most dangerous migration routes have seen a surge in deaths, figures show, as campaigners warn tough immigration policies are pushing desperate people towards riskier journeys.

The UNs Missing Migrants Project (MMP) has recorded 81,540 deaths worldwide since 2014, hitting a peak in 2024 when 9,197 refugees and asylum seekers died trying to reach another country for a better life.

Despite a small decline in fatalities in 2025, the first month of 2026 was the deadliest January since records began, with 713 lives lost.

The deadliest single path is the Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Southern Europe, with at least 26,416 people killed over the last decade. At least 501 have died trying to make the journey in the first weeks of 2026 already.

Migrants are risking their lives crossing seas to find a better life - with often deadly consequences (file image) (AFP via Getty)

Two other routes have seen a particular surge in recent years. Deaths of migrants travelling overland from Afghanistan to Iran have risen by 1,900 per cent between 2019 and 2025 (65 to 1,323), with a particular increase since the Taliban retook control in 2021.

Lives lost between western Africa and Spains Canary Islands rose by 480 per cent during the same period (202 to 1,172).

[These routes] are some of the most dangerous in the world, and certainly the ones where weve seen the greatest increases over time, a spokesperson for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which runs the MMP, told The Independent.

The organisation believes that tougher policies merely move the problem elsewhere.

Were seeing that, because the counter-smuggling enforcement on a lot of the West and North African departure countries is getting stricter, people are leaving from as far south as the Gambia, an overseas journey of weeks, which is crazy when its often a fishing boat, the spokesperson added.

Drowning during sea crossings is by far the leading cause of death (46,686), followed by transport accidents (7,188), lack of shelter, food or water (5,967), violent attacks (5,891) and illness (3,418).

European governments which have introduced strict policies to deter migrants claim this is the key to tackling the issue.

Downing Street insists its stringent set of asylum measures announced in November, will dismantle the criminal networks profiting from human misery while Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni has said that crushing the traffickers business is the best method for reducing deaths.

However, while the Central Mediterranean route saw a steady fall in deaths in 2024 and 2025, campaigners warn that tougher migration policies are driving desperate migrants towards more remote routes, into the hands of criminal smugglers in regions with little humanitarian presence and where deaths are less well documented.

The more you restrict border crossings, the more people use more remote routes, she said. If youre already breaking the law, youre more likely to engage with criminal actors. This really is putting peoples lives at risk.

A spike in deaths in 2026 has seen 567 migrants killed across all three Mediterranean routes, including the eastern route from Turkey to Greece and the western route from North Africa to Spain.

The second closest year was 2015, when there were 427 deaths. IOM data shows that there were around 3,500 arrivals by sea in Italy in 2015, compared to less than 1,500 in January 2026, which suggests the rate of deaths per crossing has increased.

On 6 February, 53 people died when a migrant boat capsized near the Libyan coast. Weeks earlier, Italian authorities estimated that 380 people may have drowned in a single week while trying to make the crossing as Cyclone Harry was battering southern Italy and Malta.

Amnesty UKs refugee and migrants rights programme director, Steve Valdez-Symonds, told The Independent that migration crackdowns have only increased the dependence of people on smugglers.

Unworkable deterrence policies will only cause more harm, he added, with campaigners arguing they do not stop people trying.

Greece is a case in point, says Lora Pappa, president of Greek NGO Metadrasi. Last July, Athens temporarily banned asylum access for arrivals from North Africa.

But boat arrivals, which averaged 3,182 during the first six months of 2025, jumped to an average of 4,058 during the ban.

They stopped giving asylum... for people who are coming from Libya to Crete for three months. Did these people stop coming? No. They will take any risk, Ms Pappa said. I dont think we can stop this kind of movement of people without being inhuman."

In the UK, the government is introducing new deterrent measures that include 20-year waits for indefinite leave to remain, restrictions on benefits and family members coming to join people already here.

Despite this, more than 41,470 people crossed the channel in 2025, the second highest since data collection began in 2018.

Labour party backbenchers have accused the government of shamefully ripping up the rights and protections of people who have endured unimaginable trauma with its tougher stance.

A Border Force vessel delivers migrants to Dover port after intercepting a small boat crossing in December (Getty)

Veteran MP Diane Abbott, who previously criticised the government for not doing enough to tackle the anti-migrant drift in global debate on migration, told The Independent a different approach is needed.

In response to the death figures, she argued the high number is a consequence of dehumanising migrants, so nobody really cares whether they drown.

Governments need to make it easier for migrants to get here, she argued. People are desperate and they are going to risk their lives.

If anything, the MMP believes its figures on migrant deaths are a significant underestimate, warning that huge cuts to aid budgets that have limited the groups presence in hard-to-reach areas could make accurate reporting even more of a challenge.

Documenting irregular migration is really hard, the MMP spokesperson said. Bodies in remote areas may take days, weeks, months or never be found at all.

There are a lot of what we call invisible shipwrecks, where we have no trace of what happened. Weve had cases where whole boats of mummified remains are washing up in Brazil across the Atlantic.

Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, the UNHCRs assistant high commissioner for protection, told The Independent the figures were a huge and growing concern.

We know that refugees and migrants continue to resort to dangerous journeys, often moving together, she said.

We urge states and partners to provide prompt search and rescue, to uphold their asylum commitments, to provide opportunities for refugees to rebuild their life in new countries, and facilitate the prompt return for those not in need of international protection.

But we must also help people find safety and life-saving assistance closer to home, where  contrary to the perceptions of many  most refugees stay.
Paddington Bear joked he had got marmalade all over a Bafta trophy as he presented an award at the film ceremony.

The beloved bear handed out the gong for best childrens and family film at the Baftas.

The Prince and Princess of Wales could both be seen grinning in the audience as the bear handed over the prize to the makers of Boong.

Paddington  who was appearing from the production currently being shown in the West End  had earlier been seen on the red carpet, wowing crowds in his signature ensemble of bright blue duffel coat and red bucket hat.

Introducing him to the stage, the events host Alan Cumming described him as a double national treasure  not just a British one but a Peruvian one too.

Paddington walked out to great cheers and told the audience: Mrs Brown says me giving this award is something of a first for Bafta, the first bear to present a Bafta.

Im also the first presenter to get marmalade all over a Bafta.

I was going to lick it off, but apparently that is not very good manners.

Lakshimipriya Devi and Ritesh Sidhwani pose with their award for best childrens and family film for Boong with Alan McAlex, Farhan Akhtar and Paddington Bear (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

He added: Im meant to open the envelope but its not easy with paws, but bear with me.

The slightly sticky Bafta goes to Boong.

Boong tells the story of a schoolboy of the same name in Manipur, north-eastern India.

The West End musical adaptation of Paddington was written by McFly star Tom Fletcher and is based on the Michael Bond book A Bear Called Paddington and the 2014 film Paddington.

The show has received rave reviews since it first opened at the Savoy Theatre in December.
One Battle After Another filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson paid tribute to his late British assistant director as he was celebrated at the Baftas.

Adam Somner died in November 2024 after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer just a few weeks into production on the film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn.

The film is dedicated to his memory.

Collecting the best director prize, Anderson said: You may think your greatest export is Alfred Hitchcock or Charlie Chaplin, but to me it was Adam Somner, who was my assistant director and producer for about 20 years.

He made us all better so thank you for sending him to me, and thank you for this award.

Anderson also won the Bafta for best adapted screenplay, while the film was recognised for editing and cinematography and Penn was named best supporting actor.

Paul Thomas Anderson paid tribute to the late Adam Somner, his assistant director on One Battle After Another (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

I Swear star Robert Aramayo won the EE Rising Star award at the ceremony, and said I cant believe this, it really blows my mind.

Referring to Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, on whom I Swear is based, he said: John Davidson is the most remarkable person Ive ever met and he believes there is so much more we need to learn about Tourettes.

In the words of the film, they need support and understanding.

British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku won the best supporting actress prize, beating nominees including Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another and Emily Watson for Hamnet.

Wunmi Mosaku and Tash Moseley (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Accepting the prize, she said: Thank you Bafta for this incredible honour.

To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher. I am so proud of you, everything begins and ends with you.

Referencing her role in the highly acclaimed vampire film, Mosaku said: I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.

Addressing director Ryan Coogler, she told him: I felt the presence of the ancestors pride and joy daily on your set.

Coogler won the Bafta for best original screenplay, while the film also won the prize for score.

Avatar: Fire And Ash won the first award of the night for best visual effects.

Sean Penn won the best supporting actor Bafta for his role in One Battle After Another but was not present at the ceremony on Sunday to accept the award.

Alan Cumming opened the awards (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Host Alan Cumming opened the 2026 Bafta film awards, saying that watching films this year was like taking part in a collective nervous breakdown.

He referred to the distress and anxiety of films including Hamnet, One Battle After Another and Frankenstein, saying: Its almost like there are events in the real world that are influencing filmmakers, before suggesting: It would be a good idea if we had one big collective primal scream.

There was also levity when he referred to Paul Mescals nominated performance as William Shakespeare and said: Im not sure what seat Paul Mescal is in? Is it 2B or not?

Frankenstein won the Baftas for production design and make-up and hair styling, while Boong won the Bafta for family film.
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to Corporal Lucy Wilde, a former member of the Welsh Guards, who he met in 2024 (Welsh Guards)

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to a 25-year-old British Army medic and TikTok star after she was found dead in her barracks.

Corporal Lucy Wilde, from The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, passed away at her army base in Warminster, Wiltshire, on 5 February. The Ministry of Defence is investigating the circumstances of her death.

In a tribute issued on social media, William, who met Cpl Wilde in March 2024 when she was with the Welsh Guards, recalled her warmth and compassion.

The royal, who is colonel of the regiment, wrote: "It was with immense sadness that I learned of Cpl Lucy Wilde's death.

I remember our meeting during her time with the Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were unmistakable.

She served with courage and distinction as a medic and sought always to help others. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Colonel William.

After joining the army eight years ago, Wilde was with the Welsh Guards until Christmas before moving to the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

She documented her exercise routine and daily life to 18,000 followers on TikTok.

Her brother told the BBC she served with courage and pride and adored long walks with her dog, the peace of nature and the sense of freedom found outdoors.

While with the Welsh Guards, she responded to a mass casualty incident in the Falklands after a troop-carrying vehicle overturned, resulting in multiple injuries.

Cpl Wilde was first on scene and provided immediate medical treatment, working to stabilise casualties and account for personnel.

In a tribute, the regiment wrote: Her actions that day were nothing short of outstanding, and she was rightly commended for her courage and professionalism.

They praised her calmness under pressure, tireless care for others, and unwavering commitment to her role, adding: Away from her medical duties, Lucy brought the same drive and positivity into everything she did.

An extremely fit and highly motivated Physical Training Instructor, she was a familiar face in the gym, always encouraging others to push themselves and improve. Through her social media, she inspired many more - offering guidance on fitness, service life and the journey into the British Army.

Lucy had a rare ability to lift those around her. She was popular, genuine and deeply respected. Her loss is felt across the Battalion and far beyond.

In early 2026, Cpl Wilde was posted to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

The Royal Yorkshire Regiment said that she was "genuinely liked by all who served with her" and leaves behind a legacy of "professionalism, determination, compassion, and kindness".
Credit: Reuters

Anti-regime protests have erupted across Iran, with demonstrators calling for the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of the Shah.

The mass rallies took place at universities as students gathered on the first day of their new semester to honour the thousands killed in Januarys unrest.

Footage shows brawls breaking out as pro-government forces and people who appear to be security staff struggling to hold back crowds of angry students. Clashes were reported with security forces and the loyalist Basij militia members at campus gates.

The demonstrations took place as the US continues to concentrate the largest array of warships and aircraft in the Middle East since the start of the 2003 Iraq war.

Donald Trump first threatened to intervene in early January, when the regime began killing civilians. The protests had started over the cost of living but rapidly evolved into wider unrest about the Islamic Republic.

The latest protests have broken out as the US tries to secure a nuclear deal with Iran - UGC/AFP via Getty Images

The US is now attempting to force a deal on Irans nuclear programme while building up military pressure. So far, two rounds of talks have made limited progress. The US president has told Tehran to reach a deal within a maximum of 15 days.

Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, said on Sunday that negotiations had yielded encouraging signals. He said in a post on X: We continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.

A third round of talks is due to take place on Thursday in Geneva, according to Omans foreign minister.

Given Mr Trumps past promise to protesters that help is on the way  a pledge the US did not fulfil in January because of a lack of military assets in the region  the latest protests could prompt a response from the US if they turn violent.

The demonstrations have taken place at the Amirkabir University of Technology and Sharif University, both in Tehran. The unrest takes place at the end of a 40-day mourning period for those killed by the regime in January.

The mass rallies across Iran took place after a 40-day mourning period for those killed during Januarys unrest - UGC/AFP via Getty Images

Social media showed new gatherings at Khajeh Nasir University in Tehran, as well as Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

Not all the participants were against the regime. At Sharif University, students were seen advancing across a courtyard chanting heydar, heydar, a religious slogan associated with Ayatollah Khameneis supporters. At the same institution, anti-regime protesters raised the pre-Islamic Republic Lion and Sun flag of Iran.

The Iranian Human Rights Activists and News Agency documented 7,015 confirmed fatalities from January, with an additional 11,700 deaths under review.

Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, Steve Witkoff, who is leading the negotiations with Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, said the president was curious about why Iran had not yet capitulated under US pressure.

A report by Axios quoted administration officials saying key advisers were counselling Mr Trump to be patient in order to allow the military build-up to continue and exert maximum pressure on Iran. The outlet also quotes sources suggesting that the US may be willing to accept a degree of Iranian token enrichment.

Credit: @mamlekate, @autnews_org / X

Publicly, the White House has demanded an end to the enrichment programme, but the reports suggest the administration may allow some of it to continue if there were a proper enforcement and inspection mechanism. Iranian sources have briefed that there is little chance of a deal  a view shared by those in Israels security establishment.

Despite mounting pressure, US commanders still believe it could take up to another three weeks for the USS Gerald R Ford carrier group to amass the required volume of air defence weapons to counter Iranian retaliation.

The latest protests started against the backdrop of Saudi outlets reporting sources in Lebanon saying that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had sent officers to take direct command of Hezbollah terror units in the south of the country.

Hezbollah did not enter the war between Iran and Israel in June 2025.

If confirmed, the presence of Iranian officers in direct control could make a serious conflagration on the Israeli-Lebanese border during a campaign with Iran more likely.

However, despite the ceasefire, Israel bombs Iran almost daily in retaliation for what it says are violations of the agreement that ended the war in autumn 2024, meaning the terror group was not nearly as strong as it was.

It emerged on Sunday that a third round of US-Iran talks will take place on Friday, provided Iran submits a detailed proposal. limiting its nuclear programme. Axios reported that Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner will return to Geneva if they receive the document by roughly midday UK time on Tuesday.

If Iran gives a draft proposal, the US is ready to meet in Geneva on Friday in order to start detailed negotiations to see if we can get a nuclear deal, an administration official told the outlet.

Friday could be the final chance for in-person negotiations before Mr Trumps 15-day deadline expires. Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said there was a good chance of a diplomatic solution on the nuclear question and that he would probably meet the US envoys in Geneva.

He again warned that his country would fight back if attacked by the US, as well as insisting that Iran had a right to continued uranium enrichment for civilian purposes.

If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves, he said. If the US attacks us, that is the act of aggression. What we do in response is an act of self-defence.
Zia Yusuf will claim in his speech that the UKs social contract has been shattered - Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nigel Farages Reform UK is to pledge a visa ban on Pakistan and five other countries with high Muslim populations that refuse to take back deported illegal migrants and criminals.

In a speech on Monday, Zia Yusuf, the partys newly appointed shadow home secretary, will say a Reform government would impose blanket visa bans on diplomats, VIPs, workers, students and tourists from Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan.

Pakistan is one of the largest source countries for UK visas, accounting for more than 160,000 in the past year. But it also takes back only 7 per cent of its failed asylum seekers, and has rebuffed UK demands to accept back some of the worst child-grooming gang leaders.

The move  which mirrors Donald Trumps visa ban on 75 countries  would be a key element in Reforms strategy to deport up to 288,000 illegal migrants from the UK on five charter flights a day.

In a speech in Dover, Mr Yusuf will also say Reform would seek to renegotiate the UKs Brexit deal with the EU to enable the party to ban foreign nationals  including EU citizens  with settled UK status from claiming welfare benefits.

He will claim that without such action, the cost of funding foreign nationals Universal Credit (UC) claims will rise from its current 10bn a year to 25bn by 2028-29.

In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Yusuf will further commit the party to granting immediate listed status to all 40,000 churches in England and Wales to prevent their conversion into mosques or other places of worship.

There would be a new rule mandating automatic home searches for anyone referred to the Prevent counter-terrorism programme by three separate, corroborating authorities. He will also pledge a vast expansion of stop and search powers, including saturation policing in high-crime areas.

I will make you feel safe

Mr Yusuf will say: For decades, the Tories and Labour have turned the other way while the very fabric of our society has been under assault. The social contract has not merely been broken; its been shattered.

Under a Reform government, His Majestys Parliament will be sovereign once again. We will secure our borders, leave the European Convention on Human Rights [ECHR], and deport those here illegally. My message to the British people is simple: I will secure our borders and make you feel safe.

As well as quitting the ECHR, the Human Rights Act would be repealed and replaced with a British bill of rights to enable the UK to sidestep international laws that currently protect Channel migrants and asylum seekers from immediate deportation.

New legislation would compel the Home Secretary to deport illegal migrants and block judges from intervening. Detention capacity would be doubled to 24,000 to meet the partys target of removing up to 288,000 illegal migrants. By comparison, Labour has deported 60,000 illegal immigrants since coming to power 18 months ago.

Three African countries  Namibia, Angola and DR Congo  agreed to take back thousands of deported criminals and illegal migrants after Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, threatened them with Trump-style visa sanctions.

Shabana Mahmood threatened three African nations with Trump-style visa sanctions - Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg

Reform would go further and target Pakistan, which now accounts for 11,000 asylum claims, more than any other country. This is largely because such applicants arrive on student, work or other visas before switching to claim asylum.

Pakistan has also refused to take back Rochdale grooming gang leaders Adil Khan, 55, and Qari Abdul Rauf, 56, who were jailed in 2012 for sexually assaulting 47 girls  some as young as 12  after plying them with drink and drugs.

On legal migration, Mr Yusuf will say a Reform government would terminate all welfare payments to foreign nationals, including the 1.3 million currently receiving UC, up from around 900,000 in 2022.

According to Reform, claimants holding EU Settled Status make up nearly 10 per cent of all UC claimants. They estimate that EU citizens will account for 15.7bn, or 17.9 per cent, of total UC spending by 2028/29.

However, to remove them would require a Reform government to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement, which stipulated reciprocal welfare payments for EU and British nationals living abroad. Only a Nigel Farage government has the political will to renegotiate the EU treaties, said a party spokesman.

The party is also pledging to replace indefinite leave to remain with a renewable five-year work visa and a dedicated spouse visa.
Russia will send 500 of its man-portable Verba rocket launch units to Iran over the next three years

Iran struck a secret 500m (437m) deal with Russia to obtain thousands of its advanced shoulder-fired missiles.

Russia will send 500 of its man-portable Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over the course of three years as part of the agreement.

The purchase marks Irans most ambitious move yet to restore air defence systems that were heavily damaged by last years conflict with Israel.

In Russian service since 2014, the Verba, a fourth-generation shoulder-fired infrared-guided air defence missile system, is operated by small mobile teams and designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and UAVs head on.

Experts have said the weapons could make it risky for the United States to repeat the tactics it used in its capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro using helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

Signed in December

The air defence agreement was signed in Moscow in December, according to the Financial Times, which cited leaked Russian documents and several people close to the deal.

Tehran reportedly first requested the systems last July, just days after the US air force and navy intervened in Irans 12-day war with Israel to attack three nuclear facilities.

Rosoboronexport priced the 9M336 missiles at some 170,000 (149,000) per unit and the launching mechanisms at 40,000, according to the FT.

Iran will also receive 500 Mowgli-2 night vision sights to detect targets in nighttime conditions.

Deliveries will arrive in tranches between 2027 and 2029, though one source familiar with the deal said that a small number of systems may have been dispatched to Iran early.

Kazem Jalali, Irans ambassador to Moscow, right, and and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met with Vladimir Putin last June

Kazem Jalali, Irans ambassador to Moscow, seemed to acknowledge this week that recent flights from Moscow were carrying military kit, telling state television: Its been some years that we have signed strong military and defence agreements with Russia. I can only say that these aircraft demonstrate that those agreements are being implemented.

The deal surfaced as Donald Trump massed a huge arsenal of military hardware within striking distance of Iran in what analysts have called the biggest US military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war.

The US president said on Friday that he was considering a limited strike on Iran in an effort to pressure the regime into inking a nuclear deal.

A day earlier, he said the world would find out over the next, probably, 10 days whether the US would take military action.

Irans air defence network was left heavily depleted after a series of clashes with Israel aimed at peeling the layers of protection before strikes on nuclear infrastructure and military officials in June, according to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

The attacks destroyed almost all of Irans Russian-supplied defensive S-300 missile systems, the countrys most advanced air defence capability.

Despite the countries deepening ties and increasing military cooperation, Russia declined to intervene during the 12-day war, offering no direct aid.

A former senior US official told the FT that the Kremlin would likely view this new deal as a means of mending ties, saying: They want Iran to remain their partner. And so even if they cant react in the middle of a crisis, theyre going to look after the crisis to try to patch up the relationship.

Iran also reportedly acquired up to six Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters in January. Tehran has also been seeking to purchase two squadrons of the countrys Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.
The Prime Minister seems determined to press on with the Chagos deal whatever the consequences - Carl Court/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Not content with engineering a deal to hand the Chagos islands to Mauritius at vast cost, Sir Keir Starmers policy risks penalties if the transfer does not go ahead.

With Donald Trump  for now at least  opposed to the transaction the chances are growing that the whole bewildering process could founder.

For now, the Government cleaves to its plan to give sovereignty over the Indian Ocean archipelago to a country 1,000 miles away and pay them to lease them back for 99 years at a total cost to the British taxpayer of 35bn.

Legislation on the deal has been delayed after objections in the House of Lords and warnings that it might violate a treaty with the US to ensure the secure continuation of the Diego Garcia military base.

Ministers insist they will bring the Bill back because they maintain that the nations security is at stake. The arguments made to justify this fanciful claim are too convoluted and tendentious to be rehearsed here.

But it now transpires that the Mauritians may launch legal action for compensation costing billions if the treaty is cancelled. It is apparent that the financial aspect of this deal is far more important to Mauritius than the spurious claim to sovereignty under international law.

Moreover, among their legal advisers is Philippe Sands, a friend of the Prime Minister and a fellow human rights lawyer. He might be expected to represent Mauritius in any compensation claim.

Presumably the Government will now say that the deal must go ahead since it will cost the country significant sums in any case. Sir Keir seems determined to press on whatever the consequences. President Trumps new-found antipathy has offered the Prime Minister a way out of the hole he has dug for himself. He needs to take it.
The bones of St Francis of Assisi, the revered medieval friar who inspired Pope Francis and generations of Christians, are going on public display for the first time.

But the month-long exhibition, organised by Franciscan friars to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saints death, presents a mixed blessing for Assisi's Mayor Valter Stoppini and its residents.

Almost 400,000 have registered to venerate the relics; Mayor Stoppini anticipates the total could reach half a million before the bones return to their tomb on 22 March.

A dedicated force of 400 volunteers has been mobilised to guide visitors through the medieval citys narrow, cobblestone streets to the Lower Basilica of St Francis, where the relics are housed in a bulletproof glass enclosure.

This influx will place immense strain on Assisis historic centre, with its confined, souvenir-lined thoroughfares and finite services.

While residents are accustomed to pilgrim surges, these are typically for shorter, more contained celebrations, making this extended period a test of local endurance.

Journalists view the remains of St Francis of Assisi before they go on public display (AP)

Were used to this kind of event, but that lasts for one, two or three days, Mayor Stoppini said.

This is something prolonged, for a month, so Im a bit worried, but calm.

As it is, Assisi is one of the worlds most popular Christian pilgrimage destinations, located on a hill in the Umbrian countryside and built with a pink-tinged limestone that gives it its unique glow, especially at sunset.

Millions of pilgrims flock here each year thanks to the presence of St. Francis tomb and the spectacular basilica, decorated with Giottos frescoes illustrating the saints life, that rises over it.

St. Francis was born into a wealthy family in 1182, but renounced his wealth to live as a mendicant friar after receiving what he said was a vocation to rebuild and reform the church.

He is best known for his message of peace, his love of creation and attention to the poor -- teachings that strongly inspired Pope Francis, the first pope to name himself after the saint.

Friars and a nun pray before the remains of Francis of Assisi (AP)

While St. Francis remains have been periodically inspected over the years by the Franciscan friars to ensure their conservation, this is the first time they are going on display publicly.

The decision to remove them from the crypt and welcome pilgrims for a month is a means to keep his message alive and give Christians a chance to pray before them, officials said.

Mayor Stoppini said a monthlong exhibition was the maximum he could ask of Assisis residents given the strain on the city that already saw a massive influx of pilgrims in 2025.

While Assisi is famous for St. Francis, a new saint is drawing a new generation of pilgrims: Carlo Acutis, who was canonised in 2025 by Pope Leo XIV as the Catholic Churchs first millennial saint.

Acutis, who died at age 15 of leukaemia, is buried in a different Assisi basilica, but his wild popularity, especially among young Latin Americans, has turned Assisi into a new religious destination for Catholic youth groups visiting Italy.

When we go out onto the piazza, we find many people who ask us Wheres Carlo? Wheres Carlo?' said Brother Marco Moroni, the custodian of the convent of St. Francis.

Carlo Acutis was made a saint in 2025 (AP)

Last year alone saw a 30 per cent increase in the number of pilgrims, though that was likely due to both Acutis canonisation and the Holy Year, which brought some 33 million pilgrims to Rome, many of whom also travelled on to Assisi.

The beautiful thing is that saints dont go to war against one another, thanks be to God, he added.

Many who come to the basilica go to see Carlo, and many who go to Carlo Acutis come to the basilica, creating an osmosis and a growing movement that does though create some problems for the city.

For the souvenir merchants of Assisi, who make their living off religious tourists and pilgrims who flock to the picturesque town, a monthlong event is welcome.

Other people will see what we see every day, with Francis spirit imbuing the town, said shopkeeper Arianna Catarinelli, who works in a souvenir shop in the main drag of town leading to the basilica.

The shop features Assisi-emblazoned sweatshirts, pens featuring Acutis photo, St. Francis-themed coffee mugs and neon rosaries.

Friars pray before the remains of Francis of Assisi inside the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (AP)

For residents, finding parking isnt easy. But for businesses, I think its positive that there are so many people, she said.

To cope with the influx, city hall has created new parking lots outside the city center and runs a shuttle service to bring people into town.

Assisi resident Riccardo Bacconi, who works in a local bank branch, said he hoped the extra parking lots will be the legacy of the exposition that will continue to make life easier for locals.

Speaking after he went for a morning run Saturday, Mr Bacconi acknowledged the town lives from tourism and anyone who chooses to live here has to put up with it.

I dont judge it negatively, economically its important, he said. There are more advantages than disadvantages.
An Aussie dad is pleading with parents not to send their kids to daycare or school if they're sick. Sydney-based scientist Dr Vincent Candrawinata recently had his two-year-old daughter develop hand, foot and mouth disease after contracting it from someone at daycare.

It didn't take long before the entire household had it. The incident caused him to issue a very blunt message to mums and dads across the country.

"When your kid is coughing, phlegmy, or has a runny nose or a fever, and you give them paracetamol to mask the symptoms so that they get admitted into into daycare, that is selfish," he told Yahoo Lifestyle.

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He said there's no vaccine for hand, foot and mouth disease and you just have to treat the symptoms produced by the very contagious virus, according to the Royal Children's Hospital.

This includes blisters in and around the child's mouth, on the palms of their hands, and soles of their feet. They can also get a fever, sore throat, and sore mouth.

Even though we're only in February, he said his daughter has already picked up a bevy of illnesses from other kids.

Do you have a story? Email stew.perrie@yahooinc.com

Why would parents send their sick kid to daycare?

Some parents might genuinely not even know their child is suffering from something.

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But Dr Candrawinata said he's heard some mums and dads saying they had a really important meeting at work, for example, and that's why they had to drop their sick kids off at daycare.

Journalist Merryn Porter wrote in an article for 9Honey that she knowingly dropped her sick child off to daycare as she had already taken too many sick days at work, many of which were due to illnesses she got from her kid.

"In my defence, I would have been certain they weren't contagious," she wrote.

"And it was also pre-COVID days. But with two kids two years apart at childcare three days a week, I would never have made it to work had I not bent the rules a little bit."

Kids can pick up illnesses and viruses fast at daycare centres. Picture: Getty (Daria Nipot via Getty Images)

But there's an added layer of why some parents might do this.

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If you pull your kid from daycare because they're sick, many centres still require payment, even if they weren't there.

For cash-strapped parents, that can muddy the ethical waters a little.

NSW mum Danielle Asiata told Yahoo Australia that it's frustrating and a big strain on their wallets.

Were being financially penalised for doing the right thing by keeping our kids home," she said.

"At work, we get sick days, but at daycare, when illness is unavoidable, they get nothing. Its something thats completely out of our control."

How one sick kid can infect the village

Victorian general practitioner Dr Shiraz Mahkri told the ABC that kids can get more sick at daycare compared to when they're older because their immune systems are still developing.

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It can cause some children to get ill or need a doctor more than a dozen times in a year.

Dr Candrawinata said a sick kid at daycare has the potential to impact a lot of people.

For working parents, it means lost productivity. For vulnerable people, it can mean something far more serious. We have to start thinking beyond our own household," he said.

As parents, we have to do better."

He added that it can also cause havoc at daycare centres.

"Inevitably, daycare staff will catch it too, and that breaks the whole system," he said.

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If centres aren't able to temporarily replace the sick workers, it could be forced to close until everyone is better, which could leave parents in the lurch.

Dr Candrawinata urged parents to have a really good think the next time they wanted or needed to send their kid to daycare while they're sick.

"We live in a modern era where modern medicine helps to prevent and treat something," Dr Candrawinata said.

"However, that doesn't mean that we should trivialise sending kids with viral infections.

"I thought that COVID taught us a lesson not to do that.

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Stellan Skarsgard, Warwick Davis and Alan Cumming were among the early arrivals at this years 79th British Academy Film Awards.

Scottish actor Cumming arrived on the red carpet with a pink, blue and white headpiece on the back of his slicked black hair, wearing a long black suit jacket which faded into green and cream trim at the bottom.

The 60-year-old actor, writer and presenter  known for hosting the US version of The Traitors and starring in American drama The Good Wife  will helm the event at the Southbank Centres Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday.

Alan Cumming wore an unusual headpiece at the Baftas on Sunday (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Sentimental Value actor Skarsgard, 74, arrived wearing a classic black tuxedo and posed for photos on the red carpet with his wife, film producer Megan Everett-Skarsgard.

The Norwegian film is up for six Bafta nominations, with Skarsgard in the running for best supporting actor for his role as a film director past his prime.

Meanwhile, Davis wore an eye-catching hot pink shirt under his black tuxedo, standing out among the stars on the red carpet.

At last years ceremony, the 56-year-old actor was given Baftas highest honour and was awarded the Bafta Fellowship for his performing and advocacy work.

Chase Infiniti wore a burgundy dress at the Baftas (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Elsewhere on the red carpet, American actress Chase Infiniti wore a simple burgundy dress with a bandeau top, leading into a flared mermaid skirt.

The 25-year-old actress is nominated for a best actress Bafta, despite her snub by the Academy, for Paul Thomas Andersons film One Battle After Another.

Also among the stars was actress Kerry Washington, who is best known for starring in American TV drama series Scandal.

Wunmi Mosaku wore a shimmering bright blue dress on the red carpet (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku wore a shimmering bright blue dress, complemented by her matching blue eyeshadow, as she walked the red carpet.

The British-Nigerian actress, 39, is up for best supporting actress for her starring role in Ryan Cooglers historical crime drama turned horror  which is the second most-nominated film with 13 nods.

The Emmy-award winner wore a black gown with a sequinned, sparkly top leading into a floor-length, flowing skirt, and paired the outfit with a glamorous updo and simple makeup.

Paddington Bear strutted across the red carpet on Sunday (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Paddington Bear  from the West End production  was also seen among the talent on the red carpet, wowing crowds in his signature ensemble: a bright blue duffel coat and red bucket hat.

The ceremony will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 7pm.
I Swear filmmaker did not ask Robert Aramayo to audition for lead role

I Swear filmmaker Kirk Jones has said he did not ask Robert Aramayo to audition for the lead role because he knew the actor was right for the part very early on.

The biopic tells the story of campaigner John Davidsons life growing up with Tourette syndrome in Scotland.

The film has been nominated for six Baftas, including Outstanding British Film, while Aramayo is in the running for both best lead actor and EE Rising Star award.

Speaking about Aramayo on the red carpet of the 79th British Academy Film Awards, Jones said: I knew Robert was right for the part very early on, and because the finance was structured in a certain way, I was able to cast him without having to justify that decision or ask for peoples permission to do it  which is the purest way to cast the film. Thats how it should be done.

A lot of people are surprised when I say I never asked him to do a screen test. I never asked him to audition, and thats quite unusual.

The reason was, I knew that if he auditioned it would be nothing more than an impersonation of John Davidson.

Robert Aramayo plays John Davidson in I Swear (James Manning/PA) (James Manning)

Rob explained that he really needed two or three months to get under the skin of the part to understand everything he could possibly do about Tourettes, and he did that and I trusted him, and it was a bit nerve-racking as we approached the shoot because I hadnt seen him rehearse or show me what he was going to do, but it was incredible.

It was incredible, and Im very, very grateful to him for doing it.

According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics. While there is no cure, treatment can help manage the tics.

Jones emphasised the need to tell the story properly, adding he did not want to water it down because I Swear is the type of film people need right now.

Speaking about the response to the film and its multiple Bafta nominations, he said: I just think it hit a note. I just think it hit a chord.

Maybe five years ago if wed have made it, it wouldnt have done, or maybe five years time, but I think were kind of at a place in the world now where everythings so kind of depressing and upsetting and its a very hopeful film, and its about a man who never gives up.

Its the kind of film that we need at the moment to remind us about compassion and support for an understanding of other people.

Campaigner Mr Davidson also attended the red carpet on Sunday and told the Press Association he is extremely proud of what was created and the impact the film has had.

John Davidson, right, attending the 79th British Academy Film Awards with, from left, Murray Gladstone, Dottie Achenbach and Chris Achenbach (James Manning/PA) (James Manning)

He added: The power that the films got is the fact that its opened peoples eyes to the real issues.

Being assaulted, being put out of school, being bullied at school, a lot of people have never seen that side of what my life was like.

People at the time didnt notice because in those days, in the 80s and 90s, people didnt really want to know.

I think now, as weve developed as a country and as a human race, were becoming more empathetic towards neurodiversity and all different kinds of disability, which is something that should be happening but a lot quicker.

We didnt want it to be a pity memoir and that you feel sorry for us, because we dont want people feeling sorry for me.

I dont. Everyone with Tourettes dont  they just want the awareness of people to understand and be kind.

He went on to praise Aramayo for being absolutely phenomenal in his portrayal, adding his ability to characterise his tics shows the calibre of the actor.
The Central Intelligence Agency has withdrawn more than a dozen intelligence reports, including some that cover LGBT+ activism, white nationalism and contraception.

Director John Ratcliffe ordered the official retraction or substantive revision of 19 CIA intelligence reports that the agency claims did not meet intelligence community standards and failed to be independent of political consideration, the agency said Friday.

These documents were identified by the Presidents Intelligence Advisory Board, which recently reviewed hundreds of analytic reports published over the last decade, the agency noted.

The CIA completely retracted 17 of those reports  which predate President Donald Trumps second term  and pulled two for revisions, according to The Washington Post. The agency publicly shared redacted versions of three affected reports.

One of the reports  titled Women Advancing White Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremist Radicalization and Recruitment  was released in October 2021 under former President Joe Biden.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe, center, has ordered the official retraction or substantive revision of 19 intelligence reports (via REUTERS)

Racially motivated violent extremists were considered a significant security threat under Joe Bidens administration and Trumps first administration. Federal law enforcement under his second administration has focused on left-wing movements including antifa, which he labeled a domestic terrorist organization last year.

The White House also claimed in September that radical left violence has permeated the nation in recent years.

Another report  Middle East-North Africa: LGBT Activists Under Pressure  was issued under former President Barack Obama in January 2015.

A third report, Worldwide: Pandemic-Related Contraceptive Shortfalls Threaten Economic Development, was published in July 2020, during Trumps first term.

The CIA said these documents exhibit substantial deviations from the Presidents expectations that CIAs workforce remains independent from a particular audience, agenda, or policy viewpoint.

Ratcliffe said the documents exhibit substantial deviations from Donald Trumps expectations (Getty Images)

A senior CIA official who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity said the reports dealt with inappropriate topics for the agency to cover, and in some instances relied on biased sources, according to The Washington Post.

The official added that training for analysts has been retooled.

The intelligence products we released to the American people today  produced before my tenure as [CIA director]  fall short of the high standards of impartiality that CIA must uphold and do not reflect the expertise for which our analysts are renowned, Ratcliffe said in a statement.

There is absolutely no room for bias in our work and when we identify instances where analytic rigor has been compromised, we have a responsibility to correct the record, he added.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized the move.

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized the withdrawal as a politically motivated effort (Getty Images)

The Presidents Intelligence Advisory Board plays an important advisory role, but it is not a substitute for the independent analytic judgment of the CIA and the broader Intelligence Community, he said.

When a politically appointed body appears to be dictating what analysis is acceptable, it risks eroding confidence in the objectivity of our intelligence, he added.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, praised Ratcliffes announcement and said hes been sending these kind of reports back to the CIA for years and observing that they contain no intelligence.

Our intelligence agencies have too often missed critical national-security developments to waste time on, for instance, how pandemic-related contraceptive shortfalls threaten economic development. Honestly, Cotton wrote on X.
Saturdays announcement about a 15% tariff is sure to provoke further uncertainty as Donald Trump carries on a trade war against allies and enemies. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters (Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

Donald Trump raised the global duty on imports into the US to 15% on Saturday, doubling down on his promise to maintain his aggressive tariff policy a day after the supreme court ruled much of it illegal.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that after a thorough review of Fridays extraordinarily anti-American decision by the court to rein in his tariff program, the administration was hiking the import levies to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.

Shortly after the courts 6-3 ruling that rejected the presidents authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers act, Trump had initially announced a new 10% global levy by invoking a different legal avenue.

Trump raises tariffs to 15% on imports from all countries

While Trumps announcement claimed the new tariffs would take effect immediately, it was unclear whether any official documents had been signed confirming the timing. A White House fact sheet issued on Friday regarding the original 10% tariffs said the levies would go into effect at 12.01am ET on 24 February.

German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said he would travel to Washington with a coordinated European position, and warned of the poison of more uncertainty. French president, Emmanuel Macron, said France would consider the consequences of the new global tariff and that the fairest rule was reciprocity.

Read the full story

US businesses clamor for refunds after supreme court strikes down Trumps tariffs

Top associations of American businesses are demanding to be repaid for Trumps tariffs following Fridays supreme court ruling. The US Chamber of Commerce, too, called for swift return of an estimated $133bn in collected tariffs covered by the ruling.

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Dictator vibes as Trump puts name and face front and center

Thursdays unfurling of a massive banner bearing the visage of Donald J Trump, on the exterior of the Washington headquarters of the federal justice department was only the latest example of how he has imposed himself on every facet of American life. Some critics have called it dictator vibes.

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Trump approves federal emergency declaration for Potomac River sewage spill

Trump approved a federal emergency declaration Saturday related to a sewer main break north of Washington DC that threatens to put a stink on the USs 250th anniversary celebrations in the US capital this summer.

Iran prepares nuclear counterproposal as US considers limited military strikes

Irans foreign minister has said he expects to have a draft counterproposal ready within days after nuclear talks with the US this week, while Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened on 20 February 2026.
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland.

But its unclear why the island needs one, which boat he is sending, and when.

The president shared his announcement on his Truth Social account Saturday evening, shortly before hosting a dinner for governors at the White House. Trump noted that hes working with Jeff Landry, Louisianas Republican governor, whom he named the U.S. special envoy to Greenland late last year.

Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The presidents post included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, which is one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy. He did not say when the ship might arrive, or how long it would stay. Its also unclear what specifically prompted Trumps decision. The Greenlandic government provides free healthcare to residents.

President Donald Trump's Truth Social announcement included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the US Navy (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

The boat and its sister vessel the USNS Comfort are moored in Mobile, Alabama, according to naval trackers.

The Department of Defense referred The Independents questions to the White House.

The Independent has also requested comment from Landrys office.

The announcement also arrived hours after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, according to Reuters. The crew member required urgent medical attention, authorities said.

The U.S. Navy sailor had to be medically evacuated from a nuclear-powered submarine that broke from its mission and surfaced roughly eight miles from Nuuk, Greenland.

Landry re-shared Trumps announcement on X, writing, Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Proud to work with you on this important issue!

Orla Joelsen, a prominent Greenlandic activist, reacted to Trumps announcement on X, writing, No thanks!!!

We in Greenland are healthy and doing well, sustained by our own traditional foods  including seal blubber, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients that have kept our population strong for generations, he said.

Trump announced he is sending a hospital boat to Greenland shortly before hosting a dinner for governors at the White House (REUTERS)

Trump and his allies have repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security purposes. Meanwhile, Greenlandic officials have maintained the island is not for sale, and that it should remain a territory of Denmark.

Late last month, Trump announced the framework of a future deal on Greenland.

Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region, he wrote on Truth Social.

Trumps push for Greenland appears to be unpopular among many Americans. An AP-NORC poll published earlier this month found that 72 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of the way Trump is handling Greenland, while just 24 percent approve.
UK weather: London to be hotter than Athens this week as temperatures rise after months of rain

London is set to be hotter than Athens this week as the country finally sees some warmer weather after months of relentless rain.

The Met Office has forecast temperatures as high as 17C with sunshine and clear skies for the capital on Wednesday, higher than the 16C expected in the Greek capital. At the same time, other areas of central and southeastern England could see temperatures as high as 18C.

It comes days after Storm Pedro hit the UK, bringing rain, ice and snow, with dozens of flood alerts and warnings in place.

A switch in wind conditions is believed to be behind the warmer weather, with the highest temperatures of the year so far being recorded across the UK over the weekend.

On Saturday, Somerset saw temperatures as high as 16C, with 15C in Wales and even 12C in Scotland. The last time temperatures reached as high as 15C in the UK was on 13 December 2025, according to the BBC.

Temperatures could reach as high as 18C this week (Met Office)

For many parts of England and Wales it does turn brighter this afternoon but for Scotland and Northern Ireland we continue to see a mix of sunshine and scattered showers, Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said.

The very far south-eastern corner of England we may hang on to the rain for much of the afternoon but for many parts of England and Wales, apart from the odd shower, it is turning much brighter.

Temperatures are set to turn even milder throughout the week as winds are drawn up from the south, according to the Met Office.

The overall outlook for the rest of the country according to the Met Office was described as: Often cloudy and rather breezy in the northwest, with rain at times.

Bowes Castle in the village of Bowes in County Durham was covered in snow last week as weather warnings were in place across the country (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Drier and brighter further south and east, with some pleasant spells of sunshine. Very mild for most.

Rain has fallen somewhere in the UK every day this year. The Met Office reported that rainfall totals from December to early February had already exceed the average rainfall for the whole winter in several locations.

Scientists at Newcastle University have warned that the UKs increasingly turbulent weather is a result of climate change.

Researchers warn that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter and more prone to floods due to rising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

University data shows rainfall is increasing by almost 7 per cent for every degree of global or regional warming.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says real opportunities to end war with dignity still exist, calling for another round of talks, and hinting at a fresh leaders meeting. After he was debriefed on this weeks peace talks with Russia and the US in Geneva, Zelenskyy called for another round of talks to be held very soon, as early as this February. He said Ukraines responses to the most difficult questions ahead of the next meeting are ready, and that they still want to raise some issues at the leaders level with Trump and Putin. It is the leaders format that could prove decisive in many respects, and Ukraine is ready for such a format, he said.
Viktoria Shpylka, 23, died in Sundays bombing in Lviv. She was married to a fellow police officer

A Ukrainian woman has been arrested after a bombing killed a female police officer and injured dozens more people in Lviv.

A home-made explosive device placed in a waste bin detonated in the western citys historic Old Town in the early hours of Sunday after police arrived to investigate a reported break-in.

As back-up units arrived to help, a second device exploded, causing the majority of the casualties, said police. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraines interior minister, said the suspect, aged 33, was from the north-western Rivne region.

The police officer killed in the attack was named as Viktoria Shpylka, who married a fellow officer last autumn.

The National Police of Ukraine said on Telegram, a messaging app: She was only 23 and had begun her service at the start of the full-scale invasion of the Kherson region.

Viktoria married a fellow police officer last year. Today, their future is cut short, said police

Up to 25 people were injured, including 11 who were taken to hospital. Six law enforcement officers were left in a serious condition, police said.

Mr Klymenko said of the Lviv attack: There is every reason to believe that the crime was committed on the orders of Russia. This is not the first time the enemy has purposefully created deadly traps for Ukrainian law enforcement officers. And used our recruited citizens to do so.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said: Police together with the SBU detained the alleged terrorist who attacked law enforcement officers in Lviv. Further operational measures and investigative actions are ongoing. We are identifying other persons involved in committing the crime.

Andriy Sadovy, the mayor of Lviv, described the crime on Facebook as definitely [an] act of terror and posted footage of the aftermath, which showed rubble and debris spewing out of a mangled building on to the pavement.

A second bomb exploded as emergency services arrived at the scene of the explosion in Lvivs old town - Reuters

In a statement paying tribute to Ms Shpylka, the Lviv police force said: Her colleagues remember her as sensitive, bright and sincere. She knew how to support, listen and find a kind word even on the most difficult day.

She had married a fellow patrol officer in the autumn. Her force said: They served together, dreamed, and built their future together. Today, their future is cut short.

Moscow has been accused of recruiting Ukrainians online to carry out sabotage and other attacks against their own country in exchange for large sums of money in cryptocurrency.

Known as disposable agents, they are typically contacted through messaging platforms such as Telegram and abandoned immediately after the operation, to be found and punished by the Ukrainian authorities.

Viktoria knew how to support, listen and find a kind word even on the most difficult day, said Lviv police

According to the SBU, more than 800 Ukrainians have been identified as having been recruited by Russia over the past two years, including 240 children.

Kyiv maintains that it is a deliberate strategy by the Russian state and has named members of the Kremlins intelligence agencies it believes have acted as handlers in sabotage attacks, but it is difficult to tie the activities directly to the government. Across the rest of Europe, Russia is thought to be recruiting disposable agents, often Ukrainian refugees, for a campaign of sabotage.

Last week, it was reported that Moscow had been using former operatives linked to the Wagner Group and late mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to coordinate such attacks, after Europe expelled a number of intelligence officers working under diplomatic cover. The measure crippled Russias traditional espionage infrastructure.

Hours after the bombing in Lviv, Russia launched a missile and drone attack on Kyiv, destroying these residential buildings - Getty

The Lviv attack came as a barrage of Russian missiles and drones struck five districts in the suburbs of Kyiv overnight, killing one person, Ukraines Emergency Service said on Sunday.

Eight people, including a child, were rescued from the rubble of destroyed buildings. In the village of Putrivka in the Fastiv district, emergency services worked to save people buried under debris.

Russia also struck energy infrastructure in Ukraines southern Odesa region, resulting in significant fires. The attacks come two days before the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion.
(Mashpi Lodge)

Having backpacked much of South America in my 20s, Ecuador was always skipped over for one simple reason: affordability. Of course, budget travellers can absolutely visit the biodiverse country (there are hostels and well-trodden backpacking routes galore) but I always knew that I wanted to experience Ecuador more luxuriously, and spend time visiting the bucket-list islands that make up the Galapagos. And for those, a boat, as well as a bit more than a 19 a day budget, is needed.

Theres also the conundrum of safety, since in recent years, Ecuador has gained a bit of a bad reputation. You only have to check out Gov.UKs travel advice (which is overzealous at the best of times) to see a long list of no-go zones and warnings. Thankfully, many of the areas likely to be visited by tourists are unaffected, and local tour agencies, like Metropolitan Touring (the one I enlisted to help with logistics and safe transfers), are on hand to provide a truly memorable experience for solo travellers wishing to see this enigmatic part of the world.

Heres my ultimate solo guide to Ecuador for curious, nature-loving travellers

Acclimatise in Old Town Quito

Quito (Alicia Warner)

Like Sri Lankas Colombo , Quito is underrated and often used solely as a jumping-off point at the start and end of an Ecuadorian adventure. However, this stunning city deserves as much time as you can spare on account of its exciting art scene, glorious views (one of the worlds highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi, can be seen on clear days) and fabulous selection of boutique hotels and world-class restaurants.

As one of the highest cities in the world, I started my time in Quito walking aimlessly and super-slowly (due to lack of oxygen), which always feels like the best way to get to grips with a new place. Fragranced with an air of Palo Santo, used to cleanse spaces and shops of bad energy daily, the city hides a multitude of tiny, well-curated art galleries, cafes and museums, of which Museo Casa del Alabado fast became my favourite. Filled with a private collection of stone monoliths, pottery vessels, whistles, masks, funerary urns, and jewellery, all of which date back to the pre-Columbian era, its a fascinating and humbling place that should be on every Quito itinerary.

Elsewhere in the city, I stumbled across the free-to-enter Museo Camilo Egas , featuring an exquisite collection of paintings by the esteemed Ecuadorian artist. Often depicting the indigenous people of Ecuador, Egass work is important since little had been created to show the countrys local culture in an artistic medium before him. Close by, pause for a coffee, craft beer or cocktail at La Chacotta , a sweet cafe/pizza joint under the shade of a huge fig tree.

Spanning out from Plaza de San Francisco, its worth taking time to visit one of the intriguing limpia stores, each overflowing with medicinal herbs, buckets of locally grown roses and all manner of healing tinctures. The shops draw in quitenos in the hope of ridding bad energy and illness. Or head to Mercado San Francisco, where its also possible to witness limpia shops in action, alongside fruit and vegetable stands selling everything from a mind-blowing selection of corn to huge, bright yellow babaco fruits.

(NUEMA)

For dinner in style and to get to grips with some of Ecuadors most exciting ingredients. Nuema , in the new part of the city, offers a seven or twelve-course tasting menu that celebrates the best of the countrys produce. Highlights include Andean tubers served in various ways and plated up like tiny works of art, and tuna served alongside sacha inchi, a native, nutrient-dense local fruit sometimes called the Inca peanut.

Insider tip: Take advice from locals and be aware of your surroundings, since pickpocketing and bag snatching are possible in Quito. Its worth removing jewellery and carrying minimal cash while roaming the city, even more so as a solo-er since theres no one to fall back on should belongings get snatched. Avoid walking the streets alone after dark and always take a licenced cab. I asked my hotel to book recommended taxis for me when I was travelling after dark to be extra cautious.

Casa Gangotena (Tom Allport)

Stay at: Casa Gangotena , a gleaming historic building overlooking Old Town Quitos Plaza de San Francisco. From here, its easy to stroll around the Old Town, join an organised walking tour or hop in a cab to the new part of Quito, where a high concentration of innovative restaurants awaits. The hotel itself overflows with vases of fresh cut flowers, expansive bedrooms with shiny marble bathrooms and mixes some of the best cocktails in town. Even if you dont stay here, be sure to make a restaurant reservation to try the cocktails on the sunset terrace. Rooms from 366 per night.

Make like David Attenborough in the Galapagos Islands

(Alicia Warner)

While the Galapagos may not at first stand out as a solo travel destination , it is, in fact, ideal. I met many adventurers going it alone during my time in the fascinating archipelago, spanning ages from 28 to 67. And due to the nature of visiting the islands, often by boat, meeting fellow travellers in this part of the world is pretty much unavoidable, so theres zero chance of feeling lonely.

As the ultimate bucket list destination and a place labelled by David Attenborough as a true world treasure, the Galapagos Islands, like Quito, are best explored over as much time as you can spare. For me, that was just four nights based in the Punta Estrada neighbourhood of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. From there, Id head out daily by boat (Finch Bays Sea Lion yacht) to explore the differing landscapes of varying islands, of which there are 127, mostly uninhabited.

My favourite island, Plaza Sur, carpeted in bold crimson endemic Sesuvium plants and home to lazing yellow land iguanas, cactus trees, glossy baby sealions, bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs and swallow-tailed gulls. As the only fully nocturnal gull in the world, it was incredible to be in the presence of these intriguing birds, even more so when they started screeching.

(Tom Allport)

Another highlight was catching a glimpse of three tiny Galapagos penguins during an excursion to Bartolome Island, along with the blue-footed booby, not to mention reef sharks, colossal sea turtles, lobsters and parrotfish under the water during snorkelling sessions. Mesmerised by the otherworldliness of this far-flung archipelago, I turned my attention inland, seeking out tortoises larger and much older than me, and two enormous collapsed volcano craters known as Los Gemelos.

Surrounded by scalesia forest, where lichen-clad trees, orchids and ferns provide a playground for the finches that sparked Darwins theory of evolution, its clear how the Galapagos has become that ultimate once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Insider tip: There are various forms, clearances and fees to contend with before arriving in the Galapagos Islands, including a $200 park entrance fee, a $16 carbon neutral fee, and a $20 migration control fee to be paid in cash at your departing airport. When booking with Metropolitan Touring, they assist with everything, guiding travellers throughout the process with ease.

(Finch Bay)

Stay at: One of the only beachside hotels in the area, Finch Bay . If budget allows, the Evolution suites are by far the superior option with incredibly gorgeous bedrooms that feature ocean views, vast bathrooms with standalone tubs and a private terrace area thats ideal for stargazing. The hotel also makes arranging excursions super simple with daily tours, limited to 20 people heading out every day of the week alongside expert guides from the region. Rooms from 415 per night

Visit the Choco Andean cloud forest

(Chris Fynes)

My solo Ecuadorian adventure wouldnt have been complete without a visit to the Andean-Choco region of the country. A place where endemic birds outnumber people, elusive pumas roam the jungle, and waterfalls make the ideal bathing spots.

Around a four-hour drive from Quito, the final stretch of which is mostly over unpaved roads, this private reserve and home to slick hotel, Mashpi Lodge, welcomes its fair share of Gore-Tex-clad pensioners. But dont let that put you off; theres occasionally the odd curious nature-adoring solo-er too. And for lovers of bird-life, like me, solo travellers will be in paradise since over 650 species, 36 of which are endemic, call this area home.

On my daily walks, all of which are guided and grouped with other guests, I spotted olive green moss-backed tanagers, crimson rumped toucanets, cinnamon becards, red-cheeked woodpeckers and woodcreepers. Yet I always found myself happiest when immersed in the world of the hummingbirds; inquisitive, rainbow coloured, fast-moving beauties that I watched and attempted to photograph for hours and hours on end.

(Alicia Warner)

I also became transfixed by the glass frogs often found living in the trees in this part of the world. Best viewed on night walks, which take place each evening at 7pm, these tiny amphibians come in varying shades of green, yet many have completely translucent skin, meaning their bodies are entirely see-through. The forest also houses glasswing butterflies, one of which I caught a glimpse of after a particularly memorable hike to swim in the waters of the forest's Healing Waterfall.

Its impossible not to feel overjoyed at the amount of life teeming within the jungle. You just have to slow down and pause for long enough to embrace it, making Mashpi Lodge the ideal endpoint to an epic solo journey through Ecuador.

Insider tip: Dont worry about packing binoculars, walking boots or rain ponchos, Mashpi Lodge provides everything needed, ensuring a streamlined packing experience.

Stay at: Mashpi Lodge , hidden deep within the rainforest. Simply decorated bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a direct view of the moss and vine-covered forest that envelops the property. All meals are included, as are twice daily guided walks, birdwatching, snacks and daily wildlife talks. Rooms from 951 per night
Farah, a 21-year-old gay Moroccan woman, is now in hiding in her home country after being deported by the Trump administration.

She had sought asylum in the U.S., fleeing brutal family violence in Morocco, where being gay is illegal and punishable by three years in prison.

Her ordeal began when her family and her partner's family discovered their relationship, leading to severe beatings. Kicked out, she fled with her partner, but her family tracked her down and attempted to kill her, she claimed.

Desperate, Farah and her partner secured visas for Brazil, then trekked through six countries to the U.S. border, requesting asylum. Despite U.S. immigration judge protection orders, she faced a third-country deportation by the Trump administration  to Cameroon, where homosexuality is also illegal.

Now back in Morocco, Farah lives in constant fear. It is hard to live and work with the fear of being tracked once again by my family, she said. But there is nothing I can do. I have to work.

She requested anonymity due to persecution fears; lawyers verified her account.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flight operates out of King County International Airport-Boeing Field (AP)

A year in detention

Farah and her partner arrived in the U.S. in early 2025. But instead of finding the freedom to be herself, Farah said she was detained for almost a year, first in Arizona, then in Louisiana.

It was very cold, she said of detention. And we only had very thin blankets. Medical care was inadequate, she said.

She was denied asylum, but in August she received a protection order from an U.S. immigration judge, who ruled she cannot be deported to Morocco because that would endanger her life. Her partner, denied asylum and a protection order, was deported.

Farah said she was three days from a hearing on her release when she was handcuffed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and put on a plane to an African country she had never visited, and one where homosexuality is illegal: Cameroon. She was put in a detention facility.

They asked me if I wanted to stay in Cameroon, and I told them that I cant stay in Cameroon and risk my life in a place where I would still be endangered, she said. She was flown to Morocco.

Most deportees had protection orders

She is one of dozens of people confirmed to be deported from the U.S. by the Trump administration to third countries despite having legal protection from U.S. immigration judges. The real number is unknown.

The administration has used third-country deportations to pressure migrants who are in the U.S. illegally to leave on their own, saying they could end up in any number of third countries."

An intersection in the capital of Yaounde (AP)

The detention facility in Cameroon's capital of Yaounde, where Farah was held, currently has 15 deportees from various African countries who arrived on two flights, and none is Cameroonian, according to lawyer Joseph Awah Fru, who represents them.

All nine deportees on the first flight in January, including Farah, had received a judge's protection orders, Fru said. He never met Farah but was aware of her case.

Another flight on Monday brought eight people. Two of them, a woman from Ghana and a woman from Congo, said they had protection orders, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. Three freelance journalists reporting on the deportations to Cameroon for the Associated Press were briefly detained there.

Deporting people to a third country where they could be sent home was effectively a legal loophole, said Alma David, an immigration lawyer with the U.S.-based Novo Legal Group who has helped deportees and verified Farah's case.

By deporting them to Cameroon, and giving them no opportunity to contest being sent to a country whose government hoped to quietly send them back to the very countries where they face grave danger, the U.S. not only violated their due process rights but our own immigration laws, our obligations under international treaties and even DHS own procedures," David said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security earlier confirmed there were deportations to Cameroon in January.

We are applying the law as written. If a judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period, it said, and asserted that the third-country agreements ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution.

Asked about the deportations to Cameroon, the U.S. State Department on Friday told the AP it had no comment on the details of our diplomatic communications with other governments." It did not reply to further questions.

Cameroons Foreign Ministry didnt respond to a request for comment.

They were given two impossible choices

Farah was one of two women from the first group of deportees to return to Morocco.

They were given two impossible choices, David said, and asserted that claiming asylum was not clearly presented as one of them. This was before the lawyer had access to them. Theyd been alone there in that facility without any help from anybody or any indication that there was gonna be an option other than going back to their home countries.

Fru said he has not been granted access to the deportees. He said the assistant to the country director for the International Organization for Migration, a U.N.-affiliated organization, told him he must apply to speak to them. Fru plans to do that Monday.

The IOM told the AP it was aware of the removal of migrants from the United States of America to some African countries and added that it works with people facing difficult decisions about whether to return to their country of origin." It said its role is providing accurate information about options and ensuring that "anyone who chooses to return does so voluntarily.

The IOM said the facility in Yaounde was managed by the authorities in Cameroon. It did not respond to further questions.

African nations paid millions by US

Cameroon is one of at least seven African nations to receive deported third-country nationals in a deal with the U.S. Others include South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea.

Some have received millions of dollars in return, according to documents released by the State Department. Details of other agreements, including the one with Cameroon, have not been released.

The Trump administration has spent at least $40 million to deport about 300 migrants to countries other than their own, according to a report released last week by the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

According to internal administration documents reviewed by the AP, 47 third-country agreements are in various stages of negotiation.

In Morocco, Farah said it was hard to hear U.S. officials refer to people like her as a threat.

The USA is built on immigration and by immigrant labor, so were clearly not all threats, she said. What was done to me was unfair. A normal deportation would have been fair, but to go through so much and lose so much, only to be deported in such a way, is cruel.
New Year on the Frontlines: Three firs bear witness to 56 years of devotion

15:36, February 21, 2026 By Liu Guojun from Peoples Daily ( Global Times

Editor's Note:

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). A new year begins with new resolve and new momentum. The call to "fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities" continues to inspire actions across China.

In the column "New Year on the Frontlines," reporters from the People's Daily traveled to the grassroots to witness the vitality of a vast nation, see its mountains and rivers in motion and its fields in abundance, and listen to the stories of people finding fulfillment in both life and work.

Through these stories, the column seeks to present a vivid portrait of Chinese modernization.

Mist shrouds Baishanzu National Park in Lishui, East China's Zhejiang Province, as a fine drizzle falls.

"In weather like this, I have to check on those fir trees in person to put my mind at ease," says Lan Rongguang, head of the Baishanzu Protection Station at the Qingyuan Conservation Center within the Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park candidate site. He picks up his well-worn wooden walking stick, smooth from years of use, and heads into the forest.

Lan Rongguang heads into the forest to check on fir trees. Photo: Courtesy of Wu Mengfei

The mountain path to the firs' habitat is lined with stone steps perpetually covered in moss, making them treacherously slippery in the rain. Yet 56-year-old Lan moves with surprising agility.

He knows this patrol route like the back of his hand and goes through two or three pairs of rubber boots a year. Years of tramping through cold, damp mountain forests have left him with chronic rheumatism, and his joints ache when it rains or turns cloudy. Once, during a patrol, he slipped badly on the rocks and needed four stitches in his leg. Yet after just a few days of rest, he toughed it out and returned to the mountains.

For 56 years, two generations of the Lan family have walked this winding patrol route.

Lan's father was one of the first forest rangers at Baishanzu. In 1994, while escorting students down the mountain, an accident occurred and he sacrificed his life to save the students. That year, Lan Rongguang, just over 20, suppressed his grief and resolutely took up his father's work.

Deep in the dense forest at 1,755 meters, three Baishanzu firs, known as the "panda of the plant world," stand quietly. As a Quaternary glacial relict endemic to China and a national first-class protected wild plant, the Baishanzu fir, or Abies beshanzuensis, ranks among the world's most endangered rare species.

"When I first started this job, the smallest one was only six or seven meters tall. Now it's grown to 12 or 13 meters," Lan Rongguang said as he skillfully pulled weeds from around the roots and carefully recorded the growth of its branches and leaves. "Watching them grow day by day, these firs are just like my own children," he added.

Though the protection station has now been equipped with modern tools like drones and remote monitoring, Lan still insists, "Only by seeing them with my own eyes and touching them with my own hands can I truly feel at ease."

As night fell and a bitter wind howled outside, warmth filled the station. Lan held his young grandson in his arms, pointing to the firs on the monitor and telling him stories of the mountains. For this guardian of the trees, safeguarding the mountain forest and its rare firs is his most sincere and steadfast wish for the Chinese New Year.

Wu Mengfei contributed to this article

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Sheng Chuyi)
Standing on a slab of beachside dirt 40 kilometres north of Perth, Tayla and Mitchell Sabido felt a sense of relief. Relief, because the couple, originally from South Africa, could now officially call Australia home.

It had been 10 years in the making, 30-year-old Tayla told Yahoo News Australia, as they now begin the process of building their dream house in the northern beachside suburb of Jindalee.

The empty lot cost a hefty $425,000, with a deposit of roughly $70k.

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Before now, the married couple, spent nine years living abroad in Vietnam to help them save, but Australia was always part of the plan.

Living in Asia meant their "overheads were low" and they both earned a decent wage working as teachers at international schools  an opportunity they each studied and worked hard for.

"We were able to travel a lot in our 20s, but we were also very big on saving. I think that helped us prepare for the future," Tayla told Yahoo.

Over a long period of time, we were also taking that money and investing it".

Do you have a story? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com

The couple spent 9 year sliving in Vietnam (pictured right) before moving to Perth (pictured left) nine months ago. Source: Supplied by Taylor Sabido

Being in Vietnam made it a lot simpler to save and work towards their homeowner goals, Tayla admitted.

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Because the cost of living was so affordable, we were able to put away basically half of our salary every month, and we were still able to travel," she explained.

I could see why people would struggle with [buying a home] when you [live in Australia].

Couple make 'unattainable' Aussie dream a reality

The Aussie goal was set from a young age when Tayla's childhood friend moved Down Under from South Africa.

We would always talk about this dream of one day eventually living in the same city, and me moving to Australia, she explained.

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So when she met Mitchell, 31, at university, it became our joint dream, but at the time, due to the cost, "it seemed unattainable".

We took a gap year after our studies, decided to go and teach English in Vietnam for a year, fell in love with teaching, and then went on to study further," she revealed.

That became their pathway into Australia, with teaching being recognised on the skills shortage list.

It meant they could eventually move Down Under and secure a teaching job with ease.

The couple now live happily in Perth where they plan to build a house. Source: Supplied by Taylor Sabido

Speaking to Yahoo this week, Tayla explained that their homeowner dream was only fulfilled due to a series of conscious decisions, including briefly sacrificing things they love, such as a car, eating out and travel.

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"It's just about being smart and prioritising what you want and what you need," she said.

"Sometimes you are going to have to sacrifice things you really love. For us, that was going on holiday every two months. I think that made our dream of eventually moving to Australia possible.

Having arrived in Australia nine months ago, Tayla admits "it finally feels real", but upon landing, they had to make some more tough choices.

Instead of settling into the city, which they'd preferred and could afford, they chose a rental that cost less  saving them an extra $500 a week.

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They also swapped out Woolworths for their local Aldi supermarket, which also helped them save for their house deposit.

Brutal reality many young Aussies face

Touching on the housing affordability issue in Australia, the teacher said,"we couldn't imagine doing it if we were single. "I also think a dual-income household makes it a lot easier," she said.

For couples hoping to secure a property together, "transparency is key", and that sitting down and truly talking about budgets is vital.

We were very conscious where our money was going in order to make it work, she said. It's about not thinking about your want for now, but your need for the future."

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Now, as they begin the building process, theyve decided to play it safe with their design. Instead of opting for their dream double-storey home, which would cost significantly more, theyll likely settle for a smaller home to save on costs.

It's a starter home, it's probably not going to be our forever home. So I think we are very conscious of not overcapitalizing on the house," she said.

For us, simple is best, and it's simple things that truly make you feel like you're home.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The United States and Iran are to hold the next round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday after both sides ramped up military preparations in the region in recent days.

Omans foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, who is helping to facilitate the discussions, confirmed the time and place on Sunday, calling the move a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.

It comes after Irans top diplomat Abbas Araghchi told CBS that he anticipated meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday.

Mr Araghchi said Iran was working on finalising a draft proposal, adding there is a good chance for a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue, which remains the sole topic of the discussions.

The US and Israel have sought to address the countrys missile programme and Iranian backing of armed proxy groups across the Middle East. Iran has rejected any moves to widen the scope of negotiations.

President Trump said he had considered limited military strikes on Iran (PA Wire)

The US has not commented on the reports of further talks.

On Friday President Donald Trump told reporters that he was considering a limited military strike on Iran continuing a pattern of barely veiled threats. Both sides have signalled their preparedness for conflict if talks were to fail.

Amid a growing US military buildup, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that President Trump was confused as to why Iran had not capitulated.

I don't want to use the word 'frustrated'... because he [Trump] understands he's got plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated', but why they haven't capitulated, he told Fox News.

A protester holds up crossed out portraits of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a demonstration near the Iranian embassy in Baghdad last month against Israel and recent US threats of military action in Iran, and in support of the Iranian regime and its supreme leader (AFP/Getty)

US officials told Reuters this week that Americas military planning had reached an advanced stage after President Trump ordered a massive naval buildup as talks continued.

It includes the worlds largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, which was involved in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Pursuing leadership change and targeting specific individuals had also been discussed as options according to the sources. A move to impose global tariffs was struck down by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to the positioning of aircraft carriers by threatening to sink them.

Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi meets with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner (Oman's Ministry Of Foreign Affairs)

They constantly say, we have sent an aircraft carrier towards Iran, he said. 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.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said negotiations had thus far involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals, but cautioned that Tehran had made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.

A sticking point for both side includes Irans right to enrich uranium, which Iran insists on. But the US demands that Iran possess no nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them, including the enriching of uranium.

Mr Araghchi claimed that US negotiators had not demanded zero enrichment, contradicting official announcements by US officials. He insisted Irans nuclear programme would remain peaceful forever in exchange for confidence-building measures and relief from economic sanctions.

The USS Gerald R Ford is the largest warship in the world (AP)

The US and its allies including Israel suspect that Irans nuclear programme is aimed at developing weapons and is not peaceful. Israel and the US joined forces to attack nuclear sites in Iran in June last year as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. The precise extent of the damage caused is unknown as Tehran has barred international inspectors.

Talks between Iran and the US have remained deadlocked for years after the US withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.

Tensions have been heightened as economic sanctions sparked merchant protests over rising costs. The demonstrations spread across the country resulting in a brutal crackdown on dissent.

Rights groups estimate that at least 7,000 people have been killed.
Retrospective: a week of turning points that shaped the world

Move over James Bond. Spies are making the headlines this week, but the truth proves stranger than fiction. A bizarre attempt is underway to swap agents between the United States, Israel and the Soviet Union, with suspected moles at the centre of the intrigue. Years later, after the Cold Wars end, espionage anxieties resurface as the US demands Russia halt spying operations following the exposure of a senior CIA mole.

In Britain, newly released files reveal a wartime Nazi spy network operating on home soil  and a cunning MI5 counter-operation to neutralise the threat. On the battlefield, President George H W Bush declares victory in Kuwait after just 100 hours of ground war, Nato fires its first shots in anger in Bosnia, and armed men seize Crimea in a move that foreshadows later conflict in Ukraine.

In Scotland, meanwhile, a sheep named Dolly triggers an existential reckoning over the future of human cloning.

From covert operations to open warfare, and from intelligence files to genetic frontiers, all are captured on the front pages of The Independent.

26 February 1988  East and West in unusual spy swap talks

The United States, Israel and the Soviet Union are drawn into complex negotiations over a proposed Cold War spy exchange, involving alleged agents held on both sides of the divide. Reports suggest the deal could expose a long-suspected Soviet mole inside a senior Israeli military research establishment, though officials refuse to comment publicly. The episode highlights the murky diplomacy and quiet bargaining that continued even as East-West tensions began to ease in the late Cold War.

28 February 1991  Bush declares victory in the Gulf

President George H W Bush announces the suspension of offensive operations after just 100 hours of ground war, declaring that Kuwait is liberated and Iraqs army defeated. Coalition forces drive Saddam Husseins troops from Kuwait, bringing the Gulf War to a swift military conclusion. Yet the future of Saddam himself remains unresolved, and he stays in power in Baghdad for more than a decade before being overthrown during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

24 February 1994  US demands Russia halt spying after Ames arrest

Washington presses Moscow to curb espionage activities following the arrest of CIA officer Aldrich Ames, accused of passing secrets to the Soviets and later Russia in one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in US history. The dispute strains relations between President Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin just weeks after talks aimed at closer cooperation. Despite the row, both sides seek to contain the fallout as the post-Cold War relationship continues to take shape.

1 March 1994  Nato downs Serb jets in first combat action

US F-16 fighter jets shoot down four Serb aircraft after they bomb towns held by Bosniak government forces, marking the first time in its 45-year history that Nato fires shots in anger. The action signals a decisive shift, as Western powers prepare to enforce UN resolutions with military force in the Bosnian conflict. Although Russia and other parties move to play down the incident to protect fragile peace efforts, the intervention opens a new and more assertive phase of international involvement in the war.

26 February 1997  Dolly the sheep prompts cloning fears

The cloning of Dolly the sheep by scientists in Edinburgh triggers urgent international debate over the prospect of human cloning. Political leaders and bioethicists call for new laws, with US president Bill Clinton warning of serious ethical questions and commissioning a rapid review of the implications. The Independents Andrew Marr writes: In the past few days, we have lived through a change in our condition as momentous as the Copernican revolution or splitting the atom. Indeed, the breakthrough goes on to fuel years of global debate over genetic ethics and fears of so-called designer babies.

1 March 2009  Ex-soldier reveals details of Israeli death squads

A former Israeli soldier breaks his silence in an interview describing the militarys policy of targeted assassinations, recounting a botched ambush that killed both militants and Palestinian bystanders. His testimony, given to the group Breaking the Silence and reported by The Independent on Sunday, challenges the armys official account and raises renewed debate over the IDFs tactic of targeted strikes against Palestinians.

28 February 2014  Files reveal wartime Nazi spy ring in Britain

Documents newly released by the National Archives reveal that hundreds of British citizens spied for Nazi Germany during the Second World War, as MI5 mounted a remarkable counter-operation to neutralise the threat. Security Service officers persuaded dozens of would-be traitors that they were communicating with the Gestapo, while in reality controlling and monitoring the network. The files detail how a circle led by six Britons and a Swedish-German woman passed military secrets, including information on early jet aircraft, believing they were sending intelligence to the Nazis.

1 March 2014  Crimea invasion begins

Armed personnel in combat fatigues take control of airports, government buildings and military positions across Crimea, as Kyiv condemns what it calls an armed violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Roadblocks are erected, helicopters cross the border and armoured vehicles appear on the peninsula, while the deposed president Viktor Yanukovych insists he remains Ukraines legitimate leader. The takeover precedes Russias formal annexation of Crimea weeks later, a move that reshapes European security and sets the stage for years of conflict.

25 February 2020  Weinstein found guilty in landmark trial

Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is convicted in New York on two counts of sexual assault and rape, marking a pivotal moment in the #MeToo era. The jury acquits him of more serious predatory sexual assault charges, but the verdict is hailed by accusers as a significant step toward accountability in the entertainment industry. It is Weinsteins first criminal conviction, and he is later sentenced to 23 years in prison.
Italy have a new look for their clash with France (AFP via Getty Images)

There is an unfamiliar look to Italy in their Six Nations clash with France as Gonzalo Quesadas side sport a special red kit in Lille.

The, on this occasion incorrectly-named, Azzurri have traditionally worn white change strips on occasions where there is a colour clash with the opposition.

But a special scarlet shirt is on show at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy as they debut a new kit commemorating Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Garibaldini.

Born in Nice to a Ligurian family, the general was a key figure in the unification of Italy in the 19th century, with his loyal volunteers who followed him on campaigns known as redshirts. These two sides contest the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy each year.

The new kits were unveiled at Quarto dei Mille near Genoa, where Garibaldi launched the Expedition of the Thousand to Sicily in 1860.

A statement from the Italian rugby ferederation (FIR) explained: The jersey is entirely in ' Garibaldi Red ', a color reminiscent of the jackets worn by Garibaldi's soldiers and which has become synonymous with values such as heroism and indomitable spirit, which the Italian athletes perfectly embody on the pitch.

To further underscore this tribute, the kit's presentation photoshoot took place in Quarto, with Jacopo Trulla and Alessandro Fusco of the men's national team and Isabella Locatelli and Sara Mannini of the women's team symbolically posing in front of the Monument to the Thousand.

Italys women will also wear the special jersey as they take on France during their Six Nations campaign.
British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku has said she is really grateful for the representation in the film Sinners after winning a Bafta for her performance.

The 39-year-old took home the award for best supporting actress for the historical crime-drama-turned-horror at the 79th Bafta Film Awards on Sunday night.

Speaking during her winners press conference, the actress said the response from black women feeling seen from her role, has made her feel a sense of kinship to her community.

Wunmi Mosaku was so happy for director and writer Ryan Coogler (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Mosaku said: It always feels good when you walk into a room and youre not the only one.

It always feels good when you feel like your story and your experience is being represented with integrity and creativity.

Since the film came out, just seeing the response of black women feeling seen, loved, valued, treasured, and the power of our ancestry and the spirituality, she added.

For me, seeing that response made me realise how lonely I felt and all of a sudden these women were in my life who Id never met, I felt a kinship to.

Wunmi Mosaku and Tash Moseley (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Mosaku, who is the first black British winner of the supporting actress category, won a Bafta TV Award in 2017 for best supporting actress for her role as Gloria Taylor in Damilola, Our Loved Boy.

The star, who is heavily pregnant, beat nominees including Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another and Emily Watson for Hamnet.

Speaking about her victory, Mosaku said: I was like, that cant be right. I was really shocked, and I lost my breath and couldnt quite believe it.

In her acceptance speech, she star said: Thank you Bafta for this incredible honour.

To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher. I am so proud of you, everything begins and ends with you.

Referencing her role in the highly acclaimed vampire film, Mosaku said: I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.

Addressing the films American writer and director Ryan Coogler, she told him: I felt the presence of the ancestors pride and joy daily on your set.

Ryan Coogler with Sinners producers, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Shortly after her victory, Sinners won the award for best original screenplay, with Coogler accepting the prize.

Mosaku found out about the victory while speaking in the winners room, tearfully adding: Im so happy for (Coogler).

When asked what makes him so special, she said: He credits everyone whos ever poured into him. He doesnt take it all with, like, ego.

He lets everyone know on the set they are so important and we cant do it without them.

Thats what makes Ryan so special.
British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku said she found parts of herself that she had tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in in her role in Sinners as she won a Bafta for her performance.

The star, who is currently heavily pregnant, won the best supporting actress prize at the ceremony, beating nominees including Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another and Emily Watson for Hamnet.

Accepting the prize, she said: Thank you Bafta for this incredible honour.

Wunmi Mosaku and Tash Moseley (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher. I am so proud of you, everything begins and ends with you.

Referencing her role in the highly acclaimed vampire film, Mosaku said: I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.

Addressing director Ryan Coogler, she told him: I felt the presence of the ancestors pride and joy daily on your set.

Avatar: Fire And Ash won the first award of the night for best visual effects.

Sean Penn won the best supporting actor Bafta for his role in One Battle After Another but was not present at the ceremony on Sunday to accept the award.

Host Alan Cumming opened the 2026 Bafta film awards saying watching films this year was like taking part in a collective nervous breakdown.

Alan Cumming opened the awards (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

He referred to the distress and anxiety of films including Hamnet, One Battle After Another and Frankenstein, saying: Its almost like there are events in the real world that are influencing filmmakers, before suggesting: It would be a good idea if we had one big collective primal scream.

There was also levity when he referred to Paul Mescals nominated performance as William Shakespeare and said: Im not sure what seat Paul Mescal is in? Is it 2B or not?

Frankenstein won the Baftas for production design and make-up and hair styling, while Boong won the Bafta for family film.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is pictured kneeling over a woman in the Epstein files

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could face an inquiry over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, a government minister has suggested.

The former prince was detained on Thursday  his 66th birthday  amid accusations that he shared confidential information with the convicted paedophile while serving as British trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

On Sunday, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, refused to rule out a judge-led inquiry into Mr Mountbatten-Windsors relationship with the financier.

Any independent inquiry would be designed to establish the facts of the former princes links with Epstein, and consider the wider issues or failures in his position as trade envoy.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, pictured after leaving the police station, spent 12 hours in custody - Phil Noble/REUTERS

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would probably be called to give evidence in this case, although an inquiry would have to avoid specific commentary on his actions until there is no risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings.

Ms Phillipson told Skys Trevor Phillips: Well look at any sensible proposals that do come forward. But its premature at the moment, because we do have the police doing their work.

They need to have the time and space to do so, as the King set out, no one is above the law, and its right that the police go wherever the evidence takes them, so that has to be the focus at the moment.

The arrest of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor at his temporary home at Wood Farm in Sandringham took the world by surprise on Thursday.

As he spent nearly 12 hours in police custody  becoming the first member of the Royal family in modern history to be arrested  calls from public figures for a wider investigation into his dealings with Epstein grew.

Keep digging into Andrews role

While his arrest has been labelled a good start by some of Epsteins victims, others are urging police to push on. Gloria Allred, the US lawyer acting for victims of Epstein, called on officers investigating the former prince to keep digging.

She pointed out that his arrest was for alleged misconduct in public office and not about crimes against women and children. Thats not apparently a priority, she said at a red carpet event in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Emails released as part of the Epstein files allegedly show confidential information being shared while Mr Mountbatten-Windsor worked as a British trade envoy, representing Elizabeth II and the country overseas.

However, Ms Allred told Thames Valley Police, the force that carried out Mr Mountbatten-Windsors arrest before releasing him under investigation: Keep digging into Andrews role. What he did, said, observed... What did he know? When did he know it? How did he know it? Why was he there? Theres so much more to ask.

Trade envoy allegations

The force has been assessing claims against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor that emerged in the Epstein files published in the US last month, including the allegations relating to his time as trade envoy. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is accused of sending sensitive government emails to Epstein as well as other friends in the finance world.

The calls for further investigation have been echoed by Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, who has demanded that the police assess whether Mr Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet Epstein. Mr Brown has written letters to six police forces suggesting that civil servants be questioned about the former dukes time as a trade envoy.

He has also demanded a full investigation into the trade envoy role, its cost to taxpayers and any evidence that links Mr Mountbatten-Windsors government work to Epstein.

Calls for an inquiry have been echoed by Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister, who said a special committee of MPs, peers and retired judges should be set up to investigate both Mr Mountbatten-Windsors and Lord Mandelsons links to Epstein.

What else is being hidden?

He told The Sun: This affair raises urgent questions about foreign influence and national security. What did the Palace know? What did ministers know? What else is being hidden?

This goes beyond what a court could reasonably consider. Parliament must consider what it means for the country. If the worst is proved, do we need to revisit treason laws written 700 years ago?

After being stripped of his titles last year, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor now faces the prospect of losing his position in the line of succession, following an unprecedented intervention from Downing Street on Friday.

The former prince is still eighth in line to the throne, but Sir Keir Starmer is understood to be considering introducing legislation that would prevent him from ever becoming king.

Over the weekend, police continued to search Mr Mountbatten-Windsors former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire. He has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

After his younger brothers arrest, the King said in a statement that the law must take its course and the police had our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
Men with prostate cancer are being denied NHS access to a treatment used by Lord Cameron, a senior doctor has revealed.

Prof Hashim Ahmed, the chairman of urology at Imperial College London, said focal therapy was not widely available on the NHS despite having existed for 20 years.

Lord Cameron, the former prime minister, chose to pay for the therapy privately after being diagnosed with the disease last year.

Lord Cameron revealed in November last year that he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer, and has become an advocate for testing for the disease - David Parry/PA Wire

The treatment targets cancer cells in the prostate gland without damaging the surrounding tissue, making it less invasive than surgery and reducing the risk of complications such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

Prof Ahmed, who helped to introduce the therapy to Britain, told The Times: Men with prostate cancer have a right to know that focal therapy is open to them as an alternative option to surgery, radiotherapy and active surveillance, but that is not the case.

Its been 20 years since I worked with Prof [Mark] Emberton on introducing focal therapy in the UK and, in many ways, were no further along, even though the technology has moved on considerably.

There are three principal forms of focal therapy. They are high-intensity focused ultrasound (Hifu), which sends ultrasound waves to generate heat and destroy cancer cells; cryotherapy, which freezes and kills cancer cells using extreme cold delivered by fine needles; and a technology called NanoKnife, which targets the tumour with electrical pulses to kill cells.

A US study found 85 per cent of men who had the NanoKnife system preserved erectile function, while 95 per cent preserved urinary continence.

Meanwhile, more than half of men who have surgery to remove their prostate go on to experience erectile dysfunction.

Most NHS patients are not told of the option of focal therapy, Prof Ahmed says - Halfpoint Images/Moment RF

Prof Ahmed said: The introduction of NanoKnife, for example, is genuinely game-changing, while Hifu and cryotherapy are also highly suitable, depending on the size of the tumour.

We have seen cases where patients attend an NHS cancer centre, are told of their diagnosis and are offered surgery or radiotherapy as the main options, with focal therapy not mentioned at all.

Those patients then go away, research it themselves, come back and ask, What about focal therapy? and are told, No, its not proven, we dont recommend it.

Some patients end up absolutely fighting for it, insisting they want focal therapy, and only then are they finally referred.

NanoKnife is effective for tumours near vital structures such as the urethra. It is minimally invasive, often allows same-day discharge, and enables a rapid return to normal life. Because it uses electrical pulses rather than heat, it avoids thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
Paul Hartfield, landlord of The Flying Horse, said: It just feels like its all going against us at the moment - Jamie Lorriman

A council has been branded mean-spirited for banning a pub landlord from giving customers rides home.

Paul Hartfield, who took over the Flying Horse in Smarden in Ashford, Kent, had been offering customers lifts in his own black cab after taking over the pub from his daughter.

Mr Hartfield hoped the service would ensure customers returned home safely and did not risk driving while over the limit.

The landlord did not make a profit from the scheme but asked customers accepting lifts to donate to the MND Association. He chose the charity because one of his pub regulars had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The cab service, which Mr Hartfield started in Nov 2025, has helped about 100 people get home safely and raised 700 for the charity in December.

However, on Friday, following the publication of an article about the free rides by a local newspaper, Ashford borough council wrote to Mr Hartfield telling him they would have to stop.

Its mean-spirited ... we are doing this for charity

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Hartfield said: Its mean-spirited that we are doing this for charity and Im not quite sure what Im going to do, to be honest. With the Government increasing business rates and rising costs, it just feels like its all going against us pubs at the moment.

The Telegraph has been campaigning to save Britains pubs in light of pressure from rising tax burdens and Labours plans to toughen the drink-driving rules in England and Wales, which some have warned could more rural pubs out of business.

Mr Hartfield, whose pub dates back to 1790, added: It is just like a friend giving another friend a lift home.

The letter from the councils licensing team wrote: As discussed, it has come to the attention of the Licensing Authority, through a recent KentOnline article, that you have purchased a black cab for the purposes of transporting customers of the Flying Horse, Smarden.

The Flying Horse dates back to 1790 but its current landlord fears for its future

It is understood from the article that the service is offered to customers booking a table, with a suggested charitable donation. It is also understood that the service has been offered since November with significant uptake reported.

The notice informed Mr Hartfield that his offer of a private hire vehicle meant he was subject to requirements for local authority licensing.

The publican explained he was not profiting, but the council official wrote that an individual can be said to derive commercial benefit even when a payment is not made to the driver or company.

They directed Mr Hartfield to a webpage on licence applications, concluding that a vehicle was being provided in circumstances where the provision of the vehicle accrues a business benefit.

Council ban is pure jobsworth nonsense

Paul Upton, 55, who has been going to The Flying Horse for 20 years, described the councils move as utterly ridiculous, telling The Telegraph: It is just bizarre, its complete nonsense.

Mr Upton, an insurance consultant, said: This is a guy who has put himself out, hes bought the car with his own money, hes bought the petrol and he pays for his own insurance.

The concept of trying to stop it is just pure jobsworth nonsense, this could easily be waved through as a charitable thing, which is well-intentioned and helpful to people.

Shortly after The Telegraph pubs campaign was launched, a support package was announced by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to provide temporary relief to pubs from planned business rate rises, which she announced in her November budget.

UKHospitality, the industry body, had warned that the typical pub faced a 15 per cent increase in its rates bill in 2026, amounting to 7,000 extra per year by 2028-29.

An average of four pubs per day have announced their impending closure since the start of this year, despite Ms Reevess support policies unveiled in January.

Data from the Campaign for Real Ale, analysed by The Telegraph, show that 212 pubs have announced closures since the start of 2026.

An Ashford borough council spokesman told The Telegraph it was in discussions with Mr Hartfield.
Bridget Phillipson said it was a once in a generation moment to define the future of education. Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA (Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)

Ministers will unveil a generational overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (Send) support, pledging 4bn to transform provision in schools in England and warning councils they could lose control of Send services if they fail to meet their legal duties.

The changes are expected to be a key policy moment for Keir Starmer and for the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson  who delayed the changes last autumn after a ferocious backlash from MPs and parents.

Writing for the Guardian, Phillipson said it would be improved support, not removed support and said it was a once in a generation moment to define the future of education.

The overhaul will bring about significant extra investment in special needs provision  welcome news as many people had feared the overhaul would be a cuts exercise, given the soaring costs of the services.

Phillipson will promise a multibillion-pound investment including tailored specialist support in all mainstream schools and 60,000 additional special needs school places.

The long-delayed proposals to transform Send in schools in England have resulted in a major listening drive led by Phillipson to try to smooth their landing with parents, and with MPs, many of whom had previously said they were prepared to rebel on the proposals.

MPs who had been wary of the changes told the Guardian they were privately optimistic that concerns had been heard and the vast majority of cases, especially poorer children, would receive improved provision, though they cautioned that detail may yet emerge in the full white paper to throw that into doubt.

Backing the plans, the prime minister said he had closely observed the engagement with parents. Getting the right support should never be a battle  it should be a given, Starmer said.

That means no more one size fits all system that only serves children who fit the mould. Instead, families will get tailored support built around their childs individual needs, available on their doorstep.

Starmer said the struggles faced by his late brother, who had learning difficulties, just to be seen acted as personal inspiration for him regarding the changes.

My brother Nick had so much to contribute to Britain, the prime minister wrote in the Times. He belonged in mainstream society, as do the wonderful adults that todays children with Send will grow up to be. And so I believe, where possible and right, these children also belong in mainstream schooling.

Under the changes, schools will get additional funding for specialised support for all those with special needs, but there will be stricter criteria for children who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), which legally entitles children with Send to get support.

Those will now be reserved for children with the most severe and complex needs, but new plans for children on lower tiers will still confer additional support and legal rights. Parents have raised concerns that those rights will be reviewed when children arrive at secondary school.

Parents will also no longer have a free choice of which school to send their child to and will instead be given a list of possibilities, though appeals will be allowed and the Send tribunal can ask local authorities to reconsider.

Related: Beyond worried: the families waiting to hear how Send reform will change their lives

The shake-up comes amid record demand for special needs provision and mounting parental distrust of a system in which families currently win almost all Send tribunal appeals that go to a full hearing.

Government sources said there would be new obligations for councils to meet their legal duties towards pupils with special needs  more than half of EHCPs are still issued outside the 20-week legal deadline.

The white paper will put councils on notice  fail to meet their legal duties and theyll be stripped of their powers to run Send services, a government source said.

The schools white paper will on Monday propose 4bn over three years to improve inclusion in every mainstream school, which the government will say directly responds to parents concerns that Send support is only provided after years of fighting for it.

Early years settings, schools and colleges will get direct funding of 1.6bn over three years, which can be spent on provisions such as small-group language support.

There will be an additional pot of 1.8bn to create an experts at hand service, provided by local authorities, to fund additional Send teachers and speech and language therapists  which can be accessed whether or not children have EHCPs.

There will also be more funding for high needs provision, additional special needs training for every teacher and the creation of 60,000 extra special school places, which the Department for Education said would end the postcode lottery and reduce costs for private schools and long-distance transport.

In practice, the funding is likely to be the equivalent of about 20,000-40,000 a year for primary schools and about 50,000-70,000 for secondary schools.

Once the changes are rolled out in full, an average secondary school will receive more than 160 days worth of additional dedicated specialist time every year

Schools will also be required to have an inclusion base, delivered through the governments previously announced 3.7bn capital investment in schools.

We are not going to be taking away effective support from children, and what Ill be setting out tomorrow is a decade-long, very careful transition from the system that we have, which everyone recognises isnt working, Phillipson told the BBC on Sunday.

Therell be a statutory underpinning and this will be set out. This will mean that there are clear routes and clear principles set out in statute that will guide all of this.

Charities and thinktanks have cautiously praised thechanges, though several said that they believed they would fail without significant efforts to improve retention and recruitment of staff  and with local authorities already routinely failing to meet their current obligations.

Related: Send provision leaving deprived areas of England trailing behind, report finds

Jo Hutchinson, the director of Send at the Education Policy Institute, said that without substantial increases in the number of funded training places each year, there will not be enough educational psychologists available to staff these services.

Nick Harrison, the chief executive of social mobility charity the Sutton Trust, said the changes would benefit poorer families who did not have the resources to fight for EHCPs.

These ambitious reforms to the Send system are a significant step in the right direction. Its essential that they tackle the double disadvantage that those with Send from poorer backgrounds face today, he said.

These reforms will stand or fall depending on whether the provision for pupils without EHCPs has enough funding to succeed in mainstream schools, and ultimately serves them better than the status quo.

But Madeleine Cassidy, the chief executive of Send legal charity IPSEA, said the announcements do not yet address the central issue of how unlawful decision-making by public bodies will be tackled and how accountability will be strengthened.

At this stage, it also remains unclear whether these reforms will strengthen, maintain or inadvertently limit the existing legal rights of children and young people with Send.

The learning disability charity Mencap, which was highly critical of welfare changes, also said there was cause for optimism.

The move to make mainstream schools more inclusive is welcome news, it said. Families must have their childrens needs identified early and for them to be given the right help straight away, backed by services fully funded to do the job, and rights underpinned by law.

In her Guardian article, Phillipson said she had heeded the calls for more funding to improve the system. Many people have said  including in this newspaper  that the only way to achieve this is with significant new investment. That is exactly what we are doing, she said.

But she said reform was necessary as well as additional investment. This is a reforming government: fixing brick by brick the crises left behind by our predecessors. It is hard to think of one greater than this.

Any parent or teacher who has experienced the Send system will say change is the right thing. Inaction  or indeed action that falls short of genuine change  is itself a choice, because children with Send have been let down time and again over the past 10 years and more. Now is the time to turn it around.

The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said he was prepared for the region to be an early adopter of the reforms and said he had made the offer to the government.

The current Send system isnt working well enough for anyone. That is the unanimous conclusion of the Greater Manchester Send board, which combines parents and professionals, he said.

It could help to build confidence in the changes if one area is prepared to go first and share our learning. We would not do this if we thought this reform is only about cuts and reductions of service and support.

On the contrary, we are confident that a less adversarial and more preventative approach, with children and parents at the heart of everything, is achievable, and that Greater Manchester is uniquely placed to pioneer it.
Two young women chatting and walking with coffee in their hands.

Co-signing a student loan might feel like a short-term favor, but for many people it becomes a long-term financial risk. According to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz, more than 90% of private student loans require a co-signer, meaning two people are equally responsible for the debt.

A co-signer is often required for a private student loan because the student borrower has a thin or non-existent credit history, Kantrowitz told CNBC (1). They are an unproven asset.

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That obligation doesnt go away until the loan is repaid, and it doesnt matter who benefited from the loan.

Imagine Jessica, a 28-year-old who agreed to co-sign her friends private student loans when she was 22 years old. At the time, she was newly on her own and trying to help someone she trusted. Her friend needed a co-signer to finish her degree and promised to stay current on payments. She also told Jessica shed refinance the loan as soon as she could. For years, everything seemed fine.

But Jessica recently learned the loan is several months past due and her friend has stopped paying  and stopped responding to her messages. The lender has begun calling Jessica directly, warning that they will soon report the late payments to the credit bureaus.

Taking over the loan payments could undo years of work Jessica has put in digging herself out of credit card debt, but letting it default could damage her credit. What can she do to remain financially healthy?

The risks of co-signing a loan

Jessicas situation illustrates a risk millions of Americans take, often without fully understanding the consequences. Private student loans are especially risky for co-signers because they lack many of the protections built into federal loans. There are typically no income-driven repayment plans and few forgiveness options. Even when co-signer release programs exist, they are rarely granted, and generally require the main borrowers approval (2).

Lenders are generally averse to removing a cosigner, Dean Kaplan, president of The Kaplan Group, told U.S. News.

If they let the cosigner off and then the borrower defaults, the lender is facing a greater financial loss than if they had not released the cosigner (2).

The fallout can be severe. An AARP survey found that nearly half of borrowers aged 50 and older who co-signed a private student loan ultimately made payments themselves (3). In some cases, co-signers have faced aggressive collection agencies, lawsuits, wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts or property liens from debt they didnt personally use but are still responsible for.

And default isnt always caused by irresponsibility. Illness, disability, job loss or family emergencies can lead even well-intentioned borrowers to fall behind. When that happens, their co-signers become liable for the debt.

In one case reported by CNBC, a private lender excused a 53-year-old woman from repayment when she became disabled, but then transferred the entire balance to her elderly mother, who had co-signed years earlier and lived on her limited Social Security payments (1). The daughter is now worried the loan company will take her mother's house.

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Once a loan goes delinquent, co-signers have few options. You must either pay the debt or take the hit to your credit. Depending on your state and the terms of the loan, you may be able to pay off the debt and then sue the original borrower in civil court. However, a lawsuit comes with its own costs.

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Read More: Warren Buffetts 8 simple and repeatable rules to get rich (and stay rich) in America

What to do before agreeing to co-sign a loan

Scenarios like this highlight why co-signing is less about generosity and more about risk assessment. In general, most financial experts caution against co-signing at all. Remember that student loan repayment often spans decades, and a lot can change in that time. If you are considering co-signing on any type of loan, consider these factors:

Can you afford to take over the payments?

Before co-signing, its worth considering whether you could comfortably afford the loan yourself. If you can't or it would cause undue hardship, don't co-sign.

Set communication rules

Some co-signers assume theyll be alerted if a borrower falls behind. That isnt always guaranteed. Setting expectations with the other borrower, such as providing notice of late payments or shared access to the loan account, can reduce unpleasant surprises.

Can they afford to pay?

Trust alone isnt enough. Understanding the borrowers income stability, job prospects, and overall financial situation can help you assess the real risk. If they are uncomfortable being transparent, don't sign.

Remember, refinancing isnt always an option

Many borrowers promise to refinance and remove a co-signer later. In practice, refinancing requires strong credit and stable income, which isn't always possible. Also, lenders often have broad leeway in deciding whether to offer a refinance.

The takeaway here is simple: co-signing means tying your financial future to someone elses ability and willingness to repay debt. And it's not always about trust, since a borrower's disability or death could leave you on the hook. Avoid co-signing on loans unless you are comfortable paying the debt yourself.

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CNBC (1); U.S. News (2); AARP (3)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Sydney's housing boom is taking a horrific toll on native Australian wildlife, pushing conservationists to breaking point. Developers racing to deliver new homes are accused of killing animals as a first option, or relying on volunteer organisations to step in for free.

The Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), which operates across much of NSW, and the Sydney Wildlife Rescue, which focuses on urban areas, told a NSW Upper House inquiry last week that the system for licences to harm native wildlife is failing both animals and those who care for them.

The inquiry, chaired by Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst, is examining non-commercial licences issued to private landholders under rules introduced in 2016, covering farmers, urban property owners, and developers alike.

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Policy Lead at WIRES, Dr Colin Salter, told Yahoo News Australia that the system for licences to harm animals is broken.

"It is widely known that non-lethal methods are only used a small fraction of the time," he said.

"A killing is not used as a last resort.

"Landholders can get a licence to kill without trying other options first."

Dr Salter explained that the government figures only estimate the number of animals killed under licence, and they leave out orphaned young.

The focus is on self-reporting, and there is very little transparency, making the situation even more murky.

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"The limited transparency or accountability, with an emphasis on self-reporting, makes it impossible to determine definitive numbers," he said.

"The system doesnt reflect community expectations."

Do you have a story? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com

Licenses to kill kangaroos climbed from 189,417 in 2023 to 443,115 in 2025, according to Humane World for Animals. Source: Getty (Nicky Dowling via Getty Images)

Numbers show the problem is growing

Humane World for Animals reports that wombat licences rose in NSW from 189 in 2023 to 286 in 2025.

Kangaroos climbed from 189,417 to 443,115, and emus from 370 to a shocking 6,640.

Development in Appin, on the southwest fringe of Sydney, also continues to impact local koala populations.

These figures show that killing is widespread, and not just occasional, Dr Salter said, adding that volunteers are being relied on to pick up the pieces.

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Developers often require wildlife carers to be present on-site during clearing, at no cost.

They then rescue animals after their homes have already been destroyed.

"Without support for research and trials of non-lethal methods to determine the most effective approaches, the licensing program ... becomes self-perpetuating," Dr Salter said.

There are ways to avoid killing, for example, programs for flying foxes using orchard netting, wombat relocation, and guardian dogs for livestock have all worked when used early.

Development in Appin, on the south-west fringe of Sydney, continues to impact local koala populations. Source: ABC

But the government does not give enough support or incentives to use these methods.

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"A key challenge is that the government is not directly supporting or providing any incentives to research and trial non-lethal methods," he said.

Jessica Crause, chair of Sydney Wildlife Rescues central branch, testified that the cruelty she sees is "significant and visible" and happens repeatedly in certain suburbs.

She often ends up responding in the same areas because licences keep being reissued.

The suburbs most affected include Bankstown, Auburn, Chullora, Yagoona, and the Sutherland Shire.

In these areas, killing seems to be the first step, with little effort to educate the public about non-lethal control.

Sulphur-crested cockatoos and corellas are often killed by secondary poisoning when pest control targets other species.

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In some cases, pest removalists leave traps unattended, leaving possums trapped for weeks or other animals like brush turkeys to die.

Trees with active nests are sometimes felled or lopped, leaving birds to be thrown into chippers, hit by cars, or chainsawed in half.

Crause stated that, in certain instances, even children were present to witness.

Dr Renae Charalambous, wildlife program manager at Humane World for Animals, said that the sharp rise in licences led to "an average of one animal being shot, poisoned, or otherwise destroyed every minute" in 2025.

Residents have noticed rats becoming more common, and native animals are being displaced by the destruction of trees and vegetation.

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In addition, overflowing bins and fragmented habitats make human-wildlife conflict worse.

Yahoo News has contacted the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for comment regarding the claims.

How is a licence granted?

In NSW, a Licence to Harm is issued under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and allows landholders to legally harm protected native animals in certain circumstances.

This includes where the animals are causing serious risks to human safety, property damage or economic hardship.

"Harm" can include trapping, relocation or euthanasia, and in some cases shooting.

Applicants must identify the species involved and provide reasons supporting their request.

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The government states that non-lethal measures should be considered first and that harming wildlife should be a last resort.

Advocates say change is needed

Volunteers like those at WIRES and the Sydney Wildlife Rescue are stretched thin, trying to rescue animals in the middle of this crisis.

They say they spend long hours rescuing injured and displaced animals and bear the financial and emotional weight of the work.

Dr Salter said the sector provides a public service worth millions each year, but is treated as an unpaid safety net for developers and property owners.

More support for non-lethal methods, stricter oversight of licences to harm, and shared responsibility from developers could help reduce unnecessary killing and protect Sydneys wildlife as the city grows, he concluded.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Lobster roll on butcher paper with ramekin of clarified butter - Rebeccafondren/Getty Images

Maine has a lot going for it. Blueberries, Whoopie pies, Moxie, you name it. Another thing that just might trump them all? Lobster rolls. While you may find lobster roll on menus further inland, nothing compares to one featuring lobsters pulled fresh from the nearby sea. We have covered the history of the lobster roll's origin story, and even let you in on the fact that there are two official national lobster days, but what about where to find the best lobster roll in Maine?

There are many Maine establishments serving these sandwiches, each bringing its own uniqueness to the menu, regardless of how you like your lobster roll (butter or mayo). Half the fun is finding which you jive with the most, and tasting them all en route, of course.

You may stumble across a dockside cafe, or maybe you will stop by a lighthouse with a local eatery just steps away. Some only serve lobster rolls certain times of the year, which only makes having to wait for them even more exciting. We rounded up 12 Maine restaurants with the hands-down best lobster rolls, according to reviews.

Read more: Beloved Dishes From Every State In The US

1. McLoons Lobster Shack

Hand holding a McLoons Lobster Shack lobster roll in a to-go carton with a wet napkin - McLoons Lobster Shack / Facebook

McLoons Lobster Shack is a Vacationland institution. Overlooking the bay, with lobster boats bobbing by, guests can rest assured that their lobster is fresh. So fresh, in fact, that there are no tanks anywhere. Instead, you'll just be served fresh-from-the-boat Maine lobster. Another fun fact: although it has been in operation as a lobster shack since 2012, McLoons was originally a lobster-buying station. This family-owned lobster shack is one of Maine's favorite local small businesses, and since it's only open from May through October, visitors and locals alike count the days until the doors fling open each season.

The classic lobster roll brings a quarter pound of freshly picked tail, knuckle, and claw meat to the table, then tucks it inside a butter-grilled, split-top roll. If you're feeling extra hungry, you can even tackle the Lobster Rolls Royce, which is a beast of a half-pound of lobster stacked sky-high on an eight-inch bun. The rolls come with melted butter on the side, plus coleslaw and a pickle. On busy summer days, McLoons now turns out around 500 lobster rolls.

mcloonslobster.com

(207) 593-1382

315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858

2. Eventide Oyster Co.

Eventide Oyster Co. lobster roll on a wooden countertop - Eventide Oyster Co. / Facebook

Eventide Oyster Co. delivers one of Maine's most famous lobster roll twists, swapping the traditional hot dog-style bun for a soft, fluffy, bao-style roll. The brown butter lobster roll here has become the thing people dream about, and which brings them back. The key is the cooking, which has the lobster coated in warm browned butter, then finished off with salt and lemon juice. Once filled in the bun, a sprinkling of chives makes it sing.

Thanks to its prime location in Portland, Eventide is able to get fresh lobster daily. The outfit is supplied by Ready Seafood, which reports processing up to 600,000 pounds of lobster each week. After it is poached, the meat arrives frozen before being dressed in brown butter and tucked into house-made buns.

According to Eventide's staff, it sells nearly 700 lobster rolls a day during the summer. The chefs behind Eventide earned James Beard Awards, helping put Portland firmly on the map. Even staunch fans of the traditional recipes admit this gussied-up, glam version really works.

eventideoysterco.com

(207) 774-8538

86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

3. The Clam Shack

The Clam Shack lobster roll in a to-go container with a lemon wedge on a red plaid napkin on a wooden table - The Clam Shack / Facebook

While you would be hard-pressed to claim one single lobster roll as the very best in Maine, those from The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport are always close to the top of that list. First opening its doors all the way back in 1968, this white seafood shack nestled along the scenic Kennebunk River draws crowds each season. When we say that The Clam Shack takes its lobsters seriously, we mean it.

Sourcing lobsters directly from Cape Porpoise Harbor, the shack then steams them in local ocean water, and hand picks every batch before loading locally baked round buns with a near mountain of lobster meat. Unlike some other locales, the lobster here is not mixed with mayo. Instead, your rolls arrive cold, alongside your choice of butter or mayo. During the height of its summer seasons, The Clam Shack will sell up to 500 lobster rolls each day.

National publications have ranked it among America's best, and celebrities also come in droves to seek out this acclaimed lobster roll. If it's good enough for the likes of Drew Brees, Patrick Dempsey, George W. Bush, and even Michael Kors, sign us up.

theclamshack.net

(207) 967-3321

2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043

4. Red's Eats

Red's Eats lobster roll wrapped in foil served with melted butter on a red food tray - reds_eats / Instagram

For nearly 80 years visitors have come from near and far to sample the lobster rolls at Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine. After all, Red's Eats lobster rolls have been featured at the top of many "best of" lists, while also earning great reviews from food critics and locals alike.

The lobster roll features a towering stack of lobster placed inside a buttered and grilled New England bun. It then serves it up with local favorite Kate's Maine Butter or mayo on the side. And, for those who don't eat gluten, you have an option for gluten-free here, too. With celebs like Tom Cruise and Lionel Ritchie stopping by, and the Food Network giving it a nod on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," we'd say this lobster roll has earned a fan following.

Regarded as the best of the best, Red's Eats has earned its reputation through consistency, quality, and unforgettable flavor. Throughout New England, lobster roll lovers agree that none compare to this lobster roll.

redseatsmaine.com

(207) 882-6128

41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578

5. Luke's Lobster Portland Pier

Luke's Lobster Portland Pier lobster rolls in to-go containers on a white tray - Luke's Lobster Portland Pier / Facebook

Situated right on the city's waterfront, lobster rolls from Luke's Portland Pier feature oh-so-fresh chilled lobster inside a classic split-top, buttered, New England bun. The seafood sammie is then topped with Luke's own specialty seasoning, a touch of mayo, and lemon butter. Guests can take their pick among 4, 6, or 8 ounces of lobster meat, and every order comes with chips and a pickle.

Set along the active pier, this lobster roll eatery delivers pure coastal flavor without over complicating things. The roll is gently toasted, lightly buttered, and packed with cool claw and knuckle meat, finished with a bright squeeze of lemon and just a dusting of Luke's signature seasoning. Sitting waterside adds to the experience, with fishing boats easing in and seabirds circling overhead. Each bite highlights the natural sweetness of the lobster.

Luke's Lobster Portland Pier stays deeply local, buying directly from area fishermen. While Portland natives have long been fans, critics now seem to have taken notice, too. Several publications have ranked it Portland's premier lobster roll, and praised the freshness, noting you can sometimes watch the day's catch arrive before ordering.

lukeslobster.com

(207) 550-2490

60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101

6. The Highroller Lobster Co.

Hand reaching down to retrieve a lobster roll from an aluminum pan from The Highroller Lobster Co. - highrollerlobsterco / Instagram

It's hard to imagine, but if you were ever to tire of traditional lobster rolls, then The Highroller Lobster Co. might just have the seafood sammie you're searching for. This Portland favorite is among the rare few that actually allow you to build your own lobster roll. It's kind of like a build-your-own-adventure book, but edible.

Simply start with a fresh-baked brioche roll, chopped romaine lettuce, and four ounces of Maine claw and knuckle meat. After that, you get to choose your sauce (lime jalapeno mayo reigns as a house favorite). Not sure which sauce to choose? Have no fear! The Highroller Lobster Co. menu even includes a Lobster Roll Flight, which lets you sample a trio of mini rolls with multiple sauces in one sitting, plus popular options like drawn butter, roasted red pepper mayo, and charred pineapple mayo.

Impressed reviewers have gone so far as to say the lobster roll offerings are perfectly worth the drive (and money), which is saying a lot with the high cost of lobster these days. So, whether you are a lobster roll purist or prefer to rock the boat with some super unique sauces, The Highroller Lobster Co.'s customization ensures that you have it exactly like you want it, every time.

highrollerlobster.com

(207) 536-1623

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104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

7. Bite into Maine

Bite into Maine lobster rolls wrapped in butcher paper - Bite Into Maine / Facebook

For those of us who don't like being limited in anything, Bite into Maine feels the pain and brings the delicious relief. The eatery boasts several locations in Maine, including a super popular seaside food truck parked near Portland Head Light (a historic lighthouse inside Fort Williams Park). What sets it apart is that it gives diners not one, but six choices of enjoying their Maine lobster roll.

While it will always be served inside a butter-grilled, split-top bun, you take the wheel when it comes to what kind of uniqueness you're getting catered to after that. You can keep it simple, sticking to a more classic Maine-style a la mayo and chives, or you can create a Connecticut-style roll full of warm butter. There is even a Picnic Style, featuring coleslaw and celery salt. If none of that whets your appetite, really get out of the box and reach for Chipotle, Curry, or Wasabi Style rolls from the menu.

Still can't decide on these delicious options? That's when ordering a Roll Flight could be your best bet. Three mini lobster rolls and a side of chips allow you to have a little bit of at least three combinations, so you never feel pigeonholed again. If you needed more praise, numerous publications named Bite into Maine's lobster roll the best sandwich in the entire state.

biteintomaine.com

Various locations

8. Five Islands Lobster Co.

Five Islands Lobster Co. lobster roll in a to-go container with a side of chips, coleslaw, and onion rings - fiveislandslobsterco / Instagram

If a place exists where one can score an amazing lobster roll and take Instagram-worthy snaps, Five Islands Lobster Co. just might be it. Situated on the outskirts of Georgetown, Five Islands Co. faces the Sheepscot River, allowing guests to watch as fishermen float by and time seems to stand still. The eatery operates only in the warmer months, so guests won't find indoor seating here. What they will find is picnic tables and scenic water views, where they can delight in their lobster rolls while watching actual lobsters being plucked from the sea.

Five Islands Lobster Co. keeps things simple and classic when it comes to its lobster roll, which features freshly picked meat and just enough mayo, piled onto a buttered and grilled hot dog bun. Oh, don't forget, there's lettuce on this one, too.

Not sure if that will satisfy you? Five Islands Lobster Co. keeps hearty appetites in mind with its Big Boy offering more of what you love most. Specifically, the Big Boy takes that lobster and doubles it, then pairs that with a scratch-made potato roll versus the classic hot dog-style bun.

fiveislandslobster.com

(207) 371-2990

1447 Five Islands Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548

9. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights

Lobster roll from The Lobster Shack at Two Lights on a red food tray - lobstershacktwolights / Instagram

While we did say that our last pick was perhaps the most Instagram-worthy, we would be remiss to not mention that The Lobster Shack at Two Lights just might give it a run for its money. That's because this Maine treasure is nestled right along the rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth, perched right beside a historic lighthouse. After snapping all the photos you will likely desire, guests can avail themselves of a lobster roll at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.

Thanks to its seasonal, warmer-months-only time window, guests will love ordering and then enjoying their roll on a picnic table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean (outdoor seating is snatched up fast, so when you actually score a seat, you can be super jazzed). Locals and visitors all line up for The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, and a big reason why is thanks to its fresh-off-the-boat lobster. The simplicity of the roll here is also appreciated, especially among the Maine purists, who love that this shack only dresses its rolls with mayo or butter.

While it may be touristy, this is absolutely a go-to for authentic, Maine flavor. Seriously, if you are wanting a quintessential coastal Maine experience, head to The Lobster Shack at Two Lights once its new season rolls around.

lobstershacktwolights.com

(207) 799-1677

225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

10. Portland Lobster Co.

Lobster roll with a side of fries, a pickle slice, and a lemon wedge in a to-go container from Portland Lobster Co. - PORTLAND LOBSTER COMPANY / Facebook

If you are seeking a Portland lobster roll that comes from an establishment right in the middle of it all, head to Portland Lobster Co. This seasonal, local mainstay is dockside dining at its best, tucked right on the waters edge on humming Commercial Street. It's specifically that waterside vibe that makes diners swoon, with many mentioning the harbor views that really elevate the ambiance. Add to that live music and some of the freshest seafood around, and you have a winning combination.

Guests can stroll up and order at the counter, then claim a seat that offers wide-reaching views of Portland Harbor. Portland Lobster Co. also keeps its lobster roll classic, placing fresh-picked meat from a whole pound lobster, then brushing it with butter before tucking it inside a toasted, buttered roll with a lemon wedge on the side.

Beyond the amazing taste of the lobster roll, Portland Lobster Co. gives patrons one more reason to love it. The restaurant is a proud supporter of local sourcing, committed to taking that route whenever possible. Local outlets regularly list the company as being among the area's top lobster roll destinations, and that, plus the waterfront seating and good vibes, is a winning combo.

portlandlobstercompany.com

(207) 775-2112

180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

11. Abel's Lobster

Lobster roll with a side of fries and lemon wedges on a metal tray atop a wicker table Abel's Lobster - abelslobstermdi / Instagram

Making magic on Maine's Mount Desert Island, Abel's Lobster is a seasonal delight. The property is sweepingly picturesque, offering diners views overlooking spectacular Somes Sound. This historic waterside restaurant has been delivering guests locally sourced seafood for decades, and it is known for its unique way of taking the traditional classics and giving them a contemporary flair. Guests here can enjoy their meal inside or outside, which is ideal for those stopping by after a nearby shore or trail adventure.

The Maine lobster roll served at Abel's is a show-stopping feat, pairing five ounces of handpicked Northeast Harbor lobster with a toasted, buttery, brioche bun. Add to that a fine finishing of lemon chive aioli, and that's one home run hit.

Foodie publications have noted that no Maine trip feels complete without a stop here, and other luxury travel publications regularly recommend Abel's as a must-visit, too, especially when visiting Acadia National Park. The menu here spans beyond lobster rolls to include other lobster-centric dishes (think lobster bisque topped with crispy leek and chives). Even the cocktails get on board with the seafood theme, thanks to inventive sips like a martini made with lobster-infused port.

abelslobstermdi.com

(207) 276-8221

13 Abels Ln, Mount Desert, ME 04660

12. Twelve

Twelve restaurant lobster roll on a white plate - twelvemaine / Instagram

We have shared some amazing lobster rolls, but none may be quite as unique or as elevated as that of Twelve restaurant in Portland, Maine. Perched on the city's idyllic waterside, tucked inside a lovingly restored building, Twelve takes the classic lobster roll beloved by so many and gives it a stunning twist. It is an upscale restaurant, so elevation is par for the course, and its seasonal prix fixe and a la carte menus are dynamite. In fact, Vogue named Twelve among its most anticipated openings in 2022, and The New York Times later included it among its 50 favorite restaurants nationwide.

High praise indeed, but you will understand it once you hear what Twelve's signature lobster roll consists of. To begin with, the high-end eatery swaps out the traditional bun with a croissant. That in itself is intriguing. Then, Twelve fills that croissant with warm Maine lobster. We've heard of croissants being swapped for regular bread in a holiday stuffing, but this takes the cake.

Available a la carte or as a $20 upgrade on the prix fixe menu, this brilliant idea can be attributed to the genius of pastry chef Georgia Macon, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate and Tartine alum. What has resulted in this croissant sorcery is a flaky, buttery vehicle that elevates every bite.

twelvemaine.com

(207) 910-7400

115 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101

Methodology

A two fresh lobster rolls on butcher paper with a lemon wedge - IonTavitia/Shutterstock

Did you know that Maine was once the official state of the lobster roll for a time? It is very interesting how a state's "official food" is chosen. For this best of Maine lobster roll list, we looked to professional food critics and established restaurant reviewers over recycled listicles. Our research focused on trusted publications, regional dining experts, and nationally recognized food writers who routinely evaluate Maine's seafood scene. We looked for reviews that focused on everything from consistency in lobster quality to preparation, value, and overall dining experience. The result is this collection of 12 Maine establishments that serve lobster rolls that stand out as something special.

For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!

Read the original article on The Takeout.
India has postponed a high-stakes trade mission to the US after the US Supreme Court struck down much of Donald Trumps tariff regime.

The three-day trip was due to begin on Monday, with Indian and US negotiators aiming to finalise a much-vaunted interim trade agreement between the two countries.

But both sides have agreed to call off the plans after a ruling by the US Supreme Court on Friday that found key elements of former president Donald Trumps sweeping tariff programme had been improperly imposed under emergency powers.

Officials familiar with the matter have said that the visit to Washington will now be rescheduled to allow both sides to assess the implications of the courts decision and how it will impact the emerging deal.

The decision to defer the visit was taken after discussions between officials of the two countries, the source, speaking under conditions of anonymity, told Reuters. No new date for the visit has been decided.

The Independent has contacted Indias trade ministry for comment.

On Friday, Trump said he would impose a new global tariff regime under alternative powers. Initially, he announced a 10 per cent levy, and then on Saturday raised it to 15 per cent.

The Supreme Court ruling has cast doubt over the legal basis for a range of duties introduced during Trumps second administration and unsettled trade negotiations with other countries.

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Trump said he would impose a new global tariff of 15 per cent under alternative powers (Getty Images)

Under the original tariff regime, Indian goods were subject to a 10 per cent levy, which was later raised to 25 per cent. At one stage, a further 25 per cent penalty linked to Indias continued purchases of Russian oil pushed the effective tariff burden on some products as high as 50 per cent.

On 3 February, Trump announced in a social media he had agreed with Narendra Modi on a trade deal that would see American tariffs on India lowered from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

He also said Mr Modi had agreed India would stop buying Russian oil and, in turn, Washington would lift the punitive 25 per cent levy.

But the lack of proper details on the agreement  and the fact it was supposedly arranged over the phone  led to scepticism over how much had really been achieved. India has made no subsequent public commitment to stop Russian oil purchases, and observers now see the outcome as a preliminary framework rather than a binding trade deal.

While the US Supreme Court judgement will have a global impact, it also comes at a particularly delicate point in trade talks between the Trump administration and China.

Trumps original tariff programme had imposed duties of up to 25 per cent on about $250bn of Chinese imports, along with 7.5 per cent tariffs on another $110bn of Chinese goods. China retaliated with tariffs of up to 25 per cent on roughly $110bn worth of US goods, targeting agricultural exports such as soybeans, and filed complaints at the World Trade Organization.

Some analysts suggest the ruling could shift the balance in the dispute, with Trump due to travel to China from 31 March to 2 April to meet President Xi Jinping and thrash out a bilateral agreement. But while the decision might appear to strengthen Beijings hand, others expect both sides to preserve a delicate truce until then.

It will give China a moral boost in their negotiations with Trumps team ahead of the summit, but they are prepared for the scenario that nothing actually changes in reality, Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank, told the Associated Press.

In general, I think it will just bring in a new period of high uncertainty in world trade, as everybody tries to figure out what the US tariff policy will be going forward, Varg Folkman, analyst at the European Policy Centre think tank, told Reuters. In the end its going to look pretty much the same.
Pakistans military claimed it killed at least 70 militants in strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of militants responsible for recent attacks within the country.

Kabul swiftly rejected these claims, reporting civilian casualties.

Talal Chaudhry, Pakistans deputy interior minister, told Geo News that at least 70 militants had been killed, though he offered no immediate evidence. Pakistans state-run media later revised this figure upwards to 80 fatalities.

The Afghan defence ministry asserted that "various civilian areas" in the eastern Afghan provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika had been hit, including a religious madrassa and multiple homes. Pakistani media reported that fighter jets bombed areas in Khogyani, Ghani Khil and Behsud districts of Nangarhar, along with Barmal district of Paktika during the early hours on Sunday.

The ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty, while Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the attacks "killed and wounded dozens, including women and children. He dismissed Pakistans claim of 70 militant deaths as "inaccurate."

The defence ministry claimed it would deliver a calculated response at an appropriate time.

Mawlawi Fazl Rahman Fayyaz, the provincial director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Nangarhar, reported 18 people killed and several wounded.

Pakistans president, Asif Ali Zardari, said the attacks on parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces reflect Pakistans right to defend its people against cross-border terrorism.

Afghanistans foreign ministry has summoned Pakistans ambassador to Kabul to formally protest the strikes. In a statement, the ministry declared that protecting Afghanistans territory is the Islamic Emirates "Sharia responsibility" and warned that Pakistan would be held accountable for the consequences of such actions.

The Afghan Defence Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty (AP)

On Sunday, villagers in Nangarhar were seen clearing rubble, while mourners prepared for funerals. Habib Ullah, a local tribal elder, insisted that those killed were not militants. "They were poor people who suffered greatly. Those killed were neither (the) Taliban, nor military personnel, nor members of the former government. They lived simple village lives," he told The Associated Press.

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Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on X that the military conducted "intelligence-based, selective operations" against seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates, adding that an affiliate of the Islamic State group was also targeted. Mr Tarar affirmed that Pakistan "has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region," but underscored that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a paramount priority.

India condemned Pakistan's airstrikes inside Afghanistan, calling them an attempt to deflect from Islamabad's domestic shortcomings. Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also reiterated support for Kabul's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India strongly condemns Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures," Mr Jaiswal said.

Militant violence has seen a significant surge in Pakistan in recent years, with much of it attributed to the TTP and outlawed Baloch separatist groups. The TTP, while separate, is closely allied with Afghanistans Taliban. Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from within Afghanistan, a charge both the group and Kabul deny.

The Afghan Defence Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty (AP)

The Pakistani strikes followed a suicide bombing just hours earlier, which targeted a security convoy in the border district of Bannu in Pakistans northwest, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Pakistans military had warned after the attack that it would not "exercise any restraint" and would press on with operations against those responsible.

Last week, another suicide bomber, supported by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Pakistani authorities later identified the attacker as an Afghan national.

Mr Tarar asserted that Pakistan possessed "conclusive evidence" that recent attacks, including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 worshippers earlier this month, were carried out by militants acting on the "behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers."

He claimed Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban rulers to take verifiable steps to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan, but alleged that no substantive action had been taken. Mr Tarar also called on the international community to pressure Afghanistans Taliban authorities to uphold their commitments under the Doha agreement not to allow their soil to be used against other countries.

In Islamabad, security analyst Abdullah Khan suggested that the Pakistani strikes indicate that Qatari, Turkish, and even Saudi-led mediations have failed to resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. "These strikes are likely to further escalate the situation," he warned.

A Qatari-mediated ceasefire between the two countries was established after deadly border clashes in October, which resulted in dozens of casualties among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants.

That violence followed explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to conduct strikes deep inside Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts. While the truce between Islamabad and Kabul has largely held, several rounds of talks in Istanbul in November failed to yield a formal agreement, leaving relations strained.
A US Customs and Border Patrol agent seen in Metairie, Louisiana, on December 3, 2025. - Adam Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Lee el articulo en espanol

A Colombian congresswoman whose conservative party is closely aligned with the right-wing ideologies of US President Donald Trump says her son was detained last month by ICE agents amid the US crackdown on immigration.

Angela Vergara says she decided to go public with the case last week in part because her son has not yet been allowed to return to Colombia despite having requested voluntary departure, but also to raise awareness about the harsh conditions Colombian immigrants are facing in the US.

The case has sparked a debate online, with critics questioning why Vergara, a member of a party that often backs Trump, came out in defense of immigrants only after her sons detention.

Vergara has pushed back against the criticism, insisting that she has never supported immigration policies that she says violate human rights.

This isnt a political issue; its really a human rights issue, she told CNN. Being a conservative politician doesnt mean I agree with human rights violations in Colombia or anywhere else in the world.

ICE detention

Vergara says her son Rafael, 23, has been locked up for more than 20 days at the River Correctional Detention Center in Louisiana, in what she describes as inhumane conditions. She says he is being held along with a number of Colombians waiting for a repatriation flight home.

The River Correctional Center, an ICE detention facility, in Ferriday, Louisiana, where Rafael Vergara is being detained, according to his mother. - Gerald Herbert/AP/File

He told me that he was with 70 people in a cell, that they had gone 12 hours the day before without drinking water, (and) everyone was sick, Vergara recounted to CNN.

The congresswoman said Rafael had been detained by ICE agents after a routine inspection while driving a commercial cargo truck in Louisiana.

She insists Rafael has been living in the US legally with a work permit and paying into social security. She says he applied for asylum a year after arriving in 2022 and was awaiting an asylum hearing scheduled for 2028.

CNN has reached out to the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, for more information.

After learning of her sons arrest, Vergara said the family requested his voluntary return to Colombia, thinking it would be the quickest way to resolve the matter. But more than 20 days after his arrest, she says her son remains in detention.

She attributes the delay to a bottleneck in the repatriation process that has left thousands of Colombians stranded in the US waiting for a limited number of flights.

Colombia signed an agreement earlier this month to resume repatriation flights from the US. Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio said that approximately one flight per week would be carried out over the next few months.

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Vergara says she has asked the Colombian government to expedite transfers and increase the frequency of humanitarian flights.

Colombian congresswoman Angela Vergara, who says her son was detained last month by ICE agents in Louisiana amid the US crackdown on immigration. - Congress of the Republic of Colombia

Controversy over ideology

Vergaras Conservative Party maintains many positions that are more aligned with the American right than with Colombias left-wing government led by President Gustavo Petro and has often expressed support for the Republican Party in the US.

In 2024, the Colombian Conservatives celebrated the electoral victories of Trump and his fellow Republicans in the House and Senate.

Last year, when the Trump administration decertified Colombia as a partner in the fight against drug trafficking, the party condemned, not Trump, but Colombias president for criticizing the US leader. It issued a statement pledging to support the US drug fighting measures.

In September, after the killing of prominent US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Vergara expressed condolences and support for the activist, saying, His departure represents a loss for those of us who firmly defend life, family, and freedom.

Still, despite sharing some views with the American right, Vergara insists she doesnt support inhumane immigration policies.

I have always demanded due process and humane treatment for Colombians, both inside and outside the country, she recently wrote on X.

Vergara says her conversative leanings have caused people to make false assumptions about her.

This week, she denied being a member of the group Latinas for Trump, as many people online have alleged. She also denied that she celebrated the deportations of Latinos or called for a US invasion of Colombia.

On Tuesday, social media users and some news outlets shared a video of a woman dancing in a MAGA hat, whom they incorrectly identified as Vergara.

The video was also shared by Petro, who later took down his post after Vergara denied it was her in it.

In his post, Petro had also addressed the detention of Vergaras son and asked the Colombian Embassy in Washington to provide him with consular assistance: No matter the paradox, the Colombian embassy in the US must help  this Colombian congresswoman to recover her son.

CNN has reached out to the Colombian presidency for comment on the matter.

Vergara told CNN she thought it was positive that Petro addressed the issue but insisted that he needs to respond to her request for humanitarian flights.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
NATO forces participate in a military exercise in the Arctic Ocean in September. AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi

Russia has sent much of its Arctic forces to Ukraine, where they have taken a beating in combat.

But NATO is bracing for these forces to eventually reconstitute, a top Norwegian officer said.

Western militaries are using this period to train for a more dangerous Russia in the future.

Russian forces pulled from the Arctic to fight in Ukraine have suffered heavy losses on the battlefield, but NATO expects them to eventually rebuild, emerging as a "dangerous" challenge, a top Norwegian military official told Business Insider.

Vice Adm. Rune Andersen, chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, said there is no "clear and immediate military threat" from Russia in the north right now. But, he warned, Moscow has plans to rebuild and expand its military once the fight in Ukraine ends.

"We are preparing for a more dangerous Russia," he said, adding that NATO needs to use this time well and make preparations.

Arctic security has become an important issue for the NATO alliance in recent years, as Western officials have grown increasingly concerned about Russia's expanded military footprint in the strategic region.

NATO leadership has called for greater investment in Arctic defense to counter Russian  and, more recently, Chinese  activity. Allied countries are increasingly taking steps to strengthen their posture in the High North, including through new deterrence operations.

Despite rising tensions between Russia and NATO, an Arctic conflict does not appear imminent, as Moscow remains focused on its war in Ukraine  a campaign that has come at tremendous cost.

A French warship patrols north of the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway. AP Photo/Thibault Camus

Russia has pulled most of its forces from the strategic Kola Peninsula  a large swath of territory near Finland and a hub for its military and nuclear power in the Arctic  and sent them to Ukraine, where a lot of their troops have been killed in combat, Andersen said.

"Russia is bogged down in Ukraine," he added.

Experts at the RAND Corporation, a US global policy think tank, said in a report this week that Russia's decision to deploy resources from the High North to Ukraine has ultimately led to "the hollowing out of the country's Arctic-capable ground units."

"The conclusion of hostilities in Ukraine would allow Russia to reinvest in its military posture in the High North," they said.

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Prepping for a more dangerous Russia

Russia's Arctic force presence has long been a concern for countries like Norway, where the threat is directly at their doorstep.

In the 2000s, Russia began returning to some Soviet-era Arctic bases, refurbishing airstrips and reopening facilities that had been closed during or after the Cold War, and in the late 2010s, Moscow launched more active submarine deployments from the Kola Peninsula, Andersen said.

Russia has also deployed missile defense systems, increased its aerial and maritime patrols, and ramped up its military exercises, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US think tank that tracks Arctic military activity.

NATO forces have increased their presence in the Arctic in recent years. US Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Akeel Austin

While Russia's Arctic forces have taken a beating in Ukraine, leaving it less prepared in the region, NATO military planners are still acutely aware that there is potential for conflict down the road and are prepping for such a scenario.

"We are now in a time where we have an opportunity to focus on strengthening ourselves," Andersen said.

NATO allies are investing in technology and systems to help secure the Arctic, including additional surveillance capabilities, icebreakers, drones, satellites, and vehicles that can operate in the cold.

Allies have also expanded their footprint and increased the scale of their exercises in the Arctic to familiarize soldiers with the harsh realities of fighting so far north, where temperatures can kill just as easily as the enemy, and supply lines are vast and fragmented.

Next month, for instance, thousands of NATO troops will participate in the biennial Cold Response drills in northern Norway, which are designed to train soldiers for high-intensity combat operations in the Arctic. These would be crucial skills for Western forces if Russia eventually reinvests in its capabilities across the High North.

"You need to train here to be able to fight here," Andersen said. "In practical terms, it is those troops who have that training and that equipment who are relevant in the Arctic."

Read the original article on Business Insider
by Melani Manel Perera

A journey marked by spiritual and social activities to deepen understanding and unity between spouses and their relationship with their children. The example of a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu experienced by the families of Marriage Encounter in the parish of Puttalam.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The dioceses of Sri Lanka are planning their religious pilgrimages for the year 2026 according to different spiritual themes. The Diocese of Chilaw is celebrating its Year of the Family this year. In this context, various programmes have been organised, together with spiritual and social activities aimed at developing commitment to God and deepening understanding and unity among family members. Among the stages of this journey, the families of the Marriage Encounter of the parish of Puttalam went on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu.

Commenting on this moment, parish priest Fr. Dilanka Nirmal told AsiaNews about the experience of the 25 families who participated. One of the objectives was to bring all the members together, overcoming their hectic and busy lives, to participate together in the liturgy and strengthen unity among the Marriage Encounter families themselves. I also wanted to offer these couples and their children a greater awareness of family life: how to live a life of love and fidelity as spouses, as parents and as children. To help them reflect on their own lives. An active nun and a laywoman engaged in social awareness helped us in this, added Fr Dilanka.

The pilgrimage to Madhu, A. P. Ashanti told AsiaNews, was truly a blessing in our lives. We received very valuable formation. Sr. Deepa helped us to sit down as a couple and reflect deeply on our shortcomings and weaknesses, to overcome what needed to be overcome and to orient our lives towards a new path.

Another member of the group, Roshan Silva, added: We spent this day giving priority to our family. It was wonderful, because in our hectic lives it is a rare opportunity. We are very happy with the knowledge we have gained today. It was a new and valuable experience, added Roshan Silva.

Unlike our usual visits to Madhu Church, today we experienced something more. It was much more than just a pilgrimage, said Ishana, a young woman from a Marriage Encounter family. "We participated in the Divine Liturgy as a family. However, we took part in the formation programme separately. We talked about what we should prioritise during our school years, how to live as children who love and are indispensable to their parents through obedience and listening, and how to refuse to use plastic in order to protect the environment."

All participants expressed their gratitude for this valuable day and expressed their desire to enrich their lives by participating in programmes like this in the future.
22 February 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

In recent years, Azerbaijan-China relations have experienced notable growth, underscored by high-level exchanges, expanding economic ties, and enhanced collaboration across strategic sectors. This dynamic partnership reflects Azerbaijans increasingly deliberate and forward-looking foreign policy as it navigates a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. Amid shifting global power structures and the ongoing reorganization of international supply chains, Azerbaijan's deepening engagement with China is a strategic choice driven by pragmatic considerations and mutual interests.

A week ago, or more precisely on January 28-29, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited China. During his visit, Bayramov engaged in detailed discussions with Chinese officials, advancing the bilateral agenda and bringing substantive momentum to the already burgeoning partnership. This visit, alongside other high-level exchanges, illustrates a commitment to reinforcing political and economic ties between the two nations.

Bayramov expressed Azerbaijan's view of China as an indispensable partner in a range of strategic areas, emphasizing the depth and multidimensional nature of their cooperation. He described Azerbaijans comprehensive strategic partnership with China as a framework based on long-term mutual benefits. According to Bayramov, the partnership rests on several pillars, including robust political dialogue, shared economic goals, and collaboration in multilateral frameworks. He stressed the importance of high-level trust and coordination, especially in the areas of transport infrastructure, renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable development.

As part of the growing bilateral cooperation, Chinese investment in Azerbaijan has increased, particularly in the green energy sector. This aligns with Azerbaijan's long-term development strategy, which emphasizes energy transition and sustainability. Chinese companies are actively involved in the construction of solar and wind power plants, as well as in the development of power generation infrastructure and the production of electric buses. These efforts position Azerbaijan as an emerging hub for green energy development in the region. This expanding investment cooperation not only supports Chinas broader global strategy of promoting sustainable infrastructure projects but also allows Azerbaijan to diversify its economy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons and advancing its broader economic goals.

Azerbaijan's alignment with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a key component of this partnership, particularly with the Middle Corridor, which connects China to Europe via Azerbaijan and Central Asia. As global supply chains shift and regions reassess their logistical routes, Azerbaijans strategic positioning as a bridge between East and West is becoming increasingly critical. This offers both Azerbaijan and China a unique opportunity to enhance regional connectivity, which is of great importance for the broader Eurasian economic framework.

Beyond bilateral engagement, Azerbaijan has consistently emphasized the importance of multilateral diplomacy, using international forums as platforms to advance regional stability and foster dialogue. As a country that has built a reputation as a bridge-builder in global diplomacy, Azerbaijan's active leadership in various multilateral institutions is instrumental in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Notably, Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) (2024-2026) is a significant development in this regard. CICA, which aims to create a common security and cooperation space in Asia, aligns with Azerbaijan's broader diplomatic vision. Azerbaijan's commitment to fostering dialogue among countries with diverse political and security interests complements China's growing regional influence, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and the fragmentation of the international system.

Additionally, Azerbaijans leadership within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its presidency of COP29 demonstrate the countrys proactive approach to multilateralism. These forums enable Azerbaijan to promote dialogue on pressing global issues, such as climate change, security, and regional cooperation, where Azerbaijan and China can work together in fostering a consensus-driven approach.

Azerbaijan's involvement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) since 2015, when it was granted Dialogue Partner status, further reflects its commitment to building strong ties with China and other SCO members. Azerbaijan's partnership with the SCO - focused on counterterrorism, regional stability, and economic cooperation - aligns closely with Chinas priorities, and facilitates collaboration in areas such as trade, telecommunications, and investment. Azerbaijans participation in the SCOs mechanisms also provides a valuable avenue for promoting regional security, combating extremism, and advancing economic growth through greater connectivity.

In this broader context, Azerbaijans growing partnership with China enhances its regional and global standing. By aligning with both bilateral initiatives and multilateral frameworks, Azerbaijan positions itself as a key player in Eurasian and global diplomacy, with a vested interest in fostering stability and cooperation across the continent.

One of the defining features of Azerbaijan-China relations is their shared stance on several key international issues, particularly with respect to territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan has consistently supported Chinas position on the Taiwan issue, reaffirming its commitment to the "One China" policy. As Foreign Minister Bayramov reiterated, Azerbaijan's position on Taiwan is grounded in international law and respect for Chinas sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and the non-interference in internal affairs.

This shared commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity underpins the broader partnership between the two nations. Azerbaijan's support for China is not merely symbolic but reflects a broader foreign policy stance rooted in respect for international norms, the sovereignty of states, and the importance of avoiding actions that could destabilize the region. The strong mutual trust in this regard further solidifies the strategic foundation of the partnership.

Moreover, Azerbaijans support for Chinas stance on Taiwan aligns with its broader foreign policy principles, which emphasize peace, stability, and the maintenance of a rules-based international order. In this sense, Azerbaijan's foreign policy is shaped not only by bilateral considerations with China but also by a commitment to multilateral diplomacy and adherence to the norms of international law.

A partnership for the future

Azerbaijan's evolving relationship with China is a testament to the country's strategic vision and its ability to navigate the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape. Through its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a vital actor in regional and global diplomacy, one that seeks to balance its ties with both East and West while promoting stability, security, and sustainable development.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Azerbaijan and China is poised to deepen further, with both nations focusing on areas of mutual interest, such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and multilateral cooperation. As global power dynamics continue to shift, Azerbaijan's engagement with China will undoubtedly play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of Eurasian and global diplomacy.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan's strategic partnership with China is more than just an economic or diplomatic alliance; it is a forward-looking collaboration that reflects a shared vision for regional stability, multilateralism, and sustainable growth. This partnership, grounded in mutual trust and respect, is set to evolve in ways that will shape the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.
22 February 2026 17:10 (UTC+04:00)

A broad-format meeting has been held at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ADPU) at the initiative of the Vice-Rectorate for Social and Humanitarian Affairs, bringing together the leadership of student organizations operating within the university, AzerNEWS reports.

The meeting was attended by Professor Fikrat Rzayev, Vice-Rector for Social and Humanitarian Affairs; Turan Karimli, Head of the Department for Event Organization and Student Affairs; Ismayil Nasirov, Chief Specialist of the department; Tarlan Aghayev, specialist at the Heydar Aliyev Center; as well as chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of student organizations active at the university.

During the meeting, discussions focused on priority areas outlined in ADPU's 2026 action plan. Participants reviewed the content of upcoming projects, mechanisms for their implementation, and coordination matters. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening ties with the university's regional branches, expanding institutional cooperation among student organizations, increasing joint initiatives, and organizing systematic and goal-oriented awareness activities among students.

Within the framework of the session, concrete proposals were voiced regarding support for student initiatives, enrichment of the social and cultural environment, promotion of national and moral values, and the formation of a healthy organizational climate within the university. Participants engaged in an active exchange of views on these matters.

It was noted that building the activities of student structures on coordinated and strategic foundations would significantly contribute to revitalizing student life at ADPU, strengthening the university's corporate identity, and fostering the continued development of its academic environment.
22 February 2026 21:15 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan and Austria are strengthening ties through collaboration in music education and cultural exchange, AzerNEWS reports.

A high-level meeting on this topic took place between Murad Huseynov, Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister, and Wolfram Rosenberger, Director of the Innsbruck City Music School. The discussion also included Leyla Gasimova, head of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center.

The meeting focused on organizing music education programs for children and adolescents, training professional staff, and developing students' skills and knowledge. Both Azerbaijani and Austrian representatives explored initiatives such as hosting local and international competitions at the school level. They also discussed conducting summer and winter music courses, workshops and seminars, scientific conferences, and other experience-sharing programs.

Deputy Minister Huseynov emphasized the role of music education in shaping young peoples worldview and highlighted the long-standing traditions of music schools in Azerbaijan. He noted that exposure to international practices and professional exchange is critical for maintaining the relevance and quality of music education.

Wolfram Rosenberger provided an overview of the Innsbruck City Music School, describing it as the largest music school in Austria, with more than 4,700 students enrolled.

The school offers a broad spectrum of music education, including programs for keyboard, string, wind, percussion, and folk instruments, as well as vocal training and ensemble work. Students also have access to symphonic orchestra, jazz, and rock ensembles, making the school a vibrant cultural institution that integrates students actively into musical life.

During the meeting, participants discussed ways to further develop children' s musical skills, improve school management, and strengthen cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides expressed commitment to building a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of music education and expanding opportunities for students in Azerbaijan and Austria.
Welcome to Yahoo's weekly column where lawyers Alison and Jillian Barrett from Maurice Blackburn tackle problems everyday Aussies face  whether it be consumer, property, money matters, relationships or work.

Question

Not long after buying my home, I received a letter from council saying that a pergola and deck werent approved and dont meet regulations. I was stunned  these structures were already there when I bought the place, and nothing was mentioned during the sale.

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Now council says I need to either bring them up to code or remove them entirely, at my own cost. It feels incredibly unfair to be held responsible for work I didnt do and didnt even know was illegal at the time. Do buyers really inherit all the legal risks of previous owners mistakes?

Answer

Buying a home only to be told after settlement that the existing pergola and deck are unapproved is a nasty shock. So its understandable you feel its unfair to be responsible yourself.

Below, well explain why councils can pursue you as the current owner, what your options are to get the structures approved, and how you might recover costs from others involved in the sale.

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Across Australia, building and planning rules are enforced by local councils (or private certifiers in some states).

Compliance obligations generally run with the land", meaning councils issue directions to whoever owns the property now, even if the work was done by a previous owner.

Often, people will refer to the long-standing property law principle caveat emptor (buyer beware)  meaning purchasers generally take the property as it is, including all its faults, defects and compliance issues.

Most contracts explicitly state that the buyer acknowledges the property may be noncompliant and that they rely on their own investigations.

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This means that even if you didnt build the pergola, didnt know it was illegal, and didnt benefit from it, you may still have to pay to fix it.

In Queensland, for example, standard Real Estate Institute of Queensland contracts make the buyer responsible for any notices issued after the contract date, which includes compliance issues that come to light postpurchase.

Do you have a matter you'd like us to weigh in on? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com and we might feature it next.

Alison and Jillian Barrett are Principal Lawyers at Australia's leading plaintiff law firm, Maurice Blackburn. (William Gordon Photography)

If the pergola and deck needed approval when they were built, and dont meet the applicable code, the council can usually require either rectification (bringing them up to standard) or removal.

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The details vary by state. For example:

In NSW, owners can often apply for a Building Information Certificate to regularise unauthorised works if theyre structurally sound and pose no safety risk. If granted, council generally wont take action for a set period (usually seven years).

In Victoria, a registered building surveyor can consider a retrospective building permit or issue directions to fix noncompliant work; councils can also issue building notices and orders.

In Queensland, a private certifier may assess whether retrospective approval is possible; councils can issue show-cause and enforcement notices for unapproved structures.

You will assume responsibility for the compliance problem as the current owner, but you may have avenues to recover costs if others misled you or failed to do their job.

Key questions

Was approval actually required?

Some small pergolas or decks can be exempt from development approval if they meet strict size, height and setback limits. If yours met the exemption criteria at the time, councils position may be challenged.

Can it be regularised?

Engineers certificates, minor modifications, or fire/safety upgrades can sometimes bring structures into compliance without demolition.

Were you misled?

If the seller or agent made representations that everything was approved, you may have claims under the Australian Consumer Law for misleading or deceptive conduct, or under contractual warranties in the sale contract.

Did your inspectors or advisers miss it?

A prepurchase building inspector, conveyancer or solicitor may be liable if they negligently failed to identify obvious approval issues or to recommend the right searches.

Do you have title insurance?

This needs to have been purchased prior to settlement. Many policies cover unapproved structures discovered after settlement  notify your insurer promptly.

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Illegal works can also affect:

Property value (buyers may hesitate)

Insurance coverage (insurers may deny claims arising from unapproved structures)

Future renovations (council may refuse new approvals until issues are fixed)

What should you do now?

Get the council letter and property file . Ask council for the property history and exactly which provisions the pergola/deck breach.

Engage a qualified professional . A registered building surveyor/certifier or structural engineer can assess compliance options and the likely cost to rectify.

Explore a retrospective pathway . Ask about a Building Information Certificate (NSW) or a retrospective building permit/approval in your state. Propose a rectification plan and reasonable timeframe.

Review your sale documents . Reread the contract, vendor disclosures, any warranties, and your building inspection report. Keep everything in writing.

Seek advice on recovery. A lawyer can assess claims against the seller, agent, inspector or insurer and any deadlines that apply.

What if the council wont budge?

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If you disagree with an order or decision, there are review and appeal avenues, such as in state civil and administrative tribunals (like NCAT in NSW or VCAT in Victoria) and, in some cases, specialist planning/ building courts.

Strict time limits apply, so act quickly.

This information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. For legal advice on a specific situation, consult a qualified solicitor.

The contents of this column reflect or are inspired by real-life experiences. Some details may be adapted.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
22 February 2026 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

A telephone conversation was held between Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, AzerNEWS reports.

The discussion centered on matters arising from the strategic partnership between the two countries. The sides explored opportunities to expand both bilateral and multilateral cooperation agendas.

They also addressed the regional and international security environment of mutual interest.

In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East. They discussed issues stemming from the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peac ein Washington. Other topics of shared concern were also reviewed.
22 February 2026 10:29 (UTC+04:00)

A commemorative event marking the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide is set to take place on February 25 at the conference hall of the Press, Publications and Public Relations Department of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, AzerNEWS reports.

The ceremony, dedicated to honoring the victims of the tragic events, has been initiated by the TurkiyeAzerbaijan Friendship, Cooperation and Solidarity Foundation, which operates in Ankara.

The gathering will be held under the patronage of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, with organizational support from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkiye.

The human rights commissioners (Ombudsmen) of both Azerbaijan and Turkiye are also expected to participate in the event.

The tragic events occurred on February 2526, 1992, when Armenian armed forces, with direct support from the 366th regiment of the former USSR stationed in Khankandi in Azerbaijan's Garabagh region, launched a brutal attack on Khojaly from multiple directions.

The attack had devastating consequences: approximately 613 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed.

In addition, around 1,000 people were left disabled, eight families were completely wiped out, 25 children were orphaned, and 130 children lost at least one parent.

Furthermore, 1,275 innocent individuals were taken captive, and the fate of 150 people remains unknown to this day.
22 February 2026 13:15 (UTC+04:00)

Officials from Azerbaijan's Information and Communication Technologies Agency (ICTA) and Georgia's telecom regulator, the Communications Commission (ComCom), held a high-level meeting to discuss regional cooperation in telecommunications security, AzerNEWS reports.

During the talks, Tural Zarbaliyev, Director of ICTA's Regulatory Department, raised concerns over a recent surge in fraudulent calls targeting Azerbaijan. He noted that most of these calls originate from numbers that imitate Azerbaijan's national numbering format but are presented with Georgia's international dialing code, +995.

The discussions focused on potential measures to prevent such fraud, with both sides exchanging ideas on practical solutions. Officials emphasized that expanding bilateral cooperation would make a significant contribution to ensuring regional telecom security.

It was also highlighted that meetings like this help establish rapid information-sharing mechanisms, identify risks in a timely manner, and coordinate joint actions.

Strengthening regional collaboration against cyber fraud and spoofed calls, sharing best international practices, and aligning technical capabilities were underlined as key steps toward developing sustainable solutions in the field.
22 February 2026 14:07 (UTC+04:00)

As part of its ongoing efforts to educate the public on proper conduct during emergencies, the relevant departments of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) have organized a series of awareness events across the country, AzerNEWS reports.

Experts from the State Fire Control Service, the Small Vessels Supervision Service, and the Water Rescue Service participated in the initiatives. The Baku Regional Center (RC) held sessions at the Baku Main Customs Department, Secondary School No. 121 in the Khazar district, and the Ankara School-Lyceum in the Narimanov district.

Meanwhile, the Ganja RC organized an event at "Yeni Ganja Hotel Company" LLC, and the Karabakh RC visited Secondary School No. 2 in Khachinabad village, Beylagan district. The Aran RC conducted awareness activities at the administrative building of the Qashalti-Qaraqoyunlu village representative office in Naftalan city and at the secondary school in Qarqucaq village, Goranboy district. In the northwest, the Ismayilli village of Mollaisaqli school and Ismayilli City Kindergarten No. 4 hosted MES awareness sessions. The North RC held its event at the Bostanchi village secondary school in Khachmaz district.

The primary goal of these events was to equip citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond safely to natural and man-made emergencies. Participants received detailed information about the classification of emergencies, the types of incidents most common in Azerbaijan, including fires and earthquakes and the essential safety measures to follow in such situations.

Additionally, the purpose and use of MES's emergency hotline, "112," were explained, and demonstrations on how to operate basic firefighting equipment were conducted. The interactive format encouraged participants to ask questions, all of which were answered thoroughly by the experts.

Through these engaging initiatives, the Ministry continues to strengthen public preparedness and promote a culture of safety nationwide.
22 February 2026 15:11 (UTC+04:00)

Major General Mursal Ibrahimov, Head of the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription has met with citizens from Sumqayit, Absheron, Khizi, Jabrayil, Gubadli, Shusha, and Zangilan at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Khirdalan to hear their concerns and requests, AzerNEWS reports.

The day began with a visit to the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, where General Ibrahimov and participants laid a wreath in tribute and paid their respects to his memory.

During the meeting, 26 citizens, including four families of martyrs and one war veteran had their appeals addressed. Citizens inquired about matters such as mandatory military service, employment opportunities, and the assignment of their children's future military service locations.

General Ibrahimov personally listened to each appeal and issued instructions to ensure that all issues were thoroughly reviewed and resolved promptly in accordance with the law.

Some of the citizens' requests were addressed immediately, while others were taken under supervision for further review. Appeals outside the jurisdiction of the State Service were referred to the relevant authorities.
22 February 2026 16:15 (UTC+04:00)

To optimize internet speed measurements for subscribers, Aztelekom LLC has integrated eight additional Ookla-sponsored servers into its network, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Information and Communication Technologies Agency (ICTA ), this expansion brings the total number of sponsor servers operated across various regions, including Baku, Khirdalan, Shirvan, Shamakhi, Guba, Masalli, Yevlakh, Khankendi, Ganja, and Zagatala to 12 for the operator.

The increase in sponsor servers is part of ICTA's 2025 action plan aimed at improving internet measurement results. The plan focuses on strengthening the infrastructure for internet performance testing, increasing regional measurement points, and generating more objective results.

Last year, ICTA experts conducted a review of Ookla Speedtest servers. A total of 38 servers were inspected, with identified issues reported to operators and providers. Currently, the total number of sponsor servers in Azerbaijan has reached 54.

Ookla's Speedtest Index is one of the worlds most widely used international measurement platforms, evaluating internet performance based on median download, upload, and latency metrics.

The geographic expansion of sponsor servers allows measurements to be conducted closer to users, producing more accurate latency data, precise regional performance evaluations, and more stable statistical results. It also ensures that operators' real network performance is objectively reflected in international indexes.

Globally, internet service quality is increasingly assessed not just by advertised speeds but by verified real-world results on international measurement platforms.

Azerbaijan is gradually transitioning to this measurable internet model, where service quality is evaluated based on real-time measurements, results are compared, performance trends are monitored, and technical foundations for network optimization are established.

This approach helps consumers make informed choices and promotes healthy, quality-based competition in the internet market.
22 February 2026 15:36 (UTC+04:00)

The 21st Universal Postal Union (UPU) Stamp Competition for 2026 has officially launched, featuring an international display of contemporary stamps from various countries, AzerNEWS reports.

The competition is organized in an exhibition format: stamps issued in recent years by UPU member countries are presented at international philately exhibitions, and visitors can vote for their favorite country stands using QR codes.

The first showcase took place at the Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition.

Azerbaijan was represented by Azerpost LLC, part of the AZCON Holding group, exhibiting its modern stamps. The Azerbaijani stand featured releases commemorating the 165th anniversary of the Caspian Sea Shipping Company, the 65th birthday of Ujal Haqverdiyev, and the 200th anniversary of Mirza Gadim Iravani, along with other issues reflecting the country's history and national identity.

The exhibition also hosted business meetings between UPU member countries and partner organizations. Sitara Huseynova, Head of the Stamp Department at Azerpost and Chairperson of the World Association for the Development of Philately (WADP), attended the meetings, where discussions focused on expanding international philatelic cooperation, promoting modern stamps, and exploring partnership opportunities.

Notably, stamps presented as part of the 21st UPU Competition will continue to be showcased throughout 2026 at prestigious international philately exhibitions in the USA, China, the United Kingdom, and Monaco.
22 February 2026 14:25 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to His Majesty Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia, AzerNEWS reports.

The letter reads as follows:

Your Majesty,

My Dear Brother,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey to you and, through you, to your fraternal people, my sincerest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the Day of Founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We are very pleased that the relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, which are a good example of strong friendship and rooted in brotherhood, are expanding day by day and being enriched with new content. The high-level political dialogue between us is accompanied by our cooperation across the economic, energy, humanitarian and other domains.

I would like to particularly note the fruitful joint activities of our countries in the fields of renewable energy and investment. The construction and recent commissioning of the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant by your brotherly country's ACWA Power company is a vivid manifestation of our close partnership.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to enhance Azerbaijan-Saudi Arabia interstate relations and fully benefit from the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Availing myself of this pleasant opportunity, I sincerely congratulate you and your brotherly people on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, and wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, as well as everlasting peace and prosperity to Saudi Arabia.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 19 February 2026
22 February 2026 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijan Defense Ministry has released a summary video based on information shared last week (February 15-22).

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22 February 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

United States President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to unite, stick together, and WIN, criticizing what he described as disloyalty within the party. His remarks, posted on Truth Social, came in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the legality of his emergency tariffs, AzerNEWS reports.

In response to the ruling, Trump announced a new 10% duty on countries worldwide and sharply condemned the courts decision. He further noted that the two Supreme Court justices he appointed voted against the Republican position, contrasting this with what he claimed is consistent loyalty among Democratic-appointed judges.

Trump also singled out Chief Justice John Roberts, accusing him of attempting to overturn levies and enabling foreign countries to take advantage of the United States.

The developments highlight ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over trade policy, while also underscoring Trumps efforts to rally party unity ahead of key political battles.
Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions most Americans will ever make, right up there with buying a home, except you can't live in a Honda Civic. (Well, technically you can, but that's a different article.) The good news: Consumer Reports has done a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

Drawing on extensive reliability data and owner satisfaction surveys, the organization has revealed its 2026 Annual 10 Top Picks in cars, trucks, and SUVs. As Consumer Reports president and CEO Phil Radford put it, car buyers have to juggle safety, reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability all at once, and the goal of this list is to give shoppers confidence that the vehicles they're considering check all those boxes. These aren't just cars that performed well on a test track. They're vehicles that real owners love and that hold up over time.

So buckle up, because here's who made the cut.

Best Small Car: Honda Civic

Image Credit: Honda.

The Honda Civic has long been a darling of the compact car segment, and for 2026 it's earned the top spot in its class, particularly in hybrid form.

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The hybrid version packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, which is a meaningful step up from the base gas model. That power translates to a 060 mph time of 7.5 seconds and fuel economy of 44 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' testing. But what really makes the Civic Hybrid stand out isn't just the numbers; it's how refined and rewarding it feels to drive. Sporty enough to be fun on a winding road, practical enough for the daily commute, and efficient enough to keep gas station visits to a minimum.

If a small car needs to do everything well, the Civic Hybrid has a strong case for being the best in its category.

Best Mid-Sized Car: Toyota Camry

Image Credit: Toyota.

Some cars earn their reputation through flashiness. The Toyota Camry earns it through sheer, unflinching competence, and it keeps getting better at it.

Now sold exclusively as a hybrid, the 2026 Camry recorded an impressive 48 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' fuel economy tests, which is remarkable for a midsize family sedan. The cabin is comfortable front and rear, the controls are refreshingly intuitive, and every trim can be had with all-wheel drive. This year's model also posted stronger reliability scores than last year's already-solid version, which is the kind of detail that makes long-term ownership a lot less stressful.

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If dependability were a personality trait, the Camry would be the most reliable friend you've ever had.

Best Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek

Image Credit: Subaru.

The Subaru Crosstrek is back on the Top Picks list, and it's showing up with more to offer than before.

Every gas-only version now comes equipped with a 180-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine paired with a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, returning 29 mpg overall in testing. A new hybrid variant is also available with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, for those who want to stretch their fuel dollar even further.

Handling is sharp and confident, but it's the ride quality that really earns applause; the Crosstrek absorbs bumps and rough roads with a smoothness that punches above its size class. And with extra ground clearance, it handles light off-road adventures without breaking a sweat.

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For drivers who want just a little more capability without going full truck mode, the Crosstrek is a sweet spot.

Best Compact SUV: Subaru Forester

Image Credit: Subaru.

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Last year, the gas-only Forester made the list on the strength of its visibility, spaciousness, easy entry and exit, and rock-solid reliability scores.

This year, Subaru sweetened the deal with a hybrid powertrain, pairing its 2.5-liter flat-four engine with Toyota-sourced electric hardware. The result is a 5 mpg improvement over the standard model, which is a tangible difference when you're filling up week after week.

What's particularly impressive is that unlike many compact SUV hybrids that compromise on all-wheel drive capability, the Forester Hybrid retains a full-time mechanical AWD system. So you don't have to trade capability for efficiency.

All the things that made the Forester great last year are still here, and now it comes with a side of fuel savings.

Best Midsized SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander

Image Credit: Toyota.

Finding a three-row SUV that comfortably seats adults in every row and still has meaningful cargo space is harder than it sounds.

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The Toyota Grand Highlander pulls it off, making it one of the most practical family haulers on the market. Equipped with 18-inch tires, it also offers a notably smooth ride for a vehicle of its size. The optional hybrid powertrain is the real headline here: rated at 35 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' testing, it rivals compact SUV hybrids on fuel economy while delivering performance that matches the standard turbocharged engine.

For families who need room for everyone, gear, and a road trip's worth of snacks, the Grand Highlander makes a very convincing argument.

Best Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX

Image Credit: Lexus.

The Lexus NX proves that you don't have to sacrifice elegance to get efficiency.

The cabin may be on the cozier side of compact, but it's finished with quality materials and controls that actually feel premium to usesomething not all luxury brands can say. The turbocharged gas-only version is plenty quick and competitive in its class.

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The hybrid variant goes even further, delivering 38 mpg overall in AWD form during Consumer Reports testing. And for those who want the full electrified experience, the plug-in hybrid version offers 37 miles of electric-only range and a combined 304 horsepower. It's quiet, polished, and reliable in a way that justifies the Lexus badge.

If a small luxury SUV is on your radar, the NX is the one that tends to make buyers very happy they chose it.

Best Small Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick

Image Credit: Ford.

The Ford Maverick continues to redefine what people expect from a small pickup.

It comes in at an accessible price point, fits into parking spots that full-size trucks can only dream about, and offers a hybrid powertrain that achieved 37 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' testing, numbers that many sedans would envy. The gas-only turbocharged four-cylinder brings 250 horsepower and 23 mpg for those who prefer a more spirited drive. For 2026, AWD is now available across both engine options, and specialty trims like the performance-oriented Lobo and off-road-ready Tremor give buyers even more ways to configure it to their lifestyle.

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Whether you're commuting through the city or hauling gear on the weekend, the Maverick handles both with genuine ease.

Best Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5

Image Credit: BMW.

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The BMW X5 is the kind of vehicle that makes you feel good before you've even turned the key.

The interior is a thoughtful blend of leather, wood, chrome, and soft-touch surfaces, and the seats are sculpted to support long drives without complaint. Performance-wise, the gas-only X5 delivers sports-sedan levels of acceleration while achieving 23 mpg overall, strong numbers for a nonhybrid luxury SUV in this segment. For drivers with shorter commutes, the plug-in hybrid version is designed around a 39-mile electric-only range, and once the battery runs down, it still returns a respectable 21 mpg.

Either way, you get the driving experience BMW is known for. It's a luxury SUV that earns the premium it asks for.

Best Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y

Image Credit: Tesla.

For drivers ready to go fully electric, the Tesla Model Y remains the benchmark.

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Refreshed for 2026, it brings meaningful upgrades to the package: a more comfortable ride, a quieter cabin thanks to acoustic glass, a refined interior, and an 8-inch rear touchscreen on the mid-level Premium trim and above. Range remains excellent, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network continues to be one of the biggest practical advantages in the EV market.

The Model Y also keeps its characteristic strengths: brisk acceleration, responsive handling, and clear forward sightlines. Perhaps most importantly, reliability has continued to improve year over year, making it a more confident long-term ownership proposition than ever.

If you're making the leap to electric, this is where most drivers land, and most of them stay happy.

Best Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford F-150

Image Credit: Ford.

The Ford F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series, which remains a U.S. sales-leading truck line, and improved reliability scores in Consumer Reports' latest survey data have earned it a well-deserved spot on this year's Top Picks list.

The base 325-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 is a refined engine that handles everything from daily driving to heavy hauling with minimal fuss. A traditional V8 is still available for traditionalists, but the standout option is the 430-horsepower hybrid V6, which produces 570 lb.-ft. of torque, making it a serious workhorse for towing. Practical features like enhanced blind-spot monitoring, trailer hookup assistance, and a workbench-capable tailgate round out a truck that's as useful as it is impressive.

Ford's BlueCruise driver assistance system is also available for long-haul highway comfort.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Subaru.

What's striking about Consumer Reports' 2026 Top Picks is how well these vehicles cover the full range of what American drivers actually need. From a city-friendly hybrid compact to a three-row family hauler to an all-electric road tripper, there's a clear winner in every category, and each one earned its spot through real-world reliability data and owner satisfaction, not just a single impressive test. The common thread running through all ten? They're vehicles that hold up over time, which is ultimately what matters most when you're making a purchase this significant.

Whether your priority is fuel economy, cargo space, luxury, or pure capability, this list gives you somewhere solid to start. Do your research, take a test drive, and trust that the homework has already been done.

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22 February 2026 12:28 (UTC+04:00)

The United States will deploy a hospital ship to the coasts of Greenland to provide medical assistance to local residents, AzerNEWS reports.

This was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on the social media platform Truth Social.

Donald Trump posted on social media that, working with the "fantastic" Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, they were going to send a hospital ship to Greenland to care for the many sick people who were not being looked after there, and added that the ship was already on its way.
22 February 2026 19:27 (UTC+04:00)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was re-elected on Friday as chairman of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), securing 91.17 percent of the delegate votes at a party congress held in Stuttgart, AzerNEWS reports citing Xinhua.

The result marked Merz's first re-election as party leader since becoming the Federal Chancellor in June last year.

Addressing the delegates earlier in the day, Merz called for internal unity to support the government's work, stating that "when we are united, we can achieve everything together."

In his speech, Merz stressed his reformist promises and also warned that the world has become rougher and more dangerous.

He also reaffirmed that the CDU would not seek cooperation with the country's far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), asserting that the CDU would not allow the AFD to "ruin our country."

Merz's previous re-election in 2024 saw him receive 89.8 percent of the vote.
22 February 2026 20:34 (UTC+04:00)

Nasa is targeting early March to launch a crew around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, in what would be humankind's furthest trip into space, AzerNEWS reports citing BBC.

The Artemis II mission will see four astronauts embark on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon and back to Earth, paving the way for a future lunar landing.

Nasa set the earliest launch date of March 6 (early on March 7 in the UK) following a successful "wet dress rehearsal" - a critical pre-launch test where the rocket is filled with fuel and taken through the countdown sequence.

It was the Artemis team's second attempt at a practice run at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

"Every night I look up at the Moon and I see it and I get real excited because I can feel she's calling us and we're ready," Nasa's Lori Glaze told a news conference on Friday.

"The excitement for Artemis II is really, really starting to build, we can really start to feel it. It's coming."

The first rehearsal, which took place at the beginning of February, ended early because of a hydrogen fuel leak at the launch pad.

Glaze said issues including with seals and filters had now been remedied.

"Yesterday we were able to fully tank the SLS rocket within the planned time line [] we also successfully demonstrated the launch countdown," she said.

Three Americans - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch - and one Canadian, Jeremy Hansen, make up the Artemis II crew.

Glaze said the crew were excited following the successful rehearsal and would go into quarantine later on Friday.

They'll begin their journey on Nasa's mega Moon rocket: the 98m-tall (322ft) Space Launch System, or SLS.

It's only flown once before in November 2022 for the Artemis I mission, but this was with no people onboard.

The crew will be strapped into the Orion capsule, which is located at the top of the rocket.

The inside of their spacecraft is about the size of a minibus, and it's where the four will live, eat, work and sleep during the 10-day mission.

The first day of their journey will be spent in orbit around the Earth, then if all systems are working well, the astronauts will head towards the Moon.

The voyage takes about four days, and the crew will travel around the far side of the Moon, which is the side we never see from Earth.

They'll be at a distance of 6,500-9,500km (4,000 to 6,000 miles) above the lunar surface, and will have several hours dedicated to studying and taking images of the Moon.

After the fly by, the astronauts will begin their four-day journey home. They will end the mission with a splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

The mission, if successful, will pave the way for Artemis III, which will see astronauts set foot on the lunar surface.

The last time humans visited the Moon was in 1972 for the Apollo 17 mission.

Nasa says the landing will happen by 2028, but this is a very ambitious timescale.

Elon Musk's SpaceX company has a contract to build the lander for Artemis III - which will be flown to the Moon on a SpaceX Starship rocket. But delays to the Starship rocket have led Nasa to ask SpaceX for a new streamlined plan to speed a return to the Moon.

Nasa has also asked rival company Blue Origin - which is owned by Jeff Bezos - to come up with an accelerated lunar plan for Artemis III.

As the tech billionaires battle it out, the US is under pressure to return to the Moon. China is aiming for a lunar landing by 2030, and has been making steady progress towards this.

Both nations are planning to land at the Moon's south pole - and are competing for the best spots to build their lunar bases.
22 February 2026 21:40 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of Board of Peace Washington, where both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade and economic activities as well as mutual cooperation in countering terrorism, AzerNEWS reports citing the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

During the meeting, the two sides underscored the importance of Pakistan-U.S. strategic relations and expressed satisfaction over the momentum and positive trajectory of the partnership, under the leadership of President Trump.

The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, a press release issued by the PM House Media Wing said on Friday.

The prime minister congratulated President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio on the successful inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace and reaffirmed that Pakistan was ready to work with the Board of Peace for the implementation of Gaza Peace Plan.

He emphasized the importance of continued high-level engagement between Pakistan and the U.S. to advance common goals in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Meanwhile, in a press statement issued by the US State Department, Secretary Rubio thanked Pakistan for its ongoing support of President Trumps Peace Plan for Gaza and for participating in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace as a founding member.

He also offered his condolences for the horrific January 31 attacks in Balochistan and the devastating February 6 bombing in Islamabad, reaffirming the importance of our continued partnership in the fight against terrorism.

The secretary welcomed Pakistans participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington.

The officials discussed critical minerals and energy sector development, as well as commercial investment opportunities for American companies.

Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister (Shehbaz Sharif). Appreciate Pakistans ongoing support of @POTUS s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and counterterrorism, Rubio said in a social media post on X.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also wrote on X to thank Marco Rubio and said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates the meaningful discussions we had today on advancing peace, cooperation in fighting against terrorism, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. We look forward to further strengthening our strategic partnership in all areas of shared interest.
22 February 2026 22:14 (UTC+04:00)

Temporary ban on the export of mineral fertilizers from Kyrgyzstan outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (except for the customs procedure of customs transit and humanitarian assistance provided by the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan) has been imposed for a period of six months, AzerNEWS reports citing Kabar.

The relevant decision was signed by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev.

The ban does not apply to mineral fertilizers that were subject to export, were previously imported from third countries and do not meet the established quality requirements.

Relevant government agencies have been instructed to take necessary measures to prevent the illegal export of certain types of mineral fertilizers.
23 February 2026 01:04 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Ukraine has struck one of Russias most strategically significant defence facilities, targeting the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in a remote region nearly 800 miles from the Ukrainian border. The overnight attack marks the deepest strike yet carried out by Kyiv using a domestically produced weapon.

According to Ukraines General Staff, the strike caused a fire at the plant, a facility central to Russias missile production network. The regional governor, Alexander Brechalov, confirmed that the site had been attacked, reporting damage and injuries. Eleven people were said to have been wounded, with three hospitalised. Independent verification of the extent of the damage was not immediately available.

The weapon used was a Flamingo cruise missile, developed by a Ukrainian startup in under nine months. Assembled in part using engines salvaged from decommissioned Soviet-era training aircraft, the missile represents a significant step forward in Ukraines domestic arms production capability. The strike underlines Kyivs growing ability to project force deep into Russian territory without relying exclusively on Western-supplied systems.

The Votkinsk plant is not an ordinary industrial site. It manufactures the Iskander short-range ballistic missile, which Russia has used extensively throughout the war in Ukraine. The facility is also involved in producing Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and components for intercontinental ballistic missiles, making it a linchpin in Russias broader strike architecture, including its strategic nuclear forces.

Iskander missiles have repeatedly been deployed against Ukrainian cities. On 27 June 2023, one struck the Ria Pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk, killing 13 civilians, including children. Among the victims was the Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, who died from her injuries days later. In October that year, another Iskander attack on the village of Hroza killed 59 people, devastating an entire community gathered for a memorial.

The missiles name, Iskander  the Arabic rendering of Alexander the Great  was intended to convey power and inevitability. On Saturday night, the factory responsible for its production was engulfed in flames.

The attack signals a widening of Ukraines military strategy. By targeting the infrastructure that sustains Russias missile arsenal rather than merely intercepting incoming strikes, Kyiv appears to be seeking to degrade Moscows long-term capacity to wage war.

The strike also carries symbolic weight. A facility at the heart of Russias missile manufacturing complex  one tied to both battlefield and nuclear capabilities  has now been reached by a domestically developed Ukrainian weapon. In doing so, Ukraine has demonstrated that distance alone no longer guarantees safety for key elements of Russias defence industry.

Whether the damage will significantly disrupt missile production remains unclear. But the message is unmistakable: the geography of the war is shifting, and Russias military-industrial backbone is increasingly within reach.
Oregon Coast Crabbing Petition Denied, Rulemaking Process Remains on Course

Published 02/21/26 at 4:55 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Springfield, Oregon)  For now, the behind-the-scenes work on ending whale entanglement off the Oregon coast will remain the same in process, with no extra layers of meetings or public input involved that weren't there before. No other additions to rules will be made at this time.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 6-1 on Friday to deny a petition seeking additional rule changes aimed at reducing whale entanglements in the states commercial Dungeness crab fishery. Commissioners instead urged the department to continue its ongoing 2026 rulemaking process and its work with NOAA Fisheries to secure Endangered Species Act coverage for the fishery.

Whale entanglements have risen along the West Coast since 2014, a trend linked to a growing humpback whale population, shifting ocean conditions that increase overlap with crab gear, and improved reporting. Most humpbacks found off Oregon are listed as Threatened or Endangered.

The decision followed extensive public input, including hundreds of pages of written comments and testimony from nearly 70 people at Fridays meeting in Springfield. Crab fishermen, conservation groups behind the petition - including the Center for Biological Diversity, Oceana, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Cetacean Society - and several coastal elected officials all weighed in. Rep. Boice of Curry County spoke on behalf of Oregons coastal caucus.



Photo NOAA

Accepting the petition would not have changed any rules but directed ODFW to conduct a public rulemaking process, with any proposed rule changes considered at a future public meeting and after an additional public process, ODFW said.

ODFW staff recommended accepting the petition as a way to reinforce transparency and ensure economic impacts were fully considered. Some extra rules were proposed on top of the procedural changes.

Director Debbie Colbert told commissioners the departments recommendation was essentially to stay the course on the planned 2026 rulemaking. That work includes reviewing existing entanglement-reduction measures and considering experimental permits for testing pop-up and longline gear, along with potential requirements for electronic vessel monitoring.



Humpbacks around Astoria - Seaside Aquarium

The 2026 effort is part of a broader strategy launched in 2019 to reduce entanglement risk while maintaining a viable fishery. A key component is development of a Conservation Plan required to obtain a federal Incidental Take Permit under the Endangered Species Act. ODFW is working with NOAA Fisheries to complete the plan, a process that can take several years.

We have been working actively to pursue a CP and submitted a partial plan to NOAA Fisheries last year, said Fish Division Administrator Mike Harrington, noting that federal staffing shortages and the government shutdown may have slowed progress. He said the agency recently received feedback from NOAA and expects to submit a final plan this year.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

In other action, the Commission voted 6-1 to adopt a Final Order concerning the Winchester Water Control District. The order affirms an Administrative Law Judges finding that the district violated fish passage laws in 2023 and requires installation of fish passage meeting department criteria at Winchester Dam by 2030.

A recording of the s meeting is available at their YouTube channel .

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Newport Latest Oregon Coast Town to Ban Personal Fireworks Year-Round

Published 02/20/26 at 5:55 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Newport, Oregon)  Newport has just joined an increasingly-long list of towns on the Oregon coast that have banned personal fireworks year-round. However, its massive professional fireworks show on July 4 will stay.

This week, the Newport Newport City Council approved a year-round ban on the possession, use, and sale of consumer fireworks within city limits, echoing a similar move it did over the summer with a temporary ban that expired in October.

City councilmen adopted the ordinance on a 6-1 vote at its February 17 meeting. The measure takes effect immediately and is aimed at reducing fire danger, protecting public safety, and limiting the potential for property damage.

The ban covers common consumer fireworks such as fountains, ground spinners, torches, and wheels. Items that remain allowed include sparklers, snakes, caps, model rockets, and trick noisemakers. The previous temporary ban did not include the sale of fireworks in town, but this includes that in the law.

"Newport joins Lincoln County and several other cities within the county that have already adopted year-round prohibitions on consumer fireworks," the Council said. "In previous years, the City Council determined whether to allow consumer fireworks on an annual basis in response to weather-related fire forecasts and risk."



Waldport / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Statewide fire activity fueled the councils concerns. Between June and October 2025, Oregon saw more than 1,100 fires that burned roughly 350,000 acres. More than 700 of those fires were human-caused, according to the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal. While total acreage burned was lower than in 2024s record season, the number of fires - and the number sparked by people - increased. Lincoln County also faced worsening drought conditions last summer, prompting Governor Tina Kotek to issue the countys fourth drought declaration since 2018.

Despite the new restrictions, Newport will continue its annual Independence Day fireworks display. The July 4 show will again be launched over Yaquina Bay from the west end of the Port of Newports International Terminals, with Newport Fire Department crews providing oversight and safety support.



Seaside - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Cannon Beach has always had a ban on personal fireworks  largely because of Haystack Rock's wildlife. Currently, Yachats, Waldport and Lincoln City have banned the use of fireworks in town, except professional shows. Yachats and Lincoln City have also banned the sale of fireworks within town, as did Lincoln County's unicorporated areas.

Lincoln City famously  and controversially  replaced its fireworks show with a drone show this year, citing environmental and other safety concerns. Local police also said the move helps them better police beaches for the illegal use of fireworks on the sands.

Lincoln City First on Oregon Coast to Ditch 4th of July Fireworks for Drone Shows - A massive, dazzling drone show is in store for Independence Day

It is illegal to use fireworks of any kind on Oregon coast beaches, which are generally under the umbrella of Oregon State Parks.

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Police Arrest Man for Breaking Into N. Oregon Coast's Historical Big Red, Using As Home

Published 02/21/26 at 5:55 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon)  A familiar but rather mysterious sight on the north Oregon coast was hit with more than a litte bit of mistreatment recently. (Photo Astoria Police Department)

Astoria police arrested a man Friday morning after officers responded to a reported break-in at the historic red building on the Columbia River at the end of 31st Street  otherwise known as Big Red.

A caretaker had called police after noticing signs of a possible intrusion. Officers searched the property and discovered an individual who had unlawfully taken up residence inside. He was taken into custody without incident. Police also found that a substantial amount of copper and other valuables had been removed from the building, though investigators say there is no evidence linking the arrested man to that theft.

The department noted that metal thefts continue to cause financial losses for property owners and damage to structures that are part of Astorias historic landscape. It remains a problem all over town.



Photo Astoria Police Department



On a positive note, this rare opportunity allowed us to briefly step inside one of our communitys historic structures and appreciate its character and craftsmanship, the department said.



Photo Astoria Police Department

The Big Red building was a cannery during Astoria's long heyday as a canning industry hub, but in recent decades had wavered between disrepair and rejuvenation. It served as a practice pad for indie rock band Blind Pilot for a time, and had a nickname related to that during that period.



Photo Astoria Police Department

It was sold in 2024, and photos from then show a much different and refurbished interior. Big Red appears to be trashed by comparison.

Police urge residents to report suspicious activity around vacant or historic buildings by calling 911 or the non-emergency line at 503-325-4411.

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S. Oregon Coast Wind Warnings, Waves Up To 23 Feet

Published 02/21/26 at 6:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Coos Bay, Oregon)  February is spending its final week throwing some fits of drama. (Photo Oregon's Adventure Coast)

With the north Oregon coast and south Washington coast under a hazardous seas warning, the south Oregon coast will have its hands full with a high wind warning and a high surf advisory. Waves as high as 23 feet will be slamming onshore as wind gusts get up to 65 mph. Hazardous Seas Watch on N. Oregon Coast, S. Washington Coast, Waves Up To 15 Ft - Beaches will require caution but some good wave shows possible

This will possibly be enough to bring large waves to the Shore Acres area around Coos Bay, but it's somewhat borderline and the window of time is small.

A powerful coastal storm is bringing is bringing it all in, with multiple weather alerts in effect through Sunday morning from the National Weather Service (NWS).

A High Wind Warning remains in place until 10 a.m. Sunday, with south winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts reaching 65 mph along exposed areas. The strongest winds are expected on headlands south of Bandon, including stretches of Highway 101 from Cape Blanco southward. The warning includes Harbor, Nesika Beach, Ophir, Gold Beach, Port Orford and Pistol River.

NWS forecasters say winds will stay elevated through Sunday morning, peaking during the frontal passage late Saturday night. Loose debris may be blown around, property damage is possible, and travel could be difficult for high-profile vehicles.

For the South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast: including Coos Bay, Gold Beach, Brookings, Bandon and Port Orford into Reedsport.

At the same time, a High Surf Advisory continues from 10 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, with large breaking waves of 20 to 23 feet expected along Curry County beaches.





Hazardous surf zone conditions are expected Saturday night and Sunday morning, primarily for the beaches of Curry County, the NWS said. Large breaking wavs of 20-23 ft are expected during this time. Stay away from the surf zone and off of jetties.

South-facing shorelines will receive the greatest smacking. The surf may inundate beaches and low-lying areas, cause beach erosion, and damage exposed infrastructure. Hazardous conditions are likely in and near the surf zone.

The NWS saic residents and visitors to secure loose outdoor items, stay well back from the water, and avoid jetties and logs on the beach as conditions become increasingly dangerous. A detailed hazard map is available at the National Weather Service website.

See all the warnings for Oregon.



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BYDs ambitions are no longer limited to its home market in China. The company is openly positioning itself as a future leader of the global automotive industry, and Europe is seen as one of the most important regions in that strategy. According to BYD Vice President Stella Li, success in Europe would signal that the company can compete anywhere in the world.

We want to be at the top of the automotive industry, Li said, making it clear that BYD sees the European market as a critical test not only of sales volume but also of brand credibility and technological reputation.

From Domestic Giant to Global EV Leader

Photo Courtesy: Byd.

BYD reached a major milestone in 2025 by becoming the worlds highest-volume seller of electric vehicles, surpassing Tesla in total deliveries. The company also climbed to seventh place among global automotive groups, moving ahead of long-established names such as Ford. As an individual automotive brand, BYD now ranks among the worlds largest players, reflecting how quickly the company has expanded beyond China.

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While that growth has been driven partly by aggressive model launches in its domestic market, BYDs approach in Europe looks different. Instead of flooding the market with a large number of vehicles, the company wants to strengthen its image as a high-tech, innovative manufacturer.

Li emphasized that Europe represents a qualitative opportunity rather than a purely quantitative one. In other words, brand perception and long-term positioning matter as much as raw sales numbers.

A Technology Company First, Automaker Second

BYD frequently describes itself as a technology company as much as a car manufacturer. The company produces components used in roughly one-third of the worlds smartphones and supplies batteries to multiple global automotive brands. Its research and development footprint is equally massive, with more than 100,000 engineers working across different divisions.

According to company figures, BYD files around 45 new patent applications every day, a statistic meant to underscore how heavily it invests in innovation and in-house technology development.

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This approach mirrors the strategy that helped Tesla reshape public perception of electric cars. BYD appears eager to build a similar identity, positioning itself as a technology-driven brand rather than simply another high-volume automaker.

Charging Infrastructure and Future Battery Technology

Photo Courtesy: BYD.

Infrastructure remains another key part of BYDs expansion plans. The company intends to install around 6,000 ultra-fast chargers worldwide, including locations across Europe. Expanding charging access is seen as essential for increasing consumer confidence and accelerating electric vehicle adoption.

Looking further ahead, solid-state batteries are viewed as the next major breakthrough. These batteries promise higher energy density and potentially improved safety, although large-scale production remains challenging due to cost and manufacturing complexity. BYD believes early applications could appear later this decade, while mass adoption will likely take longer.

Prepared for Multiple Powertrain Paths

Unlike some manufacturers that focus exclusively on fully electric vehicles, BYD argues that flexibility is crucial. The company continues to invest heavily in plug-in hybrid technology, highlighting models capable of traveling more than 620 miles on a combined range while maintaining strong efficiency.

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At the same time, BYDs fully electric lineup continues to expand, giving the brand options depending on regional regulations and market demand. This multi-powertrain strategy allows the company to adapt quickly if European policy introduces new categories for smaller, affordable vehicles.

European Manufacturing Plans Take Shape

Photo Courtesy: BYD.

To strengthen its European presence, BYD is building a factory in Hungary that will enable local production and help avoid import tariffs. Alongside Hungary, Turkey has also been identified as a key manufacturing location, while Spain is reportedly being considered for a third production site.

Local manufacturing is expected to improve logistics, reduce costs, and build trust among European consumers who often prefer vehicles produced closer to home.

Premium and Luxury Expansion

BYDs strategy goes beyond mainstream electric cars. The company plans to introduce its premium brand Denza to Europe starting in 2026, followed by the luxury-focused Yangwang brand in the second half of 2027. These additions show that BYD is targeting multiple segments, from affordable city cars to high-end performance and luxury vehicles.

A Global Strategy Without the United States, for Now

Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

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Interestingly, BYD currently has no plans to enter the United States market. Instead, the company is focusing on regions where expansion opportunities are clearer, including Central and South America. A factory has already opened in Brazil, supporting rapid growth throughout the region.

For now, Europe remains the key battlefield where BYD hopes to prove it can evolve from a fast-growing Chinese brand into a true global automotive powerhouse. If Stella Lis vision becomes reality, the company could reshape how the industry defines competition in the electric era.

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.

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In a cultural moment marked by confusion, competing moral claims, and rapid social change, clarity grounded in truth is more essential than ever. This weeks edition of Truth for Our Times examines three developments - one deeply personal, one broadly ideological, and one culturally revealing. Together, they remind us that public policy, economic philosophy, and even childhood institutions are never morally neutral. As always, our aim is not merely to inform, but to equip thoughtful Christians for faithful engagement in the public square.



Irreversible Decisions, Unavoidable Questions: The Prisha Mosley Story

By Dr. Mark Creech



When Prisha Mosley testified before North Carolina lawmakers, she did more than share a personal narrative - she raised sobering questions about medical ethics, parental awareness, and the protection of vulnerable youth. Her experience continues to shape the conversation surrounding HB 805 and accountability for gender-transition procedures. This powerful column urges policymakers and parents alike to confront the human realities behind the headlines.

Righteousness, Not Redistribution

By Rev. Mark Creech

New polling shows a striking rise in favorable views of socialism among Gen Z. But what is driving this shift, and how should Christians respond? This piece argues that young Americans are not primarily seeking control but justice, and it challenges believers to present a biblically grounded vision of freedom, virtue, and limited government that speaks credibly to the next generation.

American Girls Quest to Squelch the History That Birthed It

By Annie Holmquist, Guest Columnist

The iconic American Girl brand is marking its 40th anniversarybut not without controversy. Annie Holmquist examines Mattels decision to modernize the original historical dolls and asks whether this move reflects a broader cultural trend of downplaying the past. Her thoughtful critique reminds readers why preserving historical memory remains vital to cultural health and national identity.

As these articles make clear, the challenges before us are not isolatedthey are connected by deeper questions about truth, memory, morality, and human dignity. The path forward will require courage, clarity, and conviction rooted in Scripture and informed by history. Thank you for reading Truth for Our Times.

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A Powerful Voice at the Intersection of Faith and Freedom



Churches, ministries, civic groups, and organizations are invited to prayerfully consider Rev. Mark Creech as a speaker for worship services, revival meetings, conferences, and special events. Rev. Creech is available to preach in Sunday services, lead revival gatherings, serve as an interim pastor, address missions groups and mens or womens ministries, speak at conferences on cultural and social issues, engage small groups on focused biblical topics, and rally believers at patriotic events or public policy gatherings. He also speaks effectively to pastors fellowships, Christian schools, campus ministries, prayer breakfasts, banquets, and legislative or civic assemblies. Rev. Creech delivers compelling messages rooted in a strong Christian worldview, with an unwavering commitment to the Gospel and its transformative power in the lives of individuals, churches, and nations. Endorsed by pastors, legislators, and respected Christian leaders, his preaching is known to be faithful, thought-provoking, profoundly relevant, and courageously challenging.



To inquire about scheduling Rev. Creech for your next event, please visit: https://revmarkcreech.org/booking/



You can also phone at 919.915.3033 or send an email to mark@revmarkcreech.org
The leading state level gun rights organization in our state, Grassroots North Carolina, through its Political Victory Fund has endorsed the re-election of State Representative Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort). In a postcard mailed to district voters, GRNC's Political Victory Fund called Kidwell "the most pro-gun member of the NC General Assembly who has sponsored numerous pro-gun bills".

GRNC also noted that "by contrast, opponent Darren Armstrong was recruited by another RINO House member to run against our best friend in the General Assembly." They noted that Armstrong had even refused to return an issue questionaire on where he stood on gun rights issues.

Armstrong was recruited by RINO House member Jimmy Dixon, who came to Beaufort County in September for that purpose. Dixon was the anti-gun legislator who prevented the veto override on the Constitutional Carry bill last year.

And it is not just GRNC. The NRA gives Kidwell an A+ on gun rights issues and Armstrong an F.
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.

65% I do not approve of behavior that has within its expressed tenants policies that harm children.30% I do support the Trans Community in all its many facets because diversity is at a premium in today's society.5% What is a "Children's Drag Queen Story Hour?"
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"We are expecting significant power outages," Gov. Maura Healey said. "If you do lose power, please call 211. Call 211 and you will find out where the nearest warming center is and get assistance getting there."
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
Irish star Jessie Buckley brought a welcome splash of colour to the Bafta red carpet in a Grecian-style gown.

Buckley  who is hotly tipped to win the best actress award for her role in Hamnet  was one of the many stars descending on Londons Royal Festival Hall for the 79th British Academy Film Awards.

Jessie Buckley (James Manning/PA)

Buckley wore an electric blue dress with a high neckline, bedazzled brooches on the shoulders and an unexpected scooped back.

She was not the only star taking a risk on the red carpet, with another standout look belonging to Teyana Taylor.

Teyana Taylor (James Manning/PA)

Taylor, who is nominated for best supporting actress for One Battle After Another, flexed her style muscles in a dramatic brown outfit.

The coat-style dress featured a high collar that reached past her ears, ruching and a long train.

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The trend for risque outfits dominated elsewhere on the red carpet.

Emma Stone (James Manning/PA)

Emma Stone, who is nominated for best actress for her role in Bugonia, braved the February London weather in a black dress featuring a halter-neck, a keyhole cut-out and a daring backless design.

She paired the racy ensemble with delicate earrings and a loose chignon.

Carey Mulligan (James Manning/PA)

She was not the only star opting for a backless outfit on the red carpet.

Carey Mulligan  who is nominated for best supporting actress for her role in The Ballad Of Wallis Island  wore a navy halterneck that was backless save for one thin strap, paired with a relaxed bob hairstyle.

Rose Byrne (Ian West/PA)

Rose Byrne, who is nominated for best actress for her role in If I Had Legs Id Kick You, opted for a pale yellow Miu Miu dress.

Her backless gown featured delicate sequinning on the bodice, thin bedazzled straps and was worn with a sleek updo and statement earrings.

Kerry Washington (James Manning/PA)

Kerry Washington, perhaps best known for her role in TV series Scandal, wore a daring navy gown to the awards. The Prada dress featured a floral sequined pattern on the bodice, a voluminous chiffon skirt and another statement backless design.

Chase Infiniti (Ian West/PA)

Up-and-comer Chase Infiniti, who is nominated for best actress for her role in director Paul Thomas Andersons film One Battle After Another, as well as the EE Rising Star Award, continued her red carpet relationship with luxury French fashion house Louis Vuitton.

Infiniti wore a burgundy-coloured gown featuring a strapless design and a dramatic fishtail. She accessorised the look simply, with a soft updo and chose long diamond earrings instead of a necklace.

Erin Doherty (Ian West/PA)

Adolescence star Erin Doherty wore an unusual structured look, also by Louis Vuitton: a black dress with a statement skirt and low neckline.

The shape is reminiscent of the turquoise dress the actress wore to the Critics Choice Awards in January, showing she is unafraid of taking style risks on the red carpet.

Renate Reinsve (Ian West/PA)

Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve  also up for the leading actress prize for her role in Sentimental Value  bared a daring amount of skin in a Louis Vuitton dress with a geometric cut-out.

Emily Watson (Ian West/PA)

Emily Watson, who is nominated for best supporting actress for her role as Mary Shakespeare in Hamnet, kept things simple but elegant in a chocolate-brown gown with a low boat neckline and matching train.

The dress had long sleeves and was accessorised with an relaxed updo and a diamond necklace.

Sadie Sink (James Manning/PA)

Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, who is set to star in Romeo And Juliet on the West End in March, wore a structured sage backless gown with her red hair left loose.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw (James Manning/PA)

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who starred in Doctor Who spin-off The War Between The Land And The Sea, brought some sunshine to the red carpet in a pink sequinned Giorgio Armani gown.

The style of the dress was simple, with a deep-V, a form-fitting silhouette and a leg slit.

Alicia Vikander (James Manning/PA)

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, perhaps best known for her role as Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider series  also opted for a deep-V neckline.

Her pale blue Louis Vuitton gown featured a triangular cutout at the ribs and was fully encrusted in sequins, bringing some texture and interest to the look.

Maggie Gyllenhaal (Ian West/PA)

American actress Maggie Gyllenhaal wore a black long-sleeve gown with sparkly detailing on the sleeves, paired with a red lip.

Kathryn Hahn (James Manning/PA)

WandaVision star Kathryn Hahn wore a bright all-red look, with all-over ruching, a high neck and long sleeves.

Alan Cumming (James Manning/PA)

The Bafta red carpet was not short of daring menswear. Alan Cumming, actor and host of The Traitors US, took on presenting duties for the Baftas this year and walked the red carpet in a modern take on traditional suiting.

Alan Cumming (Ian West/PA)

His black overcoat  worn on top of a black shirt and trousers  had a splash of white at the bottom, and was covered in long fringing. The monochromatic outfit had a welcome injection of colour thanks to dyed pink, blue and white coloured curls in his gelled-down hair, and was completed with a statement brooch instead of a tie.

Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams (Ian West/PA)

Irish star Paul Mescal, who is nominated for best actor for his role in Hamnet, wore loose-fitting black suit with a simple white shirt underneath, accompanied by partner Gracie Abrams.

Timothee Chalamet (James Manning/PA)

Meanwhile, Timothee Chalamet  known for being a daring dresser  kept things simple with a loose-fitting all-black tuxedo.

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Riz Ahmed (James Manning/PA)

Riz Ahmed, who has just starred in a contemporary South Asian take on Hamlet, wore a double-breasted pinstripe suit with flared trousers and no shirt underneath.
The family of missing Kilkenny woman Jo Jo Dullard have said they feel reassured by how Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is dealing with the latest search for their sister and Kildare woman Deirdre Jacob in Co Wicklow.

A search linked to the murders of the two missing women has been ongoing for the past week at Castleruddery Upper a site between Dunlavin and Baltinglass.

The search operation is being led by the serious crime review team.

Gardai have been searching a location between Dunlavin and Baltinglass in Wicklow since last Monday and are using an excavator in the operation aimed at locating the missing woman. Both are the subject of murder investigations.

Dullards family, led by her sister Kathleen Bergin, said that their thoughts and prayers are with the teams carrying out the search.

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It is reassuring to hear the Garda Commissioner say in a recent media report that there is no rush on this search and they have got everything they need to do the work there.

In a statement on the Jo Jo Dullard Missing social media page, the Dullard family added that they would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all your wonderful support. Thank you for your kind words, prayers and keeping a candle lit for JoJo and Deirdre.

The family once again appealed to those people who have information, no matter how small, to please, please come forward and contact

Naas Garda station on 045-884 300, the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 and the missing persons helpline 1800 442 552

Dullard, 21, disappeared from Moone, Co Kildare at 11.37 pm, while hitch-hiking on November 9th 1995.

She had missed the last direct bus back to Kilkenny and had been hitching lifts from Naas, Co Kildare, where she managed to get a bus to.

The young woman was using a public phone in Moone when she told a friend, Mary Cullinane, that a car had stopped and she was going to get a lift. That was the last known sighting of her.

Dullard was the youngest of five siblings. Her father, John, died before she was born, and her mother, Nora, died in 1983 from cancer.

Since her disappearance, her sister Mary Phelan, died in 2018, not knowing what happened to her.

Jacob, 18, was last seen outside her home in Newbridge on July 28, 1998. She was a teaching student in the UK who had returned to see her parents during a short trip back to Ireland.

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On the day she was last seen, Jacob had walked into Newbridge town to get a bank draft to send to a college friend in London for their rent deposit.

At 2.14 pm, she was observed on CCTV walking on Main Street, Newbridge, and shortly after was observed in the AIB bank.

At 2.26 pm, Jacob was observed again on CCTV queuing in the Newbridge Post Office and at 2.32 pm was seen on CCTV speaking with a friend outside the Post Office on Main Street.

The last-known recording of Jacob on CCTV was at 2.35 pm, walking outside the PTSB Bank on Main Street. She was last seen shortly after 3 pm on that day.

Excavations at a quarry on the Wicklow/Kildare border continue as part of the investigations into the murder of the two women, who disappeared within three years of one another in the 1990s.

Extensive amounts of soil have been removed at the dig site after credible information was received by gardai that a number of cars were buried there, which may bare clues to the disappearance of either of the women.

In October 2020, gardai upgraded the investigation into her disappearance and that of Kildare woman Deirdre Jacob to a murder probe.

A three-week-long large-scale search almost five years ago of Usk Little in the Kildare/Wicklow - a woodland area was investigated by gardai after fresh information came to light.

For a second time in November and December 2024, a major garda excavation of land near Grangecon in Co Wicklow was searched for three-and-a-half weeks in an effort to locate her body or any evidence to show she may have been there.

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Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness, who has campaigned alongside the extended Dullard and Bergin families for more than 30 years to keep the Kilkenny womans disappearance in the public domain, said he is very happy to see that gardai are still doing their best to locate her remains.

McGuinness continued: Some person is giving gardai the information they need to keep carrying out searches for Jo Jo. They are now obviously searching key areas.

The expectations of Jo Jos family are heightened, and I really do hope that there is a positive outcome despite the horribleness of this whole situation.
Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

St Patrick's Day looms large for Taoiseach

March 17th is still a while away but Taoiseach Micheal Martin will undoubtedly be strategising about his visit to the White House.

He is all but certain to take a non-confrontational approach with US president Donald Trump. However, this will be difficult with topics like Gaza, ICE, and tariffs.

Martin will likely try to emphasise the importance of the Irish-American relationship, particularly with regards to business, but if Trump decides to challenge him on US businesses in Ireland this could prove difficult.

Fianna Fail will undoubtedly be aware of the Business Post/Red C poll which found a majority (55 per cent) of respondents believe Martin should challenge Trump on American policies that dont align with Irish values.

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Some 63 per cent of Fianna Fail voters said they would support the move.

Sinn Fein stance

Sinn Fein were out quickly to say they would not be attending the White House events.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald cited Gaza as a key reason.

It is important that the eyes of the international community remain focused on what is happening in Palestine and it is important that Sinn Fein uses its voice to demand that international law is upheld and peace and justice prevail, she said.

However, it has since transpired that Sinn Fein received no invitation.

In a statement issued to The Irish Times in response to questions, the US ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh said that no members of Sinn Fein have been invited to the White House, and none are expected to be invited.

Announcing a boycott of an event for which invitations have neither been extended nor finalised is premature, said the ambassador.

McDonald defends Sinn Fein stance on 90 billion Ukraine loan

Sinn Fein has also come under criticism for voting against a 90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.

Minister of State Neale Richmond has accused Sinn Fein of "abandoning Ukraine" after its MEPs voted against a 90 billion loan to the country amid the ongoing Russian war.

The loan involved 30 billion of financial support and 60 billion for military equipment.

Sinn Fein MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Lynn Boylan voted against the measure, which was passed by the European Parliament, arguing that it undermined Ireland's neutrality.

In heated Dail exchanges, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty also argued the money should be spent elsewhere.

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In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Neale Richmond said: "It wasnt too long ago that I stood outside the Russian embassy with Sinn Fein representatives opposed to Russias brutal full scale invasion of Ukraine, the same party made a series of speeches in solidarity and demanded more action from the Government here, the Sinn Fein leader was happy to pose with the visiting Ukrainian President weeks ago and pledge her support."

McDonald has defended the move.

In an interview with RTE, she said her party stands in solidarity with Ukraine against Putin and his illegal invasion but that spending tens of billions more of taxpayers money on more and more weaponry is not the way to resolve this conflict ... the full international effort has to be around diplomacy, peacemaking".

Abroad

Searches are continuing at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors previous home as the UK government did not rule out a judge-led inquiry into the former princes links with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein following police investigations.
Members of the public pleaded with the Taoiseach to intervene during the hunger strikes by members of Palestine Action in prison in the UK.

Documents seen by Breakingnews.ie through the Freedom of Information Act 2014, show concern by the public about the condition of the hunger strikers in prison.

Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello were on hunger strike for 73 days, which ended in January after the UK government denied Israeli-based defence firm Elbit Systems a 2.3 billion contract.

In emails to the Taoiseach, members of the public raised concerns about their health during the hunger strikes.

One person said: "I'm writing today out of extreme concern for the two Palestine Action hunger strikers at risk of death as they enter 65 days and 58 days respectively of a hunger strike in support of Palestine.

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"Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed began their hunger strike to call for immediate bail, ending the ban on Palestine Action, closing down the sites of the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems and ending censorship of the prisoners' communications."

Another person said: "These hunger strikers are now seriously ill and yet the British government will not act. They are demanding the closure of weapons factories supplying Israel, the immediate lifting of the ban on Palestine Action, an end to the mistreatment of prisoners and their release on bail now. They must be released immediately!"

The Government also came in for criticism as they were accused of not doing more for Palestine.

"They could literally die any minute, and the UK government seems happy to allow this.

"We are sliding into very dangerous territory, and your government's unwavering support for the US will come back to haunt us. Allowing the US to use Shannon as a de facto military base makes Ireland vulnerable to targeting by other countries due to its strategic importance.

The Taoiseach was also asked to contact British prime minister Keir Starmer regarding the hunger strikers' condition.

"I respectfully ask that you urge Prime Minister Starmer and minister Lammy to make direct contact with the hunger strikers, or to ensure that meaningful engagement takes place with them, with a view to agreeing on humanitarian concessions that might allow this hunger strike to end before further irreversible harm or loss of life occurs."

The decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist group by the UK government was also brought into question.

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In an email to the Taoiseach, one person said: "A group that cares about justice and an end to military violence is deemed a terror organisation and alleged members are on remand in prison. It is utterly unacceptable in a so-called democracy."

Another person wrote: "Palestine Action is a non-violent direct action group protesting the UK's complicity in Israel's actions in Gaza. Designating a non-violent protest organisation opposing an ongoing genocide as a terrorist organisation represents a serious abuse of state power and a dangerous expansion of counter-terror legislation beyond its lawful purpose."

The Taoiseach was also reminded of Ireland's history when it came to hunger strikers.

References were made to the 10 republicans who died on hunger strike in the Maze Prison in 1981 during the Troubles in the North.

As one person said, "Have we learned nothing from the hunger strikers in the North? Is this current situation, where hunger strikers in England are now on day 46 of hunger strike, not worth standing up for?

"The hunger strikers led by Bobby Sands were also falsely accused of being "terrorists" as are the Palestine action activists. International pressure needs to be put on the UK government."

Another person said, "Please do what you can to help with this hunger strike. In view of our own history, I feel we have some expertise to offer."

While another email said: "We see in the resistance of Palestine Action hunger strikers echoes of Tomas Aghas in 1917, of MacSwiney in Brixton prison in 1920, and of those who suffered in the H-Block cages in 1981.

"We see the same unbroken will that carried Bobby Sands and the hunger strikers beyond the bars and into history, striking a blow at the heart of British Imperialism."

Last Friday, a UK high court ruled the decision to ban Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful, disproportionate and should be overturned.
People love a whodunnit, and whether its true crime or fiction, there is something special about curling up with a book that allows you to escape from whatever is going on outside  weatherwise or otherwise.

As true crime podcast host, John Sweetman told BreakingNews.ie previously, crime is an extreme of the human condition, and people just find it fascinating.

Most of us will go through life without ever experiencing something so serious as a horrific murder on our doorstep, a family member being kidnapped, or being locked inside a burning building with no way out, but as Sweetman put it, that doesnt lessen the fascination with the extremes of what people are capable of.

And although the days are finally getting longer, the rain seems to be getting heavier, and the air seems to be getting colder, so if you arent inclined to go or even look outside, it may be time to escape the monotony of February with some thrilling fiction.

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As an avid reader, Im not a huge fan of lists that only include one book, so here are five crime series that offer the grip of a whodunit, the page-turning pull of a Netflix thriller, an escape from real life, and the reassurance that at the end of the day, none of it is real.

1. DCI Jack Logan series - JD Kirk

The first book in this 21-book series begins following Scottish Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan as he works in Glasgows Major Investigation Team, 10 years on from when he stopped a serial child killer  which earned him a commendation, a drinking problem, and a broken marriage.

But when another child disappears 100 miles north in the Highlands, Logan is sent to lead the investigation and bring the boy home.

As similarities between the two cases grow, could it be that Jack caught the wrong man all those years ago?

And, if so, is the real Mister Whisper about to claim his fourth victim?

And thats just the first book.

Kirks writing has a way of bringing the reader in; you love, hate, and love to hate the characters while they work together, no matter how dysfunctional it may be, to bring justice.

The series has grown in popularity so much that there are now five books based around Detective Superintendent Bob Hoon, Logans boss.

Available on Kindle Unlimited? Yes

2. The Thursday Murder Club series  Richard Osman

I fear this series needs no introduction, as everybody has read it or seen the film adaptation.

There are five books in the series, which follows four unlikely friends who live in a peaceful retirement village, and meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

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But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their very first live case.

The quartet might be pushing 80, but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

This series absolutely falls into the whodunnit category, but Id be lying if I said I didnt laugh out loud on multiple occasions while reading it (and shed a few tears).

Its more of a lighter read, but is still gripping, exciting, and absolutely a page-turner.

The characters just happen to be pensioners with nothing better to do than to try solve some murders.

So take from that what you will.

Available on Kindle Unlimited? No

3. DCI Robert Kett series - Alex Smith

Paper Girls is the first book in the world of DCI Robert Kett.

His wife is missing, and Kett leaves the Metropolitan Police behind to move to Norwich with his three young daughters, hoping to heal their broken family.

But the newfound peace doesnt last, as two newspaper delivery girls go missing in the city, with the clues pointing to a serial kidnapper.

Kett is dragged into the centre of one of the darkest cases of his career, and a case that might uncover the terrible truth of what happened to his wife.

Smith has so far published 19 books in the DCI Robert Kett universe, inviting the reader into the DCIs world both at home and at work. Its just unfortunate that quite often, the two overlap more than hed like.

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Once again, another unputdownable series that has you screaming at the pages, crying with the characters and holding your breath at every turn.

Available on Kindle Unlimited? Yes

Robert Hunter series - Chris Carter

Carter is an author who studied psychology and criminal behaviour before joining the Michigan State District Attorneys Criminal Psychology team.

His books are set in America, with Robert Hunter, a homicide detective and ex-criminal psychologist who decided that studying the minds of criminals wasnt enough  he wanted to go after them himself.

The first book of the 13-book series opens with the body of a young woman being discovered in a derelict cottage. On the nape of her neck, the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer has been carved. But two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Coult it be a copycat? Or could they have caught the wrong person?

Hunter and his rookie partner enter a nightmare beyond imagining and continue to re-enter nightmares in all 14 books.

Available on Kindle Unlimited? No

5. DS Karen Hart series by DS Butler

This 11-book series starts with Bring Them Home, where two young girls disappear, and the village is put on high alert, not for the first time.

Detective Hart is reeling from a case she tried and failed to solve 18 months ago, when a young woman vanished without a trace. She looks to the past for clues, confronting her own haunting loss  a nightmare she is determined to spare other families.

Pursuing the investigation with personal vengeance, she finds herself in conflict with her scrupulous new boss, but playing by the rules will have to wait. While there is no shortage of suspects, the two young girls are running out of time.

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The series delves into Detective Harts personal tragedies and, without giving too much away, forces her to face her worst fears, both in a personal and a professional capacity. Trying to solve cases, while also trying to figure out what happened to her family, and trying to figure out who she can really trust. Because sometimes, it all becomes intertwined.

Available on Kindle Unlimited? Yes

*This journalist accepts no responsibility for any sleep lost by readers who stayed up late to find out how the novel ends.
The Mexican army says it has killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in a military operation.

On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in the western state of Jalisco.

Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him in Tapalpa, about two hours drive south-west of Guadalajara and died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defence Department said in a statement.



A vehicle sits charred after being set on fire, on a road in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico (Alejandra Leyva/AP)

The state is the base of the cartel, known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the US.

During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location.

Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said.

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Two others were arrested and armoured vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized.

Three members of the armed forces were wounded and receiving medical treatment.

The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states.

Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.

Videos circulating social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the states capital in panic.

On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta due to an ongoing security situation and advised customers not to go to their airport.

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars (1.1 million) for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho.



A vehicle sits charred after being set on fire, on a road in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, following the death of El Chapo (Alejandra Leyva/AP)

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organisations in Mexico and was born in 2009.

In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, has criticised the kingpin strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured.

While she has remained popular in Mexico, security is a persistent concern and since US President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.

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The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military  including on helicopters  and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.

In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capitals police force and now federal security secretary.

The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexicos most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 US states.

It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the US market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.

Sinaloa, however, has been weakened by infighting after the loss of its leaders Ismael El Mayo Zambada and Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who are both in US custody.



The letters CJNG for the groups formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, covers the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito (Eduardo Verdugo/AP)

Oseguera Cervantes has been significantly involved in drug trafficking activities since the 1990s.

He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the US District Court for the Northern District of California in 1994 and served nearly three years in prison.

Following his release from custody, Oseguera Cervantes returned to Mexico and reengaged in drug trafficking activity.

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

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The most recent superseding indictment, filed on April 5 2022, charges Oseguera Cervantes with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for the purpose of illegal importation into the United States and use of firearms during and in connection with drug trafficking offenses.

Oseguera Cervantes is also charged under the Drug Kingpin Enforcement Act for directing a continuing criminal enterprise.

The US State Department warned US citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places because of the ongoing security operations.
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Updated BusinessConsumer affairsAir travel Technically British: UK visa rule change unleashes confusion for dual citizens Chris Zappone Updated February 22, 2026  3:30pm ,first published 12:58pm 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

Dual Australian-British citizens are discovering that nearly forgotten family links to the UK and Ireland may prevent them from entering the countries with a cheap online pass and instead require them to take out a foreign passport or certificate costing more than $1000. The rule change, which affects anyone who is technically a British or Irish citizen regardless of whether they have taken steps to claim that nationality in practice, comes into effect on February 25 and has already upended itineraries. The welcome for dual nationals at Londons Heathrow Airport may be changing. AP As a result, dual citizens are ineligible for the inexpensive 16 ($30.50) ETA that now lets them travel to Britain. Instead, they will need a British or Irish passport. British citizens, including those who hold dual nationality, are not eligible to apply for an ETA, even if their other nationality (such as Australian) would normally require one, the British High Commission stated. This is because British citizens already have the right of abode in the UK.

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Dual citizens also have the option of obtaining a Certificate of Entitlement from the British government for a one-time fee of 589 ($1135), which can be used alongside a non-UK passport to enter the country. The Certificate of Entitlement can be applied for whether someone is within the UK or abroad. Sydney travel agent Lynton Jones has been battling to get answers for his clients. Max Mason-Hubers The rule change has set off a string of panicked conversations between travel providers and Australians heading to the UK who may be unwitting British citizens by descent. Lynton Jones, of Sydney-based travel agency The Savvy Traveller, said he had one customer born in 1943 to a father from the UK who immigrated to Australia in 1913 as a toddler. The customer never had, nor thought he could have, nor wanted a UK passport, Jones said. Now in his 80s, it would seem that he is technically classed as British by the UK government.

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More than 1.1 million people who were born in the United Kingdom were living in Australia in 2023, which makes it the largest migrant community in Australia, on ABS figures. More than 2 million people in Australia have one or both parents born in the UK, 2021 Census figures show. A traveller walks through Terminal 5 of Londons Heathrow Airport. Bloomberg The UK government warns: If you or your parents were born in the UK, you might automatically be a British citizen. Irish-Australian dual citizens are also included in the rule change because of the long-standing Common Travel Area that provides reciprocal arrangements and shared travel area between the UK and Ireland. Jones, the travel agent, says that although his client successfully applied for his ETA online, Jones noted that his information is technically wrong.

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If it was queried, he could be denied entry under the new rules upon arrival, even with his approved ETA in place. With less than two months until departure, it is not clear what he should do. As a travel professional, I dont want to give him wrong information, especially with the trip costing tens of thousands of dollars, Jones said. Related Article Updated

Tourism Heading to Italy or France? Get ready to pay a new $35 fee In another instance, a travel agent had to cancel and rebook a familys long-awaited UK holiday when the travellers realised too late that they required UK passports and could not obtain them in time. The postponement came at considerable financial and emotional expense, the Australian Travel Industry Association wrote. One affected traveller posted on a UK visa forum that they were born in the UK but had lived in Australia for 15 years. They applied for British passports for their two sons at the start of the year but have seen no progress. It has been nearly a month since any update on our applications after sending them every bit of supporting documentation they need. Im starting to panic now, they wrote.

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A UK passport  which requires periodic renewal  costs 108 for an online adult application in Australia and 70 for a child, plus a 19.86 courier fee (about $240 all up for an adult renewal). A typical four-week turnaround begins once initial documents are received. An Australian adult passport costs $422. Related Article England One of the most stunning, underrated parts of the UK is a delight While the change affects 85 countries, it has sparked a firestorm among British and Irish Australians. I think there is some confusion, said Anthony Goldman, joint managing director of the Goldman Group, a travel agency that focuses on corporate and luxury travel. Not everyone is going to register the change. The changes will also affect Australians with no claim to British citizenship. While ETAs have been used since October 2023, the new rule means they will be strictly enforced by British customs effective February 25. The ETA will become mandatory to board a plane for the UK. Flight Centre notes: Airlines will be legally required to verify an ETA before allowing travel for short visits, including tourism, business and transit.

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Despite the confusion, bookings remain strong. Flight Centre Corporate data shows bookings in January 2026 are up compared with a year ago. The British government maintains that the introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security ... and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK. Related Article Opinion

UK What you need to know about UKs new entry rules starting this week Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Goldman noted that Australians are generally used to different visa entry requirements, citing recent updates to European travel rules. The difference is that this affects a lot of Australians because theyre British citizens by descent, he said. If someone has a father born in the UK 80 years ago, theoretically they will now need a UK passport. To clear up the confusion, the government has provided a Check if youre a British citizen webpage, allowing travellers to confirm which documents they need and which queue they should join upon arrival. Underscoring the complexity of citizenship rules, numerous Australian politicians were ejected from office in 2017-18 because they unwittingly were subjects of other countries. The constitution requires parliamentarians to hold only Australian citizenship.

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with Caitlin Fitzsimmons The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
SINCE THE EARLY 1800s, several waves of technological change have transformed how we work and live. Each new technological marvel  the steam engine, railroad, ocean steamship, telegraph, harvester, automobile, radio, airplane, TV, computer, satellite, mobile phone, and now the Internet  has changed our home lives, communities, workplaces, schools, and leisure time. For two centuries weve asked whether ever-more-powerful machines would free us from drudgery or would instead enslave us.



The question is becoming urgent. IBMs Deep Blue and other chess-playing computers now routinely beat the worlds chess champions. Googles DeepMind defeated the European Go champion late last year. IBMs Watson has gone from becoming the worlds Jeopardy champion to becoming an expert medical diagnostician. Self-driving cars on the streets of Pittsburgh are on the verge of displacing Uber drivers. And Baxter, the industrial robot, is carrying out an expanding range of assembly-line and warehouse operations. Will the coming generations of smart machines deliver us leisure and wellbeing or joblessness and falling wages?



The answer to this question is not simple. There is neither a consensus nor deep understanding of the future of jobs in an economy increasingly built on smart machines. The machines have gotten much smarter so fast that their implications for the future of work, home life, schooling, and leisure are a matter of open speculation.



We need to pursue policies so that the coming generations of smart machines work for us and our wellbeing, rather than humanity working for the machines and the few who control their operating systems.



In a way, the economic effects of smarter machines are akin to the economic effects of international trade. Trade expands the nations economic pie but also changes how the pie is divided. Smart machines do the same. In the past, smarter machines have expanded the economic pie and shifted jobs and earnings away from low-skilled workers to high-skilled workers. In the future, robots and artificial intelligence are likely to shift national income from all types of workers toward capitalists and from the young to the old.



CONSIDER ENGLANDS Industrial Revolution in the first part of the 19th century, when James Watts steam engine, the mechanization of textile production, and the railroad created the first industrial society. No doubt the economic pie expanded remarkably. Englands national income roughly doubled from 1820 to 1860. Yet traditional weavers were thrown out of their jobs; the Luddites, an early movement of English workers, tried to smash the machines that were impoverishing them; and poet William Blake wrote of the dark Satanic mills of the new industrial society. An enlarging economic pie, yes; a new prosperity shared by all, decidedly not.



Looking back at two centuries of more and more powerful machines (and the accompanying technologies and systems to operate them), we can see one overarching truth: Technological advances made the society much richer but also continually reshuffled the winners and losers. Similarly, one overarching pattern was repeatedly replayed. The march of technology has favored those with more education and training. Smart machines require well-trained specialists to operate them. An expanded economic pie favors those with managerial and professional skills who can navigate the complexities of finance, administration, management, and technological systems.



Overall, better machines caused national income to soar and the man-hours spent in hard physical labor to decline markedly. Seventy-hour workweeks in 1870 have become 35-hour workweeks today. An average of around six years of schooling has become an average of 17 years. With increasing longevity, most workers can now look forward to a decade or more of retirement years, an idea simply unimaginable in the late 19th century. Its amazing to reflect that for Americans 15 years and over, the average time at work each day is now just 3 hours 11 minutes. Those at work average 7 hours and 34 minutes, but only 42.1 percent of Americans 15 and over are at work on an average day. The rest of the time, other than sleep and personal care, is taken up with schooling, retirement, caring for children, leisure and sports, shopping, and household activities.



Smart machines in the 19th century provided massive power (the steam engine), transport (rail, steamships, automobiles), information (telegraph), and material transformation (steel and textile mills), and also, crucially, a more and more powerful substitute for human brawn  that is, backbreaking physical labor  on the farm and in the mines. Seed drills, cotton gins, threshers, reapers, combined harvesters, and by the early 20th century, tractors, not only opened up vast new farmlands but also replaced millions of farm workers by machines. Mechanical cotton pickers in the early decades of the 20th century displaced millions of African-American sharecroppers on Southern farms and contributed to the great African-American migration to northern cities.



Hard physical labor declined as machines did more and more of this work; but so too did jobs and earnings for lower-skilled workers. Those lucky to get an education could obtain the higher skills needed for the new jobs. Those who could not suffered stagnant or falling wages and a further loss of social status. In the past two decades, more and more low-skilled men have simply dropped out of the labor force entirely.



The most important policy response is to ensure that students stay in school long enough to achieve the skills they need for the new and better jobs. As long as the national supply of skilled workers roughly keeps pace with the rising demand for skilled workers, while the supply of low-skilled workers declines in line with the decline in the numbers of low-skilled jobs, the gap in earnings between high- and low-skilled workers remains relatively stable. In this way, the rising school attainments of Americans during the 20th century roughly maintained a balance with the shift from low-skilled work to high-skilled work.



Yet after around 1980, the earnings of highly educated workers (notably, those with bachelors degrees and higher) increased sharply relative to less-educated workers (those with high-school diplomas or less). Greater international trade and offshoring probably had a role in this, and so did technology, with smarter machines replacing high-school-educated workers in a widening range of manual and repetitive tasks. The shift of the labor force toward higher-skilled workers wasnt fast enough in recent decades. Many American lower-skilled workers have been hit hard by lost jobs and falling wages.



YET TODAYS smart machines now are not just replacing brawn but also brains. The futurist Ray Kurzweil and others have popularized the term singularity to mean a time in the near future when machines are simply better than humans at just about everything: moving, assembling, driving, writing, calculating, war-making, teaching (yikes!), and the rest.



Several recent studies, including at Oxford University and McKinsey, have tried to estimate the share of jobs that are likely to be up for grabs by smart machines in the next 20 or so years. Each occupation is analyzed for the kinds of tasks needed. Are they highly repetitive or highly context-specific? Do they require highly specialized mechanical skills, a high degree of interaction with others, or a high measure of emotional empathy? And so on. From this categorization of job tasks, the researchers estimate the share of jobs that can be substituted by robots and artificial intelligence systems. Their answer: Roughly half of todays jobs are susceptible to at least some kinds of replacement by smart machines.



The implications are a bit tricky. On the one hand, smarter machines mean more economic output and, in principle, a larger economic pie to share among the American people. Investing in machines, or in the companies that produce the smart systems that run them, would seem to offer high returns; capital owners would be very likely to benefit. On the other hand, smarter machines could mean a decline in the demand for workers. Young people with labor to sell but little wealth to invest could find themselves on the short end of the economic stick, with lower wages and no grand prospect of benefiting from the higher returns to capital. Older and richer Americans would tend to benefit, younger and poorer Americans would tend to fall behind.



This would not be the end of the story, however. If todays young people find themselves without jobs, they not only will be poorer, but will also save less as a result of shrunken incomes. Yes, the smarter machines will offer a higher return to saving, but the supply of national saving will shrink. A careful theoretical analysis reveals a stark truth: Smart machines could actually set in motion a downward spiral, wherein todays young workers cant find decent jobs, and thereby cut back on their saving, which in turn leaves the following generation of young workers even worse off.



This is indeed a frightening vision. And yet the same analysis suggests a way out. If the rich capital owners transfer some of their windfall profits to the struggling young workers, then both the old rich and the young poor would be better off with the smart machines than without them. In effect, the rich older shareholders would compensate the poor younger workers in order to offset the fall in wages.



There are two ways this offset could happen. Within families, parents could transfer some of their increased wealth to their children; but alas, that is a solution that is likely to be relevant mainly for richer households.



For the non-rich, the real solution could and should be achieved through fiscal policy. Rich older shareholders should be taxed in order to make transfer payments to the poorer, young workers.



Such transfer payments could be carried out in many ways: a cut in payroll taxes; tuition-free higher education; an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-wage workers; or a reverse Social Security system with payments from the old to the young. One policy that has been suggested is a capital grant to every newborn, financed by a wealth tax. In essence, each newborn would receive a robot (or financial claim to one) at birth.



THE NEW AGE of smart machines has already seen a shift in national income away from wages and toward profits. In automobile manufacturing, for example, where robots have already displaced many assembly-line workers, the share of wage compensation in the industrys value-added has tumbled from 57 percent in 1997 to 47 percent in 2014. For the economy as a whole, a recent study reports a decline in the labor share of national income from around 68 percent in 1947 to 60 percent in 2013. The shift toward capital income seems to be well underway, and would seem to be a key factor in Americas sharply higher inequality of income. As machines become even smarter in future years, the economy-wide shift from wage income to profit income is likely to continue.



In addition to income redistribution from capital owners to workers (and from old to young) there are three other steps we should plan to take.



First, as old jobs disappear and new ones are created, we should emulate Germanys successful apprenticeship programs, which train young workers in the skills needed in the economy. The Presidents Council of Economic Advisers has rightly emphasized the need for scaling up this kind of active training.



Second, we should prepare for a workforce in which workers will change jobs with much greater frequency than in the past. In an age of disruptive technology, we should plan for disruption. Changing jobs should be regarded as normal; training and skill upgrading should be life long, and health care and other benefits should follow workers, not jobs.



Third, and finally, let us remember that ever-smarter machines could enable us to enjoy much more leisure time, and more hours of the day at valuable but non-remunerated activities and volunteer work.



Suppose that singularity indeed arrives, so that robots and expert systems really do perform all the unpleasant and humdrum work of the economy. As long as fiscal policies ensure that everybody, young and old, can share in the bounty, the results could be a 21st-century society in which we have much more time  and take more time  to learn, study, create, innovate, and enjoy and protect nature and each other.





Jeffrey D. Sachs is University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and author of The Age of Sustainable Development.



http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2016/10/10/smart-machines-and-future-jobs/tPxRJvLpgw0W3SPrifpxTN/story.html
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Scrolling through Netflix or Binge sometimes feels like homework. With thousands of titles spanning different genres, decision paralysis can quickly set in. So, we turn to the recommendations strap, powered entirely by an algorithm, which results in more of the same. In contrast, scrolling through niche streamers  the likes of Mubi, Shudder, Crunchyroll  can feel like youve travelled back in time to a Blockbuster, where the person behind the counter is laying out super personalised recommendations. There may not be as much on offer, but youre probably more likely to find something you really want to watch  pretty quickly too. Theres a niche streamer for every taste these days. Compiled by Matt Willis. Ramon Lobato, a scholar of media and cultural industries at Swinburne, says niche streamers may be an antidote to our collective subscription fatigue. They avoid the supermarket feel of Amazon Prime or Disney+ by offering smaller, more focused catalogues for people who wish to explore a specific genre. These days, there are niche services to suit every taste. Some are genre-specific, such as Hayu, which exclusively offers reality TV, and others like Tubi cater to broader preferences without slapping on a hefty price-tag. Whether these platforms are growing in Australia is difficult to say with certainty because most dont release subscriber numbers for national markets. However, Lobato says there will always be room around the edges for small players, especially as goodwill grows for new services offering something unique. Some users really miss the feeling of thoughtful, intentional curation, he says. So, theres definitely a trend towards less is more and towards themed, thoughtful curation by human experts.

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Related Article Streaming Its local audiences first: Australias new Netflix content boss unveils vision for the streamer Lecturer in cinema and screen studies at Swinburne Dr Andrew Lynch says the smaller number of titles available means niche streamers are usually cheaper than mainstream services. Theyre also more likely to offer titles that arent available anywhere else, creating a more exclusive feel. For example, David Lynchs Eraserhead has long been missing from mainstream services, but public library members can watch it for free on Kanopy. Not only do they include rarer options, but subscribers are actually more likely to find them. Lynch says their smaller, carefully curated catalogues mean lesser-known titles are highlighted, leading more users to discover diamonds in the rough, as well as long-forgotten classics or films from a broader diversity of filmmakers and experimental studios. However some heavy-hitters are already eating into some of these smaller platforms territories, Lynch says. Netflix, for instance, has doubled down on anime content, potentially steering some fans away from anime streamer Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll used to be the holy grail of anime content. But now, Netflix is giving it a run for its money. However, Lynch is confident there is still space for second-tier or niche services, especially as the broader streaming market continues to consolidate around Netflix, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery. If these small players can continue to offer a point of difference that audiences feel is valuable at a complementary price point  if they can continue to offer something that the major streamers dont  they could survive, if not thrive.

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So, for those sick of doom-scrolling Netflix, here are some of the most popular alternative streamers available in Australia. Fancy a scare? Try Shudder. From horror series like The Creep Tapes to sci-fi thrillers like Ash, this platform offers something from every horror sub-genre. Since launching globally in 2016, Shudders popularity has ballooned. It set new viewership records in 2024, doubling the total hours watched over the previous five years. Unlike platforms like Netflix, Shudder (which is owned by the AMC Network) isnt run by an algorithm  its selection is primarily curated by a team of horror enthusiasts, who also create carefully themed collections. As the worlds largest anime streaming service, Crunchyroll offers a range of anime, manga and simulcasts (episodes that air shortly after Japan), all of which are subtitled and dubbed. Despite competition from Netflix, Crunchyrolls popularity has skyrocketed alongside the growing global interest in anime. According to Statista, it tripled its number of paying subscribers between mid-2021 and the beginning of 2024, surpassing 15 million subscribers.

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This streamer offers a range of documentaries, current affairs and non-fiction content, most of which centre on politics, science, history, social affairs and crime. If youre partial to drama, Hayu is for you. Its dedicated to reality television, from the Real Housewives franchise to Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Unlike platforms such as Binge, which often only get licensing for specific seasons, Hayu focuses on delivering entire box sets. Owned by BBC Studios, BritBox features the largest collection of British content, including dramas, comedies, mysteries, soaps and documentaries. Though nowhere near as popular as mainstream platforms, it still boasted over 4 million subscribers internationally as of early 2025. What about Aussie content lovers? If youre more keen on Australian content, Brollie is Umbrella Entertainments free, ad-supported streaming service that focuses heavily on Australian movies, TV series and cult classics, along with international independent cinema. Youll be able to find all sorts of local indie hits, as well as First Nations productions and classic Ozploitation genre titles.

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NationalNSWHospitals Man on leave absconds from troubled hospital days after two escapees allegedly kill people Sally Rawsthorne February 22, 2026  3:17pm 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 psychiatric inpatient on approved leave has absconded from a Sydney hospital just three days after the states mental health minister initiated an urgent review into its security in response to the escape of two patients who allegedly killed people in separate incidents last week. Madan Pandey, 25, was an inpatient at Cumberland Hospital when he absconded on Saturday morning. Madan Pandey has absconded from the troubled Cumberland Hospital NSW Police Western Sydney Local Health District notified police when a patient did not return to Cumberland Hospital. The patient was taking approved leave from the hospital and did not return at the planned time, the district said in a statement on Sunday evening. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the planned leave following an assessment by a senior psychiatrist was part of Pandeys recovery process.

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A formal review into the security protocols at Cumberland Hospital is under way. We will thoroughly investigate any process failures and if systematic failures of leadership or culture become clear, I will not hesitate to take action to resolve, she said. Police, who hold concerns for Pandeys welfare, have begun investigating. Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, 25, was arrested after an alleged rampage with a kitchen knife in Merrylands last Tuesday. One man died, and another man and a woman were severely wounded. Leaaetoa was charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He had been an involuntary patient at Cumberland and escaped his escorts during a transfer to Westmead Hospital for medical care on February 7.

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Related Article Hospitals The troubled Sydney hospital where men escaped before alleged stabbing, deadly crash Another Cumberland patient, Luke Peter Francis, absconded from one of Cumberlands locked wards by allegedly threatening a nurse and swiping her access card, before stealing a car in Hurstville on Sunday. The 31-year-old had been released from prison on parole days earlier. Francis was allegedly driving the stolen Toyota Camry when it crashed into another car during a police pursuit. Two women, driver Lee Casuscelli, 60, and her passenger, Maureen Crosland, 84, died at the scene. NSW Premier Chris Minns on Thursday said the growing pressure on the public mental health system needed to be addressed, including by implementing recommendations from the Bondi Junction stabbings inquest. Minns signalled his concerns about the security failings, saying there needs to be a full investigation into the circumstances relating to these patients.

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Absconding is common, said Nick Howson, a mental health clinical nurse consultant and the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Cumberland branch delegate for mental health. Cumberland staff would call local police once a fortnight on average about absconding patients who were a risk, most often to themselves, he said. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson initiated an urgent review into Cumberlands security protocols. Edwina Pickles In February 2025, staff said extremely unwell involuntary patients were waiting days on Cumberlands locked wards to see a specialist at the height of a psychiatrist workforce crisis. Senior psychiatrists who resigned from Cumberland in 2025 have been replaced by fewer, more junior, part-time psychiatrists.

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Jackson initiated an urgent review into Cumberlands security protocols, and NSW Health will conduct a review of Leaaetoas care with the assistance of an external senior psychiatrist. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Updated NationalNSWCrime Toyota linked to abducted grandfather sparks search in Sydney bushland Riley Walter and Daniel Lo Surdo Updated February 23, 2026  1:06pm ,first published February 23, 2026  8:01am 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

Evidence found in a burnt-out Toyota Corolla has been forensically linked to abducted grandfather Chris Baghsarian and his kidnappers stronghold as officers search dense bushland on Sydneys north-western fringe for signs of the 85-year-old. Dozens of officers on Sunday launched a large-scale search in Glenorie, where locals reported seeing the sedan a day after Baghsarians kidnapping. Baghsarian was taken hostage on February 13 when up to three men abducted him from his North Ryde home about 5am in a suspected case of mistaken identity. Baghsarian, a grandfather and widower, lived alone, and police have repeatedly said he and his family have no links to organised crime. The search comes days after detectives raided a property in Dural, north-west of Sydney, where they believe Baghsarian was held and tortured.

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Several items found in the Corolla, including what is believed to be carpet from the Dural home, had been forensically tested and matched other evidence recovered at the property. The vehicle, reported stolen from Victoria on February 13 and torched in Westmead on Tuesday night, was using cloned Victorian registration plates (DVT077), Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks, acting commander of the robbery and serious crime squad, said. The burnt-out Corolla has been forensically linked to Chris Baghsarian. NSW Police Marks said the vehicle had been abandoned on Good Street in Westmead on February 14 and set alight about 11.30pm three days later after its occupants initially tried to destroy it shortly after it was parked. Investigators shifted their focus to Vesperman Road at Glenorie after receiving reports the Corolla was seen in Glenorie just after 9pm on February 14 and information from members of the public that was of high interest to detectives. It was unclear if Baghsarian was in the car at any time, Marks said. Police have not disclosed what was found in the car. Police on Monday searched several properties and national park in the area. Forensics officers on Monday afternoon could be seen placing evidence markers either side of Vesperman Road.

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That area will grow until we find something of interest to us, whether we find Mr Baghsarian or any evidence in relation to the kidnapping of Mr Baghsarian, Marks said. Marks has said hopes were fading of finding Baghsarian alive. The 85-year-old requires daily medical treatment. Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped from his North Ryde home on February 13. NSW Police Video of a severely injured Baghsarian being tortured was circulated throughout Sydneys criminal underworld in the days after his abduction. The video and other images circulated matched evidence found at the Dural property on Thursday, Marks said. It is unclear how long Baghsarian was held at the property, which is believed to have been abandoned for several years. No ransom demands have been made to Baghsarians family. The intended target of the kidnapping was safe and had not been targeted, Marks said. Messages published by SCN Worldstar purportedly between the kidnappers and the intended target show ransom demands being made.

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Investigators are yet to identify any suspects believed to be involved in Baghsarians abduction, Marks said. Detectives have expanded their appeal to members of the criminal underworld to locate Baghsarian. We are putting every effort into finding Mr Baghsarian, Marks said. Police have returned to bushland on Sydneys north-western fringe as searches for Chris Baghsarian continue. Nine News This whole case has been not our normal kind of investigation in relation to a kidnapping and a hostage. Baghsarians family said in a statement last week that he was deeply loved and a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather.

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The kindest person we know  someone who would never hurt a fly, the family said in a statement released by NSW Police last Tuesday. Loading 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. We are living through a nightmare we never thought possible. Police are appealing for footage of the Corolla near Good Street, Westmead, or anyone with information from anyone near Cattai Ridge Road who may have seen the vehicle in the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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NationalQueenslandSchools Brisbane school buses making students late not fit for purpose, say parents Catherine Strohfeldt February 23, 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

Students at an inner-Brisbane high school are being forced to snub the citys school bus service over fears of repeated late slips, with parents recording delays as long as 20 minutes. Kate Craigs daughter began year 7 at Mt St Michaels College at the start of the year, and has been late every time she has relied on Brisbanes dedicated school bus service. Were in a situation that she has to catch a bus to get to school because we work, and now shes very uncomfortable in the process because she has no faith that it will work as it should, Craig said. The council said it was investigating altering the bus timetable for the chronically late school service. Felicity Caldwell The S785 service is timetabled to pick up students from Enoggera station at 8.13am, then run down Wardell Street towards the school, making stops on the way to pick up more students.

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It is the only service running direct from the train station into the school, and Craig said the days her daughter had been there, about 20 other students were also waiting. Kate Craig. Kate Craig Another parent whose daughter had taken the bus just under a dozen times said the bus had been late for 40 per cent of those trips, and in one instance a mobile tracker on her daughters phone had shown her still waiting for the bus at the train station shortly before 8.30am. Craig said her daughter suffered the same on her first attempt to catch the bus. She called me in a panic that morning  they were all a bit lost as to what to do, so I went and collected them and drove them to school that day, she said.

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They were probably 20 minutes late by the time we did that process. She said late arrival meant she needed to contact the school and explain the situation, and said some teachers would still refuse entry for tardy students. Mt St Michaels Colleges student code of conduct states continued late arrival would eventually require students to make up the lost learning time. Craig contacted Translink and the Brisbane City Council, which are jointly responsible for different parts of the service, and was told the S785 route was between 10 and 30 minutes late more than 50 per cent of the time. Its a school bus, its labelled with an S indicating that its just a school route  its only purpose is to convey the students to school, Craig said.

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Clearly, the bus isnt fit for purpose. Craig said shed given up on the service, and would send her student on public buses despite her safety concerns. Its not a direct route from the train station to her school, so shes having to walk much further than she otherwise would  and it also means that shes crossing some really busy roads, she said. Other parents who contacted Translink to report the late services said theyd received template responses that did not address their concerns, or nothing at all.

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Related Article Public Transport Where on the northside needs more buses? Commuters have their say, with review planned A spokesperson from the Department of Main Roads, which oversees Translink, confirmed the bus was late on a number of occasions this year. The morning S785 service has arrived late at the school due to congestion delaying the bus prior to commencing its service, the spokesperson said. TMR and BCC are actively monitoring this issue and are working collaboratively to develop a solution to ensure students can more reliably arrive at school on time. The council confirmed it was investigating the route. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Mark Bailey doesnt think hes been handed a poisoned chalice, despite being given a portfolio historically perceived as a burden reserved for political rivals. Following the late 2023 resignation of former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who had loyally stuck by Bailey through periods of intense scrutiny, the former transport minister quit cabinet before almost certainly being dumped by incoming leader Steven Miles. But less than 12 months later, he was back on the frontbench as the shadow health spokesman following Labors election loss. After briefly resigning from cabinet in 2023, the state member for Miller, Mark Bailey, was appointed shadow health minister in 2024. Markus Ravik I took it on the chin, Bailey said of his cabinet resignation, in a wide-ranging interview with this masthead in his electoral office in Yeerongpilly. Thats politics. Sometimes things happen. Bailey says his promotion to the health portfolio shows Miles has a lot of faith in me  and hes adamant the role is an opportunity.

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[Health is] something that does touch everybodys lives in so many ways. Sure, [its] one of the hardest portfolios  but that should be something to aspire to. Its not something to complain about. Its something to get results in. The LNP, meanwhile, have based their health sector results on Labors failures, as they pledge to reduce ambulance ramping rates, cut long elective surgery waitlists, and deliver infrastructure within budget. Healthcare was a priority issue for voters ahead of the 2024 state election. AAP With near-weekly regularity over the past year, Premier David Crisafulli and Health Minister Tim Nicholls have said these undertakings are needed to heal Labors health crisis and revive services after a decade of decline. And a large number of voters agree. Polling in the lead-up to the 2024 state election showed healthcare and aged care ranked as one of the top issues influencing Queenslanders.

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Despite a misstep on abortion that nearly saw Crisafullis campaign come unstuck, voters ultimately entrusted the LNP to manage the states health system for the next four years. It leaves a long road ahead for the shadow health spokesman, who now has three years to convince Queensland that Labor can return to the drivers seat in a portfolio that has traditionally been an area of strength. But Bailey is confident hes got the gumption for it. We are going back to the grassroots, reconnecting with the community, and we intend to earn that trust by the next election, he says. Baileys office sits on the corner of King Arthur Terrace in Yeerongpillys Green Riverside Village, a short ride from his home on Brisbanes southside, an area in which hes lived since moving with his family from the Gold Coast at the age of six. Despite a bike accident when he was 15, Mark Bailey has remained an avid cyclist. Whatever I do in the future, the exercise is a non-negotiable. Its my happy zone. Markus Ravik His parents divorced seven years after relocating, leaving his mum to raise the household as a single parent. That was a bit more challenging, but my mum always provided, he says.

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Baileys interest in politics  the contest of ideas  was stirred during his time at Cavendish Road State High School. By his final year, he was meeting with a group of students in the library every day before school to dissect The Courier-Mail and debate the issues of the day. We realised we were progressive people, so we all joined the Labor Party the year after, he says. Related Article City council Why the lord mayor will run for re-election  and his plans for Brisbane beyond 2032 Two brushes with death during adolescence have lent extra weight to Baileys current political ambitions. While riding to school along Logan Road, aged 15, he was struck by a car door and catapulted into oncoming traffic. In an ambulance to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, paramedics were only convinced that the teen had been run over after seeing black tyre marks on the back of his legs. Two years later, Bailey spent more than a week in the Mater Hospitals intensive care unit with salmonella food poisoning. The health system saved my life twice, he says. Im not from a wealthy background, it was [because of] a strong public health system and fantastic staff and doctors.

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After high school, Bailey studied at the University of Queensland. Despite graduating with a teaching degree, he spent the next nine years as the deputy chair of Brisbane City Councils planning committee. He left council after almost a decade to spend time out of the political bubble, moving briefly to Byron Bay before relocating to New York City to pursue acting. I kind of felt it in my bones that I wanted to be in a major city, Bailey says of his 2-year sabbatical. It was a great experience  I dont regret a single day. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and then-transport minister Mark Bailey announce an agreement between council and state in 2019 to start work on the Brisbane Metro. Lucy Stone But politics eventually lured him back to Australia. In the world, there are a lot of actors [but] there arent enough activists  there are not enough people getting progressive change done. I thought thats where Im most needed. He returned to Queensland during the height of Campbell Newmans reign as LNP premier. We rapidly went back to the 1980s almost overnight in terms of the meanness [and] the disrespect for people, Bailey says. That made me riled up  and then I decided Id come back and run for state politics again.
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NationalVictoriaEducation Opinion I was charmed by a respected school principal. Im devastated to discover his evil secret Adam Voigt CEO and former principal February 22, 2026  2:38pm

February 22, 2026  2:38pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

I met Richard Barren a few times while he was the principal of Langwarrin Park Primary School, in Melbournes south-east. He was gregarious, enthusiastic, professional and proud of his school. I particularly noticed the fondness with which he spoke about his students. I raked through my old meeting notes and found Id written the words potential and full of possibilities as being how Barren described the children in his school. I fell for it. Teachers, who strive to build trust with parents every day, will also be devastated by this case. Istock Last week, Barren was sentenced to effectively three paltry months of prison time for having some of the most disgusting child abuse material on his phone that anyone  let alone a school principal  might have.

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And, despite more than three decades of working with teachers and teaching myself, collaborating with principals and also being one  my meetings with Barren didnt raise a single red flag. I admit to being both confused and ashamed about that. The meek and feeble nature of the Barren sentence has landed with incredulity on many of the schools parents. Theyre rightly confounded that a man afforded the trust of being a safe figure in the entire communitys eye could have betrayed them so deeply. Former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard John Barren. I remember, from my principal days, seeing the nervous faces of parents as they handed their children into my care  a bloke running a primary school. I felt the gravity of that responsibility and I accepted it. The notion that a fellow member of the principal fraternity could have content on his phone revealing that he love[s] perving on pool change rooms sickens me.

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Barrens reply to a fellow Grindr user inquiring as to his age limits for potential prey was that theres no limit. the younger the better left me stunned. When I read further of the vile imagery and videos saved on a second phone of his, of grown men with girls around 12 years of age, I was enraged. Principals are not just extractors of the best possible NAPLAN scores from our children. We are the custodians of a precious community trust. Barrens indiscretions are far more than a crime. Theyre a breach of a relational covenant. While Id loathe to be a judge considering the full plethora of factors in such cases, three months jail feels grotesquely meagre. I guess its another simple case of courts sentencing crimes, but communities carrying the consequences. Beyond the parents of one school, the wider teaching community is also shamed by the full revelation of Barrens offences. Each of the 141,000 registered and dedicated teachers across Victoria now stands in the shadow of his conduct.

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Each now must strive that little bit harder for the parents of their students to trust them. Each knows what that lingering stare over a parental shoulder as they walk away from an early childhood classroom is really all about. Related Article Opinion

Teaching Why our teachers are choosing mining jobs over classrooms Adam Voigt CEO and former principal The outrage of our educators is also justifiable, as they must now accept that one predator has the power to unfairly stain their entire profession. Already living and working under intense scrutiny and strict ethical standards, their efforts to meet safeguarding requirements are already exhaustive. This is why the Langwarrin Park PS story is awful, but equally important as it draws us to confront a hideously inconvenient truth. Deep down, we know theres no way to psych test evil away. Theres no survey or observation that can weed out every paedophile. Screening can always be made more robust  but it will remain as fallible as I was when I chatted cheerily with Barren over coffee. Even the tightest of systems will fail to eliminate human deception.

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Allowing our outrage to lead us to the complete mistrust of every school employee welcomes a different and permanent harm upon our school communities. Turning a blind eye is also no alternative. And so, the community of Langwarrin Park PS is left with a dual burden. They have a rightful outrage to carry, at the same time as they hope to build a future for their children that requires deep trust in their school. Fortunately, Ive met most of the staff in that wonderful school and that trust  of my informed, experienced and imperfect observation  is well-placed. Without trust, parents hover unhelpfully over qualified teachers and school leaders. Those teachers are then prone to retreating, removing the personal connection that underpins the best growth and learning.

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Our schools become frightened, defensive institutions and children absorb the anxiety flowing through their corridors. Related Article Opinion

Education Teachers cant heal every childs scar  and parents shouldnt expect them to Adam Voigt CEO and former principal Trusting relationships are the foundations of learning and the fuel of growth. No school can thrive in a climate of entrenched suspicion. When this happens, we need to grieve, denounce and ensure full accountability without abandoning our commitment to trust. For if we stop trusting our schools, its our kids who will pay twice for the crimes of an infinitesimally small number of perpetrators.

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If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Adam Voigt, founder and CEO of Real Schools, is a former principal. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
A MOTHER and daughter from Carlow have just returned from a trip to India, where they brought eye care to those in need in the city of Kolkata.

Dolores ONeill and her daughter Abby, who both work in Specsavers Carlow, travelled to the city, formerly known as Calcutta, in partnership with The Hope Foundation. Retail director Dolores and optical assistant Abby joined a team of volunteers from other Specsavers branches to work in collaboration with the Hope Hospital Eye Clinic and reached out to local communities.

It wasnt the first trip to India for Dolores, who has previously used her expertise to help those in need.

Dolores highlighted her gratitude for the trip: Returning to Kolkata with The Hope Foundation this year was an incredibly meaningful opportunity and Im so grateful for it. Sharing this impactful journey with my daughter Abby has made it even more special. Their work alongside street connected communities is truly transformative, impacting lives for the better.

To witness the profound impact of our support first-hand was a privilege, especially the gift of sight we helped provide to thousands. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who made this possible.

During their eight-day visit, the team conducted eye checks on 3,722 patients, dispensed over 2,804 pairs of glasses and, in more severe cases, referred patients to Hope Hospital for necessary surgery. For most of these individuals, it was their first time seeing an optician and accessing the basic eye healthcare we often take for granted in Ireland.

For the people seen by Specsavers on this trip, receiving glasses is often a life-changing intervention. It empowers them to pursue education, secure work to support their families or to simply enjoy the everyday world with clarity.

The Specsavers team encountered countless inspiring individuals whose lives were profoundly changed by basic eyecare, including Samaresh, a 63-year-old shopkeeper who had struggled with poor vision his entire life, believing it was normal. Receiving bifocal glasses from the pop-up clinic transformed his perception, perfectly encapsulating the profound impact of such a simple intervention.

Another vital encounter involved a 38-year-old truck driver whose -4 prescription made his job dangerously challenging; fitted with correct glasses, his world opened up, powerfully demonstrating why the team returns each year.

Samiran Mallik, CEO of The Hope Hospital, underscored the critical impact of the Specsavers teams efforts to expand access to eye care. He highlighted that 90% of blindness cases are preventable if timely treatment is available.

Specsavers has raised over 130,000 this year alone, contributing to a remarkable total of 861,785 since 2017, dramatically improving the lives of Kolkatas most vulnerable.

After their visit, Specsavers presented a cheque for 54,450 to The Hope Foundation in Ireland. This significant donation will play a vital role in sustaining the essential eye care clinic in Kolkata.

The Hope Foundation Ireland is a registered charity dedicated to working with street-connected and slum-dwelling communities in Kolkata. The charity aims to free children and impoverished families from lives of pain, abuse, poverty and darkness, improving their lives by providing access to healthcare, nutrition, education, drug rehabilitation and life skills training.

With the continued support of Specsavers and The Hope Foundation, improved eye care will become more accessible to children living in Kolkatas slums and those in hospital care.
Michael Bolton

Members of the public pleaded with the Taoiseach to intervene during the hunger strikes by members of Palestine Action in prison in the UK.

Documents seen by Breakingnews.ie through the Freedom of Information Act 2014, show concern by the public about the condition of the hunger strikers in prison.

Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello were on hunger strike for 73 days, which ended in January after the UK government denied Israeli-based defence firm Elbit Systems a 2.3 billion contract.

In emails to the Taoiseach, members of the public raised concerns about their health during the hunger strikes.

One person said: "I'm writing today out of extreme concern for the two Palestine Action hunger strikers at risk of death as they enter 65 days and 58 days respectively of a hunger strike in support of Palestine.

"Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed began their hunger strike to call for immediate bail, ending the ban on Palestine Action, closing down the sites of the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems and ending censorship of the prisoners' communications."

Another person said: "These hunger strikers are now seriously ill and yet the British government will not act. They are demanding the closure of weapons factories supplying Israel, the immediate lifting of the ban on Palestine Action, an end to the mistreatment of prisoners and their release on bail now. They must be released immediately!"

The Government also came in for criticism as they were accused of not doing more for Palestine.

"They could literally die any minute, and the UK government seems happy to allow this.

"We are sliding into very dangerous territory, and your government's unwavering support for the US will come back to haunt us. Allowing the US to use Shannon as a de facto military base makes Ireland vulnerable to targeting by other countries due to its strategic importance.

The Taoiseach was also asked to contact British prime minister Keir Starmer regarding the hunger strikers' condition.

"I respectfully ask that you urge Prime Minister Starmer and minister Lammy to make direct contact with the hunger strikers, or to ensure that meaningful engagement takes place with them, with a view to agreeing on humanitarian concessions that might allow this hunger strike to end before further irreversible harm or loss of life occurs."

The decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist group by the UK government was also brought into question.

In an email to the Taoiseach, one person said: "A group that cares about justice and an end to military violence is deemed a terror organisation and alleged members are on remand in prison. It is utterly unacceptable in a so-called democracy."

Another person wrote: "Palestine Action is a non-violent direct action group protesting the UK's complicity in Israel's actions in Gaza. Designating a non-violent protest organisation opposing an ongoing genocide as a terrorist organisation represents a serious abuse of state power and a dangerous expansion of counter-terror legislation beyond its lawful purpose."

The Taoiseach was also reminded of Ireland's history when it came to hunger strikers.

References were made to the 10 republicans who died on hunger strike in the Maze Prison in 1981 during the Troubles in the North.

As one person said, "Have we learned nothing from the hunger strikers in the North? Is this current situation, where hunger strikers in England are now on day 46 of hunger strike, not worth standing up for?

"The hunger strikers led by Bobby Sands were also falsely accused of being "terrorists" as are the Palestine action activists. International pressure needs to be put on the UK government."

Another person said, "Please do what you can to help with this hunger strike. In view of our own history, I feel we have some expertise to offer."

While another email said: "We see in the resistance of Palestine Action hunger strikers echoes of Tomas Aghas in 1917, of MacSwiney in Brixton prison in 1920, and of those who suffered in the H-Block cages in 1981.

"We see the same unbroken will that carried Bobby Sands and the hunger strikers beyond the bars and into history, striking a blow at the heart of British Imperialism."

Last Friday, a UK high court ruled the decision to ban Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful, disproportionate and should be overturned.
THE feast day of St Brigid was marked in a particularly meaningful way in Carlow and Killeshin when the Rev Paul Fitzpatrick was instituted as incumbent of the newly-formed Carlow and Killeshin Group of Parishes.

The service in Killeshin church marked the completion of a consultation involving both parishes, the diocesan council and the representative church body. Prior to his institution, Rev Fitzpatrick had served as incumbent of Carlow Union and priest-in-charge of the neighbouring Killeshin Union.

Preaching at the service, Bishop Adrian Wilkinson drew on the significance of the occasion, noting that while much legend surrounds the figure of St Brigid, what is certain is that she left a lasting mark on one particular place  neighbouring Co Kildare.

We need our pioneers, travelling evangelists and missionaries, people like Columba and Columbanus, but we also need people committed to Christian service rooted in one locality, the bishop said. You dont need to travel the world to change it, but the example of Brigid reminds us that as an authentic Christian where you are, you can influence the world.

At the instituion ceremony were Rev Ger James, Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, Bishop Adrian Wilkinson, Rev Billy Burke and Archdeacon Alec Purcer

Bishop Wilkinson emphasised that Rev Fitzpatricks role as rector of the new grouping represents a commitment to the town and hinterland, where his own faith was nurtured and developed.

The bishop also acknowledged the importance of team ministry, paying tribute to the Rev Ger James (OLM) and the lay people of both parishes for their commitment and support of the new grouping.

Speaking on behalf of the parish at the close of the service, Alan Smyth congratulated the new rector and expressed appreciation for his ministry, as well as that of his colleague Rev Ger James.

Rev Fitzpatrick thanked the large congregation, which included his wife Betty, daughter Maebh and other family members, along with local political and civic representatives, ecumenical representatives and former colleagues in ministry from the Catholic Church.

Following the service, the congregation gathered for refreshments in the old schoolhouse beside the church.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The Bulawayo Regional Magistrates Court has sentenced 21yearold Gift Ncube to an effective 40 years in prison after convicting him on two counts of rape.

The court heard that on 15 February, at around 3am, Ncube broke into the home of his 81yearold neighbour in Hope Fountain. He overpowered the elderly woman, threatening to kill her while strangling her, before forcing her to undress and raping her in the sitting room.He then dragged her to her bedroom, where he raped her a second time.After the assaults, Ncube reportedly fell asleep in the victims bed. The elderly woman managed to escape and alert neighbours, who effected a citizens arrest after finding him naked and asleep. A broken window confirmed unlawful entry.The court described the attack as a grave violation of a vulnerable senior citizen within the supposed safety of her own home.
February is Black History Month. In the past, in tribute to Black History Month, we have written on significant historical figures in the federal judiciary or important court cases that contributed to our understanding of Black History. This year, we will take a different tack. We will highlight the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and its role in the civil rights struggle of the 1950s and 1960s.

THE JUDGES OF THE OLD FIFTH CIRCUIT

At that time, the Fifth Circuit heard appeals from federal trial courts in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Floridathe very heart of resistance to racial equality, desegregation, and voting rights. (In 1981, the Fifth Circuit was split into two circuits and now includes only Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.) Following the Supreme Courts landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the promise of equal protection under the law faced massive defiance in the southern states, both from the populace and their officials. Governors stood in schoolhouse doors. Legislatures enacted defiant and evasive statutes. Local officials delayed, obstructed, and resisted desegregation.

In the face of unequal treatment and state-sanctioned violence, there were protests, boycotts, and marches. People turned to the courts with lawsuits and, therefore, the federal judiciary became involved. Brave plaintiffsstudents, parents, ministers, veteransbrought cases at great personal cost. Lawyers advanced arguments rooted in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. And federal courts, most prominently the Fifth Circuit, ensured that those constitutional promises were made real.

In that climate, the rule of law required more than words on parchment. It required judges willing to enforce constitutional guarantees in the face of hostility, social ostracism and scorn, and, at times, threats to their personal safety.

Judges John Minor Wisdom, Elbert Tuttle, John Brown, and Richard Rivesoften referred to as the Fifth Circuit Fourwere among the judges whose names became synonymous with judicial integrity. They insisted that constitutional rights were not optional and that federal court orders were not mere suggestions. Through carefully written opinions grounded in precedent and principle, they translated the Supreme Courts broad declarations into enforceable mandates, ordered the desegregation of schools and universities, struck down discriminatory voting practices, and upheld the rights of peaceful demonstrators.

One case decided by the Fifth Circuit during those years involved the admission of James Meredith to the University of Mississippi, thus ending racial discrimination at that school. The Court did so despite defiance even by the lower-court judge who was overseeing the case. State officials had been bragging about the obvious racial discrimination at the university, and the Court of Appeals had already recognized that discrimination in a prior ruling. Meredith v. Fair, 298 F.2d 696 (5th Cir. 1962). But the trial judge ignored all of that, and wrote: The proof shows on this trial, and I find as a fact, that there is no custom or policy now, nor was there any at the time [Merediths] application was

rejected, which excluded qualified Negroes from entering the University. The proof shows, and I find as a fact, that the University is not a racially segregated institution.

Meredith v. Fair, 202 F. Supp. 224 (S.D. Miss. 1962). The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals again overturned this ruling and, when the governor and other state officials defied its order to admit Meredith, held those officials in contempt of court.

There are many other examples, both by the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and by some brave trial judges within the Fifth Circuit. The Fifth Circuit ordered the admission of Black students at the University of Alabama when Governor George Wallace attempted to prevent them from enrolling. District Judge Frank M. Johnson required Alabama officials to protect marchers after Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. District Judge Skelly Wright ordered the integration of New Orleans schools. In all, judges within the Fifth Circuit oversaw numerous cases requiring the desegregation of public colleges and elementary and secondary schools, the removal of racial barriers to voting, and the exercise of political and civil rights in the states within its jurisdiction.

JUDGES MUST REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE CONSTITUTION AND RULE OF LAW

The brave judges of the Fifth Circuit were parts of the very communities which opposed the decisions they were making. These judges knew how unpopular their decisions were and the opposition those decisions would face. They also knew that, as judges, they owed a duty of fidelity to the rule of law such that their decisions must be grounded in the Constitution and could not be mere acts of political will. They were not creating new rights or imposing their personal preferences. They were following Supreme Court precedents and enforcing the Reconstruction Amendments, the solemn commitments our country adopted after the Civil War promising equal protection and due process to all citizens, including those who were newly freed from enslavement. The Fifth Circuit applied the Constitution as written and as interpreted by the Supreme Court. In doing so, the Court demonstrated that the judiciarys independence is not an abstraction, but a necessity.

At a time when popular majorities in several states opposed integration, courts fulfilled a vital constitutional role: ensuring that individual rights did not rise or fall with the tide of public opinion. The federal judiciary is designed precisely for such moments. Life tenure and salary protection are not privileges for judges to enjoy; they are protections for the people, enabling courts to uphold constitutional guarantees without fear of retaliation and regardless of public opinion.

BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY

The Fifth Circuits work also underscores an important truth about Black History: it is inseparable from American constitutional history. The struggle for civil rights was not simply a social movement; it was a constitutional reckoning. By protecting the rights of Black citizens, they were protecting the rights of all.

Black History Month should remind us that progress often requires the steady application of principle amid controversy and opposition. The Fifth Circuits legacy is not one of triumphalism, but of duty. The judges did not claim perfection; they claimed duty, obligation, and jurisdiction. They heard the cases before them and applied the law as they understood it, mindful that the Constitution binds courts and citizens alike.

CONCLUSION

As we observe Black History Month, we honor not only the marchers and ministers, the students and strategists, but also the judges who ensured that the Constitutions guarantees were not hollow words. In the crucible of conflict, the Fifth Circuit was a bright and steady beacon proving that law, faithfully applied, can move us toward the high aspirations declared in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Curtis L. Collier

United States District Judge

Chair, Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee



Carrie Brown Stefaniak

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier



Meghna Melkote

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier



Alex Tritell

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier

* * *

That is a great summary of the fidelity to the Constitution by our judicial system in a very difficult time. The integrity of our judicial system is vitally important to all Americans.

The courts uphold the Constitution even when political officials turn their backs on it. It is very disconcerting to me to hear criticism of the judicial system by those disappointed by some given decision.





John L. Odom

Ooltewah
Home News First-grade teacher threatened with termination for refusing to read LGBT-themed book: attorneys

Quick Summary AI Summary First-grade teacher Eric Rivera was threatened with termination for refusing to read LGBT-themed material.

Rivera requested religious accommodations to avoid teaching ideas that conflict with his beliefs.

Legal group claims school violated civil rights law by not accommodating Rivera's religious convictions. 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

A first-grade teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, claims that he was threatened with termination and reassigned to a new position after requesting religious accommodations to avoid reading books to children that promote same-sex marriage, which would have conflicted with his beliefs about marriage and sexuality.

Eric Rivera is a devout Christian who taught first-grade students at KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary School, according to a Wednesday statement from the First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit public interest law firm. KIPP is a public charter school that operates under the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

According to a letter First Liberty Institute sent to school officials on Riveras behalf on Tuesday, the conflict began in January, when Rivera noticed that the selected Language Arts curriculum for his class included a book featuring a same-sex couple and their child.

Requiring a teacher violate their religious beliefs in order to keep their job is blatant discrimination that violates the Civil Rights Act, Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, said in a statement provided to The Christian Post.

Our client cares deeply about his students and simply has a religious objection to teaching certain lessons and asked for a simple religious accommodation, Martin continued. The school has sent the message that anyone who has a traditional view of marriage is unfit to teach first grade.

KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

The legal groups letter stated that it would pursue available remedies accordingly if it did not receive a response from the school by Friday.

One of the books Rivera was asked to read to his students was Stella Brings the Family, as WZTV reports. The book tells the story of a girl with two dads who is worried about how to celebrate Mothers Day without a mom.

Rivera felt the material in the book conflicted with his religious beliefs and that he could not, in good conscience, read it to his students and lead a discussion about it. The teacher requested that a colleague read the book to the students on Jan. 6 instead, while he remained in the classroom to observe.

The following day, the first-grade teacher received a summons to the principals office, where he says that he was issued a Final Warning letter and threatened with termination.

The letter accused Mr. Rivera of failing to meet the expectation of teaching the curriculum with fidelity, and stated that as a result of his conduct, students will miss content aligned with the scope of the unit, First Liberty Institute recounts in its letter to school officials.

Not only was the curriculum still taught to his first-grade class via substitute, but KIPPs position sends the message that anyone who holds the same religious beliefs and values as Mr. Rivera is incapable of teaching at their school while maintaining fidelity to their chosen curriculum, First Liberty Institutes letter reads. Mr. Rivera was further directed to maintain fidelity to the curriculum, teaching all lessons in the KIPP Nashville Scope and Sequence.

In addition to threatening further disciplinary action such as termination, the Final Warning letter also stated, A copy of this unsatisfactory notice is being placed in your personnel file.

Rivera claims that he had not received any prior warnings from the school before they issued the Final Warning letter, nor had he been subject to any disciplinary actions. The Christian teacher says that he later accepted a teaching technology position before switching to a kindergarten position.

Mr. Rivera stated he believed he should be able to teach first grade consistent with his convictions by having another teacher read the two books in the curriculum that he objected to, First Liberty Institutes letter states.

However, the principal indicated that the belief in same-sex marriage is so fundamental to the language arts unit that Mr. Rivera could not possibly be permitted to teach any portion of the unit, and therefore had to be removed from the first grade classroom, the document reads.

In the letter, the attorneys contend that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it "unlawful for an employer to discriminate against any individual with respect to religion and also requires employers to accommodate employees religious practices unless doing so would impose an 'undue hardship' on the conduct of the employers business.

The attorneys argue that KIPP cannot demonstrate any undue hardship here" and that "KIPP failed to reasonably accommodate Mr. Rivera in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

The attorneys also believe that KIPP may have violated the U.S. Constitution and Tennessee law by failing to provide parental notification of sexual orientation or gender identity curriculum.

In a statement shared with WZTV, the Tennessee Charter School Commission explained that all charter schools are expected to follow "the same Tennessee academic standards as traditional public schools, and while they do have flexibility selecting curriculum and materials, they must still be aligned with those same state standards."

"All schools are required to comply with the prohibited concepts law and must provide a form on their website for reporting violations," the commission states. "The Commission provides a form for submitting complaints related to the prohibited concepts law as well as any other violations of charter school law on our website. Teachers and staff at charter schools are employees of the school or charter operator and as such all personnel matters are handled by the school.

A case involving parental requests for accommodations from materials that conflict with religious beliefs concluded with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that parents can opt their children out of a Maryland school district's LGBT-themed curriculum materials.

In a 6-3 decision, the high court ruled in Mahmoud, Tamer, et al. v. Taylor, Thomas W., et al. that Montgomery County Public Schools cannot force children to be exposed to LGBT-themed books in the curriculum if their parents oppose.

Justice Samuel Alito authored the opinion of the court, being joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas.

"A government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses 'a very real threat of undermining' the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill," wrote Alito.

"And a government cannot condition the benefit of free public education on parents' acceptance of such instruction. Based on these principles, we conclude that the parents are likely to succeed in their challenge to the Board's policies."
Home Opinion 7 things that cause Christian leaders to fall

Why do they fall? They fall for the same reason that all Christians fall. Each of us is drawn away by our own evil desires and enticed.



When these desires are acted upon, they lead to sin (cf. James 1:14-15). Sin has a life cycle  it either grows or withers depending on whether we feed or starve it. John Owen, the prolific Puritan author, wrote, Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.

Consider the following ways that sin gains entrance:

1. It will never happen to me. 1 Corinthians 10:12 reminds us that if we think that we are standing firm, we should be careful that we dont fall. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Pride says, Ive never committed adultery. It will never happen to me. Humility says, By the grace of God, I havent, but I can.

Strength is found in admitting our weaknesses: For when I am weak I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Pride opens the door to compromise and unwise decisions; it ignores conviction. Conviction is not always a hammer to the head; its a still small voice to the heart. Sadly, many confuse Gods patience with His approval. C.H. Spurgeon rightly noted, We are never, never so much in danger of being proud as when we think we are humble.

2. Im too busy. We are all susceptible to putting God second and ministry first. If were too busy to cultivate a prayer life that places God first, were too busy. Men would live better if they prayed better. Were often too busy because were doing too much. When faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live (E.M. Bounds). Its hard to fall when youre always on your knees. Moral failing cannot gain a stronghold in a broken, praying heart that spends time in the Word and obedience to it (cf. James 1:22). Nine times out of 10, when a leader falls, he or she has no meaningful prayer or devotional life.

3. Holiness is compromised. The enemy attempts to draw us away from Gods holy standard. I vividly remember a story of a young boy who kept falling out of his bed. He finally asked his mother why he kept falling. She wisely answered, Its because you dont stay far enough in. In the same way, many of us fall back into sin because we dont get far enough into Gods framework of safety and protection via holiness. In the words of Isaac Watts, True Christianity, where it reigns in the heart, will make itself appear in the purity of life.

Of all the attributes of God described in the Bible, holiness is seen most often. Holiness is a vital weapon of defense against the enemy's attack (cf. Ephesians 6:14). But holiness must come from brokenness and humility, not legalism. A low view of holiness always damages morality ... we rationalize instead of repent. Im convinced that todays media plays a significant role in the decline of holiness. Sadly, Hollywood, not the Holy Spirit, influences many. We cannot fill our minds with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine in our lives.

4. Many build unhealthy relationships with the opposite sex. We must be on high alert in this area and have tremendous steps of accountability in place. The devil doesnt show those involved in counseling appointments, inner office meetings, and private fellowship the pain and anguish and the years of regret that moral failure brings; he deceives them with a false sense of freedom in ministry ... that we are simply helping the other person.

If you are married and attracted to another person, or if the potential is there, take steps now and remove yourself from the environment. Adultery begins with small compromises. Were often too smart to take deliberate plunges, but were easily enticed to take one step at a time, one compromise at a time, one bad choice at a time until were at the bottom. Dont fight sexual desires; dont entertain them ... flee (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18).

5. We fail to strengthen weak areas. The demands of life often tempt us to seek gratification in ungodly things. Additionally, many leaders try to control others with false words. This weak area of manipulation and pride must be repented of immediately.

The enemy uses opportune times to draw us away from God. (cf. Luke 4:13.) The line is so thin that it is often hard to determine when we cross over. Weak areas such as drugs, alcohol, pain meds, sex, anger, marriage issues, and so on are opportune times for the enemy to strike. We must expose these areas through repentance and install safeguards and accountability. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

6. Accountability is often breached or minimized. Accountability is a safeguard, but it's not bulletproof. Accountability, by itself, doesnt work  its not realistic to ask others to hold you accountable. Your heart must be focused on honoring Gods Word. Accountability simply adds another level of security in the battle against sin, and its desperately needed because most of these leaders were not led by a plurality of elders; they were the king. Its healthy to say to those we trust and who can hold us accountable, Im struggling in this area. Can you pray with me and ask the hard questions from time to time.

The enemy loves to work in darkness and deceit. Exposing cracks in the armor helps others keep an eye on them as well. Consider adding accountability software that sends all websites visited to your wifes email every week. This is a major deterrent, and it makes us very conscious of even seemingly innocent sites. To some, this may seem extreme, but we need to be armed for the enemy who steals, kills, and destroys. The greater our influence, the greater the need for accountability: spiritually, financially, and relationally.

7. Loneliness becomes an excuse. Ministry is hard and can easily take its toll. Feeling a sense of entitlement if often the beginning of justifying wrong choices. We can easily become jealous and judgmental of those who seem to have all the fun. As Oswald Chambers states: God buries His men [and women] in the midst of paltry things; no monuments are erected to them; they are ignored, not because they are unworthy, but because they are in the place where they cannot be seen.

Luke 16:10 should be a great encouragement: So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty. Sin can be silenced in a thankful heart set on worshiping God. God has given us the privilege to serve Him, proclaim His truth, and help others. Dont allow frustration and negativity to lead you down the wrong path.

Repentance before exposure

In closing, if you are on the cliff or have already fallen, take time now and repent. It will hurt, but the fruit of repentance far outweighs the fruit of exposure that will surely come (cf. Numbers 32:23). Gods grace will see you through.

A penitent person turns from sin. They accept full responsibility for their actions without blame, resentment, or bitterness. They seek forgiveness without conditions and stipulations. They take full (not partial) responsibility for their actions. There can be no buts when repentance is genuine. I am sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me are often (although not always) healing words and signs of repentance. Excuses need to stop before healing can occur.

There are consequences for past mistakes, but its best to live in Gods healing arms of forgiveness, rather than to live broken outside of His will. Which way will you turn?
Home Opinion Ex-death row Iranian to US: Please help protesters in Iran being slaughtered

Over the past several weeks, I have been contemplating my own life growing up in Iran in the context of the daily reports of protests of the Iranian people, and mass murders by the regime of the people.

While I have suffered a lot in and because of the Islamic Republic, the past two months have been among the hardest periods in my life. The last week in December, the Iranian people bravely started protesting in hundreds of cities across Iran. I was inspired and hopeful, and I still am. But I have been pained by the mass murder that has taken place on the streets and in hospitals, across Iran. Tens of thousands have been executed. Hundreds of thousands have been injured. Countless Iranians have been arrested and tortured. All deliberately, demonically, as the Islamic regime has used unspeakable brute force against its own people.

I have been inspired but pained. Its amazing to see the Iranian people united against the ayatollahs and the mullahs, against the IRGC and agents of the regime inside and outside Iran. Its amazing to see the Iranian people also united in support of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the only name of any Iranian leader to be chanted throughout Iran, with the prayer that he will return to Iran to restore the Pahlavi dynasty and lead Iran to freedom.

Many other fake opposition names seeking to undermine Iran are illegitimate, evil wolves in sheeps clothing. No matter whose name one might hear suggested by anyone else to lead Iran, Prince Pahlavi is the one tens of millions of Iranians want to lead them, and the only person alive who can unify Iran and lead it out of the past 47 years under an Islamic death cult, rejoining the members of the world as a free and prosperous people.

Following developments inside Iran these past months, I have been heartbroken over and over. Western leaders have spoken out in support of the Iranian people, encouraging them to take to the streets, to continue to protest, and to resist the Islamic Republic and agents of the regime. They were motivated by assurances that help is on the way, but that was several weeks ago, during which tens, if not maybe hundreds of thousands have been slaughtered. The protesters have been hoping that help is indeed on the way.

Among those slaughtered are countless children, deliberately targeted by the regimes forces. The regimes message is clear: there will be no future for Irans youth. I have written about it in depth in my books, but its critical to understand that slaughtering children is not accidental but a deliberate tactic of the regime. Children are literally a sacrifice of the demonic regime through its leaders practicing a satanic form of witchcraft. I know it sounds like harsh rhetoric, and hard to believe. But its true. When I lived in Iran, I encountered many such witches who served the ayatollahs and the regimes leaders. They shared their plans openly because they had no shame in it. Every sacrifice in the name of preserving the evil Islamic regime is legitimate, even a goal, in their eyes.

Theres also the deliberate targeting of women. We know that in every cell of its DNA, the Islamic regime practices and encourages misogyny. I experienced that myself as a young girl, throughout my life. I witnessed that across Iran, where women are meant to be subservient to men. I saw this in many ways, especially in prison. Then, and today, women are treated as property, raped at will and in ways that sanctify their evil god, and we continue to see women deliberately shot in the face today to disfigure them. Its not enough that women are subjugated by the hijab, but they are deliberately targeted.

In the past several weeks, I have seen reports of women being raped and disfigured, and their bodies desecrated in unspeakable ways. Because of this, many bodies are simply missing to hide the regimes crimes. But one thing that has been documented is that of many bodies that have been recovered, their wombs are missing, cut out as yet another way to subjugate and instill fear in women.

It reminds me of the sickening brutality that was documented from Hamas and its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the deliberate sexual assault against women. Many around the world denied this then because the victims were Jews. Todays victims are Iranian women. The world cannot look away.

Every day since the end of December I have prayed that it would be the last one of the Islamic Republic, that Iranians would take back their lives and their country. Its long overdue. Many think that its only a domestic problem for Iranians to deal with and that there should not be foreign intervention. Thats false. Let me tell you why.

Yes, the Iranian people need to be free, and that is a legitimate goal of any ethical people and government. It cannot happen too soon, especially with all the suffering.

The Islamic Republic also embodies the greatest threat to the United States, Israel, and the entire world, at least since World War II, but I believe it is even worse than the Nazis and Japan combined. To bring world peace, the Islamic Republic must be brought down. It is the head of the octopus that will make other Islamic terror groups and Iranian agents around the world wither and die.

I also speak as a proud American, joining 350 million others in celebrating our 250th anniversary of independence and the establishment of the truly greatest country on earth. America is the world leader in freedom and democracy. The Iranian people are looking to America to step up and lend a hand. Yet some Americans think its not their job, that the future of Iran makes no difference to the United States. Not only are they wrong, but lets remember something important from our own history. 250 years ago, when brave Americans fought for their independence, we cannot forget that France stepped up to help. Americans were not alone. Someone believed in the righteousness of American independence, and everything that would represent and come to be.

Today, as we celebrate 250 years of American independence, America must commit itself to helping the Iranian people become free and independent and restore the 2,500-year-old proud, prosperous, and enlightening Persian history.

Allowing the Islamic Republic one more day of oxygen is bad for Iran, bad for the Middle East, bad for America and Israel, and bad for the world. We must cut off the head of the octopus in Tehran and expose the regimes agents across the world. Theres a lot of work to be done.

Looking at whats happening in Iran, there is one ultimate solution for Iran and its long-term future, domestically and as a member of the family of nations. I know my people. I spent more than a decade inside Iran before I was arrested, sharing about Jesus. Especially because Iranians have rejected Islam, they are ripe for a relationship with and to worship a God of love, the God in whom all prosperity and promises are found.

Its my goal, through NewPersia.org, to lay the foundation for what will be the ultimate revolution. When the regime falls, we must bring the loving message of Jesus to the Iranian people, one that will change hearts and become the cornerstone for a thriving Iran for 2,500 years to come.
Home Opinion How do we ignite revival for Americas 250th birthday?

Every generation needs revival  to rediscover what is good and right and true.



That discovery comes to each generation through witnessing the extraordinary power of the spiritual disciplines of prayer and daily Bible reading. May this generation hear the call! As someone who served in Congress for decades and is now serving on the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation Board, I have lived the power of prayer.

I remember the night before a pivotal vote on legislation to protect our nation from foreign threats like TikToks ties to the Chinese Communist Party. After months of deadlock, a group of us gathered in prayer, seeking truth, discernment, and unity. The next day, the bill passed committee unanimously, 50 to 0  an extraordinary result and nothing short of a miracle. This unanimous vote was birthed in humble dependence on God.

Throughout my years in leadership, the sustaining prayers of friends, constituents, and supporters carried me through long nights, tough decisions, and family joys. Although I hadn't always prioritized prayer, once I did, those prayers multiplied my time, sparked creative ideas, and opened doors to breakthroughs never thought or imagined, from energy policy to protecting our children, empowering those with disabilities, and fighting for veterans. Prayer wasnt just something personal to me  it was the source of wisdom, humility, and shared purpose that made our work truly effective.

Now, as our nation approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, I hear that same call  not from the halls of Congress, but from the heart of God to seek Him again. At a time when we are deeply divided, perhaps we could find a renewed unity in prayer. We have seen Republicans and Democrats in Congress, deeply divided political enemies, unite in prayer in response to calamities and great loss. At the founding of our nation, when they couldnt agree on the Constitution, it was Benjamin Franklin who stood and proposed prayer!

Let us once again turn our hearts toward prayer and His Word. What better way to celebrate Americas semi-quincentennial than by rebuilding a foundation of spiritual renewal, unity, transformation, and revival? I invite you to join me in committing to daily Bible reading and prayer throughout the new year  a year-long journey to deepen our dependence on the Almighty.

Our founders understood this well. George Washington, in his first inaugural address, proclaimed that no people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. He knew that Providence  sought through prayer  had guided our improbable victory in the Revolution. That same hand beckons us to humble ourselves once more.

Last fall, President Trump launched the America Prays initiative from the White House, calling on Americans to dedicate one hour each week to prayer for our countrys strength, peace, and prosperity as we prepare to mark 250 years of freedom. This isnt merely symbolic  its a timely call to rededicate our hearts to the God who established and sustained this nation from its birth.

History bears powerful witness to what happens when a people unite in fervent prayer. Consider the Fulton Street Revival of 1857, sparked by a single lunchtime prayer meeting in a New York office building. Amid financial panic and spiritual apathy, businessman Jeremiah Lanphier called for voluntary prayer, and what began with six attendees swelled to 10,000 weekly across the city, igniting a nationwide awakening that saw over a million souls converted and churches revitalized. Or the First Great Awakening in the 1730s and 1740s, when preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield, fueled by extraordinary intercession, saw God pour out conviction and conversion across the colonies, laying the moral groundwork for our independence. Even in the 20th century, the East African Revival of the 1930s  born from humble prayer groups among missionaries and locals  resulted in a 50-year harvest of faith, church planting, and societal transformation.

These are not anomalies; they are patterns. As revival chronicler A.T. Pierson wrote, Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure. One of the mistakes we make in reading history, whether Biblical or history in general, is thinking that those who lived before us were different from us. They werent. They had the same fears and the same perceived limitations. If God did it for them, He can do it for us.

Revival isnt an outdated ideaits a word that still speaks to our deepest need. It means healing in relationships, renewal in communities, reduced despair, more service, and restored trust among neighbors. Its what happens when hearts turn fully toward Godwhen prayer replaces pride, and love overcomes division. Revival is when faith moves from Sunday pews into everyday lives, bringing peace where there was chaos and purpose where there was emptiness.

And we need that revival now more than ever. America faces a spiritual crisis as profound as any in our history. Our divisions run deep. Loneliness, anxiety, and despair are rising. Families are fractured, truth feels negotiable, and faith in our institutions is fading. We have gained technology but lost trust. We are more connected than ever, but more isolated than before. We need hope and we need healing in our families and across our land. What might God do if we humble ourselves and pray?

Without a spiritual awakening, we risk becoming a nation of cynicism rather than courage, grievance rather than grace. But if we return to prayer  if we seek God together  He can heal what politics cannot. He can restore broken marriages, renew civic virtue, and awaken hope in weary hearts. Revival is not a distant dream. It is the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

This call is personal and local  and national. Pray for your neighbors flourishing and your citys well-being. Extend those prayers to your states, asking that leadership there would be marked by justice, courage, and compassion. And lift up our nation as a whole  that we would be one people under God. Parents, gather your children around the table or bedside to pray together. Pastors, open your sanctuaries for an hour each week and make them wells of intercession. Students, unite before class or after practice to read Scripture and pray for your schools. Leaders, seek wisdom and humility to govern with integrity and grace.

Across America, God is stirring hearts toward a renewed commitment to daily Scripture and prayer  a movement rising in homes, churches, and communities everywhere. Through the Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute, were honored to help connect people to these efforts and provide practical resources for those who want to take part or start something in their own communities. You can find tools and encouragement at cmrli.orgaccessible for individuals, parents, retirees, and students alike.

Americas story has always been one of improbable triumphs  from Valley Forge to the moon landing  each under Gods watchful hand. As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of resilience and to arise and build for the next 250 years, let prayer be our greatest conviction. Let us unite  in our homes, churches, and communities. Let us read. Let us pray. And let us watch God move. The revival we long for begins on our knees  today.




The soloist orchestra relationship forms the heartbeat of any concerto performance, where one artist's brilliance collides with a collective force to create something greater than either could alone. This interplaypart dialogue, part dueldefines classical music's most thrilling moments, drawing listeners into a world of tension and harmony.

Core Roles in Concerto Dynamics

Soloists step into the spotlight as virtuosic interpreters, wielding instruments like extensions of their voice. They perform without sheet music in many cases, channeling years of solitary practice into expressive lines that demand flawless intonation, agility, and emotional depth. Picture a violinist like Itzhak Perlman navigating double stops and harmonics under bright lightsthe pressure amplifies every note, making their role a high-wire act of individuality.

Orchestras, meanwhile, embody precision and power, with dozens of musicians blending into a single sonic entity. Section leaders like first-chair violins guide their peers, while basses and timpani provide rhythmic bedrock. They shift focus effortlessly: supporting softly during solo passages or unleashing full tutti force to challenge the star. This restraint and surge highlight their adaptability, turning raw volume into sculpted soundscapes.

At its best, the soloist orchestra relationship balances these worlds. Soloists inspire bold risks, while orchestras offer a safety net of reliability. Without this mutual understanding, performances flatten into routine; with it, they ignite.

Historical Shifts in Soloist-Orchestra Ties

Baroque composers kicked off the concerto form with concerti grossi, pitting a small concertino group against the ripieno orchestra in lively contests. Vivaldi's works buzzed with this energysolo violins darting amid string swarms, establishing opposition as a core thrill in the soloist orchestra relationship.

Classical masters like Mozart refined the dynamic, placing soloists amid the orchestra for intimate exchanges. In his piano concertos, the soloist converses directly with winds or strings, blurring lines between leader and supporter. This setup fostered collaboration, where orchestral interludes echoed solo ideas, paving the way for deeper emotional narratives.

Romantic giants pushed boundaries further. Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto erupts with solo flourishes that dominate, yet orchestral tuttis roar back with equal might, creating epic standoffs. Tchaikovsky and Brahms leaned into lyricism, letting solo lines weave through orchestral textures like threads in a tapestry. By the 20th century, composers like Ravel added coloristic layers, with orchestras rivaling soloists in complexitythink his Piano Concerto's jazzy woodwinds dancing around piano runs.

These evolutions mirror broader cultural changes: from courtly rivalries to symphonic partnerships. Today's concerto performance honors this legacy, adapting to modern halls and recordings while preserving the soloist orchestra relationship's spark.

Everyday Musical Conversations on Stage

Every concerto performance unfolds through structured dialogues that keep audiences hooked. Tutti sections rally the full ensemble, pounding out main themes with unified punchbrass blazing, strings surgingto set the stage. Then come solo episodes, where the orchestra recedes to pizzicato whispers or muted sighs, framing the star's display.

Cadenzas mark peak drama: soloists improvise or play written flourishes unaccompanied, stretching phrases into personal statements. The orchestra holds breath-like fermatas, building suspense before crashing back in resolution. This push-pull mirrors real conversationsquestion, response, escalation, harmony.

Call-and-response patterns add playfulness. In Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, woodwinds toss motifs to the soloist, who embellishes and returns them transformed. Romantic works layer complexity: Brahms' Violin Concerto has the orchestra introduce brooding themes, which the soloist develops with soaring passion. Dynamics shift constantlyfortissimo clashes yield to piano intimaciesdemanding split-second cues.

Conductors orchestrate this ballet, eyes flicking between soloist and sections. A nod tempers brass; a lifted hand cues strings. Rehearsals, often just one or two, hone this via sectional run-throughs, ensuring the soloist orchestra relationship feels instinctive, not rehearsed.

Conductor's Bridge in the Spotlight

No element cements the soloist orchestra relationship more than the conductor's steady hand. They set tempos that honor the soloist's comfortlingering in lyrical adagios, racing through allegroswhile keeping the orchestra locked in. In fast passages, like the finale of Saint-Saens' Violin Concerto No. 3, precise beats prevent chaos as solo runs intertwine with orchestral counters.

Communication goes beyond baton: eye contact signals phrasing nuances, a smile encourages risk-taking. Soloists often lead rubato, stretching beats expressively; the orchestra follows, then stabilizes. This dance peaks in exposed moments, like concerto openings where solo entries pierce silence amid hushed strings.

Top podium masters like Simon Rattle excel here, blending authority with flexibility. They allocate rehearsal time wiselyfocusing on transitions where balances falterand foster chemistry through pre-concert chats. When it works, the soloist orchestra relationship transcends notes, becoming a shared narrative alive in the moment.

Iconic Performances That Prove the Point

Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto stands as a cornerstone. Its first movement pits soaring solo melodies against churning orchestral seas, with a cadenza that quiets the storm before tutti triumph. Janine Jansen's rendition with the London Philharmonic captures thisher fiery precision meets the orchestra's stormy depth, turning tension into exhilaration.

Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 flips the script toward equality. Orchestral horns herald the opening; the piano responds with cascading arpeggios, then joins in symphonic dialogue. Emanuel Ax with the Berlin Philharmonic exemplifies this, where solo bravura enhances rather than overshadows ensemble warmth.

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 offers lush romance: swelling strings cradle piano's songful themes, building to ecstatic climaxes. Yuja Wang's electrifying takes with top orchestras showcase pinpoint balancesnever drowning the keys, always amplifying passion. These examples reveal how concerto performance thrives on tailored synergy.

Modern twists shine too. John Williams' Violin Concerto blends filmic flair with tradition, solo lines soaring over colorful orchestral palettes. Joshua Bell's premieres highlight adaptive relationships, proving the form's vitality.

Lasting Effects on Stage Magic

Strong soloist orchestra relationships ripple through every concerto performance, heightening contrast and emotion. Seamless handoffs create narrative arcstriumphs feel earned, introspections profound. Audiences sense this alchemy: applause swells for ovations when chemistry peaks, as in Lang Lang's stormy Prokofiev with the Vienna Philharmonic.

Preparation unlocks it. Soloists arrive polished; orchestras adapt via targeted cues. Mismatches erode magicoverloud tuttis bury solos, lagging rhythms kill momentumbut rare lapses underscore rehearsal's value. Ensembles like the Chicago Symphony build reputations on accommodating stars, yielding consistently electric results.

This bond influences programming too: venues pair compatible artists, fostering repeat collaborations. Recordings preserve peaks, like Karajan's Beethoven cycles, inspiring generations.

When Soloist-Orchestra Chemistry Takes Center Stage

Great concerto performance hinges on the soloist orchestra relationshipa fluid partnership where individual fire fuels collective glow, crafting evenings that linger long after the final chord.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What defines the soloist orchestra relationship?

The soloist orchestra relationship thrives on dialogue, where the soloist leads with virtuosic flair and the orchestra responds with layered support, creating tension and unity in every concerto performance.

2. How does a soloist interact with the orchestra during a concerto?

Soloists exchange musical ideas through call-and-response patterns, tutti sections, and cadenzastrading spotlights with orchestral swells to build drama and emotional depth.

3. What roles do soloists and orchestra musicians play?

Soloists focus on expressive individuality and technical brilliance from memory, while orchestra members prioritize blending, precision, and dynamic flexibility to elevate the whole.

4. Why is the conductor key in concerto performances?

Conductors balance tempos, cue entries, and foster eye-contact chemistry, ensuring the soloist orchestra relationship flows seamlessly despite limited rehearsals.

5. Which concertos best showcase this dynamic?

Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and Brahms' Piano No. 2 highlight epic clashes and partnerships, with solo lines weaving through orchestral power for timeless impact.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe Independent, a weekly publication under Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), has issued an unreserved apology to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation over claims that US$52 million in licence-fee revenue had gone missing.In a letter authored by the publication's editor, Faith Zaba, the newspaper admitted that its recent article was not supported by verified official audit findings and contained insinuations that could have been interpreted as questioning the President's integrity."On behalf of The Zimbabwe Independent, I write to extend our sincere and unreserved apology to you, the ministry, His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, and the leadership of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) regarding the article published in our recent edition concerning alleged irregularities in licence-fee revenues," wrote Zaba.She further conveyed a "profound and unequivocal apology" to President Mnangagwa, acknowledging that the story may have implied impropriety in the exercise of his constitutional powers."We fully acknowledge that the reassignment of ministers is a lawful and constitutional function of the President, exercised in pursuit of national interests and administrative efficiency," she said, adding that it was never the newspaper's intention to cast aspersions on his leadership.Zaba also conceded that the central claim of the story  that US$52 million was unaccounted for  was not supported by verified official audit findings."We accept that there has been no Government audit or forensic audit establishing malpractice in relation to these funds and that internal auditors at ZBC have not flagged such irregularities," the letter stated.The apology follows a sharply worded statement by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, which described the original article as a "poorly executed hatchet job" riddled with "unfounded allegations, falsehoods and malicious insinuations."The ministry dismissed the US$52 million figure as "a gross exaggeration and a complete fabrication," insisting that actual licence-fee collections were nowhere near that amount."There has been no Government audit nor a forensic audit on this matter because no evidence of malpractice has ever been presented to warrant one," the ministry said, questioning the basis of the newspaper's claims.It further accused the publication of ignoring basic journalistic protocols, alleging that it bypassed official channels despite being directed to seek comment from Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana. The ministry also refuted claims that the reporter had engaged ZBC chief executive Sugar Chagonda, describing such assertions as false.Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the ministry said ZBC is scheduled to undergo its routine audit in March 2026, with findings to be tabled before Parliament.While condemning what it termed a breach of media ethics, the ministry said it remains focused on its mandate and urged media houses to adhere to factual and balanced reporting.
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The original six American Girl historical characters  Kirsten Larson, Samantha Parkington, Molly McIntire, Felicity Merriman, Addy Walker and Josefina Montoya  are displayed at the brands flagship store, Luke Fountain

The flagship American Girl Place at Rockefeller Center in New York City feels frozen in time. The air smells faintly of vanilla. Young girls dart between doll displays clutching miniature shirts and sequined shoes. Beneath glittering chandeliers, the brand's iconic red boxes line shelves with museum-like precision. Blow dryers hum in the Doll Salon, and downstairs, pink-frosted cupcakes land on cafe tables before dolls sitting upright in their miniature highchairs. "It feels timeless," said Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls for Mattel , the brand's parent company. And yet, behind the scenes, the business of American Girl dolls is not what it once was. As American Girl turns 40, the brand is navigating more modern challenges: digital competition, shifting play patterns and an aging, more cost-conscious customer base. "The anniversary is at precarious moment for American Girl and the whole doll industry," said Jaime Katz, an analyst who covers Mattel for Morningstar. "Kids are more digital in play, and the [American Girl] brand has struggled." Around a decade ago, at its peak, American Girl was recording more than $600 million in annual sales. By 2023, annual sales had fallen to roughly $200 million  just a third of prior levels. While American Girl has shrunk back considerably from the mid-2010s, the brand has more recently posted five consecutive quarters of sales growth  one of the few steady performers inside Mattel's portfolio. "Growing off a base that's down more than 60% doesn't mean the brand is back. It means it's stabilizing," Katz told CNBC. Earlier this month, Mattel reported fourth-quarter sales of $1.77 billion, falling short of Wall Street expectations after holiday demand came in lighter than projected and heavier discounting weighed on margins. Earnings per share likewise fell short, and Mattel issued a lower-than-expect profit forecast for 2026. Mattel shares have fallen roughly 19% since the Feb. 10 report and are down about 20% over the past year. Citi and JPMorgan downgraded the stock after the results, too. "People are watching Mattel this year ... waiting with baited breath, because they are spending a ton and it seems unlikely they will be bringing in big profits," Katz said.

A doll gets her hair washed, brushed and curled at the American Girl Salon at the brand's flagship store in Rockefeller Center. Luke Fountain

Longstanding issues

A girl waits with her new Truly Me doll at the American Girl flagship store in Rockefeller Center. Luke Fountain

Capitalizing on loyalty

Inside the Rockefeller Center store, those industry headwinds feel distant. On a recent visit, Lisa Kandoski stood gazing at Molly McIntire  the World War II-era heroine adorned with round wire-rimmed glasses, a navy argyle sweater and braids tied in red ribbons  just like the doll Kandoski said her grandmother put under the Christmas tree in 1990. "It's not just a doll," Kandoski, now 40, told CNBC, her eyes misty. "I sort of realized the impact Molly had on me as a kid. She taught me that you could be brave even when the world was scary, that you could 'do your part' even when you were small. She shaped who I am." That emotional alchemy has defined American Girl since it disrupted the doll industry in 1986. At the time, the market was dominated by either fashion dolls mirroring adulthood or baby dolls to rehearse motherhood. The original six American Girl characters  Samantha, Kirsten, Molly, Felicity, Addy and Josefina  came with books tackling subjects rarely taught to young kids like child labor or racism, and all dolls treated girlhood itself as a formative stage. "American Girl remains a moral compass for many of us," said Tretter of the American Girl Women podcast. "I love that girls today are still getting positive messages about inclusivity, friendship and going through difficult changes." Over time, American Girl expanded into publishing, film and destination retail while diversifying its characters, like with the 2026 "Girl of the Year," Raquel Reyes, a biracial DJ and animal rescuer who helps run her family's Kansas City paleta shop. The brand's whimsical seriousness became a differentiator and fostered generational loyalty, said Justine Orlovsky-Schnitzler, a folklorist and author of "An American Girl Anthology: Finding Ourselves in the Pleasant Company Universe." Look no further than the Doll Hospital where white-coated "doctors" triage patients, fit wheelchairs, perform eye exams, and apply miniature casts for doll owners of all ages. "That's why people return," Orlovsky-Schnitzler said. "You're not just buying plastic and fabric. You're revisiting a version of yourself." And even though the dolls remain preserved in childhood innocence, their original owners, now grown up, keep returning to American Girl through podcasts, memes, cosplay and fan fiction. Some pass their dolls down to their children. Others buy new ones for themselves. "There's something powerful about handing your daughter the doll you once slept beside," Orlovsky-Schnitzler said. "It's also just as comforting to go back to the days of your youth with your own doll."

American Girl is releasing modernized version of its original six characters for the brand's 40th anniversary. Mattel

A growing base
Most people have a relatively consistent wakeup time. Fewer have a set bedtime, which could be the reason you feel lacking in free time during the day, says author and time management expert Laura Vanderkam.

The logic works like this: Without consistent sleep habits, most people can be generally productive but struggle to stay consistently focused all day, every day. Without consistent focus, your task list can build up, leading you to frantically rush to get things done. And when you're rushing, you make mistakes. Now the time you intended on saving is being spent backtracking or playing catch up.

"The problem is that people will get enough sleep over the course of a week overall, but it's very disordered," says Vanderkam, who's written eight books about time management. "One night, you're staying up too late and getting up too early in the morning. The next night, somebody's crashing on the couch ... and weekends are all over the map."

In spring 2021, Vanderkam surveyed over 150 participants who spent nine weeks implementing nine preset rules for productivity, including sticking to a consistent bedtime. "One of the people in my study called [setting a bedtime] the least sexy, but the most impactful rule of all of them," says Vanderkam.

A July 2025 study published to Nature, a peer-reviewed medical journal, came to a similar conclusion. Researchers observed over 79,000 working adults in Japan and found that irregular bedtimes were linked to lower productivity and more disengagement at work.

A bedtime "gives shape to the entire day," Vanderkam says, adding that it helps you know how many hours you have to work with each day, which helps you schedule your time more effectively. "We know the day has a beginning  people are a lot fuzzier on this notion that each day has an end, but it does. And everything you're going to do has to fit within that time. It's kind of a puzzle."

Vanderkam set an 11 p.m. bedtime for herself years ago, and says the routine "allows me to make more rational choices about what is actually going to fit in my day."

Disordered sleep can also negatively impact your circadian rhythm, or your body's innate sleep-wake pattern, Rachel Salas, a sleep neurologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, told CNBC Make It in July 2022. To find yours, observe what time your body naturally wakes up without an alarm for a few days, and make 30-minute adjustments if you need to, Salas recommended.

"Sleep is a basic human need, and a lot is at stake if we don't get enough of it: our cognition, our memory, our digestion," said Salas. "I can't think of one thing sleep isn't important for."

Most adults need around seven hours of sleep per night, according to the Mayo Clinic, but sleep experts typically say that each person tends to need a different amount. Once you determine how much sleep helps you feel mentally sharp each day, use that figure to reverse-engineer your ideal bedtime, Vanderkam advises.

"Look at what time you have to wake up, count back the number of hours that you need to sleep, and we have a bedtime," says Vanderkam.

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Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi meets with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner ahead of the indirect U.S.-Iran talks, in Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2026.

The next round of talks between the United States and Iran will be Thursday in Geneva, Oman's foreign minister said Sunday, shortly after Tehran's top diplomat said he expected to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff then.

Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said on social media he was pleased to confirm the development, "with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal." Oman previously hosted the indirect talks on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and facilitated the latest round in Geneva last week.

There was no immediate comment from the White House.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had told CBS in an interview aired Sunday that a "good chance" remained for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue, adding it was the only matter being discussed.

The Trump administration has been pushing for concessions from its longtime adversary and has built up the largest U.S. military presence in the Middle East in decades.

President Donald Trump warned on Friday that limited strikes against Iran are possible, even as Araghchi at the time said Tehran expected to have a proposed deal ready in the next few days.

Araghchi told CBS that Iran was still working on the draft proposal. He added that Iran has the right to enrich uranium. On Friday, he said his U.S. counterparts had not asked for zero enrichment as part of the latest round of talks, which is not what U.S. officials have said publicly.

Both Iran and the U.S. have signaled they are prepared for war if talks on Tehran's nuclear program fail.

Minutes after Oman's confirmation of talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on social media that "recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

The U.S. has said Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them and that it cannot enrich uranium. Tehran has long insisted that any negotiations should only focus on its nuclear program, and that it hasn't been enriching uranium since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.

Although Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, the U.S. and others suspect it is aimed at eventually developing weapons.

Talks were deadlocked for years after Trump's decision in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw the U.S. from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Since then, Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli demands that it scale back its missile program and sever ties to armed groups.
A drone view shows the Netflix logo on one of the company's buildings in the Hollywood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S., Jan. 20, 2026.

President Donald Trump late Saturday called on Netflix to fire board member Susan Rice or "pay the consequences," after she said Democrats would push for corporate accountability if they regain power in the November midterm elections.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump described Rice, who served as President Joe Biden's domestic policy chief and held top foreign policy posts under President Barack Obama, as "purely a political hack" with "no talent or skills."

"HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK," Trump wrote.

Rice argued during a podcast last week that "it is not going to end well" for corporations, news organizations, and law firms that "bent the knee" to Trump, and that their deference is unpopular.

"There is likely to be a swing in the other direction, and they are going to be caught with more than their pants down," Rice told Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. "They're going to be held accountable by those who come in opposition to Trump and win at the ballot box."

She added, "If these corporations think that Democrats, when they come back in power, are going to play by the old rules, and say, 'Never mind, we will forgive you for all the people you fired and all the policies and principles you violated, all the laws you skirted,' I think they got another thing coming."

Rice served on Netflix's board from 2018 to 2021, and rejoined in 2023 after leaving the Biden administration.
A U.S. Secret Service security tower at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, after Secret Service and local police shot and killed a man armed with a shotgun after he breached a secure perimeter of the resort in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. February 22, 2026.

Authorities fatally shot a man who was carrying a shotgun and a gas cannister as he tried to enter President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida early Sunday morning, the Secret Service said.

Trump was at the White House at the time of the incident. The president maintains a residence at Mar-a-Lago, and frequently dines and hosts events at the Palm Beach club.

The man was shot by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff deputy at around 1:30 a.m. ET after entering the secure perimeter around Mar-a-Lago near its north gate and then raising the shotgun at an officer, authorities said.

The man who was shot has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, according to an FBI statement on Sunday.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw told reporters at a press conference on Sunday that "a deputy and two Secret Service agents on the detail went to that area to investigate."

"They confronted a white male [who] was carrying a gas can and a shotgun," Bradshaw said. "He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position."

"At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat," Bradshaw said.

The FBI is investigating the incident.

"Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump's home," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X.

She also knocked Democrats over the partial government shutdown, which impacted the Department of Homeland Security, which houses the Secret Service.

"It's shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department," Leavitt said.
India's trade negotiators will reschedule their planned visit to Washington, D.C., aimed at firming up an interim trade deal with the U.S., a person familiar with the development told CNBC.



The development comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs as illegal on Friday. Within hours, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to first impose a 10% global import tariff, before increasing that to 15%.



The "meeting will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient date," the source told CNBC Sunday. India and the U.S. are of the view that the visit "be scheduled after each side has had the time to evaluate the latest developments and their implications."

CNBC has reached out to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry for a comment.



India's chief negotiator, Darpan Jain, and his team were scheduled to start the three day-meeting in the U.S. later this week.



India is currently facing a 25% reciprocal tariff, which was due to be cut to 18% after the two sides agreed to an interim deal earlier this month, with room for alterations.



"In the event of any changes to the agreed-upon tariffs of either country, the United States and India agree that the other country may modify its commitments," read the joint statement issued on Feb. 6, by the U.S. and India.



At this stage, it appears that India, like other countries, will be facing a 15% tariff in addition to the most-favored-nation status rates (usually around 2-3%), said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative and a former Indian trade negotiator.
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - FEBRUARY 15: Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks to the media during the joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Mirror Hall of the Slovak Governmental Office on February 15, 2026 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Zuzana Gogova/Getty Images)

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as "ultimatums and blackmail" by the governments of Hungary and Slovakia on Saturday, after they threatened to stop electricity supplies to Ukraine unless Kyiv restarts flows of Russian oil.

Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off since January 27, when Kyiv says a Russian drone strike hit pipeline equipment in Western Ukraine. Slovakia and Hungary say Ukraine is to blame for the prolonged outage.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Saturday that he would cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine within two days unless Kyiv resumes Russian oil transit to Slovakia over Ukraine's territory. Hungary's Viktor Orban made a similar threat days earlier.

The issue has become one of the angriest disputes yet between Ukraine and two neighbours that are members of the EU and NATO but whose leaders have bucked the largely pro-Ukrainian consensus in Europe to cultivate warm ties with Moscow.

Slovakia and Hungary are the only two EU countries that still rely on significant amounts of Russian oil shipped via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline over Ukraine.

"Ukraine rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail by the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic regarding energy supplies between our countries," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv."
Hainan FTP sees tourism, consumption boom during first Spring Festival after special customs operations

Xinhua) 09:33, February 22, 2026

Customers shop at a duty-free store during the Spring Festival holiday in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- During the first Spring Festival holiday since the launch of island-wide special customs operations in China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the southern tropical island has become a popular destination for tourists, injecting fresh momentum into the tourism and consumption markets.

At the iconic Qilou Old Street in the capital city of Haikou, rows of red lanterns add a festive ambiance. Tourists from home and abroad stroll through the street, immersed in the historical charm and festive joy.

On the first day of the holiday, a Dutch tourist, Strobos, toured the Southeast Asian style buildings there with his Chinese wife, stopping frequently to take photos.

"It's warm," said Strobos, who was visiting Hainan for the first time. "The Qilou Old Street is very famous, so we came here. It's very beautiful. The buildings and the atmosphere are very impressive."

A street festival market features a wide range of products, from traditional festival snacks to creative cultural handicrafts, drawing large crowds.

"The Qilou Old Street is full of cultural charm and a strong sense of life," said a tourist surnamed Cao from central China's Hunan Province.

Cruise tourism also added to the holiday boost. On the first day of the lunar year, the Star Voyager, a cruise ship under Star Cruises, docked at the Sanya Phoenix Island international cruise port with more than 1,800 passengers on board, bringing new vitality to Sanya's tourism market.

A tourist from Sweden, Fredrik, said he was very happy to enjoy the cruise and the atmosphere of the Chinese Spring Festival.

According to the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, Hainan is expected to see a peak in cross-border travel during the nine-day holiday, with the total inbound and outbound tourists projected to reach 79,300, an increase of 24.1 percent year on year.

Duty-free shopping, a key feature of the Hainan FTP, also surged during the holiday, thanks to optimized duty-free policies, an expanded product range, and a combination of government consumption vouchers and store discounts.

At a duty-free store in downtown Haikou, decorations themed on the Year of the Horse added to the festive vibe.

"Duty-free shopping is a must for traveling in Hainan," said a tourist surnamed Jian from Changsha, capital of Hunan Province. "Skincare and cosmetic products here are much cheaper than malls back home, which really encourages spending."

It was her first duty-free shopping experience in Hainan, and she said the store offered a wider selection of goods in a comfortable shopping environment.

For many tourists, duty-free shopping has become not only a must-do for their trip in Hainan, but also a bonus for their vacation.

"I reserved a whole day just for shopping," said He Jun, a tourist from east China's Anhui Province, who stayed an extra day in Haikou to visit duty-free stores before returning home.

"I researched online in advance and secured government consumption vouchers. The prices are really competitive," she said, adding that the duty-free shopping made her trip more enjoyable.

Data from Haikou Customs showed that in the first four days of the Spring Festival holiday, duty-free sales in Hainan reached 1.03 billion yuan (about 149 million U.S. dollars), with duty-free shoppers reaching 137,000. The figures represent year-on-year increases of 20.9 percent and 25.7 percent, respectively.

According to plans, China aims to build Hainan into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035.

Tourists visit the Qilou Old Street during the Spring Festival holiday in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists visit the Qilou Old Street during the Spring Festival holiday in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Customers check out at a duty-free store during the Spring Festival holiday in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu)
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 25-year-old man from Headman Handizvihwi area in Chivi, George Mutiziva, was found dead after allegedly taking his own life following a dispute with his wife over household cleanliness.The incident reportedly began on 13 February at around 7:30PM when Mutiziva had an argument with his wife, Sheron Musengiwa, over cleanliness issues at their home. It is alleged that during the altercation, Mutiziva assaulted her.On 14 February, Musengiwa reported the matter of domestic violence to the police.Later that same day, at around 1:20PM, a passerby discovered Mutiziva's body hanging from a mukwakwa tree branch. The matter was reported to police, who attended the scene.The body was subsequently taken to Chivi District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo province deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu urged members of the public to resolve domestic disputes through peaceful and lawful means.He emphasised that violence in domestic settings is not tolerated and encouraged couples to engage in dialogue or seek counselling when facing challenges in their relationships.Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, it is important to seek support from trusted family members, community leaders or professional counsellors.
The first session of the newly elected 13th Parliament of Bangladesh is expected to commence in the second week of March, a top official of the ruling BNP said on Saturday, February 21.The spokesman for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Salahuddin Ahmed, said that the first session of the 13th Parliament is expected to convene on March 12, or a few days earlier.The session will also present (Muhammad Yunus-led) interim government ordinances and condolence motions," Ahmed, who is also the home minister in Rahmans new cabinet, posted on social media. BNP formed the government, bagging a two-thirds majority in the crucial elections held on February 12, while the far-right Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the main opposition.The parliament members were sworn in on February 17, and on the same day, BNPs Chairman Rahman, 60, and his cabinet took oath as the prime minister and ministers.Bangladesh Constitution dictates that President Mohammad Shahabuddin must summon the inaugural session of the newly elected parliament within 30 days of gazette notification of election results, based on written advice from Rahman.But it remains unclear who would chair the inaugural sitting of the maiden parliamentary session. As per the standard practice, the last parliaments speaker or, in his/her absence, the deputy speaker, presides over the parliament solely for the purpose of electing a new speaker.Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury resigned earlier and now lives in an undisclosed location, while deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku is in jail.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, 28, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has been arrested along with his bodyguard following a shooting at his upscale Hyde Park home in Johannesburg.Gauteng police confirmed the arrests on Thursday, 19 February, after a 23-year-old man was shot on the property. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the victims were taken to hospital and that the investigation into the attempted murder remains ongoing.According to sources close to the investigation, Bellarmine told police that the man he shot was his own security guard and that the guard inflicted the injuries on himself during a scuffle. The alleged conflict reportedly stemmed from traditional rituals performed by the guard on the property earlier in the week, which Bellarmine disapproved of."He told police that on Thursday morning, the security guard reported for duty armed, and they had a scuffle during which he shot himself and left the premises bleeding with his firearm," one source said.Bellarmine further claimed that the guard may have arrived with accomplices, who allegedly removed the firearm while the guard was being rushed to the hospital. Police, however, were reportedly sceptical of the story, noting that the guard appeared to have been shot in the back. Searches of the property yielded multiple used ammunition cartridges of different calibres, but no firearms were recovered.The Hyde Park property is reportedly home to 2530 individuals loyal to the late Robert Mugabe, many of whom have fallen out with the current Zimbabwean government under President Emmerson Mnangagwa or fear for their safety.The situation became more complex when another man came forward claiming that Bellarmine had previously pointed a firearm at him at The Zone mall in Rosebank. The man said he had video evidence and intended to open a case, though police and the Mugabe family were reportedly unconvinced of his claims.The family has engaged a lawyer and several security consultants to assist Bellarmine, focusing on his bail application and preventing imprisonment. Bellarmine's mother, Grace Mugabe, currently in Singapore, is said to be concerned about her son's behaviour in South Africa and reportedly wants him back in Zimbabwe.Grace Mugabe became a fugitive after an alleged 2017 assault on Bellarmine's girlfriend, Gabriella Engels, at a Sandton hotel. Although initially granted immunity from prosecution, a private application by AfriForum succeeded in overturning it, resulting in an outstanding arrest warrant against her.Bellarmine and his bodyguard remain in custody at Bramley Police Station and are expected to appear at the Alexandra Magistrates' Court. Bellarmine's lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said his priority is to secure his client's release and was awaiting further instructions from the family before responding to media inquiries.
President Trumps public utterances are hardly noted for their accuracy, understatement, modesty, realism or compassion. But on Friday afternoon he managed to hit a new low, even for him, with a deranged rant against the US Supreme Court, the highest in the land. Among many to choose from, it was possibly the ugliest moment of his Presidency so far.

The Court had just ruled by a clear 6-3 majority that Trumps use of emergency laws to slap tariffs on goods imported into America was illegal. Since tariffs have been the signature economic policy of his second term (hes even claimed tariff is his favourite word), he was understandably angry. It does not excuse the outrageous assault which followed.

Most Presidents have fallen foul of the Supreme Court at some stage. The nine justices are appointed for life and make rulings independent of the Presidency or Congress.

Most Presidents have sucked up their defeats, muted any criticism and moved on.

Not Trump. Speaking from a podium in the White House and surrounded by his usual flunkies, he launched into an unprecedented personal attack on the six justices who had defied him. They were unpatriotic and disloyal. He was ashamed of them.

He was especially furious with the three conservative judges two of whom hed appointed  whod joined with the three remaining liberals on the court to produce such a convincing majority. They were fools, lap dogs and even an embarrassment to their families.

In reality, Trump was lamenting that they hadnt turned out to be his lap dogs. He had appointed them so why couldnt they just do as they were told?

Because, claimed Trump, they had been swayed by foreign interests and other nefarious influences which Trump, of course, did not name because its all a figment of his imagination. But there you have it: the President of the United States accusing Supreme Court judges of being traitors. It doesnt get more bonkers than that.

Most Presidents have sucked up their defeats, muted any criticism and moved on, writes Andrew Neil. Not Trump.

Trump was lamenting that they hadnt turned out to be his lap dogs. He had appointed them so why couldnt they just do as they were told?

It was a vitriolic display of utter contempt for the very pinnacle of the US justice system and showed total disrespect for the American constitution, which tasks the Court with ensuring the President and Congress adhere to the law. A constitution which is unequivocal in giving Congress, not the President, the power to levy taxes (tariffs are taxes on imported goods).

For some time now my White House sources have been indicating that Trump is losing the plot. Not nearly as badly, of course, as Joe Biden when he occupied the Oval Office. But concerning nonetheless. They complain that its increasingly difficult to get him to focus or concentrate on whatever matter is at hand.

His tendency to ramble is worse than ever, they say, which often leads him not just to utter untruths (hes always done that) but to wander into the realms of fantasy  including reminiscing about his greatest hits.

They fear it is impairing his judgment. When you have a President accusing the Supreme Court of treachery for merely doing its job, they might well have a point.

Some see a silver lining in all this: Trumps tariffs are in tatters. So its the beginning of the end for his protectionist disruptions and we can now gradually return to good old free trade. After all, the tariffs havent worked. The US lost up to 100,000 more manufacturing jobs last year and its trade deficit in goods (tariffs dont apply to services) rose to an all-time record of $1.23trillion. So much for the power of Trump to create jobs and reduce the trade deficit.

A return to trade normality would be great for Britain. America is our single biggest national market for exports. At a time when the biggest bloc with which we trade, the European Union, is stagnating, we need to export more to America, whose economy is still growing. In 2024 we exported 66billion of goods to the US. But with Trumps tariffs playing havoc with trade flows, it looks like last year was closer to 60billion.

The good news is that we export a lot more in tariff-free services to America and thats holding up well: 135billion worth in 2024, over 140billion last year. But lower US tariffs on British goods would give an added boost to our export drive.

Sadly, that looks unlikely in the short term. The Supreme Court has knocked back Trumps use of emergency power to introduce tariffs on a whim but he has recourse to other measures to feed his obsession. The White House has already started work on them. Trans-Atlantic trade will be bedevilled by protectionism for some time, to Britains loss.

But it will be Trumps loss too. The Supreme Court setback comes at a time when his economic policies are failing to impress US voters.

He boasts about presiding over an economic miracle but Americans dont see it: his job approval rating is minus 13 percentage points (42 per cent approve, 55 per cent disapprove). Keir Starmer might give his left arm for the rating but its low for a US President when the economy is buoyant.

Even previously popular policies  such as his tough anti-immigration stance  are taking a hit. Voters liked the closing of the southern border with Mexico to illegal migrants.

But when his goons in Minneapolis shot dead first a poet, then a nurse, when they were protesting against the heavy-handed removal of migrants from the city by federal agents, support for Trumps approach evaporated, not just among Democrats but among moderate Republicans and independents  the two key voting groups Trump needs to hold on to the House of Representatives in Novembers mid-term elections.

As things stand Trump will lose the House badly. Those around him are even worried Republicans might lose the Senate, though that is more of a stretch.

All Presidents become something of a lame duck in the final two years of their second term. But the Supreme Court ruling  and his disgusting reaction to it  doesnt help. It all adds to the general sense of drift surrounding the Trump administration and of a President slowly but surely losing his grip, which no amount of bumptious Trumpian invective can disguise.

At times like this it is not unknown for US Presidents to deflect from troubles on the home front and seek renewed popularity with an overseas adventure. For Trump this is fraught with difficulty because his isolationist MAGA base really doesnt like foreign entanglements. But it has escaped nobodys attention that he has assembled a massive armada (and other land-based military assets less well publicised) within striking distance of Iran.

Desultory talks with Iran about its nuclear bomb ambitions are still going on. US sources point out you dont assemble the greatest gathering of US air and naval power in the Middle East/Arabian Sea region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq without intent to use it.

But when  and to what purpose? To disrupt or halt Irans bombed nuclear programme? To wipe out its ballistic missile arsenal, which its rebuilding after Israel degraded it last year? To topple the regime? All of the above?

The US has enough firepower to sustain weeks-long attacks on Iran and not just launch a one-and-done Midnight Hammer strike like it carried out last June against three Iranian nuclear sites.

As Trumps domestic woes worsen, the chances of such an attack are increasing. Americas allies, including Britain, are understandably nervous. The absence of clearly articulated objectives means Americans are also very wary. Given the recent history of US foreign interventions, they are hardly a guaranteed route to renewed popularity.

But desperate Presidents often do desperate things.
Whatever happens next to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, this much is certain: he can no longer remain in the royal line of succession.

Even if all the allegations against him turn out to be unfounded, even if he is exonerated of every last suggestion of wrongdoing, the one thing he has proved beyond all reasonable doubt is that he is neither morally nor temperamentally fit to be king.

Quite what he is fit for is unclear. What can a man who has lived his entire 66 years inside a bubble of entitlement and privilege do when that bubble bursts?

Part of me genuinely feels for him. That photograph of him returning to Sandringham after 11 hours in police custody shows the face of a man in utter despair. However much he may or may not have brought it upon himself, however much he may or may not deserve his fall from grace, there is no doubt the man is in pain. But the fact remains that he can never be king.

You cannot have someone who has lied through his teeth to the British public, who maintained a close friendship with a convicted paedophile, enjoyed his hospitality and returned the favour, who allegedly divulged sensitive government information and turned a blind eye to what appears to have been blatant sex trafficking, who for the past 15 years has had a toxic cloud of suspicion hanging over him, anywhere near the British throne.

Even if nothing is ever proven, and he remains a free man, a whiff of corruption, perversion and general grubby behaviour utterly unbecoming of a member of the British Royal Family will always cling to him.

Distasteful images of Andrew leering on all fours over a prone young woman, or passing a ball in the shape of a womans breast to an unknown toddler, will not fade from memory. They are seared on the nations consciousness.

Photographs of Ghislaine Maxwell, Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein (one dead, the other two convicted sex offenders) grinning at his daughters 18th birthday party will not be quickly forgotten, and neither will those of him strolling in Central Park with his friend (we are in this together) or smiling at a young woman in the doorway of Epsteins New York home.

Part of me genuinely feels for him, writes Sarah Vine. That photograph of him returning to Sandringham after 11 hours in police custody shows the face of a man in utter despair

What can a man who has lived his entire 66 years inside a bubble of entitlement and privilege do when that bubble bursts?

Those images are indelible. They do not prove culpability, but they do paint a picture of the character of the man. As does the famous photograph of him with his arm around the late Virginia Giuffre, a woman he denied ever even knowing in an interview which later turned out to be laced with lies. A woman he paid millions to in return for her silence, but whose ghost now haunts him and all others embroiled in this sordid saga.

Given all that, there is just no way he can remain eighth in line to the throne. Its not a question of royal protocol; its a question of propriety.

Can you imagine Andrew seated on the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey? Uttering the solemn oath of office, being anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop, holding sceptre and orb and wielding the sword of justice? Its just unthinkable.

There is no way St Edwards crown can ever rest on this mans head. That day would spell the end of the British monarchy.

Lets face it, weve had some shockers over the centuries. Bad King John, whose thirst for money made Sarah Ferguson look coy; Edward II, who sold royal patronage to the highest bidder and was eventually deposed by Parliament and, legend has it, a strategically placed hot poker; Ethelred the Unready  history is littered with them, all monarchs who proved that the crown doesnt necessarily make the king. But this is not the Dark Ages (probably just as well from Andrews point of view, given the punishment for treason). He cant just send his enemies to the Tower and tell the servants to spit-roast another hog.

A modern monarchy in an age of social media could not survive someone with a reputation as tarnished as his ascending the throne. It would lead to a public outcry, and very possibly a revolution.

That is why he must be removed from the line of succession. It will require an Act of Parliament, but its also an act of common sense, not to mention self-preservation.

The King has already gone some way to mitigating the damage by removing Andrews titles and turfing him out of Royal Lodge. That was the right thing to do: Again, even if he is found not guilty of any specific charges, Andrews general conduct has been so unbecoming he left his brother with no choice.

But if  God forbid  a terrible disaster should befall the Royal Family and Andrew somehow ended up in the hot seat, that would be the end.

For that to happen really would take a catastrophe. Not only would his brother have to shuffle off this mortal coil, but all the Waleses and the Sussexes too.

Its an extremely unlikely scenario. I suppose it is theoretically possible that they could all be struck down with some terrible virus or caught in a freak natural disaster. But really, the chances are vanishingly small.

Andrews supporters will therefore argue that removing him from the succession is a gratuitous and pointless sanction. But its not really about the practicalities of the thing. Its irrelevant how likely he is or isnt to be called to serve. Its about setting a clear intention and tone  and safeguarding the future of the monarchy.

King Charles has no choice but to shut down all avenues of attack from republicans and class warriors who are using  and will continue to use  Andrew as a way of stirring up public opinion against the royals.

Andrews behaviour and character tick every cliched box of entitled toff behaviour. He is exactly the sort of arrogant, bumptious brute the Kings enemies want him to be, a useful idiot who confirms everyones worst fears about royalty. So, disarm them. Cut Andrew out and they have no ammunition.

Of course, there is another option, arguably an even better one. Andrew could always remove himself from the line of succession. This would still require an Act of Parliament, but it would spare his poor brother (who, lets not forget, is really not very well) the agony  and would show that he, Andrew, understands the magnitude of his mistakes.

If there is to be any way back for Andrew, it must surely begin with that: accepting responsibility for his poor conduct and showing, for the first time in his life, a little humility.

Its the very least he can do for the memory of his late Queen and mother, who loved him to the point of indulgence, his family, who he has dragged so ungraciously through the mud  and, lest we forget them amid all the fire and the fury, the victims of his old friend Epstein.
It is almost 25 years since this newspaper published worrying whispers suggesting that the then Prince Andrew might be a danger to the Royal Family.

In October 2001, for example, we reported that his suitability as Britains roving trade ambassador had come into question. It emerged he had spent time on an official visit to New York having dinner with a supermodel. After she responded with coolness, he was said to have transferred his attentions to a group of flashily dressed young Russian women.

Our report also mentioned that he was accompanied by a new female private secretary, who had been appointed in an attempt to curb Andrews penchant for late nights with young women. The events appear to have taken place at the Manhattan townhouse of Ghislaine Maxwell.

Almost every aspect of the unfolding disaster we all know so well was already visible. And, as the years have unfolded, this newspaper has continued to monitor the embarrassing and worrying exploits of the former prince, most notably on February 27, 2011, when we published the momentous picture of Virginia Giuffre (then Roberts) with Andrew and Ms Maxwell, which has haunted him, and Buckingham Palace, ever since.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, it must be stressed, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has not been charged with any offence, nor tried, nor convicted. It is always important to remember the presumption of innocence  one of the most important features of our constitution.

But that does not mean his known behaviour was not damaging to the monarchy, the Royal Family and, ultimately, the nation. And that is only half of the story. The rest concerns allegations that Andrew was exploiting his trade envoy post to benefit controversial friends  allegations that are now being investigated by the police.

As The Mail on Sunday reports exclusively on Sunday, King Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Familys name was being abused by Andrews handling of his position as trade envoy. We detail several of the allegations involved.

Well, it is now 2026 and seven years have passed. What has been done about all this?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (pictured) was arrested on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office

King Charles (pictured) recently said that 'the law must take its course' after his brother ended up in custody

It may be reasonably said that the late Queen Elizabeth II felt protective towards her wayward son, and that this may have guarded him from the criticism that surrounded him before her death in 2022. That was the late Queens mistake, for which some still feel it is hard to blame her.

But even her admirers have to admit that her tolerance of his boorish and unappealing lifestyle was an unfortunate and damaging lapse in an otherwise superb record as Head of State.

Be that as it may, things have surely been allowed to slide far too long in the years since Charles became King.

Brothers are not, in general, sentimental about each other, and Charles has always been keenly conscious that the monarchy is constantly in danger and must be carefully protected. Yet the events of the past few days have dealt a blow to the Crowns prestige and reputation, from which it will be very hard to recover.

Was it really not possible for the authorities to take action more quickly and more ruthlessly, before we got to this wretched position?
News / National

by Staff reporter

The recent gazetting of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has reignited debate over President Emmerson Mnangagwa's commitment to constitutionalism and his repeated pledges to serve only two terms.In a 2018 interview with CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour, Mnangagwa stated that he would serve only two five-year terms. Around the same time last year, while addressing editors at State House, the 83-year-old reinforced that position, declaring he would "persuade the persuaders not to persuade him" to extend his tenure.Last week, a bill motivated by a Zanu-PF 2025 resolution to extend Mnangagwa's tenure was gazetted. The proposed amendment seeks to substitute the current five-year presidential term with a seven-year term by amending sections 95, 143, and 158 of the Constitution. The bill also proposes that the president be elected by Members of Parliament sitting jointly as the Senate and National Assembly, effectively removing the electorate's direct vote.Zanu-PF has defended the changes as necessary to "eliminate election mode toxicity and allow sufficient time for project implementation while promoting stability." Clause 12 of the bill proposes transferring the delimitation of electoral boundaries from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission.Critics argue that these changes concentrate power in the executive and undermine Mnangagwa's earlier pledge to safeguard constitutional limits, which he emphasized in his inaugural address following the 2017 coup that ousted the late Robert Mugabe. At the time, Mnangagwa vowed to break with Zimbabwe's violent political past, declaring:"Violence should be alien and vile to our nature, culture and traditions as the Zimbabwean people. All citizens must feel secure."Recent developments have heightened concerns about shrinking civic space. A planned public discussion on the constitutional amendments featuring lawyers and politicians, including Fadzayi Mahere, Douglas Mwonzora, and Lovemore Madhuku, was cancelled at the last minute despite prior clearance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).Former legislator Temba Mliswa criticized the move on X, stating that the cancellation "creates the perception that the government is apprehensive about allowing discourse on this pressing issue." A youth meeting organized by Jameson Timba's Defend the Constitution Platform was also barred in Bulawayo under Section 7(b) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA).Opposition parties have also expressed concern over a lack of a level playing field. The recognition by Parliament and courts of Sengezo Tshabangu as leader of the main opposition party undermined the Citizens Coalition for Change's parliamentary representation, according to critics.Meanwhile, Transparency International Zimbabwe's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index highlights persistent corruption in the country. TIZ warned that political interference, opaque financing, and conflicts of interest must be addressed to restore confidence in governance.Civil society groups have voiced similar concerns over the PVO Amendment Act, which they argue gives authorities powers to deregister organisations, interfere in governance, and monitor funding, creating an intimidating environment for human rights advocacy.Mnangagwa also pledged to resolve long-standing grievances related to the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s. Critics argue progress has been slow, with outreach programmes conducted with limited transparency and restricted media access, weakening public confidence.Constitutionalism, according to Timba, "does not depend on belief in personalities. It depends on adherence to rules. The real test is not what leaders say, but what the State ultimately does. If the constitution is bypassed, the question becomes one of constitutional legitimacy."Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya questioned the rationale for extending both presidential and parliamentary terms, noting that infrastructure, public services, and economic challenges remain largely unresolved."Why does Zanu-PF want to extend President Mnangagwa's and the parliamentary term to seven years?" Ngwenya asked."We do not even have a credible currency of our own. Besides, on several occasions, President Mnangagwa himself said he would not go beyond 2028."The gazetting of Bill No. 3 has thus intensified debate over whether Zimbabwe's constitutional framework and democratic principles will be upheld, or if the country is witnessing an incremental concentration of power at the executive level.
No surprises from the latest fat jab survey: it reveals that the majority of weight-loss drugs are being bought by middle-class women aged between 30-49, many of whom dont really need to lose weight.

These are the women who can afford the private monthly fee of between 144 to 324 to slim down without the usual effort.

Although Im in my 60s, my own cohort are very susceptible to this trend. Indeed they were enthusiastic early adopters, while I occupy an increasingly isolated position in standing firm and refusing them.

I remember chatting to a friend in her kitchen when they became available, privately, around three years ago. She told me about this miracle drug she was injecting into her stomach that stopped her feeling hungry. Within months it was as if her face and body had been flattened by a mangle and then sharpened to a point. This new her makes her happy.

And the jabs have delighted many others I know  men and women  who were never remotely fat but who are obsessed with a slimmer idea of themselves.

Like so many jabbers, my friend appears to enjoy ordering food she then doesnt finish.

When she started using the jabs, there was an element of insider knowledge about the whole GLP-1 thing. Ozempic wasnt widespread and Mounjaro hadnt yet come on to the radar. There was a sense that those who knew, knew. Clever them.

Alexandra Shulman is in her 60s and says she is increasingly isolated among her peers in rejecting fat jabs

Fat jabs have now become mundane, no longer a wonder drug or insider knowledge, Shulman writes

But now its as bog standard as paracetamol and has lost any of that privileged lustre, just as the practice of curating ear lobes with multiple piercings, once cool, is now just mundane.

But thats not the reason Ive resisted them. Its because I dont want to expose my body to any unnecessary medications or surgery. After two cancer operations, I take enough pills out of necessity and am not inclined to inject something else into my bloodstream.

Admittedly, there are days when the needle on the scales doesnt shift despite my attempts to be less indulgent, and I wonder whether I am being stubborn. Then I remind myself I am not in thrall to these drugs, where the long-term side effects are unknown, and feel smugly superior.

Oh Cherie, flowers dont mean love!

In the first of Channel 4s three-part documentary The Tony Blair Story, Cherie (to my mind the star of the show) recalls their relationship. She is asked whether her husband was romantic and, after a brief pause, answers no, he never bought me flowers.

It struck me as a strange comment for an intelligent woman to make about her husband of 45 years. The oddness was not his lack of romance  I think we might have expected.

that  but the reference to flowers. Its such a hackneyed notion of love. And yet it remains such a popular gesture, as witnessed by the sight of so many men clutching cheap Valentines bunches last weekend. My partner has never bought me flowers either, but Ive been with him for 22 years, unlike his predecessors, many of whom frequently did.

Cherie Blair gave insights into her relationship with Tony for the first episode of Channel 4's documentary series into the former prime minister

There was one boyfriend who would leave huge lilies on the doorstep of my flat, which made me feel as if he was visiting my grave. And I still remember the bright pink, pale blue and lavender anemones and ranunculus my ex-husband arrived with, a few days into our relationship.

Yes, I did think it was romantic at the time  they mirrored the colours of the walls in my flat  but note the word ex.

Its nice to get flowers, but they have nothing to do with love.

Wuthering Heights? More of a low point...

Speaking of romance, I saw director Emerald Fennells controversial Wuthering Heights this week. Im generally a fan of her work, but I came out of the cinema drenched in an emotion Id not expected  extreme boredom.

More than two hours of foggy windswept moors, a Hollywood blonde Cathy stomping around in whirling skirts and a glowering over-sized Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi struck me as a better Frankenstein). It must be a generational thing, but at no point did I feel the slightest bit sad, or moved by the tragic story. In contrast,

I also saw The Chronology Of Water, by Twilight actress Kristen Stewart. This tale of abuse and addiction will not be to everyones taste, but the images and story have stayed with me, whereas Wuthering Heights, in all its noisy, short-attention-span extravagance, provoked only tedium.

Twilight actress Kristen Stewart directed and produced The Chronology Of Water, a tale of abuse and addiction

Ill have my pinot and make merry, thanks

A survey of drinking habits has concluded that those who prefer richer wines such as malbec or cabernet sauvignon are likely to be agreeable and open, whereas those, like myself, who veer towards pinot noir and pinot grigio are more susceptible to stress and emotional instability.

A personal survey of those who I regularly share bottles with concludes that this is nonsense. But perhaps, given the researchers were from a Chinese university, the contributors had different tastes. We shall see if theres a rise in Londons malbec consumption when the Chinese mega embassy is built.

Charles is clearly no flaky fashionista

Congratulations to Laura Weir, now heading up the British Fashion Council, on getting King Charles to open London Fashion Week. She must have had a serious case of the wobblies when news broke about Andrews arrest hours before he arrived. Would he suddenly cancel? True to form, the King turned up, even managing to look pleased to be there.

King Charles at the opening day of London Fashion Week, just hours after news broke of his brother Andrew's arrest

Sunset snaps that leave me seeing red

Its easy to feel peeved at photos of beautiful sunsets pinging on to your phone from other peoples half-term trips  a ruby Red Sea, a tangerine-coloured Indian ocean, a striated pink over the Atlantic.

Here there is no sun to set.

Photos of waterlogged tulip pots just dont strike the same note.
One million NHS patients to get free vapes  was the headline-grabbing policy first announced by the Conservative Government in 2023. And, at the time, it was one of the most revolutionary anti-smoking measures taken anywhere in the world.

A 45 million scheme, called Swap To Stop, it involved giving free reusable e-cigarettes to patients who were trying to give up smoking. And it came at a time when many countries  including Australia, Singapore, Thailand and Mexico  had chosen to ban the products over safety fears. Many experts argued that more research was needed before vapes could be considered low risk.

Britain, in contrast, was betting on vapes  in all their brightly coloured and sweetly flavoured varieties  to be safe enough to hand out on prescription.

But today there is growing evidence that vapes  while undoubtedly safer than cigarettes  are still dangerous.

Perhaps most concerning are the studies that show people who vape are more likely than non-vapers to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD  a chronic lung condition that which can trigger organ failure.

Most patients live no more than ten years after a COPD diagnosis.

Research also suggests that regular vaping can weaken the lungs protection against potentially serious infections and can even damage the teeth.

The Government has already begun to take action to clamp down on the number of Britons taking up vaping.

Perhaps most concerning are the studies that show people who vape are more likely than non-vapers to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD  a chronic lung condition that which can trigger organ failure

Last week it was announced that vaping could be banned in cars carrying children and in playgrounds, over concerns about the health risks of second-hand vapour from the devices

Last year, faced with a concerning rise in teenagers taking up the habit, disposable vapes were banned in the UK  a decision based on the logic that these cheap and easy-to-use products are appealing to young people.

And, last week, it was also announced that vaping could be banned in cars carrying children and in playgrounds, over concerns about the health risks of second-hand vapour from the devices.

However, some experts believe the Government should go further in its crackdown, and question whether it is right that the NHS continues to hand them out.

Theres lots of emerging evidence that vaping can be damaging to the body, says Dr Aran Singanayagam, a consultant in respiratory medicine at OneWelbeck and Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London.

Of course, smoking is much more dangerous. But we really need to consider whether switching smokers to vapes is the right approach. It would be much safer if they just stopped completely.

How a daily habit nearly killed Kyla When she first began vaping, 17-year-old Kyla Blight believed the habit to be harmless. But when the occasional social vape puff eventually became an addiction  with Kylas habit equivalent to smoking 400 cigarettes a week  it came with devastating consequences. After collapsing and turning blue at a friends house, Kyla, from West Cumbria, underwent a five-hour surgery to fix a hole in her lung. Medics discovered that a small air blister  known as a pulmonary bleb  had developed on the top of her lungs and burst due to her excessive vaping, causing her lung to collapse. After her surgery, Kyla had to spend two weeks in hospital, pictured right, before she could return home. Now she says the ordeal has frightened her off disposable vapes for the rest of her life. When I was 15 it started becoming a popular thing. All my friends were doing it, she said. I just thought it would be harmless and that I would be fine. Every day I would use the 4,000 puff ones, and I would go through them in about a week. I honestly thought they were harmless and wouldnt do anything to anyone, even though I had seen so many things about it. I just feel like everyone has that same view. But now I wont touch them. I wouldnt go near them. The situation has really scared me out of them. I was terrified. Recent figures show that one in five British children aged 11 to 17 have tried vaping, despite it being illegal for under-18s, with the number of them using vapes tripling in the past three years alone. Advertisement

So what exactly are the dangers of vaping? And is the habit ever worth the risk?

The need for more ways to help patients quit smoking is clear. The number of smokers in Britain has fallen precipitously since the 1970s, when more than four in ten adults smoked. Today, that figure is closer to one in ten.

However, even with this decline, lung cancer  which is primarily triggered by smoking  kills 33,000 every year. This makes it the nations most deadly cancer.

Smoking is also the leading cause of incurable COPD, which affects around 1.7 million people in the UK, killing around 30,000 a year.

Cigarettes contain dozens of toxic chemicals, including addictive nicotine, but the most dangerous ingredient within them is tar. The sticky residue is what damages the lungs and leads to cancerous changes in the cells.

Vapes, in contrast, do not contain tar, carbon monoxide or many of the other potentially hazardous chemicals found in cigarettes. Instead, they are primarily made using a combination of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (two ingredients used to create the distinctive vape clouds) as well as flavourings and, of course, nicotine.

Studies suggest vapes can also contain low levels of toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer, as well as small metal particles. However, experts say that the amount of these ingredients used in vapes is mostly too low to have any significant impact on the body.

Since 2016, the UK has regularly monitored the amount of these chemicals in vapes, says Professor John Britton, a respiratory medicine expert at the University of Nottingham.

And, in almost all cases, these levels have been considered safe for consumption.'

Experts say there are also a number of popularised, but mistaken, beliefs about the contents of vapes.

One of the most prevalent of these is that vaping can trigger a severe, irreversible scarring condition in the lungs called bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung. The story has become so popular that the NHS now devotes a section on its website to debunking the myth.

In fact, the disease was only ever found in a group of factory workers who were exposed to a chemical, diacetyl, used to flavour popcorn. Diacetyl is found in some e-cigarette products abroad, but is banned in the UK.

Its for these reasons that, since 2023, vapes have been offered on the NHS to patients attempting to kick cigarettes. However, evidence now suggests that, while vaping is unlikely to lead to cancer like cigarettes, the habit can damage the body in other ways.

Last year, a study published in the journal Primary Care Respiratory Medicine concluded that, over time, vaping significantly increases the risk of developing COPD. It analysed the health records of more than 4 million vapers and, after excluding those with a long history of smoking, found that vapers were almost 50 per cent more likely to get COPD.

Smoking cigarettes is still markedly more likely to trigger the lung problem than vaping, as the habit raises the risk of COPD by as much as 1,000 per cent.

But experts warn that lung damage is a real risk for vapers.

If youre regularly inhaling chemicals then its fairly obvious that this can lead to inflammation and potentially lasting damage, says Dr Singanayagam. Theres not a lot doctors can do to treat COPD, so it should be avoided at all costs.

Moreover, there is also evidence that vaping can weaken the immune system  raising the risks of a dangerous lung infection.

In a 2019 University of California study, published in the journal Cell Physiology, mice were exposed to vape smoke and then the cells inside their lungs were analysed. Researchers found that the mice were less able to produce crucial white blood cells which are needed to fight off infections.

Last year, Mamma Mia star Lily James revealed shed had a filling in her teeth as a result of her vaping habit

Theres a lot of emerging evidence that vaping can dampen the immune system, says Dr Singanayagam. Were unsure which chemical or flavouring could be causing this problem. Cigarettes have a similar effect although, of course, much more severely.

But its troubling because, currently, were telling people with COPD to switch to vapes in order to protect them from infections. But it does seem that vapes weaken the immune system too.

And its not just the lungs that appear to be affected by vaping  growing research shows that users appear to have worse dental health too.

Last year, a medical paper, published in the International Dental Journal, concluded that e-cigarette users were significantly more likely to develop gum problems than non-vapers  though much less than cigarette smokers. Experts say the reason for this might be because vaping dries out the mouth, creating an environment that is less hostile for potentially damaging bacteria.

One person whose oral health was affected by vaping is the actress Lily James. Last year, the Mamma Mia star, 36, revealed shed had a filling  a procedure to fix tooth decay  as a result of her vaping. I prided myself that Id never had a filling, she said. I did recently get one  I was so upset. Apparently its from flavoured vapes. They f***ed my teeth.

However, despite a growing list of serious risks, experts still disagree over whether vapes should be offered on the NHS to those who want to quit cigarettes. Some, like Dr Singanayagam, argue that the NHS needs to come up with better alternatives.

Research shows that vaping is more effective than other methods of quitting smoking.

In 2019, a Queen Mary University of London study found that a fifth of patients who began using vapes were cigarette-free a year later  twice as many as those using nicotine patches or gum.

However, patients who switched to vapes tended to then become addicted to their new habit, while those who used nicotine replacement products eventually weaned themselves off them.

Its not enough to just hand people vapes and claim the problem is solved, says Dr Singanayagam. Switching from one bad thing to one less-bad thing isnt a solution.

But Prof Britton does not agree. Vaping is the most popular way that smokers choose to quit, and it often works, he says. Yes, its true that its not harmless. In 50 years time, Im sure we will be able to pinpoint people who got COPD from vaping. But they are so much safer than smoking that getting patients to make the switch can only be beneficial.

However, he adds this argument only applies to people who already smoke  non-smokers who take up vaping, particularly young people, are putting their health at risk.

In recent years there has been an alarming rise of young people who have never smoked taking up vaping.

Studies show that around a fifth of children aged between 11 and 17 have tried it. Of those, around four in ten admit to vaping every day.

Studies also show that young people who start vaping are around three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes.

It is madness to take up vaping if you dont already smoke, says Prof Britton. It will only do you harm.
Gold has fascinated humans for thousands of years. The Inca people of South America believed it fell to Earth as the tears of the sun god (while silver fell as the tears of the moon goddess). President Batista, who ruled Cuba until he was over-thrown by Fidel Castro in 1959, owned a solid gold telephone. So you can see why the Spanish galleon the San Jose has gripped peoples imagination ever since it sank off the coast of modern Colombia in 1708. The wreck contains gold coins worth several billion dollars, with some estimating the value to be as much as $17 billion.

Samuel Scott's 1774 painting of the destruction of the Spanish galleon San Jose off the coast of Columbia in 1708

Julian Sanctons book about the attempts to salvage the ship and its treasure takes in everything from shipbuilding to scuba-diving, maritime law to men who think they can communicate with dolphins.

He starts with an account of the battle that sank the San Jose in the first place, part of the War of the Spanish Succession. Britain was involved to prevent a Spanish alliance with France, which would affect lucrative British trade routes.

Captain Charles Wager, of the Royal Navy, was on expedition with a squadron of four ships when he spied the San Jose, a galleon laden with Spanish treasure. The Spanish were confident the vessel could withstand attack: its timber had been cut under the waning moon when it was believed the sap was closest to the root and the wood was sturdiest.

Captains in those days were allowed to keep the majority of any treasure they plundered and so Captain Wager watched the San Jose from a distance, allowing it to load up with precious metals and other treasure. He waited for it to set out for its journey back across the Atlantic to Spain before attacking, but rather than allow it to fall into enemy hands, it seems likely that the San Joses captain decided to blow up the ship rather than allow its capture.

Photographs of the well preserved porcelin mugs that went down with the wreck

As Sanctons book explains, the fact that the wreck was on the seabed has captivated people ever since. Which brings us to Roger Dooley, the man who was eventually to find the elusive San Jose.

Born in the US in 1944, he and his family moved to Cuba, where the teenage Roger became obsessed with Sea Hunt, a TV series about a man, played by Lloyd Bridges, who explored shipwrecks. Dooley grew up to form his own company, Scuba Cuba (scuba standing for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus).

He was well aware of treasure hunters. The 1950s and 1960s were very much the era of eccentric ones such as Robert Marx, who knew that he had to look the part to convince would-be investors in his schemes: he was burly, frequently shirtless, with a bushy moustache and an off-puttingly small swimsuit. Another, Mel Fisher, used intuition and dowsing rods to search for shipwrecks. His crew would start looking in one place, then youd get a call in the morning from Mel, who would say Hey guys I had this dream last night and hed send us 20 miles in a different direction. Fisher, you might have guessed, was the man who consulted mediums who claimed to communicate with dolphins.

Mel Fisher recovered from the wreck of the Atocha off the Florida coast

Dooley might seem a little eccentric himself  Sancton reports that his strong Cuban accent and million-word-a-minute speaking style can make him hard to understand. But he knows what hes talking about when it comes to the San Jose.

After researching its history in the Spanish archives in Seville, he checked the time of sunrise on the day it sank, together with the winds and currents that would occur at that time of year, and the place from which it had set sail that morning.

Having worked out everything as precisely as possible, he mapped the area of sea in which the ship might have sunk. In 2013 he secured financial backing from a British multi-millionaire, a move that would displease some Colombians on the grounds that it was thanks to the British that the ship had sunk originally.

Dooleys search area wasnt too far away from the site found by a team who had searched for the San Jose a few decades before, in the 1980s. They thought they might have found it but at one point their submarine got stuck in the seabed, leading to worries that they would run out of air. By getting the dozen men aboard to line up down the middle of the craft and sway their bodies repeatedly from one side to the other, they managed to free themselves. Dooleys search nearby their claimed site led to accusations that hed piggy-backed on their work. Like much else in this story, the question led to a long and far from conclusive court case.

Neptune's Fortune is available now from the Mail Bookshop

What isnt in doubt, however, is that in 2015, using equipment from the same oceanographic institute that had helped find the Titanic, Dooley and his team mowed the lawn (systematically searched the seabed) and found the San Jose. One of the clinching details was that the ends of the cannons were in the shape of dolphins, a feature known to have been true of the ship.

The vessel was remarkably intact, possibly because it had hit the seabed so hard as to wedge open its own grave. The teams cameras showed objects such as blue and white porcelain cups, most of them unbroken, and pewter syringes used to administer enemas (then all the rage in Europe because Louis XIV was a fan).

And the gold? Its still down there  efforts to salvage the wreck have fallen prey to Colombian politics, with presidents determined to reverse decisions taken by their predecessors.

In November last year (after this book was finished) it was reported that the first items from the wreck had been brought to the surface: three coins, a cannon and a porcelain cup.

No doubt the saga still has a long way to run: there will be new issues, new arguments. As every sailor knows, writes Sancton, the horizon never gets any closer.
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where Daily Mail's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice, and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.

After seasons dominated by overzealous acids, peels and aggressive 'glass skin' pursuits, our beauty focus has shifted to something far less flashy - but infinitely more important: resilience.

Yes, we can credit Hailey Bieber's glazed-donut complexion for accelerating the milky, barrier-first aesthetic now flooding our feeds and beauty shelves. But from where I'm sitting, this movement runs deeper than a passing trend cycle.

Those who know me know I despise the term 'biohacking' - I truly can't stand it - yet even I can't deny that 'longevity' has quietly become beauty's buzziest word.

We're no longer chasing short-term radiance at the expense of long-term function. Instead, we're investing in skin cells that can defend, repair and regenerate effectively for years to come.

The goal isn't just an enviable glow, though that's certainly a welcome bonus for those of aged 35 plus, it's durability. Skin that feels strong, hydrated and calm today, and continues to behave that way a decade from now.

From the rise of silky skin milks designed to cocoon compromised barriers, to science-backed ingredients like ectoin and next-generation peptides, the industry is pivoting towards smarter hydration and cellular protection.

And in the spirit of results you can actually see, I also put one of the most talked-about sculpting facials to the test - a treatment that promises to take five years off your face in just 30 minutes.

Surprisingly, it may be one of the most convincing longevity tools yet.

After years of overzealous acids and peels, our attention has firmly shifted to protecting the skin barrier - and we can thank Hailey Biebers glazed-donut glow for fast-tracking the milky, barrier-first aesthetic now everywhere

Longevity has quietly become beautys biggest buzzword, with skin-saving formulas - from milky barrier boosters to peptides and super-hydrators like ectoin - stepping into the spotlight in the pursuit of stronger, more resilient skin. Pictured: Hailey Bieber launching into Australia in February

Why is everyone putting milk of their face?

Just when you thought you'd mastered glass skin (or was it cloud skin?), along comes another dewy obsession.

Enter: skin milks, which are like the toner-meets-essence-meets-moisturiser hybrids currently taking over feeds everywhere.

According to MECCA, skin milk has become 'the step everyone's adding to their routine to achieve soft, supple, incredibly sheeny skin.'

Despite the name, there's no dairy involved. However, most formulas deliver humectants and soothing ingredients without the weight of a traditional cream and skincare heavyweights.

Sasha Plavic, founder of ILIA skincare, described the brand's cult The Base Face Milk ($48), as having soothing properties and redness reduction on application, and perfect 'if you have any rosacea or kind of skin concerns, it will immediately soothe and smooth the skin and reduce redness.'

New ingredient alert - Ectoin

If there's one ingredient set to dominate skincare in 2026, it's ectoin. Google searches are already up 60 per cent this year alone and after diving into the research, I can see why.

Ectoin is a natural amino acid derivative that protects and strengthens the skin by forming a hydration shield around skin cells.

Skin therapist and Fresh Face Skin founder Amelia Goff explained it to me as a 'natural stress-protection molecule.'

'It was first discovered in microorganisms that survive extreme environments, and it works in a similar way on our skin - by shielding cells from stress.'

She described it as a 'bodyguard' ingredient that doesn't force change but protects what's already there so the skin can function properly.

Unlike traditional humectants such as hyaluronic acid, which primarily attract water, Amelia said ectoin 'forms a protective hydration shell around skin cells and proteins, stabilising them under stress and reduces transepidermal water loss.'

In other words, it's smarter hydration and especially helpful for sensitive, reactive or over-exfoliated skin.

Ectoin is a natural amino acid derivative that protects and strengthens the skin by forming a hydration shield around skin cells. Pictured: The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum ($27) and Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream ($117)

Powerful peptides are on the rise

Peptides aren't new, but the way we're using them absolutely is.

Head chemist at Q+A Skincare, Faye Purcell, said the shift is already happening with the anti-ageing ingredient stepping into younger routines, often replacing actives such as acids and retinol.

'We are now seeing a much wider variety of efficacies associated with peptides, no longer just anti-wrinkle claims but also brightening and anti-blemish benefits too.'

Newer peptides have been designed to take on a much broader set of concerns, from brightening dull skin and reducing hyperpigmentation to targeting blemishes, breakouts and excess oil,' she added.

From a formulation perspective, just remember that not all peptides are created equal and concentration is key  as some formulas include only 'tip-in' levels according tob Faye, so the active appears on the ingredient list, but it may not be at active level.

Her advice is to look beyond the buzzwords: 'In vivo' testing - meaning studies carried out on humans - is widely considered the gold standard.'

Newer peptides have been designed to take on a much broader set of concerns, from brightening dull skin and reducing hyperpigmentation to targeting blemishes, breakouts and excess oil. Pictured: Medik8 10% Niacinamide Serum with Peptides & NAG ($105) and JS Health Illuminating Peptide Eye Serum ($39.99)

FACIAL OF THE WEEK: The 'Face Up' method

Facial stretching isn't exactly a mainstream beauty category yet, but after trying an intense sculpting massage (otherwise known as a 'fascia facial') designed to physically lengthen and release facial muscles, I can see why it's gaining traction.

I recently trialled the 'Face Up Method' treatment, which has been pioneered by founder Olga Newman and focuses on deep, methodical stretching of the face, jaw, neck and shoulders to relieve the chronic tension that can blunt our facial definition over time.

By manually working and elongating overworked muscles - particularly around said stressed out jawline, cheeks and temples - the goal is to encourage a more lifted, sculpted appearance without needles or devices.

From what Olga explained to me, the treatment still features deep relaxation, but is a lot more focused on structural 'somatic' release, as she calls it, with improved circulation and lymphatic drainage as a welcome side effect.

Facial stretching isn't exactly a mainstream beauty category yet, but after trying an intense sculpting massage (otherwise known as a 'fascia facial') designed to physically lengthen and release facial muscles, I can see why it's gaining traction. Pictured: Olga Newman

'I recently trialled the 'Face Up Method' treatment, which has been pioneered by founder Olga Newman and focuses on deep, methodical stretching of the face, jaw, neck and shoulders to relieve the chronic tension that can blunt our facial definition over time' - Beauty expert Elise Wilson

While the facial is known for offering intra-oral massage for clients with severe jaw tension or clenching, it's completely tailored, and I didn't need that component during my session.

Instead, the focus was on firm external stretching that felt a bit like assisted yoga for the face, and didn't touch just my face but all over my body where tension was held.

Olga described fascia - the delicate collagen network that encases our muscles, bones and organs - as the bodys internal scaffolding. When its soft and mobile, everything remains lifted and supported, however, when it tightens, tension travels through the system and features can begin to subtly drop.

Interestingly, she noted that the areas with the fastest visible impact on the face arent always the face itself, but the surrounding structures like the neck, upper back, ribcage and shoulders.

'If you take the forehead for example,' she said.

By manually working and elongating overworked muscles - particularly around said stressed out jawline, cheeks and temples - the goal is to encourage a more lifted, sculpted appearance without needles or devices. Pictured: Olga's results over time using her now-famous 'Face Up Method'

'People see lines and instantly think about surgery or reach for injections. But forehead wrinkles usually have very little to do with ageing. Theyre most often signs of tension along a fascial chain, commonly starting in the back of the neck and the occipital area.'

Certain movements were very intense in the way a proper stretch should be, but never painful, and I could feel areas I didn't even realise were tight gradually soften.

Immediately afterwards, my face felt less compressed with noticeably less puffiness and a subtle but visible sharpening through my jaw and cheekbones.

Just one session delivered a gentle refresh rather than a dramatic overhaul, but like any stretching-based practice, the real sculpting benefits build with consistency.

I loved the results so much that I signed up for Olga's app called the Face Up Club to continue my sculpting journey at home for the next three months.

It offers simple, easy-to-follow techniques for women to practise at home, and having seen some of the most profound transformations myself, that was all the motivation I needed to stick with it consistently.

Professional treatments like this typically start from around the mid-$200s depending on duration, making it a considered but compelling option for anyone curious about the new wave of hands-on, tension-releasing skincare.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed.
Shabnam Gujadhur spent years learning how to deliver bad news - but she never imagined she would be on the other side of an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

In 2022, just after turning 30, the Gold Coast doctor was working long, punishing shifts as an intern in emergency medicine.

Borders had just reopened, and the department was overwhelmed with Covid cases.

She was exhausted, driven, and determined not to let anything slow her down.

Then her body began to change.

'I started experiencing some abdominal pain,' she told the Daily Mail.

'It just felt like cramps. I didn't really put much to it - I was taking Panadol and just pushing through. Then I experienced some intermenstrual bleeding.

'I didn't really see anyone because I was working as a doctor. I prioritised work and pushed it aside.

Shabnam Gujadhur had spent years learning how to deliver bad news - she never imagined she would be on the other side of an ovarian cancer diagnosis

In 2022, just after turning 30, the Gold Coastdoctor was working long, punishing shifts as an intern in emergency medicine

At 30, Shabnam had no family history of ovarian cancer

'I didn't want to take any days off because there were so many people who were sick - I felt guilty.'

It would take several weeks - and a friend's insistence - before she finally booked a GP appointment.

'It's probably just a cyst'

The initial tests offered reassurance.

An ultrasound suggested an ovarian cyst. A CT scan followed, and the radiologist recommended monitoring it and repeating imaging in a few months.

'At 30, I had no family history of ovarian cancer,' Shabnam said.

'I was fit and healthy. I didn't meet the risk factors.'

Even as a doctor, cancer didn't cross her mind.

An ultrasound suggested an ovarian cyst. A CT scan followed, and the radiologist recommended monitoring it and repeating imaging in a few months

Shabnam underwent surgery to remove what was presumed to be a benign cyst. A week later, she returned for the results

'I never suspected it might be cancer at all. I've got a family history of fibroids and endometriosis, so I thought it was related to that. Never, ever did I think I'd be given a cancer diagnosis at 30.'

Ovarian cancer, she knew professionally, was complex and poorly understood - but personally, it still felt remote.

The recommendation was to wait - but her GP felt uneasy.

'She said it was better to get it removed, and I followed her advice,' Shabnam said.

That decision - made jointly by a doctor who listened and a patient who advocated - would change everything.

The diagnosis that changed everything

Shabnam underwent surgery to remove what was presumed to be a benign cyst. A week later, she returned for the results.

'The gynaecologist sat me down,' she said.

Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to classify. For Shabnam, the uncertainty stretched on for months - but her friends were by her side the whole time

Within hours of seeing her GP, Shabnam was referred to a gynaecological oncologist. Within a week, she was back in surgery for emergency staging - removal of her left ovary and tube, along with washings to determine the extent of disease

'The look in her eyes - I knew it wasn't good. I've had that same look myself when I've broken bad news to patients.'

The words landed heavily.

'She said, "Unfortunately, it came back as cancer", and everything just went blank. All white noise.'

Within hours, she was referred to a gynaecological oncologist. Within a week, she was back in surgery for emergency staging - removal of her left ovary and tube, along with washings to determine the extent of disease.

'One day I was a doctor working. The next day, I was a patient. That was really confronting.'

The long wait for answers

Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to classify. For Shabnam, the uncertainty stretched on for months.

'It took weeks to months to actually get a diagnosis because of how tricky the biology is,' she said.

Eventually, the results came back: a rare mixed germ cell tumour - two tumour types in one - detected at Stage 1.

'I was very lucky it was picked up early,' she said.

Even then, there was no consensus on what came next. Multidisciplinary meetings debated whether chemotherapy was necessary. Some doctors recommended it, others didn't.

In the end, given the early stage and complete surgical removal, Shabnam chose strict surveillance over chemotherapy.

'It's a 10-year pathway. Regular blood tests, tumour markers, scans, follow-ups. It takes over your life - you just have to adjust to it.'

Now approaching four years since her diagnosis, every scan has been clear.

But the 'what ifs' still linger.

'If I'd followed the CT recommendation and just monitored it, I don't know if it would've progressed and been picked up later,' she said.

'That's why 70 per cent of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage.'

In the end, given the early stage and complete surgical removal, Shabnam chose strict surveillance over chemotherapy

Now approaching four years since her diagnosis, every scan has been clear

'We still know so little'

The experience left Shabnam both grateful and angry.

'The radiologist recommended monitoring it in six months,' she said.

'That's really frustrating. It makes me angry to share that, because we still don't know enough about the biology.'

There is still no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer.

'If we had a blood test - something to tell us whether it's probably cancer or not - we could've known sooner. We're still very far behind in screening and detection.'

That gap in knowledge is what has driven her advocacy since.

She now works with local and international organisations pushing for better funding, early detection research, and improved treatment options - efforts recognised last year when she received a World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Award.

'My story gave me the power to push for change,' she said.

The personal cost: identity, fertility, and mental health

'I think denial was a big part of it,' she said.

'It took me months to process what it meant for my career, my future, my family planning.'

During surgery, doctors also discovered endometriosis. Since then, it has progressed, requiring further operations.

With one ovary removed, her fertility has been reduced - another loss layered onto the diagnosis.

Being diagnosed so early, she said, raises difficult questions.

'How do we help women preserve fertility when they're diagnosed young? That's a huge challenge,' she said.

The psychological toll came later.

'At the end of that year, it really hit me. I developed health anxiety. I was diagnosed with mild depression,' she said.

She began seeing a psychologist - a practice she continues today.

'There's always that fear of the cancer coming back. Before scans, blood tests, follow-ups - that anxiety is very real.'

Shabnam now works with local and international organisations pushing for better funding, early detection research, and improved treatment options - efforts recognised last year when she received a World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Award

Shabnam is greatful for the 'village' she assembled around her when she was going through treatment

Reassurance doesn't always work - but one thing does

Shabnam's parents live overseas and so were unable to be there for her throughout the long process - but came to visit before the first surgery.

On the day of her second surgery, her aunt - who had been diagnosed with cancer months earlier - passed away.

'It was devastating for my mum, losing her sister and having me going through a cancer diagnosis at the same time,' Shabnam said.

Her friends learned quickly what she needed most.

'Rather than telling me, "You'll be okay", they just stayed with me,' she said.

'You know your body best'

Now, nearly four years on, Shabnam is back at work, continuing her training in internal medicine, with hopes of specialising in oncology.

To women experiencing unexplained symptoms, her message is clear.

'You know your body best,' she said.

'If something doesn't feel right, advocate for yourself. See your doctor. Get another opinion if you need to.'

And for those newly diagnosed, Shabnam wants them to remain as positive as possible.

'There is light at the end,' she said.

'It's taking it day by day. Some days are harder than others. Reach out. Build a village around you.'
Tucker Carlson apologized for implying that Israel's president visited Jeffrey Epstein's 'pedo island' in a video posted to X on Saturday.

Carlson, the former FOX News host and celebrity journalist, made the suggestion during an interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, which was released on Friday.

In a two-minute video that has received 1.5 million views in less than 24 hours, Carlson said that he received a 'long letter' from Israeli President Isaac Herzog's office, 'denying unequivocally that he had any contact with Epstein, ever.'

'I've gotten a lot of letters like this over the years from people alleging, "oh you got it wrong," but rarely do you get a denial this unequivocal,' Carlson said.

'So for that reason, we are taking it seriously. There's nothing worse than impugning the reputation of an innocent man,' the journalist continued. 'So I just want to say, clearly, I'm sorry to imply that I knew something I didn't know.'

The Israeli president's office sent the letter after Carlson had asked Huckabee about an email in the Epstein files that said someone named 'Herzog' was going to Epstein's infamous island, Little Saint James.

'The current president of Israel, whom I know you know, apparently was at "pedo island." Thats what it says,' Carlson told Huckabee during the two-hour interview.

'Still-living, high-level Israeli officials are directly implicated in Epsteins life, if not his crimes, so I think youd be following this.'

Celebrity journalist Tucker Carlson apologized for implying that Israel's president visited Jeffrey Epstein's island during an interview. Carlson is pictured in his apology video

Carlson said he asked about Israeli President Isaac Herzog (pictured) visiting Epstein's island, because an email in the Epstein files suggested he did so

Carlson referred to Epstein's pictured, infamous island of Little Saint James as 'pedo island' during the interview

The ambassador to Israel immediately replied that the claim was untrue.

Carlson also referred to a false report made by The Times reporter Gabrielle Weiniger, who had recently posted a doctored photo of Herzog with Epstein. The reporter later corrected her mistake and said the photo was an 'AI fake.'

In his apology video, Carlson explained that the email he had asked Huckabee about was dated to 2014, and it was sent by Epstein to his friend Leon Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management.

In that email, Carlson said, Black was invited to Little Saint James and was told that other people, including someone named Herzog, would be there.

Carlson said he asked Huckabee about the email twice, but the ambassador denied knowledge of it.

The celebrity journalist said: 'At the time I said that, there had been news items about this. In fact, there was a protest against Herzog on the basis of this email when he went to Australia recently, and he hadn't responded to any of that.'

Carlson concluded his apology video by saying: 'I also wanted to air his side of this. Again, President Herzog says he's never had any contact with Epstein, ever, and so I just want to say that in the interest of honesty and transparency.'

Although Carlson was forced to apologize for some of his questions during the interview with Huckabee, the ambassador to Israel was criticized for comments he made as well.

Carlson's interview was with the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee (pictured). The interview was published on Friday, and Huckabee denied Carlson's suggestion

In his apology video, Carlson said he regularly receives letters alleging that he got something wrong, but 'but rarely do you get a denial this unequivocal'

Herzog's office sent Carlson a letter that claimed the Israeli president did not know Epstein at all and that they never even spoke. Epstein is pictured in a photo released by the Justice Department in December

Carlson explained that he asked about the email suggesting Herzog had visited Little Saint James because it was in the news and had even sparked a protest in Australia. A moment from that protest is pictured

Carlson stated that, according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham are entitled to land that today encompasses much of the Middle East.

In response to whether Israel had a right to that land, Huckabee said: 'It would be fine if they took it all'.

He added that Israel was not seeking to expand its territory and has a right to maintain security on the land it legitimately holds.

'We're talking about this land that Israel, the state of Israel, now lives in and wants to have peace in. They're not trying to take over Jordan. They're not trying to take over Syria,' Huckabee said.

Despite that clarification, the ambassador's words drew rebukes from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.

The interview came amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran, with the two countries now on a war footing.

The US has sent more than 60 attack aircraft to a military base in Jordan, satellite images showed on Friday. The fleet is triple the size that is normally stationed there.

Another US fleet was also seen at a Portuguese air base on Saturday.

Carlson's interview with Huckabee came amidst rising tensions between the US, Israel and Iran. The US has sent more than 60 attack aircraft to a military base in Jordan. Military aircraft at a Jordan airbase from an earlier date are pictured

Satellite images from January revealed the large buildup of aircraft at the Jordanian air base. President Trump has threatened to strike Iran in the coming days

The US, Israel and Iran have been at odds before, including last year's 12-day war, when the US and Israel bombed key nuclear and military sites in Iran.

Donald Trump has alluded to striking Iran again in the coming days, telling reporters on Friday that he was considering military action to pressure Iranian officials to negotiate the terms of the country's nuclear program.
The boss of London Stock Exchange Group is under pressure to reassure investors as it reels from the threat of artificial intelligence and demands from a US activist.

David Schwimmer will face questions over his strategy when he posts full-year results on Thursday following a 33 per cent slump in the share price over the past 12 months.

Analysts said the American executive, who has run the City institution since 2018, should come out fighting to win over sceptics. LSEG has been caught up in a global sell-off of stocks deemed to be at risk from AI.

The shares fell nearly 13 per cent in a single day early this month after the release of an AI-powered legal tool by Anthropic sparked fears that the technology could disrupt LSEG's data and analytics business.

Fighting talk: David Schwimmer (inset) is under pressure to reassure investors as the London Stock Exchange Group reels from the threat of artificial intelligence

The company is also facing calls from activist Elliott Investment Management to launch a 5billion share buyback and a full review of its operations  sparking speculation parts of the business could be sold. It is thought LSEG's 51 per cent stake in New York-listed bond trading platform Tradeweb Markets is seen as a potential way of raising cash.

Richard Hunter, head of markets at broker Interactive Investor, said 'it will be a tough sell' for Schwimmer as he faces investors this week.

Garry White, chief investment commentator at Charles Stanley, said: 'AI tools from Anthropic and others have spooked shareholders into thinking automated systems could cut out LSEG's subscriptionbased data model. Schwimmer needs to hammer home a simple point: AI agents cannot just help themselves to LSEG's datasets.

'Access still requires paying customers, and the depth and quality of LSEG's data will only become more valuable as AI spreads. He must redefine AI as a tailwind, not a threat.'

White said Schwimmer 'must puncture the idea that the sell-off reflects a structural flaw' and is a 'wobble not a business model in retreat'.

Russ Mould at AJ Bell said: 'The company may need to assuage fears that AI is a threat to its data-analytics businesses and prove the technology represents an opportunity instead, while a fresh share buyback could be one way of sending confidence to the market, too.'
A grieving mother has told of her heartbreak after finding out that an illegal migrant who killed her son could be released in just two years.

Phillip Bruce, 35, was fatally injured when a vehicle ploughed into the moped he was riding on August 1, 2025, in Ware, Hertfordshire.

The driver, Erald Kamberi, fled the scene, but officers caught up with him and he was arrested the following day.

The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving with no insurance before being sentenced to 10 years in prison last September.

There, Kamberi was told he would serve at least two-thirds of his sentence, before being considered for deportation upon his release.

However, now Phillip's grieving mother Jennifer Dover said she has been told that her son's killer could be released as soon as next year.

Under the government's new early removal scheme, Kamberi could be deported to his home country, cutting his sentence short by 70 per cent.

Jennifer told the Daily Mail: 'I am furious, I am absolutely devastated because the little justice he had has now been taken away.'

Phillip Bruce, 35, was killed when a driver ploughed into him while he was riding a moped last year

Phillip pictured with his fiancee Jenna March. The couple were due to be married in 2026

Erald Kamberi, 21, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing Phillip in a hit-and-run crash

Following Kamberi's sentencing, Detective Sergeant Ben Heath from Hertfordshire Police said he was 'happy to see him sentenced for a long time'.

This sentiment, which was echoed by Judge Sheridan during a sentencing hearing at St Albans Crown Court, has left Jennifer devastated that her son's killer could be set free.

Phillip was riding a blue Honda WW moped on Ware's London Road when he was hit by a white Vauxhall Astra being driven by Kamberi.

Judge Sheridan told the court that the illegal migrant drove 'like a lunatic to get away from officers, driving at high speed, on the wrong side of the road, with no driving license or insurance'.

He was banned from driving for 15 years.

On the day of Phillip's death, Jennifer awoke to something every parent dreads - police knocking at the door.

She said: 'They told me he had been in an accident and hadn't made it.

'Phil was so lovely. We were due to go to Legoland on the Friday after he died,' the mother added.

Phillip was set to marry his childhood sweetheart and long-term fiancee Jenna March in 2026.

The couple both suffered from learning disabilities and were not able to have any children but had planned on spending their life together.

He worked as a kitchen assistant at a care home in Buntingford for patients suffering from dementia alongside his mother.

Phillip pictured with his mother Jennifer Dover, who said she is 'devastated' that her son's killer could be released in two years

Phillip worked as a kitchen assistant alongside his mother at a care home for patients with dementia

Cooking was one of Phillip's big passions in life, alongside music. He had taken courses to become a DJ and also enjoyed singing.

The 35-year-old's family described him as being a huge part of the local community.

His mother said that when walking around the streets of Hertford and Ware, Phillip would often bump into people he knew and said he always had time for a chat with them.

'He was a popular man whose personality was like a magnet to those around him,' she said.

'Phil was the oldest of three siblings. Growing up, he was inseparable from his sister Shona and brother Callum, and they would do everything together.

'He was a wonderful big brother who loved his siblings and cared deeply for them.'

Jennifer said her son 'could light up any room', adding that his 'laughter was contagious'.

'He was a rainbow who would always make the best out of any situation,' she added.

'He always made time for others, and if anyone had an issue, Phil would sit with you and listen, offer advice or just a shoulder to lean on. He was so caring and always knew how to cheer someone up.

'Phil had a moped and went everywhere on it, including taking himself to seaside places and Phil used to love ringing his mum and telling her where he had taken himself and what he was up to.'

Phillip pictured with his sister Shona (left) and his mother Jennifer Dover

Jenna's mother Carol March spoke about her daughter's pain of losing her long-term partner.

She said: 'It's so difficult to put into words the pain that we are going through with the loss of Phillip.

'My daughter Jenna has been going out with Phillip for over 20 years, and she is totally devastated by what happened and I don't know how she is ever going to get over it.

'As a family we cannot accept what has happened and you never expect a young man to be taken from you just like that. The void that has been created will never be filled.

'Phillip had an amazing personality and was a character in his own special way. His presence will be greatly missed forever. We all loved you and you have left us all with broken hearts.'

Phillip was part of Always Bee You, a charity that enables adults with learning disabilities to socialise, make friends, gain work opportunities and learn life skills.

Jo, the CEO of the charity, said: 'We are so sad about Phil, he was a wonderful man and will be missed so much by his friends at Always Bee You. Phil loved coming out on our day trips to London, he learnt DJ skills and volunteered at our Cafe in The Priory in Ware.

'He even helped write a song and performed with Always Bee You. He had a great voice and enjoyed singing.

'Phil was always positive, had a good sense of humour and worked so hard to improve his life. He was proud of his achievements at work and always made time to help others. Phil was an inspiration and a joy to be with.

'He will be greatly missed by all his friends at Always Bee You.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The death of Phillip Bruce was an avoidable tragedy, and we can only begin to imagine the pain his family and friends are carrying.

'Mr Kamberi poses a clear risk to public safety, and we, as in all cases, have worked tirelessly to secure his deportation. He will join nearly 50,000 people with no right to remain who have been deported or removed from the United Kingdom by this government.'
Endless blackouts, empty shelves and crumbling streets - this is the grim reality faced by millions of Cubans as the once-prospering Caribbean nation teeters on the brink of collapse.

As the US tightens its economic noose over the communist-run island and fuel grows scarce, its inhabitants are being pushed to the edge, scrambling to find food, power and survival in a nation that is feared to be entering a humanitarian crisis.

A sharp increase in US sanctions has been suffocating Cubans when critical oil shipments from Venezuela were disrupted after Washington attacked Caracas and arrested its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

But even before the US attacked Venezuela, communist Cuba was already struggling with chronic blackouts, soaring prices and a lack of basic goods.

Shocking videos posted by Cubans on social media paint a picture of life on the struggling island - and how it is only getting worse as the small nation fights for survival.

Decaying buildings

Once considered a Caribbean paradise, Cuba has long been characterised by its vibrant architecture, with its blend of colourful Spanish colonial homes and art-deco structures against a backdrop of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The architecture in Old Havana is what draws tourists to the communist-run island - but its buildings are now crumbling, with Cubans forced to live in dilapidated buildings, among rats, cockroaches and damp, all while battling continuous blackouts and power cuts.

Footage shared on social media shows the poor conditions of buildings around the nation, many of which are residential.

One video shows the skeleton of a decaying building in the capital city of Havana.

Cuba's historic buildings are now crumbling away. The screen grab from a video posted to social media shows a dilapidated building in Havana

Cuba's housing minister has previously said that nearly one million homes across the nation need repairs

A homeless person sits among garbage on the street in Havana on July 21, 2025

The front of the tower block appears to have disintegrated, with its inside structures visible from the street.

Meanwhile, the windows are completely stripped, with the building's inhabitants resorting to using sheets of paper and cardboard as makeshift screens.

Another video shows the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital, claimed to be the University of Havana's faculty of design, as locals nonchalantly walk past it.

The disintegration of Cuba's historic buildings is not uncommon. Back in 2023, three people were killed in the collapse of a residential building in the capital.

Cuba's housing minister has previously said that nearly 1 million homes across the Communist-run island needed repairs.

The government blames the economic embargo imposed on Cuba by the US for its inability to source proper building materials to carry out repairs.

It announced a national programme to build new structures in 2018, but critics said it focused only on building hotels to boost tourism.

Others have accused the Communist government of purposefully allowing buildings to collapse to be able to buy them cheaply and convert them into tourism infrastructure.

People walk down a street littered with rubbish in Havana, Cuba, on February 11

Once lined with colourful buildings and 1950s cars, more and more buildings in the capital of Havana are crumbling away as the nation continues to grapple with a nationwide fuel shortage

A man walks past a graffiti of the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro on a street in Havana on February 16

Piling rubbish

Mounting waste has also added to the suffering of Cubans after the US decided to cut off crucial oil supplies, which were once imported from its ally Venezuela.

This is because several collection trucks have been left with empty fuel tanks, causing waste to pile up on the streets across Cuba.

Only 44 of Havana's 106 rubbish trucks have been able to keep operating due to fuel shortages, slowing rubbish collection, as waste piles up on the capital's streets, according to state-run news outlet Cubadebate.

The halting of rubbish collection trucks has attracted hordes of flies and has left streets reeking of rotting food.

Cardboard boxes, used bags, plastic bottles and rags have piled up on street corners across the seafront capital, as some residents have had to sort through the waste looking for scraps they could re-use.

Meanwhile, motorists, pedestrians and bikers have been forced to circumvent the imposing heaps.

A man throws rubbish on a street in central Havana on February 15

Pedestrians walk past piles of rubbish in Havana

A mother and her children hold their noses as they pass a street with garbage

Locals walk past garbage piled up on a street

Residents have taken to social media to raise the alarm over the risk to public health, sharing videos that show dirty streets, with weeks-old piles of rubbish littering the roads.

One clip shows locals going about their day as they walk through streets that are covered in murky puddles of open sewage.

Footage also shows overflowing bins around Cuba's cities, with bags of waste seen dumped along roadsides.

The accumulation of litter across the island shows how the US-imposed fuel crisis may be turning into a waste and health crisis, too.

This only adds to the suffering on the communist island, which US President Donald Trump described on Monday as a 'failed nation'.

'Cuba is now a failed nation. They don't even have jet [fuel] to get their aeroplanes to take off, they're plugging up their runway,' Trump said.

'We're talking to Cuba right now, and Marco Rubio is talking to Cuba right now, and they should absolutely make a deal. Because it's really a humanitarian threat,' he continued.

Food shortages

Cuba's communist government relies on rationing measures to protect essential services in a country that was already suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine.

Back in 2024, the government was already forced to slash by a quarter the weight of its subsidised ration of daily bread - straining a decades-old scheme created by the late leader Fidel Castro.

Still, many Cubans who earn the equivalent of $15 a month can scarcely afford to shop for more expensive bread on the private market, leaving them with few alternatives.

The government said at the time it had run short of the wheat flour it needed to produce bread, a predicament the state blamed on the US trade embargo.

Cuba's ration book, or 'libreta,' as it is known among island residents, was once considered a hallmark of Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, providing a range of deeply-discounted products to all Cubans, including bread, fish, meat, milk, and cleaning and toiletry supplies.

Today, the crisis-racked government offers just a fraction of those products, and often, they arrive late, in poor quality or not at all.

Cubans have been documenting the realities of receiving daily rations on social media.

One Cuban TikToker shared the cruel reality of the country's food shortage in a video showing her and her family going to collect their daily ration of bread.

People line up to buy bread in Havana, as Cubans from all walks of life hunker into survival mode, navigating seemingly interminable blackouts and soaring prices for food, fuel and transport, while the United States threatens a stranglehold on the communist-run nation

Cubans are relying heavily on food rations

In one heartbreaking video shared on social media, a woman is shown digging through rubbish for food

In the clip, the woman shows herself arriving at a food collection point to pick up her daily allowance of bread.

She shows how her ration book is stamped before receiving two bread rolls - one for her and one for her husband.

In a separate video, Cuban TikToker Jesus Daniel Saname sheds light on the daily struggles of residents through a scripted sketch.

In the video, dozens of Cubans are shown queuing outside a butcher's under the blistering sun.

A butcher comes out of the shop to announce to the queue of people that 'there is no more chicken left,' telling them he only had 112 pieces of chicken to sell.

'We don't know when we will get more,' he goes on to say.

A man standing at the front of the queue appears defeated, and says to himself: 'I slept in this queue last night. It was supposed to be my turn to get chicken today. But now they are saying there is none left. We can't take it anymore.'

Although scripted, the video sends a powerful message of what daily life looks like on the struggling island.

Other clips shared on social media show empty supermarket shelves and massive queues outside shops and food banks as Cubans scour for food.

In one particularly heartbreaking video, a woman is shown digging through piles of rubbish for food.

In many other countries, the conditions would have sent people out into the streets.

So far, in a nation where dissent has long been curbed, there has been little sign of protest. But it is unclear how much more Cubans will be willing to endure.

Blackouts

The ongoing fuel shortage has also seen the country undergo lengthening blackouts.

But for much of Cuba, this is not entirely new.

The island's frail and antiquated power system has been slowly failing for years, and residents have grown accustomed to spending hours at a time without functioning electricity, internet or water pumps.

But now, residents of Cuba are being plunged into darkness daily and are forced to cook with coal and firewood.

Available electricity has disproportionately affected rural areas and provincial hubs, while the level of light emitted at night in major cities like Santiago de Cuba and Holguin has dropped as much as 50 per cent compared to the historical average, Bloomberg News reports.

These blackouts have significantly crippled the healthcare system, threatening the daily lives of patients who require urgent care.

They have also disrupted schools and universities, with students left with limited resources to learn.

One TikTok user showed how food in her fridge was left to rot following a mass blackout - a shocking reality in a country where food is already scarce.

Residents of Cuba are being plunged into darkness daily and are forced to cook with coal and firewood

A man prepares dinner at home during a blackout in Havana on January 28, 2026

A man cooks eggs over a wood fire during a blackout in the Poey neighborhood of Havana on January 28, 2026

A woman holds a candle while a boy checks his cellphone during a blackout in the Luyano neighborhood of Havana on January 28, 2026

Residents pass the time during a blackout following the failure of a major power plant in Havana, Cuba

Queues for petrol

Drivers in Cuba are facing the prospect of waiting several months to refuel their cars, as fuel shortages caused by the US oil siege continue to intensify.

To avoid chaos outside petrol stations, Cuba's government last week made it obligatory for drivers to use an app known as Ticket to get refuelling appointments.

But drivers in Havana have complained that the app is only offering them appointments several weeks or months from now.

Pictures show people waiting in long queues to fill their cars and plastic containers with gasoline as fuel shortages persist.

The Cuban government has also stopped selling gasoline in local currency at subsidised rates of about 25 cents per litre, and is now only selling more expensive fuel, priced in US dollars.

A litre 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 earn less than $20 a month, when their earnings in Cuban pesos are converted to US dollars using market rates.

A man organises plastic containers while waiting for his turn in a gas station as Cubans suffer seemingly endless blackouts and increasingly long lines for food, fuel and transport as the United States threatens a stranglehold on the Caribbean island nation, Havana, Cuba, January 27, 2026

People wait to fill their cars with gasoline in Havana

The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba since 1960, but in recent months Trump's administration has hardened its stance, sanctioning vessels shipping oil to the island and threatening tariffs on suppliers.

The national oil supply has fallen dramatically over the last two months after Venezuela - once Cuba's top supplier - effectively stopped sending shipments.

Mexico's government also said it was halting shipments after Washington threatened tariffs against countries that send supplies to Cuba.

A Russian newspaper last week reported that Russia was preparing to send crude oil and fuel cargoes to Cuba in the near future, without giving a specific date.

The US administration argues the measures will increase pressure for political change in Cuba.

The United Nations has long voted for the US to end its embargo, and leaders from Mexico and Venezuela said blocking fuel could have serious humanitarian impacts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is 'very concerned' about the situation, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday, adding that UN teams were working with the Cuban government to help support humanitarian relief efforts.

'The secretary-general would like to see all parties pursue dialogue and respect for international law yet again,' he said.

The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba since 1960, but in recent months, Trump's administration has hardened its stance. Pictured: Trump on Monday, February 16, 2026

For decades, the government that has its roots in Fidel Castro's 1959 Cuban Revolution has survived despite sometimes brutal economic struggles, upending regular predictions of imminent collapse or an uprising.

It has long been alleged that a US-led effort fomented revolt, but the most recent widespread protests were in the pandemic year of 2021, despite a 12 per cent contraction of the economy between 2019 and 2024.

Sharp crackdowns on any form of dissent, combined with the emigration of between one and two million people since the pandemic, have all but eliminated organised in-country opposition.
Annie Garcia's life changed in an instant in 2018 after she was arrested by ICE at a custody hearing and deported from her home in Kearns, Utah, back to Mexico just ten days later.

The ICE arrest was not an unlucky coincidence; instead, it was deliberately orchestrated by the father of two of her five children, her partner of two years, during a bitter custody battle following their breakup. The hearing was to terminate his parental right on the basis of abandonment.

'It was a form of revenge and a way to get back at me without really thinking of the big picture,' she told the Daily Mail. 'I felt a huge sense of betrayal coming from the father of my children because of how that impacted our children and our families...I was still nursing our seven-month-old baby.'

Garcia's story is just one of many tales of 'revenge reporting' that have come to the forefront amidst increased ICE activity in the US.

Earlier this month, 46-year-old Irish man Patrick Moran accused his ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Kjos, 45, of 'weaponizing' his undocumented status and having him deported following a dispute over their shared Manhattan home.

Just last summer, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier made headlines for writing a social media post that encouraged his followers to turn in their undocumented exes.

'If your ex is in this country illegally, please feel free to reach out to our office,' Uthmeier wrote on X. 'We'd be happy to assist.'

On Valentine's Day the White House doubled down on the message posting a card on its official Instagram account that read 'To: my ex' and featured a picture of a sombrero under 'From.'

Annie Garcia's (pictured) life changed in an instant in 2018 after she was arrested by ICE at a custody hearing and deported from her home in Kearns, Utah, back to Mexico

Garcia's story is just one of many tales of 'revenge reporting' that have come to the forefront amidst increased ICE activity in the US

On Valentine's Day the White House doubled down on the message posting a card on its official Instagram account that read 'To: my ex' and featured a picture of a sombrero under 'From'

It might sound shocking, and it's certainly extreme, but the Daily Mail has discovered that this sort of vindictive action against ex-partners or spurned lovers is more common than people may realize.

Garcia, 35, said that her ICE agent told her 90 percent of their tips about undocumented individuals came from scorned lovers or family members. And a former ICE official who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed to the Daily Mail that he got cases like Garcia's 'all the time.'

According to the source: 'This happens all the time. They'll like somebody and this person doesn't like them anymore, so they'll call and rat them out.

'I've had cases where guys, especially cops, meet up with these girls in bars, then they start having affairs with them. They knew they couldn't go any further. So that's when you get the anonymous calls from people saying, "She's a psychopath, come and deport her."

'We'll also get situations with couples who were dating and the woman moves on. Now the guy's pissed off and says, "If I can't have her, nobody's going to have her," and he'll just call immigration. That happens all the time too.'

According to Emily Hariharan Walsh, a partner at Spar & Bernstein, PC, during her nearly 15 years as an immigration attorney, revenge reporting has been a frequent occurrence. Walsh says that she does about 100 consults about immigration on average every month, 50 percent of which are related to concerns around some type of abuse.

That can be someone being reported to ICE by a former romantic partner or someone who's fearful to leave an abusive relationship under the threat of being reported. Walsh says that concerns about revenge reporting have grown among her clients in recent years, following the start of President Donald Trump's second term and its subsequent drastic ICE crackdown.

'I think the threats have increased because of all the enforcement and rhetoric by the Trump administration,' Walsh told the Daily Mail. 'In these relationships that are basically abusive, they're using it as leverage to scare their partners, whether that's for control or financial means.

'There are so many people that I speak to where their only option is to get married and to have that person petition for them, but they don't want to do it because they don't want to owe them or have that power dynamic of getting their green card from them, where they can use it against them.'

Garcia, 35, said that her ICE agent told her 90 percent of their tips about undocumented individuals came from scorned lovers or family members

Earlier this month, 46-year-old Irish man Patrick Moran (pictured) accused his ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Kjos, 45, of 'weaponizing' his undocumented status

Nicholas Kjos (pictured) reportedly had Moran deported following a dispute over their shared Manhattan home

For Garcia, the deportation was an immensely painful period of her life but it led to a much-needed fresh start. After her ex-partner and his family reported her to ICE, she was arrested and deported just ten days later.

While she had the option to file for immigration relief, due to former felony convictions, including check forgery and communications fraud, she was ineligible for bond. Under the Trump administration, individuals with criminal convictions have also become a deportation priority.

Garcia spent the next year fighting for, and ultimately winning, custody of her children, with whom she now lives in Puerto Vallarta. Garcia says that it was her own experience with deportation and the sharp end of the immigration process that inspired her to enroll in law school a couple of years ago.

She said: 'My deportation definitely radicalized me. My time in the states leading up to my deportation, definitely felt like I had a lot of doors closing to me because of the choices I had made.

'When I came to Mexico, it felt like it was a way for me to rediscover my identity and purpose. Getting into law school felt like part of my personal redemption, a way to leave behind some of the labels that I have in the US.'

Garcia's advice for anyone who's potentially facing revenge reporting? Protect your status, keep up with documentation, and file for citizenship as soon as possible. She notes that she didn't prioritize filing for citizenship when she had ample opportunity to, which is something she regrets now.

She said: 'Protect your status because you could be in love one day and not the next.'
News / National

by Staff reporter

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmakers from Matabeleland South have rejected their party leadership's decision to support proposed constitutional amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure.The CCC secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, convened a caucus meeting last week and reportedly resolved to back the amendments, which were gazetted on Monday, paving the way for 90-day public consultations.Under the proposed changes, the president's tenure, along with that of lawmakers, would be extended by two additional years when it constitutionally expires in 2028. The bill also proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote, dissolving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), and restructuring several independent commissions.Critics, including opposition figures, human rights groups, and civil society organizations, have argued that a referendum is necessary for such sweeping amendments to pass constitutional muster. Zanu-PF and government officials, however, maintain that a referendum is not required.In contrast to Tshabangu's reported position, Matabeleland South CCC lawmakers  Solani Moyo, Madalaboy Ndebele, Desire Nkala, Sithabisiwe Moyo, and Nomathemba Ndlovu  have publicly rejected the claim that they support the amendments."We did not support any amendment to the constitution that has not been properly introduced and gazetted," said CCC Matabeleland South chairperson Solani Moyo."We cannot and will not endorse changes to the 2013 constitution that were adopted by the people. We defend the people's rights and vote. Any suggestion otherwise is false. We will not recognise statements that claim our endorsement when no such resolution was adopted in our presence," Moyo added.He emphasized that their "first duty is to the people who sent us, not to self-appointed factional leaders who bring confusion."Tshabangu, who seized control of the CCC from its founding president Nelson Chamisa, has faced criticism for recalling party lawmakers, triggering costly by-elections that allowed Zanu-PF to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Critics have also accused him of acting as a Zanu-PF proxy, a charge he denies.The division highlights ongoing fragmentation within the CCC and underscores the contested nature of the proposed constitutional amendments, which continue to draw scrutiny from opposition parties, civil society, and citizens across Zimbabwe.
A new photo has emerged that appears to reveal more about the secretive past of missing South Australian child Gus Lamont's embattled grandparent, Josie Murray.

A man wearing a pale blue shirt, white shorts and a cowboy hat and clutching a red can at an Australia Day picnic on an outback property has been identified as Josie before she transitioned into a woman.

Three independent sources in the Yunta community confirmed the person in the image, dated January 26, 1994, is Josie Murray when she was known as Robert 'Snow' Murray.

When asked to identify the tall, tanned outdoorsman in the group photo, one local immediately responded: 'That's Snow/Josie Murray.'

Josie, 75, would have been in her early 40s in the picture, and already father to daughter Jessica Murray, who would grow up to become mother of Gus.

Daily Mail understands Josie, who worked as a builder and sheep-station worker in her earlier years, began her formal gender transition in the early 2000s.

One local said Josie bravely went around friends living the remote Mid North - full of traditionally macho farmers, shearers and stockmen - and explained her decision.

'I'm sure no-one would have said anything to her face back in the day - she would have knocked a few old truckies out at the front bar!' they added.

A sourced confirmed that Josie Murray is pictured at a community event in 1994

Josie, who began her formal gender transition in the early 2000s, is seen running errands in Peterborough in November

Gus Lamont disappeared from his grandparents' home on September 27

Since then, Josie lived a quiet life on remote Oak Park station 400km north of Adelaide, running about 10,000 head of sheep across 60,000ha of arid, pastoral land together with Shannon, 73, and later daughter, Jessica, who is thought to be 39.

The hunt for Gus has attracted global attention, which Josie, a local builder and labourer, would never have expected when she married into one of Yunta's most prominent pastoral families.

Shannon inherited Oak Park from her mother, Clair Pfeiffer, who together with her husband Vincent - a WWII hero and Japanese prisoner of war - took over the property after the death of her father Harry Jones.

Josie grew up in Mt Crawford, a small town in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and attended Birdwood Primary School alongside her sister.

Their family was related to merino sheep producers in Mt Bryan, 140km from Yunta, and it is understood Josie and Shannon first met through those connections.

The couple welcomed Jessica around 1987 and lived in Jamestown while their daughter attended the local community school.

The family then moved to Oak Park when Josie's father-in-law, Mr Pfeiffer, died in the mid-2000s.

Josie is now the central figure in the disappearance of her four-year-old grandson, who vanished from Oak Park Station, 45km south of Yunta, on September 27.

Shannon Murray seen with baby Jessica in the 1980s

Shannon Murray also retained separate legal counsel, which is not unusual in these cases

Gus's parents Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont are not considered suspects

He was reportedly last seen by grandmother Shannon as he played on a sandpile in front of the family homestead around 5pm on the day he vanished

Police now believe Gus has died, and have said they suspect at least one member of his family may have been involved.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens this week revealed that two family members have now stopped co-operating with the police investigation.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke had earlier revealed one family member was no longer cooperating, as he declared the boy's disappearance a 'major crime'.

Both police chiefs stressed, however, that Gus's parents, Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont, were not suspects in the investigation and were assisting detectives.

Josie and Shannon Murray have now retained separate legal counsel, which is not unusual, and said they were 'devastated' by SAPOL's announcement.

After Gus vanished, sparking South Australia's largest ever missing person search, Josie waved a shotgun when a Daily Mail reporter approached her for comment on October 31.

In video footage of the incident, the journalist could be heard telling Josie that she was leaving the property, as Josie shouted: 'Are you deaf? Shut your face.'

Josie brandished a shotgun when a Daily Mail reporter visited Oak Park on October 31

Gus was last known to be playing in this sand pile around 5pm the day he vanished

Earlier that month, Josie had also reacted angrily to another Daily Mail reporter, saying she would be 'forcibly removed' from the property.

On February 5, just over four months after Gus disappeared, at a press conference in Adelaide, police revealed they had escalated the investigation to 'major crime' status.

Detectives revealed they now believed Gus was deliberately or accidentally killed by someone known to him, and they had seized a vehicle, a motorbike and electronics from the homestead.

After intensive and extensive searches of the area, police have now ruled out that Gus wandered off, or was kidnapped.

This week, detectives returned to Oak Park Station and some neighbouring properties with a cadaver dog to inspect an area of freshly-laid cement and conducted further ground and air searches.

No new evidence was found, but Major Crime detectives are expected to return to the region frequently in coming weeks.

On Monday, however, Josie was charged with weapons offences which are unrelated to Gus or the gun incident with the Daily Mail journalist.

She will face Peterborough Magistrates' Court on May 6 charged with possessing a prohibited 'silencer' or firearm sound moderator, also known as a suppressor.

Josie reacted angrily when a Daily Mail reporter approached her for comment early October

The Oak Park Station has been sealed off to uninvited visitors for several months now

After police declared Gus's disappearance a major crime, Josie and Shannon retained separate lawyers

A suppressor is screwed to the end of the barrel of a firearm and used to muffle the sound of a shot being fired. They have been illegal since the 1996 gun laws.

If convicted, the offence carries up to maximum sentence of 15 years in jail or a fine of up to $75,000.

Josie's gun charge took the Yunta community by surprise, with some station owners insisting farmers should be allowed to own suppressors for their weapons.

'We have to shoot the feral goats, pigs and foxes around here,' said one local grazier.

'We often do it from inside the cabin of a vehicle because you don't have a lot of time and it helps to have something to lean on.

'It makes a loud sound much louder, and that's why some of the old blokes around here are deaf.'
Police searching for missing toddler Gus Lamont moved the hunt to a second Outback station last week as new details emerged about the vast landholding of his family and the disturbing events that previously unfolded there.

A cadaver dog, a police helicopter, and Taskforce Horizon detectives converged on Bullyaninnie Station near Oodla Wirra in the South Australian Outback on February 16.

The new search effort focused on an outhouse, an area of freshly poured concrete, and a ditch filled with abandoned cars.

It can now be revealed Gus's grandparents, Shannon and Josie Murray, oversee that station as well as their own neighbouring Oak Park Station near Yunta, where the four-year-old vanished on the evening of September 27.

Bullyaninnie has been in Shannon Murray's family for four generations, and it currently belongs to her widowed aunt Joy Betty, 92, who is now in a nursing home.

A local with a long association to Bullyaninnie told the Daily Mail 'Joy's niece looks after it now', who is understood to be Gus's grandmother, Shannon, 73.

Joy and her husband Ronald Betty inherited Bullyaninnie from Joys late father, Harry Jones, who also owned Oak Park Station and bequeathed that to his daughter Clair, Shannons mother.

Shannon and Josie became the owners of Oak Park following the deaths of Clair and her husband Vincent Pfeiffer, a former WWII prisoner of war.

The picturesque Bullyaninnie station became the focus of a new search

A NSW Police cadaver dog, brought in from interstate, scoured Bullyaninnie on Monday

Gus Lamont, four, who vanished on September 27, is now believed to be dead

Bullyaninnie is around 25km from Oak Park via a dirt track cross-country shortcut only used by the Murrays, and features a picturesque homestead, shearers quarters, and multiple stockyards.

However, it was the location of an notorious 2009 siege involving violent criminal Shane Andrew Robinson, who had stabbed a police officer on the Barrier Highway near Yunta before fleeing into the outback.

He broke into the Bullyaninnie homestead and held a person hostage there for several hours.

Later, he forced open a gun safe where 16 firearms were kept before the hostage saw their chance to escape and raised the alarm.

Officers surrounded the house in a chilling stand-off as they attempted to negotiate with Robinson before he shot himself.

In more recent years, Ms Betty proudly showed off her Outback home and her family's heritage in the region in the April 2022 edition of South Australian government publication Across the Outback.

The then 88-year-old described her father Harry Jones - Gus's great-great-grandfather - as being ahead of his time on environmental issues, fencing off swathes of overgrazed land for regeneration.

Ms Betty recalled being sent to boarding school in Terowie at age four, the same age as her great-great nephew Gus was in 2025.

Joy Betty, then 88, was pictured at Bullyaninnie in a government publication

Joy Betty is seen wearing white in the top picture; Clair Pfeiffer, in green, is Shannon's mum

Task force detectives inspected one of the buildings on Bullyaninnie Station, near Oodla Wirra

She said her parents wanted her big sister Clair, then in Year Seven and who would go on to become Shannon's mother, to 'help break her in'.

She described the harsh terrain of the region - where police now believe they may find Gus's body - as a drought-stricken expanse.

'The 1940s were hard years and really windy. It would pick up the country and blow it away,' she said.

'Some mornings you would wake up and see the silhouette of your head on the pillow, it was that dusty.'

Ms Betty married Ronald in 1955, raised merino sheep and regenerated native plants at Bullyaninnie.

She recalled finally getting electricity in 1985, and described airconditioning as 'game changing' in an area where 35C-plus days are the norm in summer.

Her husband died in 2002 of an unknown cause, but before entering an aged care facility, Ms Betty's wild peach pies were legendary in the district.

Ms Betty's last known public words about the property were: 'I just hope that I will leave a better place than when we took over.'

Joy and Clair's dad was Harry Jones, who is pictured in the 1950s

Shannon Murray is Joy Betty's niece, and is believed to be overseeing her property

Police scoured Bullyaninnie in the latest renewed searches for evidence relating to Gus's disappearance after it became clear the Murrays had access to the estate.

With their property empire - which might one day have become Gus's - now known to be much larger than just Oak Park Station, the search area widened considerably.

The new police search did not yield any evidence relating to the missing child, but police have vowed to maintain a presence in the area in pursuit of finding Gus's fate.

They have also zeroed in on the Pualco Conservation Park, which borders Murray family land.

Detectives launched the hunt on Bullyaninnie on the day they charged Josie Murray with firearms offences which are said to be unrelated to Gus's disappearance.

Police allege they found she possessed a prohibited firearm sound suppressor and will face Peterborough Magistrates Court on May 6.

Josie Murray was arrested on an unrelated weapons offence on Monday

Gus's parents Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont are not suspects

Josie Murray (pictured) and her wife Shannon have now retained lawyers

The charges came after police declared Gus's disappearance a major crime on February 5, after finding no evidence that the youngster had simply wandered off into the outback before dinner.

Gus was reportedly last seen by Shannon Murray, playing in a sandpile at Oak Park around 5pm on AFL Grand Final day, but when she went to call him inside, he was gone.

It sparked the largesy missing person search in South Australian history.

Police seized a vehicle, a motorbike and electronic goods from Oak Park Station in January and said in February that up to two members of Gus's family have now stopped cooperating with police.

They believe Gus is dead, possibly accidentally, but detectives say they have a suspect who may have been involved in his death.

However detectives stressed they have completely ruled out Gus's parents, Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont, as possible suspects.

Police said they had found 'inconsistencies' in statement details and the timeline provided by family members.

Josie and Shannon Murray have since retained separate lawyers, which is not unusual in these circumstances.

This week SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens vowed to continue to investigate the death and said police would launch renewed searches in the area.

SA Police chief Grant Stevens vowed to use every resource to find the little boy

The Murrays own the sprawling Oak Park sheep station, 45km south of Yunta

'Adjoining properties including the national park will in all likelihood be a part of our investigations as we move forward,' he said on Wednesday.

'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.'
A Catholic monk who admitted sending naked photographs of himself to a woman holidaymaker will not be prosecuted after the Crown Prosecution Service ruled the snaps were 'spiritual'.

Brother Titus Keet, 77, confessed to having 200 pictures of himself posing naked on a beach at daybreak, but says they are not sexual.

He sent some of the pictures to Lisa Love, 56, a visitor to Caldey Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, which has a sordid history of harbouring sex offenders and paedophiles.

Miss Love, of Narberth, Pembrokeshire, went to police after receiving multiple photographs from Keet showing him exercising naked on one of the island's remote beaches.

The monk was arrested in September 2024 on suspicion of harassing the mother-of-two, and while on bail he fled the island and is believed to be in Belgium.

The Crown Prosecution Service wrote to Miss Love to say they will be taking no further action against Keet because the photographs are 'spiritual'.

Miss Love accused police and the CPS of protecting the monk because of his religious background.

She said: 'He's admitted sending the pictures, I can't understand why he is not being taken to court.

Brother Titus Keet, 76 has admitted to sending some of his 200 photos of himself posing nude on a beach to mother-of-two Lisa Love

'He says the pictures are art and now the police are agreeing with him that they are spiritual. Tell me where in the Bible it says to prance around naked on a beach.

'He's a Catholic monk living in an ancient monastery where they are supposed to pray in silence all day.

'But he is going to the beach, stripping off in front of a camera and then posting pictures to someone who doesn't want them. I can only think he's been let off because he's a monk.'

Miss Love, a tour guide, met Keet 15 years ago while she was staying with her elderly parents at a whitewashed two-bedroomed cottage on the island.

After her mother died in 2011 she continued to holiday on the island with her teenage daughters, staying near the imposing abbey where the monks have their quarters.

She struck up a friendship with the monk and he helped her grieve for her mother, writing to her when she returned to the mainland.

But Miss Love said she was 'startled' when he began enclosing naked photographs of himself in the letters.

She ignored them, but last year the monk started sending the same indecent images to her mobile phone.

Miss Love reported him to the monastery's Abbott and was advised Brother Keet had been disciplined and told to stop sending the explicit snaps.

When he continued to send them she informed Dyfed-Powys Police, who have investigated other monks on the island for sex offences.

Officers were shown text messages between the mother-of-two and the monk which backed his claims that they had been friends.

The letter, from CPS prosecutor Sandra Subacchi, said: 'Those conversations supported the account he gave that the photos were spiritual and there was nothing sexual in your relationship.

'After consideration of all the evidence I have made the decision that the case cannot go ahead.'

Miss Love said she was 'sickened' by the CPS's lack of understanding and has launched a Victims' Right to Review request through her solicitor.

She said: 'Sex offenders make friends with their victims, we all know that, it's called grooming.

'Just because of my friendly and unsuspecting nature, the CPS has decided I brought this on myself.

'They agree that the photographs are unwanted, they are of a naked man but because he says they are spiritual, he gets away with it.'

Lisa Love with two pics sent by Brother Titus. She met the monk 15 years ago while staying with her elderly parents in a cottage on the island

When confronted by the Daily Mail shortly before his arrest, Keet, who has lived on the holy island for 22 years, confirmed he is the man in the pictures and said he had been 'stupid' and 'naive'.

He said: 'It is art. I was putting my body in the light. I wanted to share with her the body and the light. It is the human body, in its original state. It's not sexual.

'I have a whole collection of myself, it is healthy for people to put their body in nature.'

The monk said he kept his risque pictures on a digital stick and denied getting sexual gratification from sending the pictures to Miss Love saying it was 'not an option'.

Caldey Island, which welcomes 60,000 holidaymakers each year, was at the centre of a major child abuse scandal after claims more than 50 children were sexually abused by the Trappist monks in the 1970s and 80s.

Some victims were paid meagre amounts of compensation and a review published in 2024 recommended a 'no touch' policy banning the monks from physical contact with visiting tourists.

Victim Kevin O'Connell, who runs the Caldey Island Survivors Campaign said it was 'outrageous' that the CPS is not charging Brother Keet after he admitted sending the unwanted nude photos.

He said: 'It's appalling that CPS lawyers have agreed that these photos are spiritual and even artistic just because he's a monk.

'This case highlights Dyfed-Powys Police's failure to properly investigate and support victims. The force's shortcomings have led to a culture of silence, deterring victims from coming forward.

'It's unacceptable that victims are left without support while perpetrators are seemingly given a free pass. Until Dyfed-Powys police take abuse allegations seriously, Caldey island will remain a haven for perpetrators.'

The CPS declined to comment because Miss Love has made an application under the Victims' Right to Review Scheme.
Gordon Ramsay made his name as a firebrand celebrity chef famed for his expletive-ridden kitchen meltdowns - but has been winning over new fans through an 'unflinchingly honest' insight into his 'real' life.

The six-part Netflix documentary series Being Gordon Ramsay highlights a softer, more vulnerable, side of the multi-millionaire restaurateur - as a devoted husband and father of six.

But to one viewer, at least, the slickly-produced portrayal has left a bitter taste.

Driven close to boiling point, Ramsay's long-term former mistress Sarah Symonds, 56, told the Daily Mail: 'The title of the docu-series "Being Gordon Ramsay" is totally fake - just like him.

'It's misleading and disingenuous. A travesty in fact, as nothing about it was "Being Gordon" at all.

'It was a glossed over, rehabilitated, glow-up version of a bully, cheat, liar and serial philanderer.'

Sarah - who claims she has been left traumatised by the alleged affair and the fallout that followed - added: 'If I read once more that this documentary is "unflinchingly honest", I think I'll scream.

'I am trying to heal, and then this appears everywhere. It makes me so angry.'

Ramsay has long denied having had an affair.

Gordon Ramsay has partnered with Netflix for the six-part documentary series Being Gordon Ramsay (pictured at the London premiere on February 16)

Ramsay's ex-mistress Sarah Symonds, pictured, accuses him of whitewashing his past in his 'completely misleading and fake' new Netflix series

In the series, Ramsay, 59, describes wife Tana, 51, as the 'foundation' who stood alongside him as he built up his global restaurant empire and shot to worldwide TV fame during the course of their near 30-year marriage.

And he insisted that while he regretted that work commitments had taken him away from his young children as they were growing up they had always been the most important thing in his life.

But in a blistering attack, Sarah branded Ramsay 'a bully, a liar and a cheat'.

Sarah accused Ramsay of carefully cultivating the image of a loving husband and father when she claims he was really living a double life 'as a single man' during the years she knew him as he shot to fame.

Sarah claimed that during their alleged seven-year affair, the multiple Michelin-star winning's chef's marriage was 'a sham'.

She said: 'Gordon always acted like a single man, a man about town.

'He was always available and always at the same social venues late at night as me.

'He had the swagger and confidence of a man with no responsibilities, and the persona of a man who certainly wasn't rushing home.

In the series, Ramsay, describes wife Tana (pictured with son Oscar James) as the 'foundation' who stood alongside him as he built up his global restaurant empire

Sarah says she is now considering taking legal action against him claiming the toll of the alleged affair, and his repeated public denials, caused complex post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction issues and long-term damage to her mental health

'In this instance you always take the married man's lead, and he had a big neon sign above his head saying 'available'.'

In reality at the time, Sarah claims, former nursery school teacher Tana, who had married Ramsay in 1996, was at home looking after their three eldest children including twins Holly and Jack who were born prematurely - with another on the way.

In the Netflix series, Tana spoke of the chaos of looking after four young children, largely on her own, as Ramsay built his career.

But Sarah, from Newport, south Wales, insisted he had little time for his young family and was more interested in 'partying and socialising' - often with his fellow celebrity chef friend Marcus Wareing and revelling in his new found fame.

She said he planned to leave Tana and set up a bachelor pad home with Wareing, who had worked for him.

Sarah said: 'I used to feel quite sorry for him.

'It was well known he had newborns and yet it was obvious to all of us that he didn't want to be at home, he wanted to be out living his life.

'He seemed to feel quite trapped by it all, and I felt sorry for him.

The series features Holly's then upcoming wedding to Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty

Ramsay has long denied having had an affair, while Sarah has branded Ramsay 'a bully, a liar and a cheat'

'We used to talk about it a lot, especially when he said he was unhappily married and planning to leave Tana and move into a flat with Marcus Wareing. But then one wonders, why on earth he had so many kids, when clearly his mind was elsewhere.

'If he couldn't, or wouldn't, commit to his responsibilities then really he had no business having them.

'Truth of the matter was, he wanted to have his cake and eat it. Sadly I helped him do that. I wasn't the only one.'

Sarah told how the 'warning signs' were there from the moment she met Ramsay at upmarket London night spot Chinawhite in October 2001.

Sarah claimed she was out with a group of friends including Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt when Ramsay - who had broken into TV two years earlier with his first major series Boiling Point - walked up to the table to talk to her and they exchanged telephone numbers.

She said: 'Most happily married men, or at least the ones who care a jot what their wives may think, aren't usually found drinking and socialising in the VIP section of London's most public nightclub late on a Friday night.

'When he came up to me to talk to me and my table, yes I was flattered. Before I knew it we had swapped numbers before parting ways at about 3am.'

The six-part Netflix documentary series Being Gordon Ramsay highlights a softer, more vulnerable, side of the multi-millionaire restaurateur - as a devoted husband and father of six (pictured with his family and Adam Peaty)

Being Gordon Ramsay follows the lead-up to his biggest restaurant venture to date, in one of London's tallest buildings, 22 Bishopsgate

Sarah claimed she frequently bumped into Ramsay and Wareing who would often end up with a group of friends going back to her flat in Marble Arch.

Before long, Sarah's affair with Ramsay began and he began staying over.

During the course of time, she said their relationship would be conducted in London, Los Angeles and Dubai, with repeated meetings in hotels and private apartments.

Sarah insisted it reached the point where they would spend time together in public at restaurants and attend events including Ramsay's restaurant openings - when Tana would sometimes also be there.

Sarah told how Ramsay confided in her how his relationship with his wife wasn't working.

She said: 'He told me that his marriage was in a bad way.'

Sarah claimed Ramsay was indiscreet about his home life and while he rarely criticised his wife directly, she said his comments were often 'dismissive' of her.

She said: 'He never really bad-mouthed Tana.

During the course of time, Sarah said her relationship with Ramsay would be conducted in London, Los Angeles and Dubai, with repeated meetings in hotels and private apartments

Sarah claimed she frequently bumped into Ramsay and Wareing who would often end up with a group of friends going back to her flat in Marble Arch

'He would say 'She hasn't got a bad bone in her body, how boring is that?' and we would laugh.

'I just put it down to the fact that she was a nursery school teacher so maybe she was a bit prim and proper.'

Sarah claimed Ramsay's marriage and family life was useful for his image but he had 'no regard for his wife' and he was more interested in partying with his friend Wareing.

She said: 'He said that it just looked good if he was married, but that he was his own man.

'He said how he and Marcus were looking for their own flat together and that he would then leave her.

'The two chefs talked excitedly, and at length, about that, in front of all of us at my flat, and how they had already been to see a few flats, the parties they would have, etc.

'Gordon was super excited at the thought of breaking free.'

But she added that conflicted Ramsay felt trapped in the marriage.

As their relationship developed, Sarah said she was shocked after Hello! magazine featured a story of the couple with their twins 'playing happy families'.

She said: 'I couldn't believe what I was seeing

'All so fake, one story for the general public but another actually being the truth.

'I was p***** off at it to be honest, but he insisted the story was done before we had met and that it was all just PR and show.

'Even if he wasn't with me I would see him at the same bars or restaurants, always chatting to the same circle of friends.

'Tana never seemed to phone him when he was with me either.'

Sarah told how, at one point, she moved to California but 'reconnected' with Ramsay who would travel over to visit the Beckhams while David was playing for LA Galaxy.

Sarah said: 'He would say how he had to go to various waterparks or whatever with Tana and the kids and the Beckhams and how boring it was.'

Ramsay and his daughter Holly pictured arriving for her wedding to Adam Peaty at Bath Abbey in December 2025

Sarah claims, former nursery school teacher Tana, who had married Ramsay in 1996, was at home looking after their three eldest children including twins Holly and Jack who were born prematurely (pictured with daughter Tilly in 1998)

Ramsay has repeatedly denied her claims on one occasion describing them as 'bull'.

And she says he publicly insulted her during a live cooking demonstration by calling her a 'slapper' and stating he would never cheat with someone like her.

She says she is now considering taking legal action against him claiming the toll of the alleged affair, and his repeated public denials, caused complex post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction issues and long-term damage to her mental health.

His denials also opened the floodgates to years of online abuse, she claims.

The documentary features Ramsay striving to be as supportive as he can to his six children - Megan, 27, Holly and Jack, 26, Tilly, 24, Oscar, six, and Jesse, two.

Meanwhile, as driven as ever, he launches into his 'most ambitious project yet' - opening up five restaurants in a prestigious skyscraper in the City.

And the busy lives of the Ramsays include organising Holly's then upcoming wedding to Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.

In one scene Ramsay says: 'Being away from home is tough - very tough. So I want that time to go as quickly as possible. It's the little ones I miss. They get used to me and I get used to them.

The documentary features Ramsay finding it difficult being away from his six children - Megan, 27, Holly and Jack, 26, Tilly, 24, Oscar, six, and Jesse, two - as he launches his 'most ambitious project yet'

'We've just come off the back of an amazing summer so yes it is hard. And when Oscar asks "When are you back?" I can't say "four weeks time" because he asks "How many sleeps is that?" Man, that's f****** painful.

'I miss them terribly. You know, FaceTime is nice. But when I am on my own and it's silent and I will see the pictures on my phone or there is a memory that comes up, that is when it hits home. That is when it is painful.'

Branding Ramsay's musings 'the fake sincerity of a narcissist', Sarah said: 'So nothing has really changed then. He is still away, Tana is still living in chaos, but with more kids to feed.'

Ramsay was contacted for comment.
The Green candidate in next week's crunch Gorton and Denton by-election has been accused of being a 'property-hoarding hypocrite' after The Mail on Sunday uncovered details of her ruthless dealings in the housing market.

Party leader Zack Polanski has vowed to abolish all private landlords, tax the rich and bring in aggressive rent controls.

But his candidate, Hannah Spencer, 34, has amassed a 1.2million property empire - and offered tips on how to rip off first-time homeowners, flip properties and intimidate buyers.

She has boasted on mumsnet, urging sellers to avoid first-time buyers because they are usually 'gifted money from a family member... who make sure they're getting a good deal'.

Ms Spencer, the Greens' candidate for Manchester mayor in 2024, has criticised second homeowners for 'hoarding' properties and accused struggling landlords of pulling a 'woe is me act'. But Ms Spencer appears to be one of those second homeowners herself.

After her mother helped her buy her first home at 24, she has owned several properties - including a 736,000 second home apparently bought in August 2024.

She advises others how to squeeze more cash out of people. In one case where her buyers knew they were paying too much, she threatened them with selling to another buyer until they 'found' the money.

She even refers to those who hike offers in increments as 'stingy and more likely to haggle'.

The Green Party's candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election Hannah Spencer (pictured) has amassed a 1.2million property empire - and offered tips on how to rip off first-time homeowners, flip properties and intimidate buyers

Ms Spencer with the former leader of the Greens Caroline Lucas. Ms Spencer, the Greens' candidate for Manchester mayor in 2024, has criticised second homeowners for 'hoarding' properties and accused struggling landlords of pulling a 'woe is me act

In another extraordinary post, she admits discriminating against those who need to borrow more to meet her asking price. 'The banks are getting warier by the day', she said, adding she 'wouldn't accept an offer from anyone' needing to borrow more 'unless I absolutely had to'.

And she endorses second homes 'as an investment', also against Green policy.

Jo Platt, Labour MP for neighbouring Leigh and Atherton, said: 'Time and again the Greens say one thing and do another.

'One minute they're calling to abolish all landlords, the next they're backing a candidate with multiple properties.'

A Labour source added: 'She is a millionaire property-hoarding hypocrite.'

While a Green spokesman did not comment on some of the MoS's points, they said: 'Normal person has normal conversations years ago.

'It's five days to go, the Greens are winning, and the political and media establishment are going into smearsville overdrive.'

But it's not just her property empire that has drawn criticism. Her claims that she is a working plumber also do not quite stand up to scrutiny.

Ms Spencer poses for a selfie with the Green Party's leader Zack Polanski. Mr Polanski has vowed to abolish all private landlords, tax the rich and bring in aggressive rent controls but Ms Spencer appears to be one of those second homeowners herself

Ms Spencer posts on Instagram about 'being at work'.

But the background shows one of her own homes. She even says she is 'heading home after a long day' but neglects to mention she is already there.

In one post, she says she is 'looking for Reform's Matt Goodwin', posing with site gear, complete with work gloves.

However, she is again at one of her houses - outside the constituency.

In another she bragged: 'When you're a plumber and Zack P's making sure it's not YOUR taxes going up.' But her 1million of assets would be targeted by Mr Polanski's wealth taxes. In a video shot at her detached house, she later said she would need to sell shots of her feet online to afford new tools.

Ms Spencer has also said: 'Like lots of people, I'm new to politics'. But these claims don't stack up either.

Gorton and Denton will be her family's 19th election, including her mother's bid for Parliament.

In a Facebook post on Thursday's by-election, Mr Polanski said: 'This is what politics should feel like: thoughtful, honest and shaking things up.'
It is a photo that has been reproduced countless times around the world  and rightly so. Prince Andrew grins proudly as he clutches 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre's bare waist in a Belgravia mews house. Ghislaine Maxwell, owner of the property, smirks at their side.

When Virginia, by then a mother of three, gave The Mail on Sunday permission to first publish that picture in February 2011, she believed it would shock the British authorities into investigating the ties between Andrew and paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Epstein had employed her as a 'sex slave' in the prostitution ring that he ran with Maxwell, she told me. He had paid her for providing services that night to the 41-year-old prince, including sex in a bathtub. 'It was made clear to me that my job was to do whatever pleased him,' she later told me.

I'd been on the case of Andrew and his links to Epstein for some time  and news of my enquiries had already reached the financier, as the trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice makes clear.

Buried among them is this email conversation from February 25, 2011:

Epstein: 'The reporter Churcher is calling around in new york now.'

Andrew: 'No worries!'

Epstein: 'Terribly sorry, I would have hoped this would have gone away.'

Andrew: 'The MoS are the one paper here everyone least likes and is just gratuitously trying it on... Not bothered any further about it but will keep watch. A.'

Prince Andrew grins proudly as he clutches 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre's bare waist in a Belgravia mews house in a photo unearthed by the Mail's Sharon Churcher

Andrew attending the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church in 2025, months before he would move onto the estate after being booted out of Royal Lodge

Epstein's antennae were twitching, yet Andrew seemed positively blase  with good reason. For, if Virginia assumed the British authorities would respond to her bravery by addressing Andrew's behaviour, she was wrong.

While the FBI interviewed Virginia in Australia, where she lived, in Britain her claims were all but dismissed. In 2015, a police spokesman said: 'Officers assessed all available evidence at the time... This did not result in any allegation of criminal conduct against any UK-based nationals.' And that, so far as the Establishment was concerned, was that.

Andrew, of course, has strenuously denied all wrongdoing from the outset. Yet allegations about his continuing friendship with Epstein and his conduct as a trade envoy were piling up even by the time Virginia agreed to speak out.

The scale and scope of those concerns were made clear when, in March 2011, former Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant called for Andrew to be dismissed as trade envoy. Writing in the MoS, he pointed to a 'catalogue of inappropriate connections... bringing not just Britain but the Royal Family into disrepute'.

These included friendships with Libya's Colonel Gaddafi and other dictators, links with a Libyan gun smuggler and businessmen in the 'Wild East' of former Soviet states, notably Kazakhstan.

Kazakh businessman Timur Kulibayev had bought Andrew's house, Sunninghill in Ascot, for 3 million above the asking price  raising obvious questions although Mr Kulibayev has always maintained that the purchase of Sunninghill was entirely legitimate, something that was confirmed by Buckingham Palace at the time..

The following month, Andrew was obliged to distance himself from his banker friend David 'Spotty' Rowland  who had accompanied him on a secret visit to meet Gaddafi, and who'd been denounced as shady in the Commons.

Later that year, we reported that, while acting as trade envoy in the Far East, Andrew stayed in hotel suites advertised at up to 7,700 a night at the taxpayer's expense.

Andrew suggested in a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview that the photo may have been doctored

Paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein in Cambridge in 2004, at which time he and Andrew were friends

He was forced to quit his role following our revelations, but 'Air Miles Andy' continued to enjoy the high life, representing the UK Government on official business. Bryant concluded that 'Downing Street would not entertain anything that might possibly be interpreted as an attack on a member of the Royal Family.'

So, the matter was quietly dropped  with journalists left to do the job instead. The turning point came last autumn with the discovery of three devastating emails by the MoS. First we revealed that, in 2011, Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson had called Epstein her 'supreme friend', despite denouncing him in public as a paedophile.

Then we revealed that several months after Andrew claimed to have cut off contact with Epstein, he told the financier: 'We are in this together and must rise above it... let's play some more soon.'

That was followed by our revelation that Andrew had asked his police bodyguard to investigate Virginia in the hope that she might have a criminal record.

King Charles was finally forced to act. He booted Andrew out of his home and stripped him of all remaining titles. And today, from the Epstein Files, we know much, much more.

While the legal process must take its course, Virginia would have been pleased by Andrew's arrest and the welcome light of scrutiny. But it came too late for her as she took her own life last April at the age of 41.

She once told me: 'I've gone from pain, to hurt, to anger. Epstein was a monster. He and Andrew were shameless. They have no remorse.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used Prince Williams wedding to shore up his position as UK trade envoy, secret emails suggest.

As the heir to the throne tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, the Duke of York was fighting to hold on to his job amid a firestorm over his links to Jeffrey Epstein and his behaviour during official engagements.

It followed the leaking of a US diplomatic cable in which the then-US ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Tatiana Gfoeller, described Andrew as cocky and rude.

It also revealed that he had privately railed against British anti-corruption investigators.

In the run-up to Williams wedding to Catherine Middleton, rumours swirled that the duke might be blacklisted from his nephews nuptials.

However, he did attend, together with his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, wearing his ceremonial Navy uniform.

A private email exchange later that day indicates that he used the occasion to discuss his troubles with the then-prime minister David Cameron, who was a guest at the wedding along with his wife Samantha, and then-leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband.

Although the messages do not specifically mention the wedding, it seems almost certain to have been the context.

The then-Prince Andrew (centre) with his daughters Princess Eugenie (left) and Princess Beatrice (right) at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. It is suggested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used the wedding to shore up his position as UK trade envoy

Then-Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha at Kate and William's wedding. A private email exchange indicates that Andrew used the occasion to discuss his troubles with Mr Cameron

In the exchange, Andrews business associate Jonathan Rowland wrote: Looks like everything went well. Andrew replied that it had all gone off very well thanks.

Mr Rowland commented: Good. It looked amazing. Good opportunity for you to stick two fingers up at all the doubters.

Andrew replied: Yup!, saying he had had a very supportive chat with the PM and Ed Milliband [sic] interestingly.

Less than three months later, he was forced to resign as the UKs special representative for international trade and investment.
One summer evening, a prominent British businessman opened his laptop and began tapping out a long email. The year was 2019, long before Prince Andrew, Duke of York, would become plain Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the writer had a lot to get off his chest. Specifically, he wanted to warn the Prince of Wales that his younger brothers business activities risked damaging the reputation of the whole Royal Family.

Apologising for what he described as a breach of protocol, he made a bold attempt to email the heir to the throne directly, copying the email to the late Queens solicitors.

It is almost seven years since I first saw that message. It was passed to me as part of a huge cache of private correspondence between Andrew and his private bankers and business associates, David and Jonathan Rowland. The material was sensational. Finally, have we the answer to a long-running mystery: how did Prince Andrew make his money?

In The Mail on Sunday that year, I revealed how the Duke of York worked with the Rowlands in a way that enriched all three. It was a clever scheme.

Together, the three men were courting some of the shadiest regimes in the world. It was all entirely legal. For a member of the Royal Family, the question was one of ethics.

Heres how it worked. In his capacity as UK trade envoy, Prince Andrew would hear about all sorts of opportunities. Sometimes, he would tip off the Rowlands, allowing them to get ahead of the competition.

Meanwhile, they travelled the world in pursuit of their own business leads.

Andrews other job was to open doors for them, giving them unique access to foreign royals, heads of state and chairmen of multi-nationals.

In his capacity as UK trade envoy, Prince Andrew would hear about all sorts of opportunities

For years, it worked a treat. Travelling by private jet and sauntering in and out of ambassadorial residences and presidential palaces, the Prince and his banker friends talked of seven- and eight-figure sums as if they were pennies.

Some of the messages they exchanged between 2008 and 2012 were jaw-dropping.

With offices in London, Luxembourg, Monaco and Moscow, these Very Private bankers (as they once described themselves in an email) were happy to do business with all sorts, boasting of their very strong links and in some cases JVs [Joint Ventures] with hostile states including Russia, Belarus and China.

The Chinese venture capitalist who organised their trip to Pyongyang to cultivate relatives of Kim (as he put it) was also targeting former and current heads of state in various Africa hell holes, including Guinea Bissau, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. Edgy stuff.

I was stunned. What on earth was the Queen Elizabeths favourite son doing?

Not long after the Rowlands private bank was established, it was raided by 40 armed police.

The Rowlands were furious, privately complaining that they were being treated like Mafia Drug Warlords.

It was a terrible look, yet Andrew stuck with them, just as he and his wife Sarah Ferguson continued to be friends with Jeffrey Epstein long after he was exposed as a paedophile.

No wonder someone thought that the future King should know. The businessman who tipped off Prince Charles in 2019 even volunteered to help his solicitors investigate.

Could the catastrophe that is now engulfing the monarchy have been averted? By then Andrew had long ceased to be our trade envoy.

What if Andrew then started to live a life of exemplary public service, like his mother the Queen?

In truth, by 2019, it was too late. There were far too many skeletons in Andrews closet for Prince Charles or anyone else to magic them away.

We dont know how the Palace reacted to this email, but if they took it seriously they will at least have been prepared for the crisis that has come their way.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor secretly used an official trade mission to help strike a multi-million-pound deal for his business associates to sell oil to China, emails seen by The Mail on Sunday suggest.

The emails expose how Andrew apparently exploited a taxpayer-funded trip to China by working with his top aide to broker deals in the hopes of making 'tons of money' with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew and his adviser David Stern, a fixer for both the former prince and Epstein, plotted to do business with a multi-billion-pound oil company owned by the Chinese state both before and after the ten-day visit in September 2010.

The former duke even had lunch in Beijing with the oil company's chairman as part of his official duties as UK trade envoy during the trip.

Emails buried in the Epstein Files show that in July of that year, Andrew and an investment banker discussed the 'placement of private oil' in relation to the upcoming visit. Andrew told the banker that Stern was 'excited' about the deal, adding: 'We could work on this in September whilst there [in China].'

Andrew's role as trade envoy was to promote British business and attract investment on a raft of taxpayer-funded trips around the world between 2001 and 2011.

It now appears that he frequently blurred the lines between official duties and private interests, with the rules seemingly unclear on what he was allowed to do.

Last week, the MoS revealed that Andrew carved out the first half of this trade mission to spend time 'privately'  including socialising with 23-year-old Chinese model Miya Muqi and going to business meetings arranged by Epstein, in an apparent breach of protocol.

The then-Prince Andrew speaking at Nankai University in Tianjin, China during his official trade visit in 2010

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor socialised with Chinese model Miya Muqi (pictured) during an official trade mission the same year

Before the trip, Abu Dhabi-based investment banker Terence Allen emailed Andrew to say: 'I have finally been in touch with David [Stern] in regards to China. I have outlined the exchange deal of private placement for oil. We will be pursuing in due course.'

In response, Andrew told him: 'The idea that you write about he has mentioned to me but only in passing and from what I remember he was excited about it and we could work on this in September whilst there. I have some private days prior to the official programme starting.'

The banker replied: 'The oil barter deal is there for the making.' Andrew forwarded all this to Mr Stern, who in turn forwarded it to Epstein.

In separate emails before the trip, also forwarded to Epstein, Mr Allen told Mr Stern: 'I am awaiting authorization from the Government here [in Abu Dhabi] to specifically make the request for you to arrange the 'loan for oil' deal.'

Then, during the official part of the trip, Andrew had lunch in Beijing with the chairman of the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC).

Just ten days after this lunch, Mr Stern told Epstein: '[Andrew] has asked me to see a guy who has access to Nigeria oil and when selling it to China (or somebody else) F. can make around $6m.'

The letter F is understood to refer to Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife, but it is not known whether she did make $6 million (about 4.5 million). Last night her spokesman declined to comment.

And although it is unclear whether this email relates to Andrew's meeting with the CNOOC chairman, the following week Mr Stern shared the details of a $400 million deal between the Chinese oil company and Epstein.

Then a month later, in November 2010, emails show Mr Stern discussing an 'asset of interest' with a vice president of CNOOC. Forwarding the correspondence to Epstein, Stern wrote: 'We can help them by getting it done and fronting the deal etc.. Can you structure so we make tons of $...?'

In direct response Epstein asked for Andrew's mobile number.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond to a request for comment last night.

Bankers advice to fly under the radar

By Miles Dilworth

The former Prince Andrew and his banker friend Jonathan Rowland discussed continuing their controversial relationship under the radar to escape media scrutiny.

Leaked messages between the ex-duke and his business associate exposing their secretive dealings were revealed by The Mail on Sunday back in 2019.

The pair discussed how to manage the growing public anger over Andrews ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Rowland suggested the former prince could fly under the radar if public pressure forced him to quit his role as the UKs trade envoy.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (right) and David Rowland (left) at Ascot in 2006. Messages seen by this newspaper appear to show that Andrew allowed Mr Rowland, a millionaire financier, to effectively join in with his official duties

The banker told Andrew that this could be a favourable outcome as it would mean he would be free to act without much accountability.

It never ends!! an exasperated Mr Rowland wrote to the then-duke in March 2011. I had Mail and Telegraph on all day... Told them you attended bank as Trade Envoy supporting a British-owned business.

Thank you, replied Andrew. There is a real case of vindictiveness in this.

Later, he asked Mr Rowlands advice on how to handle the fallout, who suggested: You could put your Trade position to a national vote. If it goes wrong you resign and we carry on completely under the radar of everybody because nobody would be able to criticise you any more.
King Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Familys name was being abused by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors business associations, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

In a bombshell email, a whistleblower told the Palace that the former Duke had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland, who was abusing his royal links.

Messages seen by this newspaper also appear to show that Andrew  who was sensationally arrested on Thursday over suspicions of misconduct in public office  allowed Mr Rowland to effectively join in with his official duties.

The cache of emails threaten to draw Charles further into the crisis, triggered by Andrews links to Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations he passed potentially confidential and sensitive documents to the convicted paedophile.

Andrew once told Epstein that Mr Rowland was his trusted money man. The banker and his son Jonathan joined Andrew on trips he made in his official capacity as a taxpayer-funded trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, visiting places such as China and former Soviet states.

Over a period of several years, Andrew repeatedly alerted Mr Rowland to business opportunities arising from his work.

Mr Rowland once gave Andrews ex-wife Sarah Ferguson 40,000 to help clear debts and, in 2017, paid off a 1.5million loan for Andrew.

In August 2019, a whistleblower who had detailed knowledge of Andrews business dealings with Mr Rowland sent an email to Charles, then Prince of Wales, via the royal lawyers Farrer & Co, warning of David Rowlands abuse of the Royal Family.

King Charles III at London Fashion Week earlier this week. It has been revealed that Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Familys name was being abused by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors business associations

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (right) and David Rowland (left) at Ascot in 2006. Messages seen by this newspaper appear to show that Andrew allowed Mr Rowland, a millionaire financier, to effectively join in with his official duties

In the email to the Palace the whistleblower claims that Andrew 'considers his relationship with David Rowland more important than that of his family' and alleges that Mr Rowland paid the Duke to secure a banking licence

It said: HRH the Duke of Yorks actions suggest that his Royal Highness considers his relationship with David Rowland more important than that of his family.

The whistleblower then sent a second email to Mr Rowland himself, copying in Clive Alderton, Charless private secretary, and Mark Bridges, the late Queens solicitor at Farrer & Co.

That message said: The evidence provided unequivocally proves that you have abused the Royal Familys name.

The email further alleged that Mr Rowland paid HRH The Duke of York to procure a Luxembourg Banking Licence for his private bank, Banque Havilland, and included what were claimed to be Andrews bank account details.

The whistleblower email forms part of a raft of new MoS revelations about Andrews business activities, including:

Andrew told Jonathan Rowland hed had a very supportive chat with PM David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband, apparently at Prince Williams wedding in April 2011, when questions were being raised over his trade envoy position following this newspapers publication of the now infamous photograph of him clutching 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre.

Andrew secretly used an official trade mission to help strike a multi-million-pound deal for his business associates to sell oil to China, with the hope of making tons of money with Epstein.

A British ambassador warned the Government more than two decades ago that Andrews behaviour as trade envoy was damaging his country and the Royal Family.

The MoS can also reveal that Andrew invited Jonathan Rowland to a meeting at Buckingham Palace attended by the UKs ambassador to Montenegro to help boost the Rowlands business ambitions.

The ambassador put government staff at the Rowlands disposal, while Andrew gave David Rowland his schedule for a trip to Montenegro as UK trade envoy.

Emails show that a British diplomat in Moscow told the Rowlands the Palace event was a great success and connected them with the British embassy in the Serbian capital Belgrade, which covered Montenegro at the time. If there is anything the commercial team can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact them, he wrote, copying in the relevant official.

The ex-Duke of York Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (left) speaking to King Charles (centre) at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September last year - while Prince William (right) stands apart

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

The Mail On Sunday's coverage of Andrew's deals with Mr Rowland in 2019. On Saturday, MPs called for the police to study the evidence acquired by the MoS. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing

On Saturday, MPs called for the police to study the evidence acquired by the MoS. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

A Buckingham Palace source said that given the ongoing police investigation into Andrew it would not be possible to give any comment on the whistleblowers email, adding that any relevant material in the possession of the MoS should be shared with the appropriate authorities.

There are growing calls for the Government to introduce legislation to remove Andrew from the line of succession, where he remains eighth in line to the throne. Defence minister Luke Pollard said stripping him of his right to succession was the right thing to do, regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.

Gloria Allred, a lawyer who has represented 27 Epstein victims, urged the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales to give statements to police.

She told the BBC: King Charles and all the members really of the Royal Family have said that they support the victims. The best way.... is for them to also do interviews with the police if they are requested to do so. Or they could volunteer to do so. I would respectfully request that they speak out about what Andrew may have ever told them about his role with Jeffrey Epstein.

Tonight, Jonathan Rowland said he had no idea about the email to Charles, but added: These refer to my stolen emails. They have been extensively reported in your newspaper. You cant procure a banking licence, thats an idiotic suggestion.

Robert Jenrick (pictured), Reform UKs Treasury spokesman, said: The police must investigate the latest revelation urgently'

He added that he no recollection of the email relating to the Royal Wedding.

Banque Havilland had its licence withdrawn in 2024 by the European Central Bank, a decision it is appealing.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: These explosive new MoS findings are shocking, but not surprising. The police should investigate them at once.

Andrew has acted disgracefully and deserves nothing less than to face justice over his deals  something which has been denied to Epsteins victims for too long. No one is above the law.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said: Each day new revelations appear and they are all horrific. Police investigations into these MoS revelations are urgently needed.

Robert Jenrick, Reform UKs Treasury spokesman, said: The police must investigate the latest revelation urgently. No stone must be left unturned to establish the truth. Andrew has done his best to wreck Britains reputation on the world stage through his association with Epstein.

The offence of misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, although Andrew has not been charged.

He was released under investigation on Thursday evening, 11 hours after his arrest.

The Metropolitan Police started the process of identifying and contacting former and serving officers, who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity with the ex-prince.

In a statement, the force said: They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.

It refused to confirm how many current and former staff members were involved.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is said to be acutely aware of the dangers of extended incumbency without popular support, citing the downfall of his predecessor Robert Mugabe as a cautionary tale, according to Zanu-PF spokesperson Patrick Mutsvangwa.In an interview yesterday, Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa closely observed the final years of Mugabe's rule and the political turbulence that culminated in the November 2017 coup. "He watched in trepidation and horror as senility manacled an aging President Mugabe and the reckless G40 power pretenders conjured a palace coup and the creation of a family dynasty," Mutsvangwa said."Having gone through the treadmill of grappling with such a threatening scenario, he is very alive and alert to the nation facing a repeat scenario that stalks Zanu-PF and its quest for the glory of the permanent Zimbabwe revolution," he added.His remarks come amid controversy over the gazetting of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which critics argue violates constitutional safeguards. Proponents claim the amendments are intended to strengthen governance structures and curb political toxicity, while opponents insist the bill seeks to extend Mnangagwa's tenure beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms, set to expire in 2028.Zanu-PF adopted a resolution to extend Mnangagwa's term in 2024 and ratified it at its annual conference in Mutare last year. The proposed bill also includes sweeping reforms, such as scrapping direct presidential elections and restructuring several independent commissions.Last week, six war veterans represented by constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku filed an application with the Constitutional Court challenging the amendments. The court papers stated:"The bill seeks, in both design and effect, to prolong the 1st respondent's incumbency and current term of office. That constitutional violation is further deepened by the manifest intention not to hold a referendum, notwithstanding the constitution's entrenched safeguards against unilateral alteration of the democratic tenure framework."The case is not yet set for hearing. Former British MP Kate Hoey called the bill "the latest attack on democracy," posting on X that anyone concerned about Zimbabwe should view the amendments with alarm.Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the bill, asserting that the presidential term limit remains intact. "We have just elongated the election cycle from five to seven years. It is not specific to a person but to the office of the President," he said.Mutsvangwa praised Mnangagwa's intellectual capacity and global engagement, highlighting his recent interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson during the World Governance Summit in Dubai. He framed this as evidence of Mnangagwa's international influence and ideological clarity, adding that he personally facilitated the high-profile interview.Addressing a press conference last Thursday, Mutsvangwa also criticised unnamed Zanu-PF members allegedly seeking to usurp power from Mnangagwa. "If it ain't broken, why do you want to mend it? Let this man continue because he is doing a good job," he said. "You are untested, and you have never won an election before, and you want to take over. No. The people of Zimbabwe want comfort and security."Mutsvangwa stressed that he harbours no presidential ambitions and has consistently supported Mnangagwa against internal calls for leadership change.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sparked backlash among Aussies after claiming current immigration checks are sufficient.

Albanese made the comment on Sky News Sunday Agenda as host Andrew Clennell pressed him on the matter.

In January, a Freshwater Strategy survey of 1,050 voters found that more than a quarter of respondents were worried about immigration.

The One Nation party has outpolled the Liberals and Nationals in recent surveys, with Pauline Hanson promoting strong anti-immigration policies and calling for a ban on certain Muslim-majority countries following the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Last week, it was leaked to the media that a Liberal Party proposal would block migrants from up to 13 countries or territories - including specific regions of Gaza, Egypt, Somalia, and the Philippines.

The existence of the policy would suspend visa processing for up to three years from regions deemed to be under the control of terrorist organisations.

When asked whether 'there are some countries we could take less people' or whether Australia should 'consider tighter checks', Albanese insisted the current safeguards are sufficient.

'We have tight checks. This is something that politicians shouldn't be allowed to say things that they know isn't true,' he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed concerns there has been too much immigration to Australia from Islamic countries

It comes after the Sydney suburb of Lakemba - which home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country - was brought into the spotlight last week

'Because they know full well that we have checks on migration in this country and that we have checks on visas.'

Albanese added the 'Australian covenant is that if people have any prejudice or hatred, that's left at the customs hall when they arrive in Australia'.

'Overwhelmingly, Australians, regardless of what their faith is, who they are, what their background is, we overwhelmingly live in harmony in this country,' he said.

'It's important that people in positions of authority, including politicians, promote social cohesion.'

Albanese's comments drew some ire, with Aussie accusing him of living in an 'alternative universe'.

Many compared Australia's immigration system to the issues widely reported in the UK.

'Just have a look at the UK... we are two steps behind always,' one shared online.

Another commented: 'Blessedly for Australia, the majority of people no longer give a flying fart what Albanese says or thinks. Like [British PM Keir] Starmer in the UK we are now playing a waiting game till he goes. He is utterly irrelevant.'

A person also pleaded with Albanese to 'open your eyes.'

Hanson ignited fresh controversy last week after claiming parts of Australia have become places 'people can't go to' without feeling unsafe.

Pauline Hanson has dismissed widespread criticism after she claimed parts of Australia have become places 'people can't go to' without feeling unsafe

During a controversial interview on ABC TV, Hanson singled out the western Sydney suburb of Lakemba which has one of the largest Muslim populations in the country.

'It concerns me greatly that people can't go into certain suburbs in this country  And I've been there myself and you feel unwanted, you do not want to be there,' Hanson said.

The remarks come after Senator Hanson said in a separate interview that there were 'no good Muslims', while also suggesting future generations would suffer if more followers of Islam were allowed into Australia.

Australian National Imams Council president Shadi Alsuleiman strongly rejected the firebrand senator's prior comments, saying they reflected a serious misunderstanding of Islam and the Muslim community.

'For many years, she has made inaccurate and harmful statements based on misinformation rather than genuine engagement,' he said.

'Muslims have contributed positively to the growth and advancement of this nation and continue to do so with pride and commitment.'

Senator Hanson has dismissed the criticism from Islamic groups.
The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was seriously wounded in the school shooting which rocked Canada last week has given a harrowing update on her condition.

Maya Gebala was one of nine people shot by transgender teen Jesse Van Rootselaar at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on February 10.

The schoolgirl was shot in the neck and head and was initially not expected to survive. More than a week later though, she is still alive and is now responding to stimuli while she recovers at Vancouver Children's Hospital.

Her mother, Cia Edmonds, posted a video of Maya with several bandages and tubes over her face and mouth in her hospital bed on Saturday. 'Her eye is open and she's responding and moving around,' Edmonds said. 'And she is moving her hands.'

Edmonds also shared a photograph of her other daughter, Dahlia, holding her older sister's hand as she stood beside her hospital bed.

The heartbroken mother explained that Dahlia was also at the school during the shooting and panicked when Maya wasn't answering her texts when they went into lockdown.

'She was calling me screaming "mommy go home, mommy go home, it isn't safe!" Edmonds wrote.

'I couldn't tell her that I was currently losing myself in the emergency room peering through a crack in the window watching the staff try to keep [Maya] alive.'

Maya Gebala, 12, was shot in the neck and head during a shooting last week at a Canadian school last week. She is still alive and is now able to move her hands, according to her mother

Dahlia, Maya's younger sister, stands over the hospital bed. Dahlia was at the school during the shooting

Maya is pictured with her mother, Cia Edmonds. Edmonds has posted updates about her daughter's condition over the last week

'I am so proud of my big fighter, but also for my little warrior who suffers from the same nightmare, but is overshadowed by the potential loss of her big sister,' she added.

'Today I am so proud of my darling Dahlia.'

Van Rootselaar, 18, shot and killed a 39-year-old female teacher, along with three girls and two boys aged between 12 and 13, according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Following the attack, Van Rootselaar died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Investigators later found the the bodies of Van Rootselaar's 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and 11-year-old half brother, Emmett Jacobs, at the family home in Tumbler Ridge.

Van Rootselaar, who was born a biological male, began transitioning and presenting as a female about six years ago, according to police. Approximately four years ago, she dropped out of school.

Police so far have no indication that Van Rootselaar experienced any bullying related to her transgender status.

The first warning signs that something was wrong with Van Rootselaar's mental state came in the summer last year, when she described a series of graphic scenarios involving gun violence to ChatGPT, according to a new report in The Wall Street Journal.

The concerning content was flagged by an automated review system and alarmed around a dozen employees at OpenAI, with some believing it indicated potential escalation into real-world violence.

Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, shot and killed a 39-year-old female teacher, along with three girls and two boys aged between 12 and 13, according to police

Children were led out of the school after the shooting as authorities arrived on the scene

According to those familiar with the matter, several employees escalated the troubling content to leaders and urged them to alert Canadian law enforcement.

However, OpenAI decided against reporting Van Rootselaar to law enforcement.

An OpenAI spokesperson told the Journal that they banned her account, but decided her comments didn't meet the requirements for further escalation.

The company said in a statement to the outlet: 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.'

OpenAI claimed to train their software to discourage users from committing acts of real-world violence, and any indication of such behavior is directed to be reviewed by humans.

The company said escalating this kind of conduct to law enforcement is weighed against the risk of privacy concerns and the potential distress for the user and their family should police become unnecessarily involved.
Sir Keir Starmers ex-top aide Sue Gray was drawn into the row over past bullying claims against new Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo on Saturday.

Sources told The Mail on Sunday that Baroness Gray, then Cabinet Office director general of propriety and ethics, had a key role in clearing Dame Antonia of any blame.

They insisted that Lady Gray, who later became Sir Keirs chief of staff in Opposition and in No 10, formed part of the process which dealt with bullying claims against the high-flying civil servant in 2017.

In a move which has reportedly prompted dismay among some ex-colleagues, Dame Antonia was last week confirmed as the first woman to lead the civil service.

She took over as Cabinet Secretary from Sir Chris Wormald, who was allegedly forced out by the PM after barely a year in post.

Sir Keir hailed her determination to get things done while Labour grandee Harriet Harman said the move would help dissolve the clique of Downing Street male advisers and aides.

However, Dame Antonias appointment has been mired in controversy over bullying allegations from her time as British Consul-General in New York in 2016 and 2017.

The Foreign Office is reported to have concluded that there was a serious case to answer, only for the allegations  apparently made by several colleagues but formed into one formal complaint  to be rejected by the Cabinet Office.

Baroness Gray (pictured), then Cabinet Office director general of propriety and ethics, allegedly had a key role in clearing new Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo of bullying accusations

Dame Antonias appointment has been mired in controversy over bullying allegations from her time as British Consul-General in New York in 2016 and 2017

Neil OBrien, Tory MP and shadow minister, has questioned whether her appointment was properly vetted in the wake of warnings by Sir Simon McDonald, former Foreign Office permanent secretary, that more due diligence was needed before she was offered the job.

Allies of Dame Antonia have accused her critics of misogyny and insisted that she was best person for the job.

On Saturday, the Cabinet Office said it was categorically untrue to say that Lady Gray had made the decision to clear Dame Antonia, but declined to say if she had been involved in the inquiry.

A spokesman said Dame Antonias appointment as Cabinet Secretary followed an enhanced due diligence process.

Lady Gray, who became a Labour peer in February last year, could not be reached for comment.

But on Saturday, Mr OBrien said: 'As the then head of propriety and ethics at the Cabinet Office, it beggars belief that Sue Gray wasn't involved in this decision.

The Cabinet Office should stop avoiding answers over this issue and give us the facts.'
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has refused to confirm what intelligence agencies have found regarding the ISIS brides after being asked multiple times whether they posed a security threat.

Burke appeared on ABC's Insiders program on Sunday morning when host David Speers asked him three times if the 11 women and 23 children, linked to Islamic State members, could be dangerous.

'The cohort is not consistent; there are very different people with different histories and different states of mind, if I put it in those terms,' Burke said.

'Our agencies have been following them for a long time - the fact that one person has been pulled out for a temporary exclusion order is because, quite specifically, of what we know of that individual.

'I can give the complete confidence to the Australian community [that] we know the different individuals, we know the state of mind and the effective ideology of different individuals.

'They are not a coherent cohort and that is why the person where a temporary exclusion order has been issued, is in a different category to other members of that group.'

Burke had confirmed earlier in the week that one of the brides had been slapped with a temporary ban following advice from security agencies.

When asked by Speers if other members of the group could face similar bans, Burke replied: 'We never stop collecting information on people.'

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke refused to confirm what Australia's intelligence agencies have found on the 34 women and children seeking to return home

ABC Insiders host David Speers asked Burke three times if the ISIS brides were dangerous

'If the agencies decide it's in the interest of public safety for additional orders to be issued, they'd be issued straight away,' he said. 'Unlike my opponents, I take the advice of these agencies really seriously... their advice matters.

'The moment their advice came to me on this one person, I worked through it and the temporary exclusion order was issued.'

Speers asked: 'So, neither you nor ASIO has concluded the 33 who didn't get a temporary exclusion met the threshold and therefore pose a threat to Australia?'

Burke said: 'Right now, nothing further has been presented to me.'

Speers pressed: 'They don't pose a threat to Australia?'

Burke replied: 'On the information we have, the best way to protect Australians has not involved any further temporary exclusion orders.'

Speers asked again: 'They don't pose a threat to Australia?', to which Burke said,' 'That's right you need to make sure you got the best way of protecting Australians. That's what our agencies do.'

During the interview, Burke also confirmed the brides had been interviewed by Australian officials on the ground in 2022 during a previous repatriation effort.

The women and 23 children - all linked to Islamic State members - were granted documents to travel to Australia

Speers asked what would happen if the camp closed before the families left.

'Well, the people will be in an intolerable position entirely through actions they themselves took, entirely through shocking decisions that those parents made,' Burke replied.

He also confirmed the majority of the women were born in Australia.
The sheriff's office leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has issued a blunt warning to private search parties who have been trying to help.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31, and authorities believe she was snatched from her home in Tucson, Arizona during the early hours of February 1.

As the manhunt for the mother of NBC Today show host Savannah Guthrie drags into day 21, police are yet to arrest any suspects or produce any concrete leads.

Volunteers have been keen to join the search - but the Pima County Sheriff's Office has told them their efforts are not welcome.

The sheriff's department issued a warning on Saturday evening, pleading with amateur sleuths to give investigators space.

'We appreciate their concern, and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals,' the sheriff said in a statement on social media.

'PCSD has volunteer opportunities if they wish to get involved with the department.'

The statement also urged volunteers to keep private property laws in mind and ask permission before searching a resident's property.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department, led by Chris Nanos, pictured above on February 13, issued a warning to volunteer search groups online to give investigators space as they investigate Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

Nancy Guthrie, pictured here with her daughter, Today show host Savannah Guthrie in 2015, has been missing since February 1

The massive search is in its 21st day. No arrests have been made but the FBI has uncovered previously lost surveillance footage of a masked individual disabling Nancy's front door security camera on the night she disappeared, pictured above

Many social media users flocked to the comment section to express confusion and frustration over the sheriff's warning.

'Thousands of Search Parties have been formed to help get fresh eyes on and search for missing persons. Elizabeth Smart, JonBenet Ramsey, Jodi Parrack, Lucy Ann Johnson,' one commenter argued.

'Why are yall blocking efforts, and trying to take on more than you can obviously chew? Ego? Insider intel?'

'When have you hired professional searchers to look for Nancy? The public wants to find her, but you tell them to stay home?' another argued.

'Any Sherriff would embrace the public's help, and organize something. Sherriff Nanos, You're hurting the search and taking hope away from your community!'

'So when are the professionals showing up?' a third sarcastically asked.

The high-profile investigation has put the Tucson-based sheriff's department under a microscope, with a media frenzy tracking every move law enforcement makes.

The increased attention has resulted in scrutiny of Sheriff Chris Nanos and allegations that his department made crucial mistakes during the search.

DNA evidence was sent to a private testing facility in Florida rather than the Federal Bureau of Investigation's lab in Quantico, Virginia, prompting a backlash from law enforcement experts.

The sheriff's department has been met with increased scrutiny during the highly-publicized case. Deputies are pictured above on February 18 combing the neighborhood for clues

Nanos maintained that the decision was the best for the investigation and explained that the department had a longstanding relationship with the Florida lab.

However, Former Chief Deputy Richard Kastigar Jr, who retired in 2023 after serving in the Pima County Sheriff's Department alongside Nanos for years, recently told the Daily Mail that his former colleague is a 'quintessential micromanager' who is 'not effective.'

'This case should have been turned over to the FBI two weeks ago and the sheriff's department should have followed and supported them,' Kastigar said.

Speaking about Nanos' decision to send evidence to the Florida lab, Kastigar argued: 'All the evidence should have gone to Quantico from the beginning.'

'Chris is keeping this tight inner circle and not letting anyone in because he's unwilling to turn the investigation over to the FBI, so he can tightly control it himself.'

Police sources close to Nanos revealed in a recent Daily Mail exclusive that the sheriff has 'locked down' the investigation and insisted that decisions on the case be made by himself and two of his highest-ranking officers.

'Everybody else is being told what to do, no one else has a say so or an opinion. It's just three men making the decisions,' one law enforcement source told the Daily Mail.

The source added that the decision was 'incredibly unusual,' especially considering that the FBI has joined the case.

'All the other detectives are out there busting their butts and doing all they can, but those three people are making the ultimate decisions after everyone reports back to them,' the source continued.

'It's limited to the thought processes of three men. They're keeping everything from the FBI  they just aren't sharing.'

Police sources previously told the Daily Mail that they believe Nanos has 'locked down' the investigation. He's pictured above speaking to reporters alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke on February 5

Multiple people have been detained and released during the investigation, but no arrests have been made. Nancy and Savannah are pictured above in an undated photo

Kastigar suggested that Nanos was unwilling to turn the case over to the FBI, adding that the sheriff had 'great disdain' for the federal bureau because they investigated his department in 2016.

'If it's only Chris and three people handling it, that's ludicrous. Pima County doesn't have the experience and resources to handle a story that at this point may have gone international,' he added.

Law enforcement officials have denied any rifts between the sheriff's department and the FBI, maintaining that they're working together to find Nancy.

The desperate search is on its 21st day. There have been several glimmers of hope in the investigation, but they later appeared to be dead ends.

Last Saturday, a massive SWAT raid descended on a nearby home in Tucson, and authorities were seen searching a grey Range Rover.

Law enforcement detained multiple individuals, but they were all subsequently released, and no arrests were made.

Multiple gloves have also been recovered near Nancy's property. A Tucson couple told local NBC affiliate, KVOA-TV, on Friday that they found a bloody glove and a rock with a dried blood droplet near Nancy's home in Catalina Hills on Friday.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office said in a media email on Saturday that all DNA evidence has been submitted for analysis and there were no updates on the results.

Law enforcement also confirmed that multiple gloves have been recovered from the area and have been sent for analysis.

Savannah and her siblings have issued multiple video messages to their mother's alleged captor, pleading for Nancy's safe return and for the public to submit any information that could potentially help.

Former Chief Deputy Richard Kastigar Jr, pictured right, called Sheriff Chris Nanos a 'quintessential micromanager'

The FBI previously released the chilling surveillance camera footage of a masked individual, who was later named as a suspect in Nancy's kidnapping. The suspect is believed to be a man, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build, and was spotted with a black backpack

Multiple ransom notes have allegedly been sent to local Tucson news stations and TMZ. It's unclear if the notes have been verified and if they're all from the same sender.

Perhaps the most important evidence recovered thus far was previously lost surveillance camera footage from the night Nancy disappeared.

The chilling video depicted a masked individual disabling the front door camera around the time investigators believe Nancy was kidnapped.

The FBI has said the suspect is believed to be a man, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build, and was spotted with a black backpack the night Nancy disappeared.
The disgraced former boss of the Co-op Bank has handed back 185,000 he stole from an elderly spinster suffering from Alzheimers  avoiding an extra two-and-a- half years in prison.

Ex-Methodist minister Paul Flowers was jailed for three years in February last year for conning friend Margaret Jarvis and plundering her estate to pay for drugs, wine, luxury holidays and theatre trips.

At a second hearing in September, he was given three months to return the money to his victims estate, or face a longer sentence.

But while Flowers, 75  nicknamed the Crystal Methodist after The Mail on Sunday exposed his drug use while at the banks helm  has paid the cash back, it has not reached Miss Jarvis family  nor charities she left it to.

That is because he remains the sole executor of his victims will  and, incredibly, the family is struggling to track him down in jail to sign papers.

Flowers can be removed as executor only if he agrees  or if Miss Jarvis relatives secure a High Court ruling, which could cost tens of thousands.

A relative of the retired teacher, who died at 82 in 2016, said: It feels like Im banging my head against a brick wall.

For data protection reasons the family says authorities refused to reveal which prison he is in.

Former disgraced Co-Op Chairman Paul Flowers at Manchester Crown Court in Greater Manchester in January 2023

Former Methodist minister Paul Flowers was sentenced to three years in prison last February for defrauding his friend, Margaret Jarvis (pictured). Flowers systematically plundered Miss Jarvis' estate to fund a lavish lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, luxury travel, and theater excursions

Flowers also had power of attorney over Miss Jarvis affairs when she was alive.

As her dementia progressed, Flowers wrote himself cheques, withdrawing cash and redirecting pension payments.

And he continued taking cash after her death in a Buckinghamshire care home.

Miss Jarvis left money to two nieces but the bulk of her estate was left to good causes including guide dogs for the blind and deaf.

Flowers, of Salford, Greater Manchester, eventually admitted 18 counts of fraud amounting to nearly 100,000 over two years.

Jailing him for three years, Judge Nicholas Dean KC, Recorder of Manchester, said: This is a story of betrayal, no less than that.

In September, the Crown Prosecution Service won a confiscation order for 184,462 against Flowers, with all cash to be returned to victims.

The CPS confirmed the cash had been paid in full to HM Courts And Tribunal Service.
China has reportedly been quietly developing a 'new generation of nuclear weapons' as the US focuses on negotiating a deal with Iran in an effort to stop the adversary from building their own arsenal.

All eyes have been on nuclear talks between Iran and the US, with Donald Trump telling reporters on Friday that he was considering military action to pressure Iranian officials to negotiate.

The Trump administration has repeatedly alluded to a military strike against Iran, with multiple reports citing an increased presence on bases abroad.

Iran has denied having a nuclear weapons arsenal, but has pushed back against the US on its right to enrich uranium, which is the most common fuel used in nuclear power.

As tensions rise between the US and Iran, American intelligence agencies are now reportedly privy to the development of nuclear weapons in China, multiple anonymous sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

China conducted a secret nuclear test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur facility. The US State Department disclosed the test this month, but the purpose and delay of the disclosure have not been revealed.

Sources familiar with the 2020 test told CNN that it was motivated by China's desire to develop 'next generation nuclear weapons.'

US officials have previously expressed concern that China was building a nuclear arsenal; however, new information on the 2020 test has concluded that there is strong evidence that they are aggressively expanding it.

Sources familiar with the matter have recently told CNN that US intelligence is privy to Chinese nuclear testing. Pictured here are members of the People's Liberation Army during a military parade last September

China has reportedly tested nuclear capabilities at its Lop Nur facility in June 2020. Pictured above is the desert plain of Lop Nur

Donald Trump said last October that the US would ramp up nuclear testing 'on an equal basis' to China and Russia. Trump and Xi are pictured at a meeting the same month

China has previously touted its nuclear weapons development as a means of self-defense, but evidence of tests has reportedly raised concern among US intelligence that Beijing could be developing a more offensive strategy.

The Asian superpower currently ranks third in nuclear weaponry, significantly trailing the US and Russia's capabilities.

However, China's reported investment in its arsenal could mean it will soon possess capabilities that neither Russia nor the US has, CNN reported.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, disputed the recent reporting, telling CNN in a statement that the US 'has distorted and smeared China's nuclear policy.'

'This is political manipulation aimed at pursuing nuclear hegemony and evading its own nuclear disarmament responsibilities,' Pengyu said.

'China firmly opposes such narratives. US allegation about China conducting a nuclear test are entirely unfounded. China opposes any attempt by the United States to fabricate excuses for resuming its own nuclear testing.'

Trump announced in October that he had instructed the Department of War, previously the Department of Defense, to resume testing nuclear weapons 'on an equal basis' to China and Russia.

'Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years,' the president wrote on Truth Social in October.

China denied the claims, but US officials have maintained that Beijing has not been transparent about nuclear testing. Pictured above is an archival photo of the Lop Nur Nuclear Test Base in 1959

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Dr Christopher Yeaw accused China of 'decoupling' to hide nuclear capabilities. Pictured above is satellite footage of China's nuclear test site

China ranks third in nuclear capabilities, behind Russia and the US. Pictured above is a conference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Xining on February 4

The online statement added that those tests would 'begin immediately.' China, Russia and the US have gone back and forth for years, accusing one another of escalating nuclear testing activities.

A compliance report from the US Department of State in 2019 accused Russia of violating a 1988 treaty on the elimination of intermediate- and short-range missiles.

The US claimed that Russia violated the treaty because it was in possession of a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM).

In response, then Secretary of State Mark Pompeo announced that the US would suspend its obligations under the treaty due to Russia's breach.

The report also stated that China had a 'lack of transparency on their nuclear testing activities,' adding: 'China probably carried out multiple nuclear weapon-related tests or experiments in 2018.'

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Dr Christopher Yeaw echoed the concerns during a public speaking event with the Hudson Institute on Tuesday.

A compliance report from 2019 accused China of a 'lack of transparency on their nuclear testing activities.' Pictured above is Chinese President Xi Jinping at a signing ceremony on February 3

The news comes as the US has alluded to a potential military strike against Iran if they do not meet negotiations on nuclear testing. Pictured above is a photo of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 17

US officials have repeatedly accused China of a lack of transparency on their nuclear testing. Pictured above is a laser weapon during a military parade in Beijing last September

'China has used decoupling, a method to decrease the effectiveness of seismic monitoring to hide its activities from the world,' Yeaw said.

He confirmed that the US was aware of the June 2020 tests and described Chinese nuclear weapon policy as 'opaque.'

The US, Russia and China are signatories to the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty; however, the US and China never ratified it, and Russia rescinded its ratification in 2023.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Pentagon and the White House for further comment on CNN's reporting.
He's the monster that has long stalked the nation's nightmares and whose name was this week linked to a search of land in Co Wicklow for missing women Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob, both of whom are presumed dead.

And now the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal two shocking unknown facts about the convicted rapist Larry Murphy, that Gardai believe may hold the clue to discovering the sinister truth behind one or both women's disappearance.

Convicted rapist Larry Murphy was living in a rented house just six minutes drive from where missing woman Josephine Jo Jo Dullard was last seen, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Larry Murphy who pleaded guilty to the kidnap, rape, robbery and attempted murder of a woman in 2000 at a location in Co Wicklow

And, in another development, a link has emerged between Murphy and a separate violent attack on a young woman outside a Dublin nightclub in the early 1990s.

The revelations come as gardai continue excavation works at a disused quarry in Co. Wicklow, less than five kilometres from where Murphy raped and attempted

to kill a woman. The search, which enters its seventh day today, is centred on land at Castleruddery Upper, 5km from Spinans Cross, where Murphy carried out the savage attack in 2000.

The MoS has also learned this land was previously searched to a lesser degree by gardai investigating the disappearance and murder of Deirdre Jacob 27 years ago.

Murphy  who was released from prison in 2010 after serving tenandahalf years of a 15year jail term for rape and attempted murder  is the chief suspect in the Deirdre Jacob murder investigation.

He has also been questioned about the disappearance of several other women, including Jo Jo Dullard, who was last seen outside Moone in Co. Kildare on November 9, 1995 .

Undated Garda handout photo of Jo Jo Dullard. A search is continuing at the Wicklow border as part of a significant development in the investigation into the disappearance of Dullard almost 30 years ago.

Missing Irish girl Deirdre Jacob,18,student teacher, last seen on the 26th July 1998

So far, there has been no evidence directly linking Murphy to Ms Dullards disappearance or murder.

In 2024, gardai arrested another man in connection with the ongoing murder investigation as a search was carried out on land in the Grangecon area of Co. Wicklow, but he was later released without charge.

The MoS has now learned Murphy and his former wife were renting a house just a few minutes drive from where Ms Dullard was last seen after hitching a lift to the village following a night out in Dublin when she missed the last direct bus to her home in Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

An informed source said Murphy was renting the house from a nowdeceased garda for a short time in the mid1990s while he was building his family home.

Ms Dullard called a friend from a phone box but hung up when a driver stopped to give her a lift. Twenty minutes after the call, there were further sightings of a woman matching Ms Dullards description in nearby Castledermot.

The rented house Murphy was living is a sixminute drive from the phone box where the 21yearold was last seen, and a similar distance from Castledermot.

The source said: Murphy was in the rented house when Jo Jo went missing. He was renting this house while he was building the new house for him and his wife to live.

They were living in their new house three years later when Deirdre Jacob vanished.

A separate source familiar with the cold case investigation said the convicted rapists location in the same area at the same time Ms Dullard vanished is of significant interest.

They told the MoS: The linkage between the two cases is down to proximity and geography.

The current search site was searched years ago after Deirdre Jacob went missing and the gardai at the time were looking specifically for a Fiat Uno or Bambino in that quarry.

The former national coordinator of Operation Trace  the Garda investigation into whether a single serial killer is behind the disappearances of several women, including Ms Dullard, Ms Jacob, and Annie McCarrick, in the region known as the Vanishing Triangle in Leinster  this weekend confirmed he was aware Murphy had been living at the rented house near Moone.

Retired detective Alan Bailey said he recalled Murphy was a while building [his home] and that we searched another house in the Moone area.

However, the information putting Murphy near the location of Ms Dullards last sighting has not been publicly disclosed until now.

Gardai leading the cold case investigations into the murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob are hopeful the ongoing dig at the disused quarry will finally uncover their remains, or evidence linked to the missing young women.

In a press statement issued his week, gardai confirmed they are searching for the remains of both women at the Co. Wicklow site. It is understood the two cases were connected based on the geographical location of the search.

Deirdre Jacob was just 18 when she disappeared shortly after 3pm on July 28, 1998, near her family home in Roseberry, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

A file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2021 listed Murphy as the chief suspect, but no charges were directed.

Gardai suspect Murphy killed the missing student teacher before dumping her remains.

They are particularly interested in a Fiat car they suspect may have been secretly buried on the land they are now searching.

A graphic depicting the various locations relating to the disappearances of the two girls and Murphy's movements, all within a short distance from the location of his 2000 rape

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the ongoing cold case investigations believe Murphy could also be linked to a violent attack on a woman outside Rumours nightclub on Dublins OConnell Street in the early 1990s.

Gardai investigating the incident believe the attacker drove a white Fiat 127. At the time, all the owners of vehicles matching this description were screened nationwide.

It subsequently emerged Larry Murphys father owned a white Fiat 127, but he was ruled out of the investigation based on his age profile.

However, sources this weekend said investigating gardai at the time never thought to ask if his sons had access to the car.

One source told the MoS: His [Murphys] father had a white Fiat 127. There was a girl very badly assaulted leaving Rumours nightclub on OConnell Street years before Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob vanished.

Murphy was a young man at the time, in his early or midtwenties.

The attacker drove a car matching Murphys fathers car exactly.

The attack was so bad gardai screened every white Fiat 127 owner in the country, but Murphys father [was] ruled out due to age profile. They never thought to ask if his sons had access to it.

On February 11, 2000, Murphy forced a young woman into the boot of his car in Carlow town.

He then took the terrified woman to Kilkea in rural Co. Kildare where he repeatedly raped her. Murphy then drove her to a remote area called Spinans Cross near his home in Baltinglass, where she was beaten and raped.

Murphy put plastic bag over her head and was suffocating her when hunters arrived, spooking her attacker and saving her life. He was said to be just seconds away from murdering her.

Shortly afterwards, Murphy drove to his local pub and had a drink before going home to his wife and two young children.

When the carpenter was arrested by gardai the following morning, he admitted to the horrific attack.

However, Murphy showed no remorse for his crime and took no part in rehabilitation programmes during his 10 years in prison.

Convicted rapist Larry Murphy leaving Arbour Hill Prison in August 2010

Following his release from Arbour Hill Prison in August 2010, Murphy  who was under intense media and public scrutiny  fled the country to the south of France and then on to Amsterdam.

He subsequently left for Spain before settling in London, where sources this weekend said he has remained and continues to work as a carpenter.

The now 60yearold has had relationships with different women in recent years, using false names such as Laurence and Charley. Two years ago, Murphy changed his name by deed poll to Charley Doyle.

Londons Metropolitan Police were made aware of his move to the UK capital after the Garda Sex Offenders Management and Intelligence Unit received word he was on the move from Amsterdam.

Detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation informed police of his move to London after reporters tracked him down to Amsterdam.

Murphy lives under strict monitoring conditions, has to attend meetings with officers and is subjected to risk assessment guidelines. He also has to notify police if he changes address.

The garda dig on Stephenson Sand and Gravel Quarry continues. A car axel and another item were set aside by Gardai on Saturday. Superintendent Desmond McTiernan (with silver hair) heads up the investigation

Sources said Murphy has complied with the UK authorities, where there are tougher laws relating to convicted sex offenders.

If Murphy returns to Ireland, he must provide an address to the Garda Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit within a week as required under the Sex Offenders Act.

Murphy was convicted a year before the Act came into effect; but a source noted the legislation includes everyone that was still in jail in 2001 for a sexual offence. It therefore captured him under its umbrella.

The source added: Under this [legislation], he [Murphy] has obligations to notify gardai when moving address or if he intends to leave the jurisdiction. Gardai will always keep very close tabs on his whereabouts.
Conservatives are furious that JPMorgan Chase closed Donald Trump's personal and business bank accounts following the January 6 attack on the Capitol in 2021.

Chase, America's largest bank by assets, was forced to admit closing the accounts after Trump launched a $5 billion lawsuit last month against the bank and its CEO, Jamie Dimon.

Steve Guest, a former communications aide to Republican Senator Ted Cruz, said in a social media post that Dimon 'has some serious explaining to do'.

'JPMC finally admitted they de-banked the President of the United States. If they can do it to POTUS, theyll do it to you,' Guest wrote.

Jason Miller, a longtime strategist to Trump, also weighed in, simply writing: 'I mean, what the f***.'

Documents released Friday as part of the discovery process showed that Chase sent Trump two letters on February 19, 2021, informing him that they were closing dozens of his accounts.

The letters did not mention any specific reason why the accounts were being shut down, only that sometimes 'we may determine that a clients interests are no longer served by maintaining a relationship with J.P. Morgan Private Bank'.

'With that in mind, this letter is to respectfully inform you that we will need to end our current relationship,' one letter said.

Conservatives are furious that JPMorgan Chase closed Donald Trump's personal and business bank accounts following the January 6 attack on the Capitol in 2021

Chase, America's largest bank by assets, closed Trump's accounts after the January 6 riot

Conservatives are furious that JPMorgan Chase closed Donald Trump's personal and business bank accounts following the January 6 attack on the Capitol in 2021

The letters said Trump had two months to inform the bank what account he wanted to transfer his assets to.

Chase did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Daily Mail also approached the lawyers from the Jones Day law firm, which are representing the bank and Dimon in the case.

The bank has previously said Trump's case is without merit.

A spokesperson for Trump's legal team told Reuters that the letters are 'a devastating concession that proves President Trump's entire claim.'

JPMorgan 'admitted to unlawfully and intentionally de-banking President Trump, his family, and his businesses, causing overwhelming financial harm', the spokesperson said.

Trump's lawyers said in their complaint, first filed in Florida state court on January 22, that JPMorgan's decision to close his accounts 'came about as a result of political and social motivations, and JPMCs unsubstantiated, woke beliefs that it needed to distance itself from President Trump and his conservative political views.'

'In essence, JPMC de-banked Plaintiffs Accounts because it believed that the political tide at the moment favored doing so,' his lawyers wrote.

Trump's attorneys also claimed that he suffered 'extensive reputational harm' by having to go to other financial institutions and ask them to accept the millions of dollars he previously held with Chase.

Conservatives were furious Saturday after it was revealed that JPMorgan Chase closed dozens of Donald Trump's bank accounts in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol in 2021. Trump strategist Jason Miller (pictured) reacted: 'I mean, what the f***'

Steve Guest, a former communications aide to Republican Senator Ted Cruz , said in a social media post that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon 'has some serious explaining to do'

In February, Chase filed a motion to move the case from state court to federal court in Miami on an immediate basis.

Going forward, the bank wants the case permanently moved to New York federal court, since most of the relevant bank accounts and businesses were based in that state.

In a filing on February 19, the bank's lawyers said that Dimon was 'fraudulently joined' in the case.

As part of their argument, Trump's legal team has invoked Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) to say that Dimon personally directed the de-banking of Trump and his businesses.

JPMorgan's lawyers say the FDUTPA exempts federally-regulated bank officers, like Dimon, from getting sued under the law.

Trump already has a fraught relationship with Dimon, who refused to donate to the president's White House ballroom project.

'We have an issue, which is anything we do - we do a lot of contracts with governments here and around the world - we have to be very careful how anything is perceived, and also, how the next DOJ is going to deal with it,' Dimon said in a November interview with Erin Burnett.

'We're quite conscious of the risk we bear by doing anything that looks like buying favors or anything like that. We have helped the inaugurations, that was a normal thing that a lot of companies did.'

Dimon has had a famously frosty relationship with Trump, once saying the president did not understand the debt ceiling

Notably, JPMorgan did donate $1 million to Trump's second inauguration, joining top other corporate contributors such as crypto firm Ripple Labs, Chevron, Robinhood Markets and FedEx.

Dimon has also accused Trump of not understanding basic economics. In 2023, he said the president was failing to grasp the concept of the debt ceiling, describing this as 'one more thing he doesn't know very much about.'

The debt ceiling is the legal limit on the total amount of money the United States government is authorized to borrow to fund nondiscretionary budget items, such as Social Security, Medicare, military salaries and interest on the national debt.

At the time, Trump had said during a CNN townhall that defaulting on the US debt would be preferable to not reining in government spending.

Nearly all economists agree that the consequences of a default - i.e. the country running out of money to pay its bills - would be 'catastrophic' for the US and the global economy.

The stock market would almost certainly crash in such a scenario, with investors around the world coming to the realization that the US - thought to be the most stable government in the world - could not fulfill its financial obligations for the first time in its 250 years of existence.

Dimon backed Nikki Haley over Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, and Trump hit back by calling him a 'highly overrated globalist'.

He also previously called Dimon a 'nervous mess' in 2018, added that he does not think he is smart enough to ever become president.
Defence Secretary John Healey has vowed to put British soldiers on the ground in Ukraine before the end of 2026.

Nearly four years on from the Russian invasion, he has said he is 'determined' to 'end' the war by December.

Writing in a Sunday newspaper today, Healey declared: 'I want to be the Defence Secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine - because this will mean that this war is finally over.

'It will mean we will have negotiated peace in Ukraine. And a secure Europe needs a strong, sovereign Ukraine.'

Healey added: 'I am determined that we will make 2026 the year this war ends.'

The Defence Secretary said he is 'proud' Britain stands 'united' with Ukraine and praised Ukrainians for defying Putin's belief that he could win the war in only a week.

'Four years on, Ukrainians continue to fight with that same huge courage they showed on February 24, 2022  military and civilians alike,' he said.

'And 2026 must be the year this terrible war ends.'

Defence Secretary John Healey speaks with troops in Norway earlier this month

Russian president Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow this week

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph today, Healey added: 'Ukrainians have shown they do not fear Russian aggression.

'The only thing Ukraine fears is Western fatigue. But as president Zelensky knows, Ukraines friends will never tire.'

Earlier this year in January, the Defence Secretary declared he would 'take' Putin 'into custody and hold him to account for his war crimes'.

In the aftermath of brutal drone strikes on Kyiv at the beginning of the year, he said it tells you 'all you need to know about president Putin and his determination not just to wage a war on Ukraine, but to target civilians, cities, [as well as] the infrastructure people depend on during the frosty winter'.

Healey added: 'This is a man who must be stopped. This is a war that must be stopped.

'And our mission is to support Ukraine in its fight today and to help work to secure the peace for the moment.'

His comments come after former Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson yesterday said the UK should 'put boots on the ground' in Ukraine to 'flip a switch' in Vladimir Putin's head.

He told Laura Kuenssberg: 'If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, after Putin has condescended to have a ceasefire, then why not do it now?'

Ex-PM Boris Johnson, who was in No 10 when Russia invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago, has called for troops to be deployed in Ukraine

A soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Poachers) on exercise in Estonia at the beginning of February

The Poachers were taking part in Exercise Winter Camp, which is part of Operation Cabrit, the UK's contribution to Nato's Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland

'Just to make this point that it is up to the Ukrainians, and these people wouldn't be there in a war-fighting capacity, right?'

Johnson added that 'there is no logical reason' as to why Britain 'shouldn't send peaceful ground forces there to show our support'.

The former PM also claimed the Government's current plan - to form a 'coalition of the willing' with its allies and provide forces to preserve peace and stability in Ukraine - was not enough because it would only happen if a peace deal was struck.

Last year Putin warned any allied troops deployed to Ukraine would be 'legitimate targets'.

But Johnson said this was Ukraine's decision to make - not Russia's.

'That is a political thing. It's about whether Ukraine is a free country or not,' he said.

'If it's a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously it's up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If it's not, then it's up to the Ukrainians.'

Johnson also warned that Putin 'would just keep going' unless the Russian president saw some evidence of the West's 'determination' to end the war.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi will not attend the upcoming 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, which runs from 23 February to 31 March 2026, citing urgent constitutional consultation work at home.Instead, Zimbabwe will be represented at the highprofile international forum by Virginia Mabiza, who was appointed on 1 November 2023 and is the first woman to hold the position of AttorneyGeneral in Zimbabwe.Ziyambi had initially planned to attend the Geneva session, but has withdrawn due to pressing duties related to ongoing public consultations on controversial constitutional amendments that were recently gazetted and are now subject to a 90day nationwide consultation period. These amendments, which have sparked intense domestic debate, include proposals to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and to replace direct presidential elections with indirect election by Parliament  changes critics argue could extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa beyond its constitutionally mandated twoterm limit set to end in 2028.The United Nations Human Rights Council's agenda for the session includes discussions on the protection of human rights defenders, freedom of religion, human rights in counterterrorism contexts, and economic and social rights such as the right to food and housing. The session will also cover grave humanitarian and human rights crises in countries including Afghanistan, Venezuela, China, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Syria, South Sudan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory/Israel.Zimbabwe's human rights record has increasingly come under international scrutiny. In Geneva earlier this month, Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga addressed a global audience at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, speaking about repression, restrictions on media freedom, and the perceived threat posed by constitutional amendments to democratic space at home. Following his testimony, stateowned media condemned his remarks and the government has reportedly issued warnings under socalled "patriotic clauses" in domestic law regarding engagement with foreign bodies  actions that rights groups have criticised as intimidation. The Geneva Summit Coalition has since formally urged the United Nations to protect Mhlanga under its reprisals framework after alleged threats against him and restrictions on his freedom of movement following his speech.Mabiza faces a significant diplomatic assignment in Geneva, where she will confront civil society organisations and international critics of Zimbabwe's human rights situation. Her presence underscores the significance Harare places on defending its human rights record and constitutional reform agenda on the global stage, even as domestic debates intensify.
A California gubernatorial candidate has infuriated the president's supporters by holding up a sign reading 'F*** Trump' at a political rally.

Democrat Katie Porter, who has made her bid to replace Gavin Newsom, addressed the California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco on Saturday.

Porter spoke to the crowd with a whiteboard labeled with the expletive slogan, and encouraged fans to scream the words aloud.

'F*** Trump,' she shouted, as her supporters echoed the chant.

'Together, we're going to kick Trump's a** in November,' Porter said. 'I'll stand up to Trump and his cronies just like I did in Congress.'

Newsom's term limit is up this year, leaving multiple candidates to vie for the seat.

Porter is an outspoken Trump dissenter who has been embroiled in multiple controversies during her bid for governor, including screaming at her employees on camera.

Conservatives were quick to swoop on her profane Trump sign, condemning it as the latest sign that she has 'nothing to offer Californians but division and hate'.

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter held up a profane sign cursing the president

Porter has been a frequent critic of Trump, though constituents across the aisle have criticized her dissent of the president

'And there you have it the Democrats' entire platform summed up in two words. They've got nothing to offer Californians but division and hate,' one person wrote on social media.

'This is what she focuses on,' another added.

'When California has the worst homeless situation, highest poverty rate and highest unemployment rate, barely anyone can afford to buy a home or rent one...Highest gas prices Disgusting!'

'They can't run on their successful policies, so they have to do this,' a third chimed in.

'To paraphrase Democrat former Rep. Harley Rouda, Katie Porter is an abuse fraud, a bully with a whiteboard, and you should vote for anyone else except Katie Porter,' a fourth person said.

In the remainder of her address, Porter proposed the University of California and California State go tuition-free.

She also advocated for single-payer health care and eliminating state income tax for those who made under $100,000.

'I'm running for governor because I'm willing and ready to get s*** done,' she added.

Porter spoke at the California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco on Saturday

Porter is no stranger to controversy.

In October, a video resurfaced of Porter yelling at a staffer to 'get out of my f***ing shot,' during a conversation with a journalist about electric vehicles.

She also gained negative attention for snapping at a journalist who asked how she intended to win over Trump voters that she'd 'need to win.'

'How would I need them in order to win, ma'am?' Porter fired back.

Porter was also previously accused of allegedly dumping scalding mashed potatoes on her ex-husband's head and verbally abusing him, per 2013 divorce documents seen by KOMO News.

As the clip of her most recent escapade went viral on social media, many were quick to criticize Porter's choice of words.

Some even complained that her dislike for the president could not be her only platform.

Porter has been the subject of several controversies in the past, including scolding staffers

Porter previously served in the California in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025.

She ran for Senate in 2024 but failed to advance to the general election after the primary.

Her supporters are no strangers to her whiteboard, which she used frequently in congressional hearings to silently criticize those on the stand.

She is one of seven Democrats on the ballot for the June primary.

Along with her distaste for the president, Porter is running on affordability, healthcare access and clean energy laws.

The Daily Mail has contacted Porter's campaign office for comment.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been criticized for urging residents to sign up as snow shovelers, a position that requires two forms of identification.

Critics have pointed out that the request has come while Mamdani's party, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has advocated against voter ID laws.

New York is bracing for its second major snowstorm this year, and Mamdani has asked for volunteers to help clear snow from the city's streets for $19.14 per hour.

Mamdani said during a press conference that the city has prepared 33 vans and two buses with the Department of Sanitation to transport shovelers where they are needed.

'Just show up at your local sanitation garage between 8am and 1pm tomorrow with your paperwork, which is accessible online at NYC.gov/now, and you can get started right away,' the mayor said.

The online registration states that to be accepted for the position, applicants must be at least 18, eligible to work in the US, and able to perform heavy physical labor.

To register for an appointment, those interested must present two small photos of themselves, two original forms of ID, and a Social Security card.

The starting pay to shovel snow with the city is $19.14 per hour, increasing to $28.71 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was the subject of criticism online after he called for New Yorkers to sign up to be emergency snow shovelers when the position requires two forms of identification. Mamdani is pictured above at a press conference on the storm on Saturday

New York will soon be hit with another major snow storm. Pictured above are shovelers clearing out a subway station in Brooklyn

Emergency snow shovelers must be 18 years old, eligible to work in the US, and able to perform heavy physical labor

Social media users have argued that it does not make sense for New Yorkers to be required to provide identification to shovel snow, but not to vote at the polls.

'This is why consistency in governance matters. Rules shouldnt change depending on the political objective,' one comment read.

'I believe this to be taunting their hypocrisy on ID, it just has to be,' another added.

'To shovel now and trash but not to vote. [face palm emoji,' a third agreed.

However, some argued that the two policies differ and cannot be compared, with one writing: 'Criticize policy if needed, but comparing snow removal registration to voting laws is misleading.'

'The comparison is more political than practical. ID checks for emergency work are usually about payment verification and worker safety, while voting laws are governed by separate legal standards,' another pointed out.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.

It comes after Mamdani was criticized for letting heaps of trash and filthy snow clutter New York City streets, while the grounds of his $100 million mansion remained spotless.

Large piles of snow remained on the streets of the city more than three weeks after the last snow storm.

Mamdani said in a press conference that New Yorkers who want to earn some extra cash and help their neighbors can sign up to shovel snow. The position requires applicants to provide two small photos of themselves, two original forms of ID, and a Social Security card

Meanwhile, New Yorkers do not need to present identification at their polling stations. New York is one of many states that don't require voters to bring ID to the polls.

However, you must be over 18, a US citizen, and a resident of New York to vote. To register in the state, prospective voters must provide their driver's license number, state ID card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Prospective voters can leave that section blank if they do not have any of the above forms of identification, but if the state cannot confirm their identity, they must bring an accepted form of ID to their polling place.

Voter identification laws have become a hot topic in recent years, with progressives claiming they contribute to voter suppression, while conservatives argue it contributes to election fraud.

The DSA, a progressive political group to which Mamdani belongs, has previously spoken out against voter identification laws.

The party recently came out against the SAVE America Act, a Republican-backed bill that would require voters to provide a photo ID when casting their ballot.

'Our candidates for office stand firm against racist voter ID laws and secret poll taxes like the SAVE America Act,"' the DSA said in a statement.
Metropolitan Police officers acting as bodyguards for Prince Andrew were ordered to secure a private dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan residence, according to a fresh cache of official emails.

Newly revealed details suggest that two Scotland Yard royal protection officers were directed by Epstein's staff to guard the entrance of his Manhattan townhouse during a 2010 event with a guest list that included Woody Allen.

The officers, assigned to Prince Andrew, allegedly acted as security - effectively serving as 'bouncers' for the convicted sex offender, who was jailed in 2008 for procuring a child for prostitution.

The revelation is a significant blow to the Metropolitan Police, which has faced years of scrutiny for its failure to secure convictions in the Epstein scandal.

The fallout threatens to reach the highest levels of the Royal Household, casting a shadow over Peter Loughborough, the former head of royal protection who now serves as a senior aide to the King.

These disclosures follow allegations that taxpayer-funded bodyguards developed an inappropriately close relationship with the 66-year-old, leading to concerns that they may have 'turned a blind eye' to potential misconduct or criminal activity.

In an official update released on February 20, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they are now identifying and contacting officers who worked closely with Mountbatten-Windsor.

'The Met is identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew MountbattenWindsor.

The officers, assigned to Prince Andrew (pictured), allegedly acted as security for a guest list

Andrew waves goodbye to a woman leaving Epstein's home in New York in December 2010

Paul Page, who served between 1998 and 2004, said that officers working for the former Duke of York were 'not allowed' to know the names of the girls who visited him

'They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews,' the statement read.

The investigation also extends to the potential use of British infrastructure to facilitate Epstein's crimes.

The Met confirmed they are assessing suggestions that London airports may have been used for human trafficking and sexual exploitation, stating they are 'actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States'.

While the Met stressed that no new criminal allegations of sexual offences within their jurisdiction have been made as of today, the force is working with a national coordination group to ensure all leads from the DOJ files are thoroughly investigated.

This review comes at a period of intense turmoil for the former prince, who remains 'under investigation' by Thames Valley Police following his arrest on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

A former royal protection officer who reported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to the police over claims he smuggled women 'multiple times a week' into Buckingham Palace says he has been told to 'keep quiet' by the Met.

Paul Page, who served between 1998 and 2004, said that officers working for the former Duke of York were 'not allowed' to know the names of the girls who visited him.

He has spoken publicly about the claims, adding last week he has been in contact with Thames Valley Police and offered to assist them with their investigation.

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

Given that the King is footing all his bills, you might expect some sort of gratitude. But hes been very rude. He is in another world, says a Norfolk source close to the family (Pictured: Andrew and King Charles at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last year)

It follows allegations one woman was allegedly flown into the UK on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' and brought to the former prince under the codename 'Mrs Windsor'.

Mr Page has now revealed he received a warning from the capital's police force, reminding him of his obligations of 'confidentiality and respect for the privacy of those who are protected'.

Here is the Met Police's statement in full:

'We are assessing this information and are actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States.

'Separately, the Met is identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew MountbattenWindsor.

'They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.

'While we are aware of the extensive media reporting and commentary about this matter, as of today, no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred within our jurisdiction.

'We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate.

'The action outlined above is independent of investigations or assessment work being carried out by other forces. We are working with the national coordination group which has been set up to bring together affected forces to ensure consistency of approach, including access to appropriate expertise and guidance.'

The Business and Trade Committee is expected to convene on Tuesday to consider a broader inquiry into the trade envoy system.

While the committee initially plans to focus on general governance to avoid prejudicing ongoing criminal proceedings, the investigation is widely seen as a precursor to a deeper probe into Mountbatten-Windsors conduct.

The Met Police has been contacted for comment.
An Italian toddler has tragically died after receiving a 'frostbitten' heart in a transplant, the family's lawyer has said.

Two-year-old Domenico had been on life support for two months, but passed away on Saturday morning after suffering an 'irreversible worsening of his clinical condition'.

Prosecutors have launched an investigation, with six medics under formal scrutiny, amid suspicions the donor organ was mistakenly transported in dry ice, causing serious tissue damage.

Lawyer Francesco Petruzzi told reporters: 'It's over. Domenico is gone,' and that a foundation would be set up in his name.

Domenico was born with cardiomyopathy - a degenerative disease that thickens the wall of the heart until it no longer pumps blood effectively.

After a desperate wait on the waiting list, a donor heart was found in December from a four-year-old boy, who had drowned in a swimming pool in Bolzano in the Italian Alps.

It was delivered to Monaldi Hospital in Naples and transplanted into Domenico on December 23, but it failed to ever function properly.

Patrizia Mercolino, his mother, previously told The Times: 'They called me after the operation to say, "There is a problem  the heart does not start". I didn't ask too many questions.'

Patrizia Mercolino, mother of Domenico, leaving Monaldi Hospital in Naples after his death on Saturday

Ms Mercolino had previously pleaded with the Pope to help source another heart for her son

Lawyer Francesco Petruzzi outside Monaldi Hospital last week. He has since said a foundation would be set up in the toddler's name

Suspicion mounted that the heart had been transported in dry ice, at -80C, which would have significantly damaged the tissue, rather than regular ice.

Petruzzi has said the organ arrived 'burned by frostbite' after being transported over 490 miles from Bolzano to Naples.

It was also reported to have been packed in an ordinary plastic box without a thermostat to alert the medical team to its temperature.

After Domenico had to be hooked up to life support, his mother, Patrizia Mercolino, made an agonising plea to the Pope to help find him a new heart.

She told Italian TV: 'My life is now dominated by pain and the desire to have my baby back home. I appeal to the Pope to help find a new heart for my son. That's all I want.'

Ms Mercolino also implored her lawyer to contact hospitals across Europe in search of a second heart.

On Wednesday, a panel of paediatric specialists concluded Domenico's condition was 'not compatible' with another transplant.

Doctors had warned prolonged use of the life support system might have compromised his lungs, liver and kidneys.

Domenico's donor heart was transported to Monaldi Hospital (pictured) in -80C dry ice, it is suspected

Ms Mercolino had been holding out hope that doctors were wrong, and her son still stood a chance if a new heart could be sourced

Tragically, their prognosis was proven correct, and Domenico lost his battle on Saturday.

The grieving mother has not spoken out since the news of Domenico's death, but her lawyer said the foundation would be for 'all children who cannot have a transplant and to help all victims of malpractice and medical negligence'.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the 'whole of Italy mourns the loss of little Domenico, a warrior who will never be forgotten'.

She wrote on X: 'On behalf of myself and the government, I offer my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to his mother Patrizia, his father Antonio and all his loved ones.

'I am certain that the competent authorities will shed full light on this terrible incident.'

Italy's Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said earlier this week that 'we must absolutely clarify what happened'.

He said: 'We owe it to the child, to the family, but also to all Italians.

'We have an excellent national health service, which has been able to handle and almost always resolve complex situations. So, I believe citizens should not lose faith.'
Meghan Markle's father is getting fitted for a prosthetic after undergoing an emergency surgery last year that required his leg to be partially amputated.

Thomas Markle Sr, 81, experienced a blood clot in his left leg in December that could have been fatal. He was rushed to the hospital, where surgeons spent three hours amputating his limb below the knee.

Months later, Thomas Markle Jr revealed in a livestream that his father was going through physical therapy and would soon be trying out prosthetic attachments.

'Were going to have to get him fitted for a prosthetic here pretty soon and get that man walking again. Thats the goal. Thats the priority,' Markle Jr said.

Markle Sr, a former Hollywood lighting director, lives in the Philippines and has been estranged from his daughter since her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex, who lives in Montecito, California, reportedly has not visited her father in the hospital and instead sent him a letter that was delivered by US Embassy officials.

In the same stream, Markle Jr brutally criticized his sister for refusing to visit their father and allegedly not helping pay for his medical bills.

Meghan's falling out with her father began when he staged photographs of himself in a cafe with the British paparazzi days ahead of her wedding.

Thomas Markle Sr, 81, is getting fitted for a prosthetic leg, his son said in a recent livestream

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has not visited her father in the hospital since he had to have left leg amputated below the knee in December

Because of the paparazzi controversy and his worsening health issues, he withdrew from the wedding, where he was set to walk Meghan down the aisle.

When he was unable to attend her wedding at St George's Chapel, Meghan entered on her own and was walked part-way down the aisle by King Charles, an act Markle Sr called 'incredibly kind and generous'.

Markle Sr has been in increasingly poor health in recent years.

He suffered a massive stroke in 2022 and lost his ability to speak but partially regained it thanks to speech therapy.

Mr Markle has never met his son-in-law Prince Harry or grandchildren Archie, six and four-year-old Lilibet.

He moved to the Philippines in January telling the Daily Mail: 'I was constantly reminded of my estrangement from my daughter while I was in the US and Mexico.

'I could not escape her and Harry who were always on TV with their shows, books and interviews.

'So I moved to the other side of the world hoping for a quieter life.'

Meghan's falling out with her father began when he staged photos of himself in a cafe with the British paparazzi days ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018

In September, Markle told the Daily Mail: 'My only wish before I die is to meet my grandkids. I want them to know I love them and care for them.'

His son said the family had been 'deeply touched' by the outpouring of love and support for his father from around the globe following his blood clot.

He said: 'Dad has a long road ahead. This was a major operation but he needed it to save his life. I would ask everyone to keep him in their thoughts.

'He is a brave and tough man. I would appeal to Meghan to show him compassion at this very difficult time.'
Millions of Americans are bracing for a massive snowstorm that is set to blanket major cities in snow - and it'll hit in just hours.

Winter Storm Hernando will span the Northeast Corridor from Sunday, dumping up to two feet of snow on 50 million people with wind gusts of 70mph.

Officials have warned that travel would become 'dangerous, if not impossible' with power outages and downed tree limbs likely due to the snow and winds.

More than 3,000 flights have already been canceled for Sunday and Monday, mostly around Boston and New York City from major carriers.

The number is expected to continue to rise as snow begins to fall, reported Fox Weather.

Residents in Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and Pennsylvania have been warned to brace for arctic conditions.

New York City is preparing for its first blizzard since 2017. A warning will be in effect for the city from noon on Sunday.

Meteorologist Owen Shieh told the Wall Street Journal the Big Apple had 'lucked out in the last decade.'

New Yorkers are bracing for their first blizzard since March 2017 (pictured)

New Yorkers saw their last snow storm in January, but it was not classified as a blizzard

13 to 18 inches of snow were predicted to hit New York City, although the National Weather Service warned that could be more

WATCH: Snow Sweeps Across Philadelphia

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Shieh offered a stern warning to New Yorkers ahead of the weekend's storm.

'You don't want to be outside,' Shieh said. 'You won't be able to see in front of you.'

During the last blizzard in March 2017, New York City saw more than a foot of snow accumulation and wind gusts up to 60mph.

Delaware residents were encouraged to travel in 'emergencies only' as some Pennsylvania counties issued state of emergency warnings.

Boston will see its first since 2022 through 7am on Tuesday.

Southern Delaware and the Jersey Shore can expect blizzard conditions beginning on Sunday. Snow could accumulate up to 24 inches, reported CBS.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting noon Sunday ahead of what she called a 'severe' storm.

Washington DC and Philadelphia are forecast to be hit before the storm eventually reaches New York, with snowfall beginning as early as 7am on Sunday.

Delays were expected at regional airports in wake of the snow storm, with New York City authorities already warning that cancellations and delays were typical after blizzard condition

Temperatures will peak back up at 40F by midweek, allowing the snow accumulation to melt

New York City will deploy 2,200 snow plows in its first blizzard in almost a decade

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the Big Apple, Long Island and portions of the Hudson Valley.

In the city, where the heaviest snowfall is expected, accumulations could begin from 7pm Sunday and last to noon Monday, per the National Weather Service.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless it was 'absolutely necessary.'

'If you can stay home, stay home,' he wrote.

The city will deploy 2,200 snow plows, hundreds of shovelers and employees to combat snow accumulation.

Fortunately, this time around temperatures in most places are forecasted are expected to skyrocket to the 40s by mid-week, melting the snow inevitably piled up on sidewalks.

Forecasts predict the systems pressure to intensify rapidly, forming what is known as a bomb cyclone or an Arctic hurricane.

While much of the US was walloped by an intense winter storm in January, snowfall can only be classified as blizzard conditions if wind speeds are above 35mph.
American soldiers have reportedly been relocated from a major military base in Qatar as Senator Lindsey Graham has publicly called on the president to strike Iran amid escalating tensions between the two nations.

The US has long feared that Iran is developing nuclear capabilities, and indirect negotiations between the two in Geneva last week reportedly failed to manifest a meaningful conclusion.

Iran has denied motivations to develop a nuclear arsenal, but has maintained its right to enrich uranium, which is the most-used fuel for nuclear power.

President Trump has strongly alluded to a military strike to force Iran to come to the table for negotiations, telling reporters on Friday that he was 'considering' it.

Multiple reports have also pointed to an increased military presence on bases in the Middle East.

US officials told ABC News on Saturday that hundreds of personnel at a base in Qatar were relocating ahead of a possible strike.

Although the report did not state the exact base, the major military facility in Qatar is the Al Udeid Air Base.

The outlet reported that 35,000 troops had been stationed in the Middle East ahead of potential military action, including the USS Gerald Ford, 100 cargo planes, fighter jets, and the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group.

President Donald Trump has strongly alluded to military action against Iran if the nation does not come to the table on nuclear negotiations. The president is pictured above on Saturday

New reports have claimed that hundreds of personnel at a base in Qatar were relocating ahead of a possible military strike against Iran. The Udeid Air Base in Qatar is pictured above in 2021

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with United States Senator Lindsey Graham at his Jerusalem office on February 16, 2025

Dozens of aircraft were also seen parked at a base in Jordan, known as Muwaffaq Salti, according to flight tracking data reviewed by the New York Times.

Satellite imagery revealed 60 aircraft, at least another 68 cargo planes, several drones, helicopters, F-35 stealth jets, and new air defenses have landed at the base.

In addition to increased military presence, the global Brent oil benchmark has spiked over the past two days.

Iran accounts for less than three percent of global oil output, but the surge could signal military action because the country controls the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates about 20 percent of global oil supply.

Trump has appeared lukewarm on the possibility of military action, refusing to publicly commit either way.

Longtime ally to the president, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, has now made a public declaration about his stance on a potential strike.

'I understand concerns about major military operations in the Middle East given past entanglements,' Graham told Axios.

'However, the voices who counsel against getting entangled seem to ignore the consequences of letting evil go unchecked.'

Graham explained that he believed those advising the president not to strike Iran were 'getting louder,' adding, 'Time will tell as to how this plays out.'

Naval units from Iran and Russia simulate the rescue of a hijacked vessel during the joint naval drills held at the Port of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz in Hormozgan, Iran on February 19, 2026

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after an Iranian attack at the Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, June 25, 2025

A combination of satellite images shows an increase in the number of aircraft at the Al-Udeid Air Base, near Doha, Qatar, comparing January 17, 2026 and February 1, 2026

The senator clarified that he respected Trump's decision and believed that the president would be held accountable either way.

Graham has been a vocal opponent of the Iranian regime. He spoke at a rally in Munich, Germany, earlier this month to express solidarity with those demanding regime change.

'I believe the Ayatollah is a religious Nazi, who would keep the region and the world in turmoil,' Graham wrote on X after his speech.

'He's a religious fanatic who wants to purify Islam, destroy the Jewish people and come after the United States, which he refers to as the Great Satan.'

Graham also visited the Middle East and discussed Iran with officials in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (L) meeting with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at Qasr Al-Shati in Abu Dhabi on February 18, 2026

Iranian women wave Iran's national flags during a memorial ceremony for those killed in anti-government protests earlier last month, at the Mosallah mosque in Tehran on February 17

He praised Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya on social media after meeting with the leaders.

During his recent trip to Israel, Graham said in a press briefing from Tel Aviv that a decision on action against Iran is 'weeks, not months away.'

Negotiations are expected to continue, but Iranian officials have warned that if their nation is attacked, they will respond 'decisively.'
Aussies have vowed to boycott The Coffee Club after its director called for tougher immigration policies, despite being the son of Greek migrants.

John Lazarou, who started at the popular cafe in 1989 as a duty manager, shared the comments on Sunday.

The Coffee Club was established in Brisbane and operates in 13 countries, with at least 200 stores across Australia.

Mr Lazarou said he no longer sees Australia as 'a harmonious nation' and said 'unrest and racial tensions are getting worse'.

'We have to look at what kind of people we're letting in and stop opening the door to just anybody,' Mr Lazarou told the Courier Mail.

The 63-year-old said he is in support of raising the standards for entry into Australia, however he drew a line at blacklisting immigrants from high-risk countries.

He said he had seen how much of an influence One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has had on regional Australia.

'They love Pauline in the country, and a lot of people are saying, "Give her a go, she can't do any more damage than has already been done,"' he said.

John Lazarou, director of The Coffee Club, believes Australia should 'stop opening the door to just anybody'

The Coffee Club has over 200 stores across Australia, some of them franchised

'I think with the disastrous government we've had, I would welcome a change personally.'

Despite being raised in the multicultural hub of Brisbane's West End, Mr Lazarou said people shouldn't be a 'nation of tribes' but should 'become one.'

'The moment my parents arrived in the late 1950s they learned quickly what the Australian way was and adopted the lifestyle here,' he said.

'Language was a barrier but they assimilated.

'And that's what's different about the immigrants coming in today. They want to live the life they were living (in their former country).'

Dozens of angry Aussies took to social media to vow they would boycott any of Mr Lazarou's stores.

'More places that I won't be frequenting. Got it,' one said.

'These people are going to find out pretty soon that we won't tolerate that kind of hypocritical nonsense.'

Join the debate Should business leaders speak out about immigration if their families were once migrants too?

Mr Lazarou with his wife Maria - they share four children and nine grandchildren

Another said: 'Boycott them. Start supporting the small businesses, coffee cart business owners etc.'

Others also referenced Mr Lazarou's immigrant background, with some slamming him as 'hypocritical'.

A person said: 'It irks me when I see children of immigrants who grow up and put the latest immigrants through the same c*** they copped.'

'He needs to look at who is buying his franchises. Many of them are immigrants or children of immigrants,' a woman added.

Another said: 'What a lot of rubbish from that man. I have been to several of these over the past few years that are being run by/staffed with immigrants.

'Absolutely over this blame game.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Mr Lazarou and The Coffee Club for comment.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will be suspended at US airports starting Sunday due to a weeklong funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS administers both of these programs, which allow travelers who pay a yearly fee to get through security lines faster. PreCheck is exclusively for domestic fliers, while Global Entry can be used to expedite waits for those returning to the US from abroad.

DHS said pausing these programs is an emergency measure to shuffle staff around after Congress could not agree on a funding package for the agency by the February 14 deadline, causing a partial government shutdown.

PreCheck and Global Entry will no longer be available from 6am ET.

In a statement to The Washington Post, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is 'making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions' while prioritizing the 'general traveling population' at airports and ports of entry.

'This is the third time that Democrat politicians have shut down this department during the 119th Congress,' Noem said in a statement.

'Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers national security.'

Starting Sunday, DHS is also suspending police escorts for members of Congress traveling to airports.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now set to halt all 'non-disaster related response to prioritize disasters,' Noem said. She mentioned the upcoming snowstorm in the Northeast this week as one such disaster FEMA will prioritize.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will be suspended at US airports starting Sunday at 6am ET. The Department of Homeland Security, which administers these programs, has been out of funding since February 14

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and other Republicans, have railed against the Democrats for refusing to fund the agency. Democrats have demanded that DHS agree to reforms in the wake of the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti

In the leadup to the partial government shutdown last week, Democrats refused to fund DHS unless Republicans agreed to new restrictions on the agency after federal agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti last month in Minneapolis.

Democratic lawmakers want federal agents to wear body cameras, no longer wear masks, get judicial warrants to make arrests or searches inside people's homes and to stop raiding churches and schools.

They also want agents to show their IDs when asked, and for them to stop 'racial profiling' during their operations.

This is the third shutdown in the last several months, with the latest being the 43-day shutdown in October and November that left nearly 750,000 federal employees without pay and tens of millions at risk of losing SNAP benefits.

That shutdown, which began on October 1 and lasted until November 12, was triggered after Democrats demanded Republicans extend subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans.

This shutdown only affects DHS, which makes up 13 percent of the federal workforce with some 260,000 employees.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the two agencies Democrats want to reform, will likely be able to continue operating normally despite the DHS funding lapse.

That's because the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed last year, allocated $75 billion to ICE and $65 billion to CBP over the next four years.

Immigration enforcement operations are likely to continue relatively unimpeded thanks to the Republican bill passed last year that allocated $75 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $65 billion to Customs and Border Protection over the next four years (Pictured: Federal agents detain locals in Minneapolis on January 21, 2026)

Agencies like FEMA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did not get boosts in funding last year, meaning they are more vulnerable.

It's not clear when the impasse will break. Congress has been on a scheduled recess for the past week.

Democratic leaders have been negotiating with the White House and sent an offer on Monday, according to a spokesperson for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

For now Democrats have said they are willing to block funding for DHS until their demands are met, even though they don't want TSA and FEMA to be negatively impacted.

White House deputy chief of staff James Blair went on Fox News on Tuesday to accuse Democrats of 'grandstanding'.

'Theyre saying right now, OK, were going to close DHS until you basically stop enforcing immigration law in this country. Were not going to do that,' he said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also called the most recent Democratic offer 'unserious', meaning a deal is likely far off.
READ MORE: Researchers develop device that can detect an opioid overdose

The poppies can be used to make opioids

Thieves have stolen hundreds of 'toxic' poppy heads from a rural farm, prompting a public health alert over the potentially life-threatening products.

Police are investigating after intruders looted about 1,700 dried poppy plants from a farm in Ballarat between February 14 and 16, police said.

Victoria's health department issued a public alert on Saturday over the theft of the alkaloid poppy plant heads, grown for the pharmaceutical industry.

'These poppies are very different from traditional opioid poppies and contain dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine, with risk of life-threatening toxicity,' the health alert stated.

'They contain only tiny amounts of traditional opioids like morphine and codeine.'

Health officials said unlike the opioids in traditional opium poppies, thebaine does not produce pain relief, sedation or euphoria but instead stimulates the nervous system and can lead to seizures, high body temperature, and life-threatening toxicity.

'Any exposure to thebaine may cause toxicity,' they said.

Oripavine has some opioid activity, such as sedation and slowed breathing.

About 1,700 dried poppy plants have been stolen from a farm in Ballarat

However, it isn't used medically because it can also cause severe toxicity and life-threatening complications at high doses, which may be unpredictable, particularly when combined with thebaine.

The health department said naloxone, which reverses opioid toxicity, will reverse the opioid effects of oripavine but not its toxic stimulant effects nor will it reverse thebaine toxicity.

'Victoria Police strongly discourages any handling, transport, or experimentation with the plants,' a police spokeswoman said.

There are strict rules around Victoria's commercial alkaloid poppy industry, with the crops grown in various locations in regional farms.

Crops are planted between autumn and spring and harvested between December and February.

After flowering, the poppy capsules develop and dry out before the dry capsules and a small amount of stem are harvested for processing, Agriculture Victoria said.

The theft in Victoria comes after looters stole a large amount of poppy capsules from a regulated crop growing between Tunbridge and Campbell Town in Tasmania's Northern Midlands.

Tasmania Police are looking at a vehicle or possibly multiple vehicles believed to have been parked next to the crop in January when the theft occurred.

Victoria Health warned the stolen poppies 'are very different from traditional opioid poppies and contain dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine'

Between 2022 and 2023, at least 40 people experienced life-threatening effects after drinking thebaine-contaminated poppy seed tea.

The flower has been linked to several deaths in Tasmania, including a Danish tourist who drank a tea made from the plant in 2014.

In NSW, at least eight people wound up in hospital with poisoning symptoms after consuming large amounts of poppy seeds in late 2022.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Journalist and former ZimFirst spokesperson Jealous Mawarire says there is no transparency in how Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) licence fees are being used, arguing that the public can only have confidence in the system if government discloses who receives a mysterious 4% share of the collected funds.Mawarire made the remarks on his X (formerly Twitter) account while responding to government spokesperson Nick Mangwana."There is no transparency to talk about on how the ZBC licence fees are used. If your Ministry is transparent, tell us who is the UNKNOWN entity who collects 4% of the ZBC licence fees when it's collected by the Vendor," Mawarire wrote.He said he was aware that the vendor responsible for the collection system receives 15% of the fees, while BAZ, Transmedia and ZBC share 81%. However, he questioned why official documents list an additional 4% going to an unnamed entity.Mawarire said that in December 2025, a total of 180,320 vehicles paid radio licence fees, generating US$5,048,960. In January 2026, 196,310 vehicles paid, bringing in US$5,496,680.He said this meant that in January alone, US$219,867 - representing 4% - went to an entity referred to only as "UNKNOWN"."What it also means is that US$2.6 million of the ZBC licences collected annually goes to an UNKNOWN entity. One that you, or any other public official, are afraid to mention by name," he said."That's part of the money we are seeing being misused every day. That's the Zimbabwe under @edmnangagwa, a crime scene. So don't talk of transparency' because there is none in ED's government and its StateOwned Enterprises."Responding earlier, Mangwana had said government believes in transparency and that citizens have a right to know how public funds are used."As Government, we have no qualms with being held accountable; in fact, we welcome it. To that end, my brother Rash, please understand that 30% of the revenue from licence fees is being channelled directly into expanding the national transmission network," Mangwana said.He added that the new licence regime, introduced in July 2025, ensures that "every cent received has been, and continues to be, fully accounted for"."Zimbabweans can rest assured that this Government will not allow their hardearned money to be abused or misappropriated," he said.
A NSW Police helicopter has been spotted circling an area near where a grandfather's hostage video was filmed, just hours after investigators confirmed a burnt out car was linked to his case.

Chris Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped in what police believed to be a case of mistaken identity on Friday, February 13.

The beloved grandfather was snatched from his home in North Ryde, north Sydney, and bundled into a dark-coloured SUV shortly before dawn.

Mr Baghsarian, who relies on daily medication, was then taken to a property in Dural, about 20km from North Ryde, and beaten before being forced to film a video directed at a gangland figure.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, NSW Police confirmed a vehicle found last week was tied to Mr Baghsarian's kidnapping.

A massive fire had engulfed two vehicles on Good Street, in Westmead - about 20km in the opposite direction of Dural from North Ryde, about 11.30pm on Monday.

The targeted vehicle was a 2022 Toyota Corolla stolen from Victoria with the registration 1UZ2BU.

'Investigators believe the Toyota Corolla in the images released is linked to the crime scene at an address in Dural, which is determined to be linked to the kidnapping,' NSW Police said in a statement.

A burnt out car (above) was tied to the kidnapping of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian

Mr Baghsarian (above) was snatched from his home in North Ryde on February 13

A property in Glenorie was being searched by NSW Police on Sunday

It's understood Baghsarian was beaten and forced to film hostage-style videos at an abandoned home in Dural (above)

'As the intensive investigation continues to locate Mr Baghsarian and to identify and arrest those responsible for his kidnapping, police are appealing for further public assistance.'

Following that discovery, NSW Police were seen executing a large-scale operation on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie, 30km north-west of North Ryde, on Sunday.

NSW Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia there is currently an ongoing operation in Glenorie.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage relating to the kidnapping or suspicious activity in the Westmead area is urged to contact detectives.

More to come...
Gordon Brown has claimed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet Jeffrey Epstein.

The former prime minister has demanded an investigation into Andrew's 10-year tenure as a trade envoy in letters sent to various police forces.

The disgraced former prince had earned himself the nickname 'Airmiles Andy', according to The Telegraph, for frequently using public money for private leisure and business trips.

And Brown's five-page letter claims that the 66-year-old may indeed have been expensing journeys he made to and from personal meetings with paedophile financier Epstein. It is also speculated that on those trips Andrew could have leaked confidential information to the billionaire.

Epstein, who took his own life in prison seven years ago, is understood to have landed at airports such as Edinburgh, Belfast, Liverpool Birmingham, Norfolk, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted on various trips to Britain.

On one occasion in December 2000 which has sparked concern, he and Ghislaine Maxwell flew into Luton.

The following day, the couple boarded a transfer Gulfstream jet into RAF Marham before making the 30-minute drive to visit Andrew at the Royal Sandringham Estate.

Email and flight logs disclosed by the US Justice Department have revealed that aboard the latter flight were two additional passengers, one of whom is described as an anonymous 'female'.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have used taxpayers' money to pay for flights to visit paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein (Pictured: Andrew in May 2023)

Gordon Brown has demanded an investigation into the disgraced former prince's 10-year tenure as a trade envoy in letters sent to various police forces

Brown, 75, has subsequently urged police to examine whether Epstein was given access to RAF bases by Andrew after his conviction for soliciting child prostitution in 2008.

He believes that Andrew's use of taxpayers' money could exacerbate the seriousness of his conduct after his arrest earlier this week and has highlighted concerns that the British state could have been complicit in Epstein's crimes.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: 'It is standard practice for spare capacity at RAF airfields in the UK to be used for private or commercial aircraft, subject to regulatory requirements and fees which cover all costs.

'Such use is not automatic and will only be approved when there is no adverse impact to military aircraft and where approval would not interfere with the security or smooth running of the airfield.'

Andrew spent approximately 11 hours hours in police custody on Thursday after Thameslink officers arrested him at Wood Farm earlier in the day.

It is understood the former Duke of York was taken into custody in relation to allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the British government.

The former prince's brother King Charles was not given any prior warning of the arrest although the Daily Mail revealed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's team was informed by a senior officer on Thursday morning.

The monarch said in an unprecedented statement that 'the law must take its course' after expressing his 'deepest concern' after his younger brother was held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Jeffrey Epstein (pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell) is understood to have landed at airports such as Edinburgh, Belfast, Liverpool, Birmingham, Norfolk, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted

Given Andrew (pictured after leaving police custody on Thursday) and Epstein's use of British military facilities, Brown has urged police to examine whether the latter was given access to RAF bases after his conviction for soliciting child prostitution in 2008

Charles said: 'I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

'As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.'

It was later reported that ministers will consider passing legislation to strip Andrew of his right to inherit the throne.

The younger brother of the King is currently the eighth in line to become monarch, though several politicians have now called for him to be removed from the line of succession.

Andrew had his Royal titles removed last year over his links to Epstein.

On Friday, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: 'The most important thing right now is that the police be allowed to get on with their job, acting without fear or favour.

'But clearly this is an issue that parliament is going to have to consider when the time is right  naturally the monarchy will want to make sure he can never become king.'

An Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew along with the support of the 14 Commonwealth countries where the King is Head of State, including New Zealand, Canada and Australia, where legislation would also be needed.

On Friday night, Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray confirmed that the Government was 'considering any further steps that might be required', and are not ruling anything out.

Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Layla Moran told the BBC today that she had tried to put forward a backbench Bill yesterday to remove Andrew from the line of succession but that it would need to be put forward 'in government time'.

'If you can't be a prince then you shouldn't be king,' she said. 'There is a bizarre quirk of the way the line of succession works where Andrew could still become king and there would be protests in the streets if that happened and that would be the end of the monarchy.'

King Charles (pictured on February 19) said in an unprecedented statement that 'the law must take its course' after expressing his 'deepest concern' after his younger brother was held on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing amid accusations levelled against him over his friendship with Epstein (Pictured: A picture of the former Prince from the Epstein files)

A strong police presence could be seen at the Sandringham Estate over the weekend after Andrew's arrest on Thursday

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, she called for an 'independent public inquiry' into 'who knew what when about what the Epstein Files have shown'.

Other MPs are said to believe that formal legislation is not required because Andrew is too far removed from the throne to be a concern.

However, supporters of the legislation point out that it is feasible that although he is only eighth in line, he could become a Regent to William's children in extreme circumstances if anything were to happen to both King Charles and Prince William.

He had stepped down from public duties back in 2019 over allegations about his friendship with Epstein, in the wake of his disastrous Newsnight interview.

But pressure has grown for further action following continued allegations about Andrew after the further release of documents and photographs from the Epstein Files.

It is understood that Thames Valley Police are yet to receive any 'early investigative advice' from the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to the allegation.

The Daily Mail has contacted Andrew's representatives for comment.
A Cabinet minister insisted 'all options' are on the table today as a senior MP urged Parliament to launch a treason probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bridget Phillipson said the Government is ready to do 'whatever it takes', but stressed action must wait until the police finish investigating.

The comments came after former security minister Tom Tugendhat said a special committee of MPs, peers and retired judges should look into the implications for the state.

He said the issues go 'beyond what a court could reasonably consider' - suggesting the inquiry should be able to summon witnesses and demand evidence.

Dai Davies, a former head of Scotland Yard's Royal Protection Command, has told the Mirror an independent inquiry led by a judge is needed.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (pictured last year) and Lord Mandelson are being investigated by police over allegations of misconduct in public office. Both deny any criminal wrongdoing

Lord Mandelson  who has also had his two properties searched by police  was seen leaving his north London home yesterday

Bridget Phillipson said the Government is ready to do 'whatever it takes', but stressed action must wait until the police finish investigating

The former prince is being investigated by police over allegations of misconduct in public office, with ex-Cabinet minister Lord Mandelson also being probed. Both deny any criminal wrongdoing.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is accused of passing Epstein confidential material from his time as a government trade envoy. He has been arrested and released while the investigation continues.

New Labour architect Lord Mandelson is accused of emailing sensitive Cabinet information to Epstein at the height of the Credit Crunch, while he was a minister in Gordon Brown's administration.

Mr Tugendhat, a Tory MP, told the Sun on Sunday: 'This affair raises urgent questions about foreign influence and national security. What did the Palace know? What did ministers know? What else is being hidden?

'This goes beyond what a court could reasonably consider. Parliament must consider what it means for the country. If the worst is proved, do we need to revisit treason laws written 700 years ago?

He added: 'If these accusations are true, they expose something rotten at the top of the State. If they are not, the public needs proof that the guardrails are strong.

'Either way, Parliament must send a clear message - Britain will defend itself from every threat, even if it comes from the very top.'

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor spent 11 hours in police custody on Thursday, on his 66th birthday, before being released under investigation, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy.

Detectives continued to search his former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, on Friday and Saturday.

He has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.

Former security minister Tom Tugendhat said a special committee of MPs, peers and retired judges should look into the implications for the state

It is understood Keir Starmer's Government will consider introducing such legislation once police have finished their investigation into the King's disgraced brother.

Lord Mandelson  who has also had his two properties searched by police  was seen leaving his north London home yesterday.

A taxi arrived as the former business secretary was seen leaving his front door carrying a tote bag. He smiled at the taxi driver before entering the car, moving past a small group of waiting photographers.

Asked whether the Government would consider launching a judge-led inquiry, Ms Phillipson told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky: 'We'll look at any sensible proposals that do come forward.

'But it's premature at the moment, because we do have the police doing their work.

'They need to have the time and space to do so, as the King set out, no one is above the law, and it's right that the police go wherever the evidence takes them, so that has to be the focus at the moment.'

Pressed on GB News about the prospect of removing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, Ms Phillipson said: 'Our position is that we should keep all of these options open, but we need the police investigation to carry on, so nothing will happen while this police investigation is underway.

'But we do believe that all options should be open for consideration. This is extremely serious.'
This is the moment a police officer defends a Christian preacher in Whitechapel and is told: 'This is a Muslim area.'

The confrontation sees a female Met Police officer being surrounded by males and telling them: 'In this country, we have freedom of speech.'

She continued: 'I understand that you guys don't want to hear it, so I would just recommend that you walk away and don't listen to him. He's not in your home.'

In a noisy and chaotic scene, a man wearing a black surgical mask appears to tell the officer in reply: 'This is Whitechapel, this is a Muslim area.'

The Scotland Yard officer has been widely praised for how she handled the situation, and, in some quarters, was hailed as a hero.

The situation at times threatened to boil over, with footage from the encounter in Whitechapel Road widely shared on social media.

A male clutching a microphone and Bible can be heard preaching the Gospel in the viral footage, which is believed to have happened on Monday, a day before Ramadan began.

It took place just yards from the East London Mosque, one of the largest in Western Europe, which can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers for daily prayers.

This is the moment a police officer defends a Christian preacher in Whitechapel and is told: 'This is a Muslim area'

A male clutching a microphone and Bible (right) can be heard preaching the Gospel in Whitechapel Road, just yards from the East London Mosque

In one clip, a bearded male shouts at the preacher 'talk about Jesus, don't talk about Muhammad. Don't say Muhammad.'

A male wearing a knee-length black puffer coat and mask then shoves the preacher in the back, which causes him to stumble forward.

Another man is later repeatedly heard shouting at the preacher: 'Your God is a Jew.'

A male later explained to the female officer that he phoned police as the preacher was 'talking about the prophet, then he said like a donkey' which was upsetting 'hundreds of people' walking past.

He then accuses the preacher of 'spreading hatred' and alleges he was calling the Black Stone in the sacred Kaaba building in Mecca 'a box'.

But the evangelist denies this and says he was quoting from Muhammad 'who says if a donkey brays it's because he is seeing Satan'.

The female officer defends the preacher and explains to a group of males that 'in this country we have freedom of speech, the same way you guys have your freedom of speech'.

'You guys don't need to see eye-to-eye, and you don't need to agree,' she says.

The evangelist denies he was calling Muhammad a donkey and explained he was quoting the prophet 'who says if a donkey brays it's because he is seeing Satan'

'You're all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but they're not being aggressive.'

According to the most recent Census, 52.2 per cent of the 18,841 people who live in Whitechapel are Muslim.

The officer continues: 'I understand that you guys don't want to hear it, so I would recommend that you just move away and don't listen to him.'

Another male approaches the officer and complains that 'he is in our community, and you don't see Muslims walking around and insulting other faiths'.

The police constable responds: 'You guys can preach about your religion the same way he is.'

She denies that he is inciting hatred but admits he is at risk of being assaulted. But she reassures the group that cameras are monitoring the area in what she describes as a 'heavily Muslim community'.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Met Police for comment.
Unmarked police cars arrived at Royal Lodge this morning for the fourth day in a row as they continue to gather evidence following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former prince, 66, was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, and spent 11 hours in police custody before being released pending further investigation.

Police are expected to continue their search of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park until Monday.

Andrew lived on the estate from 2004 until he was kicked out at the beginning of the month, reportedly paying 'peppercorn rent' for years.

Four police patrol cars were also seen arriving at Andrew's current home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.

It comes as former security minister Tom Tugendhat called for Parliament to launch a treason investigation into Andrew and Lord Mandelson surrounding their links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Tugendhat said a special committee of MPs, peers and retired judges should look into the implications for the state.

He said the issues go 'beyond what a court could reasonably consider' - suggesting the inquiry should be able to summon witnesses and demand evidence.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was pictured looking shell-shocked after spending a day in police custody on Thursday

Unmarked police cars were seen arriving at Andrew's former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor today

Police patrol cars were seen arriving at Wood Farm this morning, the property where Andrew currently resides

The former prince and Lord Mandelson are being investigated by police over allegations of misconduct in public office. Both deny any criminal wrongdoing.

Accusations over Andrew's links to Epstein have plagued the family for years and finally came to a head with the release of files from his estate by the US Department of Justice.

Some appeared to show the eighth-in-line to the throne sharing sensitive information during his time as a trade envoy.

Mr Tugendhat, a Tory MP, told the Sun on Sunday: 'This affair raises urgent questions about foreign influence and national security. What did the Palace know? What did ministers know? What else is being hidden?

'This goes beyond what a court could reasonably consider. Parliament must consider what it means for the country. If the worst is proved, do we need to revisit treason laws written 700 years ago?'

He added: 'If these accusations are true, they expose something rotten at the top of the State. If they are not, the public needs proof that the guardrails are strong.

'Either way, Parliament must send a clear message - Britain will defend itself from every threat, even if it comes from the very top.'

Former security minister Tom Tugendhat called for Parliament to launch a treason investigation into Andrew

Four police patrol cars were seen arriving at the Sandringham Estate to keep it secure following his arrest

Andrew is now residing at Wood Farm on the King's private estate, the property where his father spent much of his final years.

The home is hidden from public view, around 300 yards down a private driveway in Wolferton on the edge of the Norfolk estate.

He is eventually set to move into his new home in Marsh Farm, a far less private property on the estate, which is still undergoing renovations to make it ready for his arrival.

The arrest of the former prince triggered arguably the biggest crisis in the monarchy for nearly 400 years.

In an unprecedented personal statement on Thursday, King Charles expressed his 'deepest concern' that the police had picked up his brother on his 66th birthday.

Charles said: 'I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

'As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.'

Police officers were pictured at the entrance to Wood Farm on the King's private estate

It is the fourth day that police have been searching the home where Andrew lived for 22 years

Pressure is now mounting for Andrew to be removed from the line of royal succession.

Andrew had his royal titles removed last year over his links to Epstein but remains eighth in line to the throne.

Labour MP Luke Pollard said it was 'the right thing to do' and confirmed that the Government was actively considering legislation to remove his right of succession once the police investigation into him had been concluded.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the case of Andrew is something MPs will have to consider 'when the time is right' to make sure he cannot become king.

'The most important thing right now is that the police be allowed to get on with their job, acting without fear or favour,' he said.

'But clearly this is an issue that Parliament is going to have to consider when the time is right, naturally the monarchy will want to make sure he can never become king.'

Andrew Bowie, a senior Tory MP, said it would be 'the decent thing' for Andrew to now voluntarily give up his place in the line of succession.

'I think it would be the decent thing,' the shadow Scotland secretary said.

Pressure has been building to remove Andrew from the line of succession, the former duke is currently eighth in line to the throne

'Of course, if he's found guilty of this, I think Parliament would be well within its rights to act to remove him from the line of succession.

'But, let's remember, he's not been found guilty of anything just yet  he has yet to be charged with anything.'

Constitutional experts said it would be a complex process to pass legislation to formally remove Andrew from the line of succession.

An Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew along with the support of the 14 Commonwealth countries where the King is Head of State, including New Zealand, Canada and Australia, where legislation would also be needed.

On Friday night, Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray confirmed that the Government was considering any further steps that might be required', and are not ruling anything out.

Supporters of the legislation point out that it is feasible that, although he is only eighth in line, he could become a Regent to William's children in extreme circumstances if anything were to happen to both King Charles and Prince William.

He had stepped down from public duties back in 2019 over allegations about his friendship with Epstein, in the wake of his disastrous Newsnight interview.

But pressure has grown for further action following continued allegations about Andrew after the further release of documents and photographs from the Epstein Files.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
Keir Starmer is scrambling to stop Donald Trump's latest tariff assault inflicting more damage on the UK economy today.

The US president has escalated his response after the Supreme Court dramatically struck down his 'liberation day' reciprocal levies on Friday.

Mr Trump initially said he would be imposing a new 10 per cent global levy - but then upped that to 15 per cent yesterday.

Businesses warned the move means many will face higher tariffs than before the intervention by the American legal system, as the rate previously applied to the UK was 10 per cent.

British officials hope the changes will not affect preferential arrangements the PM negotiated on steel, cars and pharmaceuticals, but the situation remains unclear.

The US administration is also threatening to step up pressure for the UK to make concessions on chlorinated chicken, pharmaceutical costs and tech firms.

Donald Trump has escalated his response after the Supreme Court dramatically struck down his 'liberation day' reciprocal levies on Friday

William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC, said: 'We had feared that the President's plan B response could be worse for British businesses and so it is proving.

'This means an extra 5 per cent increase in tariffs on a wide range of UK goods exports to the US, except those covered under the Economic Prosperity Deal.

'This will be bad for trade, bad for US consumers and businesses and weaken global economic growth. Businesses on both sides of the Atlantic need a period of clarity and certainty. Higher tariffs are not the way to achieve that.'

Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist for Oxford Economics, told the Telegraph: 'For the UK that thought it had secured a more advantageous 10 per cent rate this is something of an eff you.'

Mr Trump used 'emergency powers' to introduce the reciprocal tariffs in April, but that was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.

He has signed a presidential order to reinstate the global levies, but must get approval from Congress within 150 days.

Facing broadcasters this morning, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was asked whether it was time to use the 'steel fist' rather than the 'velvet glove' with the White House.

'You talked about the approach in whether you take a hard approach or a more nuanced approach  it has to be a combination of all of those things,' the minister told Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

'In reality you get more done when you are prepared to have serious conversations, often not in front of cameras or out there in the public, but actually behind the scenes, working closely between governments, and we do have a really strong relationship with the US.

'That is something that is not about one president or one prime minister, it's about that long-standing and enduring relationship that is right for our country and right for national security.'

Asked about the implications of the new tariff rate for Britain, she said: 'So, we did secure a preferential deal.

'We, through the work that the Prime Minister has been leading in engaging with the US government and with President Trump, we would hope and expect that to continue, but these discussions are ongoing.

'This is an evolving situation. But, of course, we want to get the best possible deal for British businesses.

'I understand the uncertainty it does cause for them, but they can be assured that we will always be working to make sure they get everything that they need.'

The UK Government said it expects Britain's 'privileged trading position with the US' to continue despite the 15 per cent rate.

A spokesman said: 'This is a matter for the US to determine but we will continue to support UK businesses as further details are announced.

'Under any scenario, we expect our privileged trading position with the US to continue and will work with the administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world.'

Mr Trump used 'emergency powers' to introduce the reciprocal tariffs in April, but that was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court

In his post on Saturday, the US President said: 'Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday, after MANY months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10 per cent Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been 'ripping' the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15 per cent level.'
King Charles should admit what he knew about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's misconduct, when he found out and what he did about it, a royal expert has said.

The monarch's younger brother was arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday on Thursday over suspicions of misconduct in public office.

It came amid the ongoing fallout over Andrew's friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein - with Charles said to have become increasingly concerned about allegations against his brother.

But after the Mail on Sunday revealed the King was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Family's name was being 'abused' by Andrew's business associations, royal expert Andrew Lownie has insisted Charles must admit how much he knew.

Mr Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said: 'I suspect we may see other charges being laid on Andrew in the course of the next few months.

'I think it will be very damaging if it is revealed that King Charles knew about this. And, you know, I think he needs to come clean on what he knew, when he knew it and what he did about it.

'Because if he's been covering this up, then I think his position will become very difficult.'

Following his brother's arrest on Thursday, Charles issued an unprecedented statement confirming his 'wholehearted support and co-operation' with the investigation into Andrew.

King Charles attending London Fashion Week on Thursday - the same day his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (left) speaking to King Charles at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September last year - while Prince William (right) stands apart

The King added: 'I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.'

But following a raid on Andrew's new and former homes on Thursday, the future of the royal family has been thrown into doubt as revelations about how much Charles may have known rise to the surface.

Mr Lownie added: 'There's a sort of culture of fear in the States about doing anything.

'But, you know, we're very lucky that this was initiated by the police. And, you know, they said they would do it without fear and favour.

'No one's above the law. And I'm afraid that that feeling doesn't exist yet in the States. But I think as more names emerge and it's seen that people are being held to account in this country, we may see some of the people in the States being brought to justice.'

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

Today, the Mail on Sunday revealed Charles was warned in as early as 2019 that the Royal Family's name was being exploited by Andrew's business associations.

In a bombshell email, a whistleblower told the Palace that the former Duke had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland, who was abusing his royal links.

Messages seen by this newspaper also appear to show that Andrew allowed Mr Rowland to effectively join in with his official duties.

The cache of emails threaten to draw Charles further into the crisis, triggered by Andrew's links to Epstein, and allegations he passed potentially confidential and sensitive documents to the convicted paedophile.

On Thursday, Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew had been arrested that morning, with officers able to hold him without charge for 24 hours from the time he arrived at a police station.

He was later photographed in the back of a car leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm.

The Daily Mail was the first to reveal that plain-clothes police, carried in six unmarked vehicles, had arrived at Wood Farm, where Andrew now lives, at around 8am on Thursday.
Laws should be tightened to stop an Islamic State-linked cohort from obtaining passports and returning to Australia, the Opposition says.

But the minister responsible insists the threshold has not been reached to bar the group from receiving travel documents, despite declaring the government does not want them to return.

Some 34 women and children tied to Australians who travelled to the Middle East to fight for the militant group have been trying for days to travel home from a Syrian camp.

The so-called 'ISIS brides' have been issued Australian passports - a right afforded to citizens - but one of the women has been given a temporary exclusion order, barring their re-entry for up to two years.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said security agencies had not passed on any advice that would block the group from receiving the required travel documents to return to Australia.

'There's been no advice from ASIO that the passports act provisions have been activated,' he told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.

'On the information that we have, the best way to protect Australians has not involved any further temporary exclusion orders.

'We don't want them to come back ... we're actively making sure we do nothing to help them.'

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke (above) defended giving former ISIS brides and their children Australian passports

The 11 women and 23 children - all linked to Islamic State members - were granted documents to travel to Australia

A group of about 34 women and children attempted to travel to Australia from Al Roj camp (above) in Syria

Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam said laws needed to be changed to stop the cohort from being issued passports.

'If the government are serious about not wanting these people to come back, toughen the laws, keep them out, protect the safety of our country,' he said.

'How is it that a group of people who have travelled to Syria, who no doubt had their passports revoked when they travelled to these declared areas under the criminal code, are now eligible for a passport?'

Experts have warned members of the group could face a greater chance of radicalisation if they are forced to stay in Syria.

The 34-strong cohort was not a coherent group, Mr Burke said, but enough information was available to issue the single exclusion order.

'Our agencies have been following them for a long time,' he said.

The minister noted a majority of the cohort were born in Australia and he confirmed state and federal agencies had been working together to mitigate any potential risks during their return.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was not in contact with any member of the cohort, but threatened charges could apply if they returned to Australia.

Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam (above) called for a law change so the group could be blocked from accessing Australian passports - a right afforded to all citizens

Duniam said of the Albanese Government's current laws: 'If the government are serious about not wanting these people to come back, toughen the laws, keep them out' (pictured are some of the former ISIS brides in Syria)

'Australian citizens have rights and they also have responsibilities, and those responsibilities mean that the Australian government, like with anyone else, will apply the full force of the law to anyone who has broken Australian law,' he told Sky News.

'What we have is a situation whereby, is Australia providing repatriation, which did occur in 2019 and 2022? No is the answer to that.'

Labor has been under pressure from the Opposition to block the entire group from entering Australia, but Mr Albanese said his government was operating under laws introduced by the coalition.

'When it comes to the issue of citizenship, that has rights as well under our constitution,' he said.

'There are issues there and the coalition know that is the case.'

Senator Duniam said previous repatriations of Australians with links to Islamic State under the Scott Morrison-led coalition government had only been orphaned children.
A corner shop has been shut down after health and safety inspectors discovered the 'worst infestation' of mice 'they have ever seen'.

Crisp packets ripped into and eaten by the rodents were for sale on the shelves of a Premier Express in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Mouse droppings littered the shelves next to sweets which were also for sale.

A disgusted member of the public decided to put a stop to this and filed a complaint with Portsmouth City Council.

Health inspectors were sent round and were appalled by the discovery, so issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition notice on the shop - shutting it down.

A district judge has since granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court along with full costs to confirm the closure.

The order means Pinal and Mehul Ltd, the food business operator, is banned from trading from the Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh until the infestation is resolved because of the 'imminent risk of illness'.

Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, said: 'The environmental health officer who visited described this as one of the worst infestations they have ever seen in a retail business.

Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh has been court ordered to shut until it deals with the 'worst infestation' of mice health inspectors 'have ever seen'

Mice had torn into packets of crisps and Mini Cheddars and feasted on the snacks which were still for sale

Several packets were found with nibbled holes in them

Mouse droppings littered the shelves of the corner shop

'Mice can spread diseases such as salmonella and campylobacter through their droppings and urine, so when they come into contact with open food or contaminate the outside of packets like in this case, there is an imminent risk of illness to people's health.

'We want to work with businesses to resolve any issues before they get to this dangerous state and have to be closed, and thankfully the vast majority of the city's traders operate good hygiene practices.'

In December last year, a south London cheese shop was fined 75,000 after health inspectors found droppings and nibbled ham on the premises.

Croydon Magistrates' Court convicted and sentenced Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd in November after breaches of food safety standards were uncovered at two separate locations in the area.

Rodents had nibbled away at one kilogram of ham in the Dulwich store's walk-in fridge, which was also contaminated with droppings in May 2024. The contaminated ham was destroyed onsite by the officers, and the store agreed to close.

The second case in June 2024 revealed more safety failures at its Tower Bridge store, again with 'extensive mouse droppings' on shelves, in storage areas and crates to transport cheese, no hot water, poor hygiene and unsanitary equipment used to cut food.

Staff were unable to confirm expiry dates for 30kg of cheese so it was destroyed and the business was closed.
The briefing war around the new Cabinet Secretary and historic allegations of bullying took a fresh twist today.

No10's ethics chief Darren Tierney is said to have ordered a safe broken into, with claims a copy of a report into Antonia Romeo was subsequently destroyed.

Keir Starmer went ahead with installing Dame Antonia as head of the civil service last week, despite some critics raising concerns about the vetting process.

She was cleared of accusations of bullying and abuse of expenses nearly a decade ago.

The Sunday Times said Mr Tierney asked maintenance staff to force open the safe in 2022, as no one had the code.

He apparently later told 'friends' he had needed the HR report on Dame Antonia to help with the redaction process for a memoir by Lord McDonald.

Keir Starmer went ahead with installing Antonia Romeo (pictured) as head of the civil service last week, despite some critics raising concerns about the vetting process

Dame Antonia replaced Chris Wormald, who was ousted barely a year after the PM (pictured) appointed him

The peer, who previously headed the Foreign Office, has expressed doubts about Dame Antonia's vetting.

The Sunday Times said the report was later destroyed alongside other files, which was said to be in line with civil service guidance about only keeping such material for three years.

However, senior government sources insisted that another copy of the report exists in Whitehall, and it was reviewed as part of the latest due diligence process.

On the claim the safe was accessed to retrieve the report, a Cabinet Office spokesman said today: 'This is entirely incorrect. A broken safe was manually opened after multiple unsuccessful attempts to open it. This had nothing to do with any HR report or the Cabinet Secretary.'

The spokesman said: 'Antonia Romeo has been appointed as cabinet secretary because she is an outstanding leader with 25 years of public service.

'She has been appointed to three different Permanent Secretary roles and has led hundreds of thousands of public servants in that time. In this time there was one formal complaint which was was raised nine years ago, thoroughly investigated, and all allegations were dismissed on the basis that there was no case to answer.

'It is entirely inappropriate to attempt to resurface these dismissed HR proceedings almost a decade later.

'The appointment process followed an enhanced due diligence process undertaken by the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office and the interim Government Chief People Officer.'

Lord McDonald, who previously headed the Foreign Office, has expressed doubts about Dame Antonia's vetting

Dame Antonia replaced Chris Wormald, who was ousted barely a year after the PM appointed him.

Sir Keir said last week: 'She is an outstanding public servant, with a 25year record of delivering for the British people.

'Since becoming Prime Minister, I've been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done.'
News / National

by Staff reporter

Delegates for the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week (SEW) have begun arriving in Victoria Falls ahead of the official opening of the regional energy indaba on Monday.The first high-level delegation to arrive was from the Eswatini. His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, Eswatini's Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, touched down on Sunday afternoon accompanied by his Permanent Secretary.Incoming delegations are being received by Zimbabwe's Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, who is leading the host country's preparations for what is expected to be a landmark regional gathering.The 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week, running from 23 to 27 February, is the bloc's premier annual platform for advancing investment, cooperation, and knowledge exchange in sustainable energy across Southern Africa.Endorsed by SADC Energy Ministers, this year's theme is: Driving Regional Economic Growth through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.The event will bring together stakeholders from across the energy ecosystem, including government ministries, policymakers, regulators, private sector companies, development partners, and financiers.Key discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional transmission infrastructure, harmonising energy efficiency policies, expanding renewable energy deployment, and integrating clean cooking solutions into national energy strategies.This year's edition will feature several first-time highlights, including presentations on National Energy Compacts and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding regional sustainable energy projects.The event is being hosted by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the Southern African Development Community Secretariat, and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE).Organisers say the gathering is expected to strengthen regional collaboration as Southern African countries accelerate efforts to achieve energy security while transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has revealed he could not see shooter Sajid Akram in the moments before he bravely wrestled his weapon from him.

Ahmed returned to the park near Bondi Pavilion at the iconic beach for the first time since December 14 for an episode of 60 Minutes that aired on Sunday.

He has avoided Bondi since the horrific terrorist attack that left 15 innocent Australians dead, the youngest of whom was just 10-years-old.

Sajid and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly shot at a Jewish family festival which had been celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on a grassy area near the sand.

Ahmed said he had wandered into the festival looking to buy a coffee but, when the chaos unfolded, it was the screams of those around him, including children, that sparked his resolve to pounce on the gunman.

He and a stranger were hiding behind two cars in a carpark while, on the footbridge above them, the two gunman were allegedly firing off round after round.

As Sajid moved off the bridge and closer to the festival in the park, Ahmed said he could not see him and trusted the stranger hiding next to him to signal and tell him when he was approaching so he could act.

'This guy, he kept telling me, ''He's coming, he's coming'' and then he says, ''He's here'' and I asked God to help me and I don't think. Just saw and do it.'

Ahmed Al Ahmed (above) was shot five times after Sajid returned to the footbridge where his son, Naveed, was allegedly stationed

A stranger hiding with Ahmed signalled to him when to act to disarm the gunman (pictured pointing the gun back at the shooter)

In an act of bravery that saw him labelled a national hero, he then wrestled the gun from Sajid and turned the weapon back onto the terrorist.

'I ran into him and hit him with my hand, right hand in his head.

'Then I grabbed him into my arm - you know, his face, his neck - try to hold him with my arm.'

Ahmed didn't shoot Sajid after he had got the gun, and said it was 'not his job' to exact revenge but to merely stop anyone else being hurt.

'Because I'm a human being, and I don't wanna put my hand in blood. My target was just to take the gun and stop him from killing a human being,' he said.

'I was screaming, I'm swearing - something very Aussie,' he said.

'I started saying, 'Motherf***er! Stop what you are doing, piece of s***'.'

He said the gunman didn't speak, but just fled back to the footbridge.

Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed was behind a car and could not see Bondi shooter Sajid Akram as he walked towards him

Sajid was fatally shot by police in the attack while his son (above) survived and recently fronted court

Sajid returned to the footbridge, allegedly alongside Naveed, and Ahmed was shot five times in his left shoulder, which he believed was revenge for trying to stop the attack.

Sajid was fatally shot by police just minutes later, quickly followed by Naveed who survived and recently made his first court appearance.

He has been charged with 59 offences including terrorism, 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of attempted murder.

The shooting lasted a little over six minutes, during which 15 innocent people were killed and more than 40 were injured.

Many of those injured, like Ahmed who has lost the use of his arm, are still recovering, and for many more the scars, both physical and mental, will be permanent.
King Charles has said he will grant police access to all files and records necessary for any investigations into his disgraced brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former prince was sensationally arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

Courtiers fear that releasing these files may reveal a cover-up, The Observer said, but one royal source told the newspaper they would be cooperating 'fully and wholeheartedly' with the investigation, as per the King's statement following his brother's detention.

The arrest came after Thames Valley Police said it was 'assessing' reports that Andrew shared confidential trade reports and investment opportunities to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 and 2011 when he was the UK's special trade envoy in Asia.

The palace declined to comment when asked if the King's official residence would be searched as part of the investigation, where Andrew had a private office and apartment until 2022.

Despite the King's push towards transparency, tremors of worry have been sent down the palace corridors. A royal source said there was danger investigators would find out senior figures at Buckingham Palace 'were aware of what Andrew was doing and covered it up'.

The former prince and Epstein were friends over the course of 15 years. But the source attempted to distance the King and Prince William from potential cover-ups, telling The Observer that it 'would have been under earlier leadership', and they would not have been party to such decisions.

Andrew was questioned for 11 hours straight following his arrest and was pictured slumped in a Range Rover attempting to hide from cameras on his way out of Aylsham Police Investigation Centre.

King Charles has said he will grant police access to all files and records necessary for any investigations into Andrew, despite courtiers worry of revealing a palace cover-up

Andrew pictured on the way back from Aylsham Police Investigation Centre following 11 hours of questioning after his arrest on Thursday

Police are now searching his former seven bedroom Windsor residence Royal Lodge. They have scope to widen their investigation if they find any evidence of other offences, senior criminal defence lawyer Marcus Johnstone said

He was taken from Wood Farm on the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk where he was placed after he was evicted from his Windsor residence Royal Lodge by King Charles earlier this month.

Police searched Wood Farm and are now searching the seven bedroom mansion Royal Lodge as part of the investigation.

Police now have a wide leeway to broaden their investigation if they find any other crimes when combing the former prince's files and possessions and will 'follow the evidence', The Observer reported.

Senior criminal defence lawyer Marcus Johnstone said that police 'won't disregard' other offences they find while investigating the initial one. He told The Observer: 'What they find on his devices might lead to more investigative work and more interviews.

'If theyre looking at one offence and they uncover another, they wont disregard it.'

He specifically mentioned that if Andrew was found to be embroiled in Epstein's sex-trafficking ring, the police would go after him for it.

The police will go after Andrew if they discover evidence linking him to Epstein's sex trafficking ring, Marcus Johnstone said. In this Epstein file picture, Andrew appears to be leering over a woman on all fours in Epstein's New York home

Former prince Andrew and his late accuser Virginia Guiffre alongside Ghislaine Maxwell. Ms Guiffre claimed he had sex with her when she was 17, which Andrew denies

Police have widened their investigation to Andrew's staff and Scotland Yard has asked all royal protection officers who have worked with the disgraced royal to report suspicions of wrongdoing.

Former royal protection officer Paul Page has already alleged that 'upwards of 40 women' visited Andrew at Buckingham Palace over the six years he stood guard there between 1998 and 2004.
BBC Clothes Show star Jeff Banks has said Whitechapel is like 'a different country and language' from what he remembers.

The fashion designer visited his 'old stomping ground' earlier this week following Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments about Britain being 'colonised by immigrants'.

And it came as a video of a group confronting a Christian Preacher, telling him 'this is a Muslim area' sparked huge controversy.

In a video posted on his Facebook and Instagram earlier this week, the 82-year-old said Whitechapel Road had lost its 'Londoner sense of humour'.

He reminisced about always being 'suited and booted' in English cut suits to visit the area's vibrant live jazz scene, and explained you had to be 'immaculate' to enter the pubs.

In a message posted alongside his video, Mr Banks said: 'My journey today left me with a feeling that everything had changed beyond recognition.

'An unimaginable change! No Eastenders. No Greeks. No Jews. No Turks. No Londoner sense of humour. A different country and language.

'Sir Jims choice of words may not have been as selective as possible but the sentiment resonated!'

Billionaire Ineos boss Sir Jim later apologised that his 'choice of language' had 'offended some people in the UK and Europe'.

BBC Clothes Show star Jeff Banks has said Whitechapel is like 'a different country and language' from what he remembers

The fashion designer visited his 'old stomping ground' earlier this week following Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments about Britain being 'colonised by immigrants'

It comes after a video went viral on social media earlier this week of a female police officer defending a Christian preacher in Whitechapel after a group told him: 'This is a Muslim area.'

The confrontation sees a female Met Police officer being surrounded by males and telling them: 'In this country, we have freedom of speech.'

She continued: 'I understand that you guys don't want to hear it, so I would just recommend that you walk away and don't listen to him.

'He's not in your home.'

The Scotland Yard officer has been widely praised for how she handled the situation, and, in some quarters, was hailed as a hero.

The situation at times threatened to boil over, with footage from the encounter in Whitechapel Road widely shared on social media.

A male clutching a microphone and Bible can be heard preaching the Gospel in the viral footage, which is believed to have happened on Monday, a day before Ramadan began.

Mr Banks reminisced about always being 'suited and booted' in English cut suits to visit the area's vibrant live jazz scene, and explained you had to be 'immaculate' to enter the pubs

In a video posted on his Facebook page earlier this week, the 82-year-old said Whitechapel Road had lost its 'Londoner sense of humour'

It took place just yards from the East London Mosque, one of the largest in Western Europe, which can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers for daily prayers.

In one clip, a bearded male shouts at the preacher 'talk about Jesus, don't talk about Muhammad. Don't say Muhammad.'

A male wearing a knee-length black duffel coat and mask then shoves the preacher in the back, which causes him to stumble forward.

Another man is later repeatedly heard shouting at the preacher: 'Your God is a Jew.'

A male later explained to the female officer that he phoned police as the preacher was 'talking about the prophet, then he said like a donkey' which was upsetting 'hundreds of people' walking past.

He then accuses the preacher of 'spreading hatred' and alleges he was calling the Black Stone in the sacred Kaaba building in Mecca 'a box'.

But the evangelist denies this and says he was quoting from Muhammad 'who says if a donkey brays it's because he is seeing Satan'.

The female officer defends the preacher and explains to a group of males that 'in this country we have freedom of speech, the same way you guys have your freedom of speech'.

'You guys don't need to see eye-to-eye, and you don't need to agree,' she says.

'You're all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but they're not being aggressive.'

A man wearing a black surgical mask tells the officer, 'This is Whitechapel, this is a Muslim area.'

According to the most recent Census, 52.2 per cent of the 18,841 people who live in Whitechapel are Muslim.

A man wearing a black surgical mask tells the officer, 'This is Whitechapel, this is a Muslim area'

A male clutching a microphone and Bible (right) can be heard preaching the Gospel in Whitechapel Road, just yards from the East London Mosque

The officer continues: 'I understand that you guys don't want to hear it, so I would recommend that you just move away and don't listen to him.'

Another male approaches the officer and complains that 'he is in our community, and you don't see Muslims walking around and insulting other faiths'.

The police constable responds: 'You guys can preach about your religion the same way he is.'

She denies that he is inciting hatred but admits he is at risk of being assaulted. But she reassures the group that cameras are monitoring the area in what she describes as a 'heavily Muslim community'.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Met Police for comment.
A sweet two-year-old dog that was dumped at a Las Vegas airport by his cruel owner has now found a forever home.

Germiran Bryson, 26, allegedly abandoned her goldendoodle inside Harry Reid International Airport earlier this month after staff told her he could not board the flight.

After 10 days with Animal Protective Services and a search for a new home through the nonprofit Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, the pup was adopted by the officer who came to his rescue.

Las Vegas police officer Skeeter Black adopted the four-legged friend, nicknamed 'Jet Blue,' the department wrote on Facebook Saturday.

'Weeks after being found tied to a baggage sizer inside Terminal three at Harry Reid International Airport, the dog now known as Jet Blue is officially on the way to his new forever home,' the post stated.

'Officer Black and his family had already been approved through Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas months earlier while searching to adopt a golden doodle of their own.

'Following the mandatory hold period, the rescue organization selected them to provide Jet Blue with the safe and loving home he deserves,' it added.

A heartwarming montage was also shared by the department, featuring a compilation of slow motion clips and photos of Black and his family outside the rescue center.

Las Vegas police officer Skeeter Black cheesing with his newly adopted goldendoodle, Jet Blue

Officer Black and his family posing outside the rescue agency, after the adoption of Jet Blue was finalized

Jet Blue was left behind at a Nevada airport by his cruel owner, she charged with animal abandonment and resisting arrest

An adorable video showed a happy Jet Blue excitedly wagging his tail and playing with Black.

Another sweet snap showed Black kneeling down and posing with the goldendoodle, who wore a blue vest and a matching leash.

More videos showed the family beaming as they held the two-year-old furball and posed for a smiling photo together.

'What began as a heartbreaking act of abandonment has turned into a powerful example of compassion, teamwork, and community partnership.

'Today, Jet Blues next journey begins this time, surrounded by the people who stepped in when he needed it the most,' the department wrote.

'Bon voyage, Jet Blue and welcome to a new life where youll be loved beyond words by Officer Black and his family.'

On February 2, airport staff told Bryson she didn't have the proper paperwork to bring the pup aboard as a service animal.

Instead of rebooking, she allegedly tied her dog to a metal carry-on sizer at the JetBlue ticket counter.

She was caught at her departing gate shortly after, detained, and charged with animal abandonment and resisting arrest.

Officer Black and his family smiling widely as they held the two-year-old furball during the adoption finalization process

Germiran Bryson, 26, was arrested after allegedly dumping her puppy inside Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport earlier this month when staff told her he couldnt board the flight

In footage released by the police department, the pup looked on in innocent confusion as his owner walked off without him

Las Vegas police released bodycam footage showing Bryson trying to get through Gate D1 (pictured), where officers immediately confronted her

Las Vegas police also released bodycam footage showing Bryson trying to get through Gate D1, where officers immediately confronted her.

'I'm going to throw my bags down because I'm exhausted,' she told authorities.

An officer told Bryson sharply, 'No, what we're gonna do is walk you back to where your dog's at and give you a citation, because you left your dog at the ticket counter.'

She became defensive, insisting she was merely trying to 'rebook her flight,' but police pressed her once again on why shed left her dog behind.

In an apparent attempt to shift blame, Bryson told authorities she was just following what airport staff had told her to do at the counter.

Not buying her excuse, the officer scoffed, 'To walk out here without your dog?!'

Bryson 'claimed the dog had a tracking device - implying it was acceptable to leave the animal behind and it would return to her,' the police department said.

While being walked back through the checkpoint, the disgraced dog owner allegedly became 'hostile' and struggled with officers trying to detain her.

Once Bryson was booked, the little dog was looked after by airport employees and Las Vegas police before being transferred to Animal Protective Services for the mandatory 10-day holding period.

She never returned to claim her two-year-old pooch, but thanks to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, Jet Blue has now found his permanent home.
Millions of Americans along the East Coast are bracing for a catastrophic blizzard that will shut down cities and halt major travel hubs with more than two feet of snow.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the 'potent' Nor'easter will cause blizzard conditions and 'impossible travel' along the I-95 corridor from Baltimore to Boston.

Nearly 54 million people reside in the path of the storm that could dump up to two feet of snow - or 26 inches - and reach wind gusts up to 70mph.

The storm could begin as rainfall in some places on Sunday morning before worsening into heavy snowfall and strong winds that may create whiteout conditions overnight and into Monday.

Meteorologists have warned that this type of weather event is extremely rare - and will be spoken about for decades to come because of the intense impact it will have.

The blizzard is set to rewrite the rule book on storms, as the Nor'easter will turn into a bomb cyclone, meaning it will intensify rapidly and could have historic impacts.

'Blizzard conditions will quickly materialize from the Eastern Shore of Maryland through southeastern New England, making travel extremely treacherous in these areas,' NWS said.

'This isn't your average "couple inches and slush by noon" event. This has the makings of the storms we study for years. The kind that rewrite seasonal totals, shut the city down, and get talked about decades later,' storm chaser Nicholas Isabella wrote on X.

The catastrophic blizzard - New York City's first in nearly a decade - will batter the city later on Sunday

Nearly 54 million Americans are bracing for impact from an intense blizzard that is set to blanket major cities in up to two feet of snow (pictured: snow preparation on New York City)

A Blizzard Warning is in effect for New York City from 1pm Sunday afternoon through 6pm Monday

Over 7,000 flights have been disrupted due to the storm, with 6,578 cancelations and nearly 900 delayed so far through Tuesday, with New York City's airports most impacted, according to FlightAware.

The Big Apple is preparing for its first blizzard since 2017. A warning will be in effect for the city from noon on Sunday to 6pm on Monday.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the Big Apple, Long Island and portions of the Hudson Valley.

In the city, where the heaviest snowfall is expected, accumulations could begin from 7pm Sunday and last to noon Monday, per the National Weather Service.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless it was 'absolutely necessary.'

'If you can stay home, stay home,' he wrote.

The city will deploy 2,200 snow plows, hundreds of shovelers and employees to combat snow accumulation.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting noon Sunday ahead of what she called a 'severe' storm.

For the first time on record, all 21 counties in New Jersey are simultaneously under a blizzard warning, according to MyRadar Weather meteorologist Matthew Cappucci.

Forecasters warned that the 'potent' Nor'easter will cause blizzard conditions and 'impossible travel' along the I-95 corridor from Baltimore to Boston

New York City will deploy 2,200 snow plows, hundreds of shovelers and employees to combat snow accumulation

Mayor Mamdani stands in front of a perilous mound of snow from the city's last storm

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The weather service warned that the storm could cause whiteout conditions that 'will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

'The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.'

AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said, 'The clinging nature of the snow and high winds will put a strain on trees and power lines, with extensive power outages anticipated.'

Some of the heaviest snow is projected to fall overnight Sunday, with as much as two inches per hour at times in some areas, before tapering off by Monday afternoon.

The rapid intensification of the storm could reach 'unheard of' levels and may even cause it to look like a hurricane on satellite, according to meteorologist Brady Harris.

'That kind of strengthening is almost unheard of. At peak intensity, this storm may even look like a hurricane on satellite, with a tight core and powerful wind field wrapping around it,' he wrote on X.

'This level of intensification is exactly why impacts could become so extreme.'
A Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children before jumping out of a window and becoming paralyzed made her first in-person appearance at court on Friday.

Lindsay Clancy, 35, was wheeled into the courtroom, as she has been wheelchair-bound since allegedly strangling her children - Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eightmonthold Callan - to death before jumping from the window in January 2023.

Friday's hearing was to discuss future aspects of the case, including details about her psychiatric evaluation. Clancy's defense attorney has requested that the prosecution's evaluation be filmed.

She wore a religious cross necklace and held her hands clasped together as she entered the room. She showed little emotion on her face as the hearing started.

Before her in-person appearance at court, Clancy had attended all earlier hearings virtually from Tewksbury State Hospital.

Prosecutors have accused the mother of strangling her three children with exercise bands in the basement of her $750,000 Duxbury home on January 24, 2023.

After the alleged murders, she tried to kill herself by jumping from a secondstory window, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.

Clancy has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, three counts of strangulation and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Lindsay Clancy, 35, is pictured getting wheeled into court on Friday. She became paralyzed in 2023 when she jumped out of a window after allegedly murdering her three children

Clancy's defense attorney had said his client is suicidal and that she was suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis when she allegedly committed the murders. Clancy is pictured sitting in court on Friday

Clancy's three children and alleged victims, Cora, five (left), Dawson, three (right), and eightmonthold Callan (center), are pictured

Her defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, has said his client is suicidal and a 'danger to herself.'

Around the time of the alleged murders and when she jumped from the window, Clancy was severely depressed and suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis, the attorney argued.

At an earlier hearing, Reddington told the court: 'Shes not a danger to others, but shes surely a danger to herself. If this woman kills herself during this trial, which there is a very real probability that could happen, its on somebody, and its not on me.'

In January, Clancy's husband, Patrick, filed a lawsuit accusing his wife's doctors of 'misprescribing' a cocktail of 'powerful medications' that worsened her mental health.

The lawsuit was filed against Dr Jennifer Tufts, nurse Rebecca Jollotta, Aster Mental Health Inc, and South Shore Health System.

It details her interactions with medical providers and claims that overmedication and poor monitoring allegedly led to her childrens deaths.

'If [the doctors] had not acted negligently, and rather had provided adequate care, it is more likely than not that Patrick and Lindsay's children would still be alive today,' the lawsuit stated.

From September 2022 to January 2023, Lindsay suffered from depression and was prescribed multiple psychiatric drugs including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines, per the suit.

Her attorneys claim the meds caused paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and fear of being alone, with no lab work conducted after they were prescribed.

Clancy's court appearance on Friday was the first time she went to a hearing in person. She attended all prior hearings virtually from Tewksbury State Hospital

Clancy's husband, Patrick, has filed a lawsuit accusing his wife's doctors of overprescribing medications that worsened her mental health. Patrick is pictured with the couple's children

Clancy's attorney has argued the meds she was prescribed caused paranoia, suicidal thoughts and fear of being alone. Patrick has said they made her hear voices. The couple is pictured with two of their children

Clancy's husband has said that she was so over-medicated that she was hearing voices in her head.

In court on Friday, Reddington said: '[Clancy's] husband actually went to the doctor the week before to ask for help and said you're turning her into a zombie.

'It was just a brutal, brutal existence that they were living. Her parents were aware of this, they were trying to help out the husband as well.'

Prosecutors alleged that Clancy had deliberately sent her husband out to run errands on the night of the murders so that she would have time to commit them.

They also argued that she was not suffering from postpartum depression, and they have alleged that she used her cellphone to research ways to kill in the days before her children died.

Clancy's parents were in the courtroom for the first time when their daughter appeared in person.

They said that they have spent much of the last three years staying in a hotel near her hospital so that they can visit regularly.

Outside the courtroom, Clancy's mother, Paula Musgrove, told CBS News through tears: 'She's a loving mother. She always has been.'

Outside the courtroom on Friday, Clancy's mother, Paula Musgrove, said her daughter is 'a loving mother.' Clancy is pictured with two of her children

Prosecutors have argued that Clancy's actions were deliberate and that she was not suffering from postpartum depression. Clancy is pictured in court on Friday

Her father, Mike Musgrove, told the outlet: 'We love our daughter very much, and we're here just to support her any way we possibly can.'

According to court documents reviewed by the New York Post, Clancy's attorney has requested that her trial be split into two parts.

Reddington wants a jury to determine whether his client was suffering from postpartum psychosis when she allegedly murdered her children.

A second phase would have jurors determine whether she had a 'mental disease or defect' at the time. The second phase would only move forward if Clancy is found guilty in the first.

At the hearing on Friday, the judge and attorneys scheduled the next court date for March 2, during which oral arguments about the bid for a split trial will be made.

They also discussed Clancy's upcoming psychiatric evaluation on April 10, which will be conducted by an expert chosen by the prosecution.

When asked about his client's current mental health state, Reddington told CBS News: 'Not that good. Why? Because she's living with her life, which sucks.'

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was booed by her own constituents as she drove through the city in a swanky white convertible following accusations of a Palisades fire cover up.

Bass, 72, was seen cruising through Los Angeles in a convertible as LA locals voiced their fury at her during the 127th annual Golden Dragon Parade on Saturday.

The mayor, who was recently hit with accusations of downplaying the Los Angeles Fire Department's failures during the Palisades fire, heard boos and heckling as she rode through the parade.

'Make sure today is a day that we all contribute and express our support for Chinatown,' Bass was heard calling out to the crowd in a video posted on X.

However, a local recording the scene was heard shouting out: 'Yes, we support China, we don't support Karen Bass.'

'We want Karen Bass gone,' he continued.

Bass wished the crowd a Happy New Lunar Year, while the person recording the scene called out: 'The year you leave office, Karen.'

As Bass continued to speak to onlookers about supporting the city's Chinatown, the local videoing the ordeal bashed the mayor and continued to heckle her.

The LA mayor, who was recently hit with accusations of downplaying the Los Angeles Fire Department's failures during the Palisades fire, heard boos and heckling as she rode through the parade

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, 72, was seen cruising through Los Angeles in a white convertible as LA locals booed her during the 127th annual Golden Dragon Parade on Saturday

'We do not want our Chinatown to disappear like has happened in so many other cities,' Bass was heard saying.

'They want you to disappear Karen,' he called out. 'They want Karen Bass to disappear.'

The man videoing the scene enticed boos from the crowd and said the crowd should 'vote against Karen Bass' who 'defunded our city.'

'You all know our city is dirtier because of her,' he continued. 'You have defunded all of the services that support Chinatown.'

More boos came from onlookers as the man recording yelled out: 'You cut funding to fix the roads!'

'You're destroying the city Karen,' he added.

'The roads are worse. Sanitation's been cut by 51 million. You cut public work. You've cut lighting. Our city is dark.'

The video saw one user commenting that Bass is a 'terrible mayor' who is 'completely out of her depth.'

Some of the spectators put their thumbs down and booed at the mayor as she passed them in the vehicle

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass though that driving through Los Angeles in the back of a convertible was a good idea Turns out the people dont like her very much.



pic.twitter.com/5A0eh2C2vg  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 22, 2026

'Just like Mamdani in New York. Theyre gonna find out the hard way,' they wrote.

'She doesn't care. She isn't going anywhere,' another remarked.

'What a beautiful day in Chinatown! I was honored to join the 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown to celebrate the Year of the Horse,' Bass wrote on X.

'Today, we celebrate tradition, culture, and the unity of our community, as well as the vibrant spirit that makes LA extraordinary. Wishing all who celebrate a joyful, prosperous, and healthy New Year!'

The post, however, was not received warmly, as one user commented: 'Enough with the photo ops and social media posts. Los Angeles needs real progress on public safety, homelessness, and basic city services. Results matter.'

Many called for the mayor to resign, while another said: 'You got booed and heckled by the residents because you failed the city. Youre a terrible mayor.'

The parade comes after Bass was accused of making several edits to an after-action report in October on the Palisades fire.

The blaze killed a dozen residents, destroyed 7,000 homes and caused damage worth $150 billion when it tore through the wealthy coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades for 24 days in January 2025.

The parade comes after Bass was accused of making several edits to an after-action report in October on the Palisades fire

An investigation by the Los Angeles Times revealed that two sources with insider information told the outlet that after receiving an early draft of the report, Bass told then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva that the report could expose the city to legal liabilities.

They said two people close to the mayor informed them how she wanted key findings about the LA Fire Department's response to the massive blaze removed or softened before the report was made public.

One of the confidants even reportedly told one of the unidentified sources who spoke to the LA Times that 'the mayor didn't tell the truth when she said she had nothing to do with changing the report.'

The source also said that the confidant advised Bass that altering the report 'was a bad idea' because it could hurt her political career.

Still, the two confidants told the unidentified source that Bass held onto the original draft of the report until after the changes were made.

Both confidants are now prepared to testify under oath to verify their accounts of what happened if there were a legal proceeding, the sources said.

Yet, the sources who spoke to the LA Times said they were unsure whether anyone at the mayor's office or at the fire department made line-by-line edits at Bass's specific instructions or if they imposed the changes after receiving general direction from the mayor.

The fire department had also formed an internal crisis management team and brought in a public relations firm to help shape its messaging ahead of the report's release.

The fire killed a dozen residents, destroyed 7,000 homes and caused damage worth $150 billion when it tore through the wealthy coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades for 24 days straight, beginning in January 2025

Still, one of the sources said, 'All the changes [the LA Times] reported on were the ones Karen wanted.'

According to the LA Times' investigation, the fire department's initial draft of the after-action report said the LA Fire Department's decision to pre-deploy all available engines 'did not align' with the department's policy.

The final version that was released to the public, however, said that the number of companies that were pre-deployed 'went above and beyond the standard LAFD pre-deployment matrix.'

Another deleted passage in the report said that some crews waited more than an hour for an assignment on the day of the fire, and a section saying fire department crews and leaders violated national guidelines on how to avoid firefighter deaths and injuries was similarly removed, the LA Times reports.

Other changes appeared to be more superfluous, including renaming a section on 'failures' to 'primary challenges' and changing the photograph on the front of the report from palm trees on fire to a simple LA Fire Department seal.

The changes wound up being so extensive that the author of the report, Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, declined to endorse the final version because of changes that altered his findings and made the report, in his own words, 'highly unprofessional and inconsistent with our established standards.'

Bass has previously denied any involvement in the edits, with a spokesperson for the mayor's office saying in December: 'The report was written and edited by the fire department. We did not red-line review every page or review every draft of the report.'

The spokesperson then claimed that the mayor's office asked only that the fire department fact-check any findings regarding the effects of the city's finances and high-wind forecasts on the department's performance in the fire.
Trump Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell is asking for the public's help to identify a 'terrorist suspect' who vandalized the Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC, this weekend, after months of attacks by Democrats over the venue's name change.

A custom-made ice rink on-site was set to host a performance of Le Patin Libre: Murmuration for a run from February 17 to 22, before it was doused on Friday with a black-brown substance, described by the Center's officials as a 'toxic chemical'. The damage was repaired, and shows resumed on Saturday.

In a Saturday evening post on X, Grenell shared videos of the 'terrorist suspect who attacked the Trump Kennedy Center', asking the public for help in identifying the individual, pointing out his shoes and umbrella.

The Center's Vice President of PR, Roma Daravi, told the Daily Mail, 'We have been verbally attacked nonstop for the last year, and now those lies have ignited real violence by someone against the Trump Kennedy Center.'

In an earlier post made to X on Friday evening, Grenell condemned the attack, noting, 'This is so sad & unnecessary  @TheDemocrats have been calling artists, urging them to cancel, and attacking the Center non-stop. It's a calculated campaign.'

The Trump-Kennedy Center leader also called on 'Commonsense Democrats' to speak up 'before this violence takes a life.'

Capitol Hill Democrats, including Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, have been vocal opponents of Grenell's leadership decisions since he took over the venue just over a year ago.

A vandalism suspect is seen in a video shared by Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell on X Saturday

A black-brown substance, described by Trump Kennedy Center officials as a 'toxic chemical' was spilled on an ice-rink on the Center's grounds on Friday

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, with US President Donald Trump's name added to the building

Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who is a non-voting member of the Center's board, filed a federal lawsuit late last year against the Trump administration for renaming the building and claiming that the vote to do so was unanimous.

Members of former President John F. Kennedy's family were also riled up about the prospect of President Donald Trump's name being added to the Kennedy Center in Washington after the board voted to change the venue's name last December.

Joe Kennedy III, President John F. Kennedy's grandnephew and a former Massachusetts Congressman, wrote on X at the time that 'The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law.'

He also noted that 'it can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.'

Former President John F. Kennedy's niece Kerry Kennedy pledged to take a 'pickax' to the letters forming Trump's name on the building after he leaves office.

Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg, a progressive social media star who is currently in the midst of his own run for Congress, saw the Center's renaming as a direct attack on him.

'Trump explicitly motivated to act by JACK FOR NEW YORK,' read a message posted by his campaign on X, adding that his run for office 'represents everything Trump cant stand or defeat.'

The Kennedy Center Board is made up of both voting and non-voting members. The unanimous name change vote was cast by those loyal to Trump, while non-voting ex officio members did not cast ballots.

Despite his frequent clashes with Democratic leaders and members of the Kennedy Center board, Grenell has frequently insisted that he would welcome critics of his leadership to the Center.

An investigation is underway after the Kennedy Center's outdoor ice rink was vandalized Friday, forcing the cancellation of a performance, officials said

Officials with the Kennedy Center noted that a chemical was poured onto the ice rink early Friday morning, leading to the cancellation of a Friday ice show

Earlier this month, Grenell even hosted a handful of Democratic congressional spouses at the Center for a tour and dress rehearsal of the Winter's Tale ballet, per photos posted on his social media accounts.

A number of artists have cancelled performances at the historic DC arts venue, including award-winning composer Philip Glass, who called off a previously planned debut of his Symphony No. 15, 'Lincoln,' themed after the nation's 16th president.

Glass, 88, was recognized for his contributions to American music as a member of the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors class and is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

'Symphony No. 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony,' Glass wrote in a statement on X last month.

The Kennedy Center's Vice President of Public Relations, Roma Daravi, told the Daily Mail at the time, 'we have no place for politics in the arts, and those calling for boycotts based on politics are making the wrong decision.'

Daravi also noted that the Center has 'not cancelled a single show.'

'Leftist activists are pushing artists to cancel, but the public wants artists to perform and create - not cancel under pressure from political insiders that benefit from creating division,' Daravi added.

The Center is planned to close in July of 2026 for substantial renovations and reopen two years later.

Trump asked Congress for $250 million for the project in the 'One Big Beautiful' bill that passed just before the bicameral July 4 recess last year.
A liberal provocateur drove into oncoming traffic while in pursuit of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, an expose has revealed.

Will Stancil, 40, was joined by The Verge's Gaby Del Valle as he stalked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in their cars around Minnesota - which has been a hotspot for ICE anger after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

However, the lawyer and activist's 'erratic' driving almost caused a deadly crash after he took a wrong turn onto a one-way street, the reporter revealed.

'We were in unfamiliar territory. That this wasnt Stancils turf was clear. At one point, he took a left when he shouldve taken a right, and [photographer] Jack had to tell him Cleveland Avenue was actually the other way,' Del Valle wrote in the piece on Stancil.

'A few minutes later, Stancil went the wrong way down a one-way street, accidentally maneuvering us into oncoming traffic. Stancils driving was, for the most part, erratic.'

Del Valle's piece, titled Will Stancil, Man of the People or Just Annoying?, detailed Stancil's 'desperate' efforts to track down ICE agents.

'Stancil told me about a Chevy Silverado hed seen on the street that was a confirmed ICE vehicle despite being "highly unconventional",' the journalist wrote.

Del Valle said Stancil referred to the Silverado as his 'white whale' that he was 'desperate' to find.

Will Stancil, 40, stalked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in their cars around Minnesota before he drove the wrong way down a one-way road

Footage from Minnesota, where tensions between locals and ICE agents are particularly high after rampant protests, has seen many citizens warned by agents not to follow their vehicles

The Verge's Gaby Del Valle described Stancil's driving as 'erratic' and his search for ICE agents 'desperate' after joining him on a ride along

Stancil wrote on BlueSky that he did not think the article would focus so heavily on him and expressed dissatisfaction for how he was portrayed

The former candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives condemned the critical article about his escapades around Minnesota.

'Maybe we can chalk this up to a miscommunication. Nonetheless, if I had known what the story would be - even if it had been unambiguously laudatory instead of snarky - I would not have agreed,' Stancil wrote on BlueSky.

'I am not the story here. My neighbors and my city are the story. I agreed to talk to press to help tell it.'

'I was told that the piece would be partly about me, but as someone who was a member of the rapid responders,' he continued.

Stancil added that his impression was that the article would portray him as 'a guy who is doing what lots of other people are doing,' and go on to discuss the community and 'tensions in them.'

'The thing I say over and over when I talk to reporters about observing here in MN is "There is nothing special about what I am doing. I am one of thousands. I am at far less risk than others with fewer resources." A piece about whether or not I am, personally, a hero or a grifter is NOT THAT.'

Del Ville commented briefly on backlash from the piece in a post on X that read: 'They're threatening to kill me on the other website for writing a mildly critical profile of will stancil lol.'

Stancil has been a long time critic of the president, ICE and the Republican party, describing Donald Trump as an 'evil person' in a recent post on X.

Stancil added that his impression was that the article would portray him as 'a guy who is doing what lots of other people are doing,' and go on to discuss the community and 'tensions in them'

Stancil has been a long time critic of the president, ICE and the Republican party, describing Donald Trump as an 'evil person'

'Trump is an incredibly evil person, and the people who celebrate him and tell constant lies to protect him are also evil,' he wrote in December.

Stancil told NPR last week that ICE tactics had begun 'resorting to gross intimidation.'

'Its not just bravado. Its that I think its important to demonstrate that these are bluffs, that theyre trying to frighten us, but they dont actually have the authority to do it,' he said.

Last year, Stancil told Racket MN that he was 'radicalized into action' against ICE.

Footage from Minnesota, where tensions between locals and ICE agents are particularly high after rampant protests, has seen many citizens warned by agents not to follow their vehicles.

In January, two women were seen being warned by agents to refrain from following them in footage that circulated online.

An agent warned them: 'Don't make a bad decision today.'

'If I continually see you following us, interfering with us, honking your horn, blocking our cars, you have a very high probability of making a really bad decision and being arrested today, okay?' the officer warned one woman in her car.

Footage sweeping social media showed Minneapolis women following and taunting ICE agents just days after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good

A framed picture of Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in January, is hung outside of an immigration detention facility

The smug-looking woman grinned and responded: 'I think I'm making exactly the right decision.'

A man nearby to the confrontation then yelled from the street: 'Why are you giving her a warning? She's not interfering, she's just following.'

As the ICE agent again told the woman in the car to 'not make a bad decision today and ruin your life', she chuckled and replied: 'Oh, bad decisions, that's funny coming from you.'

And in a parting insult, as the ICE agent told the woman to 'have a nice day' she responded: 'I hope you have a terrible day.'

The footage received millions of hits when it was shared to X by Fox News reporter Matt Finn, as many on social media slammed the women for antagonizing ICE agents so soon after the tragic shooting of Good.

The Daily Mail reached out to Stancil for comment.
The Crown Prosecution Service 'failed' when it declined to bring a case against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 10 years ago despite being given compelling evidence, the lawyer for his accuser has claimed.

David Boies, who represented Virginia Giuffre, said that the decision by the CPS and the Metropolitan Police in 2016 was 'clearly erroneous'.

Mr Boies said that there was 'substantial evidence' that Andrew had sex with Ms Giuffre in London in 2001 when she was 17 after being taken there by the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Instead the Metropolitan Police and the CPS said in 2016 they were not the right authorities as much of the conduct was not in Britain.

Now, after the release of three million files about Epstein by the US Department of Justice, the Metropolitan Police is one of 11 UK police forces investigating the operation of Epstein's sex trafficking ring in Britain.

The claims by Mr Boies, one of the most prominent lawyers in the US, come days after Andrew was arrested for misconduct in a public office for allegedly passing sensitive information to Epstein.

The former Prince was questioned for 11 hours on his 66th birthday before being released from a police station in Aylsham, Norfolk.

He has not been charged with sex offences so far but Ms Giuffre, who committed suicide last April at the age of 41, claimed she was loaned to Andrew by Epstein three times in 2001.

Virginia Giuffre's lawyer said there was substantial evidence that Andrew had sex with Ms Giuffre in London in 2001 when she was 17

Virginia Giuffre pictured with attorneys David Boies (left) following a hearing in the Jeffrey Epstein case in 2019

Andrew has always denied her claims and said in his 2019 interview with BBC's Newsnight he never met Ms Giuffre.

However in 2022 he settled a battery case she brought against him in a US court for a reported 10million.

In an exclusive interview, Mr Boies said that in 2016 he and his team spoke to American prosecutors after filing a defamation lawsuit in New York against Epstein's 'madam' Ghislaine Maxwell.

According to Mr Boies, the US prosecutors relayed the claims against Andrew to their British counterparts but he 'didn't get any response'.

Instead, in November 2016, the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service issued a joint statement saying no further action could be taken because the allegations were largely focused on conduct outside the UK.

The Metropolitan Police said it was 'not the appropriate authority' and so would not be taking any further action.

Mr Boies called that decision not to investigate in 2016 'clearly erroneous'.

He said: 'There was photographic evidence: the photograph of Andrew and Virginia in Maxwell's (London) house, that was published in 2011.

'The idea that they didn't know it was happening in the UK is not sustainable.

'Prosecutors generally have failed to pursue sex trafficking even when the evidence of it was presented and even when much of the evidence was public.'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a woman lying on the floor in an image released by the Justice Department on January 30

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and spent 11 hours in police custody before being released under investigation on Thursday

Mr Boies said that even back in 2016 the evidence that Andrew had sex with trafficked women was compelling and there was 'no significant room for doubt' that Ms Giuffre was loaned to him by Epstein.

He said: 'There's substantial evidence based on Andrew's presence at Epstein's various residences, his interactions not just with Virginia but other victims as well that Andrew certainly should have known what was going on.'

Mr Boies praised King Charles and said that he had imposed 'ever greater sanctions' on his brother as the allegations against him grew more serious.

The blame did not lay with the Royal Family, as Mr Boies saw it, because Andrew was telling them the same lies he was telling the public.

Mr Boies said: 'Everything I've heardwas Andrew was saying the same thing to his mother and brother and other people as he was saying publicly: 'I didn't do it, this is extortion, I'm innocent.''

Since Andrew's arrest, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has not been seen publicly and Mr Boies said it was time for her to return to the UK and face the music.

But now she 'absolutely' had to go back to the UK and speak to the police because she was an 'important' witness, Mr Boies said.

He said: 'The circumstances under which she gives her evidence I think can depend on what her exposure is but everybody (with evidence) ought to give it.'

Sky and Amanda Roberts, brother and sister-in-law of Virginia Giuffre, pictured following the release of the Epstein Files

Mr Boies worked with Ms Giuffre for several years through a series of bitter legal cases with Epstein, Maxwell and other powerful men.

The mother-of-three committed suicide last year at the age of 41.

Her not being alive to see Andrew arrested is 'very, very sad', Mr Boies said.

He said: 'Had it not been for Virginia I would have never been involved. If it had not been for her we wouldn't have had cases against Maxwell then Epstein that built an evidentiary record that helped with the prosecution in the US.

'Had it not been for Virginia the focus would never have been on Andrew. She was the one that first outed him, she was the person who persisted year after year enduring enormous abuse and attacks from Epstein and his cohorts.

'If it had not been for her the lawsuit against Andrew would never have been filed, and this thing could have easily died. She was a woman of enormous courage, commitment and I think not to have her alive when people are even partially being held to account is very sad'.

As for Andrew, Mr Boies said that 'if he doesn't get it now, he never will'.

He said: 'This might be enough of a shock to get him to understand he is not above the law.'

Mr Boies said the fact Virginia was not alive for Andrew's arrest was 'very, very sad'

In its statement issued on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said that it was 'assessing' the Epstein Files released by the DOJ.

In addition, the force is 'actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States', the statement said.

The statement said: 'While we are aware of the extensive media reporting and commentary about this matter, as of today, no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred within our jurisdiction. We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate.'

Ella Marriott, central specialist crime commander at the Metropolitan Police, added: 'Our thoughts will always be with Ms Giuffre's family and friends following her death.

'In 2015, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) received allegations relating to non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. These allegations primarily concerned events outside the United Kingdom, with one allegation of trafficking to central London in March 2001.

'Officers assessed all available evidence at the time, interviewed the complainant, Ms Virginia Giuffre as well as contacting several other potential victims. This did not result in any allegation of criminal conduct against any UK-based nationals.

'The MPS sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and liaised with United States authorities, who were leading investigations into related matters involving US nationals.

'Following this legal advice, it was clear that any investigation into human trafficking would be largely focused on activities outside the UK and perpetrators based overseas.

'Officers therefore concluded, in consultation with the CPS, that other international authorities were best placed to progress these allegations.

'Officers maintained close liaison with the United States and other relevant authorities throughout their investigation to ensure any UK matters could be identified and to consider any support requested.

'A decision was made in November 2016 not to proceed to a full criminal investigation. That decision was reviewed in August 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022; in each instance, the position remained unchanged, and Ms Giuffre and her legal representative were informed.

'Following recent reporting suggesting that Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked his Met Police Close Protection Officer to carry out checks on Ms Giuffre in 2011, the MPS has carried out a further assessment. This assessment has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.

'The Met remains committed to thoroughly assessing any new information that could assist in this matter. To date, we have not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation.

'In the absence of any further information, we will be taking no further action. As with any other matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention, including in any information resulting from the release of material in the US, we will assess it.'

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts are with Ms Giuffre's family and friends for their tragic loss. We are committed to pursuing justice for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation whenever this takes place and urge anyone with information about these cases to come forward so that justice can be served.'

A CPS source added that it gave the Metropolitan Police early investigative advice but did not receive the necessary file of evidence back from the force and so was unable to make a decision about charging Andrew.

Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have both been approached for comment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A media rights organisation has condemned the handling of a kidnapping case involving a minor in Bulawayo after journalists interviewed a 14-year-old suspect on camera.Two-year-old Asanda Ndlovu was allegedly snatched from her mother at Meikles Mall in Bulawayo's city centre last Tuesday. The toddler was found two days later at a city flat, leading to the arrest of a 14-year-old girl.The suspect was reportedly recorded by journalists at a police station in the presence of law enforcement officers, allegedly confessing to the crime.Media4 Gender Justice said the conduct of journalists from mainstream media, freelance practitioners and content creators breached professional ethics."We note with deep concern and disappointment the events that unfolded today in Bulawayo, where journalists reportedly interviewed a 14-year-old girl accused of kidnapping a two-year-old child," the organisation said."While the matter itself is serious and of public interest, the manner in which it was handled raises grave ethical questions about the protection of minors and adherence to professional journalism standards."The organisation said the girl was extensively questioned on camera, with journalists asking her to state her name and surname despite her age. Although her face was partially covered with a mask, revealing her identity through her name undermined efforts to protect her privacy and safety, it added."Interviewing a minor without the consent or presence of a parent or legal guardian is a clear breach of established ethical guidelines governing the media profession," Media4 Gender Justice said.The organisation stressed that while journalists have a duty to report accurately and inform the public, they also have an obligation to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly children."The pursuit of content must never override the fundamental principles of child protection and human dignity," it said.Media4 Gender Justice also called on law enforcement authorities to reflect on their role in the incident."Police officers are entrusted with protecting minors in their custody and ensuring that their rights are upheld. Allowing a child to be subjected to media questioning in such circumstances is deeply troubling," the organisation said.It urged the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe to urgently investigate the matter and engage the media houses involved to reinforce ethical standards, particularly in cases involving children."This moment calls for introspection within the journalism profession and renewed commitment to the codes of conduct that guide our work," the organisation said."The credibility of the media depends not only on breaking news but on upholding integrity, fairness and the protection of the most vulnerable in our society."
An armed man was shot and killed by the Secret Service in the early hours of the morning after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Austin Tucker Martin, 21, was holding a shotgun and a fuel can as he tried to enter Trump's Palm Beach residence near the north side around 1.30am on Sunday, the Secret Service said.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington, DC, last night attending the Governors' Dinner.

Two Secret Service agents and one deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office ordered him to drop his weapons.

'They confronted a white male that was carrying a gas can and a shotgun. He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him,' Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a press conference Sunday morning.

The suspect, who investigators say is from North Carolina and traveled 700 miles by car to Florida, was reported missing by his family a few days ago.

During the altercation, he put down the gas can but raised his gun into shooting position, prompting police to fire.

'At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat. He is deceased at the scene,' Bradshaw said.

No Secret Service agents or Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies were injured.

President Trump had been attending the Governors Dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night. He is pictured here at the event

Austin Tucker Martin, 21, was holding what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can as he tried to enter Trump's Palm Beach residence

Police say Austin Tucker Martin (pictured), 21, is from North Carolina, and was reported missing a few days ago by his family

'At this time, no law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident. We want to be clear, the President of the United States was not in the state of Florida,' said Rafael Barros, the Special Agent in Charge at the Secret Service Miami field office.

Bradshaw shared one image of the gas can and shotgun from the scene.

The deceased man's identity has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin, however a source familiar with the matter identified him as Martin to the Associated Press.

Investigators believe Martin left North Carolina and headed south, picking up a shotgun along the way, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told the Associated Press.

The box for the gun was recovered in his vehicle, Guglielmi said. The man drove through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago as another vehicle was exiting and was confronted by Secret Service agents, Guglielmi said.

The FBI is leading the investigation into the case, and is asking neighbors to check their security cameras for any footage of suspicious activity.

'If you live in the area of the shooting, please check your exterior cameras for last night, early this morning,' Brett Skiles, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Miami field office, said.

He tried to enter Trump's Palm Beach residence near the north side around 1.30am on Sunday by following an exiting car

Two Secret Service agents and one deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office ordered him to drop his weapons, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (center) said

Investigators believe Martin left North Carolina and headed south, picking up a shotgun along the way. The box for the gun was said to be found inside his car

'If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, please contact us. Call FBI or contact the West Palm Beach Sheriff's Office.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the Secret Service for their swift action.

'In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trumps home,' she wrote on X.

'Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans. Its shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department.'

It comes just months after two National Guard soldiers were shot in the head just yards from Trump's DC residence.

Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal was identified as the alleged gunman in custody over the horror shoot-out at Farragut West metro station in the center of Washington, DC, in November.

Earlier this month, a maniac who tried to assassinate Trump at his Florida golf course at the height of the 2024 election campaign was sentenced to life behind bars.

Ryan Routh, 59, was sentenced on February 4 to life in prison, plus a consecutive 84 months for one of his gun convictions.

Attempted Trump assassin Ryan Routh, 59, was sentenced to life behind bars after he tried to shoot the president at his Florida golf course during the 2024 election cycle

US District Judge Aileen Cannon pronounced Routh's fate in the same Fort Pierce courtroom that erupted into chaos in September when he tried to stab himself with a pen shortly after jurors found him guilty on all counts.

Prosecutors sought life without parole, noting how Routh is unrepentant and never apologized for the attempt on the president's life. A defense attorney brought in for his sentencing asked for 27 years, arguing that Routh is turning 60.

Routh's sentencing was initially scheduled for December, but Cannon agreed to move the date back after the defendant decided to bring in an attorney for sentencing instead of continuing to represent himself like he did for most of the trial.

Prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum that Routh has yet to accept any responsibility and should spend the rest of his life in prison, in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines.

'Routh remains unrepentant for his crimes, never apologized for the lives he put at risk, and his life demonstrates near-total disregard for law,' the memo said.

He was convicted of trying to assassinate a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm as a felon and using a gun with a defaced serial number.
Nato chiefs have delivered a stark warning to Keir Starmer over the consequences of failing to boost defence spending.

The PM has been told that the UK faces falling towards the bottom of the alliance's league table without more investment.

Top officials are said to have highlighted the danger of failing to hike budgets as a proportion of GDP, with Britain missing targets for bolstering capabilities.

The intervention emerged as Defence Secretary John Healey snubbed a call from Boris Johnson for troops to be deployed to Ukraine immediately.

The ex-PM suggested that putting 'boots on the ground' to keep the peace could 'flip a switch' in Vladimir Putin's head, convincing him Europe is serious about supporting Kyiv.

Mr Healey said he hoped to send forces to Ukraine this year, but suggested that would only be if a peace deal has been negotiated.

Sir Keir has admitted he 'must go faster' on defence spending amid the Russian threat and pressure from Donald Trump.

Keir Starmer has been told that the UK faces falling towards the bottom of the alliance's league table without more investment

The PM has committed to expenditure going from 2.4 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027, with an 'ambition' of reaching 3 per cent in the 2030s

The aftermath of a Russian strike on Kyiv today, as the war ticks over into a fifth year

Defence Secretary John Healey has snubbed a call from Boris Johnson (pictured giving a BBC interview with former UK forces chief Tony Radakin) for troops to be deployed to Ukraine immediately

The PM has committed to expenditure going from 2.4 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027, with an 'ambition' of reaching 3 per cent in the 2030s.

Downing Street aides are now said to want to meet the higher goal much earlier - before the next election.

However, meeting the costs - estimated at 14billion a year - would be a huge challenge after Labour MPs blocked efforts to trim the spiralling benefits bill.

The premier is also under pressure to splurge more on public sector services and wages after barely surviving a coup bid last week.

According to the Sunday Times, the UK's permanent representative to Nato, Angus Lapsley, and assistant secretary general Nick Catsaras have both flagged concerns about spending levels.

Royal Navy admiral Keith Blount, Nato's outgoing deputy supreme allied commander Europe, is said to have voiced similar views in private.

The UK has been trying to make the argument that more weight should be put on the cost of maintaining the nuclear deterrent - not borne by other countries such as Germany, which is ramping up spending.

Mr Catsaras has told the government the UK is 31st out of 32 member states for progress on meeting 2025 capability targets.

Nato spokesman Colonel Martin O'Donnell told the newspaper: 'I am not going to elaborate publicly on any private conversations that Nato leadership have had with anyone.

'What I can say is that Nato has made it crystal clear: European allies and Canada must do more. Delivering a credible defence spending path to 5 per cent as agreed by all 32 nations in the Hague as well as real military capabilities to the alliance is a necessity now more than ever, and a long-term investment in Euro-Atlantic security.'

Writing in The Telegraph ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Mr Healey said: 'I want to be the Defence Secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine  because this will mean that this war is finally over.

'It will mean we have negotiated peace in Ukraine. And a secure Europe needs a strong, sovereign Ukraine.'

Britain and France have spearheaded discussions with allies on a 'coalition of the willing' that would deploy peacekeeping forces if a deal is reached to end the war.

Mr Healey said there was 'no heavier burden on any Defence Secretary or any government than committing our Armed Forces on operations'.

Mr Healey said he hoped to send forces to Ukraine this year, but suggested that would only be if a peace deal has been negotiated

Mr Johnson warned that Putin would likely 'keep going' until he was convinced of the West's determination for the war-torn country to be free and independent.

Sitting alongside former head of the military Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Mr Johnson told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show there was 'no logical reason' why there should not be non-fighting boots on the ground in Ukraine in the immediate future.

'If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, after Putin has condescended to have a ceasefire, then why not do it now?' he said.
A newlywed police officer has been killed in a 'terror attack' in Lviv after the Ukrainian city was hit by multiple explosions.

Viktoria Shpylka, 23, died in the attack - which also left three people in critical condition and at least 22 others injured - earlier today.

The suspected terrorist attack happened as police responded to reports of a late-night break in - before at least two explosions went off near the city centre, according to authorities.

An initial blast went off after police arrived at the scene, while a second could be heard after more officers responded to the first explosion.

Tributes have since poured in for the young police officer, who was described by colleagues as 'sensitive, bright and sincere'.

They added: 'She knew how to support, listen and find a kind word even on the hardest of days.'

Ms Shpylka got married last year, with photographs showing her standing in her wedding dress next to her husband.

Other images posted as part of a tribute to the officer show her proudly wearing her police uniform.

Police officer Viktoria Shpylka, 23, (pictured) was killed during a 'terror attack' in Lviv

Ms Shpylka, who got married last year, is pictured in her police uniform

Footage shows the moment an explosion went off in the Ukrainian city of Lviv

Footage shows the aftermath of the fatal explosions which happened in the western Ukrainian city.

Smoke was seen rising into the air as people stood nearby rushed to help victims caught in the blasts.

A suspect has been arrested following the incident, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said.

'Police together with the SBU detained the alleged terrorist who attacked law enforcement officers in Lviv,' they added.

'Further operational measures and investigative actions are ongoing. We are identifying other persons involved in committing this crime.'

The suspect is a woman and Ukrainian citizen, according to Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi.

CCTV cameras captured the moment the explosion took place amid a suspected terror attack

Local police confirmed that Ms Shpylka, who was originally from Volyn, lost her life in the blast, The Sun first reported.

Ukrainian police said: 'During the night terror attack in Lviv, patrolwoman Viktoria Shpylka was killed. She is forever 23.

'A girl from Volyn, she served in Kherson and Lviv regions. Just last year she got married. Bright, sincere, faithful to her Oath.

'Today her future has been cut short. We remember. We will not forgive. Forever in the ranks.'
Schools and parents across London are on red alert after it emerged children were being encouraged via a social media trend to film themselves violently attacking pupils from rivals schools.

Posters inspired by notorious LA street gangs the Bloods and the Crips featuring men in red and blue balaclavas listing which schools fall under which 'side' have been circulating on Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram this week.

Hackney, Islington, Redbridge and Croydon are amongst the boroughs included in the 'Red vs Blue' fights, with 26 schools in total listed and split into teams.

However, parents in other areas of London have reported similar posts being shared for schools in their boroughs.

Many of the original posts have been deleted, so it is unclear exactly how many boroughs and schools have been called to fight at a number of gatherings this month.

Another post laying out the 'rules' of the school wars tells children to 'jump' anyone they see from the 'opposite' side, specifying they must 'be violent'.

They are encouraged to use stationary from their pencil cases, such as compasses, scissors and rulers, as weapons with some posters even depicting kitchen knives and fireworks.

Students are also asked to have someone 'record' their attacks and for the footage to be sent to the original organiser so they can be posted online and given extra 'points'.

Posters inspired by notorious LA street gangs the Bloods and the Crips featuring men in red and blue balaclavas listing which schools fall under which 'side' have been circulating on Snapchat , TikTok and Instagram this week

Other posts laying out the 'rules' of the school wars tells children to 'jump' anyone they see from the 'opposite' side, specifying they must 'be violent'

They are encouraged to use stationary from their pencil cases, such as compasses, scissors and rulers, as weapons with some posters even depicting kitchen knives and fireworks

The scoring system awards 20 points to children who punch an 'opp', 10 points for chasing them, 15 points for 'staining' them - slang for stabbing - and 10 bonus points for 'recording any of the above'.

Since the posts began circulating online last week, parents have received emails about the worrying calls to battle from their children's headteachers who reassured them they had informed the authorities and police would be patrolling the areas.

Parents also took to Facebook to warn others about the posts on their local community groups.

Underneath one post about the Redbridge school wars, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting commented: 'Council and Police aware.

'I've also raised this at highest levels in government.

'Hope parents are clear with their children that we'll come down on this sort of behaviour like a ton of bricks.'

A Met Police spokesperson today told the Daily Mail: 'We're aware of social media posts circulating, and we and are in close contact with schools across various London boroughs to offer reassurance.

'Officers will be visible around the schools named at the start and end of the day, and we will respond firmly to any reports of violence or disorder.'

TikTok reportedly removed the posts on their platform for breaching their community guidelines after the Met alerted them, according to the Islington Tribune.

On Friday, a meeting was held in Croydon regarding the school wars planned in the area with police, the council and the Safer Neighbourhoods Chair in attendance.

The dates for the Croydon fight gatherings are next Friday, February 27, followed by further meets on March 2, 4, 5 and 6.

Students are also asked to have someone 'record' their attacks and for the footage to be sent to the original organiser so they can be posted online and given extra 'points'

Since the posts began circulating online last week, parents have received emails about the worrying calls to battle from their children's headteachers who reassured them they had informed the authorities and police would be patrolling the areas

A statement issued after the meeting said: 'We want to reassure the community that headteachers across the borough and the council are fully aware of the situation.

'The Met Police, alongside community partners, have reviewed all available information and agreed a co-ordinated response.'

This will include an increased police presence on February 27, the Legacy Youth Zone being open for children and teenagers, and community representatives 'present in key locations'.

Local shopping centres the Whitgift and Centrale will also provide 'designated safe spaces'.

There is nothing to suggest that the original posts were made by any child from any school that had been named.

It comes just days after a 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murdered after a year 7 student and year 8 student were stabbed in a secondary school in Brent.
A mass student demonstration in Iran erupted into clashes between anti-government protesters and pro-government security forces.

Students at the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran were protesting against the regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Footage showed a large group of students dressed in all black and wearing face coverings as they marched and chanted slogans against the supreme leader.

However, the protesters then became involved in clashes with members of the Basij, a volunteer internal police force that is a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to anti-government media.

Video footage showed the moment the two groups began throwing punches at each other.

It comes amid growing pressure on US President Donald Trump to intervene in the Middle Eastern nation.

More than 50,000 people have been arrested in connection with the Iranian government's crackdown on protests, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

The crackdown on the demonstrations has also killed at least 6,876 people, the group said, but other human rights organisations have tallied many more, and medical professionals have estimated that 30,000 could have been killed.

A student protest group clashed with government security forces in Tehran

President Donald Trump has strongly alluded to military action against Iran if the nation does not come to the table on nuclear negotiations. The president is pictured above on Saturday

The President told reporters on Friday that he was considering military action to pressure Iranian officials to negotiate the terms of the country's nuclear program.

The US has long feared that Iran is developing nuclear capabilities, and indirect negotiations between the two in Geneva last week reportedly failed to reach a meaningful conclusion.

Iran has denied motivations to develop a nuclear arsenal, but has maintained its right to enrich uranium, which is the most-used fuel for nuclear power.

Multiple reports have now pointed to an increased military presence on bases in the Middle East.

US officials told ABC News on Saturday that hundreds of personnel at a base in Qatar were relocating ahead of a possible strike.

Although the report did not state the exact base, the major military facility in Qatar is the Al Udeid Air Base.

The outlet reported that 35,000 troops had been stationed in the Middle East ahead of potential military action, including the USS Gerald Ford, 100 cargo planes, fighter jets, and the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group.

More than 60 attack aircraft were also captured on satellite imagery on Friday at a US base in Jordan.

Naval units from Iran and Russia simulate the rescue of a hijacked vessel during the joint naval drills held at the Port of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz in Hormozgan, Iran on February 19, 2026

New reports have claimed that hundreds of personnel at a base in Qatar were relocating ahead of a possible military strike against Iran. The Udeid Air Base in Qatar is pictured above in 2021

Dozens of aircraft were seen parked at the base, known as Muwaffaq Salti, according to flight tracking data reviewed by the New York Times.

The 60 aircraft are about triple the number of jets that are normally stationed there. At least another 68 cargo planes have also landed at the base since Sunday.

Satellite imagery also revealed that several drones, helicopters, F-35 stealth jets, and new air defenses have landed at the base.

Trump bragged on Thursday about bringing 'peace to the Middle East,' but then subsequently threatened that if Iran doesn't make a meaningful peace deal 'bad things [will] happen'.

'We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we're going to make a deal,' Trump said of breakdowns in nuclear talks.

'You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days,' he added.

Earlier this month an Iranian doctor said the Iranian regime has been executing protesters in hospital beds by shooting them in the head.

Dr R, a member of the Aida Health Alliance, said that many wounded civilians had been found lying in their treatment beds, still attached to machines, with bullet holes in their heads.

They accused the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of murdering those injured following the Tehran protests and also arresting several medical staff suspected of treating them.

'If the patient already had the shot in the head [when they arrived at the hospital], nobody would put the tube or catheter in because they're already dead,' the doctor told The Jerusalem Post.

'So it means they went into the hospital and they killed them on the treatment bed.'

Dr R also shared chilling images with the newspaper of bodies in black bags with bullet wounds to the head, surrounded by blood, and still connected to medical tubes and catheters. These photographs have not been independently verified.

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after an Iranian attack at the Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, June 25, 2025

A combination of satellite images shows an increase in the number of aircraft at the Al Udeid Air Base, near Doha, Qatar, comparing January 17, 2026 and February 1, 2026

Mr Trump's longtime ally, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, has now called on the President to strike Iran.

'I understand concerns about major military operations in the Middle East given past entanglements,' Graham told Axios.

'However, the voices who counsel against getting entangled seem to ignore the consequences of letting evil go unchecked.'

Graham explained that he believed those advising the president not to strike Iran were 'getting louder,' adding, 'Time will tell as to how this plays out.'

The senator clarified that he respected Trump's decision and believed that the president would be held accountable either way.

Graham has been a vocal opponent of the Iranian regime. He spoke at a rally in Munich, Germany, earlier this month to express solidarity with those demanding regime change.

'I believe the Ayatollah is a religious Nazi, who would keep the region and the world in turmoil,' Graham wrote on X after his speech.

'He's a religious fanatic who wants to purify Islam, destroy the Jewish people and come after the United States, which he refers to as the Great Satan.'

Graham also visited the Middle East and discussed Iran with officials in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Three people were killed and four were injured in a late-night three-car pile-up in Northern Ireland in what has been described as a 'very dark day'.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on the Armagh Road in County Tyrone near Moy at about 10.20pm on Saturday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

A 23-year-old woman and two men, aged 31 and 48, were pronounced dead at the scene, and four other people were injured in the collision.

Three of those injured are still in hospital receiving medical attention.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck described the three cars involved in the collision: a red BMW, a grey Volkswagen and a white Audi.

It was 'a very dark day for families who have been plunged into shock and mourning', Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong said, adding that she sends them her 'deepest sympathies and sincere condolences'.

She continued, saying they must be 'totally at a loss to comprehend the scale of this tragedy'.

The Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader said: 'The toll of the loss of life in this incident has shocked the local community and many will be holding those impacted in their thoughts and prayers today.

A 23-year-old woman and two men, aged 31 and 48, were pronounced dead at the scene

The crash involved three cars - a red BMW, a grey Volkswagen and a white Audi

Armagh Road remains closed after the deadly accident

'My thanks go to the PSNI and emergency services who attended the scene and transferred those affected for medical treatment.'

In a post on social media site X, Daire Hughes described what happened as 'devastating news'.

The MP said: 'Our sincerest sympathies to the families and friends of those who died in this immense tragedy, and to the affected communities.'

In a statement SDLP Armagh councillor Thomas O'Hanlon said: 'Three families and their wider communities have been plunged into deep grief.

'There are truly no words that can ease such pain, other than to offer our thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time.'

He also took time to acknowledge and extend his condolences to the 'first responders from all emergency services who attended the scene and were faced with such harrowing circumstances'.

The police investigation continues and they have asked anyone who was in the area and witnessed the crash to contact them, particularly those with dashcam footage.

The Armagh Road at Moy remains closed.
Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei is plotting for a doomsday scenario as President Donald Trump has set a new deadline for nuclear negotiations with the nation.

Trump's top Middle Eastern negotiators - special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, are set to meet with Iranian representatives in Geneva this Thursday to discuss a new nuclear deal. President Donald Trump, however, is not ruling out strikes against Iran in the next 10 to 15 days.

Ali Larijani, a top Iranian national security official and Khamenei advisor, believes that his country is ready for whatever will come their way.

'We are ready in our country,' Larijani told Al Jazeera in Qatar this month.

'We are definitely more powerful than before. We have prepared in the past seven, eight months. We found our weaknesses and fixed them. We are not looking for war, and we won't start the war. But if they force it on us, we will respond.'

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday, the president warned the US could bomb Iran if a deal isn't reached within 10 days.

An official in the region said the tactic would likely push Iranian officials out of negotiations for a 'significant period.' If it doesn't work, Trump could then strike regime facilities in an attempt to oust the entire leadership.

While Trump has been 'repeatedly presented' this plan by senior aides, discussions in the Oval Office have largely focused on a larger plan of attack.

A handout picture made available by Iran's Supreme Leader Office shows Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressing a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, on February 17, 2026

People take part in a rally in support of Iranian protesters during a global day of action in Los Angeles, California, US, February 14, 2026

US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House, in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026

Resistance to further action against Iran by Trump is increasing in Washington as top congressional voices have argued that his recent military exploits are illegal.

Congressman Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, are planning to introduce a War Powers Resolution in the House of Representatives as soon as the chamber gavels in for the week as an effort to provide a check on Trump and urge against strikes without Congressional authorization.

Senator Lindsey Graham, on the other hand, is a vocal proponent of military action, telling Axios, 'I understand concerns about major military operations in the Middle East given past entanglements.'

'However, the voices who counsel against getting entangled seem to ignore the consequences of letting evil go unchecked,' he added.

Khamenei, meanwhile, has set up a line of succession four individuals deep for top military and government posts that he oversees, per the New York Times.

During President Trump's governors' dinner on Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio slipped out of the East Room of the White House twice, per reports. He was also seen talking with CIA Director John Ratcliffe at the event.

Protests within Iran have escalated since the New Year, and the regime, led by Ayatollah Khamenei, has sought to limit its citizens' access to the West by cutting off internet connection as well as telephone lines.

Protestors have, however, still been able to get information out of the country through the use of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite technology.

Congressman Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat are planning to introduce a War Powers Resolution in the House of Representatives this week

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with United States Senator Lindsey Graham at his Jerusalem office on February 16, 2026

Trump has intensified his public statements since the protests began, warning Iranian authorities against using force and repeatedly expressing support for what he has described as a push for freedom.

'Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,' the president noted in a post to his Truth Social account, adding that 'the USA stands ready to help!!!'

The State Department has echoed a hardline tone, pointing to previous US actions against adversarial governments as evidence that Trump follows through on his warnings.

'Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it,' a January social media post from the State Department read.

Back in June, Trump directed the US military to deploy a dozen 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs that 'obliterated' Iran's three largest nuclear facilities in what the administration later dubbed 'Operation Midnight Hammer.'

A graphic shows the timeline of 'Operation Midnight Hammer', a U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, released by the U.S. Defense Department in Washington, DC, US June 22, 2025

'The strikes were a spectacular military success,' Trump said in a late-night address to the nation from the White House the day after the operation.

The US military joined forces with Israel to launch military strikes against Iran at the time using B-2 'bunker bomber' planes.

Trump later indicated that his decision to authorize the strikes was influenced by the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
Labour is mounting a frantic final by-election effort with warnings defeat could spell the end for Keir Starmer.

The contest in Gorton & Denton is entering its last few days with the Greens seemingly trying to 'weaponise' the Gaza issue.

Labour has been hoping to paint Thursday's vote - in a traditional stronghold seat - as a straight fight with Reform, which has been riding high in national polls.

But even the more optimistic activists believe the outcome is on a knife-edge, with the very limited polling so far suggesting a three-way split. Constituency-level surveys are notoriously difficult to conduct.

Deputy leader Lucy Powell pleaded with residents in the Manchester constituency not to let Nigel Farage's party in by 'turning to the Greens'.

Writing in the Sunday Mirror, she said the Greens were 'peddling misinformation' about being the only viable alternative to Reform.

Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley told an all-staff call on Friday that Zack Polanski's party is 'clearly high on the Class A drugs they want to legalise if they think they're in this race'.

Green campaign literature includes Urdu translations of messages including this one insisting it is the only party that can beat Reform

Reform candidate Matt Goodwin has branded the by-election a referendum on Sir Keir's leadership, as he struggles to cling on in No10

Labour is mounting a frantic final by-election effort with warnings defeat could spell the end for Keir Starmer

However, Jeremy Corbyn has been in a seat offering his support to the Greens, after Your Party decided against standing a candidate.

'There is only one way we will defeat Reform: together. That's why I'm backing the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election,' he said.

The Greens have been trying to mobilise the significant Muslim vote in the seat.

Campaign fliers written in English and Urdu show candidate Hannah Spencer wearing a keffiyeh with the message 'punish Labour for Gaza'.

Ms Spencer told the Middle East Eye: 'People are really angry about how Labour failed to call it a genocide or to bring any measures against the Israeli government.'

Reform candidate Matt Goodwin has branded the by-election a referendum on Sir Keir's leadership, as he struggles to cling on in No10.

Losing the battle could spark a fresh bout of speculation about the premier's future, with grim local elections looming in May.

Jeremy Corbyn has been in a seat offering his support to the Greens, after Your Party decided against standing a candidate

One Labour veteran told the Daily Mail it would come down to who could get their vote out most effectively.

'I think most voters aren't sure of any of the parties,' the frontbencher said.

'Just look at the polls. Everyone seems to be around 20 per cent with Reform mid 20s...

'It's not very convincing for anyone at the minute. Five parties in a two-party system.'

A Green Party spokesman told the Sunday Telegraph: 'Not all voters speak English as their first language so of course Greens wish to be inclusive. Our approach has been praised by locals who love their diverse community.

'Greens have been outspoken about the Labour Government's foreign policy failure over Gaza and it is well known that many voters wish to send a message to Labour at this by-election for very many reasons.'
Tourist hotspot Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has erupted into fiery chaos after federal forces conducted an operation to kill the leader of a prominent cartel, who have fought back on the embattled streets of the city.

The US State Department has issued a security alert for all Americans stranded in the area, warning them to shelter in place, avoid crowds, and minimize their movements.

Catastrophic photos from across the city showed buses exploding in flames, homes torched and billowing black smoke traveling through the sky during the unrest.

The intense commotion and code red warning was triggered in the early hours of Sunday, when the Mexican Army went into the rustic town of Tapalpa, which is about 170 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco.

They killed Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, according to high-ranking officials who spoke with local publications.

El Mencho was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.

Videos circulating on social media show vehicles burning in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Tapalpa, which are all located in the state of Jalisco.

Armed thugs on motorcycles and the sounds of their gunfire have also been reported by residents of Puerto Vallarta. Videos of Mexican forces exchanging fire with cartel members have started popping up on X and Instagram.

Fiery chaos has erupted throughout the Mexican state of Jalisco, leaving some tourists stranded. A bus set on fire by cartel members in the state is pictured

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Chaos and destruction have exploded in the Mexican city

A bus used as a roadblock by organized crime burns following a federal operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as 'El Mencho,' was killed

The US State Department has warned Americans in Jalisco and other parts of Mexico to shelter in place. A burning truck in Jalisco that was extinguished is pictured

Footage captures intense clashes between CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) and Mexican law enforcement in La Desembocada. pic.twitter.com/EiFRDYYs7G  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 22, 2026

Videos of chaos at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco have also been circulating, showing smoke rising from runways and people running in a panic. Other videos show people hiding inside the airport and laying on the ground.

People in the neighboring state of Guanajuato have said they are watching pharmacies and convenience stores get torched to the ground throughout the region.

Authorities have said they are actively working on containing the cartel's reactions and reinforcing security following El Mencho's killing.

On Sunday morning, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro announced on X: 'Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to confrontations in the area.

'Also as a result of this operation, in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles to hinder the action of the authorities.

'I have given the instruction to immediately set up the security committee with authorities from all three levels of government and to activate the red code in order to prevent acts against the population.'

People on social media have reported being stranded in Puerto Vallarta, where thick columns of smoke can be seen rising above the city. At least ten vehicles throughout the city were reported as having been set on fire.

One user on Facebook wrote: 'My daughter is there now at an Airbnb, I just talked with her and the whole town is on lockdown, she is safe as we speak but it's a very scary situation.'

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican federal forces on Sunday, according to high-ranking officials who spoke with local publications. The chaos across Mexico is thought to be in response to his death

Videos taken by travelers at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco show smoke rising from the runways

Columns of black smoke are pictured rising from Puerto Vallarta, a city popular with tourists. The chaos is thought to be in response to federal authorities killing a prominent cartel leader

A member of Mexico's security forces is pictured standing watch next to a burning vehicle. At least ten such vehicles have reportedly been set on fire

Another user wrote: 'We are at Villa del Palmar in Puerto Vallarta and black smoke all around, no buses or taxis, flights cancelled, stores closed, not going anywhere. Was going to sit at beach but smoke smell was terrible and was told it could be toxic.'

Other people on Reddit said they were about to hop on a flight to the Pacific coastal city just before they heard the news.

'I was AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL waiting to go there when we heard this was happening,' said a user on Reddit. '[I'm] In the car going back home. All flights to PV (Puerto Vallarta) grounded indefinitely,' the user wrote in a follow-up comment.

A video of dozens of Canadian tourists stranded on the roof of their hotel looking down at the chaos on the streets of Puerto Vallarta began making the rounds on Instagram Sunday afternoon.

Public transportation in Puerto Vallarta has been suspended, and hotels across the city are advising guests to remain indoors. Some businesses have temporarily closed.

The governor of the neighboring state of Michoacan, Alfredo Bedolla, has also reported that 13 municipalities in his jurisdiction are facing similar unrest.

Residents of Tapalpa, where El Mencho was killed, reported aircraft flying over the town and military convoys in the hours leading up to the operation to eliminate the cartel leader.

Roadblocks were later reported in at least six states, including Jalisco, Michoacan, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato and Aguascalientes.

Mexicos federal Security Ministry has announced that it is working to bring back order and that its priority is to 'ensure the security and protection of citizens.'
Britain was accused by the Kremlin today of being behind an assassination bid in Moscow aimed at one of Vladimir Putin's highest-level military spy chiefs.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the 64-year-old deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence, is recovering in hospital after being shot in a residential building on February 6.

While the high-ranking official is expected to survive the assassination attempt, Russian counterintelligence chief Alexander Bortnikov today alleged a 'British trace' to the attack, claiming Ukrainian special services executed it.

Bortnikov, 74, said: 'We clearly understand that the organisers are the Ukrainian special services.

'And behind them stand third countries, which we have spoken about before, that the Ukrainian special services operate under the supervision, or with the supervision, of Western intelligence services.

'We see a British trace above all here. Therefore, the investigation is continuing.'

Bortnikov said the FSB will publish new information about the investigation if it becomes available.

The veteran director of the Federal Security Services gave no evidence for his claim against Britain.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the 64-year-old deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence, is recovering in hospital after being shot in a residential building on February 6' (pictured is Lieutenant General Alekseyev speaking to servicemen in an undisclosed location)

Image made from video provided by Russian Federal Security Service via Russia-1 TV channel on Sunday, Feb 8, 2026, CCTV footage showing a person standing outside a building, suspected in the attempted murder of Lt. Gen. Alekseyev

Russian Police officers walk next to the entrance of a residential building on Volokolamsk Highway, where an assassination attempt on Lt. Gen. Alexeyev was made on February 6

He stressed that retaliatory measures against alleged terrorist attacks by Kiev are being taken, but this is a 'delicate issue'.

'We are carefully monitoring everything that is happening. Of course, we will never forget and never forgive,' he said.

Alekseyev has been linked to the 2018 Novichok poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury.

The EU alleged he 'orchestrated' the GRU operation against the Skripals, and cited this as a reason for imposing sanctions.

Beyond the 'British trace' allegations, Russia had previously attempted to connect the Alekseyev shooting to Poland, highlighting a shifting narrative following the breach of security.

The attack is seen as a major humiliation for the Kremlin, though reports suggest the general's own actions may have played a role, with claims he was shot after ditching his security detail to visit his younger lover.

Russia earlier arrested two suspects, Lyubomir Korba, 65, and Viktor Vasin, 66, alleging they were working for Ukraine's SBU security service.

A third suspect, Zinaida Serebryakova, 54, who reportedly lived in the building where Alekseyev was shot, is said to have fled to Ukraine.

According to the FSB, both Korba and Vasin have 'fully admitted their guilt'.
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a fresh legal setback for Walter Magaya, the High Court of Zimbabwe has ordered the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder to repay US$3 million to an Israeli businessman, dismissing his attempt to rely on local exchange control laws to void the debt.In the matter filed under case number HC 621/23, the court rejected Magaya's argument that the mining investment debt was unlawful under Zimbabwe's exchange control regulations. He had sought to repay the investors in local currency rather than the US$3 million advanced through Ambassador Ronny Levi Musan.Justice Maxwell Takuva dismissed submissions by Advocate Garikai Sithole, who argued that the debt was illegal. The judge instead sided with Advocate Tazorora Musarurwa's position that upholding such technicalities would undermine investor confidence and stifle foreign investment.In his ruling, Justice Takuva found that Magaya had failed to demonstrate any illegality on the part of the plaintiff."The defendant failed to prove illegality and has not shown any violation of Zimbabwean law by the plaintiff," the judge said.He further ruled that exchange control regulations apply only to Zimbabwean residents and that Magaya could not claim illegality after having prescribed the payment method and benefited from the funds."The defendant is estopped from claiming illegality as he prescribed the payment method and benefited from it. Public policy is averse to unjust enrichment, preventing the defendant from profiting unjustly from US$3 000 000.00," the judgment read in part.The court consequently ordered Magaya to repay the US$3 million together with interest at a rate of 3 percent per month, compounded from July 2022. It also authorised the execution of his immovable property should he fail to settle the debt."In the result, it is ordered that the preliminary point raised be and is hereby dismissed for lack of merit," Justice Takuva ruled.The decision marks a significant development in the high-profile dispute and underscores the judiciary's stance on contractual obligations and investor protection.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has revealed why he may not run for president, despite constantly topping the list of potential 2028 Democratic Party contenders.

Speaking with CNN's State of the Union host Dana Bash, Newsom noted that his family is skeptical about a rumored presidential run.

Asked whether his family wants him to run for president, Newsom acknowledged to Bash, 'It depends on the day.'

The governor also shared with the CNN host a recent incident in which one of his sons texted him a headline that suggested he was preparing to run for president and asked if it was true.

'I said, 'No, I will do this as a family,' Newsom shared.

His son then reportedly replied: 'You can't,' adding, 'I'm too young ... You need to spend more time with us.'

'How do you deal with that one?' Newsom asked Bash, adding, 'I'm busted.'

Newsom is building a carefully curated image of himself as the quintessential American family man as a husband and father to his four children.

Gavin Newsom has revealed the only thing standing between him and a run for president is how his family feels about it

Gavin Newsom stands with first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom at a California Democratic Party office Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Sacramento

His Sunday CNN appearance came ahead of the Tuesday release of his memoir, 'Young Man in a Hurry'.

He also launched a podcast last year and has not been afraid to host guests who vehemently disagree with him politically, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, and the late youth conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last September.

Newsom has also put himself forward as a figurehead of the anti-Trump resistance, clashing with the Trump White House on politics and policy alike.

The California Governor was the architect of Proposition 50, which took the power to redraw the state's map away from the bipartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission until 2030 and returned it to the state legislature, which is controlled by Democrats.

The move was made to reallocate the state's congressional seats to leave fewer in the GOP's column, a direct attack on the Republican House Majority and Trump's ability to govern in Washington.

Newsom has also taken actions to resist the Trump administration's immigration enforcement measures, limiting the degree to which California law enforcement complies with federal ICE agents, and calling them a terrorist group.

During last year's government shutdown, Newsom made $80 million in SNAP funds available to food banks in his state during a pause in federal funds, and he also sent the National Guard to help run them. However, some locations have rejected the troops' help.

The Trump Administration has noted at the time that states that choose to spend money on their food programs will not be reimbursed for their actions.
Party conferences are rock concerts for political anoraks. Gathering at a corporate arena or cultural venue to watch your leader put on a show.

Having to endure hit-and-miss warm-up acts in the form of promotion-seeking MPs with no trace of personality and MPs with too much personality to have a chance of promotion.

Members and activists can rub shoulders with the like-minded, whoop and clap for all the old hits, and theres even a merchandise stall if they fancy remortgaging their semi-detached to pay for a party-branded reusable water bottle.

In short, its Hell  with worse parking arrangements. There are, however, some merits to these conclaves of the ambitious and the malicious and one of them is the opportunity to gauge the relationship between a UK party leader and their Holyrood equivalent.

There are tells: tone, body language, and word choice in speeches. Political hacks love nothing more than poring over the theatrics like Kremlinologists trying to figure out which comrade is next for a bump up the ladder and which is about to get dunted out the window.

At the Scottish Conservative conference, it was hard to identify any splits between Kemi Badenoch and Russell Findlay. Both spoke with confidence, and in particular Badenoch who continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of daunting opinion polls.

To her critics, this is proof she doesnt get it and should make way for someone able to capture the populist mood of the moment. (A bold proposal when your party isnt exactly brimming with leadership material, populist or otherwise.)

To her admirers, though, she is made of sterner stuff than most and, far from oblivious to the dire fortunes of her party, it is her leadership that is holding the Conservative coalition together.

Kemi Badenoch rallied the troops at the Scottish Conservative Party conference

Russell Findlay has faced a tough run of polls since becoming Scottish Conservative leader

There are parallels with her Scottish leader. Findlay has faced a tough run of polls since he succeeded Douglas Ross.

A conscious decision by the Scottish party to elect its first right-of-centre leader since the late David McLetchie, Findlays pugilistic, blue-collar conservatism was meant to keep Reforms tanks off the Tories lawns.

Like Badenoch, he has been hindered by the legacy of 14 years in government in which the Conservatives managed to alienate much of their core vote with rising taxes, insatiable spending, and levels of immigration (legal and illegal) that made Tony Blair look like a Fortress Britain hardliner.

Their common predicament has likely shaped what is a solid working relationship. No UK leader wants a Scotland problem and the surest way to acquire one is to disrespect the Scottish leader.

David Cameron and Theresa May enjoyed a good working alliance with Ruth Davidson in large part because they approached her as a colleague rather than an underling. This stood in sharp contrast to the state of play under Boris Johnson when No 10 regarded the Scottish party with imperious indifference, when it regarded it at all.

There was a similar dismissiveness within the UK Labour leadership towards Kezia Dugdale during the Jeremy Corbyn years. Badenoch and Findlay demonstrate the value of cooperation. The opposite is painfully true of Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar.

Labours general election gains in Scotland are attributable to neither man. Voters were incandescent with the Tories and wanted them out but also scunnered with the SNP after the gender wars and the rolling  or should that be scootering  catastrophe of Humza Yousaf. Labour was a means to an end.

It was only inside No 10 that Starmer became relevant to Scottish Labours electoral standing. The Prime Minister is a truly terrible politician, a middling human rights brief and even more middling Director of Public Prosecutions who is simply in above his head.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar recently called for the Prime Minister to step down

He is weak, indecisive, shifty, legalistic, and lacking in political vision or insight. He only won the leadership in the wake of the Corbyn disaster and only triumphed in the election because the Tories, having won an 80-seat majority in 2019, spent five years making the electorate sorely regret that decision.

His serial misjudgement, whether over the winter fuel allowance, accepting gifts from Lord Alli, or appointing Peter Mandelson US ambassador, has made him a liability for Labour, one the SNP is only too happy to exploit. (Labour partisans might object that anyone looking for awkward relationships between party leaders should start with John Swinney and the man who wants his job, Stephen Flynn. Unfortunately for Labour, their leaders failings are on a magnitude several orders greater.)

Truth be told, not all of Scottish Labours difficulties can be ascribed to Starmer. If Sarwar was ever to obtain the keys to Bute House, he should have been able to establish a clear polling lead over Swinneys SNP, something he has failed to do. Starmer might have sunk them, but the MV Scottish Labour was already taking on water.

Where Badenoch and Findlay project unity, Sarwar has called for Starmer to resign. His call weakened Starmer even further but it weakened Sarwar too: his intervention fizzled into nothing, proving his irrelevance within the Labour Party outside Scotland.

When Starmer and Sarwar stand together, the voters know they couldnt be further apart. I doubt there will be much standing together between now and polling day. In Scotland as in most other parts of the country, Starmer costs votes and brings nothing.

Do these relationships really matter? Isnt this all just personality politics and scuttlebutt?

No, these things do matter. A strong relationship between leaders can keep the ship steady, convince tired and pessimistic activists back onto the campaign trail, and better manage losses to head off panicked or precipitous responses. Mutual support can stiffen resolve and reignite determination.

With elections to Holyrood and English councils falling on the same day, there will be immense pressure on both Badenoch and Findlay to stand down.

Keir Starmer weathered the crisis sparked by his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador

If one has the guts to refuse and press ahead with party reform, it becomes easier for the other to do the same.

Sarwar and Starmer can offer each other no such solidarity or reassurance.

Within Labour, it will be every man for himself on the morning of May 8. Should Labour come third behind Reform, Sarwars position will be under threat and even if the party limps into second but with fewer seats than in 2021 the leaders internal foes will sense an opening.

He can expect no favours from Starmer and nor can the PM hope for Sarwars backing if the local results in England prove especially bruising.

Leadership is a demanding vocation and it takes a certain calibre of person to meet the demands. Assertiveness, ideas, energy, stamina  these are all worthwhile qualities. But the ability to form relationships, to steer them through choppy waters, and make them mutually beneficial is an acutely valuable skill.

In managing ties between Westminster and Holyrood, a leader can prove themselves to be both self-sufficient and a team player, able to take their party where it needs to be taken but capable of taking others with them.

Despite gloomy poll numbers, the staunch allyship between Badenoch and Findlay gives the Tories some reasons for optimism. Things are bad but two leaders determined to turn the situation around offers some grounds for hope.

Sarwar and Starmer, on the other hand, serve only as a reminder that Labour is divided and cannot agree on the next steps for Britain. They might be at odds on leadership and strategy but in another regard they are as one: neither man can take Labour any further forward.
A cash-strapped health board faces a bill of more than 1.3million for a new asylum seeker centre  including monthly sexual health clinics, vaccinations and mental health support.

NHS Highland will be hit by the eye-watering costs due to the Home Offices plan to accommodate around 300 asylum seekers at the Cameron Barracks military base in Inverness.

A draft report  leaked to the Mail  reveals the huge costs of proposed healthcare services for the site.

It includes 25,665 for monthly sexual health clinics offering blood-borne virus screening at weekends, with condoms available on-site.

A further 269,899 will have to be spent on on-site vaccination clinics staffed by two members of staff for two days a week, offering jabs against diseases including diptheria, tetanus and polio. Another 87,067 will be go on mental health services, with dedicated distress brief intervention support provided to residents 365 days a year, while 115,740 will be required for extra capacity for translation services.

The biggest individual cost set out in the report is for the workforce required, at 629,298. Concerns have been raised about the impact on NHS Highland which is facing financial pressures.

Edward Mountain, Tory MSP for the Highlands, said: This extra pressure on a cash-strapped rural health board would be intolerable. Whats more, there is a hidden burden on GPs. There is just no way practices in an around Inverness can absorb this additional load.

To make matters worse, the Home Office dont appear to have made any attempt to consult the GPs who are expected to carry out so much additional work.

The Home Office plans to accommodate around 300 asylum seekers at the Cameron Barracks military base in Inverness

An anti immigration protest in Inverness after the plans were announced

No-one expects such a movement of people to come at no cost, but I really cannot see why taxpayers need to spend thousands on sexual health provision.

People are already angry at this plan, and ridiculous add-ons like that will only make the situation worse. The overall eye-watering cost underlines yet again how inappropriate and unsustainable this whole idea is.

The Home Office originally wanted to move asylum seekers in by early December and use the site for 12 months, but the plans were delayed.

Earlier this month, it was revealed planning rules could create a further delay as Highland Council may need to approve a change of use from barracks to hostel if it is to be used as asylum seeker accommodation for more than six months.

The leaked draft NHS Highland costing proposal for the Barracks written in December, assumes there will be around 250 people on site at one time, staying for 70-90 days each, and that the site will be occupied for 12 months.

It states that NHS Highland acute health system is under considerable strain. It is therefore imperative we develop a Core Site Team to ensure people are signposted to the appropriate service avoiding A&E wherever possible.

The report proposes this consists of two nurses and an admin assistant while there will also be a social worker to address support and protection issues.

Every new resident will receive a health assessment upon arrival, and those requiring a GP or other services will be given support.

A UK Government spokesman said: We work closely with health partners to minimise the impact on the local community, GP practices and existing NHS resources.

A health board spokesman said: NHS Highland can confirm we have established an operational group to undertake a detailed review of our costing proposal for the Home Office.

The Home Office said it is assessing the feasability of the Cameron Barracks site, working closely with local health partners to minimise the impact on the local community, and ensuring people get access to the healthcare they need while protecting protecting local services.

A UK Government spokesman said: 'We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well underway, with more suitable sites, such as military bases, being brought forward to ease pressure on communities.

'We work closely with health partners to minimise the impact on the local community, reducing reliance on local GP practices and minimising pressure on existing NHS resources.'

An NHS Highland spokesman said: 'NHS Highland can confirm that we have established an Operational Group to undertake a detailed review of our costing proposal for the Home Office.

'We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, Scottish Refugee Council, Home Office, Highland Council and other key partners to ensure that high-quality, coordinated core services are delivered in a sustainable way.

'Our priority remains meeting the needs of people seeking asylum and delivering high-quality support and services across all core services.'
The father of a child who was being treated for cancer at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) has told how a cleaner warned him tap water on the boys ward was not fit for animals.

David Campbell claims it was an open secret among staff, including nurses, as far back as 2018 that insanitary conditions at the Glasgow site were potentially lethal for vulnerable patients.

He was shocked to be told by the orderly, I wouldnt let my dog drink the water in here, while nurses warned him: It wont be the cancer that kills your child, it will be an infection.

Police and the Crown Office are investigating seven deaths at the QEUH and neighbouring Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), which could lead to prosecutions for corporate homicide. Victims include Molly Cuddihy, 23, ten-year-old Milly Main and two other unnamed children.

Meanwhile, the Hospitals Inquiry chaired by judge Lord Brodie is continuing to probe the scandal that saw patients treated in buildings where the water and ventilation systems were apparently fatally flawed.

Mr Campbell, whose son James survived his ordeal, has given evidence to the inquiry and has now relived some of his experiences at the QEUH and RHC.

He told the Sunday Times: I first heard there were concerns about the tap water on the childrens cancer ward from a cleaner. My four-year-old son James had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018.

We had not been on ward 2A long when a cleaner suggested I ask for bottled water. I wouldnt let my dog drink the water in here, she told me. There were signs on the bathroom doors saying the shower should be run for five minutes before use.

David Campbell with his son James, who was treated for cancer at the QEUH

Police are investigating the deaths of patients who are thought to have acquired infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Other families said they werent cleaning their childrens teeth using the taps at sinks.

While the nurses were brilliant with James, it was hard to secure answers about water safety, so we started the bizarre routine of washing him with mild wet wipes and cold bottled water brought from the hospitals Marks & Spencer store.

The nurses warned us: It wont be the cancer that kills your child, it will be an infection.

Soon after, the childrens Schiehallion Unit was closed without official explanation, and James was relocated to an ill-equipped ward in the main hospital, designed for adults.

He said: There seemed to be a number of children falling seriously ill. A Facebook group was set up [by parents], but when it appeared, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had planted a member to monitor the chat.

We had to move forum. Amid the turmoil, I wrote to Jeane Freeman, then Scottish health secretary, who told me she had spoken to Jane Grant, then NHSGGC chief executive, and they were monitoring the situation.

There have since been many more emails to people who could have helped, but didnt.

He also recalled that his son and other children were given anti-fungal drugs, only later realising they were not a common component of cancer treatment.

Kimberly Darroch with her daughter Milly Main, 10, who died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in 2017

Mr Campbell, 48, of Balloch, Dunbartonshire, said his trust in NHS management and the government has been destroyed and the lack of remorse from senior managers at NHSGGC has been staggering, adding: It shocks me that no one has lost their job over what happened.

NHSGGC has admitted it was likely the water supply had caused fatalities but added: Pressure was applied to open the hospital on time [April 2015]... It was not ready. First Minister John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon  who was FM in 2015  deny leaning on the health board.
The father of murdered student Karen Buckley revealed he has forgiven his daughters killer.

John Buckley has sent a letter and a crucifix to Alexander Pacteau, 31, who is serving a minimum 23-year sentence for the murder in Glasgow in 2015.

Pacteau battered the 24-year-old with a spanner and then strangled her after meeting her outside a nightclub.

The Irish trainee nurse was found crammed into a barrel of caustic soda at a farm near Milngavie, north of Glasgow.

More than a decade after the horrific killing, father-of-four Mr Buckley said: I do forgive the man that murdered Karen. Over the years Ive included him in my prayers and at mass said for Karen and him.

Speaking to hundreds of worshippers at Galway Cathedral earlier this month, Mr Buckley said Christianity had helped him to find peace amid the tragedy.

The 72-year-old now prays for Pacteau to find a similar solace through religion.

He said: Before Christmas I wrote to the prison authorities and their suggestion was to write a letter to him.

Student Karen Buckley was murdered in 2015

John Buckley, Karen's father, has forgiven killer Alexander Pacteau

Pacteau was 21 when he was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison for killing Karen Buckley

And I told him I forgive him and that, no matter how bad or what harm weve done, or what sins weve committed, if we turn back to Jesus and were sorry, he will forgive us.

Mr Buckley also sent the convict a leaflet and a little cross from a pilgrimage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I know what its like being in a very dark place. I also know what its like for Jesus to lead me out of it, he said.

The astonishing show of mercy is a dramatic shift for Mr Buckley, who previously branded Pacteau a truly evil coward after he pleaded guilty to the murder in 2015.

In a statement at the time, the grief-stricken father said: I hope that he is never released and spends every day in prison haunted by what he did.

The judge overseeing Pacteaus trial said his actions were motiveless, senseless and brutal.

Lady Rae told him: I find it extremely difficult to find words appropriate to describe the dreadful crime to which you pleaded guilty.

However, Mr Buckley told the Galway congregation that, although Pacteau was a young man intent on committing murder, he deserved the same support that his own family had experienced after Karens killing.

John and Marian Buckley leaving the High Court in Glasgow after Pacteau was sentenced

The amount of cards and masses being said for us as a family, everybody praying for us, was absolutely incredible, he said.

It shared in some of our grief and took some of that pain. We should never, ever lose hope.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: We do not comment on individuals.
An urgent appeal to locate two sisters last seen on Friday evening has been issued by police.

Sisters Afia and Bilal were reported missing after disappearing together from their home.

They were last seen on Wandsworth High Street in London. Afia, 16, was believed to be wearing a Gucci shawl and Bilal, 10, was wearing a black coat.

Wandsworth Police have urged anyone with information on the sisters' whereabouts to come forward.

In a statement, the force said: 'Can you help us find siblings Afia(16)+Bilal(10) who have gone missing together.

'Last seen on the evening of Fri 20th Feb in Wandsworth High Street.Afia was wearing a Gucci shawl and Bilal a black coat.

'Please call police with any info, quoting ref: CAD3972/22Feb.'

Afia (pictured) was last seen wearing a Gucci shawl before she disappeared two days ago
A man has been arrested after a car crashed head-on into another vehicle while driving the wrong way down the A1 - leaving eight people hurt.

A blue Audi Q3 that had been travelling on the correct side of a stretch of the A1 in Northumberland suddenly entered the wrong side of the carriageway for an unknown reason.

It then crashed head-on into a silver Mitsubishi Mirage, which was carrying three passengers, at around 7.30pm on Saturday.

Alongside the three people in the Mitsubishi, five people in the Audi were treated when emergency services got to the scene. All eight were then rushed to hospital.

One man in his 40s suffered serious injuries but was reported to be in a stable condition in hospital.

Both cars were damaged significantly following the crash.

The 37-year-old driver of the Audi has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has been released on bail as police investigate the crash.

A blue Audi Q3 that had been travelling on the correct side of a stretch of the A1 in Northumberland suddenly entered the wrong side of the carriageway for an unknown reason (stock image)

Part of the road was closed for several hours on Saturday evening following the crash but has now reopened.

The North East Ambulance Service said: 'We attended a head-on road traffic collision between two vehicles on the A1 between Alnwick and Belford in Northumberland yesterday (21 Feb).

'After receiving the first call at 7.30pm we dispatched four ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader and one Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) crew.

'We treated eight patients in total; two with serious injuries to head and leg and a further six with minor injuries.

'Seven patients were taken to the Northumbria Hospital in Cramlington and one to RVI in Newcastle.'

Northumbria Police has urged any witnesses to come forward and said it wanted to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage of the crash.
A councillor has been filmed lifting his dog by the scruff of her neck at a children's park.

In footage posted online, Salisbury City Council leader Samuel Charleston can be seen allegedly grabbing his pup by the neck as she hangs in the air.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 3pm on Saturday near Old Sarum Castle, a deserted site of the earliest settlement of the Wiltshire city.

Mr Charleston, the Liberal Democrat councillor for St Paul's ward, has sparked fury - with locals branding him a 'coward' over the incident.

But he has refused to resign, claiming 'we all make mistakes'.

A Facebook user who posted the footage in a local community group wrote: 'We [saw] a man whose dog wasn't listening to his recall, so he approached his dog...then the man proceeded to grab the adult dog by [her] scruff and walk across the field...

'A few of us told him to stop (just put your dog down, put it on a lead). He was getting defensive and started waving the dog about by [her] scruff and said "it's just a dog".

'He had young children with him and we were disgusted to see how he treated his family pet in front of his children.'

Pictured: The moment councillor Samuel Charleston picked his dog up by the scruff of the neck, prompting members of the public to intervene

Residents responded with anger, with one saying: 'He is clearly distressing the poor dog. I invite him to my house so that I can teach him respect for animals and other people.'

Another wrote: 'How would you like to be carried about like that? If you wouldn't like it don't do it to your dog!'

Wiltshire999s reports that Mr Charleston said his dog is 'very happy and healthy', adding that he is 'not intentionally doing anything to hurt her'.

He said she is coming out of season and that while she had 'mostly been fine' on the afternoon dog walk, he was 'concerned that if she wasnt coming back that perhaps it's not as finished as it might be', which is why he went over and picked her up.

Mr Charleston told the Daily Mail he had 'learned' his 'lesson' over the incident and that he 'never intended to hurt the dog'.

But he said the response of locals was 'disproportionate', claiming residents had called for him to be 'lynched' and 'strung up from a tree', which has made him fear for his family's safety.

The council leader has spoken to Wiltshire Police to report concerns about threats of abuse.

Mr Charleston told this newspaper: 'It's fair [to say] that we are all learning that picking up a dog by the scruff is not something that is the right thing to do.

'It was an action borne out of ignorance, not malice. I never intended to hurt the dog.'

Mr Charleston said he accepts that 'what I did was not the right thing to do'

Mr Charleston said the 'immediate response' from bystanders was to 'become aggressive', claiming they began 'shouting and swearing' - which made him concerned for his children.

'My only thought was to stop the swearing at and around my children,' he said, adding that they were in 'floods of tears' over the incident.

He said: 'It was a very, very short clip which was taken out of context without the shouting and swearing.

'We all make mistakes, learn and move forward from them. I do accept that what I did was not the right thing to do. It was not the right way to pick up a dog.'

He added that he has 'not considered' resigning over the incident.

The councillor also denied saying 'it's only a dog' when confronted by members of the public and from the footage it is unclear who said it.

The Daily Mail has approached Salisbury City Council and the Liberal Democrats for comment.
The Opposition has demanded tough new laws that would make it impossible for ISIS brides to return to Australia and proposed punishing anyone who helps them.

The legislation, introduced by Liberal leader Angus Taylor, would make it a criminal offence to assist Australians with links to Islamic State to return home.

Under the proposal, individuals and organisations involved in facilitating the return of those connected to terrorist groups could face prosecution.

If passed, humanitarian or security-based repatriations would only be allowed with the express approval of either the foreign affairs or home affairs minister.

Taylor said the bill was designed to 'protect Australia's way of life'.

'We will take action and refuse to let people come here who abandoned Australia to support Islamic extremist terror overseas,' he said.

'We must shut the door to people who do not share our values  and these people rejected our values in favour of terror.'

Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam called out the Albanese government's approach.

The Opposition has proposed tough new laws that would stop ISIS brides from ever returning to Australia

'The Albanese government's reckless approach of issuing passports and allowing so-called 'self-managed returns' is not border protection - it's an abdication of its responsibility to keep Australians safe,' he said.

The government is facing growing criticism over its claim it has not supported the return of 34 Islamic State-linked women and children to Australia.

Last week, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the group had been issued Australian passports, but maintained the government was not 'conducting repatriation' for them.

However, it was revealed that a government delegate was sent to the Al Roj camp in Syria's north-east, where the families have lived for seven years, to conduct DNA tests and issue their passports.

The Sunday Telegraph reported confidential talks between the Albanese government and state agencies in NSW and Victoria have been taking place since late 2025 regarding their return.

Mr Duniam said the Albanese government was playing around with 'semantics'.

'Just because they're not the ones driving them from the camp to the airport and escorting them through customs back to Australia does not mean that they are not assisting,' he said.

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has also called on Premier Chris Minns to 'demand transparency' from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese around whether any of the families will reside in NSW.

Join the debate Should Australia prioritize security or compassion when deciding who can return from conflict zones?

The legislation, put forward by Liberal leader Angus Taylor, would make it a criminal offence to assist Australians with links to Islamic State to return home

While appearing on ABC's Insiders program on Sunday morning, Burke refused to confirm what intelligence agencies had found on the ISIS brides after being asked multiple times whether they posed a security threat.

'The cohort is not consistent; there are very different people with different histories and different states of mind, if I put it in those terms,' he said.

'Our agencies have been following them for a long time - the fact that one person has been pulled out for a temporary exclusion order is because, quite specifically, of what we know of that individual.

'I can give the complete confidence to the Australian community [that] we know the different individuals, we know the state of mind and the effective ideology of different individuals.'
An Ohio Republican senator claimed Mexican cartels are targeting American tourists as gang unrest spreads across the country.

Bernie Moreno wrote on X on Monday that the U.S. should halt trade talks and warned of 'violent and terminal retribution' if any American is harmed in Mexico.

The US State Department has issued a shelter in place order due to 'ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity' that encompasses vacation hotspots like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

President Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to declare that the nation needed to 'step up their effort' on cartel and drug problems as cars and businesses were destroyed across the country.

The gunfire between narco gangs and officials began after the Mexican Army went into the rustic town of Tapalpa, which is about 170 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco on Sunday, where they killed Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, according to high-ranking officials who spoke with local publications.

El Mencho was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.

Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato reported at least 14 people were killed Sunday, including seven National Guard troops as videos circulating on social media showed tourists walking on beaches with smoke rising in the distance.

The Daily Mail provided live updates of the aftermath.
Chinese New Year holiday visits to Hong Kong top 1.16 million

Xinhua) 10:30, February 22, 2026

Tourists take a cable car on top of the Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 19, 2026. Hong Kong had recorded over 1.16 million visitor arrivals from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20 as many people from the Chinese mainland traveled to the city during the Spring Festival holiday, local data showed on Saturday. Among the total, visits from the mainland topped 980,000, data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government showed. Previous estimates put total mainland tourist arrivals during the nine-day holiday at 1.43 million. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

HONG KONG, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong had recorded over 1.16 million visitor arrivals from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20 as many people from the Chinese mainland traveled to the city during the Spring Festival holiday, local data showed on Saturday.

Among the total, visits from the mainland topped 980,000, data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government showed. Previous estimates put total mainland tourist arrivals during the nine-day holiday at 1.43 million.

The long holiday enabled in-depth tours of Hong Kong's nooks and crannies, with many tourists choosing to stay overnight on Lamma Island and other escapes rather than in downtown areas. For families with high schoolers, visits to Hong Kong's world-class universities are a fixture on itineraries.

Following a gold price surge, gold jewelers in Hong Kong recorded hefty sales brought by mainland tourists during the holiday. Many customers bought accessories and ornaments with horse motifs to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Tourists visit the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 20, 2026. Hong Kong had recorded over 1.16 million visitor arrivals from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20 as many people from the Chinese mainland traveled to the city during the Spring Festival holiday, local data showed on Saturday.

Among the total, visits from the mainland topped 980,000, data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government showed. Previous estimates put total mainland tourist arrivals during the nine-day holiday at 1.43 million. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Tourists take a yacht at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 17, 2026. Hong Kong had recorded over 1.16 million visitor arrivals from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20 as many people from the Chinese mainland traveled to the city during the Spring Festival holiday, local data showed on Saturday.

Among the total, visits from the mainland topped 980,000, data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government showed. Previous estimates put total mainland tourist arrivals during the nine-day holiday at 1.43 million. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Tourists pose for selfies at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 17, 2026. Hong Kong had recorded over 1.16 million visitor arrivals from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20 as many people from the Chinese mainland traveled to the city during the Spring Festival holiday, local data showed on Saturday.

Among the total, visits from the mainland topped 980,000, data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government showed. Previous estimates put total mainland tourist arrivals during the nine-day holiday at 1.43 million. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Tourists take a sightseeing bus in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 20, 2026. Hong Kong had recorded over 1.16 million visitor arrivals from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20 as many people from the Chinese mainland traveled to the city during the Spring Festival holiday, local data showed on Saturday.

Among the total, visits from the mainland topped 980,000, data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government showed. Previous estimates put total mainland tourist arrivals during the nine-day holiday at 1.43 million. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu)
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Harare Residents Trust has questioned the authenticity of the Zimbabwe China deals which were signed in 2010 in which the money involved was expected to assist the government in its developmental project amid revelations there was alarming water problems faced by the city of Harare."In 2010, China and Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding for financing projects between the two. Officials from the Ministry of Finance, representatives from China's Eximbank and Sinosure signed the agreement. Sinosure was to provide insurance cover for loans for projects supported by the Eximbank," said the trust. "On March 21, 2011 the former Zimbabwean Vice President Joice Mujuru signed a $144 million USD loan agreement for the development and rehabilitation of water works and sewers in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. Projects under the loan included construction of 3 new dams, an additional water treatment plant, and refurbishment of existing facilities such as Prince Edward and Morton Jaffray which would increase output to 7-5 megalitres per day."The trust said now the question is where are the three dams,additional water treatment plant?
The infamous photo of shamed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being driven from a Norfolk police station has been hung in the Louvre Museum by activists.

British political campaign group Everyone Hates Elon fixed the photo on a wall of the Paris gallery on Sunday.

It shows Andrew slouched in the backseat of a Range Rover after he spent 11 hours in police custody at Aylsham Police Station.

The photo was snapped after his arrest on Thursday at Sandringham Estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former Duke of York is facing allegations he sent confidential government documents to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while working as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice in January appear to show him sharing reports of official visits to the paedophile.

Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, has previously denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has publicly said he regrets their friendship.

Andrew's ties to the convicted sex offender forced him to step down from his royal duties and he was stripped of his royal patronages in January 2022.

On Sunday, activists hung a photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest (pictured) at the Louvre museum in Paris

The original photo of Andrew (pictured) slouched in the backseat of a Range Rover after spending 11 hours in police custody at Aylsham Police Station

Spectators gathered around the framed picture of Andrew (pictured). The former prince has been in the spotlight after allegations he sent confidential government documents to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein

Andrew's ties to the convicted sex offender forced him to step down from his royal duties and he was stripped of his royal patronages in January 2022.

In October 2025, he left his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, and relocated to a smaller privately funded address in Sandringham.

A police search of Royal Lodge. continues today and is set to continue until Monday. The search comes as Downing Street is now reportedly considering removing the ex-prince from the royal line of succession.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne and removing him would be the most significant change to the line of succession since Edward VIII's abdication.

An Act of Parliament is needed to do so, and Downing Street must have the agreement of the 14 other Commonwealth realms, including Jamaica, Canada and Australia.

At present, it is understood any change to legislation must wait until after the police investigation into the former prince is complete.
ABC star Michael Rowland has quit the network after 39 years with the national broadcaster to care for his sick wife.

'After almost four decades in the grinding environment of daily news and current affairs, and having watched luck run out for so many people, I've decided now is a good time to step away,' he told ABC News Breakfast on Monday.

'My wife, Nikki, who you all know, has been unwell over the last year or so, and I'm wanting to spend more time with her and family and move at a gentler pace.'

Rowland joined the ABC as an 18-year-old cadet journalist in January 1987.

The veteran presenter, who will finish up at the ABC on Friday, described his time at the national broadcaster as a 'great ride'.

'It's just the right time for my family and friends to step back from full-time work and move on to the next stage of life,' he said.

'It's bittersweet. I know this is the right decision for me, my family and my life going forward. But I'll miss the viewers. I still get a wonderful reception when I travel around Australia.'

Rowland fondly reflected on his time working in the Canberra press gallery in the 1990s, as a correspondent in Washington in the early 2000s and the 15 years he spent hosting ABC News Breakfast program.

Michael Rowland has announced he will be quitting the ABC to care for his sick wife

Mr Rowland with his wife Nicola Webber (pictured at a Melbourne event in December 2017)

The veteran presenter spent five years in the Canberra press gallery in the mid-1990s, reporting on the Paul Keating and John Howard prime ministerships

Join the debate Has the ABC lost one of its most trusted faces?

'I have been very fortunate since joining as a pimply cadet. I've had the chance to do pretty much everything - from the overnight shift monitoring police and fire brigades for radio news leads, to presenting various national TV programs,' he said.

Rowland, who shares two children with his wife Nicola, has previously spoke about how he always knew she was the one.

The couple met as political journalists when Rowland was a radio reporter for the ABC.

In an interview with The Australian Women's Weekly in 2020, Ms Webber spoke about how 'calm and steady' Rowland has helped support her over the years.

'My world before I met him was chaos, delightfully so, but he's the ballast in the ship for me,' she said.

'We balance each other. We make each other laugh. We frustrate each other as well. It sounds such a cliche  but we're a really good team.'

The family have had their fair share of health battles and have previously spoken about how they 'nearly lost' their son Tom at four-months-old due to unusual food allergies, and their daughter Eleanor was told she may have cancer at 18 months old.

Rowland has also spoke about a freak accident he was involved in, aged 19, when he was hit in the eye with a slingshot by a stranger 'taking pot-shots at cars.'

'The pellet  an acorn  hit me directly in the eye. If I had been driving I probably wouldn't be here. It ricocheted off the back of my eye. I can still hear it,' he told The Weekly.

'It did have a big impact on how I viewed the world and how I thought the world viewed me. I was very self-conscious.'
A controversial vegan activist has sparked a tense confrontation at Bondi Beach after removing a father and son's fishing rods, prompting the man to grab back his gear as his young child watched in shock.

Footage shared on social media shows activist Tash Peterson pulling a large fishing rod from a sand spike where it had been secured on the beach.

The confused owner quickly grabbed the rod back while his son looked on.

'Animals deserve to live, fish feel pain, and they want to live,' Peterson told the man.

Initially, the fisherman avoided confrontation and walked away, but Peterson continued to lecture him about fishing in front of his son.

'Your child is compassionate. He was clearly distressed by what just happened. Your child has a heart, stop teaching him to abuse and murder animals,' she continued.

The activist then pulled a second fishing rod from the sand, prompting the man to grab it back and tell her to leave him alone.

'Imagine what it feels like to have a hook in your mouth and suffocate to death. Put these away now. This should be illegal. Put them away now,' she said.

Vegan activist Tash Peterson sparked a heated scene at Bondi Beach after pulling a fathers fishing rods from the sand

Peterson confronted a fisherman in front of his child, removing his fishing rods and lecturing him about animal cruelty

'Destroy this torture equipment,' Peterson continued.

The incident quickly drew backlash online, with Facebook users accusing Peterson of hypocrisy for touching another person's belongings after previously complaining about similar behaviour directed at her during protests.

'What gives you the right to touch their property?' one wrote.

'So she can take off with someone's fishing rod, but it's assault when someone tries to take her loudspeaker?' another added.

'Yet someone grabs your sign in public, and you ask them not to touch your property. The math ain't mathing. Make it make sense,' a third user wrote.

Peterson has previously lashed out at people who attempted to disrupt her protests by trying to take her megaphone or placards.

She said her actions were intended to prevent harm.

'If someone stepped in to stop a person shooting dogs, would the outrage be about the intervention, or about the dogs being killed,' she said.

Despite the criticism, some Australians praised her actions.

The man grabbed his fishing rods back - before Patterson told him to put them away

'You're just amazing. It's so hard to operate in a world where you care so deeply while nobody else gives a s***,' one supporter wrote.

A second said: 'As a vegan of seven years I can tell you now, life for us is not easy. Yet we're the ones getting beaten up for doing the right thing.

'Seriously, folks, there's something very wrong with the great majority of people out there. They're sleepwalking.'

Another added: 'Fishing for fun is weird.'

Peterson has frequently made headlines for her confrontational animal rights demonstrations, including a 2023 protest inside a KFC restaurant where she poured red paint on the floor and claimed the chain and non-vegan customers had 'blood on their hands'.
The King and Prince William were last night urged to make statements to police about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's role in the Epstein scandal.

High-profile US lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented 27 of the paedophile's victims, insisted both men  along with the Princess of Wales  should come forward and answer detectives' questions.

'I would respectfully request that they speak out about what Andrew may have told them,' Ms Allred told the BBC.

Noting King Charles and other royals 'have said they support the victims', she added: 'The best way to support the victims is for them to do interviews with the police if they are requested to do so.

'Or they could volunteer to do so and just say what they know and answer any questions.'

Ms Allred said she was glad the Royal Family had 'their thoughts with the victims', she urged them to do more.

She said: 'I think they could also perhaps share what Fergie or maybe what the princesses, Fergie's and Andrew's daughters, learned when they met Jeffrey Epstein shortly after he was convicted.'

Her plea comes as Met Police is poised to widen its investigation into Andrew by focusing on his 'inner circle of friends, advisers, associates'.

Then-Prince Andrew, King Charles and Prince William at the funeral for the Duchess of Kent in September 2025

Prince William, left, has been urged alongside his father, the King, to make statements to the police about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, centre

It has already asked Andrew's police protection officers to 'consider carefully anything they saw or heard' as focus widens from misconduct in public office to sexual misconduct allegations.

Another prominent lawyer David Boies, who represented Andrew accuser Virginia Giuffre, yesterday criticised the Met and Crown Prosecution Service's past failings.

They had claimed in 2016 no action could be taken against Andrew as allegations were largely outside of the UK but Mr Boies called this 'clearly erroneous' as there was 'photographic evidence of Andrew and Virginia Giuffre at Maxwell's London house'.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
For once we should be grateful for the slow and stately progression of the Law and welcome the imminent break from hourly updates about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. There will be a pause in solid news on him for several reasons: the fiendish complexity and difficulty of bringing home a charge of misconduct in public office, and the fact that it may not be immediately clear whether, in strict legal terms, an unskilled trade ambassador properly counts as a public job. It isnt quite the same as for the similarly accused Peter Mandelson, an actual government minister.

So lets pause, and skim past unconfirmed rumour, gossip, predictions about the future of the entire monarchy and downright spite. Its the spite in particular that needs a break: that red-eye snap of an ill-fated fool slumped in a police Range Rover on his birthday should rouse something different in any human heart.

Comeuppances are always entertaining, and sympathy for this particular idiot is hard to come by because he was so arrogant for so long  but perhaps a bit of Christian brotherliness wouldnt hurt. I would have liked it if the King, in his necessary public statement backing the process of law, had managed to drop in two missing words which represent one undeniable truth. Would it have hurt to phrase it I have learned with the deepest concern the news about MY BROTHER Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?

Over his years of deepening disgrace I have thought quite a lot about how far to feel sympathy for the former prince, because back in the 1990s I often sat near him as a Trustee of the National Maritime Museum (his Dad, Prince Philip, also turned up, and they seemed on very good terms even when media were claiming they werent). He was still in the Royal Navy then, flying a Lynx helicopter before progressing to Commander. Slowly, for he was never really promotion-quality.

'Now Andrew is that haunted, humiliated figure in a police car, facing many more months of disgrace'

He had not yet encountered Epstein and the trash-elite life which was encouraged by Tony Blairs insane appointment of him as a trade envoy. The 30-ish Andrew I met just seemed to be a fairly pleasant naval chap, full of jokes (decent ones in that company, there were Admirals present). He was separated from his wife Sarah, but he only spoke in praise of her and that he thought she was given a bad time at court. I also remember him talking about the Windsor Castle fire, excited by having run around helping the fire crews and, most particularly, being free to talk to journalists and public there just normally, like anyone.

But he was not bright, not full of ideas or good at listening. I roped him in for our charity event SEAWORDS, to read (we also got the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne, who were great). But I made sure to give Andrew someone uncomplicated to sit with and the easiest possible thing to read, which was The boy stood on the burning deck by Felicia Hemans. So there he was, in the early and mid 90s, a young fellow no worse to know than any other public-school chap of limited genius. The first and only time I reared back in distaste was on Millennium night 1999 on the Museums terrace: he was annoyed about something, and began swearing and blinding about it in front of my teenage son and daughter. Maybe something was souring, frustration at getting nowhere much in the Navy and a worse new life opening up too: he had lately met Epstein through Ghislaine Maxwell.

'The 30-ish Andrew I met just seemed to be a fairly pleasant naval chap, full of jokes (decent ones in that company, there were Admirals present)'

'With every new picture and revelation about him, his ex-wife, Epstein and the women and girls who were lured, duped, enslaved and violated that image has faded more'

So when Virginia Giuffres picture came out and he got his fateful Newsnight opportunity, I was interested. Perhaps he would say: Oh God, I had no idea she was trafficked, or only 17. I was divorced and quite lonely. Im sorry she was upset, I feel for any of these young women. Anything I can do, Ill bear witness... But no: he tried to lie his way out with stuff about sweating and Pizza Express. Like everyone, I cringed.

So I allowed the memory of that dim but apparently decent young naval officer to fade. With every new picture and revelation about him, his ex-wife, Epstein and the women and girls who were lured, duped, enslaved and violated that image has faded more. Now he is that haunted, humiliated figure in a police car, facing many more months of disgrace.

But I am sad for him, too. Hes the same man. With a wiser wife, perhaps a less indulgent mother, and naval colleagues not afraid to challenge and mock him as one of themselves, he might have grown into someone better. You could imagine him out in the shires, a benign but fondly mocked local figure, Fergie at his side hosting uproarious hunt balls and local charity. The kind of chap who winces modestly when called Sir. But that didnt happen. When his flying and shipboard lives were over, he still took status and privilege as granted, and was given extra fake gloss with the overseas job. He was coarsened into a mere bully and corrupted by Epstein. But alongside the righteous spite, try a little pity. And a little hope, too.

For shock can prove redemptive. He could talk openly and remorsefully about both Epstein and whichever stupid things he forwarded as trade envoy. Perhaps he could properly regret, and become a willing, shamed, useful witness to everything that needs to be known about Epstein. It might still happen.
King Charles was pictured putting on a brave face while leaving church on Sunday as the scandal over his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues to rock the Royal Family.

The monarch looked grim-faced as he walked out of St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham following a service this morning.

Charles, 77, wore a beige overcoat, a blue shirt and a navy and red tie, and was accompanied by a vicar from the 16th-century church.

He seemed to scowl while leaving the service which took place just three days after his brother was sensationally arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and held for 11 hours at Aylsham Police Investigation Centre.

His appearance comes as he faces calls to reveal how much he knew about Andrew's alleged misconduct prior to the arrest.

The King issued an unprecedented statement confirming his 'wholehearted support and co-operation' with the investigation into Andrew just hours after he was detained on Thursday - with Buckingham Palace understood not to have known the former Duke of York would be arrested.

But the Mail on Sunday revealed the King was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Family's name was being 'abused' by Andrew's business associations.

In a bombshell email, a whistleblower appears to have told the Palace that the former Duke had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland, who was abusing his royal links.

Messages seen by this newspaper also appear to show that Andrew allowed Mr Rowland to effectively join in with his official duties.

King Charles looked grim-faced as he walked out of St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham following a service this morning

Charles, 77, was pictured grimacing while leaving church on Sunday as the scandal over his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues to rock the Royal Family

He seemed to scowl while leaving the service which took place just three days after his brother was sensationally arrested

The cache of emails threatens to draw Charles further into the crisis, triggered by Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations he passed potentially confidential and sensitive documents to the convicted paedophile.

Andrew once told Epstein that Mr Rowland was his 'trusted money man'. The banker and his son Jonathan joined Andrew on trips he made in his official capacity as a taxpayer-funded trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, visiting places such as China and former Soviet states.

Mr Rowland once gave Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson 40,000 to help clear debts and, in 2017, paid off a 1.5million loan for Andrew.

In August 2019, a whistleblower who had detailed knowledge of Andrew's business dealings with Mr Rowland sent an email to Charles, then Prince of Wales, via the royal lawyers Farrer & Co, warning of 'David Rowland's abuse of the Royal Family'.

It said: 'HRH the Duke of York's actions suggest that his Royal Highness considers his relationship with David Rowland more important than that of his family.'

The whistleblower then sent a second email to Mr Rowland himself, copying in Clive Alderton, Charles's private secretary, and Mark Bridges, the late Queen's solicitor at Farrer & Co.

That message said: 'The evidence provided unequivocally proves that you have abused the Royal Family's name.'

On Thursday, King Charles said he would grant police access to all files and records necessary for any investigations into his disgraced brother.

The arrest came after Thames Valley Police said it was 'assessing' reports that Andrew shared confidential trade reports and investment opportunities to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 and 2011 when he was the UK's special trade envoy in Asia.

The monarch has faced calls to reveal how much he knew about Andrew's alleged misconduct prior to the arrest

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

Andrew was questioned for 11 hours straight following his arrest and was pictured slumped in a Range Rover attempting to hide from cameras on his way out of Aylsham Police Investigation Centre.

He was taken from Wood Farm on the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk where he was placed after he was evicted from his Windsor residence Royal Lodge by King Charles earlier this month.

Police searched Wood Farm and are now searching the seven-bedroom mansion Royal Lodge as part of the investigation.

Police now have a wide leeway to broaden their investigation if they find any other crimes when combing the former prince's files and possessions and will 'follow the evidence', The Observer reported.

Andrew, who was kicked out of Royal Lodge earlier this month, reportedly ranted 'I'm the Queen's second son, you can't do this to me' when he was forced out of the estate.

The former Duke of York left the 30-room Windsor mansion where he had paid 'peppercorn rent' for decades under the cover of darkness at the start of this month.

It is understood King Charles had become increasingly concerned about the allegations against his brother, who was arrested this week on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

Andrew, however, reportedly did not to want to leave the property and move to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he currently resides.

The ex-Duke of York Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (left) speaking to King Charles (centre) at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September last year - while Prince William (right) stands apart

Days earlier, he had been pictured cheerily greeting members of the public as he rode his horse, with sources saying the images were likely the 'final straw' for royal courtiers looking to kick him out of Royal Lodge.

The revelations about his reluctance to move house come as a senior MP called for Andrew to be investigated for treason over accusations he passed confidential information to Epstein.

Ex-Security Minister Tom Tugendhat is demanding a special committee is set up that would have the power to summon witnesses and demand documents.

The last person to be convicted of treason in the UK was Jaswant Singh Chail, who broke into Windsor Castle with a crossbow on Christmas Day 2021 in a plot to kill the late Queen.
Sarah Ferguson introduced her goddaughter to Jeffrey Epstein after his first stint in prison for soliciting prostitution from a child, emails show.

The shamed former Duchess of York gave the late sex offender contact details for Poppy Cotterell, the daughter of her former lady-in-waiting, adding 'Over to you!'

Ferguson, 66, who has been sheltering in a famous Swiss clinic as the growing Epstein scandal culminated in the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday, sent the late paedophile her goddaughter's details on November 12, 2010 - 16 months after he was released from prison in Florida.

Epstein set up a meeting with the then 22-year-old, considered employing her and making a $100,000 donation in her name to a children's health charity, emails released by the US Department of Justice as part of the latest tranche of Epstein files reveal.

Ms Cotterell's mother Carolyn was a lady-in-waiting to the former duchess and godmother to her eldest daughter, Beatrice.

An email from 'Sarah', addressed to Epstein and titled 'Poppy Cotterell's contact info', reads: 'Over to you! Lots of love'.

Ms Cotterell, now 38 and a private psychotherapist and yoga teacher in London, met the sex offender at his Manhattan home.

Epstein had emailed his assistant telling them to organise a meeting. They soon replied: 'Poppy Cotterell will come see you on Wed at 2:00 at the house.' An email on the day of the meeting said: 'Poppy Cotterell is here'.

Sarah Ferguson introduced her goddaughter to Jeffrey Epstein after his first stint in prison for soliciting prostitution from a child, emails show

The shamed former Duchess of York gave the late sex offender contact details for Poppy Cotterell (pictured), the daughter of her former lady-in-waiting, adding 'Over to you!'

Following the meeting, Epstein's assistant wrote: 'Poppy Cotterell would love to hear more and be introduced to Dr Merrell and his alternative medicine for children charity.'

They added: 'I have put Poppy and Carinda at Dr Merrell's office in touch with each other.

'Poppy is thrilled. I will follow up to see when the tour will take place... also let Dr Merrell's office know you would like to donate $100,000 in Poppy Cotterell's name.'

Epstein, who committed suicide in his prison cell in August 2019, also offered Ms Cotterell a job.

An email from Mark Lloyd, a friend of Epstein, said: 'Hi Jeffrey, I gather you might be employing Poppy Cotterell.'

Epstein replied: 'What do you know about Poppy... good choice? Not good?'

Mr Lloyd said: 'From what I hear she is both extremely bright and very pretty. I knew her late mother, but do not know her at all.'

Ms Cotterell, who has been engaged to the businessman Samuel Swire since 2023, told The Sun: 'In 2010 at the age of 22, I was working in New York as an intern at an art gallery when I was introduced to Mr Epstein about a possible job looking after his art collection.

'After meeting Mr Epstein he offered me a role, which I declined. I never met him again.

In a newly released email exchange, Ferguson gives Epstein her goddaughter's contact details, adding 'over to you'

The most damning emails reveal that Fergie took her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to have lunch with Epstein five days after his release (the trio pictured together in 2017)

Ferguson, 66, has been sheltering in a famous Swiss clinic as the growing Epstein scandal culminated in the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

'I was not aware of Dr Woodson Merrell's charity before I met Mr Epstein, did not request a donation to be made to it and do not know if a donation was ever made.'

The revelations pile further pressure on Ferguson who has already faced scrutiny after it emerged she took her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie to meet Epstein a mere five days after he was released from prison for child sex crimes.

Other embarrassing emails show her begging Epstein to help pay off her mounting debts, even asking him to employ her as his house assistant as she 'desperately' needed cash - despite knowing he was still under house arrest in Florida for child prostitution.

In another email, she issued a grovelling apology for publicly denouncing him, claiming it had only been to protect her career as a children's author, telling him he had been a 'steadfast, generous and supreme friend'.

On Saturday, the Daily Mail revealed that Ferguson checked herself into the most expensive wellness clinic in the world as details about her close friendship with convicted Epstein ruined her.

While Andrew was photographed repeatedly in Windsor and then on the Sandringham estate, Ms Ferguson has not been seen in public since last year.

This prompted global speculation about where the former royal has been living - and the Daily Mail has now established that, for much of the time, she has been sheltering in a famous Swiss clinic.

Fergie secretly took refuge in the world-renowned 13,000-a-day Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, over a month ago.

Andrew is pictured leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm on Thursday

The revelations pile further pressure on Ferguson who already faced scrutiny after it emerged she took her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie to meet Epstein a mere five days after he was released

A Swiss source told the Daily Mail: 'Sarah left for Zurich just after Christmas, and stayed until the end of January.

'She always feels at home at Paracelsus, and knows she'll get love and attention there, as well as expert health treatment when she's feeling at her most vulnerable.'

The lakeside clinic offers several different month-long recovery programmes for ultra-wealthy clients. Individuals will have access to 15 medical experts, as well as a chauffeur and a private chef.

Another friend in Switzerland told the Daily Mail Ms Ferguson - a regular Paracelsus client - was said to have been 'absolutely crushed' by the email exchanges being publicly released.

The friend said: 'Sarah has built up a strong relationship with Paracelsus, so it was the obvious place for her to get away from everything.'

Following the prolonged stay at the clinic, thought to have lasted several weeks, the globe-trotting former royal is subsequently thought to have spent time in both the French Alps and the United Arab Emirates.

Following the release of millions of the so-called Epstein files by the United States' Justice Department, Ms Ferguson's entangled relationship with the financier became clear.

Emails revealed that the former duchess and her beleaguered ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had kept up their close friendship with the paedophile even after he was first convicted of procuring a minor for prostiution.

Insiders say she has since been 'sofa-surfing on a global scale'  relying on her daughters to help her keep a low profile by piggybacking on their work and social arrangements.

Sarah Ferguson checked herself into the most expensive wellness clinic in the world as details about her close friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein ruined her

She travelled to Doha to be with Eugenie, who was at an Art Basel event in Qatar, then flew to Florida with her son-in-law Edo Mapelli-Mozzi as he attended a design conference in Palm Beach.

She moved on to a French ski resort to 'get her head together' with friends then thought to have hopped over to Switzerland to Eugenie's ski holiday in Gstaad last week.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: 'Sarah is sofa-surfing on a global scale by moving around every few days and deliberately not telling people where she has been staying until she's left the location. She is paranoid her location will be discovered so is moving frequently.

'She notifies friends of her last location only once she has safely moved on to the next. She wants to avoid being photographed. The girls would hate for their mother to be seen looking startled and fraught like former Prince Andrew.'

She is understood to be already scouting around for a new PR team to represent her as she plans her return to the UK, however, some friends are sceptical she would be able to restart her life here.
For years, wealthy Americans have been swapping penthouses for pastures - trading coastal skylines for backyard acreage and seven-figure tax bills for wide-open Texas horizons.

And no place has benefited more than Dallas.

The DallasFort Worth metro has become one of the top destinations for out-of-state movers, with nearly a third of new Texas residents arriving from California, Florida, New York and Colorado, according to Texas Realtors. Roughly 30 percent of those out-of-state buyers are choosing Dallas.

Texas median home price stands at $335,000 - far below the national median of roughly $415,000 - and the state charges no income tax.

'Americans are voting with their feet,' Texas Realtors chair Jennifer Wauhob told Fox.

'They want places that are livable. They want places that are workable. They want places that are sustainable and affordable. And so I think this migration, as we call it, is really turning into a long-term shift.'

The shift accelerated during the pandemic, when remote work untethered employees from office towers and many began questioning the logic of paying sky-high taxes for cramped city living.

With space suddenly more valuable than proximity to Midtown, the appeal of bigger homes, lower costs and warmer weather proved hard to resist.

Recent data indicates that one-third of new residents are relocating from California, Florida, New York, and Colorado, with 30 percent of out-of-state movers opting for Dallas (pictured)

When remote work became the norm, the appeal of more space, warmer weather, and greater personal freedom elsewhere proved hard to resist and drew many to Dallas (pictured)

Texas' median home price stands at $335,000 - well below the national median of roughly $415,000 (pictured: a Dallas home)

Dallas's housing market reflects the migration trends being seen. In November, PwC and the Urban Land Institute released their annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 report, ranking the top 10 markets to watch in 2026.

The DallasFort Worth market was ranked the top one to watch for the second year in a row, ranking first this year for both commercial real estate and homebuilding prospects, according to the report.

It stands out for its strong transportation access, relatively low cost of living, and business-friendly climate. Between 2018 and 2024, the area attracted 100 corporate headquarters, further cementing its reputation as an easy place to do business.

'What's really changed in the last couple of years is that the financial services shift in Dallas has further accelerated. Companies are moving and populations are moving, but it's not all about financial services,' Andrew Alperstein, partner with PwCs US real estate practice told CNBC.

'It has a pretty diverse economy, is still relatively affordable, and there's easy access to it. Dallas has a great story that will likely continue from a migration perspective and ongoing development and expansion.'

'What we're seeing with this migration of all these people moving to our state is, it's creating a really steady demand for housing, and that spans to all levels. We're seeing a demand for entry-level housing, and we're still seeing a strong demand for luxury-level housing. So it's, right now, a really balanced, healthy market,' Wauhob said.

It's not just beachgoers abandoning their oceanfront views - urban high-rises are being traded in for wide-open acreage, as former city dwellers swap skyscrapers for saddle-ready ranches and skyline sunsets for sprawling horizons.

The New York Stock Exchange even established a 'NYSE Texas' in Dallas - a move President Donald Trump described as 'unbelievably bad' for New York City.

Join the debate Is the migration of wealthy Americans to Dallas helping or hurting local communities and culture?

Dallas (pictured) stands out for its strong transportation access, relatively low cost of living, and business-friendly climate

The DallasFort Worth market was ranked the top one to watch for the second year in a row, ranking first this year for both commercial real estate and homebuilding prospects (pictured: Dallas condos)

Local realtors say Dallas has a pretty diverse economy, is still relatively affordable, and there's easy access to it (pictured: a historic house near downtown Dallas)

The Lone Star State grants some things not many bustling coastal enclaves can: peace, quiet, tranquility, privacy and a slower pace

Texas Realtors chair Jennifer Wauhob

Along with multiple of Silicon Valley's finest firms opting for Austin, this widespread migration show that even the biggest industries in the US are heading South.

Millionaire business owner Frederic Lepoutre decided to move his family from the coast of South Florida to Texas Hill Country because it was far less hassle than trying to move elsewhere in Florida.

Lepoutre's 11-acre Texas estate cost him just $26,000 per acre, and he claimed the initial tax bill with agricultural exemptions was $8 per year.

Not only was it a bargain, the construction of Lepoutre's Texas house took one-third of the amount of time it would have taken to build a second home somewhere in South Florida.

'It takes three years to build a house here. It took us one year from literally getting the ground ready to moving in. In Texas, it took us one year, and the only permit we needed was for the water well and the sewer system,' Lepoutre told Fox. 'It's the opposite [of Florida]. It's a total 180.'

The Lone Star State also granted Lepoutre's family some things not many bustling coastal enclaves can. 'We were looking for peace, quiet, tranquility, privacy and a slower pace,' his wife Lynn said.

'We wanted to be somewhere where you can look at the stars at night and not see one light. You can't see your neighbors. The trees are still low enough where you can see out, the view from our house now is 40 miles,' Lepoutre added. 'It's very rare to see properties like this in America anymore.'
Sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell's brother has spoken out in support of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, claimed his sister is 'on the right side of history', and described pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's victim Virginia Giuffre as 'a monster'.

Ian Maxwell, 69, launched a shameless defense of Ghislaine Maxwell, 64, who is currently languishing in a US jail cell having been sentenced to 20 years behind bars for child sex trafficking and other sex offences.

Speaking on the same day that the former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Ian acknowledged his behavior was 'sleazy' but hit out at the Royal Family for leaving him 'completely isolated'.

Critical: Ian Maxwell has expressed his divisive views about his sister, Jeffrey Epstein, the former prince and his victims

Describing Andrew, 66, as a 'single man', he said: 'What he did or didn't do with various women was sleazy, humiliating for him and embarrassing for the royals. But there he is, kicked out of his home, completely isolated and unlike Ghislaine, he doesn't even have a supportive family.'

He noted that the ex-duke hasn't been charged with any sexual offence as he seemed to criticize the Royal Family for not providing Andrew with enough support.

It comes after Andrew was stripped of all his royal titles and privileges over his links with convicted pedophile Epstein, before being evicted from his 30-room mansion Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

On Thursday he was arrested at his new home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, and held for around 11 hours before being released.

Turning to his sister, Ian seemed to maintain her innocence in the interview with the Telegraph, describing her as Epstein's 'fall guy'.

Picture proof: Andrew with accuser Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine at her house in London

High life: Ghislaine Maxwell with her parents Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell

The businessman and son of publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell claimed Ghislaine 'would be free' if Epstein, who died in a New York prison cell in 2019, was still alive, adding that her trial was not fair.

Epstein's former lover was found guilty of five sex offences, including trafficking underage girls, in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in jail.

She has since attempted to appeal her convictions multiple times without success.

Although her brother accepted that many young women were harmed by Epstein, he continues to argue that many were over the age of legal consent, and therefore 'have agency'.

Epstein has been accused of having girls as young as 14 trafficked around the world - with the help of Ghislaine - for him and others to sexually abuse.

Jail: Ghislaine was convicted of sex trafficking of minors and other offences at a trial in 2021

Dark secrets: Ghislaine and Jeffrey Epstein were together for many years

Ian even went as far as to claim that 'feminists' should support his sister because of her 'abysmal' treatment.

He said: 'I believe my sister is on the right side of history.'

The businessman also branded Andrew's most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre, a 'monster', and claimed she lied about being sexually abused.

Andrew reached a reported 12million out of court settlement with Virginia in 2022, in which he admitted no wrongdoing.

She maintained that she had been trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine and forced to have sex with the then-duke on three occasions when she was 17, including in Ghislaine's London townhouse and on the financier's private island.

Sad ending: Virginia Giuffre fought hard for justice and sadly committed suicide in spring 2025

Viriginia died by suicide in April 2025, aged 41, leaving behind three children.

Ian added: 'I know who the monster is here and it's not my sister, it's Virginia Giuffre and her falsehoods that have had devastating ramifications for Ghislaine. I didn't shed a tear when she died.'

As for his sister's future, Ian vowed to continue fighting to have her convictions overturned - and suggested she could write 'an amazing book' about her experiences.
Priscilla Presley is one of Hollywood's most famous names to have gone under the knife, and has candidly spoken about her relationship with plastic surgery.

The actress, now 80, who was famously married to Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973, suffered a botched procedure at the hands of an unlicensed doctor in 2003 that changed her appearance forever.

Now, dramatic, computer-generated images have revealed what the star may have looked like had she not undergone the treatment.

Now: Priscilla Presley (pictured in 2025) has been candid about her relationship with plastic surgery

Then & now: Computer-generated images have revealed what the star may have looked like had she not undergone cosmetic treatment. Pictured: In 1978 (left) and aged with AI (right)

Presley suffered a botched plastic surgery back in 2003.

Dr Daniel Serrano, an Argentinian doctor who was not licensed to practice medicine in the U.S., reportedly injected an industrial low-grade silicone - similar to what mechanics use grease car parts - into her face.

'Priscilla Presley was one of many documented victims of Dr Daniel Serrano,' her rep confirmed in 2008.

'An investigation which uncovered his misconduct ultimately led to his imprisonment. Priscilla dealt with this matter years ago and everything is now well.'

Serrano, who also treated Lionel Richie's ex-wife Diane Ritchie and Larry King's wife Shawn King, was only licensed as a nurse when he performed the cosmetic procedure.

He was investigated after his patients complained the injections caused lumps, paralysis, and craters in the face. He was arrested in 2004 and charged in relation to the illegal injections.

Serrano was later sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy, smuggling, and use of unapproved drugs in 2006.

Elvis was a 24-year-old global star when he met his future wife, then just 14 years of age, at a party in West Germany while seeing out his military service with the United States Army.

Reminagined: Artificial intelligence was told to analyze photos of the star when she was younger and make a variety of predictions about what she might look like at age 80. Pictured: In 1969 (left) and aged with AI (right)
News / Regional

by Sukulwenkosi Dube

A 30-YEAR-OLD Plumtree man tied his wife to a tree before assaulting her with a whip after accusing her of infidelity.Thulani Moyo appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Gideon Ruvetsa, for assaulting his wife, Angeline Ndlovu, 24.Prosecuting, Jane Phiri said Moyo accused his wife, a hairdresser at a local saloon, of having an affair with a fellow workmate."On June 5, Moyo went to collect his wife at her parents' place where she had gone after a misunderstanding.On their way to their house, he started accusing his wife of having an extra marital affair," said Phiri."He picked up a log and hit her several times on her body."Moyo then retrieved a rope from the house and used it to tie his wife onto a tree and he started whipping her."She, however, managed to untie herself and fled from the house.Moyo pleaded for the court's leniency saying he loved his wife and that jealousy prompted him to beat her up.He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment of which six months were conditionally suspended.
When it comes to their ability to make audiences recoil, not all horror films and TV episodes are created equally, but one example from 2006 was so 'insane and disturbing' that it was actually BANNED in the US.

Imprint was part of the Masters Of Horror series that originally aired on Showtime and allowed some of the biggest horror directors in the business to flex their creative muscles.

Created by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, Imprint featured a number of gruesome scenes featuring the likes of aborted foetuses and torture.

The episode's IMDb synopsis reads: 'In the 1800s, an American returns to Japan to find the prostitute he fell in love with, but instead learns of the physical and existential horror that befell her after he left.'

As the synopsis suggests, the show's central character does not find the woman alive and instead is forced to confront the heartbreaking story of what happened to her.

While a number of other big names in horror, Joe Dante and Tobe Hooper, contributed to the series, Imprint was the only episode deemed too horrifying to actually air by Showtime.

When it comes to their ability to make audiences recoil, not all horror films and TV episodes are created equally, but one example from 2006 was so 'insane and disturbing' that it was actually BANNED in the US - Imprint, which was part of the Masters Of Horror series (2006)

The show originally aired on Showtime and allowed some of the biggest horror directors in the business to flex their creative muscles

The episode's IMDb synopsis reads: 'In the 1800s, an American returns to Japan to find the prostitute he fell in love with, but instead learns of the physical and existential horror that befell her after he left'

The shocking episode subsequently became a discussion point on Reddit, where a user praised Tubi - and on-demand streaming service - for later airing the controversial episode as part of the series.

They wrote: 'Props to Tubi for re-airing the entire series including "Imprint". As it turns out, this is easily the best episode of the entire series.'

However, the Redditor admitted that its creator went to some 'dark, dark places'.

Sharing their thoughts on the episode, other viewers said that it was so bad that they actually wish they had never watched it - although they admitted that it was 'impactful'.

They wrote: 'Imprint is actually an insane episode. I don't blame Showtime for not wanting to air it, personally would've preferred I hadn't seen it, but I respect going all out.';

'The torture scene made me mute it and cover my face. Really impactful, disturbing content, at least for me.';

'I saw it years ago. I wasn't prepared for the highly disturbing content. I regretted watching it. It's one of the few horror films that has made me feel that way.'

However, while some Reddit users were left regretting their decision to watch horror, others praised it for being 'beautifully macabre'.

Following the network's decision not to air the episode, its director, Takashi Miike, told the Japanese Times: 'I thought that I was right up to the limit of what American television would tolerate'

While Masters Of Horror, including Imprint, is currently unavailable to stream, it can be purchased or rented on AppleTV

A fan wrote on Reddit: 'Imprint, and cigarette burns were my favourites in this series! The end sequence in imprint is so beautifully macabre; just horrible, but [I] couldn't look away.'

Another viewer said that it was so good that it could have been a standalone horror film in its own right.

Following the network's decision not to air the episode, its director told the Japanese Times: 'I thought that I was right up to the limit of what American television would tolerate. As I was making the film, I kept checking to make sure that I wasnt going over the line, but I evidently misestimated.

'Business-wise, it would have been better to make cuts so the film could have been broadcast, but (the producers) thought the film was interesting as it was. They decided it would be better to screen it without cuts at film festivals and release it on DVD.'

But if you're tempted to see what all of the fuss is about, Masters Of Horror, including Imprint, is currently unavailable to stream.

It can, however, be purchased or rented on AppleTV.
Wasteman (18, 90 mins)

Verdict: Brutal but brilliant - four stars

Rating:

Brutal and harrowing, the gripping prison thriller Wasteman shows us both that British film-making is in good shape  and that the British penal system is not.

It is a tremendously assured debut feature by writer-director Cal McMau, with a riveting lead performance by David Jonsson, who without much fanfare is emerging as one of the most skilled actors of his generation.

He was a delight in the sweet, effervescent South London-set rom-com Rye Lane (2023), but his role here couldnt be more different. His character, Taylor, is a long-time inmate trying to stay in one piece, somewhat against the odds, ahead of his impending release.

Wasteman is the debut feature by writer-director Cal McMau, with a riveting lead performance by David Jonsson

The film's storyline follows Taylor, a cook who has been in prison for 13 years - and trying to stay in one piece

In the meantime, Taylor is also dealing with Dee - played by Tom Blyth - a psychotic new cellmate

Taylor has the dead eyes and shambling walk of an institutionalised drug addict. For supplying fatal drugs himself he has been in prison for 13 years and the films title refers to his status in the eyes of society; hes considered a waste of time, money and space.

Inside, everyone knows hes a junkie, but hes quiet and inoffensive, with a job in the canteen and a sideline cutting other prisoners hair. To his surprise he has been told that, having behaved well inside, he will shortly go free. Presumably, hes a beneficiary of the controversial emergency early release scheme, introduced by the Labour government to combat overcrowding.

McMau was reportedly moved to make this film after seeing real mobile-phone footage taken in prisons. With actual former prisoners as extras it is presented as an authentic depiction of life behind bars, a system teetering on anarchy with drugs and mobile phones delivered by drone, and daily assaults carried out with impunity.

Taylor is on the verge of leaving all that behind. First, though, he must deal with a psychotic new cellmate, Dee (Tom Blyth, also terrific). For those of us whose idea of prison life was gently forged by the glorious 1970s sitcom Porridge, Dee and Taylor have very little in common with Godber and Fletch, except that they do seem to form a bond of sorts.

Dee helps Taylor make contact with the 14-year-old son he barely knows, but his motives are not altruistic. Its all about control.

Dee, aggressive and insolent towards the screws, is determined to become the prisons de facto boss, but there are two other hard-knock inmates with different ideas.

The narrative follows Taylors increasingly desperate attempts to navigate a course between both factions, while also trying to clean up his drug habit and stay clear of trouble so that he can get out and start rebuilding his life, and a proper relationship with his boy.

As all this unfolds, McMau builds the tension superbly. But be warned, Wasteman is also exceptionally violent, a gut-punching drama in the uncompromising tradition of Scum (1979) and Starred Up (2013). Even if you decide not to see it, Home Office ministers should.

If I Had Legs Id Kick You (15, 113 mins)

Verdict: Painfully funny

Rating:

If I Had Legs I'd Kick You stars Rose Byrne as Linda, a psychotherapist, who has a sick daughter requiring constant care

Writer-director Mary Bronstein said that she channelled her own experiences of looking after a seriously ill child, calling her film not autobiographical but 'emotionally true'

If I Had Legs Id Kick You is not that different: theres no prison, and its notionally a comedy, but its similarly about one persons ever-more frantic efforts to deal with a series of apparently insurmountable challenges.

This is Linda, played so beautifully by Rose Byrne that she already has a Golden Globe to show for it, and is second-favourite to be anointed Best Actress at next months Academy Awards.

Linda is a psychotherapist, responsible for helping others find balance in their lives  even as hers tilts dangerously towards the abyss.

She has a sick daughter requiring constant care, which becomes a sight trickier when they are forced to move into a shabby motel after their apartment floods, following a spectacular ceiling collapse.

Her husband (Christian Slater) is away at sea, adding to her stress with his judgmental calls home, and she gets precious little empathy from her therapist colleague (a rare dramatic role for talk-show host Conan OBrien).

The writer-director is Mary Bronstein, who has said that she channelled her own experiences of looking after a seriously ill child, calling her film not autobiographical (thank heavens for that) but emotionally true. It certainly offers a madcap take on the multi-tasking demands of motherhood, interspersed with some moments of pure surrealism and others of riotous black comedy, as when Linda tries to deal with a hamster at large in her car.

Significantly, Byrne gets lots of unsparing close-ups yet the camera only once dwells on her daughter: this is a story about a childs illness only insofar as it affects her mother. Its also significant that two of the films producers are Bronsteins husband Ronald, who co-wrote the recent hit Marty Supreme with Josh Safdie, and Safdie himself.

If I Had Legs Id Kick You fizzes with that whirling, kinetic, chaotic energy both of Marty Supreme and 2019s Uncut Gems, which Ronald Bronstein wrote with both Safdie brothers. It is a rewarding but crazy film. You will rarely spend a more exhausting 113 minutes sitting down.
Margot Robbie and her younger brother Cameron once appeared to be thick as thieves.

Cameron, 31, an aspiring actor and model, was never far from his megastar sister Margot, 35, during her visits Down Under to promote her blockbuster movies.

However, it seems Cameron has since disappeared from Margot's side.

The last time they were pictured on the red carpet together was the Babylon premiere in January 2023.

Margot has since made several appearances in her home country to promote her movies - Barbie and Wuthering Heights - but Cameron has been nowhere to be seen.

Most recently, the actress, who shares a one-year-old son with husband Tom Ackerley, attended the Sydney premiere of her latest film, Wuthering Heights.

Margot Robbie and her younger brother Cameron once appeared to be thick as thieves, however it seems he has disappeared from her side

She walked the red carpet at the State Theatre alongside her co-star, fellow Australian actor Jacob Elordi, last Thursday.

Cameron did not attend the event or post about it on his Instagram account, despite previously showing online support for his sister.

His last Instagram post showed the budding actor hanging out with friends in Byron Bay in early January.

Margot also visited Australia in April 2025, spending time with her husband Tom and their son, as well as other family members and friends.

It's unclear if Margot and Cameron caught up during that time, as the only family member she was pictured with was her mother, Sarie Kessler.

Cameron was also a no-show during Margot's Barbie media blitz throughout 2023 and 2024.

At the time, she was awarded the Trailblazer gong at the AACTA Awards, but Cameron did not attend the event or make a congratulatory post about his sister.

It was an odd move considering he was a stalwart supporter of her during the EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in February 2020.

Cameron, 31, an aspiring actor and model, was never far from his megastar sister Margot, 35, during her visits Down Under to promote her blockbuster movies

The youngest Robbie sibling is known for living in the spotlight as he attempts to follow in his big sister's footsteps

The brother-sister duo appeared side by side at the event, with Cameron later showing an image of the pair in a tribute post to his famous sibling.

In the caption, he teased Margot for 'losing' in both her nominated categories, adding that he had 'never lost a BAFTA' - because he had never before been nominated.

Cameron also didn't appear to be in attendance during Margot's red carpet appearances Down Under for Barbie in 2023, just months after the Babylon premiere.

Despite walking by her side at the premiere of the comedy-drama film in January that year, he was nowhere to be seen when Margot returned home in June.

Margot attended two main red carpet events for Barbie that month - the Vogue Australia celebration of the premiere and an Aussie fan event.

The first was held at the Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art, where Margot dazzled onlookers in a pink Versace gown.

Meanwhile, the fan event took place at Pitt Street Mall, where Margot appeared alongside co-stars America Ferrera and Issa Rae, as well as director Greta Gerwig.

Cameron was notably absent from both events and failed to share any words of support online for the Barbie film.

Cameron once surprised Margot mid-interview in March 2018 when she was promoting her film Peter Rabbit in Australia. Both pictured with actress Elizabeth Debicki

The youngest Robbie sibling is known for living in the spotlight as he attempts to follow in his big sister's footsteps.

His most notable credits include an appearance on Neighbours, the 2016 short film People You May Know, and the 2023 flick Romance at the Vineyard.

Cameron has also done presenting work for MTV, and once surprised Margot mid-interview in March 2018 when she was promoting her film Peter Rabbit in Australia.

'Oh my God! What are you doing?! What are you doing?! What is going on right now?!' Margot exclaimed as her younger brother cut into the interview.

The pair went on to share some friendly banter as Cameron introduced himself to Margot's co-star Elizabeth Debicki.

Later that year, Cameron also shared a tribute to Margot online when she presented onstage with Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman at the 2018 Oscars.

He said he was 'excited', 'proud', and 'happy' for his older sister.

Nowadays, Cameron continues to regularly post online, though he has not mentioned his sister Margot since the 2023 Babylon premiere.

Margot appeared to walk the red carpet without her brother's support when she attended the Vogue Australia celebration of the Barbie premiere

Most recently, the actress, who shares a one-year-old son with husband Tom Ackerley , attended the Sydney premiere of her latest film, Wuthering Heights, but Cameron did not appear to attend the event

He was last spotted in Byron Bay, posting a reel about his visit on January 9, which showed him spending time with pals and cuddling up to a blonde beauty.

He appears to have put aside his acting career, with no recent credits attributed to his name, and seems to be putting his efforts into online influencing instead.

Cameron has attended numerous brand events in recent years, including Hermes, Camilla and Marc, Ralph Lauren, Marriott, and Calvin Klein, among others.

He boasts more than 51,600 followers online, with a slew of notable Australian celebrities and socialites included in his following list.

It comes just a few years after speculation was rife about Margot's relationship with her reportedly estranged father, Doug.

The movie star rarely speaks of her dad, a sugarcane tycoon who now lives in Airlie Beach, previously commenting in a 2016 interview that she is 'not like him at all'.

Margot was raised alongside her siblings - Anya, Lachlan, and Cameron - by their physiotherapist mother, Sarie, after her parents' separation in the 1990s.

Though Dougs brother Wayne insists the estrangement is not absolute, it's clear they lack the bond most fathers share with their daughters.

Margot and her father Doug made headlines for their reportedly strained relationship. Doug is pictured with his oldest son Lachlan

Meanwhile, Margot is very close with her mother Sarie Kessler, and frequently praises her in media interviews. Pictured together in Los Angeles in December 2022

They apparently met up when Margot came to Sydney in 2023 for the premiere of her ill-fated movie Babylon.

In 2016, Doug was also spotted at a local cafe watching Margot attend the Oscars on TV; however, Margot has remained largely silent on their father-daughter relationship.

Meanwhile, the Barbie star has repeatedly praised her mother, remarking in multiple media appearances how she single-handedly raised four children.

She told GQ in 2014: 'My mum is just the sweetest person on Earth, and if I turned into her, I wouldn't be that upset at all; in fact, it would be an honour.'

The exact nature of Margot's relationship with Doug isn't clear, and it doesn't seem to be a subject on which Margot wishes to dwell.

However, Doug's brother Wayne, who operates a large real estate firm on the Gold Coast, denied claims that they had a no-contact estrangement.

'That has never been the case,' Wayne told The Daily Mail in January 2023.

'He certainly does have a relationship with her. He is very proud of her.'

While Margot and her siblings, Anya and Cameron, don't appear to be particularly close to their father, it seems her older brother Lachlan, known as 'Lockie', is.

Lockie, a stunt performer, has posted a handful of photos of 'this old boy' on social media over the years.

In 2015, he shared a Father's Day message that hinted Doug wasn't always a present father, but did offer financial support.

'Might not have the normal family but you did give an education and help when I needed it,' he wrote.
Married At First Sight villain Brook Crompton is facing explosive claims that her shocking dinner party behaviour was not a one-off drunken lapse in judgment.

A woman who says she went to high school with the model, 27, has revealed she attended the $33,000-a-year St Margaret's Anglican Girls School in Ascot.

And she claims on Reddit that Brook was as much a 'relentless mean girl' in her elite Brisbane school days as she appeared to be on television Wednesday night.

'I was the year below Brook. It's not an overly large private school, so we were easily acquainted,' the woman began in her blistering account of Brook's school years.

'What you've seen on TV is not even the tip of the iceberg of how horrid and empty these once girls and now "women" are.'

In the extraordinary takedown, the former student said Brook and her mates' alleged bullying was so severe that multiple students were driven out of the prestigious private school.

MAFS villain Brook Crompton, 27, is facing explosive claims that her shocking dinner party behaviour was not a one-off drunken lapse in judgment

'Every. Single. Day. Relentless mean girl behaviour. Her and her possee, you are horrible excuses of people,' she continued writing in her lengthy post.

'I am talking about bullying so severe it not only led to many innocent girls leaving the school, but also caused irreparable emotional damage and carnage to innocent young girls who had no idea they had a target on their backs for simply existing.'

Brook and her co-star Gia Fleur left MAFS fans furious after their wild display at Wednesday's dinner party.

The pair unleashed a vicious verbal attack against co-stars Stella Mickunaite and Alissa Fay.

The war of words went to some dark places, and those tuning in at home branded Gia and Brook 'bullies' and called for them to be cut from the reality show.

Referencing the dinner party episode, the former classmate said watching fellow bride Stella describe it as the first time she had been spoken to that way was heartbreaking.

'When Stella explains her pain of never experiencing this putrid behaviour before, I wanted to cry and hug her,' she said.

The former student further alleged the behaviour stemmed from a culture of entitlement.

A woman who says she went to high school with the model has revealed she attended the $33,000-a-year St Margaret's Anglican Girls School in Ascot

Other alumni from the school also took to the comment section to agree with the classmate

'These girls are raised this way, their mothers being Brisbane "socialites" or so they think, and they live in a bubble of utter delusion, drunk on power they do not have,' she continued.

Other alumni from the school also took to the comment section to agree with the classmate.

The fresh allegations come just days after Brook attempted to repair her image with an emotional Instagram apology addressing the behaviour she displayed on TV.

'Last night and the past few episodes of MAFS was an extremely difficult watch,' she wrote.

'What you saw last night was the worst version of myself, and unfortunately Alissa and Stella were on the receiving end of that.

'I want to firstly, sincerely apologise to Alissa and Stella for my words and the hurt that I have caused.

'My actions were appalling and not at all a reflection of the kindness and respect that you both deserve and I hope in time you can forgive me. I am truly sorry.'

Brook also addressed viewers, writing: 'To the other couples in the experiment and audience who had to witness my behaviour, I am deeply sorry.'

Brook and her co-star Gia Fleur left Married At First Sight fans furious after their wild display at Wednesday's dinner party

Appearing to acknowledge the backlash, she said: 'Bullying should never be condoned, and I am extremely embarrassed by the way that I acted.'

She also explained the dinner party was filmed in August last year and that she has since 'had time to reflect and learn'.

'This behaviour is not a reflection of who I am at my core. I hope that Australia will one day see this,' she added.

But fans were unconvinced, flooding social media with calls for her removal from the show.

'Brook is what happens when you get by your whole life on pretty privilege. No need to develop moral character,' one viewer wrote.

Another added: 'Brook's behaviour has been soooo appalling.'

Others demanded producers intervene, with one posting: 'Love MAFS, but I'm not interested in watching relentless bullying such disgusting and embarrassing behaviour.'
Karl Stefanovic has been showing off his slimmed-down physique of late.

And the Today show host was looking dapper as he enjoyed a date night with his wife, Jasmine Stefanovic, on Sunday.

The 51-year-old cut a youthful figure in a simple black shirt worn under a navy blue blazer.

The television host added a pair of matching trousers, also in dark blue, as well as a pair of white sneakers.

Jasmine, 42, was chic in a black top with a slashed and knotted design, worn under a blazer.

The glamorous shoe designer added a pair of pale blue jeans and black kitten heels.

Karl Stefanovic (left) has been showing off his slimmed-down physique of late

Jasmine opted for a rosy makeup look with a nude lipstick, while pulling her dark blonde hair off her face.

She finished the look with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a chunky watch, while carrying a pair of sunglasses in her hand.

Earlier this past weekend, Karl also showcased his new look in a fitted black shirt and jeans in a promotional clip for Karl Stefanovic Show, which he shared on Instagram.

The outing comes one year after Karl candidly addressed his infamous 'dad bod' moment, which sparked a blunt text message from his billionaire best mate James Packer.

Appearing on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, he said he was left humbled after a picture of him revealing his 'dad bod' on the beach led the billionaire businessman to text him.

'There's a shot of me on Christmas Day or whatever coming out of the surf, and it was bad,' Karl told hosts Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands .

'James Packer sends me a note that says, "Mate, you need to get your a*** to the gym."'

James himself recently revealed he was still gaining weight despite admitting to being on Ozempic.

'If you're getting notes from Packer about that, you know it's serious,' Kyle said.

the Today show host was looking dapper as he enjoyed a date night with his wife, Jasmine Stefanovic (right), on Sunday

The 51-year-old cut a youthful figure in a simple black shirt worn under a navy blue blazer. Jasmine, 42, was chic in a black top with a slashed and knotted design

Earlier this past weekend, Karl also showcased his new look in a fitted black shirt and jeans in a promotional clip for Karl Stefanovic Show, which he shared on Instagram (pictured)

The photo in question was snapped in Byron Bay over the summer in 2019 when Karl was enjoying some downtime with Jasmine.

Karl even shared the photo to Instagram, joking with followers that he was pregnant.

'After a great deal of speculation... the rumours are true,' Karl captioned the cheeky post.

Jackie then asked Karl how he dealt with seeing such 'confronting images', and he said while he was embarrassed, Jasmine had always been very supportive.

'I feel like it's a lot of embarrassment, but then my wife is always so good about it,' Karl said.

Back in 2020, Karl pledged to lose 10 kilograms in 10 weeks on the Today show after tipping the scales at over 100kg.

'I started at 105kg, the heaviest I've ever been. It was incredibly embarrassing,' Karl said as he spoke to obesity expert Dr Nick Fuller, who helped him on his fitness journey.
One of Britain's rising stars tonight shocked Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet by being crowned the BAFTA best actor while Jessie Buckley won top prize in the female category.

I Swear's Robert Aramayo, 33, from Hull, appeared in a state of disbelief as he won the main acting honour just moments after he received the rising star BAFTA.

One Battle After Another has scooped multiple BAFTA awards tonight including best film in a major boost ahead of the Oscars next month.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson also won best director and adapted screenplay while the Leonardo DiCaprio film also found success in the best editing and cinematography categories.

Sean Penn was also awarded best supporting actor with British star Wunmi Mosaku winning the female award for her role in Vampire hit Sinners.

Described as a bellwether ahead of next month's Academy Awards , One Battle After Another led the nominations with 14 nods, with Sinners, Hamnet and Marty Supreme following close behind.

Hamnet, helmed by Chloe Zhao, has broken the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history, with 11.

The BAFTA Film Awards is hosted by Alan Cumming at the Royal Festival Hall on February 22 and airs on BBC One at 7pm.

Follow live updates from the BAFTAs below
The heartbreaking reason why Alexandra Daddario's three-year marriage to Andrew Form crumbled has been revealed.

The 39-year-old Mayfair Witches actress had tied the knot with the film producer, 57, in 2022 during a lavish New Orleans ceremony. The estranged couple also share a one-year-old son.

Daddario officially filed for divorce on Friday, per New York court records seen by TMZ.

A source has now claimed to the Daily Mail that both Daddario and Form had 'a consistent loss of love' despite their relationship starting off 'hot and heavy.'

'Alexandra and Andrew slowly grew apart after spending time away from each other with their work schedules.'

The insider further claimed that the pair spending more time apart had been a catalyst in the marriage to unravel.

The heartbreaking reason why Alexandra Daddario's three-year marriage to Andrew Form crumbled has been revealed; seen in 2022 in Hollywood

A source has now told the Daily Mail that both Daddario and Form had 'a consistent loss of love' despite their relationship starting off 'hot and heavy'

'Having a child together was a reason to be together and in love but even then, they weren't even doing that together often and their life together slowly disintegrated and became undone.'

The source noted that the end of their marriage did not happen quickly.

'It wasn't a sudden event, as it was more of a consistent loss of love instead of working on their relationship and continuing being together.'

The Baywatch actress and Form 'found not being together easier, and now they are moving on.'

And following the separation, the pair will still prioritize a positive co-parenting relationship for their son - who was born in October 2024.

'They got a wonderful son out of the equation, that they will love forever, but it will be easier to do it without being a couple. It was hot and heavy and dwindled as fast as it started.'

Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Daddario and Form, but did not immediately hear back.

On Friday, a representative for Daddario told People: 'Alexandra Daddario and Andrew Form have made the decision to end their marriage.

Join the debate Is love enough to sustain a marriage when busy careers and parenting pull couples apart?

'It wasn't a sudden event, as it was more of a consistent loss of love instead of working on their relationship and continuing being together,' the source claimed; seen in 2021 in Pacific Palisades

And following the separation, the pair will still prioritize a positive co-parenting relationship for their son - who was born in October 2024

Daddario officially filed for divorce on Friday, per New York court records seen by TMZ; seen in 2015 in Australia

'The decision was made with love and respect. They will continue to co-parent their child together and appreciate privacy as they navigate this transition.'

Daddario and Form first crossed paths in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City.

The actress previously recalled the moment during an interview with Vogue and explained they had both been strolling through the city at the time.

'He was also on a walk, and we passed each other downtown. He turned back and said 'hi' just as I was turning around to glance back at him.'

She added, 'I laughed and said 'hi,' and then we both laughed about how we were the only two people on what is normally an incredibly busy street, and he asked if he could take me to dinner.'

After leaving NYC for a weeks, Form returned and Daddario agreed to meet him for dinner - which initially ignited their romance.

'I said 'okay' against my better judgment. Nowadays, you're supposed to meet people on dating apps!'

The following year in August, the stars became engaged which then led to their New Orleans wedding in June 2022.

Daddario and Form first crossed paths in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City; seen in 2022 in L.A.

After trying the knot, Daddario also became stepmother to Form's other two children Julian, 12, and Rowan, nine, whom he shares with ex-wife Jordana Brewster.

During a past interview on Sunday Today back in 2023, the True Detective alum shared how she had always wanted to be a mother.

'I've always wanted to be a mom and be married. I think from when I was young, I've never been scared of monogamy or settling down or anything like that.'

The actress also explained at the time that 'it just clicked' when she met Form before also calling him 'a wonderful person.'

'I've always wanted to be a mom and be married. I think from when I was young, I've never been scared of monogamy or settling down or anything like that,' she said; seen in 2024 in Italy

Daddario previously gushed about the producer while talking to E! News in 2021.

'He brings me peace during all the chaos, and hopefully it's the other way around. That's what he said, so I'm trusting him on that.'

Over the years, the former couple made rare red carpet appearances together at glitzy events.

But Daddario and Form were last seen together on a red carpet in September at The Kids Mental Health Foundation LA Committee Dinner and Celebration in Los Angeles.
As one of a trio of action-packed gangster films set in London at the turn of the century, Layer Cake was a box-office hit in 2004.

Following hot on the heels of Guy Ritchies movies Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, Matthew Vaughns film helped revitalise the British crime genre with a stylish mixture of gritty realism and dark comedy.

Layer Cake also catapulted its director and leading actor to stardom  Vaughn won an Empire Award while Daniel Craig landed the role of James Bond.

And now hard man actor Jason Statham is producing and starring in a sequel  and has teamed up with old pals Mr Ritchie and fellow tough nut Vinnie Jones, who appeared alongside him in both Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch.

Titled Viva La Madness, the British actor plays drug kingpin XXXX  Mr Craigs character in the original.

He certainly looked every inch the tough guy as he began filming the action thriller last week in Londons Russell Square.

Jason Statham (pictured) takes the lead in his latest project, marking his sixth collaboration with director Guy Ritchie

Babs Olusanmokun (centre) is teaming up with Ritchie for a second time, following the actors role in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Camila Mendes (pictured) is set to star in the new film. Her specific character name or role details have not yet been publicly disclosed but she is believed to be playing a gangster's moll

Viva La Madness marks Jones fifth collaboration with Ritchie, following Snatch; Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; Mean Machine, which also starred Statham; and the Netflix series The Gentlemen

Viva La Madness is based on the novel of the same name from JJ Connolly, who co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation with Ritchie

Mr Statham, 58, who has two children with lingerie model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 38, has also cast Nigerian actor Babs Olusanmokun and American actress Camila Mendes as a gangsters moll.

She is tipped to become a huge star this summer with the release of a live-action remake of the He-Man cartoons  Masters Of The Universe.

Viva La Madness was written by JJ Connolly, who wrote the original Layer Cake novel, and centres on a cocaine dealer whose plans for retirement go awry when he is ordered by his boss to do one final job.

Mr Statham has said of the project: It has its own element of black comedy but very slick, very sophisticated.
BBC bosses have cleared two Strictly stars of alleged cocaine use after a complaint was made by former contestant Wynne Evans.

The corporation launched an investigation into the show and hired an external legal firm to carry out the probe last summer, following the accusation.

Now the programme has been given the all-clear after no evidence was found to support Mr Evanss claim.

A Strictly source said: The BBC took the claim made by Wynne very seriously, so much so that they funded an external inquiry so that no stone was left unturned.

But the investigation is now over and its back to business as usual. Strictly has a clean bill of health, despite Wynne appearing to throw allegations at it. Now everyone involved in Strictly is looking forward to a fantastic, clean and new start later this year.

Bosses will be relieved at the news as it comes while they are looking for two presenters to replace hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stood down at the end of last year.

BBC bosses have cleared two Strictly stars of alleged cocaine use after a complaint was made by former contestant Wynne Evans (pictured)

BBC headquarters at Broadcasting House. Mr Evanss accusation of alleged drug use was made in a legal submission to the BBC in March last year by the law firm Russells

There were concerns that the toxicity surrounding the programme may have put off potential stars to anchor the long-running show.

Mr Evanss accusation of alleged drug use was made in a legal submission to the BBC in March last year by the law firm Russells.

Mr Evans, who was partnered with dancer Katya Jones in the 2024 series, made the allegation after he was kicked off the Strictly tour in January 2025 following The Mail on Sundays revelation he had made a lewd comment to former professional dancer and host of Strictlys It Takes Two, Janette Manrara.

His comments were made when Strictly stars came together for a photocall to launch the tour.

Last November, an unnamed Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The alleged victim was not a contestant or professional dancer, but had met the man due to his participation in the competition and said she was raped at a BBC event.

Strictly was also embroiled in a row between Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington in 2023 when the actress accused her Italian partner

of verbal bullying and abusive behaviour, though an inquiry cleared him of the most serious allegations.

The BBC declined to comment.
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson put on their walking gear for a low-key stroll around Shark Beach and along the scenic Hermitage Foreshore walking track on Saturday.

The Hollywood couple looked relaxed and in good spirits as they soaked up the harbour views, with Tom, 69, opting for a wide-brimmed hat, white shirt and khaki shorts.

He completed his off-duty look with slick New Balance sneakers and stylish aviator sunglasses.

Meanwhile, Rita opted for an effortlessly cool all-black athleisure look paired with white New Balance runners.

The pair appeared deep in conversation as they ambled along the leafy track, occasionally smiling and waving at passers-by who did a double take at spotting one of cinema's most recognisable faces enjoying a casual Sydney stroll.

Tom carried a khaki crossbody bag over one shoulder and kept pace beside Rita as they enjoyed the sunny afternoon.

Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson put on their walking gear for a low-key stroll around Shark Beach and along the scenic Hermitage Foreshore walking track on Saturday

The Hollywood couple looked relaxed and in good spirits as they soaked up the harbour views, with Tom, 69, opting for a wide-brimmed hat, white shirt and khaki shorts

Meanwhile Rita opted for an effortlessly cool all-black athleisure look

The pair appeared deep in conversation as they ambled along the leafy track, occasionally smiling and waving at passers-by who did a double take at spotting one of cinema's most recognisable faces enjoying a casual Sydney stroll

Tom carried a khaki crossbody bag over one shoulder and kept pace beside Rita as they enjoyed the sunny afternoon

Rita appeared to be in great spirits as she chatted animatedly with her husband, gesturing with her hands while striding along.

Another photo showed the pair slowing their pace to take in the harbour views, with Tom glancing out towards the water through his dark sunglasses.

At one point, the Oscar winner adjusted his hat against the glare while Rita stayed close by his side.

The loved-up couple looked completely at ease as they continued along the shaded trail beneath towering trees.

Tom was seen laughing during their walk, clearly enjoying some downtime away from the cameras and film set.

Rita appeared in great spirits as she waved politely to passers-by who recognised the Hollywood legend.

The pair remained relaxed throughout the stroll, unfazed by the attention as they made their way along the popular foreshore route.

Their casual outing offered locals an unexpected brush with Hollywood during an otherwise quiet weekend walk.

Tom was seen laughing during their walk, clearly enjoying some downtime away from the cameras and film set

Rita appeared amused as she chatted animatedly with her husband, gesturing with her hands while striding along

Another photo showed the pair slowing their pace to take in the harbour views, with Tom glancing out towards the water through his dark sunglasses

The pair remained relaxed throughout the stroll, unfazed by the attention as they made their way along the popular foreshore route

The loved-up couple looked completely at ease as they continued along the shaded trail beneath towering trees

The Hollywood superstar is currently Down Under filming a sequel to his Apple+ WWII epic, Greyhound.

Tom's new film is a sequel to his 2022 Apple+ streaming hit Greyhound.

The actor scripted the drama, which is set on board a US Navy destroyer battling the enemy in the North Atlantic during World War II.

The sequel, which Tom also wrote, follows his character Commander Ernst 'Ernie' Krause as he heads to fight the war in the Pacific.

This is the Toy Story star's second trip to Australia in several years, as he was here in 2020 to film his role as Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann's epic movie Elvis.
Opinion / Columnist

Over the past decade, the Platform for Concerned Citizens (PCC) has continuously pointed out that the crisis in the political economy of the country requires more than another election, more than a forced transition within the ruling party, more than government of national unity, and argued that the country needs a thorough reset.This suggestion gained traction in 2025 and seems even having support within the ruling party in the repeated statements of the Vice President and war veterans about the capture of the state by a corrupt elite.In particular, the statements of the Vice President are remarkable in how little they have sparked concern within ZANU-PF or the government, when it is common cause right around the country that the nexus of corruption and politics is so palpably obvious. Chiwenga continues to keep silent, and doesn't bother to defend his claims, because he knows that he merely expressing what the entire nation knows to be true, as pointed out by Reason Wafawarova.The government, however, continues with the rhetoric that all is well and the economy is recovering, but scarcely any citizen believes this, and have been critical of the government for nearly a decade. From 2017 to 2024, more than two-thirds believe the country is going in the wrong direction., more than two-thirds state that their living conditions are very bad ot fairly bad, few (13%) claim full-time employment, over half have gone with out cash income (always or many times).Quite evidently, the Vice President is articulating the views of most Zimbabweans, and it is remarkable that this produces no response other than denial or attack.This was the central point made by the PCC nearly a decade ago: the government had no possibility of serious reform, either politically or economically, and what was true in 2016 is still true in 2026. It has not even been able to take advantage of the soft landing offered by the Arrears Clearance and Debt Relief Process, providing minimal reforms under Economic Growth and Stability, stuck on Land Tenure Reforms, and failing wholesale on Governance Reforms: the rule of law and protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms remain weak and too frequently violated with impunity. Even constitutionalism is being challenged by the 2030 agenda, and hence it is unsurprising that Zimbabwe is deemed an Electoral Autocracy, and scores poorly on virtually every international indicator of democracy and governance.The country is obviously in a state of political paralysis, unable to extract itself from a vicious cycle: the political configuration enables the corruption, and the corruption reinforces and protects the political configuration.This relationship has been profiled and discussed on multiple SAPES Policy Dialogues in 2024 and 2025, and again recently, but what has been lacking is any clear remedy for the disease.The single candidate, outside of elections and an unlikely popular uprising, has been the notion of a National Transitional Authority (NTA), all too often dismissed as unlikely given the determination of ZANU-PF to hold onto power and the demise of any serious political opposition.Some may argue for a government of national unity, but past experience demonstrated that will not work when one party holds all the reins of effective power. Furthermore, how can there be a government of national unity in the complete absence of an opposition?Others argue for popular civic action, but this seems unlikely in the absence of any viable organisation and the clear lack of trust by the citizenry for any political party, a complete lack of political trust actually in state, government, political parties, duty bearers: in fact, everyone except religious leaders and civil society organisations.The populace is not apathetic, just without any credible direction to follow, and offered only a continuance of the existing regime for 5 more years. Defending the constitution is imperative and has galvanised action, with the Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP) already hard at work.The groundswell for increasing the term of President Mnangagwa to 2030 is now reaching a critical point with the tabling of the amendment bill for presenting to parliament in the coming session of parliament. Given the majority that ZANU-PF holds in parliament, and the demolition of the legitimately elected opposition through recalls, this is probably a foregone conclusion. The next move will be an amendment to the constitution using the two-thirds majority that the party holds in parliament: it may not hold such a majority in Senate, but few will bet that the bill will not pass through Senate, given the history of the PVO Bill.However, the views of the citizenry are clear. No poll, for nearly a decade. has shown any support for an extension of terms, and more strongly no support for one-man rule. From 2017 to 2024, over three-quarters of citizens reject extending presidential terms and reject one-man or one-party rule.The proposed amendments, however, are so far reaching, way beyond the issue of presidential terms  there are 20 individual amendments in total  that the mutterings have grown into furious action, and political parties and civil society are mobilising to challenge this. As Munyaradzi Gwisai and Hopewell Chi'nono pointed out in the most recent SAPES Policy Dialogue, this is much more than extending the president's term of office, it is about entrenching a political party in power for life, obliterating constitutionalism, and removing all power from the citizenry. And, as Gwisai pointed out this will be done by 500 persons in parliament, totally ignoring the vast number of citizens (90%) who voted for this constitution: it will remove the fundamental right of the people to decide who rules. What lies behind this all, according to Gwisai, is the attempt by the zviganandas not merely to extend the life of the current presidency, but the complete capture of the state.Amongst the proposed amendments is even the removal of the Gender Commission, and a public slap in the face for women and the women's movement, as was pointed out by Chipo Dendere, reducing women's issues to just another rights issue and ignoring the constitutional commitment to 50/50 in everything social and political.Actually, as pointed out by all at the SAPES Policy Dialogue, the reason behind the legal manouvering behind the proposed constitutional amendments and the railroading of the amendment through parliament is exactly to avoid a national referendum. The evidence here is very clear: ZANU-PF understands very clearly that the proposal has no attraction for the majority and will fail in the court of public opinion in spectacular fashion.The counter-campaign on the proposed constitutional changes, being driven by DCP and others  the NCA, the MDC, and others  is critical and will need a unified response, but this will be the first step of the deeper struggle that has been going for decades. Hopewell Chi'nono pointed out how poorly we have dealt with the political crises since 2000 (and even before), and how our failures have led inexorably to this point, and now we dare not fail.This is why the challenge to the proposed amendment needs a united approach from everyone: we cannot afford competition for space or egos. All opponents of the amendment to commit to a common position, the DCP, CDF,the political parties, civil society, and the diaspora; there can be no ownership, only co-operation if the challenge is to succeed.The problem is the elephant in the room that few seem to have any idea how to move: the broken politics.
Shia LaBeouf was spotted out on a grocery run in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday just days after his Mardi Gras bar brawl arrest.

The 39-year-old former child star toted multiple bags of food items in one hand while carrying a pack of sparkling water in the other.

He was dressed in a white Turkey Night Grand Prix T-shirt that he tucked into black gym shorts.

LaBeouf showed off his thigh tattoos in the look, which he rounded out with white socks and black sneakers.

His graying hair was cut very low and he sported a bushy, grizzled beard while wearing black earphones.

While celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday, the ex Disney star got into a late-night altercation that led to him being arrested.

Shia LaBeouf was spotted out on a grocery run in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday just days after his Mardi Gras bar brawl arrest

The 39-year-old former child star toted multiple bags of food items in one hand while carrying a pack of sparkling water in the other

According to the New Orleans Police Department, officers were called to Royal Street in the French Quarter around 12:45am following reports of a disturbance involving two adult male victims.

Eyewitnesses alleged LaBeouf became increasingly aggressive at a business and was escorted out by staff, at which point he allegedly struck one man multiple times with closed fists.

Authorities said the situation escalated when LaBeouf returned to the scene and allegedly assaulted the same victim again before punching a second man in the nose.

Witnesses reportedly attempted to restrain him until police arrived.

LaBeouf was taken to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before being booked into Orleans Parish Prison.

He was charged with two counts of simple battery.

In a statement provided to Daily Mail, the police said: 'At approximately 12:45am on February 17, 2026, NOPD officers were called to the 1400 block of Royal Street in response to a simple battery where two victims (two adult males), reported being assaulted.

'Investigators say a man identified as 39-year-old Shia LaBeouf was reportedly causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive at a Royal Street business.'

While celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday, the ex Disney star got into a late-night altercation that led to his arrest

Eyewitnesses alleged LaBeouf became increasingly aggressive at a business and was escorted out by staff, at which point he allegedly struck one man multiple times with closed fists

The statement continued: 'A staff member attempted to eject Mr. LaBeouf from the establishment. Once removed from the building, the victim reported being struck by LaBeouf who used his closed fists on the victim several times.

'The victims reported that LaBeouf left, but then came back, acting even more aggressive.'

The police said: 'Multiple people attempted to hold him down - he was eventually let up in hopes that he would leave - but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victim's upper body. LaBeouf then reportedly assaulted another person - punching him in the nose.

'LaBeouf was again held down until police arrived. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. Upon release, he was arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery.'
Scarlett Thomas channelled her inner cowgirl fashion as she took another trip to Nashville after she embarked on her music career in the States.

The nepo baby, 17, who is the daughter of Corrie exes Tina O'Brien and Ryan Thomas, recently signed a record contract, much to the delight of her dad.

She posed with a large pink microphone while sitting on a stage with a pink guitar and matching amplifier as she shared an album of snaps to Instagram.

The teenager appeared to have had a really fun time in the US as she posed in front of a mural of the city's name.

Scarlett showcased her musical passions as she posed playing with a pink electric guitar.

Alongside the post, she penned: 'Literally my new favourite place, boot from Posh Sneaks'.

Scarlett Thomas, 17, channelled her inner cowgirl fashion as she took another trip to Nashville after she embarked on her music career in the States in new Instagram snaps on Saturday

The nepo baby, who is the daughter of Corrie exes Tina O'Brien and Ryan Thomas, who recently signed a record contract, sang one of her own tunes

Earlier this month, dad Ryan revealed Scarlett was flying to Nashville to record music with One Direction's songwriter Julian Bunetta.

Speaking on his podcast, he said: 'What's unbelievable about all this is the guy that she signed to, the boys that she signed to, have two other brothers who own the record label in the States - and this guy is called Julian Bunetta.'

Ryan added: 'In the music industry, he's probably the biggest thing right now.

'And Scarlett is now next month flying out to his house to record in show. And this is in Nashville. In Nashville, she's staying there for a week.'

He continued: 'How crazy is that? And she said, "Dad I like about pinch myself, like, what is going on."

'And it's just crazy to think that she's going to be in that studio in Nashville, where music is basically originating from, where all the creative music people live, and she's going to be in and around it, just living and breathing and potentially like a song that we're all going to hear on the radio one day.

'Like, how proud are we as a family?'

Ryan previously shared a photo of himself and his daughter after she had signed the deal with Big Family Music at a restaurant.

Join the debate Should parents let teens skip school for a shot at fame and a music career?

The teenager appeared to have had a really fun time in the US as she posed in front of a mural of the city's name

Scarlett showcased her musical passions in the snaps as she posed playing with a pink electric guitar

Alongside the post, she penned: 'Literally my new favourite place, boot from Posh Sneaks'

He also posted a video of her singing at that same restaurant five years ago when she was 12.

Alongside the clip, he wrote: 'Today is one of the best days of my life. Watching my little girl sign a record deal is a moment I will cherish forever.

'The stars were all aligned today. As we turned up at the restaurant to sign the deal Scarlett said 'I've been here before dad!! ' & then we found this video.

'Stood on the chair in front of all her family singing A Million Dreams & here we are 5 years later making her dream come true.

She shared a photo of herself signing the contract and wrote: 'Wow, what an experience I have had so far and what an experience I'm about to have, I am beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity.

'Today was a life-changing moment for me, I've been working hard behind the scenes but I can now finally share it with you all. I can't wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music.'

He also defended his controversial decision to allow Scarlett to skip sitting her GCSEs.

Scarlett, who appeared in BBC's Waterloo Road in 2023, recently shared that she did not sit the nationwide exams in a video posted to her TikTok page.

Earlier this month, dad Ryan revealed Scarlett was flying to Nashville to record music with One Direction's songwriter Julian Bunetta

Scarlett, who appeared in BBC's Waterloo Road in 2023, recently shared that she did not sit the nationwide exams in a video posted to her TikTok page (pictured with her mum Tina O'Brien

The caption read: 'I'm watching everyone get there [sic] GCSE results today, wondering if I could've had good results but I will forever wonder.'

The clip caused much controversy online, with many complaining that it was 'unacceptable' for the teenager to forgo sitting the exams and attending school to focus on her budding acting career.

Under one post which criticised the decision from her parents, her father weighed in in the comment section and hit back.

He defiantly said: 'Is it even anyone's business or concern though?'
Sofia Vergara sizzled in new content shared on Instagram over the weekend.

The 53-year-old actress, who was recently spotted out with a Spanish actor, soaked up the Miami sun wearing nothing but a black G-string.

The entrepreneur plugged her skincare brand Toty as she wrote over a snapshot of her sunbathing: 'A little sun but with @toty.'

She also spent Friday evening partying at Papi Steak with loved ones, including her son Manolo, 34; her mother Margarita and her sisters Veronica and Sandra, according to footage shot by the Daily Mail, as well as her own Instagram Stories.

She danced the night away while showing off her famous curves in a low-cut red dress with a lacy bodice.

'Miami nights con la family. Puro perreo,' the bombshell captioned a post shared on Friday.

Sofia Vergara sizzled in new content shared on Instagram over the weekend

The 53-year-old actress soaked up the Miami sun wearing nothing but a black G-string

She also spent Friday evening partying at Papi Steak with loved ones, including her son Manolo, 34; her mother Margarita and her sisters Veronica and Sandra, according to footage shot by the Daily Mail, as well as her own Instagram Stories

On Saturday, Vergara was seen dancing again with her son Manolo at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Manolo got a big laugh from the crowd when he joked that his mother wasn't 'drunk from the sun,' but 'from the tequila last night at Papi Steak.'

Vergara and her son were at the festival to promote their Toma brand of empanadas, which they were serving up for the festival attendees.

Their weekend outings come two years after the former Modern Family star split from her husband Joe Manganiello, 49.

They announced their divorce in a joint statement shared with Page Six in July 2023.

They said at the time: 'We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives.'

Only two days after announcing their split, the True Blood actor filed for divorce and listed their date of separation as July 2.

The reason for the end of their marriage was cited as 'irreconcilable differences.'

The entrepreneur plugged her skincare brand Toty as she wrote over a snapshot of her sunbathing: 'A little sun but with @toty'

She also spent an evening partying with loved ones, including a friend named Chi

Vergara posed with friend Natalia Botero

The actress was joined by her mom Margarita

On Saturday, Vergara was seen dancing again with her son Manolo at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Manolo got a big laugh from the crowd when he joked that his mother wasn't 'drunk from the sun,' but 'from the tequila last night at Papi Steak'

But Vergara later revealed that they parted ways because she didn't want children.

In January 2024, Vergara told the Spanish publication El Pais that she and Manganiello called it quits because he wanted kids and she did not.

'I didnt want to be an old mom,' she said. 'I feel its not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but thats not for me anymore.'

She continued: 'I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and Im ready to be a grandmother, not a mother. So, if love comes along, he has to come with [his own] children.'

The bombshell America's Got Talent judge was candid about where she is in life.

'Im almost in menopause; its the natural way of things,' she stated.

'When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then Ill give it back to him and go on with my life; thats what I have to do,' Vergara emphasized.

Following the divorce, the bombshell dated Justin Saliman, an orthopedic surgeon, for about one year.

Earlier this month, Vergara was spotted leaving the Chateau Marmont alongside Spanish actor Manuel Vega.
The GoFundMe page set up by close friends of late actor Eric Dane has raised its goal to $500k as some have fiercely come to the defense of the fundraiser.

The Grey's Anatomy star's death was confirmed by his loved ones in a statement to People on Thursday - less than one year after he announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.

ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain. The muscles can suffer from paralysis and there is currently no cure for the disease.

Dane is survived by widow Rebecca Gayheart as well as their two teenage daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.

Friends organized the GoFundMe shortly after his passing on Friday to help support his daughters.

The initial goal had been set at $250k but has since been doubled. Donations have raised up to around $244,000 at the time of this publication.

The GoFundMe page set up by close friends of late actor Eric Dane has raised its goal to $500k as some have fiercely defended the fundraiser; seen in 2022 in L.A.

Friends organized the GoFundMe shortly after his passing on Friday to help support his daughters; seen in 2024 in Hollywood

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson offered a top donation of $27,000 in the wake of Dane's death.

The late star had portrayed the character of Cal Jacobs in the HBO Max series. Before his tragic passing, Dane filmed scenes for the show's upcoming third season - which is set to premiere on April 12.

Television writer and producer Brad Falchuk, who is married to Gwyneth Paltrow, donated $10,000.

The friends who launched the GoFundMe page also penned a message underneath a photo of Dane with his two daughters.

'It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.'

They reflected on his devotion and advocacy for the ALS community while adding that 'he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease.

'As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.'

In conclusion, the message read, 'Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric's wonderful daughters. Thank you.'

The initial goal had been set at $250k but has since been doubled. Donations have since raised up to around $244,000 at the time of publication

'It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world

They reflected on his devotion and advocacy for the ALS community while adding that 'he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease'; seen in June 2025 in L.A.

One close friend of Dane came to the defense of the fundraiser which was created to benefit his two daughters.

Mike McGuiness took to Instagram to share a tribute to the actor and reflected on a trip they took before his passing.

At one point, he wrote: 'Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn't leave his family with the resources he had hoped.

'A gofundme is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help. Love the ones you've got.'

McGuiness also emotionally penned that Dane's death 'broke me' and described ALS 'as hopeless an affliction one could get.' However, the late star handled the disease with both 'grace' and 'dignity.'

After his diagnosis, Dane joined McGuiness and other pals for a trip to Tokyo where they attended an Oasis concert.

'Eric said he couldn't fix the past and the future was too hard to think about, so he was forced to be in the moment. On top of that, his hands didn't work, so he couldn't be on a phone. So in the moment he was.'

McGuiness added that he 'learned more about my buddy in that week than the other 1000 times we hung out combined.'

One close friend of Dane, Mike McGuiness, came to the defense of the fundraiser which was created to benefit his two daughters

At one point, he wrote: 'Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn't leave his family with the resources he had hoped'

McGuiness also emotionally penned that Dane's death 'broke me' and described ALS 'as hopeless an affliction one could get.' However, the late star handled the disease with both 'grace' and 'dignity'

After his diagnosis, Dane joined McGuiness and other pals for a trip to Tokyo where they attended an Oasis concert

Gayheart also took to her Instagram stories to respond to the outpouring of support on the GoFundMe and typed out, 'Thank you to everyone.'

Before his death, Dane had secretly recorded his 'last words' to his teenage daughters for a Netflix documentary.

The nearly one hour film has since become available on the streaming site and titled Famous Last Words: Eric Dane. It is understood the project would only be released posthumously, according to reports.

'Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried,' he said. 'Overall, we had a blast, didn't we?'

He then shared four lessons that he learned amid his ALS battle, including to 'live now, right now in the present.'

'Second, fall in love. Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something.'

Another lesson included 'choosing your friends wisely' while the fourth was 'fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight.

'Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit...'

Gayheart also took to her Instagram stories to respond to the outpouring of support on the GoFundMe and typed out, 'Thank you to everyone'

Before his death, Dane had secretly recorded his 'last words' to his teenage daughters for a Netflix documentary (seen above)

'Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried,' he said. 'Overall, we had a blast, didn't we?'

He concluded with, 'Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.'

Dane married Gayheart in 2004 and the pair welcomed their two daughters. She filed for divorce in 2018 but she reportedly dismissed the petition amid his health battle in 2025.

The pair remained legally married until his death, with the stars being involved in separate relationships.

Gayheart recently shared an assortment of throwback images of Dane from over the years to her Instagram stories in the wake of his passing.

A number of other tributes have also flooded in, with some of his former Grey's Anatomy castmates breaking silence such as Kate Walsh and Patrick Dempsey.

Dane was known for a multitude of roles throughout his Hollywood career, including his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan (also known as McSteamy) on the hit medical series beginning in 2006.

Gayheart recently shared an assortment of throwback images of Dane from over the years to her Instagram stories in the wake of his passing

Dane was known for a multitude of roles throughout his Hollywood career, including his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan (also known as McSteamy) on the hit medical series beginning in 2006

His passing occurred on the 20th anniversary of his initial appearance on the ABC show, with Dane's first episode airing on February 19, 2006.

James Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly also shared a tribute in the wake of her own husband's death earlier this month on February 11.

'RIP @realericdane We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together,' she wrote on her Instagram stories.

Dane had publicly announced his diagnosis with ALS last year in April.
Kim Kardashian took to Instagram on Saturday to tantalize her 353 million followers as she posed in black lingerie.

The 45-year-old bombshell plugged her SKIMS undergarment range as she modeled its Everyday Cotton collection.

She flaunted her toned abdomen and perky chest while wearing the $34 triangle bralette and a matching $18 thong.

Kardashian was barefoot as she sat against a gray backdrop with her long, dark locks falling down her back, styled by Igor Rosales-Jackson.

She looked typically beautiful in a soft face of makeup applied by Ash K Holm.

For her caption, the billionaire entrepreneur used a single black heart emoji and tagged '@SKIMS.'

Kim Kardashian took to Instagram on Saturday to tantalize her 353 million followers as she posed in black lingerie

Kardashian has been promoting her brand's Everyday Cotton collection over the last two weeks

Also on Saturday, the multihyphenate poked fun at an awkward interview she had with internet personality Grime Gran in November.

She was joined by her All's Fair co-star Sarah Paulson at the time.

When Grime Gran asked in her thick British accent if she likes 'jacket potatoes,' Kardashian was bewildered.

'And you're a big fan of jacket potato aint ya?' Grime Gran asked, as Paulson burst out laughing and Kardashian asked 'Who?'

Grime Gran repeated: 'Do you like a jacket potato?'

'I don't know what that is,' the reality TV star confessed, as Paulson seconded: 'I don't know what a jacket potato is.'

'It's potato cooked in the skin,' Grime Gran finally shared as Kardashian confirmed: 'Oh I love that, yeah.'

In her Instagram Stories over the weekend, Kardashian posted a photo of loaded potatoes topped with bacon bits, tagged Paulson, and asked: 'Is this a jacket potato?'

Also on Saturday, the multihyphenate poked fun at an awkward interview she had with internet personality Grime Gran in November

Kim Kardashian was left absolutely baffled when quizzed by 'Grime Gran' about jacket potatoes on British radio on Tuesday - leaving Sarah Paulson in stitches

'What is that?' a very confused Kim asked, as Sarah added: 'I really want to know if you like a jacket potato'

Initially called KIMONO, Kardashian's undergarment brand launched in 2019 and today is valued at around $5 billion.

In September she debuted a capsule collection with Nike, calling it 'a complete system of activewear solutions designed to sculpt and engineered to perform,' according to the SKIMS website.

It boasts an array of styles including finishes with matte or shine, 'airy' silhouettes, and 'weightless' layers.

The selections range from $48 bras to a $168 onesie.

Other items featured in the collaboration are accessories including a yoga mat, dri-fit socks, training gloves, and a gym bag.

Kardashian officially introduced the designs with a celebrity-studded launch party held in New York City.
Kim Kardashian is set to star alongside a major rap icon in Eva Longoria's upcoming Netflix film.

The 45-year-old SKIMS founder has been busy filming scenes for the forthcoming comedy with production currently in full swing.

It has now been reported that 50 Cent, who is known for hits such as Candy Shop, has been added to the star-studded cast alongside Nikki Glaser, Brenda Song, Fortune Feimster and Jack Whitehall, per TMZ.

Sources told the outlet that the music artist has been on set over the past couple days to shoot what appears to be a club scene.

The rapper as well as Kardashian, Glaser and Song have filmed a portion of the movie inside the Los Angeles nightclub called Exchange LA.

Details of his role in the project are not yet known, but insiders told TMZ that the performer is 'actively involved.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for 50 Cent, but did not immediately hear back.

Kim Kardashian, 45, is set to star alongside a major rap icon in Eva Longoria's upcoming Netflix film; seen above on set of the comedy earlier this month in L.A.

It has now been reported that 50 Cent has been added to the star-studded cast alongside Nikki Glaser, Brenda Song, Fortune Feimster and Jack Whitehall, per TMZ; seen in January in Miami

Kardashian was previously married to fellow rapper Kanye West from 2014 until their divorce was finalized in 2022.

The former couple are parents to four children: North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, six.

Both West and 50 Cent have been in the spotlight for years throughout their respective music careers.

Back in 2007, the two stars notably took part in fake beef as they both dropped albums on the same day that year.

The music artists did a contest to see who would have the most album sales, with the win going to West at the time.

50 Cent has since occasionally mentioned the controversial Heartless rapper on social media.

Last year in June, he launched a shock three-word insult at West's wife Bianca Censori amid Diddy's sex trafficking trial.

And back in 2020, 50 Cent came to Kardashian's defense amid West's cheating and divorce claims. He wrote on X (then Twitter): 'This was cool she's being very understanding because ya man is bugged out. (sic).'

Sources told the outlet that the music artist has been on set over the past couple days to shoot what appears to be a club scene; Longoria seen in 2025 in Beverly Hills

Kardashian was previously married to fellow rapper Kanye West from 2014 until their divorce was finalized in 2022; former couple seen in 2019 in NYC

Back in 2007, West and 50 Cent notably took part in fake beef as they both dropped albums on the same day that year; the pair seen in 2007 in Las Vegas

Earlier last week, Kardashian was seen getting into character on set of The Fifth Wheel as Longoria stepped behind the camera as director.

She flashed a cheerful smile while shooting an outdoor scene with Glaser, Song and Feimster.

One humorous moment showed the group hiding behind a large trash can before sprinting down a street.

The premise of the comedic film is: 'A group of best friends from high school attempt to reconnect during a weekend jaunt to Vegas.

'When a hot outsider crashes the weekend, they're forced to face their messy lives, bad decisions, and unraveling friendships,' per IMDB.

Kardashian is no stranger to acting and has frequently been taking on more roles in recent years.

Back in 2024, she appeared in the 12th season of American Horror Story alongside Emma Roberts.

Last year, the reality star also joined Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Teyana Taylor, Niecy Nash, and Sarah Paulson in Ryan Murphy's Hulu series All's Fair.

Back in 2024, she appeared in the 12th season of American Horror Story alongside Emma Roberts (seen above)

Last year, the reality star also joined Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Teyana Taylor, Niecy Nash, and Sarah Paulson in Ryan Murphy's Hulu series All's Fair (seen above)

The show garnered negative reception when it first premiered in November and raked in a score of 6% on Rotten Tomatoes. The series was renewed for a second season.

Kardashian is also involved in an upcoming Bratz movie for Amazon MGM where she is set to portray a villainous character, Deadline reported last year in June.

The TV personality will also be one of the producers on the project with Erik Feig and Julia Hammer.

Other roles under Kardashian's belt include voicing the character of Delores in the PAW Patrol movies.

Join the debate Is Kim Kardashian's acting success earned, or simply a result of her fame?

Her latest film and television projects come amid her new relationship with F1 racer Lewis Hamilton

Her latest film and television projects come amid her new relationship with Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton.

The two stars were first linked when they were spotted at Kate Hudson's New Year's Eve bash, but have known each other for years.

Kardashian and Hamilton then publicly confirmed their relationship when they both attended Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium earlier this month.

The SKIMS founder's last romance had been with SNL alum Pete Davidson from 2021 until their split the following year.
Margot Robbie has been jet-setting in recent weeks as she promotes her hit new film, Wuthering Heights.

The Australian actress, 35, finally wrapped up her press tour last week, and is already on the move for her next gig.

On Sunday, Margot arrived in Sydney ahead of her role as a judge at the Tropfest short film festival.

The Barbie star opted for low-key look that allowed her to blend in with the locals as she crossed the terminal at Sydney Airport.

Choosing a loose ensemble, including a black jumper and a pair of matching satin shorts, Margot was clearly dressed for comfort.

She finished the look with see-through flats and a pair of retro sunglasses, while opting for a clean, peachy makeup look.

Margot Robbie (pictured) has been jet-setting in recent weeks as she promotes her hit new film, Wuthering Heights

On Sunday, Margot arrived in Sydney ahead of her role as a judge at the Tropfest short film festival

Margot slung a designer handbag over her arm and had a minder in tow who wheeled along her small suitcase and a garment bag.

It comes after Margot shared the cheeky nickname she and her Wuthering Heights co-star Jacob Elordi gave one of the film's raciest sex scene locations.

She 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.

'All right, it was w**king rock, okay. It was w**king rock,' she said with a laugh.

The Barbie star opted for low-key look that allowed her to blend in with the locals as she crossed the terminal at Sydney Airport

Choosing a loose ensemble, including a black jumper and a pair of matching satin shorts, Margot was clearly dressed for comfort

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.

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.'
Eric Dane spoke highly of his wife Rebecca Gayheart in his touching Netflix special, Famous Last Words: Eric Dane.

The actor died on Thursday at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In his two-episode final interview, he declared about Gayheart, 54: 'I will have never, by the time anyone sees this, fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca.'

The couple married in October 2004, separated in September 2017, and shockingly called off their divorce in March 2025  one month before Dane publicly announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.

They shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.

Gayheart wrote in a December 2025 essay published by The Cut that her love for Dane was no longer romantic, but 'familial.'

Eric Dane spoke highly of his wife Rebecca Gayheart in his touching Netflix special, Famous Last Words: Eric Dane

In his two-episode final interview, he declared about Gayheart, 54: 'I will have never, by the time anyone sees this, fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca'; pictured in 2017

Dane recorded the two-part special, which was executive produced in part by Brad Falchuk, in secret.

The former Grey's Anatomy star also said about his wife: 'I think Rebecca was more willing to show up and do her part than I was.

'I dont have that gene that just makes you wanna keep going regardless of what happens. Im like, "If theres a hole in the boat, dont try to patch the hole." Scuttle the damn thing and find a new one.'

The father of two also reflected on losing 'a lot of time' with his kids following his and Gayheart's separation.

'By virtue of the distance of us living in separate homes, theres a lot of time lost there. But I made sure that I can be there as much as possible and certainly when it counts,' he noted.

And he insisted that he and his estranged wife were 'still really best friends.'

'We still love each other deeply. I just think we dont wanna live with each other. But theres a lot of love there,' he emphasized.

In her essay last year, Gayheart said: 'We had a really lovely marriage for a long time - we were married for 15 years - we created two beautiful girls.

'But also, lots of s**t went crazy in our relationship, and it wasn't good. We separated, but we never got a divorce; we were about to and then we didn't. We haven't lived in the same home for eight years; he's dated other people, I've dated someone.'

'It's a very complicated relationship, one that's confusing for people,' she acknowledged.

Dane and Gayheart shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14

Gayheart wrote in a December 2025 essay published by The Cut that her love for Dane was no longer romantic, but 'familial'; pictured in 2007

Dane recorded his two-part Netflix special, which was executive produced in part by Brad Falchuk (right), in secret

Following Dane's death, Falchuk explained to Extra how his appearance on the Netflix show Famous Last Words came about.

'We reached out about him doing the show and then, as with all the guests, the request is always: "Will you just sit down with me and well chat a little bit about the show and see if there is a rapport?"

'Eric and I sat down and had dinner at his house, and we connected very deeply, very quickly,' he shared.

The streamer debuted the episodes on Friday.

Falchuk added: 'He was so honest and vulnerable and easy and funny and charming. We just had a great dinner and then chatted one more time before [we] jumped in a few weeks later.'

The producer, who is married to Gwyneth Paltrow, mused, 'What stayed with me more than anything was just his spirit and his courage and his acceptance of his frailty and his defiance against being pitied and his defiance against the disease even though hes accepting it as it was happening.'
Nicki Minaj revealed that she received a signed Bible from Donald Trump and gushed that it is 'one of the most meaningful gifts' she has ever gotten.

The 43-year-old rapper, who has been vocal about her support of MAGA and the 47th President of the United States, jumped to her X account on Saturday to give a glimpse at the present.

The image showed a Holy Bible with God Bless The USA printed towards the bottom of the cover and in the middle was Trump's signature.

In the caption of the latest post, Minaj wrote: 'One of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received in my entire life.'

The specific signed version of the Bible can also be found on the official God Bless The USA website and is currently priced at $1,000.

It appears that it is not the first gift that the music artist received from Trump. Last month in January, she shared a snap of a Trump Gold Card that had an image of him as well as his signature.

Nicki Minaj, 43, revealed that she received a signed Bible from Donald Trump and gushed that it is 'one of the most meaningful gifts' she has ever gotten; seen in January in Washington D.C.

The image showed a Holy Bible that had God Bless The USA printed towards the bottom of the cover and in the middle was Trump's signature

The Trinidadian rapper then shared to fans that she is working on her citizenship in the United States.

'Residency? Residency? The cope is coping,' she typed out in a separate post on X. 'Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition.'

Minaj continued, 'I wouldn't have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment Gold Trump card free of charge.'

Earlier this week on Monday, the star marked Presidents' Day with a bizarre tribute to Trump that was quickly roasted by fans.

She paid homage to the Commander-in-Chief on X by posting two photos that were digitally altered to replace what looked to be her husband, Kenneth Petty, with Trump.

The duo matched in Barbie pink outfits while cruising in a car, with the current U.S. president 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.

It appears that it is not the first gift that the music artist received from Trump. Last month in January, she shared a snap of a Trump Gold Card that had an image of him as well as his signature

The Trinidadian rapper then shared to fans that she is working on her citizenship in the United States; seen in January in Washington D.C.

Earlier this week on Monday, the star marked Presidents' Day with a bizarre tribute to Trump that was quickly roasted by fans

She wore a pink striped t-shirt and layer of diamond chains, while AI Trump matched her in a pink Nike zip-up which featured intricate pink floral embroidery.

'Happy #PresidentsDay,' the star - born Onika Tanya Maraj - wrote in the caption.

Some social media users shared their thoughts on the post, with one simply penning, 'Cringe.'

Another asked, 'You actually met the man, why didn't you just use a picture of you two then instead of AI?' while a fan added, 'We can all see your man in the reflection lol.'

The hip hop star wed Petty - who is a registered sex offender - in 2019. They share a five-year old son together.

In the last three months, Minaj has advocated for Trump and Vice President JD Vance on social media.

She additionally 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.'

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 hip hop star wed Petty - who is a registered sex offender - in 2019. They share a five-year old son together

She even sat alongside the president and the first lady at the premiere of Melania's eponymous documentary last 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.

However, 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.

'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.'

She continued at the time, 'Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?'

In the last three months, Minaj has advocated for Trump and Vice President JD Vance on social media; seen in November 2025 in NYC

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; seen in 2025 in NYC

Some have suggested that Minaj's enthusiastic support of Trump may stem from hopes of securing presidential pardons for her husband.

Petty was convicted of attempted rape in the first degree, and her brother, Jelani Maraj, was also 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.
Liza Minnelli has shared heartbreaking details of her upbringing with mother Judy Garland - before describing how she once found her husband in bed with another man in an insightful look into her life.

In an extract from her first ever memoir called Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, shared in this week's The Sunday Times, the actress, 79, spared no details of her colourful life.

In the book she describes how Judy - who died at the age of 47 in 1969 - was 'poisoned with uppers and downers' as a child and 'spent millions of dollars' on rehab units in a bid to address her addiction to drugs.

Liza said despite her struggles her mother 'loved her passionately' and Liza loved her back, as she launched into a fierce defence of the troubled actress who was dogged by claims she 'drank too much, took too many pills and ignored her family'.

In the extract, she penned: 'They [the press] said she was a bad mother, that she drank too much, took too many pills and ignored her family.

'Mama spent millions of dollars in rehab units and hospitals, praying that they could heal her. She had rounds of electroshock therapy. Nothing worked. It's no secret who the culprits were.

Liza Minnelli has shared heartbreaking details of her upbringing with mother Judy Garland (seen together - Liza is age 17 here)

She has also described how she once found her husband Peter Allen in bed with another man (seen at their wedding in 1967)

'Industry executives - and, I'm told, my grandmother - had poisoned her with uppers and downers since she was a child star.'

She described how by the age of 13 she was her mother's 'caretaker' as well as a 'nurse, doctor, pharmacologist and psychiatrist' and that she would give her drugs every day so that she could function.

Liza told how the way Judy dealt with the hardships of life was with a 'clever quip, a pill and a drink'.

Liza was born in 1946 to movie star Judy and director Vincente Minnelli, who became a couple while working on the classic film Meet Me In St. Louis.

Vincente Minnelli was the second of Judy's five husbands, in a rocky personal life buffeted by decades of addiction that led to her death.

In the book Liza describes how when her sister Lorna Luft was born in 1952 Judy tried to kill herself shortly after.

After doctors treated her Liza describes how the next morning 'mama was in a great mood' and behaved 'like nothing happened' which led Liza to think she was 'immortal'.

In 1969, she was rocked by Judy's death in London at 47 of what the authorities declared an 'incautious self-overdosage' of sleeping pills.

In her book Liza describes how she 'cried for eight days straight' and said that year was 'a time of unimaginable sadness and fateful change'.

In an extract from her first ever memoir called Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, the actress, 79, spared no details of her colourful life

Liza decided to write the book after being infuriated by the inaccurate depictions of her own life and that of her late mother, whom she is pictured with in 1965

Out March 10, the memoir also including details of the time she walked in on her first husband Peter Allen having sex in their marital bed with a man.

She told how she struggled to process what she'd seen and felt 'fragile and afraid' after what happened.

However after Liza's forgiveness they remained happily married for another seven years.

Her love life increasingly became what Andy Warhol famously described in his diaries as 'complicated,' as she took up with Peter Sellers while legally married to Allen and engaged to Desi Arnaz Jr., the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

The 1970s and early 1980s proved to be the peak of her career, with gigs such as a sold-out run at Carnegie Hall and a brief but wildly hyped stint as Roxie Hart in the original Broadway production of Kander & Ebb's Chicago.

She acted with Robert De Niro in the 1977 Martin Scorsese film New York, New York, whose title song by Kander & Ebb has become an unofficial anthem for the city.

Liza and Scorsese began an affair, and he went on to direct her in the 1978 stage musical The Act, in which she was an inspiration to the young Meryl Streep.

Her second husband was Jack Haley Jr. - the son of the actor who played the Tin Man alongside Judy in The Wizard Of Oz - and the third was sculptor Mark Gero.

While married to Jack, Liza allegedly conducted overlapping affairs with Scorsese and Mikhail Baryshnikov, according to her friend Andy Warhol's diaries.

Meanwhile, by the late 1970s, her social life had become increasingly rocked by a galloping drug problem that came to help define her image.

As a young woman, Liza initially steered clear of alcohol and drugs, having witnessed her mother's fatal descent into addiction.

However in the 1970s she plunged into a maelstrom of hedonistic excess, indulging in substances ranging from alcohol to cocaine to Quaaludes.

Ultimately, she was able to wrench herself out of her spiral, undergoing rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic and entering Alcoholics Anonymous.

Her first stay at a treatment center came in 1984 at the behest of her sister Lorna.

In 2022, Liza was mocked online for an embarrassing appearance at the Oscars when Lady Gaga rolled her onstage in a wheelchair to present best picture.

Gaga's cloying interactions with Liza - whispering: 'I got you' to her in an aside that was caught on the mic - fueled conjecture about the latter's health.

It was later claimed Liza was 'forced' to go onstage in a wheelchair at the last minute, after first agreeing to appear in a director's chair for her 'back trouble.'

Minnelli was 'sabotaged' by the switch-up and came away feeling 'very disappointed.

Now she has offered her own account of the fiasco, saying she 'was inexplicably ordered - not even asked - to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all.

She also reflects on her glittering career, including her Oscar-winning performance in Cabaret, for which she is pictured in a publicity still

She said: 'I was told it was because of my age, and for safety reasons, because I might slip out of the director's chair, which was bulls***. I will not be treated this way, I said.'

She was 'heartbroken' by the turn events had taken, on top of which she 'was much lower down than I would have been in the director's chair. Now I couldn't easily read the teleprompter above me. How would you feel if you were wheeled out, against your will, to perform in front of a live audience, and unable to see clearly?'

Liza then scathingly recalled that 'when I stumbled over a few words, Gaga, who was at my side, didn't miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see. 'I got you,' she said, leaning down over me.'

Gaga approached her in her dressing room after the debacle to ask: 'Are you okay?' to which Minnelli replied simply: 'I'm a big fan,' having 'learned this lesson years ago from Mama and Papa. At a moment of high stress, you stay gracious.'
VANCOUVER  British Columbia property companies controlled by prominent developer Terry Hui are taking the federal government to court, claiming a tax bill of more than $91 million will jeopardize future construction projects if they're made to pay up after a 12-year audit by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Vancouver-based Adex Securities Ltd., One West Holdings Ltd. and an affiliated numbered B.C. company filed an application in Federal Court earlier this month seeking to halt the minister of national revenue from issuing tax assessments dating from 2007 to 2013.

The application says an audit of the companies began in 2013, examining payments to related corporations based in Luxembourg, looking into potential tax avoidance and so-called "treaty abuse."

The transactions at issue involve the routing of interest payments to companies in Luxembourg, but the developers claim they weren't for tax avoidance purposes.

The companies say in the application they will "suffer irreparable harm" if made to pay the $91-million tax debt, plus interest, claiming they couldn't have "reasonably planned for a debt of this magnitude" without advance notice from the minister.

The application says one or two construction projects will be halted if the companies lose $91 million of working capital, but a lawyer for the developers, Justin Kutyan with KPMG Law in Toronto, said the projects have not started yet.

"There's no current projects that could be affected by this. It's only future projects that we're anticipating," he said.

He said there's been no determination about which future projects could be jeopardized, and said the transactions in the case were similar to a tax structure that's been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.

The high court in 2021 ruled on a case brought by a company called Alta Energy Luxembourg, which had claimed a tax exemption on a capital gain of more than $380 million under Canada's treaty with the European country, described in the decision as being "well known as an international tax haven."

The court found in Alta's favour, ruling that Canadian tax authorities couldn't use anti-tax avoidance rules to "judicially amend or renegotiate a treaty."

"Canada effectively agreed to give up its right to tax certain entities incorporated in Luxembourg in exchange for the jobs and economic opportunities that the business property exemption would promote," the court ruled.

Trying to tax the transaction under what's known as the general anti-avoidance rule, the court found, wasn't allowed because federal tax authorities were "seeking to revisit its bargain in order to secure both foreign investments and tax revenues."
Margot Robbie has had a lot on her plate of late after the soaring success of her latest film, Wuthering Heights.

The Australian actress was busy at yet another event on Sunday night as she led the celebrity arrivals at Tropfest in Sydney.

The Barbie star, who is on the judging panel at the short film festival, turned heads in a sheer, black dress.

The maxi-length, see-through slip was worn over a skimpy, lacy bra and satin boxer shorts.

Margot ensured her trim figure was on display in the revealing frock, which had a dainty, glittering hem.

She carried a white fabric purse with a gold chain strap and added a pair of black heels to the look.

Margot Robbie (pictured) was busy at yet another event on Sunday night as she led the celebrity arrivals at Tropfest in Sydney

The Barbie star, who is on the judging panel at the short film festival, turned heads in a sheer, black dress

The maxi-length, see-through slip was worn over a skimpy, lacy bra and satin boxer shorts

For makeup, the blonde chose a warm-toned palette with a peachy-nude lipstick and wore her blonde hair down in tousled waves.

Also making an appearance on the red carpet was Sarah Snook, who like Margot is on the festival's esteemed judging panel.

The Australian actress chose a relaxed but chic look for the event, which included a fitted white shirt over a cream blazer.

She added a pair of loose-fit, grey slacks, and wore a pair of black and white sneakers.

The Succession star included some pops of colour in her makeup look, which included an orange-toned red lipstick.

She swept her red hair off her face, and finished the ensemble with a smattering of accessories in mismatched metals.

Those included a chunky, silver watch and yellow gold hoop earrings, as well as a dangling necklace in rose gold with a pearl accent.

Taron Egerton was among the stars arriving for the event on Sunday, with the Welsh actor striking a casually cool figure.

Margot ensured her trim figure was on display in the revealing frock, which had a dainty, glittering hem

She carried a white fabric purse with a gold chain strap and added a pair of black heels to the look

For makeup, the blonde chose a warm-toned palette with a peachy-nude lipstick

She wore her flaxen locks in soft waves

Tropfest kicked off on Sunday, returning to Sydney's iconic Centennial Park after a hiatus

The Rocketman star, who is on the judging panel alongside Margot and Sarah, chose a loose, white cotton shirt with decorative buttons.

He added a pair of black trousers, also in a loose fit, and kept things comfortable by sliding on a pair of Birkenstocks sandals.

Tropfest kicked off on Sunday, returning to Sydney's iconic Centennial Park after a hiatus.

Founded back in 1993, the free, outdoor festival showcases the 16 short films vying for this year's crown.

The event is known as a major launchpad for actors and directors, with stars such as Rebel Wilson, Sam Worthington and Joel Edgerton having previously appeared in Tropfest films.

Meanwhile, it's been an epic worldwide promotional trip for Wuthering Heights stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in recent weeks.

The pair wrapped up their much-scrutinised press tour while home in Queensland for yet another viewing earlier this month.

Australians Robbie and Elordi made a surprise appearance at a cinema in Brisbane for their 16th screening of the film on February 15.

Also making an appearance on the red carpet was Sarah Snook (pictured), who like Margot is on the festival's esteemed judging panel

The Australian actress chose a relaxed but chic look for the event, which included a fitted white shirt over a cream blazer

Taron Egerton (pictured) was among the stars arriving for the event on Sunday, with the Welsh actor striking a casually cool figure

The Rocketman star, who is on the judging panel alongside Margot and Sarah, chose a loose, white cotton shirt with decorative buttons

They play Cathy and Heathcliff in British director Emerald Fennells take on Emily Bronte's 1847 novel.

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.

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.'
Justin Hemmes and his partner Madeline Holtznagel are settling into life as a blended family.

The A-list society couple stepped out at the opening night of the Tropfest short film festival with the billionaire publican's two older children on Sunday.

The 53-year-old brought his daughters, Alexa, nine, and Saachi, seven, who he shares with his ex-partner Kate Fowler.

Madeline, 29, did not bring along the couple's baby son, Jaeger, who they welcomed in June last year.

The model stunned in a summery, white slip dress with a red floral print throughout.

She paired the slinky frock with a quilted Chanel purse with gold hardware and wore a pair of Hermes sandals.

Justin Hemmes and his partner Madeline Holtznagel are settling into life as a blended family. Both pictured

The A-list society couple stepped out at the opening night of the Tropfest short film festival with the billionaire publican's two older children on Sunday

The 53-year-old brought his daughters, Alexa, nine, and Saachi, seven, who he shares with his ex-partner Kate Fowler

Madeline pulled her blonde hair off her face, while opting for a clean makeup look with a dark pink lipstick.

She finished her ensemble with gold hoop earrings, as well as a necklace and bracelet in the same finish.

Justin, meanwhile, looked smart in a retro shirt with a pastel palm design, worn with cream slacks and white sneakers.

Madeline announced the arrival of her first child with the hospitality king on Instagram in June, 2025 alongside a gallery of sweet photos.

'Jaeger Justin Hemmes. 1.06.25,' she captioned the post.

Madeline had earlier announced the sex of their baby in an interview with Stellar magazine, and said she was thrilled because she wanted a 'new journey' with Justin.

'I always thought I was going to have a boy. I knew I was going to be a boy mum,' she said.

'Justin has two beautiful little girls, so having a boy, it's like a whole new journey together.

The model stunned in a summery, white slip dress with a red floral print throughout

Madeline, 29, did not bring along the couple's baby son, Jaeger (pictured), who they welcomed in June last year

The business mogul, who has a net worth of $1.39 billion, began dating Madeline in 2019 when she was 22 and he was 47 after his split from Fowler (left) in 2018

'[The baby] is going to be his little best mate.'

She said she previously kept details of her pregnancy private, but was ready to share her journey.

'I keep a lot of my life private and I don't share a lot online anyway, so [being pregnant] wasn't really something that I was going to share online,' she said.

'I haven't posted about it and it's been nice to have some quiet time off Instagram.

'But obviously because I am in the public eye and we do get photographed quite a lot, I think now I'm at this point in my pregnancy where it's nice for me to be able to share some nice photos.'

In November 2024, an insider confirmed the exciting news of Madeline's pregnancy to Daily Mail.

They revealed a friend of Justin's recently moved out of his Vaucluse mansion to make room for their growing family.

The business mogul, who has a net worth of $1.39 billion, began dating Madeline in 2019 when she was 22 and he was 47 after his split from Fowler in 2018.

Madeline is the younger sister of fellow Aussie model Simone Holtznagel, who welcomed her first child, a daughter called Gia, in March 2024 with her now-ex-boyfriend Jono Castano.
Former Disney Channel star Shia LaBeouf put his legal woes aside to canoodle with a mystery woman at a New Orleans bar near Bourbon Street Saturday night.

In video obtained by TMZ, the 'tipsy' 39-year-old could be seen kissing and holding hands with a petite brunette beauty, who warmly embraced him as they spoke back and forth in the noisy nightclub.

The coy couple - who spent at least 45 minutes together - got down low at one point dancing to The Black Eyed Peas' 2009 hit I Gotta Feeling while on a balcony.

She actually resembled a woman LaBeouf took out to lunch back in 2019.

The romantic evening came four nights after the Daytime Emmy winner was arrested on two charges of simple battery for striking multiple people at the Royal Street Inn & R Bar during the last day of Mardi Gras.

One of the alleged victims, Jeffrey Damnit, claimed LaBeouf shouted homophobic slurs at him because he was wearing make-up.

Former Disney Channel star Shia LaBeouf put his legal woes aside to canoodle with a mystery woman at a New Orleans bar near Bourbon Street Saturday night (pictured last Thursday)

It's surprising the Megadoc star is still able to lure the ladies considering his ex-girlfriend - Grammy winner FKA twigs - alleged he infected her with a sexually-transmitted disease in her lawsuit settled out of court last July.

The British 38-year-old also accused LaBeouf of assault and infliction of emotional distress after their turbulent 11-month relationship.

The Henry Johnson actor has previously dated Sia, Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Megan Fox, Carey Mulligan and Margaret Qualley.

On March 25, LaBeouf and his estranged wife Mia Goth will celebrate their daughter Isabel's fourth birthday.

Since the Echo Park native and the British 32-year-old separated a year ago, she remains at their $5.4M four-bedroom Pasadena home while he moved into a $1 million three-bedroom home near the French Quarter last December.

Goth - who's nominated for an Actor Award for Frankenstein - reportedly wants LaBeouf to go to rehab because she still loves him and wants him to be there for their child.

In 2024, the Pasadena Police Department were called to their home due to disturbing the peace and an 'uncooperative' wife was heard telling her 'cursing' husband 'just go' but no police report was made - according to TMZ.

It's worth noting most actors would have no career after nine reported arrests spanning 1996-2026 stemming from charges like petty theft, trespassing, DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, public intoxication, obstruction and battery.

But LaBeouf just wrapped his role as Eli opposite Oscar winner Melissa Leo in Josh Soskin's Jewish parable drama The Rooster Prince a few months ago.

The 'tipsy' 39-year-old could be seen kissing and holding hands with a petite brunette beauty, who warmly embraced him as they spoke back and forth in the noisy nightclub

The romantic evening came four nights after LaBeouf was arrested on two charges of simple battery for striking multiple people at the Royal Street Inn & R Bar during the last day of Mardi Gras

One of the alleged victims, Jeffrey Damnit, claimed the Daytime Emmy winner shouted homophobic slurs at him because he was wearing make-up

On March 25, LaBeouf and his estranged wife Mia Goth (pictured last Tuesday) will celebrate their daughter Isabel's fourth birthday

It's worth noting most actors would have no career after nine reported arrests spanning 1996-2026 stemming from charges like petty theft, trespassing, DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, public intoxication, obstruction and battery

The admitted plagiarist wrote and starred in Jerzy Skolimowski's upcoming Auschwitz-set WWII drama Angel of Death.

LaBeouf's other upcoming roles include Rosalind Ross's crime thriller God Of The Rodeo set at Louisiana's Angola Prison in 1967.

However, Leo Lewis O'Neil's documentary Slauson Rec about the heavily-tattooed millennial's experimental acting collective has yet to secure distribution following its Cannes Film Festival premiere on May 18.
Hailey Bieber has stepped forward with a major contribution following Eric Dane's death, donating $20,000 to a GoFundMe established to support the late actor's family.

The model, 29, is among several high-profile figures who have quietly contributed to the fundraiser created by close friends of the actor after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Bieber's donation stands out as one of the largest individual contributions to the campaign so far.

The Rhode founder, who is married to pop star Justin Bieber, has an estimated net worth of $300 million.

In May 2025, her skincare and beauty brand was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty in a deal valued at $1 billion.

Other notable donors include Brad Falchuk, who donated $10,000, and Guy Oseary and Dana Walden, who each gave $5,000.

Hailey Bieber has stepped forward with a major contribution following Eric Dane's death, donating $20,000 to a GoFundMe established to support the actor's family; seen this month

Producer Randall Emmett also matched Falchuk's donation with a $10,000 contribution.

The GoFundMe was launched shortly after the death of Eric Dane and initially set a goal of $250,000.

Amid an outpouring of support for the fundraiser, the goal has since been doubled to $500,000.

At the time of publication, donations had reached approximately $290,964.

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson made the largest single donation to date, contributing $27,000.

Dane's death was confirmed by his loved ones in a statement to People, less than one year after he publicly announced his ALS diagnosis.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, and currently has no cure.

The actor is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teenage daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.

Friends organized the GoFundMe to help support the girls and their future needs.

The model, 29, is among several high-profile figures who have quietly contributed to the fundraiser created by close friends of the actor after his battle with (ALS)

Bieber's donation stands out as one of the largest individual contributions to the campaign so far

In a message shared on the fundraiser page beneath a photo of Dane with his daughters, organizers wrote: 'It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.'

They added that Dane 'remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease,' noting that his illness progressed 'far more quickly than anyone could have imagined.'

One of Dane's close friends, Mike McGuiness, publicly defended the fundraiser, explaining in an Instagram tribute that COVID-19 and ALS had taken a serious toll on the actor's ability to work.

'Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn't leave his family with the resources he had hoped,' McGuiness wrote, adding that Dane's death 'broke me' and describing ALS as 'as hopeless an affliction one could get.'

The actor is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teenage daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13; seen in 2017

Amid an outpouring of support for the fundraiser, the goal has since been doubled to $500,000 (pictures with daughters in 2024)

He noted that Dane faced the disease with both 'grace' and 'dignity.'

Gayheart later acknowledged the outpouring of support by posting a brief message to her Instagram Stories, writing simply: 'Thank you to everyone.'

Before his death, Dane recorded what he described as his 'last words' to his daughters for the Netflix documentary Famous Last Words: Eric Dane, which was released posthumously.

In the nearly hour-long film, he addressed Billie and Georgia directly, saying: 'I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn't we?'

He went on to share four lessons learned during his ALS battle, including to 'live now, right now in the present,' to 'fall in love,' to choose friends wisely and to 'fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity.'

Dane's death was confirmed by his loved ones in a statement to People, less than one year after he publicly announced his ALS diagnosis

'This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit,' he said.

He concluded: 'Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.'

Dane was widely known for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, on Grey's Anatomy, a role he began in 2006.

His passing occurred on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on the ABC series, which aired on February 19, 2006.

He later starred as Cal Jacobs on HBO's Euphoria and had filmed scenes for the show's upcoming third season prior to his death.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after I Swear's John Davidson let out involuntary shouts during the ceremony.

I Swear details the life of campaigner John, now 54, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at a time when little was known about the condition.

And Alan issued an apology to viewers after John was heard shouting the N-word during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo's presentation during the ceremony.

John appeared to have left the ceremony in the second half of the show as his outbursts could no longer be heard.

According to Variety, John left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA. A source told the publication that he was an 'invited guest' and under no circumstances would he be asked to leave the ceremony.

While Michael and Delroy didn't react to the remark, Alan later addressed the audience at London's Royal Festival Hall and apologised for the offensive language.

BAFTA host Alan Cumming thanked audience for Tourette's understanding as I Swear's John Davidson let out involuntary shouts during Sunday's ceremony

I Swear details the life of campaigner John, now 54, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at a time when little was known about the condition

Addressing the shots, Alan told the crowd: 'You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you've seen the film I Swear, it's about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.

'It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary that means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.'

The neurological condition, characterised by a combination of involuntary noises and movements called tics, affects roughly one in 100 children, according to NHS England.

I Swear stars Robert Aramayo as campaigner John and depicts his younger years living in Glasgow, when he was first diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.

The film was nominated in the Outstanding British Film category, but lost out to Hamnet.

However, Robert bagged the award for Lead Actor, beating front-runners Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet who were also up for the award.

He also won the EE Rising Star Award, the only public-voted accolade of the night.

Peter Mullan, who plays Tommy Trotter in the film, was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor, however he lost out to Sean Penn who bagged the accolade for One Battle After Another.

Alan continued to raise awareness for the condition after some strong language and involuntary shouts were heard from John (John pictured with the mum of his friend Dottie Achenbach, who helped raise him)

I Swear stars Robert Aramayo (pictured in the film) as campaigner John and depicts his younger years living in Glasgow, when he was first diagnosed with Tourette's

John was awarded an MBE - for his tirelessly work over the years to heighten awareness of the condition.

Recalling the 'proudest' moment of his life when he was handed his MBE, John revealed that on the day, aside from swearing at the Queen, he experienced a compulsion to tell police officers at Holyrood Palace that he had 'a f***ing bomb!' as they routinely checked his vehicle.

One Battle After Another was the big winner at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday night, as it scooped six gongs during the ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall.

The Paul Thomas Anderson hit had already received a record 14 nominations, and came out on top as it won Best Film, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Cinematography and Editing.

While Jessie Buckley won Best Actress honour for her role in Hamnet, having been favourite to do so, the night wasn't without surprises, as Timothee Chalamet missed out on Best Actor to a home-grown favourite.

Despite being tipped as a favourite for the honour for his role in Marty Supreme, Timothee lost out on the prize to I Swear star Robert Aramayo.

As One Battle For Another was awarded Best Film, producer Sarah Murphy said: 'We wish more than anything that our producing partner Adam Somner could be here to accept this on behalf of us on his home turf.'

Director and producer Paul Thomas Anderson said: 'Thank you for rewarding our film in the way that you have, its just a tremendous honour.

'I'm well aware of the other films that share this. Anybody that says movies aren't any good any more they can piss off because this is just a great f*****g year.'

He added that he planned to go and find a 'bar somewhere to go celebrate'.

The biggest loser of the evening was the highly acclaimed ping pong drama Marty Supreme, which went into the evening as one of the favourites, with 11 nominations. It came away completely empty-handed.

Jessie, who is already tipped as a favourite to win the Oscar for Best Actress, used her acceptance speech to thank her fellow nominees.

She said: 'This is really such an incredible honour. As a little girl I never thought in a million years I would be allowed to make a film but here I am.

'When I arrived into my agent Lindy King in London, and I had nuclear bad fake tan on, white hoop earrings, a polka dot red skirt and dress, and I had the audacity to say to her that I dreamed to someday be something like Judi Dench.

'I don't know how on God's green earth she even dreamed that was possible. This really does belong to the women who have taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently.'

Thanking her fellow nominees, Jessie forgot to include Kate Hudson and asked the audience: 'Who have I left out?' She then added 'I am in awe of all your incredible performances thank you.'

Meanwhile viewers, and guests in attendance, were stunned when it was announced that Robert had been awarded Best Actor for I Swear, beating out Hollywood heavyweights Timothee and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Upon learning of his son's honour, Robert's father jumped to his feet and was shouting and jumping up and down when his son's name was read.

From the stage, Aramayo said: 'I absolutely can't believe this. I can't believe I'm looking at people like you never mind that I'm stood here.'

With 28 gongs awarded on Sunday night, the main winners were One Battle After Another with six prizes. Sinners, Frankenstein and I Swear followed with three each whilst Hamnet won two gongs.
Prince William has said he is 'not in a calm state' to watch Hamnet after months of turmoil around his wife's cancer and his uncle's recent arrest.

Their glamorous appearance at the EE BAFTA Film Awards with his wife, the Princess of Wales on Sunday night signalled a determination to put the Royal Family's current difficulties to one side.

But it appeared that issues around Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor weren't far from Prince William's mind as he admitted he had not yet watched best picture nominee Hamnet because he needed to be in a calm mood.

Speaking on the carpet before the star-studded event at The Royal Festival Hall he said: 'I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it.'

But Catherine, he said, had watched the hugely emotional film on Saturday night and was left in 'floods of tears'.

Hamnet tells the story of the tragic death in childhood of Shakespeare's son and the grief of his parents.

'I thought it was a bad idea, actually,' the princess joked of watching the film before the ceremony. 'Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic.'

The Princess looked stunning in pink floor-length Gucci gown, which she previously wore to a 100 Women in Finance Gala back in 2019, with her long hair curled wild and loose.

The Prince and Princess had walked the red carpet outside London's Royal Festival Hall, where they were welcomed by Sir Kenneth Olisa, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London (right)

The Princess looked stunning in pink floor-length Gucci gown, which she previously wore to a 100 Women in Finance Gala back in 2019, with her long hair curled wild and loose

The couple were making their first joint appearance since Andrew's dramatic arrest last week. The Prince and Princess of Wales take their seats at the BAFTA Film Awards

Kate was supported by her fiance Danny Fujikawa as they arrived on the red carpet

Paul was in high spirits as he arrived on the red carpet hand-in-hand with Gracie

Adolescence star Erin Doherty was hard to miss in a quirky dark blue satin Louis Vuitton dress with a huge skirt peplum, teamed with a Chaumet necklace

After landing a nomination for Leading Actor for his performance in One Battle After Another, Leonardo DiCaprio was also among those on the red carpet

William wore a complementary dark red velvet tuxedo jacket that matched his wife's velvet belt and clutch bag.

They were joined by stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Glenn Close and Ethan Hawke on the red carpet before the black-tie ceremony hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

Adolescence star Erin Doherty was also hard to miss in a quirky dark blue satin Louis Vuitton dress with a huge skirt peplum, teamed with a Chaumet necklace.

The Prince and Princess had walked the red carpet outside London's Royal Festival Hall, where they were welcomed by Sir Kenneth Olisa, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

The Princess shared her appreciation of the Chloe Zhao film's 'presentation of intergenerational grief'.

She added: 'We have a long list of films that we still need to get through.'

The couple were making their first joint appearance since Andrew's dramatic arrest last week.

William said he had not yet seen Marty Supreme, starring Timothee Chalamet, and described the vampire movie Sinners as 'a bit dark'.

'I have seen One Battle After Another, that was very good. We were not expecting it to start the way it did,' he said.

The Princess also revealed how Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are now taking a greater interest in films.

Emily Stillman, Chair of Bafta's Film Committee, told her: 'Last time I saw you, you were pregnant with George and you were doing your Harry Potter spells.'

She was referring to the royal couple's 2013 visit, along with Prince Harry, to the Warner Brothers studios in Hertfordshire, where they toured the set of Harry Potter with Prince Harry.

'I was saying how much the children would love to look around,' she replied. 'They love the idea of going behind the scenes and finding out how it all happens.'

She also praised the studios for 'showcasing all the different career opportunities' there are in film.

William, Prince of Wales and Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA chat in the front row before the ceremony begins

Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale meet Catherine, Princess of Wales after walking the red carpet

The actor, who is favourite to win Leading Actor, was joined by his girlfriend after making his way inside the venue

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales take their seats as they attend the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Elaine Bedell (CEO, Southbank Centre) attend the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards

(L to R) Hannah Waddingham, William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales

Inside, they chatted to an all-female line up of BAFTA executives, CEO Jane Millichip and Chair Sara Putt, Chair of the Film Committee Emily Stillman and Emma Baehr, Executive Director Awards and Content.

Speaking again about Hamnet to Southbank Centre CEO Elaine Bedell and Allison Kirkby, CEO of sponsors BT Group, Catheine praised the child actors, saying: 'The children did so well.'

She went on: 'I loved the connection to nature.. it's very stripped back and you see the human emotions.'

Again referring to her own children, she added: 'The children are starting to get interested in films and it's a really great way to have some of the hard conversations with them.'

The Prince has been President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010 and the royal couple have been a regular fixture at the prestigious awards ceremony over the years.

But the Princess has not attended for the past two years while recovering from her cancer diagnosis.

The couple sat in the front row for the ceremony, which was presented by Scottish actor Alan Cumming and featured musical performances from KPop Demon Hunters and Jessie Ware, who sang during a poignant In Memoriam segment.

There was laughter at one point as Cumming introduced The Crown star Erin Doherty to the stage, saying: 'There can't be many actresses who have played a terrifying gang leader Princess Anne and a terrified psychologist.

'Sorry! That should be, terrifying gang leader, comma, Princess Anne and a terrified psychologist.'

Ahead of the award for Costume Design, host Alan Cumming reappeared on stage in a pale embroidered suit.

'Yes I have had a costume change, thank you for noticing Prince William,' he said, to laughter from the future King and Queen.

The couple sat in the front row for the ceremony, which was presented by Scottish actor Alan Cumming and featured musical performances from KPop Demon Hunters and Jessie Ware, who sang during a poignant In Memoriam segment (pictured)

The Prince was tasked with presenting the Academy's highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, Chair of NBC Universal Entertainment, for her outstanding contribution to film

In his speech, William described Dame Donna as 'exceptional', saying: 'Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry'

The Prince was tasked with presenting the Academy's highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, Chair of NBC Universal Entertainment, for her outstanding contribution to film.

In his speech, William described Dame Donna as 'exceptional', saying: 'Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry.

'She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and is now Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment.

'Her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century's most iconic films to the big screen and to audiences around the world.'

Hailing her for championing films that have 'shaped culture' and overseeing 'some of our most beloved franchises,' he said, 'amongst all of this, Dame Donna Langley has maintained a strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship, founding initiatives to widen access to careers in the screen arts and supporting women in leadership. This work is crucial.

'Dame Donna has also been a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, performers and creators are seen, supported and celebrated on the world stage.'

Praising the creative industries as 'one of this country's greatest strengths', the Prince vowed: 'I will continue to celebrate and support the talent that makes them shine globally in my role as President of BAFTA.'

He concluded: 'Dame Donna's impact at NBCUniversal and on the film industry is significant. She is a shining light to all those starting out in the creative industries, showing that anything is possible.'

He then introduced a footage of stars paying tribute to Dame Donna, including directors Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, Tom Cruise and Emma Thompson, who appeared with no make up on and joked: 'I look like Boris Johnson.'

William then welcomed Dame Donna on stage and presented her with the award.

Andrew pictured on the way back from Aylsham Police Investigation Centre following 11 hours of questioning after his arrest on Thursday

Police are now searching his former seven bedroom Windsor residence Royal Lodge. They have scope to widen their investigation if they find any evidence of other offences, senior criminal defence lawyer Marcus Johnstone said

King Charles has said he will grant police access to all files and records necessary for any investigations into his disgraced brother. In this Epstein file picture, Andrew appears to be leering over a woman on all fours in Epstein's New York home

The public engagement comes amid a tense time for the Royal Family, amid fresh calls for King Charles to reveal how much he knew about Andrew's alleged misconduct prior to the arrest.

The monarch issued an unprecedented statement confirming his 'wholehearted support and co-operation' with the investigation into Andrew just hours after he was detained on Thursday - with Buckingham Palace understood not to have known the former Duke of York would be arrested.

The King's statement added: 'I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.'

William and Kate are understood to support the King's statement.

King Charles has said he will grant police access to all files and records necessary for any investigations into his disgraced brother.

The arrest came after Thames Valley Police said it was 'assessing' reports that Andrew shared confidential trade reports and investment opportunities to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 and 2011 when he was the UK's special trade envoy in Asia.

Andrew was questioned for 11 hours straight following his arrest and was pictured slumped in a Range Rover on his way out of Aylsham Police Investigation Centre.

He was taken from Wood Farm on the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk where he was placed after he was evicted from his Windsor residence Royal Lodge by King Charles earlier this month.

Police searched Wood Farm and are now searching the seven bedroom mansion Royal Lodge as part of the investigation.

Police now have a wide leeway to broaden their investigation if they find any other crimes when combing the former prince's files and possessions and will 'follow the evidence', The Observer reported.
Katherine Heigl paid tribute to her former Grey's Anatomy costar Eric Dane on Instagram, three days after his death at age 53 following a hard-fought battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

On Sunday, the actress, 47, admitted that she 'debated this post for days' as she has 'never been comfortable grieving publicly.'

'I share my tears, my stories and my memories with those Im closest to and more times than not I share them only with the heavens alone. But that silence can often look like a lack of care which I could not abide here,' she began.

While addressing Dane's family directly, the mother-of-two wrote to his widow, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughters Billie and Georgia, acknowledging that words often fall short in moments of profound grief.

'There is so little, if in fact anything, one can say about a tragic loss like yours,' she continued, adding that common condolences can feel hollow 'in the midst of so much pain and grief.'

Instead, Heigl turned to literature for comfort, sharing Robert Frost's poem Nothing Gold Can Stay - a piece she revealed is tattooed on her body in her parent's handwriting.

Katherine Heigl paid tribute to her former Grey's Anatomy costar Eric Dane with a deeply personal Instagram tribute on Sunday; seen in 2009

Quoting the poem in full, she reflected on the fleeting nature of life and beauty, writing that she would 'never forget Eric's gold.'

'I will forever be grateful I got to bask in it for even a brief moment in time,' Heigl wrote, before thanking Dane's family for sharing him with the world.

She closed the tribute with a farewell message: 'God speed my old friendhere's to your next great adventure.'

Dane's death was confirmed earlier this week by his loved ones in a statement to People, less than a year after he publicly revealed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The actor was widely known for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately dubbed 'McSteamy', on Grey's Anatomy, joining the series in 2006 and quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Heigl starred on the show as Dr. Izzie Stevens during its early seasons.

Heigl's tribute joins a growing wave of heartfelt messages from Dane's former costars and friends, many of whom have praised not only his talent, but also his warmth, kindness and lasting impact both on and off set.

Kate Walsh, who plays Dr. Addison Montgomery on Grey's Anatomy, recently shared that she was 'at a loss for words to try to express the sadness around Eric's passing' on social media.

Three days after Dane died at age 53 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Heigl admitted that she 'debated this post for days' as she has 'never been comfortable grieving publicly'

While addressing Dane's family directly, Heigl wrote to his widow, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, acknowledging that words often fall short in moments of profound grief

'First and foremost I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and my heart,' she wrote. 'I literally remember my very first scene with Erican elevator scene at Seattle Greys So, so long ago.'

Walsh added, 'I believe it was his first scene on the show too and he was nervous. He was so handsome and I thought "but can this guy act?" and of course he could, and did, and the rest is history.'

She recalled Dane's 'sensitivity and vulnerability, (and intelligence, of course)' on set as well as his 'gravitas & old soul.'

The actress further penned how the cast had the chance to spend a lot of time together while filming the earlier seasons.

'So we became a family of sorts and Eric was such a source of support and love.'

Walsh concluded with, 'ALS is an awful disease & too many people have lost loved ones to it. I know it was Eric's mission to help find a cure. I would encourage you to look into @targetals in his memory.'

McKidd took to his Instagram stories to repost an image of Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan while adding the text: 'Rest in Peace Buddy.'

'There is so little, if in fact anything, one can say about a tragic loss like yours,' she continued, adding that common condolences can feel hollow 'in the midst of so much pain and grief'

He had joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy back in 2008 to play the character of Dr. Owen Hunt.

Sarah Drew - who portrayed Dr. April Kepner on the show - reposted the same image and penned, 'Rest in peace,' followed by crying face emojis.

20th Television, which includes ABC, issued a statement to Deadline on Thursday shortly after news of Dane's passing came to light.

'We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane,' it read, before reflecting on the late actor's impact on the show.

'His remarkable talent and unforgettable presence on Grey's Anatomy left a lasting impact on audiences around the world, and his courage and grace during his battle with ALS inspired so many.

Dane's death was confirmed earlier this week by his loved ones in a statement to People, less than a year after he publicly revealed his diagnosis with ALS

Dane pictured with Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters Billie and Georgia in 2017

'Our hearts are with his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the many fans whose lives were touched by his work.'

Greys Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes said, 'Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Greys Anatomy families. He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.'

A special tribute is set to additionally be made to Dane in the upcoming episode of Grey's Anatomy that will air next week on February 26, per Deadline.

In 2006, Dane joined the show as Dr. Sloan but officially left during season 9 after his character died in a plane crash.
Aimee Lou Wood kicked off her heels as she tucked into a lavish dinner alongside fellow stars Kate Hudson and Emma Stone following the BAFTAs on Sunday.

The White Lotus star, 32, held onto her silver stilettos as she made her way to her table at London's Royal Festival Hall where she sat alongside boyfriend Adam Long.

Still looking gorgeous in her pale pink floral gown as she strolled barefoot as she juggled her shoes with a bottle of water and her phone.

Meanwhile Emma, 37, who had been nominated for Best Actress, changed out of her racy awards gown for a more relaxed Louis Vuitton mini dress.

Kate, 46, who had also been up for the same gong, remained in her red satin dress and appeared in great spirits despite losing to Jessie Buckley.

The BAFTAs have again embracing veganism after vowing to reduce the environmental impact of the ceremony, with guests tucking into a mainly plant-based menu from premium catering company Caper & Berry.

Aimee Lou Wood kicked off her heels as she tucked into a lavish dinner following the BAFTAs on Sunday

She was joined alongside (L-R) Kate Hudson and Emma Stone, who had both been nominated for Best Actress

While there is still some meat and dairy on the menu, the majority of the dishes are centered around seasonable vegetables - with vegan canapes and starters, an option of a vegan main course, and a third of the dessert options vegan.

A giant billboard has been erected close to Royal Festival Hall in which vegan host Alan Cumming, 61, parodies Marlon Brando in The Wild One while urging fans in a new PETA campaign to ditch animal skins as a 'Rebel with a Cause'.

The evening be with snacks including roasted maple pumpkin rolls, woodland mushroom toast topped with crispy sage, and Cornish sea salt crisp breads.

These were followed by a starter of celeriac and apple mille-feuille with chive oil and pumpkin.

For the main course, guests had a choice of either truffle chicken with a chicken and mushroom pithivier, butter-roasted potatoes and Madeira jus, or a vegan option of caramelised leek and pumpkin pithivier with tarragon sauce.

Dessert was presented on usherette trays in colourful, bespoke cups - a tribute to traditional cinema ice creams. Options included a popcorn sundae with chocolate mousse, toffee popcorn, whipped burnt caramel and white chocolate.

BAFTA revealed they had intended the menu 'to be both indulgent and inclusive.'

One Battle After Another was the big winner at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards as it scooped six gongs.

Join the debate Did the BAFTAs focus enough on celebrating talent, or did glitz and vegan menus overshadow the awards?

Still looking gorgeous in her pale pink floral gown as she strolled barefoot as she juggled her shoes with a bottle of water and her phone

The White Lotus star, 32, held onto her silver stilettos as she made her way to her table at London's Royal Festival Hall where she sat alongside boyfriend Adam Long

Aimee swept her brunette tresses up into a bun while strands framed her dainty features and she completed the look with diamond earrings and a slick of red lipstick

Timothee Chalamet and girlfriend sipped glasses of BAFTAs Official Wine Partner Casillero Del Diablo

Meanwhile Emma (R) who had been nominated for Best Actress, changed out of her racy red carpet gown for a more relaxed Louis Vuitton mini dress

Kate, 46, who had also been up for the same award, remained in her red satin gown and appeared in great spirits despite losing out the gong to Jessie Buckley

(L-R) Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson and Emma Stone

British actor Robert Aramayo who beat Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio in a suprise win for his role in I Swear posed proudly with his trophy

He could not wipe the huge smile off his face after also bagging the evening's Rising Star Award

Despite losing out on Best Actor Leo still gave a thumbs up

Fashion designer Pegah Pourmand (R) was also not having the best night after landing on The Worst Dressed list

One Battle After Another's (L-R) Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor and Kasmere Trice Stanfield cosied up together

Ted Lasso stars Hannah Waddingham and Nick Mohammed were in hysterics as they swapped shoes

(L-R) Nick Mohammed, Rita Cooper Lee and Hannah Waddingham

Best Supporting Actress winner Wunmi Mosaku (R) celebrated with a pal

EE BAFTA FILM AWARDS 2026 WINNERS: AT A GLANCE BEST FILM - ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER LEADING ACTRESS - JESSIE BUCKLEY Hamnet LEADING ACTOR - ROBERT ARAMAYO I Swear SUPPORTING ACTRESS - WUNMI MOSAKU Sinners SUPPORTING ACTOR - SEAN PENN One Battle After Another ORIGINAL SCORE - SINNERS Ludwig Goransson ANIMATED FILM - ZOOTROPOLIS 2 DIRECTOR - ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER Paul Thomas Anderson OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM - HAMNET CINEMATOGRAPHY - ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER Michael Bauman Advertisement

The Paul Thomas Anderson hit had already received a record 14 nominations, and came out on top as it won Best Film, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Cinematography and Editing.

While Jessie Buckley won Best Actress honour for her role in Hamnet, having been favourite to do so, the night wasn't without surprises, as Timothee Chalamet missed out on Best Actor to a home-grown favourite.

Despite being tipped as a favourite for the honour for his role in Marty Supreme, Timothee lost out on the prize to I Swear star Robert Aramayo.

As One Battle For Another was awarded Best Film, producer Sarah Murphy said: 'We wish more than anything that our producing partner Adam Somner could be here to accept this on behalf of us on his home turf.'

Director and producer Paul Thomas Anderson said: 'Thank you for rewarding our film in the way that you have, its just a tremendous honour.

'I'm well aware of the other films that share this. Anybody that says movies aren't any good any more they can piss off because this is just a great f*****g year.'

He added that he planned to go and find a 'bar somewhere to go celebrate.'

Hamnet director Chloe Zhao was another guest who slipped out of her red carpet gown for something a little more comfortable

Pillion star Harry Melling cut a stylish figure despite his movie walking away empty handed

Benicio del Toro was enjoying his meal

Akinola Davies Jr (pictured centre) with the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award

Pegah ensured all eyes were on her in her racy number

Vogue Williams and husband Spencer Matthews were guests of BAFTAs Official Wine Partner Casillero Del Diablo

The BAFTAs have again embracing veganism with guests tucking into a mainly plant-based menu from premium catering company Caper & Berry (desserts pictured)

Ahead of the guests taking their seats, they saw longtime vegan host Alan Cumming, 61, in his new campaign with PETA on a giant billboard close to Royal Festival Hall

During the winner's Press Conference, Paul Anderson reflected on working with Leonardo DiCaprio.

He said: 'I think with Leo, it's one long run on sentence. It's when you start to work with him. He's asking questions. He's curious.

'He wants to take the whole thing apart and put it back together again and make sure that he has covered every possibility within a scenario.

'This is a great gift, by collaborating with him, he's not just an actor, he's a terrfic writer and his understand of his role and the entire story, is his super power.'

The biggest loser of the evening was the highly acclaimed ping pong drama Marty Supreme, which went into the evening as one of the favourites, with 11 nominations. It came away completely empty-handed.

Jessie, who is already tipped as a favourite to win the Oscar for Best Actress, used her acceptance speech to thank her fellow nominees.

She said: 'This is really such an incredible honour. As a little girl I never thought in a million years I would be allowed to make a film but here I am.

'When I arrived into my agent Lindy King in London, and I had nuclear bad fake tan on, white hoop earrings, a polka dot red skirt and dress, and I had the audacity to say to her that I dreamed to someday be something like Judi Dench.

'I don't know how on gods green earth she even dreamed that was possible. Thank you Lindy for always encouraging me to be disobedient and curious and human.

'This really does belong to the women who have taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently.'

One Battle After Another was the big winner at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress honour for her role in Hamnet, having been favourite to do so

The night wasn't without surprises, as Timothee Chalamet missed out on Best Actor to I Swear star Robert Aramayo.

Thanking her fellow nominees, Jessie forgot to include Kate Hudson and asked the audience: 'Who have I left out?'

She then added 'I am in awe of all your incredible performances thank you.'

'Maggie O'Farrell thank you for this role. You brought the mother out of the shadows and stood her next to that absolute giant that is Shakespeare.'

Meanwhile viewers, and guests in attendance, were stunned when it was announced that Robert had been awarded Best Actor for I Swear, beating out Hollywood heavyweights Timothee and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Upon learning of his son's honour, Robert's father jumped to his feet and was shouting and jumping up and down when his son's name was read.

From the stage, Aramayo said: 'I absolutely can't believe this. I can't believe I'm looking at people like you never mind that I'm stood here.

He added: 'I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award I really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away.'

'When I was in school Ethan Hawke came to speak to us at Juillard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, protecting your instrument and avoiding self destructiove behaviours, it had an incredible impact on every one in that room.'
From the outside, being an influencer looks like all glamor and no grind. But the 2026 tax season is proving the opposite.

For people willing to share their lives with the internet, it can be wildly rewarding - VIP invites, free products, designer clothes and serious money to match.

Still, influencing is a career. And just like everyone else earning a living, influencers have to file their taxes.

If the endless freebies already rub you the wrong way, brace yourself: Some influencers can also legally lower big bills - including rent and travel - by running their work through a business and claiming certain expenses.

Danielle Carolan is a 27-year-old influencer from Tampa Bay, Florida, who showcases her enviable New York City lifestyle to 300,000 Instagram followers, plus fans on TikTok and YouTube.

An internet sleuth on a Reddit gossip page about influencers in NYC did some digging and discovered that the rent for Carolan's two-bedroom apartment in Hudson Square, Manhattan, is listed as $15,750 per month.

The community was stunned. 'That's some comfortable households' double income,' one Reddit user wrote.

Another Reddit commenter pointed out that there may be a legitimate business explanation for the high rent. They suggested that if Carolan uses the apartment to create content, a portion of the rent could potentially qualify as a business expense, which in turn may be deductible for tax purposes.

Danielle Carolan is a 27-year-old influencer from Tampa Bay

Carolan makes a killing by flashing her enviable New York City apartment and lifestyle on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

There is no public indication that she does this. Carolan has not replied to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

But many self-employed creators can deduct home office costs if they meet tax rules. When done properly, it can be a smart way to save and invest.

'High-earning influencers who set up their business properly aren't limited to the basic home-office deduction most people think of. They can actually save themselves thousands,' Evan Paul, a wealth management and asset protection expert, told the Daily Mail.

In plain terms, he explained, if your income flows through a properly structured limited liability company (LLC), and you genuinely use part of your home for work, you may be able to deduct a portion of the rent - provided the records are clear and the arrangement can withstand scrutiny.

'The bigger benefit isn't just deducting a slice of rent,' Paul said. 'It's about deciding when income is recognized, how it's categorized and whether it's kept inside the business instead of immediately flowing to the individual.'

For seven-figure earners, that can mean shifting income into the business to cover legitimate expenses, reinvest in growth, or delay certain taxes - all within IRS rules.

Anil Melwani, president of 212 Tax Services, which has offices in Miami and New York City, says he's impressed by how proactive many influencers have become about their taxes.

His firm has already helped at least ten influencers work through deductions properly.

A Reddit user shared this image of Carolan's apartment from when it was advertised. The asking rent was $15,750 per month back in 2024

Most, he said, weren't trying to game the system - they simply wanted to make sure they were claiming what they're legally entitled to.

'It's safe to say that a significant number are seeking guidance to ensure they're doing it the right way,' he said.

According to Paul, these strategies can save high earners significant sums each year.

And rent is just one piece of the puzzle.

Furniture used as a backdrop in videos, lighting equipment, cameras, editing software, high-speed internet and staff hired to manage brand deals or organize PR packages can all qualify as business expenses.

If traveling for content, influencers may be able to deduct at least a portion of first-class flights, ritzy hotels and sleek transportation.

'When structured properly, influencers can deduct production costs, staff, travel, technology, branding and professional services,' Paul said. 'For people with uneven income or large brand deals, smart planning can help smooth out taxes from year to year and keep more money working inside the business.'

It's unclear how much Carolan earns, but she hosts the Gals On The Go podcast and has partnered with brands like Sephora, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hello Fresh. Eight months ago, someone claiming to work in the industry alleged she charged $7,000 for a sponsored post and $5,000 for a brand story.

Reddit gossipers also allege she has 'Daddy's money,' noting her father is a successful radiologist in Florida. Whether she receives family support is unknown.

One Reddit commenter suggested that Carolan might be deducting her rent on her taxes, since, technically, her apartment doubles as her workplace

Rent isn't the only thing influencers can write-off. Any furniture featured in the background of videos or lighting used to enhance footage count as business expenditures too

For high-earning influencers, the real payoff isn't just a smaller tax bill - it's smarter income management.

'At a certain level, the question shifts from "What can I write off?" to "How do I legally protect and time my earnings?"' Paul said.

And while these deductions may sound generous, missteps can bring serious IRS trouble.

'The influencers who get into trouble aren't the ones who plan carefully,' Paul warned. 'They're the ones who treat tax planning casually. Proper planning is documented, deliberate and designed to withstand IRS scrutiny.'

How YOU can benefit from the same tax 'loophole'

Influencers don't get special tax rules. When they earn from sponsors or platforms, they're running small businesses.

'For everyday readers, the takeaway is straightforward: separate business and personal finances, maintain clear documentation, and seek professional guidance before claiming deductions,' tax expert Evan Paul said.

Like any business owner, they can deduct ordinary expenses directly tied to earning income - but not personal lifestyle costs unless there's a clear, well-documented business purpose. A larger home or luxury car may qualify only if genuinely used to create content and generate revenue.

'Sound tax planning should always be paired with proper legal structuring to ensure both compliance and asset protection, not just tax savings,' Paul added.

In short, organize income and expenses properly, choose the right business structure, keep solid records and plan ahead - just as any small business owner should.
Shares of American Lithium Corp. (CVE:LI  Get Free Report) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$0.76 and traded as low as C$0.69. American Lithium shares last traded at C$0.70, with a volume of 118,269 shares.

American Lithium Stock Up 2.2%

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.76 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 4.22 and a quick ratio of 1.45. The firm has a market cap of C$181.52 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.92 and a beta of 2.61.

About American Lithium

(Get Free Report)

American Lithium Corp., an exploration and development stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North and South America. Its properties include the TLC Lithium Project located in the town of Tonopah, Nevada; and the Falchani Lithium project and the Macusani Uranium project located in Puno, Peru. The company was formerly known as Menika Mining Ltd. and changed its name to American Lithium Corp. in April 2016. American Lithium Corp. was incorporated in 1974 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS (NYSE:CIG  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Saturday . The company traded as high as $2.31 and last traded at $2.3050, with a volume of 5199712 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $2.25.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS in a report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS has a consensus rating of Reduce.

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Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS Trading Up 2.4%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The firms fifty day moving average is $2.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.60 billion, a PE ratio of 11.53 and a beta of 0.90.

Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS (NYSE:CIG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 20th. The utilities provider reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter. Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS had a net margin of 9.45% and a return on equity of 14.96%. On average, equities analysts predict that Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS will post 0.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a special dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 7th. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th were issued a dividend of $0.0264 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 29th. Comp En De Mn Cemig ADSs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 85.00%.

Institutional Trading of Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS by 29.1% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,769,024 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,387,000 after acquiring an additional 850,358 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its position in shares of Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS by 382.4% in the second quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 453,184 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $889,000 after purchasing an additional 359,232 shares in the last quarter. Atria Investments Inc bought a new stake in shares of Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS during the 2nd quarter valued at $394,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS by 2,157.2% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,331,902 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,571,000 after purchasing an additional 2,228,591 shares during the period. Finally, Everstar Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS by 19.6% during the 2nd quarter. Everstar Asset Management LLC now owns 399,080 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $782,000 after purchasing an additional 65,272 shares in the last quarter.

Comp En De Mn Cemig ADS Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais SA (Cemig ADS) is a leading Brazilian energy company primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and commercialization of electric power. Headquartered in Belo Horizonte, the company operates as a vertically integrated utility, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers across its concession areas. In addition to its core electricity business, Cemig maintains interests in natural gas distribution and distinct energy-related ventures, including renewable sources and infrastructure projects.

In its generation segment, Cemig manages a diversified portfolio that includes hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind power plants.

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Fidelis Insurance (NYSE:FIHL  Get Free Report) and Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and risk.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Fidelis Insurance and Prudential Financials revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Fidelis Insurance $2.42 billion 0.92 $113.30 million ($0.05) -400.26 Prudential Financial $57.68 billion 0.62 $3.58 billion $10.00 10.35

Risk and Volatility

Prudential Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Fidelis Insurance. Fidelis Insurance is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Prudential Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Fidelis Insurance has a beta of 0.25, indicating that its stock price is 75% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Prudential Financial has a beta of 0.97, indicating that its stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

82.0% of Fidelis Insurance shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 56.8% of Prudential Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Prudential Financial shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Fidelis Insurance and Prudential Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Fidelis Insurance -0.56% -0.94% -0.18% Prudential Financial 6.20% 16.32% 0.68%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Fidelis Insurance and Prudential Financial, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Fidelis Insurance 2 4 4 0 2.20 Prudential Financial 0 10 1 0 2.09

Fidelis Insurance currently has a consensus target price of $21.93, suggesting a potential upside of 9.57%. Prudential Financial has a consensus target price of $117.11, suggesting a potential upside of 13.17%. Given Prudential Financials higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Prudential Financial is more favorable than Fidelis Insurance.

Dividends

Fidelis Insurance pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. Prudential Financial pays an annual dividend of $5.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.4%. Fidelis Insurance pays out -1,200.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Prudential Financial pays out 56.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Prudential Financial has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Prudential Financial is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Summary

Prudential Financial beats Fidelis Insurance on 11 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Fidelis Insurance

(Get Free Report)

Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited, a specialty insurer, provides insurance and reinsurance solutions in Bermuda, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It operates in three segments: Specialty, Reinsurance, and Bespoke segments. The Specialty segment offers aviation and aerospace, energy, marine, property direct and facultative, and other specialty risk solutions. The Reinsurance segment provides property, retrocession, and whole account reinsurance solutions. The Bespoke segment offers customized risk solutions for clients that include credit and political risk, as well as other risk transfer opportunities, including political violence and terrorism, limited cyber reinsurance, tax liabilities, title, transactional liabilities, and other bespoke solutions. Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

About Prudential Financial

(Get Free Report)

Prudential Financial, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Life, and International Businesses segments. The PGIM segment offers investment management services and solutions related to public fixed income, public equity, real estate debt and equity, private credit and other alternatives, and multi-asset class strategies to institutional and retail clients, as well as its general account. The Retirement Strategies segment provides a range of retirement investment, and income products and services to retirement plan sponsors in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors; develops and distributes individual variable and fixed annuity products. The Group Insurance segment offers various group life, and long-term and short-term group disability, as well as group corporate-, bank-, and trust-owned life insurance in the United States primarily for institutional clients for use in connection with employee and membership benefits plans; sells accidental death and dismemberment, and other supplemental health solutions; and plan administration services in connection with its insurance coverages. The Individual Life segment develops and distributes variable life, universal life, and term life insurance products. The International Businesses segment develops and distributes life insurance, retirement products, investment products, and certain accident and health products; and advisory services. The company provides its products and services to individual and institutional customers through its proprietary and third-party distribution networks. Prudential Financial, Inc. was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.

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Standard Chartered (OTCMKTS:SCBFF  Get Free Report) will likely be posting its results before the market opens on Tuesday, February 24th. Analysts expect Standard Chartered to post earnings of $0.34 per share and revenue of $4.8160 billion for the quarter.

Standard Chartered Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:SCBFF opened at $24.82 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $56.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.20 and a beta of 0.52. The companys 50-day moving average is $24.59 and its 200 day moving average is $21.46. Standard Chartered has a fifty-two week low of $10.65 and a fifty-two week high of $26.45.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Standard Chartered in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Standard Chartered in a report on Friday, January 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Standard Chartered from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Standard Chartered from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Two equities research 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, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

About Standard Chartered

(Get Free Report)

Standard Chartered plc is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London. The firm traces its modern form to the 1969 merger of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China (founded in 1853) and Standard Bank of British South Africa (founded in 1862), creating an international bank with deep historical roots in trade finance and cross-border banking. Standard Chartered maintains a global footprint and a long-standing focus on facilitating trade and capital flows between developed and emerging markets.

Standard Chartered provides a broad range of banking and financial services for corporate, institutional and individual clients.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 5.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 1,073,559 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 58,788 shares during the period. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $143,793,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Charles Schwab Trust Co raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 109.8% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Trust Co now owns 29,412 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,939,000 after acquiring an additional 15,394 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 858,834 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $115,032,000 after purchasing an additional 19,966 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 6.1% in the third quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 329,430 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $43,785,000 after purchasing an additional 18,974 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 20.8% during the third quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 65,504 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,774,000 after purchasing an additional 11,264 shares in the last quarter. Finally, iA Global Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 94.0% in the third quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 144,062 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $19,296,000 after buying an additional 69,803 shares during the period. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Evercore dropped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $147.00 to $135.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $152.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $154.00 to $125.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $155.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Two equities 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.05.

More Abbott Laboratories News

Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.0%

ABT stock opened at $112.21 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $118.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of $125.84. The company has a market capitalization of $195.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.16, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.75. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $105.27 and a twelve month high of $141.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.50. The firm had revenue of $11.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.80 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 14.72% and a return on equity of 17.94%. The firms revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.34 EPS. 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, equities research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 15th were issued a $0.63 dividend. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 67.74%.

Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories

In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were purchased at an average price 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 of the companys stock, valued at $732,711,572.41. This represents a 0.15% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Company 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.

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Oppenheimer & Close LLC lowered its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 29.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 56,996 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 24,349 shares during the period. Agnico Eagle Mines makes up 6.5% of Oppenheimer & Close LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. Oppenheimer & Close LLCs holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $9,607,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in AEM. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 381.3% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 154 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares during the period. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the second quarter worth about $29,000. City State Bank boosted its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 69.2% in the second quarter. City State Bank now owns 269 shares of the mining companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 59.7% in the third quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 198 shares of the mining companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 74 shares during the period. Finally, MCF Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the third quarter valued at about $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock.

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Agnico Eagle Mines News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Agnico Eagle Mines this week:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AEM has been the topic of several recent research reports. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce set a $296.00 price target on Agnico Eagle Mines and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $248.00 to $235.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $240.00 price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $280.00 price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Tuesday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $234.91.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AEM

Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Up 1.6%

AEM stock opened at $228.11 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $194.91 and a 200-day simple moving average of $171.09. The company has a market capitalization of $114.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.69, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.63. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a twelve month low of $92.11 and a twelve month high of $229.09.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The mining company reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.56 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $3.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.40 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 37.47% and a return on equity of 18.09%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 60.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.26 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Agnico Eagle Mines Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. This is a positive change from Agnico Eagle Miness previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio is 18.02%.

Agnico Eagle Mines Profile

(Free Report)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian-based senior gold producer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production and reclamation of gold-bearing properties. Agnico Eagle pursues both greenfield and brownfield exploration to expand its resource base and operates a portfolio of producing mines and development projects to generate long-life gold production.

Its core business activities span the full mining lifecycle: grassroots and advanced-stage exploration, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, mine construction, underground and open-pit mining, ore processing and metal recovery, and post-mining reclamation and closure.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM).

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Altai Resources Inc. (CVE:ATI  Get Free Report) shares were down 75% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. Approximately 139,995 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 3% from the average daily volume of 144,891 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.08.

Altai Resources Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average of C$0.03 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.05. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.50 and a beta of 1.82.

Altai Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Altai Resources Inc operates as a natural resource exploration and development company in Canada. The company explores for oil and natural gas, and gold properties. It holds a 50% interest in the Malartic gold property which consists of six map designated claims covering an area of 127.6 hectares located in the Malartic Township, Val d'Or area, Quebec; and a 50% interest in the Cessford oil property covering an area of 240 acres located in the Cessford area of Southern Alberta. Altai Resources Inc was incorporated in 1955 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, February 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of 0.173 per share by the mining company on Friday, March 27th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th.

AngloGold Ashanti has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.5%annually over the last three years. AngloGold Ashanti has a dividend payout ratio of 21.6% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect AngloGold Ashanti to earn $4.14 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.69 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 16.7%.

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AngloGold Ashanti Stock Performance

NYSE:AU opened at $114.38 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $57.75 billion, a PE ratio of 22.04 and a beta of 0.59. The stocks fifty day moving average is $97.79 and its 200 day moving average is $79.36. AngloGold Ashanti has a fifty-two week low of $28.44 and a fifty-two week high of $115.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a current ratio of 2.58.

About AngloGold Ashanti

AngloGold Ashanti ( NYSE:AU Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 20th. The mining company reported $1.90 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.90. AngloGold Ashanti had a net margin of 26.25% and a return on equity of 24.01%. The company had revenue of $3.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.99 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that AngloGold Ashanti will post 3.83 earnings per share for the current year.

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AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, processing and sale of gold. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the companys core activities span the full mining value chain from greenfield exploration and mine development through to ore processing and rehabilitation. Gold is the primary commodity produced, with individual operations sometimes yielding other byproducts depending on local geology and processing methods.

The company was formed in 2004 through the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti Goldfields, creating a diversified international gold producer.

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BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO) (TSE:ZWB  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$26.23 and last traded at C$26.22, with a volume of 56777 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$26.01.

BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO) Stock Performance

The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$25.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$23.80.

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BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO) Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a $0.12 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.5%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 26th.

About BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO)

The ETF seeks to provide exposure to the performance of a portfolio of Canadian banks to generate income and to provide long-term capital appreciation while mitigating downside risk through the use of covered call options. To achieve investment objective the ETF will primarily invest in and hold the securities of Canadian banks, ETFs, or a combination of these. Depending on market volatility and other factors, the ETF will write covered call options on these securities. Under such call options, the ETF will sell to the buyer of the option, for a premium, either a right to buy the security from the ETF at an exercise price or, if the option is cash settled, the right to a payment from the ETF equal to the difference between the value of the security and the exercise price.

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Explore Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Equifax, Inc. (NYSE:EFX  Free Report) by 34.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 40,930 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 10,530 shares during the period. Equifax comprises 6.5% of Explore Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest holding. Explore Capital Management LLCs holdings in Equifax were worth $10,500,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Equifax by 2.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,282,951 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $3,920,535,000 after acquiring an additional 316,048 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its stake in Equifax by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,968,897 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,288,783,000 after purchasing an additional 66,914 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Equifax by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,142,763 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $811,650,000 after purchasing an additional 75,627 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its position in Equifax by 8.9% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,726,990 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $447,928,000 after purchasing an additional 140,427 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Equifax in the 2nd quarter valued at about $334,521,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.20% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 37,791 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.89, for a total transaction of $7,629,624.99. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 230,506 shares in the company, valued at approximately $46,536,856.34. This trade represents a 14.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Jamil Farshchi sold 6,213 shares of Equifax stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $195.81, for a total transaction of $1,216,567.53. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 41,036 shares in the company, valued at $8,035,259.16. The trade was a 13.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 45,171 shares of company stock worth $9,079,441 in the last 90 days. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms recently weighed in on EFX. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Equifax in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Equifax from $253.00 to $235.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Equifax from $260.00 to $230.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Equifax from $265.00 to $240.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Oppenheimer dropped their target price on Equifax from $271.00 to $266.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 12th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $240.33.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on EFX

Key Equifax News

Here are the key news stories impacting Equifax this week:

Neutral Sentiment: Bank of America has initiated coverage on Equifax  this brings institutional attention and trading liquidity, which can support the stock but may have mixed shortterm impact depending on BofAs stance. Bank of America Begins Coverage on Equifax

Bank of America has initiated coverage on Equifax  this brings institutional attention and trading liquidity, which can support the stock but may have mixed shortterm impact depending on BofAs stance. Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research cut multiple nearterm and mediumterm EPS estimates for EFX (Q1Q4 2026, Q2Q4 2027 and FY2026FY2027); notable moves include Q1 2026 from $1.84 to $1.72 and FY2026 from $8.69 to $8.33  small but broad downward revisions that may pressure sentiment given Equifaxs rich valuation. These rounds of cuts are the main driver of analystrelated negative news flow today. Equifax Stock: Analyst Estimates & Ratings

Equifax Trading Up 1.0%

NYSE EFX opened at $197.34 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $209.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $224.14. Equifax, Inc. has a 12 month low of $166.02 and a 12 month high of $281.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The company has a market capitalization of $24.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.55.

Equifax (NYSE:EFX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The credit services provider reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.05 by $0.04. Equifax had a net margin of 10.87% and a return on equity of 19.27%. The company had revenue of $1.55 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.12 earnings per share. Equifaxs revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equifax has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.300-8.700 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.630-1.730 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Equifax, Inc. will post 7.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Equifax Company Profile

(Free Report)

Equifax Inc (NYSE: EFX) is a global data, analytics and technology company that specializes in consumer and commercial credit reporting, decisioning tools and identity solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Equifax is one of the three major consumer credit reporting agencies in the United States and provides credit information and related services to lenders, employers, governments and consumers worldwide.

The companys offerings include consumer credit reports and scores, credit monitoring and identity protection services, and a range of business-oriented products for risk management, fraud detection and compliance.

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Wall Street Zen cut shares of Ethan Allen Interiors (NYSE:ETD  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday morning.

A number of other equities research analysts have also commented on ETD. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Ethan Allen Interiors from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Telsey Advisory Group dropped their target price on shares of Ethan Allen Interiors from $28.00 to $27.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Ethan Allen Interiors from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $27.00.

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Ethan Allen Interiors Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of ETD stock opened at $23.59 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $600.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.71 and a beta of 1.20. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $23.79 and a 200-day moving average of $25.93. Ethan Allen Interiors has a 1-year low of $21.67 and a 1-year high of $31.41.

Ethan Allen Interiors (NYSE:ETD  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $149.92 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $152.25 million. Ethan Allen Interiors had a return on equity of 9.28% and a net margin of 7.35%.The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.59 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Ethan Allen Interiors will post 2.32 earnings per share for the current year.

Ethan Allen Interiors Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 11th will be paid a $0.39 dividend. This represents a $1.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 11th. Ethan Allen Interiorss payout ratio is 90.70%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ethan Allen Interiors

In other news, CEO M Farooq Kathwari sold 2,168 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.01, for a total transaction of $54,221.68. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,483,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at $37,095,532.28. This represents a 0.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 9.92% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Ethan Allen Interiors

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ETD. SG Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Ethan Allen Interiors in the second quarter worth approximately $8,087,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Ethan Allen Interiors during the second quarter worth approximately $5,845,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Ethan Allen Interiors by 260.1% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 191,688 shares of the companys stock worth $5,647,000 after purchasing an additional 138,452 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in Ethan Allen Interiors by 198.3% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 206,945 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,727,000 after purchasing an additional 137,566 shares during the period. Finally, Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. increased its stake in Ethan Allen Interiors by 42.6% during the 3rd quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 391,769 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,542,000 after purchasing an additional 117,047 shares in the last quarter. 83.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Ethan Allen Interiors

(Get Free Report)

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc (NYSE: ETD) is a vertically integrated manufacturer and retailer of home furnishings, offering a broad range of furniture, upholstery, case goods and decorative accessories. The company designs and produces the majority of its products in its own North American manufacturing facilities, maintaining close control over quality, craftsmanship and production schedules. Through its network of company-operated and franchised Design Centers and galleries, Ethan Allen delivers a full-service offering that includes on-site interior design consultations and project management.

Founded in 1932 as a small Colonial-Revival furniture maker in northern Vermont, Ethan Allen has grown into a global brand known for its timeless styles and customization options.

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Update: According to the TSA, At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly. It remains unclear whether Global Entry will continue to be suspended, but it appears the U.S. government may be reversing course, as the decision drew significant criticism and seemed difficult to justify.



Last night the Trump administration announced it is pausing TSA PreCheck and Global Entry because of the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. When I saw the news my first thought was: this is going to make airport travel significantly more stressful for millions of people.



DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that "TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts." If youve read my newsletters for any length of time then you already know how strongly I feel about these programs. Ive often said TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are among the best things to happen since sliced bread.

What makes this decision even more surprising is that during last years government shutdown and previous ones, these programs continued operating. That is why this move feels unprecedented. Unfortunately, it will likely lead to longer security lines and more frustration for travelers.

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My colleague Gary Leff wrote on his blog, This shift means more screening staff time will be spent on each passenger, making screening checkpoints less efficient and less effective. Its doing the opposite of whats claimed, because this is shutdown politics not a necessary step in the face of limited staffing. I agree and many members of Congress appear to as well.

Rep. Bennie Thompson from Mississippi who is the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee criticized the administration for "idiotically" shutting down the programs "to punish the American people." He went on to say, "Trump and Kristi are making your lives harder  and your travel less safe  all on purpose because they know you don't trust them. They pulled these games with FEMA disaster response last week, now this madness. They would rather force Americans to miss their travel waiting in long lines at the airport than stop Trump's secret police from shooting our neighbors."

U.S. Travel, a nonprofit organization representing the nations travel industry, also released a statement saying: Travelers should be prioritized, not leveraged. Travel is the gateway to the American economy and Americans should not have their mobility, security or travel experience diminished because elected leaders fail to resolve their differences.

What travelers are saying on social media:

Andrew R.: Doesnt pre check and global entry require less staff and fasterhow does this make sense?

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Stephanie C.: Interesting how this has never been necessary before 

Joyce A.: So glad I am not traveling now

Kate O.: Flying back to the states from Mexico in 6 hours. Glad I spent that extra money so I could go through the [Global Entry] with my husband and kids since he has to have it for his job anyway. What a joke. Probably the only time I would ever use it, too.

Mark W.: Hey, you can do chin ups in your suit once you get through

Ann L.: Are they giving the money back that it cost to get the TSA recheck?

Speaking of money  Heres my advice if you want to avoid the worst of the security lines. Aside from showing up at the airport much earlier than usual you should consider signing up for the private expedited screening service CLEAR. You can enroll at the airport if you need to though you will want to allow extra time. In most cases it is easier to register from home before your trip.
Shares of Hitachi Constr (OTCMKTS:HTCMY  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $85.00 and last traded at $85.00, with a volume of 235 shares. The stock had previously closed at $58.50.

Hitachi Constr Trading Up 11.6%

The company has a market cap of $9.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.90 and a beta of 0.46. The companys 50 day moving average price is $62.82 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 1.68.

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Hitachi Constr (OTCMKTS:HTCMY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.11 billion during the quarter. Research analysts anticipate that Hitachi Constr will post 4.76 EPS for the current year.

Hitachi Constr Company Profile

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co, Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, offering a comprehensive range of hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, rigid dump trucks and specialized machinery. The company serves a broad spectrum of industries, including civil engineering, infrastructure development, quarrying and open-pit mining, and it emphasizes technological innovation in its product designs to enhance productivity and fuel efficiency.

Originally established in 1951 as part of the Hitachi Group, the company produced its first hydraulic excavator in 1963 and has since expanded its portfolio to include advanced automation and telematics solutions.

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Indra Sistemas S.A. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ISMAY  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $30.80 and traded as high as $32.24. Indra Sistemas shares last traded at $32.03, with a volume of 438 shares traded.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Oddo Bhf raised Indra Sistemas to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Indra Sistemas has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Indra Sistemas Trading Up 0.9%

About Indra Sistemas

The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The businesss 50 day moving average is $30.80 and its 200-day moving average is $26.40.

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Indra Sistemas SA is a Madrid-based global technology and consulting firm specializing in information and communications technology (ICT) and defense systems. The company designs, develops and implements turnkey solutions for sectors including transportation, energy, public administration, financial services, telecommunications and security. Through system integration, application development, managed services and outsourcing, Indra helps clients navigate digital transformation and optimize operational performance.

In its defense and security business, Indra delivers radar systems, air traffic management platforms, command-and-control centers, simulation and training tools, as well as cybersecurity solutions.

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iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF Common (TSE:CVD  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th, TickerTech Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of 0.075 per share on Friday, February 27th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th.

iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF Common Stock Performance

TSE:CVD opened at C$18.47 on Friday. iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF Common has a 52 week low of C$17.00 and a 52 week high of C$18.63. The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$18.25 and its 200-day moving average price is C$18.18.

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About iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF Common

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Further Reading

The investment objective of the Fund is to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the FTSE Canada Convertible Bond Index the Index, net of expenses. To achieve its investment objective the Fund uses an indexing strategy. Under this strategy, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Index, net of expenses, by employing, directly or indirectly, through investment in one or more exchange-traded funds managed by BlackRock Canada or an affiliate and/or through the use of derivatives, a replicating strategy or sampling strategy.

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (LON:JAR  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 69.51 and traded as high as GBX 78.25. Jardine Matheson shares last traded at GBX 78.25, with a volume of 5,750 shares traded.

Jardine Matheson Price Performance

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is GBX 69.51 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 64.85. The firm has a market cap of 230.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 71.64, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.15.

Jardine Matheson Company Profile

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Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transportation businesses in China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It also involved in the restaurants and hotels, financial services, heavy equipment, mining, and agribusinesses. The company offers aviation and transport services; and engineering, sourcing, and contracting services, as well as invests in, develops, and manages residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 71,907 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 5,192 shares during the quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $54,865,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of LLY. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Steph & Co. grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% during the third quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 263.6% in the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 40 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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More Eli Lilly and Company News

Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week:

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $1,008.47 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $1,054.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $916.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54. The stock has a market cap of $951.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.94, a P/E/G ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.39. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,133.95.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $19.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 31.66% and a return on equity of 102.94%. The companys revenue was up 42.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $5.32 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current 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 issued a $1.73 dividend. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.15%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

LLY has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Loop Capital set a $1,200.00 price target on Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Wolfe Research increased their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. National Bank Financial set a $1,286.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, CICC Research increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,060.00 to $1,107.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,228.54.

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.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA  Free Report) by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 775,348 shares of the companys stock after selling 39,325 shares during the period. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $67,695,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of IEFA. Denver PWM LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Denver PWM LLC now owns 29,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,437,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the period. Rothschild Investment LLC increased its stake in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,830 shares of the companys stock worth $236,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Retirement Planning Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.4% during the third quarter. Retirement Planning Group LLC now owns 5,094 shares of the companys stock valued at $445,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. First Bank & Trust boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.6% during the third quarter. First Bank & Trust now owns 21,171 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,848,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares during the period. Finally, FWG Investments LLC. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.8% in the third quarter. FWG Investments LLC. now owns 2,715 shares of the companys stock worth $237,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 0.9%

Shares of BATS IEFA opened at $97.93 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average is $92.87 and its 200 day moving average is $89.25. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a 52 week low of $66.95 and a 52 week high of $98.24. The company has a market cap of $167.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 0.84.

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Company 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.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC cut its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD  Free Report) by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 916,955 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 3,965 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF makes up about 0.7% of Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest position. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $186,683,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IWD. SilverOak Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 0.4% during the third quarter. SilverOak Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,234 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,287,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the period. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC now owns 3,159 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $614,000 after buying an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Rathbones Group PLC raised its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Rathbones Group PLC now owns 1,799 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $349,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the period. JFG Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. JFG Wealth Management LLC now owns 12,218 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,487,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the period. Finally, Golden Road Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 1.3% in the second quarter. Golden Road Advisors LLC now owns 4,137 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $804,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares in the last quarter. 84.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Stock Performance

Shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF stock opened at $225.27 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.18 billion, a PE ratio of 18.83 and a beta of 0.89. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a 52 week low of $163.19 and a 52 week high of $226.39. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $217.58 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $208.39.

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Profile

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index). The Index represents approximately 50% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Index measures the large-capital value sector of the United States equity market.

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Lion Street Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of General Motors Company (NYSE:GM  Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 7,116 shares of the auto manufacturers stock, valued at approximately $434,000.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Hemington Wealth Management boosted its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 154 shares in the last quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC raised its position in General Motors by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC now owns 5,131 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $313,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares during the last quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in General Motors by 3.4% in the third quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,222 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $318,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Unison Advisors LLC boosted its stake in General Motors by 0.3% in the third quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 68,272 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $4,163,000 after purchasing an additional 196 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Synovus Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of General Motors by 0.9% during the third quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 21,203 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,293,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.67% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on GM shares. Barclays set a $110.00 price target on General Motors in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $100.00 target price on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of General Motors from $86.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of General Motors from $85.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, General Motors currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $89.52.

Key Headlines Impacting General Motors

Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week:

General Motors Stock Down 0.0%

Shares of NYSE GM opened at $81.44 on Friday. General Motors Company has a 1 year low of $41.60 and a 1 year high of $87.62. The firms 50-day moving average is $82.19 and its 200-day moving average is $70.06. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.62 billion, a PE ratio of 27.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.36.

General Motors (NYSE:GM  Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The auto manufacturer reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.26 by $0.25. General Motors had a net margin of 1.46% and a return on equity of 14.72%. The business had revenue of $45.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $45.81 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.92 earnings per share. General Motorss revenue for the quarter was down 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. General Motors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. Equities analysts expect that General Motors Company will post 11.44 EPS for the current year.

General Motors Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. This is a boost from General Motorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. General Motorss payout ratio is presently 19.93%.

General Motors declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Tuesday, January 27th that authorizes the company to buyback $6.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the auto manufacturer to buy up to 8.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

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.

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NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR  Get Free Report) dropped 8.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $13.33 and last traded at $13.4560. Approximately 25,238,312 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 14% from the average daily volume of 29,345,488 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.64.

Key Stories Impacting NuScale Power

Here are the key news stories impacting NuScale Power this week:

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Positive Sentiment: NuScale reports progress on European SMR deployment and is exploring AI-driven fuel efficiencies, signaling continued commercial development and technology advancement that could support longterm revenue growth. NuScale Advances European SMR Deployment

NuScale reports progress on European SMR deployment and is exploring AI-driven fuel efficiencies, signaling continued commercial development and technology advancement that could support longterm revenue growth. Neutral Sentiment: Fluor has been monetizing its stake in NuScale; secondary sales by a strategic investor can increase float and create nearterm selling pressure, but proceeds could also reflect partner deriskingimpact on SMR is ambiguous. Fluor Monetizes Stake

Fluor has been monetizing its stake in NuScale; secondary sales by a strategic investor can increase float and create nearterm selling pressure, but proceeds could also reflect partner deriskingimpact on SMR is ambiguous. Neutral Sentiment: Industry peers (e.g., Oklo) are advancing licensing approaches to accelerate reactor rollouts; rising competition and regulatory pathway innovations are sector factors investors should watch, but they dont directly change NuScales nearterm fundamentals. Oklo Licensing Approach

Industry peers (e.g., Oklo) are advancing licensing approaches to accelerate reactor rollouts; rising competition and regulatory pathway innovations are sector factors investors should watch, but they dont directly change NuScales nearterm fundamentals. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst consensus on NuScale remains a Hold, which suggests limited nearterm upgrades from the Street absent clearer resolution of legal and commercial milestones. Consensus Hold

Analyst consensus on NuScale remains a Hold, which suggests limited nearterm upgrades from the Street absent clearer resolution of legal and commercial milestones. Negative Sentiment: A new class action alleges NuScale misrepresented ENTRA1 Energys qualifications and related disclosures (including TVArelated agreements) and highlights payments to ENTRA1; such claims raise material legal, operational and reputational risk. Investor Suit on ENTRA1

A new class action alleges NuScale misrepresented ENTRA1 Energys qualifications and related disclosures (including TVArelated agreements) and highlights payments to ENTRA1; such claims raise material legal, operational and reputational risk. Negative Sentiment: Multiple law firms have filed or announced securitiesfraud investigations and class action suits covering the MayNov 2025 period and are soliciting leadplaintiff applicants; the proliferation of filings increases the likelihood of costly litigation, discovery, and management distractionkey reasons for downward pressure on the stock. Robbins Geller Class Action Glancy-Prongay Investigation

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms recently weighed in on SMR. B. Riley Financial dropped their price objective on NuScale Power from $38.00 to $24.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of NuScale Power in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of NuScale Power from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $21.00 price objective on shares of NuScale Power in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, TD Cowen downgraded shares of NuScale Power from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $33.19.

NuScale Power Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $4.02 billion, a PE ratio of -4.70 and a beta of 2.14. The firms 50-day moving average is $17.12 and its 200 day moving average is $28.04.

Insider Activity at NuScale Power

In other news, CFO Robert Ramsey Hamady sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.17, for a total value of $886,800.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 46,283 shares in the company, valued at $1,026,094.11. This represents a 46.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On NuScale Power

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Harbour Investments Inc. boosted its stake in shares of NuScale Power by 21.3% during the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 1,156 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 203 shares during the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its stake in NuScale Power by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 20,822 shares of the companys stock valued at $824,000 after purchasing an additional 212 shares during the last quarter. Pasadena Private Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in NuScale Power by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Pasadena Private Wealth LLC now owns 6,147 shares of the companys stock valued at $221,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Family Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of NuScale Power by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Family Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,682 shares of the companys stock worth $313,000 after purchasing an additional 291 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. grew its holdings in shares of NuScale Power by 3.8% during the third quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock worth $324,000 after buying an additional 329 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.37% of the companys stock.

NuScale Power Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

NuScale Power Corporation, trading on the NYSE American under the ticker SMR, is a pioneering developer of small modular nuclear reactors. Established in 2007 as a spinout from Oregon State University, the company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. NuScales mission is to deliver zero-carbon baseload power through scalable modular reactor technology, aiming to transform traditional nuclear energy deployment.

At the core of NuScales offering is the VOYGR small modular reactor design, featuring 77-megawatt electric (MWe) modules with passive safety systems.

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Pilbara Minerals Limited (OTCMKTS:PILBF  Get Free Report)s stock price fell 0.3% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $2.93 and last traded at $3.00. 25,478 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 69% from the average session volume of 82,826 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.01.

Pilbara Minerals Stock Down 0.3%

The company has a fifty day moving average price of $3.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.28.

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About Pilbara Minerals

(Get Free Report)

Pilbara Minerals (OTCMKTS:PILBF) is an Australia-based mining and exploration company focused on the development and production of lithium and tantalum resources. The companys core activity centers on sustainable extraction of spodumene concentrate, a key feedstock for the global lithium-ion battery industry. Pilbara Minerals maintains its principal listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: PLS) and operates an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program on the OTC Markets under the ticker PILBF.

The companys flagship operation is the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project, situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

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According to new research from HelloFresh, the top honor goes to California. A poll of 5,000 adults, evenly split across all 50 states, found that respondents ranked Californias cuisine as the best in the country, with New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida rounding out the top five.

And while California took the overall crown, nobody is more confident about their local food than people in Louisiana, with a whopping 94% of Louisianans saying their state has the best cuisine.

The states least impressed with their own food

Not everyone is bragging about whats on their plates. The survey also flagged a group of states where residents are noticeably less wowed by their local cuisine.

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Respondents in Delaware, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming were the most likely to shrug at their own food scene. That doesnt mean theres nothing good to eat there, but it does suggest that locals arent exactly shouting about their states cooking from the rooftops.

Interestingly, two of those underwhelmed states  Montana and Wyoming  show up in a completely different way once you zoom in on home cooking. Respondents there reported some of the biggest gaps between the quality of their homemade meals and what they buy ready-made. In Montana, 77% said their own cooking beats store-bought or restaurant food, and 76% of people in Wyoming said the same.

So California might win for overall cuisine, but if youre angling for an invite to a truly great home-cooked dinner, you may want to make friends in Big Sky Country.

Photo credit: Tatjana Baibakova // Shutterstock.com

What food really defines each state?

As part of the survey, people were also asked to name the dish or flavor that best represents where they live.

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Some states stuck with the obvious icons:

New York leaned hard on pizza and bagels with cream cheese.

California claimed Mexican food, burgers, and shrimp tacos.

Texas doubled down on Tex-Mex and barbecue.

Louisiana was all about crawfish, gumbo, and Cajun dishes.

Wisconsin, unsurprisingly, was cheese and the classic fish fry.

Others had more niche or hyper-local picks. Kansans shouted out chili with cinnamon rolls. New Hampshire residents pointed to apple cider donuts. Utahns named things like fry sauce, Jell-O salad, and funeral potatoes. Ohio went for buckeyes, while West Virginians chose pepperoni rolls, and Alaskans mentioned seafood and muktuk.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

2026 is shaping up to be the year of the kitchen

Beyond regional bragging rights, the survey suggests a lot of people are planning to spend more time cooking at home this year.

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More than a third of respondents said theyre specifically focusing on creating or maintaining cooking traditions with loved ones in 2026. Overall, 69% said they feel genuine pride when they prepare traditional recipes from their state or family, and just over half make a point of writing those recipes down or otherwise documenting them so they arent lost.

About six in 10 respondents said 2026 will be the year of the kitchen for them. That feeling was especially strong in New York, South Carolina, and Alabama, where large majorities said they plan to lean into cooking and kitchen time this year. For roughly half of Americans, that also means prioritizing shared meals with family or friends.

Were cooking a lot  but often eating while distracted

If it feels like you spend half your life chopping, stirring, and cleaning up, youre not that far off. The average American in this survey cooks about 12 meals a week at home: three breakfasts, four lunches, and five dinners.

All of that adds up to around 67 minutes a day at the stove  nearly 410 hours a year, or roughly 17 days spent cooking.

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Even so, those meals arent always being savored. About 30% of people said they rarely or never have breakfast without distractions, with similar numbers for lunch (28%) and dinner (21%). Minnesotans were the least likely to sit down for distraction-free meals, while New Yorkers were the most likely to actually focus on their food.

New Yorkers also reported spending the most time eating overall, at about 52 minutes a day. On the other end of the spectrum, respondents in Arkansas said they finish their meals the fastest, averaging around 41 minutes a day spent eating.

What this survey really shows us

For HelloFresh culinary development leader Michelle Doll Olson, the big takeaway isnt just which state won, but how deeply people feel about the food that represents them.

She pointed to examples like California shrimp tacos, Minnesotas Juicy Lucy burgers, Louisiana gumbo, and New York bagels as the kinds of dishes that carry family history and regional identity on a plate. In her view, Americans arent just turning back to cooking because its practical  theyre doing it to connect, pass down recipe,s and carve out a little comfort at home with the people they care about.

If youre in the mood for more food-nerd rabbit holes after this, you can also dive into a recent ranking of the best foodie cities in the U.S. and a breakdown of the standout dish to try in every state.
Raiffeisen Bank International AG lifted its position in Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV  Free Report) by 32.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 11,671 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 2,827 shares during the period. Raiffeisen Bank International AGs holdings in Dover were worth $1,945,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of DOV. AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new stake in Dover during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its position in shares of Dover by 122.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 169 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Dover in the second quarter valued at about $31,000. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its stake in Dover by 51.7% in the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 176 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the period. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Dover by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 228 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. 84.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on DOV shares. Barclays set a $206.00 price target on shares of Dover in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on shares of Dover from $228.00 to $232.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Dover in a research note on Monday, January 12th. UBS Group set a $256.00 target price on Dover and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, January 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $210.00 price target on Dover in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Dover presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $224.00.

Dover Price Performance

NYSE DOV opened at $233.12 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $209.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $188.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.36, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.29. 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.

Dover (NYSE:DOV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $2.51 earnings per share 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 firm had revenue of $2.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.20 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dover Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Dovers payout ratio is presently 26.20%.

Insider Activity at Dover

In related news, CEO Richard J. Tobin sold 76,997 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $232.70, for a total value of $17,917,201.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 217,979 shares of the companys stock, valued at $50,723,713.30. This trade represents a 26.10% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Ivonne M. Cabrera sold 4,000 shares of Dover stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $233.23, for a total transaction of $932,920.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 72,188 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,836,407.24. This trade represents a 5.25% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 86,754 shares of company stock worth $20,000,768. 1.30% of the stock is owned by insiders.

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.

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Raiffeisen Bank International AG increased its position in Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM  Free Report) by 35.9% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,712 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 981 shares during the period. Raiffeisen Bank International AGs holdings in Martin Marietta Materials were worth $2,306,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of MLM. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Martin Marietta Materials by 31.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,340,677 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,284,938,000 after acquiring an additional 565,856 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials during the second quarter worth $233,811,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 9.6% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,204,425 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,389,428,000 after purchasing an additional 192,637 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Martin Marietta Materials by 1.3% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,442,945 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $4,691,139,000 after purchasing an additional 93,595 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp increased its stake in Martin Marietta Materials by 2.0% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,825,325 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,550,990,000 after purchasing an additional 56,353 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.04% of the companys stock.

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Martin Marietta Materials Stock Performance

Martin Marietta Materials stock opened at $686.51 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $41.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.16. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. has a 12 month low of $441.95 and a 12 month high of $710.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 3.57 and a quick ratio of 2.36. The stocks 50-day moving average is $651.62 and its 200-day moving average is $629.01.

Martin Marietta Materials Dividend Announcement

Martin Marietta Materials ( NYSE:MLM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The construction company reported $4.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.81 by ($0.19). Martin Marietta Materials had a return on equity of 10.86% and a net margin of 17.38%.The business had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.66 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.79 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. will post 19.53 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be given a $0.83 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $3.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Martin Marietta Materialss dividend payout ratio is presently 17.66%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MLM has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup raised their price target on Martin Marietta Materials from $758.00 to $780.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $605.00 to $575.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 13th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $706.00 target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials in a research report on Tuesday. Loop Capital downgraded shares of Martin Marietta Materials from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $690.00 target price for the company. in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Stephens dropped their price target on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $740.00 to $735.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Nine 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. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $690.69.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MLM

Martin Marietta Materials Profile

(Free Report)

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc (NYSE: MLM) is a leading producer of aggregates and heavy building materials serving the construction and infrastructure markets. The company operates quarries, sand and gravel pits, and other extraction sites to supply crushed stone, sand and gravel, and a range of valueadded products for use in roads, bridges, commercial and residential construction, and other civil engineering projects.

In addition to its core aggregates business, Martin Marietta manufactures and sells asphalt, readymixed concrete and related materials and services.

Further Reading

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Premier Foods (OTCMKTS:PRRFY  Get Free Report) and United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap consumer staples companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation and profitability.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Premier Foods and United Natural Foodss revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Premier Foods $1.45 billion 1.56 $159.36 million N/A N/A United Natural Foods $31.78 billion 0.07 -$118.00 million ($1.66) -23.36

Analyst Ratings

Premier Foods has higher earnings, but lower revenue than United Natural Foods.

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Premier Foods and United Natural Foods, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Premier Foods 0 1 0 0 2.00 United Natural Foods 1 7 3 0 2.18

United Natural Foods has a consensus target price of $38.78, indicating a potential upside of 0.02%. Given United Natural Foods stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe United Natural Foods is more favorable than Premier Foods.

Profitability

This table compares Premier Foods and United Natural Foods net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Premier Foods N/A N/A N/A United Natural Foods -0.32% 4.35% 0.90%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

87.6% of United Natural Foods shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.4% of United Natural Foods shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Volatility & Risk

Premier Foods has a beta of 0.46, meaning that its stock price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, United Natural Foods has a beta of 1, meaning that its stock price has a similar volatility profile to the S&P 500.

Summary

United Natural Foods beats Premier Foods on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Premier Foods

(Get Free Report)

Premier Foods plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes branded and own label food products in the United Kingdom, other European countries, and internationally. The company operates through Grocery, Sweet Treats, and international segments. It offers a portfolio of product categories, including flavorings and seasonings under the Bisto, OXO, Paxo, and Saxa brands; cooking sauces and accompaniments under the Sharwood's, Loyd Grossman, Spice Tailor and Homepride brands; quick meals, snacks, and soups under the Batchelors and Smash brands; ambient desserts under the Ambrosia, Bird's, and Angel Delight brands; and ambient cakes under the Mr Kipling and Cadbury brands. The company also provides dumplings under the Atora brand name; plain flour under the Be-Ro brand; dried milk under the Marvel brand name; plain and self-raising flour under the McDougalls brand; and plant based food under the Plantastic brand name. It offers its products through supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, and wholesale and food service facilities, as well as through e-commerce channels. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Saint Albans, the United Kingdom.

About United Natural Foods

(Get Free Report)

United Natural Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. It operates in two segments, Wholesale and Retail. The company offers grocery and general merchandise, produce, perishables and frozen foods, wellness and personal care items, and bulk and foodservice products. It also provides nuts, dried fruit, seeds, trail mixes, granola, natural and organic snack items, and confections under the Woodstock Farms Manufacturing name; organic, non-GMO project verified, and specialty food and non-food items under the Blue Marble brand name; pet food under the WILD HARVEST brand name; and various products under the ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY, SHOPPERS VALUE, Field Day, EQUALINE, CULINARY CIRCLE, and STONE RIDGE CREAMERY brand names. In addition, the company provides home, health and beauty care, and pharmacy products, as well as private label products through a network of Cub Foods and Shoppers retail grocery stores; and retail store support, pricing strategy, shelf and planogram management, advertising, couponing, ecommerce, consumer convenience, store design, equipment sourcing, electronic payments processing, network and data hosting, point-of-sale hardware and software, automation tools, sustainability, and administrative back-office solution services. Further, it offers consumer and trade marketing programs, and programs to support suppliers in understanding its markets. The company serves chains, independent retailers, and supernatural chains, as well as foodservice, ecommerce, conventional military business, and other sales customers. United Natural Foods, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.

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Santander Bank Polska S.A. (OTCMKTS:BKZHF  Get Free Report) was up 11.3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $169.15 and last traded at $169.15. Approximately 155 shares changed hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at $152.00.

Santander Bank Polska Trading Up 11.3%

The companys 50-day moving average is $92.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.99.

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Santander Bank Polska Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Santander Bank Polska SA is one of Polands leading banks, offering a full range of financial services to individual, corporate and institutional clients. The bank traces its origins to the 2001 merger of Bank Zachodni and Wielkopolski Bank Rozwoju, and it became part of the global Santander Group in 2011. Headquartered in Warsaw, Santander Bank Polska operates an extensive network of branches and digital platforms throughout the country.

The banks core activities include retail banking, corporate banking and private banking.

Further Reading

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TSA Wealth Managment LLC cut its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report) by 58.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 28,497 shares of the companys stock after selling 40,051 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF accounts for 1.1% of TSA Wealth Managment LLCs holdings, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. TSA Wealth Managment LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $3,245,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of EFG. Bangor Savings Bank purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Guerra Advisors Inc purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $26,000. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 50.2% during the third quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 317 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Collier Financial purchased a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the third quarter valued at about $39,000. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 1,526.1% in the second quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 374 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 351 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Performance

EFG stock opened at $122.75 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a one year low of $88.66 and a one year high of $123.01. The firm has a market cap of $14.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.98 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $118.06 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $115.18.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as consumer staples, industrials, consumer discretionary, materials, healthcare, financials, information technology, energy, telecommunication services and utilities.

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Wealth Alliance LLC bought a new position in Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN  Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor bought 42,996 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $451,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Banco Santander by 2,038,075.5% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 7,643,158 shares of the banks stock valued at $63,438,000 after purchasing an additional 7,642,783 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Banco Santander by 85.0% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,552,931 shares of the banks stock valued at $58,195,000 after acquiring an additional 2,551,675 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in Banco Santander by 68.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 4,778,086 shares of the banks stock valued at $39,658,000 after acquiring an additional 1,942,579 shares during the period. Barometer Capital Management Inc. grew its position in Banco Santander by 5,818.8% during the 2nd quarter. Barometer Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,757,483 shares of the banks stock worth $14,587,000 after acquiring an additional 1,727,790 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. increased its stake in Banco Santander by 114.6% in the 3rd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 1,335,219 shares of the banks stock worth $13,993,000 after purchasing an additional 712,960 shares during the period. 9.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on SAN shares. Zacks Research lowered Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Banco Santander from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 7th. Barclays downgraded shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. DZ Bank cut Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Santander in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold.

Banco Santander Stock Performance

SAN stock opened at $12.75 on Friday. Banco Santander, S.A. has a fifty-two week low of $5.54 and a fifty-two week high of $13.11. The company has a market capitalization of $189.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.72. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $12.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $10.82.

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The bank reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.04. Banco Santander had a return on equity of 12.14% and a net margin of 18.85%.The company had revenue of $18.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.89 billion. Sell-side analysts forecast that Banco Santander, S.A. will post 0.83 earnings per share for the current year.

Banco Santander Company Profile

(Free Report)

Banco Santander, SA (NYSE: SAN) is a Spanish multinational banking group headquartered in Santander, Spain. Founded in 1857, the bank has grown from a regional institution into one of Europes largest banking groups, operating a diversified financial services platform that serves retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporate clients. Santander is publicly listed in Spain and maintains American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SAN.

The groups core activities include retail and commercial bankingoffering deposit accounts, payment services, mortgages, personal and auto loans, and small business financingalongside corporate and investment banking services for larger institutional clients.

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Westerkirk Capital Inc. lowered its stake in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 19.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 24,200 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,900 shares during the quarter. Westerkirk Capital Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $3,718,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Czech National Bank boosted its position in Procter & Gamble by 3.8% in 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 in the last quarter. Vega Investment Solutions lifted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,710,000 after acquiring an additional 8,500 shares during the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter valued at $7,891,000. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth $12,725,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 234,630,605 shares of the companys stock worth $36,050,992,000 after acquiring an additional 1,419,322 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Procter & Gamble Stock Performance

NYSE:PG opened at $160.77 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.72. Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $137.62 and a fifty-two week high of $179.99. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $149.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $150.70. The company has a market capitalization of $373.62 billion, a PE ratio of 23.82, a P/E/G ratio of 5.34 and a beta of 0.38.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 32.21%. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.36 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.88 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were paid a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is currently 62.67%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have commented on PG shares. Barclays set a $155.00 target price on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective 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. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane dropped their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $168.33.

Read Our Latest Report on Procter & Gamble

Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In other Procter & Gamble news, insider Moses Victor Javier Aguilar sold 15,169 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.28, for a total transaction of $2,461,625.32. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 44,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,259,595.80. This represents a 25.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,827 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the insider owned 12,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,026,158.09. This represents a 50.37% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 341,260 shares of company stock worth $54,256,985 over the last quarter. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide.

P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care.

Further Reading

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Shares of Windar Photonics PLC (LON:WPHO  Get Free Report) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 44.54 and traded as low as GBX 41. Windar Photonics shares last traded at GBX 43, with a volume of 129,959 shares traded.

Windar Photonics Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of 41.44 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -28.67 and a beta of 1.29. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 44.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 52.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.99, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 4.78.

Windar Photonics Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Windar Photonics PLC, through its subsidiaries, develops and sells light detection and ranging sensors, and associated products for use on electricity generating wind turbines in Europe, China, and rest of Asia. It offers WindEYE and WindVISION sensors, which measure wind speed by scanning a laser beam ahead of the wind turbines. The company also provides WindTIMIZER that works as a mediator between the WindEYE and the wind turbine controller; and retrofit control system. Windar Photonics PLC was incorporated in 2014 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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UPDATE: After speaking directly with leadership at the Transportation Security Administration, Gate Access can confirm that TSA PreCheck lanes are currently operational and closed lanes will reopen on a case by case basis. This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.

The Department of Homeland Security has officially suspended TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and all special airport escort services effective Sunday at 6 a.m. ET. The announcement, first reported by The Washington Post late Saturday night, landed without warning for the traveling public.

It also landed without warning for the TSA workforce. Officers tasked with implementing the changes had not received official internal guidance before the news broke. Many learned of the policy shift the same way passengers did  through the media.

What has temporarily closed

The DHS press release published Sunday morning leaves little ambiguity about what is and is not operational. TSA PreCheck lanes are closed, and all PreCheck members will be directed to general screening lanes. Travelers who paid between $76.75 and $85 for a five-year PreCheck membership will go through standard security alongside the general public, removing laptops at some airports and undergoing full-body screening.

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At U.S. ports of entry, CBP has halted all Global Entry arrival processing. Officers previously assigned to Global Entry lanes have been reassigned to standard primary processing. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are Global Entry members should proceed to the general U.S. citizen processing lanes. All other Global Entry members should proceed to the visitor lanes.

All courtesy and special privilege airport escorts have also been suspended, including congressional escorts, which DHS said were diverting staff from the critical mission of passenger screening.

A workforce left without guidance

TSA officers, who are responsible for enforcing the changes at checkpoints nationwide, had not been briefed before the announcement became public. Management at the field level had no official directive to work from and no clarity on implementation timelines when passengers began asking questions.

That kind of disconnect has real consequences. With no formal guidance, frontline officers were left to interpret a major policy shift in real time.

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DHS framed the decision as an operational necessity, stating that "without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture."

Why this shutdown is different

For most of the past week, the average traveler had no reason to know a shutdown was underway.

Air traffic control operates under the Department of Transportation, not the Department of Homeland Security. DOT was fully funded before the Feb. 14 lapse, which means controllers have remained on the job and on payroll throughout.

For the vast majority of the traveling public, the airport experience felt entirely normal, because for most of it, it was.

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The decision to abruptly close PreCheck lanes and suspend Global Entry early Sunday morning appears politically driven. Previous shutdowns disrupted enrollment operations and contributed to longer lines, but TSA PreCheck lanes and Global Entry kiosks remained open.

This marks the first known nationwide suspension of the programs' actual benefits during a shutdown.

Whether that outcome is an operational necessity or a deliberate pressure campaign is questionable. The move generates immediate, widespread frustration, and that frustration has a clear political address. DHS was explicit in its framing, with Secretary Noem stating this was "the third time that Democrat politicians have shut down this department during the 119th Congress."

Closing PreCheck lanes ensures that members standing in a standard security line will be thinking about Congress.

One last thing

DHS says TSA PreCheck and other services will resume upon DHS funding being signed into law. Until that happens, all enrolled members should plan for standard screening across every U.S. airport.

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PreCheck members should also be aware that their membership has not been canceled or revoked; only the lanes that process them, and their PreCheck status, will not be honored in the standard lane at this time. When funding is restored, the program is expected to resume without members needing to re-enroll.

Gate Access will update this story as the funding situation develops.
Bruni J V & Co. Co. cut its holdings in shares of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG  Free Report) by 13.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 254,989 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 38,746 shares during the quarter. Affiliated Managers Group comprises approximately 6.1% of Bruni J V & Co. Co.s portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Bruni J V & Co. Co. owned approximately 0.90% of Affiliated Managers Group worth $60,797,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Affiliated Managers Group by 428.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 132 shares of the asset managers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in Affiliated Managers Group during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Affiliated Managers Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $34,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of Affiliated Managers Group by 189.8% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 142 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 93 shares during the period. Finally, Millstone Evans Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Affiliated Managers Group by 41.9% during the 3rd quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC now owns 176 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.30% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on AMG shares. Barrington Research lifted their target price on Affiliated Managers Group from $285.00 to $295.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $408.00 target price on shares of Affiliated Managers Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Affiliated Managers Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Affiliated Managers Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $350.14.

Affiliated Managers Group Stock Down 10.8%

Shares of NYSE:AMG opened at $287.58 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a 50 day moving average of $305.75 and a two-hundred day moving average of $264.54. Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $139.22 and a 52-week high of $334.78. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64.

Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:AMG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The asset manager reported $9.48 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.75 by $0.73. The business had revenue of $556.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $578.54 million. Affiliated Managers Group had a net margin of 34.55% and a return on equity of 18.45%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $6.53 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. will post 22.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Affiliated Managers Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 9th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 23rd. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.0%. Affiliated Managers Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 0.17%.

About Affiliated Managers Group

(Free Report)

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc (NYSE: AMG) is a global asset management holding company that partners with boutique investment firms. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, AMG invests in and collaborates with independent investment managers to foster growth while preserving their entrepreneurial culture. Through equity stakes and strategic support, the company aims to enhance its affiliates distribution capabilities, operational infrastructure and access to capital.

The companys core business activities include providing capital solutions, distribution services and operational support to affiliated investment firms.

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Bleakley Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 10.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 66,429 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,411 shares during the quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $10,316,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Perigon Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chevron by 19.3% during the 3rd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 73,448 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $11,406,000 after acquiring an additional 11,875 shares in the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lifted its holdings in Chevron by 15.3% in the 3rd quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 1,620,231 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $251,606,000 after purchasing an additional 215,345 shares during the last quarter. Pictet North America Advisors SA bought a new stake in Chevron during the third quarter worth approximately $5,662,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its position in Chevron by 10.2% during the third quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 1,894,470 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $294,192,000 after purchasing an additional 175,439 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Chevron by 8.7% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,891,609 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $759,618,000 after purchasing an additional 389,694 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.42% of the companys stock.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Vice Chairman Mark A. Nelson sold 45,800 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.17, for a total value of $7,976,986.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 7,161 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,247,231.37. This represents a 86.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider R. Hewitt Pate sold 41,134 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $176.40, for a total transaction of $7,256,037.60. Following the sale, the insider owned 4,169 shares in the company, valued at approximately $735,411.60. This trade represents a 90.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 534,898 shares of company stock valued at $89,543,711 in the last ninety days. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CVX has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Mizuho boosted their price objective on shares of Chevron from $204.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. HSBC downgraded shares of Chevron from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $180.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Bank of America cut their target price on shares of Chevron from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Melius Research upgraded shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $205.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Argus set a $203.00 price objective on Chevron in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $176.36.

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Trending Headlines about Chevron

Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week:

Chevron Stock Performance

NYSE:CVX opened at $183.69 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $165.86 and its 200-day moving average is $158.52. The company has a market cap of $369.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.58, a PEG ratio of 12.17 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. Chevron Corporation has a 52-week low of $132.04 and a 52-week high of $187.90.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.08. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.23% and a net margin of 6.51%.The business had revenue of $45.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $48.18 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.06 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current year.

Chevron Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of $1.78 per share. This is a boost from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. This represents a $7.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 106.91%.

Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide.

Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco.

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Bleakley Financial Group LLC trimmed its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 9.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 106,944 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,929 shares during the quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $17,346,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PM. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of 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 last quarter. Estabrook Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Anfield Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 185.5% in the 2nd quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 197 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Philip Morris International Stock Performance

NYSE PM opened at $183.35 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $285.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.22, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.39. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $170.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $163.09. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $142.11 and a 52-week high of $190.98.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.70. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 12.09% and a negative return on equity of 130.95%. The company had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.55 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. 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 predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were issued a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 80.88%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $205.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, February 9th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $181.50 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $200.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $194.06.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Philip Morris International

Philip Morris International Company 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.

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Bleakley Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Free Report) by 20.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 42,924 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,301 shares during the quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $12,111,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Winnow Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new position in International Business Machines during the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in International Business Machines by 129.1% in the third quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 126 shares of the technology companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID grew its position in International Business Machines by 48.5% in the 2nd quarter. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID now owns 147 shares of the technology companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 48 shares during the period. Finally, Davis Capital Management purchased a new stake in International Business Machines during the 3rd quarter valued at $54,000. 58.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

International Business Machines Stock Up 0.4%

IBM stock opened at $257.20 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $294.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $284.23. The stock has a market cap of $240.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.07, a PEG ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.69. International Business Machines Corporation has a twelve month low of $214.50 and a twelve month high of $324.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.33 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $19.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.23 billion. International Business Machines had a net margin of 15.69% and a return on equity of 38.15%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.92 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be paid a $1.68 dividend. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio is presently 60.27%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other International Business Machines news, Director David N. Farr acquired 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 9,258 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,814,432. The trade was a 12.11% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

IBM has been the topic of a number of research reports. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and issued a $350.00 price target on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Erste Group Bank cut International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wedbush increased their price objective 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, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $361.00 price objective on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Thursday, January 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, International Business Machines has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $330.07.

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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.

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Bleakley Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 8.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 13,832 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,125 shares during the quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $11,015,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the third quarter worth $26,000. First PREMIER Bank bought a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Corundum Trust Company INC purchased a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Clearstead Trust LLC bought a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Elevation Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 40 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have issued reports on GS shares. Zacks Research upgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Autonomous Res cut their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $1,047.00 to $960.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Argus increased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $863.00 to $1,066.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $750.00 to $775.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $898.00 to $1,087.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and fourteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $916.86.

Trending Headlines about The Goldman Sachs Group

Here are the key news stories impacting The Goldman Sachs Group this week:

Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group

In related news, CAO Sheara J. Fredman sold 4,863 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $923.75, for a total value of $4,492,196.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 10,301 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,515,548.75. The trade was a 32.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Kathryn H. Ruemmler sold 9,589 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $927.51, for a total value of $8,893,893.39. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 18,533 shares in the company, valued at $17,189,542.83. This trade represents a 34.10% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 117,283 shares of company stock valued at $112,016,033 over the last quarter. 0.55% of the stock is owned by insiders.

The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

GS opened at $922.03 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $276.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.98, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $439.38 and a 12-month high of $984.70. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $922.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $830.81.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 15th. The investment management company reported $13.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $11.52 by $2.03. The company had revenue of $15.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.30 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 13.73% and a return on equity of 15.19%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $11.95 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of $4.50 per share. This is a boost from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $4.00. This represents a $18.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 31.20%.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc is a global investment banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1869 as a commercial paper business, the company has grown into a diversified financial institution that provides a broad range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. The firm is led by Chief Executive Officer David M. Solomon and operates across major financial centers worldwide.

Goldman Sachs core businesses include investment banking, global markets, asset and wealth management, and consumer banking.

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Bleakley Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC  Free Report) by 9.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 189,645 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 15,909 shares during the quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $9,784,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 246.5% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 523 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 880 shares during the last quarter. Steph & Co. raised its holdings in Bank of America by 224.3% during the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 379 shares during the period. Collier Financial bought a new stake in Bank of America in the third quarter worth $30,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Bank of America during the third quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new position in Bank of America during the third quarter valued at $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock.

Trending Headlines about Bank of America

Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently issued reports on BAC. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Bank of America from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Truist Financial dropped their target price on Bank of America from $62.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Bank of America from $56.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Bank of America from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Twenty-two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of America presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $60.30.

Read Our Latest Analysis on BAC

Bank of America Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of NYSE BAC opened at $53.04 on Friday. Bank of America Corporation has a 52-week low of $33.06 and a 52-week high of $57.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $387.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.85, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.29. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $54.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates 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 in the previous year, the company posted $0.82 EPS. Bank of Americas revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The firm 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. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is 29.24%.

Bank of America Profile

(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.

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Channing Capital Management LLC lowered its position in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report) by 13.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 42,600 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 6,771 shares during the period. Channing Capital Management LLCs holdings in Boeing were worth $9,194,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Davis Capital Management bought a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in shares of Boeing in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Boeing by 62.4% in the third quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 164 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. bought a new stake in Boeing during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in Boeing during the second quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock.

Insider Activity at Boeing

In other Boeing news, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 10,497 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were 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 of the companys stock, valued at $3,437,781.08. This trade represents a 41.67% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Ann M. Schmidt sold 6,281 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $243.37, for a total transaction of $1,528,606.97. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 13,978 shares in the company, valued at $3,401,825.86. This trade represents a 31.00% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 19,509 shares of company stock valued at $4,629,316. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Boeing Price Performance

NYSE:BA opened at $232.01 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $232.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $219.87. The Boeing Company has a 52 week low of $128.88 and a 52 week high of $254.35. The stock has a market cap of $182.21 billion, a PE ratio of 115.43 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.37.

Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The aircraft producer reported $9.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.40) by $10.32. The business had revenue of $23.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.41 billion. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 57.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted ($5.90) EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Key Stories Impacting Boeing

Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BA has been the topic of several recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Boeing from $290.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, February 1st. Zacks Research upgraded Boeing from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Susquehanna reaffirmed a positive rating and issued a $280.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on Boeing from $275.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $246.14.

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Boeing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world.

Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support.

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Dover Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 15.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 27,744 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,658 shares during the period. Exxon Mobil comprises approximately 1.2% of Dover Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 16th largest position. Dover Advisors LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $3,128,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Westfuller Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Bare Financial Services Inc increased its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 121.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 366 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Exxon Mobil during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 1,595.2% during the third quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 356 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 335 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 95.8% in the third quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 370 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Exxon Mobil News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week:

Exxon Mobil Trading Down 2.6%

Shares of XOM stock opened at $147.12 on Friday. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 12-month low of $97.80 and a 12-month high of $156.93. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $132.29 and its 200-day moving average price is $120.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $613.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 15.28 and a beta of 0.39.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.71 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.08. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.21% and a net margin of 8.68%.The company had revenue of $80.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $77.98 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.67 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 61.58%.

Insider Transactions at Exxon Mobil

In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,230 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.18, for a total transaction of $481,851.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 20,354 shares in the company, valued at $3,036,409.72. This trade represents a 13.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders have sold a total of 14,230 shares of company stock worth $1,888,421 over the last quarter. 0.03% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on XOM shares. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $142.00 to $137.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Zacks Research upgraded Exxon Mobil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. BNP Paribas Exane cut Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $125.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Exxon Mobil presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $140.59.

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Exxon Mobil Company Profile

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications.

ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product.

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Dover Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:ICE  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 4,212 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $710,000.

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A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 1.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 53,685,491 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $9,849,677,000 after buying an additional 745,135 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,438,154 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,270,657,000 after acquiring an additional 145,961 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in Intercontinental Exchange during the 2nd quarter worth $1,542,780,000. Sands Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange by 97.3% in the 2nd quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC now owns 5,313,039 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $974,783,000 after acquiring an additional 2,620,310 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc lifted its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 3,510,634 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $644,096,000 after acquiring an additional 137,685 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.30% of the companys stock.

Intercontinental Exchange Price Performance

ICE stock opened at $154.00 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $164.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $164.38. The stock has a market cap of $87.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.02. Intercontinental Exchange Inc. has a 1 year low of $143.17 and a 1 year high of $189.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02.

Intercontinental Exchange Dividend Announcement

Intercontinental Exchange ( NYSE:ICE Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.51 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 26.23% and a return on equity of 13.99%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.52 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Intercontinental Exchange Inc. will post 6.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 16th will be given a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 16th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. Intercontinental Exchanges payout ratio is currently 33.28%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Christopher Scott Edmonds sold 11,303 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.82, for a total value of $1,738,627.46. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 14,266 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,194,396.12. This represents a 44.21% 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 Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 150,000 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.00, for a total transaction of $23,250,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,651,705 shares in the company, valued at approximately $256,014,275. This represents a 8.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 341,036 shares of company stock worth $53,068,762. Company insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating and issued a $211.00 price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $200.00 target price on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a report on Monday, February 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $180.00 price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $183.00 price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $195.40.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Intercontinental Exchange

Key Stories Impacting Intercontinental Exchange

Here are the key news stories impacting Intercontinental Exchange this week:

Positive Sentiment: Kraken integration  Kraken has integrated with ICE Chat to expand institutional OTC crypto access, which advances ICEs push into crypto infrastructure and could boost trading/data volumes over time. Kraken Integrates with ICE Chat

Kraken integration  Kraken has integrated with ICE Chat to expand institutional OTC crypto access, which advances ICEs push into crypto infrastructure and could boost trading/data volumes over time. Positive Sentiment: Fundamentals & analyst support  ICE recently reported an EPS beat and revenue above expectations, continues to pay a quarterly dividend, and retains a mostly positive analyst consensus/price targets, providing fundamental support under the stock. MarketBeat Coverage

Fundamentals & analyst support  ICE recently reported an EPS beat and revenue above expectations, continues to pay a quarterly dividend, and retains a mostly positive analyst consensus/price targets, providing fundamental support under the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Pune office lease  ICEs India arm leased space for a global capability center in Pune (commercial real estate move that supports operations expansion but is not material to near-term earnings). ICE leases Pune GCC space

Pune office lease  ICEs India arm leased space for a global capability center in Pune (commercial real estate move that supports operations expansion but is not material to near-term earnings). Neutral Sentiment: Small institutional flows  Recent filings show many small, new institutional stakes; institutional ownership remains high (~89%), but recent buys/sells cited are immaterial at scale. Institutional activity

Small institutional flows  Recent filings show many small, new institutional stakes; institutional ownership remains high (~89%), but recent buys/sells cited are immaterial at scale. Negative Sentiment: Large CEO selling  CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold significant blocks of shares (reported filings show ~150,000 and ~129,937-share dispositions around Feb 18). Large CEO sales are the most likely proximate cause of todays negative sentiment. CEO SEC filing

Large CEO selling  CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold significant blocks of shares (reported filings show ~150,000 and ~129,937-share dispositions around Feb 18). Large CEO sales are the most likely proximate cause of todays negative sentiment. Negative Sentiment: CTO sale  CTO Mayur Kapani sold 15,213 shares (~$2.36M) on Feb 18, a ~19% reduction in his holding. CTO SEC filing

CTO sale  CTO Mayur Kapani sold 15,213 shares (~$2.36M) on Feb 18, a ~19% reduction in his holding. Negative Sentiment: Other executive selling  Additional insider sales reported: President Benjamin Jackson (3,865 sh), CFO Warren Gardiner (2,490 sh), and insider Christopher Scott Edmonds (11,303 sh). These clustered sales amplify negative investor perception even though executives retain sizable holdings. President SEC filing CFO SEC filing Insider Edmonds SEC filing

Intercontinental Exchange Profile

(Free Report)

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) is a global operator of exchanges, clearing houses and data services that provides infrastructure for the trading, clearing, settlement and information needs of financial and commodity markets. Founded in 2000 by Jeffrey C. Sprecher as an electronic energy trading platform, the company has grown through organic expansion and acquisitions to operate a broad portfolio of assets spanning listed equities, futures and options, fixed income, and over-the-counter derivatives.

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Bleakley Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 20.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 134,877 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 22,514 shares during the period. Bleakley Financial Group LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $25,009,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 237,047,859 shares of the companys stock worth $36,209,060,000 after purchasing an additional 3,085,180 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 60,609,476 shares of the companys stock worth $9,227,988,000 after buying an additional 1,225,676 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the second quarter worth $4,877,174,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% in the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 24,637,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,568,313,000 after acquiring an additional 835,146 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 18,951,337 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,894,979,000 after acquiring an additional 52,074 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock.

Insider Transactions at Johnson & Johnson

In other Johnson & Johnson news, EVP Vanessa Broadhurst sold 6,197 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $243.39, for a total value of $1,508,287.83. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 23,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,598,700.17. This represents a 21.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Timothy Schmid sold 22,623 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $244.33, for a total transaction of $5,527,477.59. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 26,769 shares in the company, valued at $6,540,469.77. The trade was a 45.80% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 0.16% of the companys stock.

Johnson & Johnson News Summary

Positive Sentiment: Clinical and regulatory wins for oncology: J&J reported strong Phase 1b/2 data for subcutaneous amivantamab (RYBREVANT FASPRO) in head & neck cancer and has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy attention and a separate monthlydosing approval that can improve patient convenience and commercial uptake. These outcomes support the pharma growth story and were cited as a reason for recent buying interest. RYBREVANT clinical results

Clinical and regulatory wins for oncology: J&J reported strong Phase 1b/2 data for subcutaneous amivantamab (RYBREVANT FASPRO) in head & neck cancer and has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy attention and a separate monthlydosing approval that can improve patient convenience and commercial uptake. These outcomes support the pharma growth story and were cited as a reason for recent buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Potential strategic catalyst: reports say J&J is preparing a possible ~$20B sale of its orthopedics unit  a deal could unlock value, boost cash for buybacks/dividends or speed a planned separation, which traders view as a material upside catalyst if executed. Reuters on orthopedics sale

Potential strategic catalyst: reports say J&J is preparing a possible ~$20B sale of its orthopedics unit  a deal could unlock value, boost cash for buybacks/dividends or speed a planned separation, which traders view as a material upside catalyst if executed. Positive Sentiment: Capital investment and dividend support: J&J announced a $1B investment in a Pennsylvania celltherapy facility and recently raised its quarterly dividend to $1.30  both reinforce the companys longterm growth capacity and income appeal for dividend investors. Fox Business on $1B investment

Capital investment and dividend support: J&J announced a $1B investment in a Pennsylvania celltherapy facility and recently raised its quarterly dividend to $1.30  both reinforce the companys longterm growth capacity and income appeal for dividend investors. Neutral Sentiment: Options and sentiment flow: unusually high call buying (41,649 calls, ~45% above typical daily call volume) and amplified options chatter are increasing intraday volatility and can intensify moves without changing fundamentals  watch open interest and directional concentration. Benzinga on options trends

Options and sentiment flow: unusually high call buying (41,649 calls, ~45% above typical daily call volume) and amplified options chatter are increasing intraday volatility and can intensify moves without changing fundamentals  watch open interest and directional concentration. Neutral Sentiment: Positive postearnings momentum: coverage (Zacks/TipRanks/others) notes JNJ is up since earnings as investors rerate pharma catalysts and dividends  helpful for sentiment but incremental vs. material corporate events. Zacks on postearnings move

Positive postearnings momentum: coverage (Zacks/TipRanks/others) notes JNJ is up since earnings as investors rerate pharma catalysts and dividends  helpful for sentiment but incremental vs. material corporate events. Negative Sentiment: Analyst caveat: Rothschild & Co Redburn raised its price target to $210 but kept a neutral rating  the PT sits below the current share price, signaling downside risk and giving traders a reason to trim positions. MarketScreener on Rothschild PT

Analyst caveat: Rothschild & Co Redburn raised its price target to $210 but kept a neutral rating  the PT sits below the current share price, signaling downside risk and giving traders a reason to trim positions. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: recent sales by senior executives (disclosed Form 4s) are prompting some investor concern about nearterm profittaking and are adding selling pressure. SEC filing on insider sell

Insider selling: recent sales by senior executives (disclosed Form 4s) are prompting some investor concern about nearterm profittaking and are adding selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Legal overhang: ongoing talc litigation and verdict coverage continue to create valuation uncertainty and cap multiple expansion despite operational positives. Yahoo Finance on talc risk

Johnson & Johnson Stock Down 1.9%

Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week:

Shares of Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $242.27 on Friday. Johnson & Johnson has a twelve month low of $141.50 and a twelve month high of $246.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $583.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.93, a PEG ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $221.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $199.24.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Saturday, January 31st. The company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $24.28 billion during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.04% and a net margin of 28.46%. Equities research analysts forecast that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current year.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.06%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on JNJ. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $180.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley set a $262.00 price target on Johnson & Johnson and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $205.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $232.70.

Read Our Latest Report on JNJ

Johnson & Johnson Profile

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world.

The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience.

Further Reading

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Eamonn McCann, lifelong activist and author of the slogan You Are Now Entering Free Derry said no organisation had the right to step in and say, We are going to change what is up on Free Derry Wall.

I am saying, as the person who first wrote You Are Now Entering Free Derry on that gable, Free Derry Wall belongs to the people and if we are going to change what is on it, it is the people who should decide, he added.

The idea of somebody stepping in at this stage and saying, We will dictate what goes on this wall, I reject that entirely.

The presumption is an insult to the history of the Civil Rights movement, by the people who werent around at the time or whose organisations played no part in the erection of Free Derry Wall. It is just wrong that they should claim the wall.

As the person who wrote You Are Now Entering Free Derry on that gable, I think I have some little right to express my opinion on this and I am not the only person to have the right, the people of Derry have got the right.

But, I have some right to express my opinion on this and I am saying, Allow the wall to be replastered and let us have the simple slogan, You Are Now Entering Free Derry, nothing else, said Mr McCann.

Eamonn McCann was speaking to The Derry News following the weekly Defend the Right to Protest vigil in Derrys Guildhall Square.

His remarks were prompted by contradictory social media posts by the Bloody Sunday Trust this week.

On Thursday, the Trust said Free Derry Wall had been left in a terrible mess and asked those responsible to clean it up and restore it to a respectable condition.

Local artist, Ray Bonner, responded by establishing a Free Derry Wall Crowdfunder (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/free-derry-wall) to help restore the wall.

In recent times the wall is showing its age, and Im looking for community help to restore it, said Mr Bonner.

I am asking neighbours, local tradespeople, artists, labourers, and anyone who cares about protecting the spirit of Free Derry Wall to join a community-led restoration, he added.

The graffiti that became known around the world was created in defiance of the state. It should be restored in that same spirit - by the community, not by state funding, said Mr Bonner.

At the time of writing the Crowdfunder had almost reached 50% of its 5,000 target.

However, in a second social media post on Friday, Tony Doherty, Chair of the Bloody Sunday Trust, appealed to builders and contractors not to respond to the recent online call for support to restore Free Derry Wall.

We are all concerned about the condition of the wall, but this is not the way to rectify it, he added.

The Trust engaged a local building contractor in November who carried out a survey of the wall and have recommended an extensive programme of works which will restore the wall and keep it in good order against the elements for a long time to come.

This work, some of it specialist, is due to start as soon as we turn from winter to spring when the weather will be more favourable, said Mr Doherty.

Speaking to The Derry News, Donegal artist Ciaran Dunlevy, whose powerful Civil Rights installation graced Free Derry Wall over this years Bloody Sunday weekend, said there were huge big water bubbles on the wall before his installation went up.

Artist Ciaran Dunlevy with his Civil Rights installation on Free Derry Wall.

I explained to the Bloody Sunday March Committee (BSMC) which had commissioned the piece, my concerns about the wall - bubbling paint and flaking plaster - because rain water is landing on top of the gable, running down in between the wall itself and pushing out at the back of the plaster and the paint, about 30 layers at least, is starting to peel off, said Mr Dunleavy.

Unfortunately there was a storm and the left-hand piece of the installation came off the wall. I was going to paste it up again as we were hoping it would have lasted until April but when I came up to Derry last Friday, another two or three strips had come off. What had remained on the wall I couldnt remove because I didnt have the necessary scaffolding and I did say to the BSMC we need to do a proper job on the wall, he added. Then all of a sudden there was post giving out about the way the wall was left.

Water coming out of Free Derry Wall when Mr Dunleavy was putting up his Civil Rights installation in January.

I was also extremely disappointed that a Belfast newspaper carried a piece about the damage to the wall. It would have been nice if the journalist had contacted me for a proper explanation, said Mr Dunleavy

When the slogan You Are Now Entering Free Derry was first put up there very early in the morning of January 5, 1969, we intended it as an international statement, recalled Eamonn McCann.

It was based upon a mural at Berkeley College in California which said, You Are Now Entering Free Berkeley, he added. The students there were involved in a free speech campaign. They said the college was denying them the right to speak out. They had it written up on a wall at the entrance to the college.

Thats where it comes from. It comes from California. It is not an Irish nationalist slogan, nor a socialist slogan, nor a republican slogan. It is an internationalist slogan. It was to do with what was happening at the time, in Portuguese colonies in Africa, and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. That is what we had in mind when we placed the slogan on the wall.

Personally, I would say it is the most enduring and important thing that I have ever written in almost 50 years of scribbling and scrawling and writing on walls and all the rest of it.

You Are Now Entering Free Derry is something I am very, very proud of and I dont want to see it become part of a squabble here in Derry at this late stage. That would be a disgrace. It would be a disgrace to Derry and to the cause of Civil Rights if there is now to be a squabble about who so to speak owns it.

Nobody owns Free Derry Wall, nobody at all. People put up the slogan which fell down a few weeks ago because of the weather. Many other things, trees fell down, telegraph poles fell down, and part of Free Derry Wall fell down, said Mr McCann.

But even when it is replaced, we would like to see it replastered, and the slogan - just black words on a white background, exactly as it was, You Are Now Entering Free Derry, with no other slogans and no other comments on it, that is what I want to see and what an awful lot of other people want to see, he added.

Storm damaged Free Derry Wall.

Recalling the origins of Free Derry Wall, local Republican Dixie Elliott said: During a lull in the rioting [on January 5, 1969] a local lad, Liam Hillen, approached Eamonn McCann with a pot of paint he had come across and asked him for any suggestions for a good piece of Graffiti. He told Liam to write, You Are Now Entering Free Derry.

Although Liam Hillen had been the first to put what is likely the most iconic piece of graffiti in the world on that gable wall, it was merely another piece of graffiti on an already graffiti covered wall, added Mr Elliott.

Then along came Caker Casey, who was a dab hand at the sign writing, and he improved it more or less in the same lettering as is still seen today.

Then in 1975, the row of derelict houses which had been attached to Free Derry gable wall were due for demolition. A local building and demolition contractor, William Hegarty, who was born and raised less than 30 metres from the wall, told his men to leave it standing.

So it remained standing to Commemorate the Bogside Spirit and People.
Hamnet director Chloe Zhao has said she has a very personal connection with Ireland and that the film has some energy from the country, while speaking at the 2026 Bafta film awards.

The hit film took home two gongs at this years ceremony and showcases Irish talent, having been adapted from author Maggie OFarrells award-winning novel and starring actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

Buckley takes the lead as Shakespeares wife, Agnes Hathaway  historically known as Anne  in the film, which follows the family life of William Shakespeare after the death of their young son.

During the winners press conference, Chinese filmmaker Zhao spoke about the Irish influence on the film after it took home the prize for outstanding British film.

She said: I have a very personal connection with Ireland, and I cant share what that is.

But the land and the culture and the desire to try to remember what might have been forgotten and passed away from that culture is really, really strong.

When I met Maggie and read her book, I felt that, yes, this is a story about Shakespeares family, but for some reason, her being Irish has something to do with it.

Theres some spirit. Theres some energy in it that came from her part of the world.

Speaking about when Zhao proposed the casting for Hamnet, OFarrell joked: I said, did you actually do any auditions, or did you just go straight to Ireland and you didnt come back?'

The novelist, who is from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, continued: But they were just simply the best people for the job. All the cast, I think were just so perfectly cast.

During the press conference, Zhao also praised OFarrell for the transforming experience of the film, and called taking part in the making of Hamnet a life-changing experience.

She added: From now on we can always look across the room and go, we were there, transformed by that experience from the forest to (Shakespeares) Globe theatre.

Alongside the outstanding British film award, Buckley, from Killarney in Co Kerry, took home the best actress gong.

Mescal, from Dublin, has received a string of nominations across the awards season for Hamnet but has yet to receive a prize for his role.

Meanwhile, Buckley is a frontrunner for the Oscars and has dominated the awards season, having so far proved unbeatable for her role in the hit film.
The music scene in Derry has always been great for young bands, and currently theres plenty of great up-and-coming groups making waves locally, thanks to the likes of Siege City Promotions and the Nerve Centre.

This week, Im talking to Growing Pains, who over the last year or so have been making a name for themselves around the city. Now, theyre about to play their first headline gig in the Nerve Centre on March 6th (with support from Intuition, Yours Truly, Solitude and Skins).

I caught up with the band, made up of Aidan Duddy (rhythm guitar/vocals), Marty Campbell (lead guitar and backing vocals), Turlough Hagan (drums) and Sean Gormley (bass), to talk a bit about the groups story so far:

How did the band first come together?

Aidan: I had the notion to start a band for a while, I had done a few courses in the Nerve Centre where you get put into a band for a week and play a gig at the end of it, and that really boosted my interest in playing live. I then met Marty through a band project in the St. Columb's School of Music and met Sean through school. We all had shared interests in terms of bands we liked and passion for music, so we formed Growing Pains!

Our original drummer Sage Gamble played with us for a year but decided to part ways in January and we now have Turlough Hagan on drums, who was a friend of me and Sean for a few years and luckily happened to be an amazing drummer.

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

Aidan: For me personally, it has to be IDLES. We have played quite a few of their tunes live and I actually played on stage with them in Bristol. I love everything they stand for, and I hope we recreate some of the energy and love that you feel at their live shows, at ours.

Marty: For me it has to be the Arctic Monkeys. Back in 2023 Id seen them live in Belfast and that really sparked my interest to be in a band. I would see videos of them online performing when they were teenagers, and it really showed me that it was possible to make it big.

Turlough: I'd say I was first interested in actually joining a band at the end of summer when I went to see a Nerve Centre gig and I realised how fun it looked to play in one. I had been playing drums on and off for five years prior but never really been interested in band work until that Nerve Centre gig.

It just so happened that two of my friends Sean and Aidan were in one and I was lucky enough to be offered the position as their drummer! I'm really looking forward to playing my first gig with them.

READ MORE: MacD on Music

Sean: When I first joined the band, I listened to death metal bands like Death and jazz fusion bands like Weather Report, so these were my biggest musical influences. However, the band has since introduced me to a wide range of genres, especially experimental ones, which I have come to love. I also believed it was time for me to join a band because I had been playing bass for a significant number of years before so.

Have you got a chance to go into the studio yet? Any plans to release anything any time soon?

We all had some past experience in recording through courses held in the Nerve Centre, but we recently wrote and have begun to record our first single independently. We will be debuting the single at an upcoming gig (so keep an eye out for the announcement!) Our bass player Sean is doing all the technical stuff; he's going to mix the song and help us record it. We can't wait for everyone to hear it!

What are your aims for the future?

We really just want to continue growing and building on our following, we've been playing for over a year now and the support we have received is amazing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GROWING PAINS (@growingpains.derry)

We would also love to play some bigger shows in the future, maybe some support slots and stuff like that. We would love to play at Stendhal Festival too; we put in an application in December, so fingers crossed on that one.

We would also love to write and record even more singles and hopefully release an EP in the future!

And thats it from Growing Pains.

Theyre playing the Nerve Centre on March 6th. Tickets are 2.50 and available on the Nerve Centre website or on the door.

Now, onto other business. This Thursday, :Panic :Over and Dark Tropics will be playing a double headliner in Sandinos with Support from Cora Harkin. Tickets are 8 plus booking fee and can be found at tickettailor.com/events/smashingbuttonsltd.

Also on Thursday, David James will be playing his biggest headline gig to date when he plays the Millennium Forum. David has, to date, released two studio albums and will be taking the stage with his new backing band, formed last February. Tickets are 26.50 plus booking fee and can be bought at millenniumforum.co.uk/whats-on/david-james.

Finally, time for the socials. David James can be found on Instagram @david_james_official, Cora Harkin @coraharkinmusic, Dark Tropics @darktropicsmusic, :Panic :Over @panic_over_ and Growing Pains @growingpains.derry.
An objection to a proposed development of a data centre in Drogheda has been labelled "unacceptable" by councillors.

The issue was raised at the February meeting of Drogheda Borough District, in which Labour councillor Pio Smith called on Mayor Cllr Michelle Hall to request a meeting with An Taisce who submitted the objection to the development.

An Taisce says it aims to protect and preserve Ireland's natural and built heritage, however, Cllr Smith said developers have made significant efforts to mitigate any climate impacts and therefore "shouldn't be targeted by An Taisce's campaign".

Cllr Smith said the planned development of a data centre at the Premier Periclase site in Drogheda could be the "catalyst" in the redevelopment of the "underused industrial land bank".

He said it has the potential to deliver "significant local employment" while also removing the existing facilities which "negatively impacts the natural environment".

Conditional planning permission had been granted by Louth County Council, however was appealed by An Taisce to An Comisiun Pleanala during the summer of 2025.

Cllr Smith said the objection was lodged "15 minutes before closing" and said a judgement is expected in the coming weeks.

Read Next: The roads and regions in Louth funded in the 24.4 million announced this week

Independent councillor Kevin Callan said "his blood is up" when speaking about the project, before describing An Taisce's objection as reckless, irresponsible and counterproductive.

He said a change of use for the site would be a "God send" and if left, would remain an "environmental dump".

Fine Gael councillor Anne-Marie Ford said she was "disgusted" to learn an objection was put in and said it was "absolutely unacceptable.

She said the development would bring "wonderful opportunities" to the town.

Finally, Sinn Fein councillor Debbie McCole said she was keen to see the development progress as soon as possible.

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.
Children are being squeezed into spaces never intended for learning at some schools in County Louth, the Dail has heard.

Louth Fianna Fail TD Erin McGreehan made the remarks during a recent Questions on Policy or Legislation session.

Deputy McGreehan said: I highlight and press an issue in County Louth, namely, the inadequate school accommodation across the entire county.

In recent weeks, I have spoken to many principals and school communities in the county. Most recently, I met with St. Mochta's National School and Monksland National School.

Their classes are being squeezed into spaces that were never intended for teaching children or learning.

READ NEXT: NBI gives important update on high-speed fibre broadband for Ardee

These include converted rooms, cupboards, shared areas and halls, as well as temporary solutions that are just not fit for purpose in Ireland in 2026.

She continued by saying that while there may be reduction in school enrolments elsewhere, that is not the case in Louth.

The Department's responses reference an overall reduction to primary school enrolments. This is not helpful for County Louth.

It is not what is happening in our county in areas such as Dundalk, Blackrock, Louth village, Cooley Peninsula, Ardee, Drogheda, Termonfeckin, Clogherhead and everywhere else.

We are building in County Louth at unprecedented rates. Housing development is absolutely accelerating and we are not forward planning.

She concluded by calling on the Department of Education to take action on schools in the county.

In response to Deputy McGreehan, Tanaiste Simon Harris thanked her for raising the point and compared it to the situation in his own constituency.

Deputy Harris continued: Yes, I think it is a statement of fact to say the demographic situation in relation to primary schools might be changing.

But it is not equal across all parts of the country because there are some parts of the country where the population is continuing to grow very quickly and a lot of that is on the east coast.

The point raised by the Deputy in relation to County Louth is valid. We have to start to look at data on a much more granular basis in terms of counties but even parts of counties as well.

He went on to highlight the steps the Department is taking to address such issues across the country.

The Deputy will know the Minister has announced tranche one of the capital programme.

What I would say to the Deputy's constituents and to those schools she has referenced is that it is not the final word, it is tranche one.

The Tanaiste concluded by saying that the Government does intend to provide more funding to schools.

He reassured Deputy McGreehan that he would engage directly with her on the matter.
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.
Louth County Council has been told to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to develop interim schemes that can protect homes, businesses and prime agricultural areas against flooding, while permanent works are completed.

Louth Fianna Fail TD, Erin McGreehan said she was informed by Minister responsible for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Boxer Moran, that 154.1 million has been committed to flood relief and coastal protection projects across Louth, but interim measures are urgently required while major flood defence projects progress.

Deputy McGreehan said she raised the issue with the Minister during a meeting of the Oireachtas Finance Committee last week.

She was advised that while significant progress is being made on a number of flood relief schemes, interim measures are necessary and local authorities should engage directly with the Department to advance them.

Speaking after the meeting Deputy McGreehan said: Coastal erosion and flooding are impacting commuters right across the county from north Louth as far as Baltray in south Louth.

Read also: The roads and regions in Louth funded in the 23.4 million announced this week

It has reached a point where livelihoods are being seriously affected through residential flooding, as well as flooding in prime agriculture areas.

Significant funding has been committed to projects across the county to reduce the impact of flooding and coastal erosion, but these works are at different stages of development.

What communities need now are interim measures to bridge the gap between immediate risk and the completion of long term solutions.

The Minister confirmed that 154.1 million in investment has been committed for County Louth with flood relief works in Ardee, Drogheda and Carlingford progressing at various stages, and pressed for the need for interim flood defence measures to be taken.

Deputy McGreehan said that the Minister further encouraged Louth County Council to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to develop interim schemes that can protect homes, businesses and prime agricultural areas while permanent works are completed.

Each flood event affects areas differently and interim supports must be tailored to local conditions. The only way to get these measures in place is through direct engagement with the Department so that appropriate supports can be designed and implemented for the areas that need them most.

A priority of mine is the maintenance of rivers and the catchment. With the increased level of rainfall, it is causing very high levels of flooding mainly on agricultural land. Whilst not all of this flooding is preventable, with the adequate maintenance and management of rivers is essential.

Deputy McGreehan said that she will be engaging with Louth County Council in the coming months to ensure active engagement with the Department to progress the implementation of interim flood protection measures.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced that Ardee has now been connected to high-speed fibre broadband. Almost 6,800 homes, farms and businesses in the county can place an order for high-speed broadband today.

NBI said its connection of Ardee means that 1,578 homes and businesses can now access high-speed fibre broadband. This includes the rural surrounds of Ardee, Collon and Clonkeen.

The completion of works near Ardee means that 6,787 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across Louth with 2,879 connections made to date.

NBI said it is encouraging all Louth residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if theyre ready to connect and find out more about placing an order.

Read also: House building in Louth begins 2026 on a positive note

NBIs fibre broadband rollout under the National Broadband Plan is delivering broadband services to what is known as the States Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband.

The Intervention Area currently includes 9,000 premises in Louth which NBI said will see it deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the county. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Louth will receive 33m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

As Ireland transitions away from legacy copper networks, NBI said its fibre network will ensure communities across Louth are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: We are delighted to announce that almost 1,600 Louth homes, businesses and farms near Ardee can now connect to NBIs high-speed fibre broadband. Those connected are experiencing the life-changing benefits of high-speed fibre broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

With the national switch-off of the copper network approaching, NBIs fibre network will ensure communities across Co Louth are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access, and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.

As we enter the final year of the National Broadband Plan rollout, were encouraging everyone in Louth to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and order now to secure high-speed fibre broadband for their home or business.
After a 12 year absence, Relay For Life is now returning home to Dundalk, which was the first town in Ireland to ever host the special event.

Relay for Life is a 24-hour, community-led walk which fundraises for the Irish Cancer Society, with Saturday, January 31, marking its comeback to the Louth town.

The launch night, which was held in Dundalk Stadium, saw upwards of 50 people attend and listen to inspirational speakers. These included Nikki Murphy, a cancer survivor and now a committee member and Eileen English, a local voluntary Irish Cancer Society Driver who explained what her role is and how the funds raised contribute to the success of such drivers in the organisation.

Other speakers included Ciara Hughes from the Irish Cancer Society, well-known runner Collette O'Hagan who is a local ambassador and Ms Ireland Caoimhe Kenny, who is also an ambassador and spoke of how proud she was to be associated with Relay For Life Dundalk.

READ MORE: An Taisce's 'last minute' objection to proposed Drogheda data centre could leave site as a 'dump'

The night ended with the ribbon being cut to launch the Relay to the tune of Cancel Cancer written by Collette OHagan with music added by Larry OHagan.

Speaking on the initiative, Event Chair Ollie Morgan said: "How I became involved with Relay For Life was, of course, through social media. I was tagged in a post on the Irish Cancer Society asking if there was still a Relay Committee in Dundalk. I did a bit of research on this and discovered that the last time there was an event here in Dundalk was in October 2014. I contacted people that I knew were involved in previous Relays and asked them to come on board and thankfully they didn't hesitate and agreed to join us on this new journey."

Relay for Life Dundalk is sponsored by Dundalk Stadium, PrimeDesigns NI, Petals Flower Shop, Embellish and Bobbie at 17 Vending and Events.

The event begins on Saturday, September 12 at 2pm and finishes on Sunday September, 13 at 2pm in Dundalk Stadium.

If you would like to register as an individual or as a team please go to https://www.relayforlife.ie/event/dundalk or email relayforlifedundalk@gmail.com and they will be happy to assist you.
Chinese investment crucial for Serbian development: president

Xinhua) 10:31, February 22, 2026

BELGRADE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday underscored the crucial role of Chinese investment in Serbia's economic development during a visit to the country's eastern region.

Sustained Chinese involvement in key industrial projects is "of vital importance" for both local communities and the country as a whole, Vucic said in Bor, eastern Serbia.

The president highlighted the tangible impact of Chinese investment on employment and living standards, noting that the investment has preserved thousands of jobs and strengthened economic stability in the region.

Throughout his visit, Vucic said that maintaining and expanding Chinese investment is a cornerstone of Serbia's strategy for sustainable growth and modernization.

"Our goal is to develop our country together with our Chinese partners," he said.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu)
A Cork production company is hoping that its latest short film will put it in the Oscar spotlight.

Heritage is the company behind Newtown Boys, which tells a small story with a big heart.

Set in Waterford, and based on a true story, the film revisits a transformative moment from the 1960s: a familys simple act of hospitality toward a boy from a nearby religious backed institution.

It tells a story of childhood connection, community, and the human consequences of a complex chapter in Irelands past.

The short is produced by Emily Power, from Ovens, who has worked with Heritage for five years.

The company previously produced the acclaimed short Two For The Road, which was Oscar-longlisted, and Power hopes Newtown Boys will achieve similar success.

We are bringing the short to festivals in Ireland, including Fastnet this summer, and then hope to bring it to America, she said.

The dream would be to get it longlisted for an Oscar.

The world we live in nowadays is full of doom and gloom, but if we support each other, we can develop beautiful friendships and relationships.

We hope to spread this message through our film.

Power says the story behind Newtown Boys was a perfect fit for Heritage.

I always try to find voices we havent heard before. The films context, with Catholic Ireland as the backdrop and the Mother and Baby Homes, knowing what we do about them now, felt especially compelling.

Seeing everything through the eyes of children, who dont understand the gravity of their situation, really appealed to me.

Its powerful how you can show light even in quite a dark and sad situation.

In the film, Joseph (Conor Thornton), a young boy living in a Catholic-run orphanage, is given an opportunity to spend a weekend with the warm and welcoming OSullivan family.

During his stay, he forms a close bond with their son, Conn. The weekend marks the starting point of a lifelong friendship.

Newtown Boys is written by Heather OSullivan and is based on her fathers family. Power says the most striking thing about listening to OSullivan talk about the two boys is the joy they felt when they were together.

The film is based on our writer Heathers family. Her dad, Conn, and his family took the boy in, and he became like another member of the family. Her family calls him their uncle.

Heather says whenever the two men talk about that time, its always with so much joy.

Conn has lots of sisters, so by bringing Joseph into their family, he found a brother. He became, and still is, part of the family. Even though being raised in a convent was hard, there was a positive light at the end of the tunnel for Joseph.

Producers often face difficult decisions. Did having a writer with a personal connection to the film make things more challenging for Power, or did it enhance the process?

She admits personal ties can sometimes cause complications, but in the case of Newtown Boys, OSullivans emotional connection allowed her to offer helpful perspectives.

There are a few sisters in the film. Originally, I suggested cutting them out, but Heather was insistent: No, I need them. Theyre my aunts. She made a strong case for keeping them.

From a producers perspective, I wasnt sure they were necessary to emphasise the story, but ultimately, it was helpful. Heather explained that including them in the script really reflects Ireland at the time.

Most people come from families with lots of aunts and uncles, so its an authentic reflection of the period.

Power says that OSullivans connection to Waterford also helped the production.

We shot in Tramore and around that area. Heathers family grew up around Newtown. Having that connection made a real difference.

The town really got on board. Sometimes, when you arrive to shoot in a new place, you feel like an outsider, but Heathers connection helped the council, local restaurants, and even accommodation providers to support us. It really created a strong sense of community.

The film has a great cast, including Tara Breathnach and Lochlann OMearain. Power says they were lucky to cast two brilliantly talented young actors, Conor Thornton and Leo Earley, to play Conn and Joseph.

Earley who appeared on the Late Late Toy Show in 2024, has been cast to play Seamus Finnigan in HBOs upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and is a rising star to watch.

We saw Leo on the Toy Show. He came on because he is a Seanchai. He had the perfect attitude we needed for Conn; he was a proper little man about town, said Power.

We had a great casting director on board, Shauna Griffith, and she helped us track him down. He was a dream to work with and is about to do great things with Harry Potter.

Power says the films funding came from a group of women based in New York.

Edwina Fitzmaurice is one of our executive producers, who we met through Niamh, our director.

Edwina works in business and tech, but she was looking for a creative outlet. She formed a syndicate of businesswomen with Irish connections, as well as one from India and one from Chile, to fund the film.

One of the funders is Deirdre OConnor, who comes from Cobh but works in New York. Its inspiring to have these women, who left their home countries and worked their way up in Americas business industry, finding a creative outlet.

See: https://heritage.ie/target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and https://www.newtownboys-shortfilm.com/
Who doesnt love a good love story? Well, my life started with one, though the setting was far from romantic. It was the Intensive Care Unit at St Finbarrs Hospital in Cork.

My mum, Carmel Feeney, a nurse, had just returned from a year travelling around America, and was on her first day at work.

In attendance was my dad Fin Breatnach, a third-year medical student doing the rounds.

Both were masked, both just 22, but their eyes met, sparks flew, and in just a few moments, they had left a lasting impression on each other.

So much so that when my dad met his friend (another medical student) shortly after, who told him about the brand new nurse who had just started, who was gorgeous and who he was intending to ask out, my dad said his goodbyes, immediately doubled back, and asked her out first!

Well, alls fair in love and war, as they say.

My parents were married three years later and, by the time I arrived, my dad was doing a six-month stint in Obstetrics in the Erinville Hospital.

He was on call there the night my mum went into labour with me. Which was just as well because when I came into the world looking a concerning shade of blue, there was no paediatrician on duty! So, it was left to him to get me started.

His next posting was at the Mercy Hospital where he was inspired by Dr Seamus ODonoghue to focus on Paediatrics.

It was the early 1970s, when the use of chemotherapy to treat cancers in children was in its infancy. My dads interest in this area ignited but it meant we had to up sticks from Cork to Coventry where he would complete his paediatric training, and after that to Great Ormond Street in London for his oncology training.

When we returned to Ireland, it was to live in Dublin, where my father started work at Crumlins Childrens Hospital and established Irelands first Paediatric Oncology centre.

Love & Other Liabilities, by Fiona McCann

It was extremely high-pressure work, time-intensive, and without half as many staff as a comparable unit in the UK would have had.

But my father was fortunate that for respite in the summer we could go to Sherkin Island in West Cork, where his mum, my gran, had a cottage.

Those trips were the highlight of the year for my siblings and I.

From Cork city, wed turn onto the N71 and start counting down the towns and villages - the place names having an almost mystical sound to us: Innishannon, Bandon, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Leap and on to Skibbereen (which we had to say as fast as possible for maximum effect).

After that, it was on to the last and, to our minds, most beautiful stretch of the journey, to Baltimore. And then the ferry crossing to Sherkin Island where the holiday would really begin.

The island had been a feature of dads childhood summers because his parents, Monica and Riobard Breatnach, loved the place and its outer neighbour Cape Clear.

So much so, in fact, that Riobard, a professor of Old and Medieval English in UCC, translated Conchur O Siochains Seanchas Chleire (The Man From Cape Clear) into English in 1975.

Riobard was a friend and peer of J.R.R. Tolkien, a fact I was thrilled to discover having been a huge fan of The Lord Of The Rings growing up.

He was also on the very first jury for the Cork Film Festival. Seemingly, he invited all the distinguished members to visit Fastnet Lighthouse during which trip everyone, bar my grandad, was horribly seasick!

Riobard died at just 61, the year after The Man From Cape Clear was published but my Gran, a wonderful storyteller in her own right and a most resilient lady, continued to live on the island alone for another 20 years, despite urgings from her family to live with them in Cork or Dublin instead. But she insisted, if she was going to be heartbroken, shed rather be so in a beautiful place and stayed.

And my goodness, did we all find Sherkin beautiful. It was a playground for us as children: traipsing across pock-marked cow fields, down to pristine beaches which we often had to ourselves, jumping in off the rocks into the incoming tides, and then racing back to the cottage, always with sky-rocketing appetites.

It was an experience in peace and freedom, and in such contrast to the noise of Coventry and London and even Dublin, that we revelled in it.

Only the skies in Sherkin seemed to carry any drama, with the weather rolling in from miles away and the spectacular, drawn out, summer sunsets that rounded out each day.

Its maybe no wonder, when I was given the advice to write what you know and love some years ago, that I immediately thought of Sherkin as the setting for a book.

I arrived on the pier with my main character, looked up the steep hill, took a deep breath and started walking, combining memories with imagination to see what would happen.

And what happened many, many drafts later was Love & Other Liabilities, a second chance romance set on my own island of Inish Ruin.

Its the story of an emotionally walled-off woman who has to return to the island where she grew up to save her finances, but is instead forced to face up to the past - and the boy who broke her heart - with the help of an irrepressible flatmate, an elderly bride-to-be, an unruly dog, and an island of well-intentioned meddlers!

A summer escape from the February rains. And a love story from me to my favourite place.

Fiona McCanns debut novel Love & Other Liabilities was launched on February 12, published by Poolbeg.
A young woman was threatened by her ex-partner that she would not recognise her own face when he was finished throwing a bottle of acid over her. That was the threat made by the young man back in August 2020.

On Friday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court  after one week remanded in custody  he was sentenced to two years and three months, backdated to when he went into custody, with the remainder of the sentence suspended.

Judge Helen Boyle made it a condition of the suspension of the sentence that he would continue to attend at the Men Overcoming Violent Emotions (MOVE) programme.

Detective Sergeant Niall Hayes explained the delay in bringing the case before the court. The accused went to the United Kingdom shortly after the threat was made and only returned recently.

The incident occurred at a time when his ex-partner had a barring order against him. He rang her and threatened to kill her.

He also said: I will put your door in. This time you wont be able to recognise your face after the bottle of acid thrown at your face. He added that he was going to kill her.

When questioned, he made admissions to saying these things, but said he had no intention of carrying out the threats.

The accused and his then-partner met when they were both in addiction treatment. Det. Sgt Hayes said: It was very much a see-saw relationship.

During the sentencing hearing, the young woman spoke up for the accused saying she was keen for him to continue to have access to their children even though they are no longer in a relationship. She said she was not in fear of him.
The occasion marked the end of a months-long battle to save one of Corks most famous nightlife venues from the brink of dereliction.

Fortunately, the intense preparation for the Savoys grand reopening on Valentine's night seems to be paying off. Just a week into the venues comeback, and gigs are already being booked for Christmas.

For local promoters the Good Room, who are working in conjunction with building owners Clarendon Properties to relaunch the venue on Cork City's St Patrick Street, the experience, while exhausting, has been hugely rewarding.

With the rest of the building now developed for retail and residential use, Good Room principals Joe Kelly, Caoilian Sherlock, and Ed OLeary are excited about what the future holds for the Savoy.

BoolaBoom at the opening night of the Savoy in Cork.

The space has been reimagined in various ways. Spread across two rooms  a main section and a smaller upstairs lounge area  the revamped venue has a capacity for nearly 600 people.

Completing the finishing touches in time for opening night proved a struggle for all involved. OLeary says the paint was still wet on opening night, due to the lengthy and complex construction process.

Various transformations

Steeped in local history, the Savoy has undergone various transformations during its lifetime.

Zurito performing at the opening night of Savoy. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

It opened in 1932 as a cinema, serving as the main screen for the early years of the Cork Film Festival, which saw stars like Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren grace the red carpet.

In the 1970s, the Savoy hosted live music, and in more recent years up to its closure in 2016, artists including Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris, MGMT, and Wu-Tang Clan  among many others  graced its stage

Reopening for the first time since 2016, the location has been reimagined as a live music venue and cultural space. Renovations involved improvements to the sound and sightlines to cater for a more intimate setting.

The Savoy on St Patrick's Street, Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

We made a success of St Lukes but there is more footfall in the city," he told the Irish Examiner. "Like anything in life, its going to take a few months to build momentum. We have stuff provisionally booked for Christmas that hasnt been announced.

"I think once people have read the stories and seen the photos of whats happening here, there will be a lot more interest.

"There is a lot in the pipeline, including Ronan O'Gara and former Wales star Dan Biggar, who will be coming here to discuss the Six Nations in 'Biggs & ROG On The Fly' on March 4.

Kelly says nightclubs and music venues are still facing challenges in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

When I came to Cork, first there were at least 17 nightclubs. As a nation that culture is in us, but now there is only three or four in Cork City. Nightclubs have been annihilated because they never had a strong enough lobby group.

"The nightclub business has been allowed to die effectively in Ireland and politicians dont care. As a result, we have had to completely redefine the whole nightclub business.

As for the official reopening of the Savoy last Saturday night, Kelly says: When it all came together, Ed and I just stood watching, taking it in, for a few minutes. This is a place that is steeped in history, which has welcomed iconic acts like the Rolling Stones, the Bee Gees, and Rory Gallagher.

Ed OLeary beside one of the new bar areas in the Savoy: 'People are happy to see this isnt a new building. Its an old one that has been revived for another life. This is the next stage of its lifetime. The building has gone from being derelict to having a purpose again.' Picture Chani Anderson

OLeary says they had been working 16-hour days to make their dream a reality.

We had a conversation months ago and decided we were just going to go for it. There was a lot of work that needed to be done, which was mainly electrical.

"I wouldnt say the place was falling apart when we first came here, but it was in very ragged condition.

"We were making the venue smaller, so there was a lot involved, including the building of new walls to block off public access.

"The building work took seven months. The paint was still wet when we opened on the Friday night. You are trying to navigate all these things while bringing in your sound systems and getting your lighting and your bar ready.

The nightclubs return has sparked positivity in Cork City.

People are happy to see this isnt a new building, says O'Leary. Its an old one that has been revived for another life. This is the next stage of its lifetime. The building has gone from being derelict to having a purpose again.

Caoilian Sherlock: 'This has been a really good news story for Cork. We are seeing so many ghosts of the Celtic Tiger where venues were successful only to shut down and never come back. Its great to be on the other side and have the chance to breathe new life into Cork City.' Picture: Chani Anderson

Sherlock describes the heartening reactions to news of the pubs reopening.

Almost everyone seems to remember the venue in one of its forms. Were having people telling us they remember visiting the Savoy as children when it was an arcade. Other people recall coming here when it was a cinema. Now, there will be stories for the next generation.

"We are hearing new details all the time such as how Charli XCX performed here before she was famous. Its great to give younger people the chance to enjoy a new space.

"This has been a really good news story for Cork. We are seeing so many ghosts of the Celtic Tiger where venues were successful only to shut down and never come back. Its great to be on the other side and have the chance to breathe new life into Cork City.
James Cox

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

St Patrick's Day looms large for Taoiseach

March 17th is still a while away but Taoiseach Micheal Martin will undoubtedly be strategising about his visit to the White House.

He is all but certain to take a non-confrontational approach with US president Donald Trump. However, this will be difficult with topics like Gaza, ICE, and tariffs.

Martin will likely try to emphasise the importance of the Irish-American relationship, particularly with regards to business, but if Trump decides to challenge him on US businesses in Ireland this could prove difficult.

Fianna Fail will undoubtedly be aware of the Business Post poll/Red C poll which found a majority (55 per cent) of respondents believe Martin should challenge Trump on American policies that dont align with Irish values.

Some 63 per cent of Fianna Fail voters said they would support the move.

Sinn Fein stance

Sinn Fein were out quickly to say they would not be attending the White House events.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald cited Gaza as a key reason.

It is important that the eyes of the international community remain focused on what is happening in Palestine and it is important that Sinn Fein uses its voice to demand that international law is upheld and peace and justice prevail, she said.

However, it has since transpired that Sinn Fein received no invitation.

In a statement issued to The Irish Times in response to questions, the US ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh said that no members of Sinn Fein have been invited to the White House, and none are expected to be invited.

Announcing a boycott of an event for which invitations have neither been extended nor finalised is premature, said the ambassador.

McDonald defends Sinn Fein stance on 90 billion Ukraine loan

Sinn Fein has also come under criticism for voting against a 90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.

Minister of State Neale Richmond has accused Sinn Fein of "abandoning Ukraine" after its MEPs voted against a 90 billion loan to the country amid the ongoing Russian war.

The loan involved 30 billion of financial support and 60 billion for military equipment.

Sinn Fein MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Lynn Boylan voted against the measure, which was passed by the European Parliament, arguing that it undermined Ireland's neutrality.

In heated Dail exchanges, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty also argued the money should be spent elsewhere.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Neale Richmond said: "It wasnt too long ago that I stood outside the Russian embassy with Sinn Fein representatives opposed to Russias brutal full scale invasion of Ukraine, the same party made a series of speeches in solidarity and demanded more action from the Government here, the Sinn Fein leader was happy to pose with the visiting Ukrainian President weeks ago and pledge her support."

McDonald has defended the move.

In an interview with RTE, she said her party stands in solidarity with Ukraine against Putin and his illegal invasion but that spending tens of billions more of taxpayers money on more and more weaponry is not the way to resolve this conflict ... The full international effort has to be around diplomacy, peacemaking".

Abroad

Searches are continuing at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors previous home as the UK government did not rule out a judge-led inquiry into the former princes links with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein following police investigations.
Fair Work claims are projected to hit 55,000 this year. The FWC president says AI is the reason. Heres what Australian business owners need to know now.

Whats happening: Fair Work Commission President Justice Adam Hatcher has warned that AI tools are driving a surge in workplace claims that is pushing the Commission to its limits.

Why this matters: AI tools are lowering the barrier to lodging claims, enabling employees to prepare and file applications, including some with invented or embellished facts, with minimal effort, time, or cost.

There is a scene Justice Adam Hatcher describes that will resonate with any employer who has ever had to let someone go. He opened ChatGPT, told it he had been dismissed, provided a few basic facts, and watched the tool produce a ready-to-file Fair Work application and a witness statement containing, as he put it, a substantially-invented story about his dismissal. It suggested he could realistically expect between $15,000 and $40,000 in compensation. The whole exercise took less than 10 minutes.

Justice Hatcher, President of the Fair Work Commission, shared this account in a presentation to the Victorian Bar Association on 18 February 2026, titled A disrupted future: Artificial intelligence and the Fair Work Commission. It was a candid signal to Australian employers that the landscape of workplace disputes has changed significantly, and that AI is the primary reason why.

A 70% surge in three years

The numbers behind Justice Hatchers address are stark. Total FWC lodgments sat at a little above 30,000 per year until around 2023. They jumped to 40,190 in 2023-24, then to 44,075 in 2024-25. For 2025-26, the Commission is projecting between 50,000 and 55,000 lodgments, which Justice Hatcher says will represent a growth of over 70% in the space of three years.

Unfair dismissal claims have surged 27% above the long-term average, with cases expected to exceed 50,000 this year, prompting Justice Hatcher to acknowledge publicly that the volume is now stretching the Commissions capacity.

Compared to the three-year average from 2022-23 to 2024-25, the current financial years figures show total lodgments up 40%, unfair dismissal applications up 41%, section 365 general protections dismissal claims up 62%, and other general protections contravention disputes up 135%, according to the Commissions own data.

Justice Hatcher was direct about what is driving this. The historical relationship between retrenchment rates and dismissal applications, which previously moved in tandem, has broken down. The timing of the divergence coincides closely with the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 and the subsequent proliferation of AI tools.

That this is principally being caused by the increasing use of AI tools by potential litigants is, in my view, the only reasonable inference which can be drawn, he said in the presentation.

Ten minutes and a chatbot

The mechanism is straightforward. AI tools can now explain the Fair Work system, identify potential grounds for a claim, fill in the required forms, and generate supporting witness statements, all without any prior legal knowledge required on the part of the user.

Justice Hatcher acknowledged the access-to-justice dimension of this. For a legitimate claimant who would previously have had no idea where to start, an AI tool that can identify a remedy and explain the process in plain language is, on balance, a positive development.

The problem is what happens when the tool is pointed at a weak or unmeritorious case. Emplawyer managing principal Michelle Dawson said AI tools have made it faster and easier for individuals to lodge claims, with her firm observing a rise in claims that have clearly been prepared with AI tools which require very little input by the applicant, and many such claims smack of opportunism, lack merit and/or are vexatious.

Justice Hatcher put the practical effect plainly in his presentation. The proportion of dismissed employees who then contested their dismissal at the FWC jumped from 75.6% for the year to February 2024 to 84.4% for the year to February 2025, based on the Commissions own rough calculation comparing lodgments against ABS job mobility data.

There is a further dimension that is particularly relevant for employers facing general protections claims. Justice Hatcher noted that the majority of general protections dismissal claims under section 365 are brought by applicants who have not served the qualifying period to make an unfair dismissal claim. In other words, a significant portion of the surge in general protections claims appear to be unfair dismissal claims in substance, reframed by AI tools as general protections applications to get around eligibility requirements.

What this costs employers

The Commission is showing the strain. A key performance benchmark requires 90% of reserved decisions to be issued within 12 weeks. The FWC maintained this standard through to the end of 2024-25 despite the growing caseload. That benchmark has now slipped for the first time in many years, with 85% of decisions issued within 12 weeks in the current financial year to date.

As Dynamic Business has reported, for small business owners caught in the system, the impact extends well beyond statistics. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has described the current environment as one where claims can be lodged easily and cheaply, with disproportionate consequences for genuine small employers who have done nothing wrong.

Justice Hatcher also noted that the Commissions capacity to deal with major cases of public importance is being compromised, including gender-based undervaluation matters, reviews of award provisions relating to working from home and part-time employment, and minimum standards orders for digital platform workers. These are cases that affect every employer in Australia.

What employers should do now

In response to the surge, the Fair Work Commission is reforming its procedures. The most significant change for employers is an incoming mandatory AI disclosure requirement, which will be embedded across all FWC forms and documents. Parties who used AI to prepare an application will be required to disclose this, verify that all facts are accurate, and confirm that all case law cited actually exists and says what it is claimed to say. Failure to do so may result in the application being dismissed or a costs order.

The Commission has also streamlined its case management model for general protections conciliation conferences. Conferences will now focus purely on settlement, run shorter, and be terminated immediately if a respondent indicates it has no intention of making an offer. Justice Hatcher noted that most conferences under the new procedures take less than an hour, with some concluding in five minutes.

For employers, the practical takeaway from this shift is the importance of documentation. Under the new procedures, extension of time applications without reasonable prospects of success can be dismissed on the papers, without requiring an employer to respond. But where a matter proceeds, a well-documented termination process remains the most effective protection.

That means clear performance expectations and position descriptions from the outset, structured and documented performance management processes where issues arise, written records of warnings and the opportunity to respond, and a legitimate and documented reason for any termination decision. The quality of records kept before a termination occurs is what determines whether a business can defend a claim effectively once one is lodged.

Justice Hatcher also flagged that the FWC is seeking legislative reform from the Federal Government to allow more matters to be dealt with on the papers and to increase powers to dismiss claims without reasonable prospects of success. Whether that reform eventuates before the next projected record year remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Commission has made clear that employers should expect the current environment to continue.

Source: https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/reporting/presidents-presentation-ai-bar-association-2026-02-18.pdf

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Samsung's next flagship devices will offer Perplexity as part of an expansion to support multiple AI agents in Galaxy AI. Perplexity's AI agent will work with apps including Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder and Calendar, according to the announcement. And, some third-party apps will support it, though Samsung hasn't yet said which. The news comes just a few days before Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, so we can expect to find out more about that integration and how it fits in with Samsung's revamped Bixby very soon.

What we know so far is that the Perplexity agent will respond to the wake phrase, "Hey Plex" (not to be confused with the streaming service Plex). It can also be initiated by quick-access physical controls. In a statement, Samsung's Won-Joon Choi, President, COO and Head of the R&D Office for Samsung's Mobile eXperience Business, said the expansion of Galaxy AI is aimed at giving users more choice and flexibility in getting their tasks done. "Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, bringing together different forms of AI into a single, natural, cohesive experience, Choi said.

Samsung previously announced a partnership with Perplexity last year to integrate the company's AI search engine into Samsung TVs. Perplexity has been in hot water though over alleged content scraping and copyright infringement, and was even sued in September by Merriam-Webster  yes, the dictionary  and Encyclopedia Britannica.
Ready your wallets if you've been thinking about upgrading your Apple products. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will announce "at least five products," starting on Monday, March 2, and extending to its scheduled "experience" on Wednesday, March 4.

There's a long list of potential options that Apple could announce next month, but Gurman is confident in a few. According to the report, Apple is "very likely" to reveal the low-cost MacBook, especially considering the event logo's choice of colors that could reference the new laptop colors. Gurman also predicted that Apple could announce the iPhone 17e, since its predecessor was launched last spring, and an iPad Air that's updated with the M4 chip. Previous rumors point to Apple getting ready to drop the upgraded MacBook Pro, which will likely get M5 Pro and Max chips, and the new MacBook Air with the base M5 chip. If that wasn't enough, Apple could even debut the refreshed Mac Studio and a new Apple Studio Display since the two desktop-oriented options were already expected to be released in the first half of the year.

There hasn't been any confirmation from Apple directly, but it may have left behind some hints for this "three-day blitz" of product announcements. Going off Apple's wording, the March 4 event will be an "Apple Experience" with locations in New York, London and Shanghai, which doesn't sound like the typical format of an event with keynote addresses that's paired with a livestream. Gurman also noted that Apple usually announces its new products on Tuesday, unlike the official Wednesday timing.
Apples satellite features were originally designed for emergencies, allowing iPhone users to contact emergency services when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable. With recent versions of iOS, Apple has expanded those capabilities to include sending and receiving messages via satellite. This makes it possible to stay in touch with friends and family from remote locations where traditional networks do not reach, such as hiking trails, rural areas or offshore locations.

Messaging via satellite is built directly into the iPhone and works automatically when no cellular or Wi-Fi signal is available. While it is not intended to replace regular messaging, it can be a useful backup when coverage drops.

How to send a message via satellite

Before you can get started, youll need to turn on iMessage before youre off the grid. Its also important to set up an emergency contact as well as members of your Family Sharing group prior to your departure. This will enable them to message you via SMS without the need to message them first. To send a message via satellite, open the Messages app when no cellular or Wi-Fi signal is available. If the feature is supported in the current location, the app will display a prompt indicating that satellite messaging is available.

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Selecting the option to connect via satellite launches a guided connection screen. Your iPhone will provide real-time instructions to help maintain alignment with the satellite. Once connected, a text message can be typed and sent, although delivery may take longer than usual.

The iPhone will notify you when the message has been sent successfully. Replies from the recipient will also be delivered via satellite, as long as the connection remains active.

What you need before you can send satellite messages

Sending messages via satellite requires a compatible iPhone model and the correct software version. The feature is supported on iPhone models with satellite hardware, beginning with iPhone 14 and later. The device must be running a version of iOS (iOS 18 or higher) that supports satellite messaging, which Apple has continued to refine through recent iOS updates.

The feature also depends on location and availability. Satellite messaging is currently supported in select regions, including the United States and parts of Canada, with expanded support rolling out gradually. The iPhone must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky, as trees, buildings and terrain can interfere with the satellite connection.

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Satellite messaging is not designed for continuous conversations. Messages are compressed and sent at a slower pace than standard texts, and delivery times can vary depending on conditions and satellite positioning.

How satellite messaging works on iPhone

When an iPhone loses access to cellular and Wi-Fi networks, the system automatically detects that only satellite connectivity is available. Instead of failing to send, the Messages app prompts the user to connect to a satellite.

On-screen instructions guide the user to position the phone correctly. This typically involves holding the device up and following directional prompts to align it with an overhead satellite. The phone uses built-in sensors to help maintain the connection while the message is being sent.

Messages sent via satellite are text-only and use a reduced data format to ensure they can be transmitted reliably. Images, videos, audio messages and large attachments are not supported.

Who can receive satellite messages?

Satellite messages can be sent to contacts using iMessage or standard SMS, depending on the recipients device and settings. If the recipient is using an Apple device with iMessage enabled, the message will be delivered through Apples messaging system. If not, the message will be sent as a standard text.

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Recipients do not need a satellite-capable device to receive messages. From their perspective, the message appears similar to a regular text, though delivery times may be longer.

Tips for getting a reliable connection

A clear view of the sky is essential for satellite messaging to work properly. Open areas with minimal obstructions offer the best results. Movement, heavy foliage and nearby structures can interrupt the connection.

Because satellite bandwidth is limited, keeping messages short improves reliability and delivery speed. The iPhone may prompt the user to edit longer messages to fit within satellite constraints.

Battery life is also a consideration. Maintaining a satellite connection uses more power than standard messaging, so it helps to conserve battery when relying on satellite features for extended periods.

Limitations to keep in mind

Satellite messaging is designed for occasional use when other networks are unavailable. It does not support group messages, media attachments or read receipts in the same way as standard messaging.

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Delivery times can range from under a minute to several minutes, depending on environmental conditions and satellite availability. The feature should not be relied upon for time-sensitive communication unless no other option is available.

Apple has also noted that satellite features may be offered free for a limited period, with potential pricing or subscription requirements introduced in the future depending on region and carrier arrangements.

When satellite messaging can be useful

Messaging via satellite can be helpful for travelers, hikers and anyone spending time in remote areas where coverage is unreliable. It offers a way to check in, share basic updates or request non-emergency assistance when traditional networks are unavailable.

While it is not a replacement for emergency services, it complements Apples existing emergency satellite features by providing an additional communication option when users are off the grid.

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As Apple continues to expand satellite support, messaging via satellite is likely to become a more familiar part of the iPhone experience, particularly for users who regularly venture beyond the reach of cellular networks.
It looks like a March launch is no longer in the cards for Artemis II, NASA's first crewed trip to the moon's vicinity since the final Apollo mission over 50 years ago. While preparations were underway at the Kennedy Space Center for a launch as soon as March 6, the space agency says it ran into an issue with the flow of helium to its SLS rocket's upper stage this weekend and it now has to roll the rocket from the launch pad back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to figure out what's wrong and fix it. A media briefing is planned for sometime this week to discuss the problem and what's next.

But in a post on X, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed the rollback will "take the March launch window out of consideration." NASA noted on its blog that the current effort "potentially preserves the April launch window, pending the outcome of data findings, repair efforts, and how the schedule comes to fruition in the coming days and weeks." It's a four-mile trip back to the VAB that will take hours to carefully transport the massive rocket and the Orion spacecraft. NASA says it's eyeing February 24 for this trek.

The issue occurred overnight in the early hours of February 21, when NASA says it observed "interrupted flow of helium to the SLS (Space Launch System) rockets interim cryogenic propulsion stage." The space agency explained:

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The upper stage uses helium to maintain the proper environmental conditions for the stages engine and to pressurize liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant tanks. The systems worked during NASAs Artemis II wet dress rehearsals, but teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations following the wet dress rehearsal that concluded Feb. 19. Operators are using a backup method to maintain the environmental conditions for the upper stage engines and the rocket, which remains in a safe configuration.

The Artemis II crew  Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist  had just entered quarantine a day before the issue arose. NASA says the astronauts have since come out of quarantine.

At the start of this year, NASA announced an accelerated timeline for Artemis II, which was previously set for April 2026 after experiencing delays in 2024. For this 10-day mission, which will be the first crewed flight of the SLS rocket, the Artemis II astronauts will take a trip around the moon in the Orion spacecraft. While it initially targeted early February, the launch was pushed to March due to issues that popped up during the wet dress rehearsal. Now, we're back to the beginning with a possible April launch, but thatll depend on the fix being a quick one.
President Donald Trump is getting his way with the world economy. But high tariffs are likely to raise prices for American consumers and bus...
Tractors and farm vehicles filled the Tesco car park in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, as farmers staged their largest protest yet over inheritance tax changes and supermarket pressure on incomes.

The demonstration marked week four of the county-by-county campaign, with farmers travelling from across Northern Ireland including Coleraine, Dungiven, Benburb and Omagh.

Organisers say the weekly protests are part of IHT Phase 2 and are building towards early March, when letters sent to 11 of the UKs largest corporate food retailers  including Tesco  will seek backing for four key demands aimed at protecting the long-term survival of family farms.

William Taylor of Farmers For Action said: All credit must go to all those farmers, young and older, that came to support the continuing IHT Phase 2 weekly protests.

He said the campaign is focused on pressing retailers to support questions relating to fair returns, supply chain balance and the wider viability of family farming, and to lobby government accordingly.

In a pointed comparison, Mr Taylor said that while George Best once helped promote Cookstowns famous sausage, the protests are about preventing giant corporate food retailers sucking the financial life blood out of rural communities.

Leaflets outlining the groups concerns were distributed to Tesco shoppers throughout the evening.

Sean McAuley of Farmers For Action said: The stars of the night were the ladies who handed out the flyers to Tesco shoppers, our customers.

He also praised a local farmer who joined the effort, telling organisers: somebody has to get the message out!

Organisers said the turnout was so strong that they ran out of leaflets before the end of the protest.

The Cookstown event forms part of a wider escalation of farmer-led demonstrations across the UK in 2026, with supermarket depots and major retailers targeted in England.

Campaigners across the country say low farmgate returns, rising input costs and uncertainty surrounding inheritance tax reforms are placing growing strain on family businesses.

Tesco has not publicly responded to the Cookstown protest.

The next demonstration in Northern Ireland will take place on Thursday 26 February at Tesco Bridgewater Retail Park in Banbridge, Co Down.

Organisers say pressure will intensify unless retailers and ministers engage directly with farmers concerns.
Keaau, Hawaii--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2026) - BlueSky Energy Hawaii announces the release of an energy security and resilience framework addressing solar and battery adoption across Hawaii Island. The framework accompanies continued rooftop solar expansion statewide and presents planning considerations related to electricity continuity, grid variability, and on-site generation in island environments.

The framework compiles installation observations from projects conducted across diverse microclimates and land uses. Documented conditions include coastal exposure, rainfall variability, elevation changes, and dispersed population patterns. Planning considerations address system configuration, storage integration, maintenance scheduling, and operational monitoring under environmental factors present across the island. Technical descriptions outline interactions between generation capacity and stored energy during routine operation and during service interruptions affecting grid supply.

Content reflects installations located in residential neighborhoods, agricultural settings, and remote properties. Observational data derives from projects completed in communities including Hilo and surrounding districts. The framework presents configuration pathways for properties with varying load profiles and site constraints. Documentation includes references to equipment placement, environmental exposure management, and routine inspection intervals associated with long-term system operation.

The release occurs amid sustained activity among solar companies on the Big Island, Hawaii, and ongoing additions of grid-connected rooftop systems across Hawaii. The framework provides technical context for solar and battery pairing and describes operational considerations associated with distributed generation. Content addresses site assessment procedures, electrical interconnection considerations, and observed installation conditions across multiple service regions.

The framework includes information related to system performance monitoring and data interpretation. Documentation describes measurement parameters used in routine system evaluation and outlines reporting structures for operational review. Content addresses environmental factors influencing output variability and storage utilization patterns observed under island conditions. The framework also documents service considerations associated with maintenance access and equipment protection in coastal and inland environments.

Publication of the framework reflects project experience accumulated across installations completed since 2014. Content presents installation context without predictive statements and without comparative evaluation of technologies or outcomes. The document serves as a reference describing observed conditions and operational considerations present in Hawaii Island environments.

Headquarters operations remain based in Keaau. Service areas include multiple communities across Hawaii Island. The framework is available as a technical reference for property owners, project planners, and community stakeholders seeking information related to solar and battery system configuration in island settings.

About BlueSky Energy Hawaii

BlueSky Energy Hawaii is a locally owned solar installation company headquartered in Keaau, serving Hawaii Island since 2014. The company provides residential and commercial solar systems, battery storage, off-grid installations, repairs, and long-term maintenance designed for Hawaii's environment.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284650

Source: BrandingBuzz.Agency
Osaka has received an unusual donation  21kg of gold  to pay for the maintenance of its ageing water system, the Japanese commercial hub announced on Feb 19.

The donation worth US$3.6 million was made in November by a person who a month earlier had already given US$3,300 in cash for the municipal waterworks, Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama told a press conference.

"Its an absolutely staggering amount," said Yokoyama, adding that he was lost for words to express his gratitude. "I was shocked."

The donor wished to remain anonymous, the mayor said.

Work to replace water pipes in Osaka, a city of 2.8 million residents, has hit a snag as the actual cost exceeded the planned budget, according to local media.
Viral claims linking Leonardo DiCaprio to shocking allegations of cannibalism through the newly released Epstein Files have flooded social media, leaving many confused and alarmed. However, a closer look at the actual court documents and official records reveals a very different picture.

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has found himself at the centre of a bizarre online storm after viral posts claimed that newly released Epstein-related documents accused him of consuming 70 pounds of child meat. The sensational allegation, widely circulated across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, has now been debunked by multiple fact-checking outlets.

Did Leonardo DiCaprio engage in cannibalism?

According to verified court filings and the unsealed Epstein documents, DiCaprios name does not appear in connection with any criminal acts, let alone cannibalism. The viral claims stem from a misinterpretation and deliberate distortion of unrelated testimony, internet hoaxes, and conspiracy-driven narratives. None of the official records mention DiCaprio being involved in illegal activities or linked directly to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Reports further clarify that the phrase  70 pounds of child meat originated from fringe conspiracy forums and fabricated screenshots, which were later repackaged as supposed leaks from Epsteins files. These posts rapidly gained traction due to their shocking nature, despite having no basis in fact or documentation.

What does Leonardo DiCaprios name appearing in Epstein Files mean?

DiCaprios name surfaces in correspondence spanning several years. In a June 2009 email attributed to former UK minister Peter Mandelson, Epstein was asked whether international companies might seek DiCaprios endorsement. Another 2016 email exchange involving an account bearing the name Deepak Chopra referenced the possibility of arranging a dinner and asked whether DiCaprio would want to have dinner, with a reply stating the actor could be asked if available.

It may be noted that while several high-profile names appear in witness testimonies or contact lists in Epstein Files, inclusion alone does not imply wrongdoing, just as in the case of Mira Nair and Nandita Das.

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As of now, there is no credible evidence linking Leonardo DiCaprio to any criminal behaviour connected to the Epstein investigation, and the viral cannibalism claims remain entirely false and fabricated.
Language: Korean

Director: Lee Jong-pil

Cast: Moon Sang-min, Go Ah-sung, Byun Yo-han

What is love, really? Is it the illusion that two people will stay together forever, or does love, even if fleeting, leave an indelible mark that shapes who we become? Can just a few moments of shared silence, laughter, and vulnerability be enough to last a lifetime?

The South Korean film Pavane, released in 2025 and later discovered by a global audience through its Netflix release, attempts to explore these very questions. The title, which refers to a slow, stately dance, draws inspiration from Maurice Ravels Pavane for a Dead Princess. Much like the composition itself, the film unfolds at a measured, deliberate pace. It does not rush into romance or chase the fluttery, heart-skipping emotions typical of mainstream K-dramas. Instead, it moves like poetry, with carefully composed frames and a quiet emotional pull, weaving love, loss, and longing into an evocative tale that lingers long after the final scene.

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Pavane centres on Kyung-rok (Moon Sang-min), a spirited parking attendant at a shopping mall, who during his night shift encounters Mi-jung (Go Ah-sung), a reclusive warehouse employee. Mi-jung is that reserved employee who likes to keep to herself, has put herself in a shell, and looks so dazed and cut off from the world that her look frightens customers. She is viewed as odd, labelled ugly by her colleagues, and relegated to working alone in a warehouse. Withdrawn and emotionally guarded, she exists on the margins of everyday life. Yet Kyung-rok sees something luminous within her, later describing it as the glow of her soul. Their connection begins quietly as they work together, listening to Pavane for a Dead Princess, forming a bond rooted in shared stillness rather than grand gestures.

Kyung-roks close friend Yo-han (Byun Yo-han) struggles to understand this relationship, initially mistaking it for pity. However, as he observes their interactions, his own perception of love begins to shift. Gradually, the film reveals how all three characters confront their emotional wounds and learn what it truly means to live and love, even when weighed down by personal baggage. Pavane ultimately becomes a meditative narration on vulnerability, emotional openness, and the quiet bravery required to let another person in.

Despite its fluid narrative and dreamlike visual language, the film packs a surprising emotional punch. It forces the viewer to pause and reflect, leaving behind lingering questions and unresolved feelings, much like life itself. Comparisons with Celine Songs Past Lives are inevitable. While Pavane may not reach the same emotional heights, it is just as introspective and delicately crafted. Director Lee Jong-pil infuses the film with a lyrical rhythm, where moments blur into each other like fragments of memory. At times, the narrative feels hazy, almost like a fever dream, but perhaps that mirrors the way love and regret often exist in our own lives.

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The performances anchor the films emotional depth. Moon Sang-min brings remarkable tenderness to Kyung-rok, portraying youthful optimism layered with vulnerability. His performance invites empathy, making it easy to root for him. However, it is Go Ah-sung who truly stands out. As Mi-jung, she forms the emotional core of the story, capturing the slow and painful process of emerging from isolation. Her transformation is not dramatic or cinematic like you see in K-dramas. Rather, it unfolds subtly, with restraint and realism, lending her character an authenticity that resonates deeply.

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Byun Yo-han delivers a nuanced performance as Yo-han, a man drowning emotionally while maintaining a facade of cheerfulness. His portrayal adds emotional complexity, reflecting the quiet despair many carry behind composed exteriors.

For audiences accustomed to fast-paced narratives and constant stimulation (yes reel addicts, I am talking about you!), Pavane may feel slow. It demands patience, attention, and emotional availability. In fact, it is not a film to be watched distractedly. When experienced in solitude and silence, it unfolds its full emotional weight. Pavane invites viewers to pause, ponder, and immerse themselves in a style of storytelling that values stillness, introspection, and emotional honesty.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Watch the trailer of Pavane here:
Johnny Depp reportedly opened one of his Los Angeles homes to Eric Dane during his ALS battle, offering him a rent-free stay in his final months. Heres all you need to know.

In a touching gesture of friendship, Johnny Depp reportedly opened one of his Los Angeles homes to late actor Eric Dane during the latters battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Pirates of the Caribbean star offered Dane a rent-free stay, helping ease both emotional and financial stress in the final months of his life.

Johnny Depps Quiet Act of Support for Eric Dane

According to Page Six, Johnny Depp welcomed Eric Dane into one of his LA properties, allowing him to live there free of cost as his health rapidly declined. The support came after Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, following which his condition worsened significantly in a short span of time.

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A source told Page Six that Depp offered the home under a flexible arrangement, saying Dane could pay whatever he could,or nothing at all. The intention, according to the report, was to reduce the actors financial strain so he could focus entirely on his health and treatment.

Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden, the report mentioned.

Patrick Dempsey Reveals Eric Danes Final Days

Speaking about Danes condition, his former Greys Anatomy co-star Patrick Dempsey shared a heartbreaking account of the severity of his illness. He was really starting to lose his ability to speak, he was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow, Dempsey said, adding that the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly.

Eric Danes Battle With ALS

Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Greys Anatomy and Euphoria, had been battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes gradual muscle weakness and loss of mobility. By June 2025, he reportedly lost the use of his right arm and became increasingly dependent on round-the-clock care. The actor appeared on Good Morning America, where he talked about dealing with just one functioning arm and said, My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe a couple more months and I wont have my left hand either. Its sobering.

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In a December 2025 essay, his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart revealed that Dane required 24/7 nursing support, with care divided into 21 shifts per week. Despite their separation in 2017, the two remained close, co-parenting their daughters Billie and Georgia and supporting each other through his illness.

His family also shared a statement after Eric Danes death. As per a report in People, the statement read, With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support hes received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.

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Johnny Depps act of kindness has drawn widespread praise online, highlighting the strong bond between the two actors. Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53, surrounded by loved ones. His death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating his career and resilience.
A recent study shows that an open-plan office puts pressure on the brain more than private spaces, requiring more effort into the work. The study also found that even when people try to ignore distractions, it is very difficult to do so in open-plan workspaces

Participants completed simulated office tasks, such as monitoring notifications, reading and responding to emails. Representational image/Pixabay

Since the pandemic, offices around the world have quietly shrunk. Many organisations dont need as much floor space or as many desks, given many staff now do a mix of hybrid work from home and the office.

But on days when more staff are required to be in, office spaces can feel noticeably busier and noisier. Despite so much focus on getting workers back into offices, there has been far less focus on the impacts of returning to open-plan workspaces.

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Now, more research confirms what many suspected: our brains have to work harder in open-plan spaces than in private offices.

What the latest study tested

In a recently published study, researchers at a Spanish university fitted 26 people, aged in their mid-20s to mid-60s, with wireless electroencephalogram ( EEG) headsets. EEG testing can measure how hard the brain is working by tracking electrical activity through sensors on the scalp.

Participants completed simulated office tasks, such as monitoring notifications, reading and responding to emails, and memorising and recalling lists of words.

Each participant was monitored while completing the tasks in two different settings: an open-plan workspace with colleagues nearby, and a small enclosed work pod with clear glazed panels on one side.

The researchers focused on the frontal regions of the brain, responsible for attention, concentration, and filtering out distractions. They measured different types of brain waves.

in the open-plan office participants brains had to work harder to maintain performance. Representational image/Pixabay

As neuroscientist Susan Hillier explains in more detail, different brain waves reveal distinct mental states:

gamma is linked with states or tasks that require more focused concentration

beta is linked with higher anxiety and more active states, with attention often directed externally

alpha is linked with being very relaxed, and passive attention (such as listening quietly but not engaging)

theta is linked with deep relaxation and inward focus

and delta is linked with deep sleep.

The Spanish study found that the same tasks done inside the enclosed pod vs the open-plan workspace produced completely opposite patterns.

It takes effort to filter out distractions

In the work pod, the study found beta waves  associated with active mental processing  dropped significantly over the experiment, as did alpha waves linked to passive attention and overall activity in the frontal brain regions.

This meant peoples brains needed progressively less effort to sustain the same work.

The open-plan office testing showed the reverse.

Gamma waves, linked to complex mental processing, climbed steadily. Theta waves, which track both working memory and mental fatigue, increased. Two key measures also rose significantly: arousal (how alert and activated the brain is) and engagement (how much mental effort is being applied).

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In other words, in the open-plan office participants brains had to work harder to maintain performance.

Even when we try to ignore distractions, our brain has to expend mental effort to filter them out.

In contrast, the pod eliminated most background noise and visual disruptions, allowing participants brains to work more efficiently.

Researchers also found much wider variability in the open office. Some peoples brain activity increased dramatically, while others showed modest changes. This suggests individual differences in how distracting we find open-plan spaces.

With only 26 participants, this was a relatively small study. But its findings echo a significant body of research from the past decade.

What past research has shown

In our 2021 study, my colleagues and I found a significant causal relationship between open-plan office noise and physiological stress. Studying 43 participants in controlled conditions  using heart rate, skin conductivity and AI facial emotion recognition  we found negative mood in open plan offices increased by 25% and physiological stress by 34%.

Another study showed background conversations and noisy environments can degrade cognitive task performance and increase distraction for workers.

And a 2013 analysis of more than 42,000 office workers in the United States, Finland, Canada and Australia found those in open-plan offices were less satisfied with their work environment than those in private offices. This was largely due to increased, uncontrollable noise and lack of privacy.

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Just as we now recognise poorly designed chairs cause physical strain, years of research has shown how workspace design can result in cognitive strain.

What to do about it

The ability to focus and concentrate without interruption and distraction is a fundamental requirement for modern knowledge work.

Yet the value of uninterrupted work continues to be undervalued in workplace design.

Creating zones where workers can match their workplace environment to the task is essential.

Responding to having more staff doing hybrid work post-pandemic, LinkedIn redesigned its flagship San Francisco office. LinkedIn halved the number of workstations in open plan areas, instead experimenting with 75 types of work settings, including work areas for quiet focus.

Providing workers with more choice in how much theyre exposed to noise and other interruptions is not a luxury. Representational image/Pixabay

For organisations looking to look after their workers brains, there are practical measures to consider. These include setting up different work zones, acoustic treatments and sound-masking technologies, and thoughtfully placed partitions to reduce visual and auditory distractions.

While adding those extra features in may cost more upfront than an open plan office, they can be worth it. Research has shown the significant hidden toll of poor office design on productivity, health and employee retention.

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Providing workers with more choice in how much theyre exposed to noise and other interruptions is not a luxury. To get more done, with less strain on our brains, better design at work should be seen as a necessity.

Libby (Elizabeth) Sander, MBA Director & Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Bond Business School, Bond University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Two terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad were killed during an intelligence-led encounter with security forces in the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said. The operation, launched under Operation Trashi-1, followed specific inputs about militant presence in the area.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district on Sunday during Operation Trashi-1, officials said.

The gunfight broke out in the Passerkut area after security forces received specific intelligence about the presence of two Pakistani terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad. Acting on the reports, joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force launched a search operation.

# | #- | #



   |  -



Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from #JKP, #IB and own intelligence sources, a  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) February 22, 2026

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According to officials, the terrorists were hiding inside a mud house at the foothills and opened fire on the approaching troops, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. Both terrorists were neutralised during the operation, and war-like stores, including two AK-47 rifles, were recovered from the site.

Army statement on operation

In a statement, the Armys White Knight Corps said troops re-engaged the terrorists in challenging terrain following credible intelligence inputs. The Corps said forces displayed tactical precision and coordination while dominating the encounter site, adding that operations in the area are ongoing.

Recent encounters in region

The snow-bound Chatroo forest belt has witnessed multiple encounters in recent weeks as security forces intensified operations to track down militants operating in the upper reaches of the Jammu region.

Earlier this month, security forces neutralised two Pakistani terrorists, including a senior JeM commander, in Udhampur district. Arms and ammunition, including an M4 carbine and an AK assault rifle, were recovered during that operation.

Operations to continue

Security forces said broader counter-terror operations in the region will continue.
Security agencies have busted a suspected terror module with cross-border links, arresting six operatives as investigators probe connections to handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Officials say the group was allegedly planning attacks in India under foreign direction

Security agencies have foiled a major terror conspiracy after arresting six suspects allegedly involved in planning attacks in India, with investigators probing links to handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh, reported news agency ANI.

The arrests were made in coordinated operations across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with officials describing the crackdown as a big breakthrough in dismantling a suspected cross-border terror module. Authorities believe the group had been operating under instructions from foreign handlers and was in the advanced stages of planning attacks.

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According to investigators, the suspects had allegedly conducted reconnaissance of potential targets and maintained contact with operatives outside India, raising concerns about a broader international network.

Arrests across multiple locations

Six suspects were detained from garment manufacturing units in Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu, while two others were arrested from West Bengal as part of the wider investigation.

The accused have been identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal. Officials said at least one of those arrested is a Bangladeshi national.

#WATCH | Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu | Visuals of the six arrested accused, namely Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal from Tamil Nadu, being taken to Delhi, yesterday.



The six accused were arrested by the Delhi Police. https://t.co/SAkLoE8Bji pic.twitter.com/PykAiqRrOv  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Police recovered multiple mobile phones and SIM cards during the raids, which are now being examined for evidence of communication with suspected handlers and potential accomplices. Authorities also found forged Aadhaar cards allegedly used by the suspects to conceal their identities and move freely.

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Investigators said the module first came under scrutiny after provocative posters appeared in parts of Delhi, including inside metro stations. The posters contained inflammatory messaging and triggered a deeper probe into their origin.

During questioning, officials found that the suspects had allegedly shared extremist content online and maintained contact with operatives linked to Pakistan-based and Bangladesh-based terror organisations.

Police said the group was suspected of aiding terrorist activities and may have been part of a sleeper cell tasked with carrying out attacks or supporting operations inside India.

Authorities are now transporting the accused to Delhi for further interrogation and legal proceedings. Investigators are also analysing digital evidence recovered from their devices to trace additional suspects, funding channels, and possible foreign links.

Officials described the operation as a major success in preventing a potential terror strike and warned that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and coordination efforts to identify any remaining operatives linked to the module and prevent future threats.

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PM Modi flagged off the Namo Bharat RRTS and the Meerut Metro in Meerut, marking a major boost to high-speed regional connectivity between Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh, in the presence of CM Yogi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the much-anticipated Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and the Meerut Metro in Meerut, with Yogi Adityanath present at the inauguration.

The Prime Minister visited Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station, where he flagged off the remaining sections of Indias first Namo Bharat RRTS as well as the countrys fastest metro service. Alongside the transport boost, he is set to dedicate development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore to the nation.

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#WATCH | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat Train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station.



From here, PM Modi will undertake a Metro Ride till Meerut South Station. Later, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and dedicate to pic.twitter.com/uYw8pxetwD  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Corridor route and connectivity

Sarai Kale Khan, which marks the start of the corridor, is one of four Namo Bharat stations. The route covers 14 km in Delhi  including 9 km elevated and 5 km underground  and 68 km in Uttar Pradesh, with 61 km elevated and 7 km underground. The hub connects Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and Ring Road, ensuring seamless multi-modal connectivity.

Aim of the project

The project aims to enable faster travel between Delhi and Meerut and improve access to the national capital for people from nearby districts.

After flagging off the services from Shatabdi Nagar station, the Prime Minister travelled on the newly launched Meerut Metro to Meerut South station and interacted with schoolchildren. He will also inaugurate and dedicate multiple development projects in Meerut worth around Rs 12,930 crore.

About the project

The combined Namo Bharat RRTS and Meerut Metro project has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 30,274 crore and spans about 82.15 km, including nearly 70 km of elevated track and around 12 km underground.

Earlier, rapid rail services operated only between Ashok Vihar and Meerut South. With the latest inauguration, trains will run from Modipuram to Sarai Kale Khan, covering the approximately 82-km stretch in about 55 minutes.

The fare for the full journey has been fixed at around Rs 213, calculated at Rs 2.60 per kilometre.

The event also marks the beginning of metro rail services in Meerut for the first time, a major step towards modernising the citys urban transport system.
Modis return to Israel after eight years marks a decisive shift from political caution to a high-stakes military alliance. As India seeks to de-hyphenate its Middle East policy, the focus has pivoted to a strategic security summit centered on Make-in-India defense production, hypersonic-ready surveillance, and AI warfare

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi looks on during a signing of agreements ceremony at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on January 15, 2018. Reuters File

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to touch down in Israel this week for a landmark visit that marks his first standalone engagement with the country in nearly eight years. While the trip carries the weight of a historic anniversary, officials in both New Delhi and Jerusalem suggest the primary agenda is far from ceremonial.

Instead, the focus has shifted entirely toward a hard-nosed strategic security and military-technology summit.

From caution to open cooperation

For decades, Indian leadership maintained a degree of political distance from Israel to avoid backlash from Arab nations and domestic sensitivities. However, the Modi administration has successfully de-hyphenated its Israel policy from the Palestinian issue.

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Today, India manages its ties with both the Arab world and Israel with newfound confidence, treating Jerusalem not as a sensitive partner, but as an indispensable strategic collaborator.

And defence has emerged as the undisputed backbone of the relationship.

Israel is now among Indias top arms suppliers, with a partnership that has evolved from simple buyer-seller transactions to sophisticated joint production.

The summit is expected to prioritise high-end, battlefield-ready technology that other partnersincluding Russia and the United Statesoften provide with significant delays or restrictive end-use clauses.

Key areas of focus include enhancing precision strike and surveillance capabilities through drones, loitering munitions, and advanced border monitoring systems. The partnership also prioritises strategic shielding, with plans for joint production of missile defence systems and electronic warfare suites. Looking ahead, both sides are investing in the next frontier of warfare  AI-driven combat systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and sophisticated counter-drone architectures designed to meet emerging threats.

The Make-in-India push

A major objective of this visit is to align Israeli innovation with Indias domestic manufacturing goals. New Delhi is less interested in off-the-shelf procurement and more focused on the transfer of technology (ToT).

India is specifically looking to replicate the Israeli model of integrating the military, high-tech startups, and research institutions to create a self-sustaining defense ecosystem.

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The visit comes at a time of extreme regional instability. With the Red Sea under threat from maritime attacks, ongoing tensions with Hezbollah, and the looming shadow of US-Iran friction, India views security cooperation with Israel as increasingly valuable. Israels combat-tested equipment and rapid innovation cycles offer India immediate solutions for its own border security challenges.

The shift is permanent. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently noted, Israel has reached a level of unprecedented popularity in India.
India and Brazil sign a rare earth agreement to diversify mineral supply chains, reduce China dependence, boost trade to $30 billion, and deepen technology, defence, and Global South cooperation

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) holds hands with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as they walk before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 21, 2026. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)

India has taken a big step toward securing its access to critical minerals by signing a rare earth cooperation agreement with Brazil. The move is aimed at reducing dependence on China and strengthening supply chain resilience.

The agreement was one of several outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in New Delhi. According to PM Modi, the critical minerals pact could potentially lower dependence on China.

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VIDEO | Delhi: Addressing joint press meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) says, The agreement on critical minerals and rare earths is a major step toward building resilient supply chains. Our cooperation in the defence sector pic.twitter.com/eGffmjHGfa  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 21, 2026

Brazil too, which holds significant rare earth reserves, sees India as an important partner. Officials said only 30% of Brazils reserves have been explored so far, leaving substantial room for future exploration, processing, and industrial use. The partnership could give India access to crucial materials needed for sectors like electronics, clean energy, and defence.

Trade, tech and strategic ambitions grow

The rare earth agreement is part of a broader push to deepen bilateral ties. In total, India and Brazil signed nine agreements spanning mining, steel supply chains, technology, and defence cooperation.

Modi emphasised the broader vision behind the partnership, saying, We will continue to strengthen this win-win partnership further. He also highlighted growing collaboration in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, blockchain, and supercomputing, calling such cooperation essential for both nations and the wider Global South.

Both countries have set an ambitious goal of expanding bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030. Brazil also announced it would extend business visas for Indian ordinary passport holders to 10 years, making it easier for companies and professionals to collaborate.

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Lula framed the partnership in strategic terms, saying, India and Brazil are crucial voices at the UN, at the WTO and G20. He added that stronger cooperation between the two nations would be important in navigating global economic uncertainty.

Beyond minerals

The discussions went beyond trade and minerals. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to defence cooperation, clean energy partnerships, and advancing the priorities of developing nations.

Modi shed light on this shared vision, saying, When India and Brazil work together the voice of the Global South becomes stronger and more confident.
The US Supreme Courts February 20 ruling is being described as a stinging defeat, setting the stage for a high-stakes, protracted legal battle over the limits of presidential authority in the economic policy of the United States

In a landmark 63 decision on February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his legal authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping global tariffs. Notably, the ruling was seen as a rare act of defiance by a conservative-majority court, with two of his own appointeesNeil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrettjoining the majority, leading to Trump expressing shame over certain members. He later lambasted the majority justices on Truth Social as fools, lap dogs, and unpatriotic, alleging they were swayed by foreign interests.

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Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts emphasised that the 1977 IEEPA law does not grant the president the power to unilaterally impose tariffs. Roberts wrote, The law does not grant the president unlimited tariff powers under emergency provisions. The judgement stressed that Article I of the Constitution vests the power to lay and collect taxeswhich includes tariffssolely in Congress. The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch, Roberts stated.

The court noted that if Congress had intended to delegate such an extraordinary power to the president, it would have done so in explicit terms and subject to strict limits, which the IEEPA does not contain. Three of the justices (Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett) specifically invoked this doctrine, arguing that actions of vast economic and political significance require clear and specific authorisation from Congress. The court rejected the administrations argument that the power to regulate importation includes the power to tax it. Roberts famously remarked, The United States, after all, is not at war with every nation in the world.

Justices Kavanaugh, Thomas, and Alito dissented, arguing that the IEEPAs broad language should be interpreted to include tariff authority during declared emergencies.

Within hours of the ruling, President Trump denounced the decision as lawlessness and a disgrace. He immediately signed a new executive order to impose a 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This new authority is legally capped at 150 days unless Congress approves an extension, and includes specific exceptions for certain agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. A day later, Trump increased the global tariff to 15 per cent.

The immediate and long-term consequences of this ruling are highly significant. The ruling specifically invalidates the broad tariffs enacted on April 2, 2025, known as the Liberation Day tariffs, which ranged from 10 per cent to 50 per cent on imports from nearly all trading partners. However, the decision does not affect sector-specific tariffs imposed under other laws, such as Section 232 (national security) for steel and aluminium or Section 301 for unfair trade practices.

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The financial impact of the ruling will be huge. Importers may be entitled to refunds for the estimated $130 billion to $175 billion in duties collected illegally since 2025. Justice Brett Kavanaughs dissenting view described the refund process as a mess that could take years of litigation in lower courts, such as the US Court of International Trade, to resolve. Refunding billions in collected tariffs could significantly widen the US fiscal deficit, potentially requiring the Treasury to issue more debt.

The Supreme Court ruling has already begun to have important consequences. US and European stock markets initially rallied modestly on the news, as the ruling reduced immediate trade policy uncertainty. At the same time, refunding billions in collected tariffs could significantly widen the US fiscal deficit, potentially requiring the Treasury to issue more debt. While the ruling could lead to lower prices for some goods, economists warn that businesses may be slow to drop prices due to the ongoing uncertainty of replacement tariffs.

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What does the US Supreme Court decision striking down Trumps tariffs mean for India? The Supreme Courts decision provides immediate relief for Indian exporters but also introduces a new phase of trade uncertainty. Indian businesses that paid billions in now-invalidated IEEPA-based duties may be eligible for refunds. However, the process is expected to be a complex, long-drawn legal battle through the US Court of International Trade.

What about the India-US trade deal? The Supreme Court ruling is seen as a recalibration of US trade power that may improve Indias long-term negotiating position by requiring more structured, Congress-linked processes for future trade actions. While the court invalidated the legal basis (the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or IEEPA) used for broader global tariffs, President Trump immediately reacted by stating that nothing changes regarding the India deal. He emphasised that the agreed-upon 18 per cent tariff on Indian goods will remain in place. Although the Supreme Court ruled that the President cannot use emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs, the ruling primarily affects unilateral duties rather than those established under bilateral agreements.

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Following the US Supreme Court ruling which struck down broad punitive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, the legal landscape for the existing agreement has shifted. Indian and American negotiators were scheduled to meet in the US starting February 23, 2026, for three days of talks to finalise the legal text of an interim trade agreement. However, both sides have now agreed to defer the visit and will decide on mutually convenient dates after evaluating the latest developments.

Naturally, the Indian government is closely watching how the US. administration responds to the legal setback. Since the final text of the deal hasnt been signed, there is scope for some further negotiation in order to secure better terms. The Indian government should use the Supreme Courts ruling as leverage to renegotiate for more favourable terms and then translate the agreed contours into a formal legal agreement. Since the global tariff figure is 15 per cent, India should persuade the US side to keep the tariffs on imports from India below 15 per cent with the scope of revision after 150 days  the span of the global tariffs.

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After the US Supreme court judgement, should India continue purchasing Russian oil? The official status of Indias commitment to stop buying Russian oil remains a point of major diplomatic discrepancy between the United States and India. According to the US government, a core condition of the Interim Trade Agreement announced on February 6, 2026, is that India will cease all purchases of Russian Federation oil. The White House and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have repeatedly stated that India committed to stop buying Russian crude as a trade-off for these tariff cuts.

However, the Indian government has not formally confirmed this specific commitment, instead maintaining that its energy decisions will be guided by national interests and strategic autonomy. Of course, the deal includes an intention by India to purchase $500 billion in US. products over five years, significantly increasing imports of US energy, technology, and agricultural goods to replace Russian supplies. Indian sources suggest the shift may be a phased reduction rather than an immediate halt. Russia remains a major supplier, but Indias imports have reportedly dropped from a peak of 40 per cent to roughly 25 per cent of its total imports as it begins to diversify.

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Nonetheless, the Supreme Court ruling will significantly reduce the legal pressure on India to stop buying Russian oil by invalidating the Presidents power to use punitive tariffs as a diplomatic cudgel. India has maintained a consistent stance, emphasising that its energy policy is guided by national interest rather than external geopolitical pressures. On February 20, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that its energy policy continues to be driven by the need to secure stable prices and supply for its 1.4 billion citizens. Following remarks from US officials regarding a potential trade deal and reduced Russian oil reliance, the MEA reiterated that it is exploring various options for oil imports to diversify its sources, specifically noting that it remains open to sourcing crude from Venezuela if it is commercially viable.

Russian officials, meanwhile, claim they have received no formal communication from New Delhi about a total halt and expect cooperation to continue where commercially viable. Because these unlawful tariffs are no longer a threat, some analysts feel that India now has greater leverage to renegotiate its trade deal with the US without the immediate threat of escalating energy-related penalties.

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However, another important factor should be borne in mind. After the US Supreme Court judgement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that the administration will initiate a series of new Section 301 investigations on an accelerated time frame. These investigations are expected to cover most major trading partners, including India. The primary objectives of these investigations include addressing practices related to the pricing of pharmaceutical products, investigating discrimination against US technology companies and digital goods and services and tackling industrial excess capacity, forced labour, and digital services taxes.

This accelerated approach is intended to provide a fresh legal basis for potential tariffs if the investigations find unjustifiable, unreasonable, discriminatory, and burdensome trade practices. While the USTR has not yet registered a specific probe against India, it remains a key focus due to historical concerns regarding its patent laws and digital trade policies. Therefore, this factor will also have to be borne in mind while making any decision relating to oil purchases.

To sum up, in the immediate aftermath of the February 20, 2026, US Supreme Court ruling, the scenario is unfolding as a high-stakes legal and economic confrontation between the executive branch and the judiciary. The ruling establishes that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) cannot be used to unilaterally impose broad-based tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasised that the power to tax and levy tariffs rests with Congress, signaling that future trade maneuvers will face much higher legal barriers and require clearer statutory justification.The ruling is being described as a stinging defeat that sets the stage for a high-stakes, long-term legal battle over the limits of presidential power in economic policy.

(The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
A casual fishing trip in Thailand turned into an unforgettable adventure for two Australian tourists after they unexpectedly reeled in a giant redtail catfish.

The pair were fishing in Chumphon Province when they hooked the massive fish, quickly turning their relaxed outing into a tense struggle. As the catfish fought violently, one of the tourists had to wade into the pond to help net it, drawing nervous reactions from onlookers.

Australian tourist thrilled after landing giant catfish in Thailand Du khach 'ung hinh' cau uoc ca lang khung o Thai Lan

After several minutes, one of the men carefully removed the hook from the fishs mouth before lifting the enormous catch for others to see. The group was left stunned by the fishs size, with the tourists appearing both thrilled and shaken by the surprise haul.

The dramatic catch transformed what was meant to be a simple fishing trip into a memorable moment for the friends.

* Disclaimer: This asset  including all text, audio and imagery  is found on Newsflare. VnExpress has not verified or endorsed the material, which is being made available to professional media customers to facilitate the free flow of global news and information.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has warned that a global memory chip shortage could slow the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. As tech giants ramp up spending on AI infrastructure, limited chip supply is emerging as a serious bottleneck for future innovation.

Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this illustration picture taken February 25, 2022. REUTERS

Amid the recent upgrade on artificial intelligence, the world is talking about just one thing, is AI the coming future or the receptive verse? In 2026, the artificial intelligence models have performed exceptionally well and better than ever. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes that this rapid growth could come to a standstill due to one factor  memory.

Google recently released Gemini 3.1 Pro, which is its most advanced model and outperforms Anthropics Claude Opus 4.6 in certain benchmarks.

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Memory chip shortage

AI data centres around various useful data storage but the problem which still persists is the memory shortage. This has led to the increase in the price of various electronic items including smartphones.

Hassabis has also said that AI could reach a halt, outlining various concerns including shortage in supply of memory which could create a bottleneck situation for the rapid progress of AI.

You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas at a big enough scale that you can actually see if theyre going to work, Google DeepMind chief told CNBC describing it as a potential choke point.

Previously Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stated that AI researchers want the most chips possible."

Focus on AI chip production

At a time when AI is evolving and companies are pursuing AI as an alternative work hand, the constraints rely on memory chip as they are creating heat winds for the entire industry.

Demis Hassabis even clarified that Google was constrained to a point where it could not actually meet the demand for its Gemini models.

The memory crunch has forced the companies like Microsoft, and Google to send executives to South Korea to secure more memory.

The world has three major players in memory chip production  Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. Micron has announced plans to shut down its production of chips for personal electronics to focus on AI chip production.

Industry signals suggest the chip race is far from cooling. Google has outlined aggressive plans to expand its AI infrastructure, projecting capital expenditure of $175 billion to $185 billion in 2026 as it positions itself for the next phase of growth in the sector.

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Indian-origin leaders now head more than 20 global tech giants, from Google to Microsoft, even as most firms remain headquartered abroad. As AI competition intensifies, Indias push to build homegrown innovation gains urgency amid debate over overseas success.

Did anyone imagine that Silicon Valley, now known as the worlds tech hub, would one day see so many global companies led by Indians? Today, firms like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, YouTube and Palo Alto Networks have Indian-origin leaders at the helm.

Yet, while Indians are leading these global giants, the companies themselves remain headquartered abroad, not in India.

More than 20 major multinational corporations are currently headed by Indian-origin CEOs. Its natural to celebrate this remarkable rise, but it also raises a larger question about building global-scale companies rooted in India itself.

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Indians lead the tech market

At the forefront is Alphabet Inc. and Google, led by Sundar Pichai. Microsoft is guided by Satya Nadella, while YouTube is headed by Neal Mohan.

The remarkable trend highlights how Indian education, global exposure, and leadership skills are shaping the future of international business at the highest level.

Top Indian companies such as Infosys, Wipro, TCS and Reliance are also led by Indian leadership and remain headquartered in India. These firms were built and scaled within the country, drawing heavily on Indias talent pool, domestic market and growing global ambitions.

Indians have risen in global corporations

Recently India hosted the AI Impact Summit, 2026 in New Delhi where global leaders participated along with the tech giant CEOs. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed India as a global power in technology and reiterated that all the CEOs of high tech companies are Indian.

Recently, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu commented on social media platform X that Indians have risen in global corporations due to organisational loyalty  meaning they had long tenures in these firms, giving them the edge.

According to Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025, Indians have co-founded over 130 unicorns overseas  over 90 per cent in the US, and a handful in the UK and Germany.

Among the largest are San Francisco-based Databricks (valued at $62 billion), design platform Figma ($12.5 billion) and AI-native search startup Perplexity AI ($9 billion).

Over the past month, the race for artificial intelligence has accelerated sharply, with rapid breakthroughs and rising investments intensifying global competition.

Against this backdrop, Indias push for AI gains added relevance, as founders and innovators across the country work to harness the technology and position India for a stronger, future-ready economy.

The perception that Indians thrive and achieve greater productivity overseas, while often struggling to find similar momentum at home, continues to fuel debate over why immigrant Indians have found such remarkable success in countries like the United States.

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Sweden has announced plans to develop a Swedish-language artificial intelligence model under its national AI strategy. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the homegrown system will reflect Swedish culture and values, with training expected to be largely completed during 2026.

Swedens government on Friday announced that it was developing its own Swedish-language model for artificial intelligence.

The government has adopted a Swedish AI strategy, and an important part of it is that Sweden needs high-quality AI in Swedish, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told a press conference.

For that, a high-quality Swedish-language model is required, he added.

Such large language models (LLM) power chatbots like OpenAIs ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The systems are trained on data in multiple languages.

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Language models are not just translated words, they also carry history, culture, traditions, values, everything that is embedded in a language, Kristersson said.

When used they shape how information is interpreted, prioritised, and communicated, he continued, adding that therefore a homegrown model was a strategic ability for the development of AI in Sweden.

He said representatives from the business community, authors and publishers, media companies, research institutions and interest groups had been gathered to collaborate on Swedish AI.

Sara Mazur, executive of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation  which funds the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) launched in 2015  said the model would be based on ones that are already available.

She added that work would begin immediately and they hoped to complete most of the training of the model during 2026.

Mazur said authors, publishers and news media in Sweden had agreed to contribute high-quality, editorially reviewed training data that reflect Swedish values and Swedish norms.

The goal is to create a language model that not only speaks and writes Swedish, but also understands the Swedish context and can communicate on that basis, Mazur told reporters.
As the Supreme Court tossed out US President Donald Trumps so-called Liberation Day Tariffs, here are 4 ways the ruling gives relief to India for now.

The Scotus decision provides immediate relief for Indian exporters but also introduces a new phase of trade uncertainty. Illustration/Reuters

On Saturday, Indias Commerce and Industry Ministry said that it has noted the US Supreme Courts judgment on the controversial reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump last year. White House faced a major blow on Friday after the apex American court declared the tariffs introduced by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as unlawful.

While the American court has struck down the reciprocal tariffs Trump imposed on numerous countries, including India, several other tariffs remain in place that still have the potential to impact different sectors of the Indian economy.

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Soon after the court ruling, Trump announced that the US would impose a temporary 15 per cent baseline tariff for 150 days. The tariffs on all imports were imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

However, there are still ways the latest Supreme Court ruling can give relief to India.

4 ways in which the judgment helps

1 Relief from excess tariffs

Before the verdict, India faced high reciprocal tariffs on many of its goods exported to the US  at times much higher than normal Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariffs. With the Supreme Courts ruling, a large portion of Indian exports that were facing elevated tariffs could now revert to standard tariff levels or face no reciprocal duty at all.

This means Indian exporters of textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, consumer products, and other sectors may become more price-competitive in the US market, improving sales. While Trump said that nothing has changed in the India-US trade deal, the ruling would give relief to New Delhi.

2 Predictability returns

The US Supreme Courts decision limits the ability of the American president to unilaterally impose sweeping tariff increases without clear statutory backing. For India and other nations, this reduces the risk of sudden, large tariff hikes  a major concern during the 202526 tariff cycle.

Hence, exporters will now be more prepared to deal with a blow if it is coming their way. They will now have a more stable environment for planning production, pricing, and investment decisions tied to the US market.

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3 Opening the door to re-negotiate a trade deal

India and the US came to an agreement on a trade deal earlier this week that included an interim tariff framework. With tougher reciprocal tariffs now invalidated, India has more leverage to reassess or refine the terms of future trade deals based on rules-based tariffs rather than emergency executive orders.

4 No panic to shift to other suppliers

US companies (especially hospitals and retailers) now dont need to panic-shift contracts away from Indian suppliers  something they were preparing contingency plans for. This is likely to be a quiet but crucial impact.

While the courts ruling does not bring monumental changes. It does bring relief for India and other nations to a certain extent.
Pakistan launched intelligence-based airstrikes on militant camps inside Afghanistan, citing conclusive evidence linking TTP fighters to recent suicide attacks and warning it will act to protect national security

Afghanistan on Sunday strongly condemned Pakistans airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters along the border, describing them as a clear violation of its sovereignty and international law.

In a post on X, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes hit a religious seminary and several residential buildings in border areas, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children who were killed or injured.

Last night, they bombed our civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, martyring and wounding dozens of people, including women and children," he said in a post on X.

               ...     

                     (      )    ... pic.twitter.com/3JIUFX5Nkb      -    (@MoDAfghanistan2) February 22, 2026

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Afghanistans Ministry of National Defence said protecting the nations sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens was both a religious and national duty, warning that a measured and appropriate response would be delivered at the right time.

In a post on X, the ministry said, Attacks on civilian targets and religious centres are clear evidence of the Pakistani armys intelligence and security failures, and such repeated aggressions will never conceal their internal shortcomings.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan early Sunday, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters accused of carrying out recent deadly attacks inside the country.

Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the military conducted what he called intelligence-based, selective operations against seven camps linked to the TTP and its affiliates. He added that a regional affiliate of the Islamic State group was also targeted during the strikes, according to the Associated Press.

Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region," Tarar said in a post on X, but stressed that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.

Islamabad did not disclose the precise locations of the strikes. However, senior sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistani forces targeted areas in the Bermal and Argun districts of Paktika province, as well as the Khogyani, Bahsod, and Ghani Khel districts of Nangarhar province.

Coordinated strikes and rising regional tensions

Multiple explosions were heard in rapid succession in the Margha area, pointing to a carefully coordinated military operation. Reports also said missiles launched from an unidentified aircraft struck the Banusi Madrasa in Bermal.

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                ! pic.twitter.com/UWUxS4Wyz1     (@Sufyan1800) February 22, 2026

Note: Firstpost could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

At least 28 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters were killed in the strikes, which targeted locations across eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. Pakistani broadcaster Geo News, citing the information ministry, said the operation focused on camps linked to Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh Khorasan Province (DKP). The ministry said the strikes were carried out with precision and accuracy in retaliation for recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during Ramzan.

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The escalation follows a string of deadly attacks in northwestern Pakistan. In Bajaur district, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a security checkpoint, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Hours later, another suicide attack in Bannu killed two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Officials said the Bajaur attacker was an Afghan national.

Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said authorities had conclusive evidence linking recent attacksincluding a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 worshippersto militants acting on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

He added that Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to stage attacks inside Pakistan and called on the international community to pressure Kabul to uphold its commitments under the Doha Agreement.

Earlier this week, Pakistans Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan, adding that while Pakistan had shown restraint, all options would obviously remain on the table.

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Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained over the past year due to increasing cross-border violence, despite a Qatar-brokered ceasefire that has largely held in recent months.
Air India has cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark on Monday due to a severe winter storm forecast to bring heavy snow and strong winds across the US Northeast.

Air India on Sunday cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark in the United States scheduled for Monday, February 23, citing a severe winter storm and forecasts of heavy snow.

A severe winter storm with heavy snow is forecast for New York, New Jersey, and adjoining areas on 22 and 23 February, which is likely to significantly impact flight operations. In view of the safety, well-being, and convenience of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 23 February, the airline said in a statement.

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The airline added that its teams will provide assistance to passengers booked on the affected flights.

Blizzard warnings for 30 million in Northeast US

Across New York City and the northeastern United States, around 30 million people are under blizzard warnings as the storm is expected to bring heavy, wet snow and strong winds starting Sunday. More than 1,000 flights have already been cancelled, and travel of all kinds could become nearly impossible. The storm also threatens widespread power outages.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned residents that the blizzard could be more dangerous than the January storm. I am asking all New Yorkers to stay inside and stay off the roads for your safety. These have the potential to be even more hazardous conditions than we faced the last time around, he said.

Super bomb storm to intensify

Forecasters said the storm is likely to intensify rapidly on Sunday. Senior forecaster Brian Hurley described it as a super bomb to Bloomberg news agency. Cities and towns along the East Coast have rushed to prepare for heavy snowfall and strong winds, with blizzard warnings issued from Maryland to Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service warned that the storm could be far more severe than initial estimates. Snowfall of 1 to 2 feet (3061 centimetres) is expected in several areas, including New York City, Long Island, Boston, and coastal regions of New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Flooding is also possible in parts of New York and New Jersey.
Canada, just like many other nations, breathed a sigh of relief after the US Supreme Court struck down the reciprocal tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump last year.

Canada, just like many other nations, breathed a sigh of relief after the US Supreme Court struck down the reciprocal tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump last year. The apex court tossed the tariffs proposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, which also included the "fentanyl" tariffs Trump imposed on Canada, China and Mexico.

The decision reinforced Canadas position that the levies were unjustified, US-Canada Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, LeBlanc also pointed to the challenges ahead in Ottawa. There is the critical work to do in dealing with impacts from levies on steel, aluminium and automobiles, which Trump said will remain.

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The ruling also came at a time when the upcoming review of the Canada-US-Mexico trade deal, the USMCA, is on the cards. The deal covers a market of more than 500 million people. However, it is pertinent to note that the actual impact of the Supreme Court decision on Canadian tariffs is limited.

The trade tussle between Canada and the US

Last year, the Trump administration imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and later raised them to 35 per cent. At that time, Trump argued that both Canada and Mexico must do more to stop migrants and the illegal drug fentanyl from reaching the US.

The vast majority of trade, some 85 per cent, under these fentanyl tariffs was already levy-free under a USMCA exemption. Meanwhile, LeBlancs office declined to comment on the Trump administrations latest decision to impose a 15 per cent global tariff to replace the duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, which the Supreme Court struck down.

The White House official clarified that the USMCA exemption will continue under the new 15 per cent tariff, BBC reported. In his post on TruthSocial, Trump increased the tariff from 10 to 15 per cent. Beyond the remaining US tariffs on sectors like steel and automobiles, the biggest issue for Canada on its US trade agenda is the USMCA review.

This summer, all three parties are expected to sit together and decide whether to extend the deal, which was negotiated during Trumps first term. It is significant because a North American free trade deal has been in place in some form since the early 1990s, and has led to deeply integrated economies.

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During his visit to Mexico this week, LeBlanc told reporters that both countries remain absolutely committed to a trilateral trade agreement. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been less enthusiastic about saying they want the USMCA renewed, and officials have suggested Washington would prefer separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico. Hence, it will be interesting to see how this matter will be dealt with.
US Supreme Court invalidates Trumps broad tariffs on China, giving Xi Jinping stronger leverage ahead of the March 31 Beijing summit. Analysts say it weakens US position in trade negotiations.

President Donald Trump approaches his first visit to Beijing since his 2017 trip on March 31 with reduced bargaining power following a pivotal US Supreme Court decision striking down his administrations sweeping emergency tariffs on China.

The ruling, which invalidated tariffs that had spiked to as high as 145 per cent last year, reverts duties to a uniform 15 per cent rate applied globally including to US allies with a 150-day expiration looming. This shift hands Chinese President Xi Jinping a strategic advantage, stripping Trump of his signature tool to pressure Beijing on issues like soybean purchases, Boeing jets, energy imports and rare earth metal supplies critical to American manufacturing.

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The tariffs, imposed under emergency powers, were central to Trumps trade warfare playbook in his second term, aiming to force concessions amid escalating tensions over technology transfers, intellectual property theft and market access.

Now, with these levies neutralised, Trump lacks the immediate threat of escalation, complicating efforts to extract commitments from Xi. Short-term relief may come for US exporters facing retaliation but long-term dynamics favour China as Beijing conducts talks without the sword of higher duties hanging overhead.

The judicial blow to tariff diplomacy

The foundation of Trumps America First trade strategy, the aggressive use of executive power to impose sweeping tariffshit a significant legal roadblock. The US Supreme Courts ruling which questioned the procedural validity of certain duty hikes has forced a tactical retreat by the White House. This judicial pivot has not only paused the immediate economic pressure on Chinese exports but has also signalled a vulnerability in Trumps domestic policy execution.

For Beijing, this is more than a legal victory; it is a diplomatic lifeline. By entering the summit without the immediate threat of escalating duties hanging over the negotiation table, Xi Jinping is no longer operating from the defensive posture that characterised the early months of the Trump 2.0 administration. Analysts suggest that the reversal has effectively disarmed the US side of its most potent short-term weapon, allowing China to demand concessions rather than merely offering them to avoid economic pain.

Before the ruling, Trump could use the threat of broad tariffs to extract commercial concessions on issues such as soybean purchases, aircraft sales and rare earth minerals, leverage that now appears diminished. If those tariffs are now deemed illegal, the soybean card is back in Chinas hand, said a China policy expert, highlighting the reversal in strategic leverage.

Chinas calculated response

Despite the apparent strengthening of its position, Beijing has been measured in its early response to the tariff reversal. Official statements were notably restrained, and state media coverage focused on themes of cooperation and stability ahead of the meeting. Analysts suggest that while China stands to benefit from diminished US leverage, its leadership is likely to calibrate its diplomatic tone to ensure smooth talks in April.

Observers note that China could use its strengthened hand to press for expanded access to semiconductors, fewer trade restrictions on Chinese tech firms and more favourable language on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, topics expected to surface during bilateral discussions. Also, China may leverage ongoing investigations under Section 301 against its trade conduct to counterbalance US pressure, a strategy that could feature in summit agendas.

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A new blueprint for US-China relations?

The implications of this newfound leverage extend beyond the immediate summit. The tariff reversal has exposed the limits of unilateral executive action in the US trade system, potentially forcing the Trump administration to seek a more traditional, negotiated settlement. For China, the goal is clear: to secure a grand bargain that stabilises the relationship on terms that recognize Chinas economic sovereignty.

However, the road ahead remains fraught. While Xi holds the upper hand regarding the tariff ruling, the Trump administration remains committed to decoupling in critical sectors like AI and semiconductors. The upcoming summit will determine if this leverage can be converted into a long-term strategic advantage for China, or if it is merely a temporary reprieve in an otherwise escalating cold war. For now, the momentum has undeniably shifted toward the East, leaving the White House to recalibrate its approach before the two leaders sit across from each other.
More than a dozen Arab and Islamic countries jointly condemned US ambassador Mike Huckabees remarks suggesting Israel had a biblical right to vast Middle East territory, calling them dangerous and destabilising

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visits the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh, northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on July 19, 2025. (AFP)

A wave of condemnation swept across the Middle East on Sunday after Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, suggested that Israel had a biblical right to a vast stretch of territory across the region.

Huckabee, a former Baptist minister and longtime supporter of Israel, made the remarks during an interview on the podcast hosted by Tucker Carlson. In the episode, Carlson referenced a biblical verse sometimes interpreted as granting Israel land stretching from Egypts Nile River to the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq.

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In response, Huckabee said: It would be fine if they took it all.

When pressed further, he added that Israel was not asking to take all of that, describing his earlier remark as somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.

Joint condemnation from Arab and Islamic bloc

The comments triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash. More than a dozen Arab and Islamic governments, alongside three major regional organisations, issued a joint statement denouncing the ambassadors remarks as dangerous and inflammatory.

The statement, released by the UAEs foreign ministry, was signed by the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria and the State of Palestine, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The signatories said the remarks contravened the UN Charter and undermined efforts to de-escalate the Gaza war and create a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement.

Several governments had already issued unilateral rebukes. Saudi Arabia described the comments as reckless and irresponsible, while Jordan called them an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region.

Kuwait termed the remarks a flagrant violation of the principles of international law, and Oman said they threatened the prospects for peace and regional stability.

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Egypts foreign ministry reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or any other Arab lands.

Political reverberations

The Palestinian Authority said on X that Huckabees comments contradict US President Donald Trumps rejection of (Israel) annexing the West Bank.

Huckabee later posted on X clarifying other aspects of the interview but did not revisit his biblical land comment.

Meanwhile, Israeli parliament speaker Amir Ohana praised Huckabee for his pro-Israel stance and accused Carlson of falsehoods and manipulations.

The controversy comes amid heightened regional tensions over Gaza, with diplomatic sensitivities running high.
The family of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh who was burnt alive in mob violence, has alleged he was framed and killed by colleagues unhappy with his recent promotion, and said some of their demands for justice remain unmet.

A portrait of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man who was beaten to death by a mob, hangs alongside images of Hindu deities inside his home in Tarakanda village, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh, on January 9, 2026. AP File

The family of Dipu Chandra Das, a Bangladeshi Hindu garment factory worker who was burnt alive in mob violence, has alleged that colleagues at his workplace were unhappy with his recent promotion and conspired to kill him by framing him over allegations of making derogatory remarks.

The family also said to Firstposts Bhanu Pratap that some of their demands remain unmet and urged authorities to ensure justice is delivered.

Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladeshs Bhaluka, was beaten, hanged from a tree, and set on fire after being accused of making derogatory remarks. The lynching took place amid reports of escalating violence following an attack on youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

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Investigators later reported that no evidence was found to support the allegation against him.

Family alleges workplace conspiracy

As far as we know, we learned only after his death that he had received a promotion at his job. That is why they killed him, Dipus brother, Apu Chandra Das, told Firstposts Bhanu Pratap. He used to stay in Bhaluka, while we lived at our village home. According to our understanding, he was killed because of that job.

We did not know anything earlier. Only after his death did we receive the news that he had been beaten, killed and burnt, Das said.

We have placed our demands: Family seeks justice

Demanding accountability, the family said that some of their demands have still not been fulfilled and urged authorities to act. We hope justice will be delivered. We are citizens of this country, and we have placed our demands before the government. My brother has died, and we want justice. What the government does next, we will see, Das said.

On the change in government and Tarique Rahman taking charge, he said, We have hope. We are placing our demand before the Bangladesh government that proper action should be taken to ensure justice for my brother. Some of our demands have still not been fulfilled.

We are safedont know about other areas

When asked if they face any threats, Apu said: We are safe in our village and in our area. But we cannot speak about other places because we do not go there. We do not use smartphones and rely on basic phones, so we do not always receive updates.

Following the removal of Sheikh Hasinas government, the country witnessed increased violence against the Hindu minority community. Analysts say authorities have struggled to curb attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, who account for over 7 percent of the population.

On the authorities and the broader political situation, the brother of the slain Hindu garment worker said: We do not want to comment on the Bangladesh government. We have only one demand  justice for my brother. That is all.

He also shared his take on the outgoing Muhammad Yunus regime, adding, We are working-class people. Who comes or goes in power is not our concern. Our only goal is justice for my brother.

Massive outrage after the incident

The incident drew widespread outrage and renewed concerns over mob violence and impunity against minorities. Videos circulating on social media showed Dipu being targeted by a mob before he was hanged from a tree and set on fire as slogans were raised.

In a sign of hope, the newly elected BNP-led government has pledged to curb mob culture and not tolerate violence.

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A fast-strengthening storm has prompted blizzard warnings across major East Coast cities, with up to 2 feet of snow and hazardous travel expected from Sunday

The weather service said 1 to 2 feet (about 30 to 61 centimetres) of snow was possible in many areas. (AP)

Communities across the US East Coast prepared on Saturday for a powerful winter storm expected to strike from Washington to Boston on Sunday, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds and possible flooding, as forecasters warned conditions could become dangerous or even impossible for travel.

The National Weather Service upgraded its assessment of the storms severity after earlier projections had suggested a far milder system.

Blizzard warnings issued across major cities

The weather service warned that 1 to 2 feet (about 30 to 61 centimetres) of snow could fall in many areas. Blizzard warnings were issued for New York City and Long Island, Boston, and coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Parts of New York and New Jersey also faced the risk of flooding.

While we do get plenty of these noreasters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, its been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country, said Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the services Weather Prediction Centre.

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Snell said the storm would reach areas around Washington on Sunday morning, extend towards Philadelphia and New York City, and arrive in Boston by the evening.

Heavy snowfall and dangerous travel expected

The storm could begin as rainfall in some places before intensifying. The heaviest snow is forecast overnight, with rates of up to 2 inches (5 centimetres) per hour in some areas, before easing by Monday afternoon.

Steady winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 kph) are expected. The weather service warned the conditions would make travel dangerous, if not impossible. Scattered downed tree limbs and power outages possible due to snow load and strong winds.

Cities and businesses gear up

Officials moved quickly to prepare after forecasts shifted sharply in recent days.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city would expand measures used during a major snowfall weeks earlier, though a decision on whether schools would open on Monday had not yet been made.

We saw on Friday there was expectation that the likelihood was that we were going to face maybe 3 to 4 inches of snow. Quickly that then changed, Mamdani said. So we want to make sure that we make a decision based on up-to-date and accurate information.

The city brought in additional snow-clearing equipment from outside New York and planned greater use of geocoding to track bus stops and crosswalks requiring clearance, he said.

On Long Island, John Berlingieri cancelled a planned family trip to Puerto Rico to ready his company, Berrington Snow Removal, for what he described as a mammoth task clearing millions of square feet of asphalt around shopping malls and industrial parks.

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Workers spent days recharging batteries on the firms 40 front-end loaders and replacing windscreen wipers on snow removal vehicles before resting on Saturday.

Im anticipating at least one week of work around the clock, Berlingieri said. Were going to work 24 to 36 hours straight, sleep for a few hours and then go back.

The approaching system comes as icy remnants of a previous snowstorm are only just melting.

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, officials urged residents and casino visitors to remain indoors, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding.

I could go on and on probably with a good two dozen streets where we know we will get water and there will be snow on top of that, said Scott Evans, the citys fire chief and emergency management coordinator. So you wont be able to see it until its too late, so therefore please stay at home.

Many churches cancelled Sunday services and other events. St Veronica Parish in Howell, New Jersey, scheduled an additional Mass on Saturday evening.

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Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm, the Rev Peter James Alindogan posted online.
PM Modi will visit Israel from February 25, a trip Netanyahu said will strengthen economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation. Netanyahu described Modi as his friend and said the visit is part of building an alliance against radical groups in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi listens as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during their meeting at the King David hotel in Jerusalem, on July 5, 2017. AP File

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to Israel will bolster economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation. Describing Modi as his friend, Netanyahu said the visit is part of creating an alliance against radical groups in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India, my friend Narendra Modi, will arrive in Israel. We aim to create a complete system of alliances around or within the Middle East  an axis of countries that share the same view of reality, challenges, and goals, facing the radical axes, Netanyahu said at the opening of a government event.

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Netanyahu highlighted the special relationship that has developed between Israel and India over recent years, calling Modi a personal friend. I visited India, and Modi visited here. We have swum in the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then  in the Mediterranean, in the Ganges, and in the Jordan, he said.

Focus on technology and strategic cooperation

The Israeli Prime Minister said the visit will enhance collaboration in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, alongside economic, diplomatic, and security ties. He also outlined plans for a hexagon of alliances involving India, Greece, Cyprus, and other unnamed Arab, African, and Asian countries to counter both radical Shiite and Sunni axes.

Defence partnership and mission sudershan

PM Modi will visit Israel for two days starting February 25. The visit is expected to deepen strategic and defence partnerships, including the signing of an MoU on security cooperation. India aims to jointly develop advanced anti-ballistic missile systems under Mission Sudershan to protect against long-range missile threats, leveraging Israels expertise in layered missile defence.

Reports indicate Israel will provide advanced technologies, including laser-based defence systems and high-precision stand-off weapons.

Expanding collaboration beyond defence

Beyond defence, the visit is expected to deepen cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, water management, and emerging fields such as quantum computing.
India condemns Pakistans airstrikes in Afghanistan that reportedly caused civilian casualties, backing Kabuls sovereignty as Islamabad says 70 militants were killed in retaliatory cross-border operations.

Local residents stand next to a damaged car at the site of a cross-border Pakistani army strike in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hedayat Shah)

India on Sunday strongly criticised Pakistan for carrying out airstrikes on Afghan territory, stating that the attacks caused civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Responding to the developments, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the strikes as another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures.

He said India remains steadfast in its support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, highlighting New Delhis longstanding position on respecting the countrys stability and autonomy.

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India strongly condemns Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, the statement released by the ministry said.

The reaction comes after

Pakistan on Sunday claimed to kill 70 terrorists in the military strikes targeting at least seven militant hideouts in Afghanistan in retaliation for the recent rebel attacks in the country.

Afghanistan has long been exporting terrorism. Pakistan is taking all actions to secure the life and property of its citizens, Pakistan State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said while speaking on Geo News programme.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the strikes in retaliation to the recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu, even as Kabul warned of a necessary and measured response to the strikes.

In the latest terrorist incident, an army lieutenant colonel and a soldier were killed in a suicide attack in the Bannu area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan has conclusive evidence that these acts of terrorism, including at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, one each in Bajaur and Bannu, followed by another incident in Bannu on Saturday, were allegedly perpetrated by Khwarij on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

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Responsibilities for these attacks were also claimed by Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban belonging to Fitna-al-Khwarij (FAK) and their affiliates, and Islamic State of Khorsan Province (ISKP), the ministry said.

Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

It said that despite repeated efforts by Pakistan to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take verifiable measures to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups and foreign proxies to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan, it failed to undertake any substantive action against them.

In this backdrop, Pakistan, in a retributive response, has carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of FAK and its affiliates and ISKP at the border region of Pakistan-Afghan border with precision and accuracy, it said.

Chaudhry said that most of the 70 terrorists killed were Pakistani nationals. There is ample evidence suggesting that most of the slain terrorists were Pakistanis, he said.

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He emphasised that during the 2020 Doha accords, the Afghan Taliban had promised the world that they would not allow their soil to be used for terrorism, but the Kabul interim government had failed to live up to their promise to stop terrorism.

Pakistan on Sunday said that it expects and reiterates that the interim Afghan government fulfil its obligations.

Pakistan also expects the international community to play a positive and constructive role by urging the Taliban regime to stand by its commitments as part of the Doha Agreement to deny use of its soil against other countries; an act vital for regional and global peace and security, the ministry stated.

It further said that Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, but at the same time, the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority.

Following the attacks, the Taliban Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistans ambassador to Kabul, Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani, and handed him a protest note over the attacks, according to sources.

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Afghanistan, in a statement, warned that the Pakistani strikes on the provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar will be met with a necessary and measured response.

Our borders and the security of our people is our sacred religious and national duty, Afghanistans Defence Ministry said, adding that at the appropriate time, a necessary and measured response will be delivered to these aggressions.

It termed the strikes as a clear violation of Afghanistans national sovereignty, international law, principles of good neighbourliness, and Islamic values, adding that the attacks targeted civilian and religious centres, calling them clear evidence of intelligence and security failures within Pakistan.

The statement said that Afghanistan will not remain silent in the face of continued cross-border violations and reaffirmed the countrys right to defend its territorial integrity.

Relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have deteriorated due to the alleged failure of Kabul to stop terrorists from using its soil to attack Pakistan.

Last year in October, the two sides were briefly engaged in an armed conflict in which 23 Pakistan soldiers and over 200 Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed, according to the Pakistan army.

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With inputs from agencies
India looks forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma said on Sunday, expressing New Delhis willingness to reengage with Dhaka.

India has signalled its readiness to work closely with Bangladeshs newly elected government, with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma saying New Delhi looks forward to renewed engagement with Dhaka.

Verma made the remarks on Sunday after meeting Bangladeshs Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, just days after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was sworn in on February 17. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed was also present at the meeting.

I reiterated our position that we look forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh, Verma told reporters following the discussions.

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The envoy said he conveyed Indias desire to deepen people-centric cooperation in all domains and to move ahead in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner based on mutual interest and benefit. He described the interaction as largely a courtesy call and an initial exchange of views, noting that it was his first meeting with the new foreign minister and minister of state since the government assumed office.

Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), took oath as prime minister on February 17 after the party secured a two-thirds majority in the February 12 elections. His swearing-in brought to an end the 18-month tenure of Muhammad Yunus, a period during which relations between India and Bangladesh had deteriorated to what observers described as their lowest point since 1971.

Verma also pointed to recent high-level exchanges between the two countries following the election outcome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a congratulatory message to Rahman on February 13 soon after the BNPs electoral victory, the envoy noted.

They also spoke on the phone later that day, Verma disclosed on Sunday.

He also recalled that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, representing India and also had a bilateral meeting with the new Bangladesh prime minister.

In all these communications, we expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations. We also underlined our commitment to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, Verma said.

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With inputs from agencies
An Indian content creator named Sachin Awasthi claimed in an Instagram post that immigration authorities detained him in both South Korea and China while he was travelling with his wife.

Indian influencer claims he and his wife were detained in South Korea and China for 38 hours. Instagram - @sachinawasthiunscripted

An Indian content creator named Sachin Awasthi claimed in an Instagram post that immigration authorities detained him in both South Korea and China while he was travelling with his wife. In his Instagram post, Awasthi noted that he and his wife were detained for 38 hours on Jeju Island, South Korea.

The couple was denied entry on arrival and was taken to the detention area without a clear explanation. No proper explanation, just told to wait. And we waited, Awasthi wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.

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He recalled that the detention centre felt like a jail and that there was no access to sunlight or the outside. Awasthi mentioned that he and his wife were given jail food during their detention. Hours passed without clarity. They kept us in their detention centre (it was similar to a jail with no sunlight & no access to the outside) and also gave us jail food. Nobody told us what was going to happen. They blackmailed us into booking a really expensive return ticket, he wrote.

Later, during transit through China, it continued. More waiting. More supervision. Communication was restricted. No use of phone, no food, and limited water. Sleeping conditions were worse. Even the use of restrooms was monitored with a police official who had a bodycam and went to the washroom with us, the Indian influencer furthered.

Awasthi went on to note that he and his wife were pressured by the authorities to book an expensive return ticket. They had restricted communication, limited food and water, and monitored use of restrooms. By the time we were told we would be sent back, we were mentally drained. The return ticket cost almost 10 the normal price, he recalled.

The influencer clarified that he was not sharing the story for sympathy or drama. Immigration decisions are their authority. But they did not have any right to treat us like criminals, he wrote. He insisted that while travelling looks glamorous online, it can test people emotionally and in unexpected ways.

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He also shared that he has posted a full, detailed story on his YouTube channel, explaining what happened, why it happened, and advice for travellers.
Iran rejects exporting its 300 kg of highly enriched uranium but offers to dilute it to 20 % or below under IAEA supervision, asserting enrichment rights as US weighs possible military action

Iran has taken a firm stance in its high-stakes nuclear talks with the United States, saying it will not export its 300 kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium, but is prepared to reduce its purity under strict United Nations supervision, a move aimed at defusing tensions and paving the way for a diplomatic solution.

In recent negotiations, Tehran has been under intense pressure from Washington, where President Donald Trump is considering whether to order military action against Iran amid a broader standoff over its nuclear programme. The Iranian proposal is expected to be central to its next offer in talks with US envoys.

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Diluting uranium, but not giving it up

Iran currently holds uranium enriched to 60 % purity, a level close to weapons-grade, according to Iranian sources familiar with the discussions.

While Tehran is not willing to send this material abroad, it has offered to down-blend the uranium to 20 % or below under the watchful eye of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has insisted there has been no US demand for Iran to abandon its right to enrich uranium inside its own territory. Washington has not asked Tehran to permanently suspend uranium enrichment, he said. It is not true that the United States has called for a complete cessation of enrichment.

Talks have also explored ideas such as sending enriched material abroadincluding to Russiaor involving Irans enrichment activities in an international consortium, but Iranian officials say those concepts have not been formally raised and that nuclear materials must remain on Iranian soil.

US demands and diplomatic tightrope

US officials, including the American ambassador to the United Nations, have publicly taken a more stringent stance. Ambassador Mike Waltz said the US goal remains zero enrichment, a tougher demand than what Iran describes as being on the table.

Analysts say how far Irans dilution proposal goesand how much confidence the international community has in IAEA oversightcould be decisive in whether a diplomatic solution is reached or if tensions escalate further.

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Irans proposal comes amid ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States in Geneva and Oman, where talks have achieved agreements on guiding principles but stopped short of a full deal. Both sides continue to grapple with the future of Tehrans nuclear programme and its implications for regional security.
Amid the brewing tensions in West Asia, reports are emerging that Israels security cabinet will hold a meeting on Iran on Sunday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a cabinet meeting with the US President's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, on Thursday. File Image / Israel GPO

Amid the brewing tensions in West Asia, reports are emerging that Israels security cabinet will be contemplating Iran. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported on Saturday that the countrys cabinet will hold a meeting on the Iran situation. The talk is reportedly scheduled to take place on Sunday.

The news of the security cabinet meeting came days after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the countrys Home Front Command to prepare for a potential war with Iran. According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu issued directives to various rescue agencies and the Home Front Command to prepare for war."

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The newspaper added that a state of maximum alert has been declared across various Israeli security agencies. Interestingly, the cabinet was scheduled to meet on Thursday, but the meeting was postponed.

Israel prepares for the USs wrath on Iran

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli assessments indicate that US President Donald Trump is inclined to launch a large-scale military attack on Iran soon, given Tehrans rejection of US demands in the negotiations. It added that the Trump administration believes the Iranians are trying to buy time and deceive the United States.

Yedioth Ahronoth said that in the limited security consultations held by Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days, the prevailing assumption was that Iran would launch missiles at Israel even if the Israeli army does not take part in the US attacks.

In any case, there is an impression in Israel that zero hour is approaching and that timelines are shrinking," the daily wrote. In the midst of the brewing tensions, Israels Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) Amos Yadlin said on Wednesday: We are much closer to an attack than we were before.

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom quoted unnamed sources as saying Israeli assessments indicate that if the US launches a large-scale attack on Iran, the likelihood of Iran responding by striking Israel with long-range missiles would be very high. In light of this, Israel has put its forces on heightened alert and stepped up military preparations as indications grow that a coordinated strike with the US on Iran may be imminent, CNN reported.

All these reports are emerging at a time when Washington has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier also on its way, alongside additional fighter jets.

US Vice President JD Vance described Tuesdays Geneva talks as productive in some ways, but said Iran was not yet willing to engage on Trumps red lines. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called the atmosphere of the meeting more constructive.

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Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejects Donald Trumps proposal to deploy a US Navy hospital ship to the Arctic island, saying Greenland already provides free public healthcare.

Greenlands prime minister on Sunday flatly rejected a proposal by Donald Trump to send a US Navy hospital ship to the Arctic island coveted by the US leader.

Trump said on Saturday on social media he was working with Louisiana Governor and special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, to send a hospital boat to Greenland.

That will be no thanks from us, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who heads the government of the autonomous Danish territory, wrote on his Facebook page.

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President Trumps idea to send a US hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens, he said.

Nielsen said Greenland remained open to dialogue and cooperation, also with the U.S.

But talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media, he said.

Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. late last month launched diplomatic talks to resolve the crisis between the parties, following months of tension within the NATO defence alliance over Trumps threats against the Arctic territory.

Trumps post on the ship came hours after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command said it had evacuated a crew member who required urgent medical treatment from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, seven nautical miles outside of Greenlands capital, Nuuk. It was unclear if the post had any connection to the evacuation.

The exchange comes against the backdrop of months of strain between Greenland, Denmark and the United States. Tensions have resurfaced within the NATO alliance over Trumps renewed rhetoric suggesting strategic interest in the Arctic territory. Greenland holds significant geopolitical importance due to its location and untapped natural resources, and it plays a key role in Arctic security and transatlantic defence arrangements.

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Late last month, Greenland, Denmark and the United States initiated diplomatic discussions aimed at easing friction and clarifying future cooperation. Danish officials have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale, while Greenlandic leaders have emphasised their autonomy and right to determine their own political and economic future.

Trumps hospital ship proposal was posted just hours after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command confirmed it had evacuated a crew member in need of urgent medical care from a US submarine operating in Greenlandic waters, roughly seven nautical miles from the capital, Nuuk. It was not immediately clear whether the presidents proposal was linked to that incident.

While Greenland maintains close security cooperation with Washington  including hosting US military facilities  its leadership has consistently pushed back against suggestions that the island could become a bargaining chip in broader geopolitical manoeuvring.

With inputs from agencies
More than 1,500 political prisoners in Venezuela have applied for amnesty under a new law, the head of the countrys legislature said Saturday, two days after the measure  enacted under pressure from Washington  came into effect

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez waves after signing the amnesty law approved by the National Assembly at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas on February 19, 2026. AFP

More than 1,500 political prisoners in Venezuela have applied for amnesty under a new law, the head of the countrys legislature said Saturday, two days after the measure  enacted under pressure from Washington  came into effect.

A total of 1,557 cases are being addressed immediately, and hundreds of people deprived of their freedom are already being released under the amnesty law, National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez told a press conference.

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Amnesty is not automatic under the law: petitioners must ask the court handling their cases.

On Saturday alone, 80 prisoners had been freed from detention in the capital Caracas, Rodriguez told AFP.

On Friday, the lawmaker overseeing the amnesty process, Jorge Arreaza, announced that prosecutors had asked courts to free 379 prisoners.

Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez  the sister of the top lawmaker  pushed for the legislation after she rose to power following the capture of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro during a US military raid on January 3.

The legislature unanimously adopted the landmark amnesty law on Thursday, and Delcy Rodriguez hailed its passage, describing it as a step toward a more democratic, fairer, freer Venezuela.

Opposition figures have criticized the new legislation, which appears to include carveouts for some offenses previously used by authorities to target Maduros political opponents.

It explicitly does not apply to those prosecuted for promoting or facilitatingarmed or forceful actions against Venezuelas sovereignty by foreign actors.

Rodriguez has leveled such accusations against opposition leader and Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado, who hopes to return to Venezuela at some point from the United States.

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The law also excludes members of the security forces convicted of terrorism-related activities.

But the amnesty extends to 11,000 political prisoners who, over nearly three decades, were paroled or placed under house arrest.

The law provides for those substitute measures to be lifted so that these people can enjoy full freedom, Rodriguez told reporters.

Lets hope its true

Outside a national police facility in Caracas known as Zone 7, relatives  some of them on site for weeks  patiently waited.

Lets hope its true, Genesis Rojas told AFP.

A group of relatives who have been camped out for days chanted: We want to go home!

A row of police officers with riot shields stood watch.

Theyre the ones who should ask us for forgiveness. For kidnapping us, for robbing us, for having violated all our human rights, said Yessy Orozco, whose father is imprisoned in Zone 7.

A group of 10 women went on a hunger strike that lasted more than five days to demand the laws passage and freedom for Venezuelas political prisoners.

The last hunger striker, a woman outside Zone 7, posted a sign that read: In recovery. No answers. She declined press interviews, saying she felt unwell.

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Hundreds have already been granted conditional release by Rodriguezs government since the deadly US raid that resulted in Maduros capture last month.

Maduro ruled Venezuela between March 2013 and January 2026, silencing opposition and activists under harsh leftist rule.

Maduro and his wife are in US custody awaiting trial. Maduro, 63, has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and declared that he was a prisoner of war.
Pakistan launched precision strikes on militant camps near the Afghanistan border after deadly suicide attacks, escalating tensions and warning it would pursue militants regardless of location to ensure national security

(Representational image) Pakistani army soldier stand guard on a border terminal in Ghulam Khan, a town in North Waziristan, on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, on January 27, 2019. (AFP)

Pakistan has launched a series of strikes targeting militant camps along the Afghanistan border, the government announced on Saturday. The escalation comes in its response to a recent wave of deadly suicide attacks inside the country.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the military carried out intelligence-based, selective operations targeting seven camps belonging to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups. An affiliate of the Islamic State was also targeted during the operation.

Officials did not confirm the exact locations, but reports suggested the strikes may have hit militant positions inside Afghanistan. Afghan authorities had not issued an immediate response.

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Suicide bombings trigger tough retaliation

The strikes came in direct response to recent suicide attacks that killed Pakistani security personnel and civilians. In one of the deadliest incidents, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post in Bajaur district, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national.

In another attack just hours before the strikes, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in Bannu district, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Pakistans military signaled a tougher stance following the attacks, warning it would not exercise any restraint and would continue operations against militants wherever they were based.

Tarar defended the military action, saying Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, while stressing that protecting Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.

Rising tensions with Afghanistan

Islamabad has accused militant groups of operating from Afghan territory and blamed Afghan-based leadership for orchestrating attacks inside Pakistan. Tarar said authorities had conclusive evidence linking recent attacks, including a deadly mosque bombing, to militants acting on the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistans Taliban government to prevent militant groups from using its territory, arguing that insufficient action has been taken. Officials also urged the international community to pressure Afghanistan to uphold commitments under the Doha agreement.

Militant violence in Pakistan has surged in recent years, largely blamed on the TTP and allied groups. Islamabad maintains that many of these militants operate from across the border, a claim denied by Kabul and the TTP.

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The generation that suffered the hardships of the so-called Special Period now faces an old age of misery and uncertainty. Those living alone find themselves extremely vulnerable to the high cost of living on the island

The good thing about this is how bad its getting. Its one of those popular phrases that Cubans have heard their grandparents say all their lives, in the face of difficult situations in daily life. Ana Julia T., who is 68, couldnt help but utter it, sitting in front of the television at home, while the authorities announced some of the contingency measures related to electricity consumption, transportation, work, and education, to cope with the current fuel shortage the island is suffering, a result of the energy blockade imposed by the Donald Trump Administration.

She belongs to a generation that has lived under the Castro regime since the beginning of the political process. As the writer Leonardo Padura reflects in his most recent novel, Morir en la arena (Dying in the Sand), these are people who sacrificed themselves, who did everything their leaders demanded of them, and at retirement age, as the utopia faded away, realized they had nothing. Not even enough money to buy basic necessities.

A group of people wait their turn to take a taxi in Havana Ramon Espinosa (AP)

Thats why people like Ana Julia T. have been forced to make things up as we go along to keep going, even without any hope of improvement in the country or any real change. This is reflected in the resigned tone of her voice. Ive seen it all. No one can fool me at this point, she says, incredulous at the authorities ability to provide any certainty to the population amidst the sea of dangers that threaten a fractured, frustrated society in the midst of a cumulative crisis.

The situation of this woman, who survived the so-called Special Period of the 1990s thanks to her job at one of Havanas most famous restaurants  at a time when tourism provided a better standard of living  could be that of almost any retiree today who, in the best of cases, can support themselves and not resort to begging to avoid going hungry. After her retirement, this woman was forced to continue working, close to home, to supplement her pension of almost 4,000 Cuban pesos (CUP; about $8) with two meager state salaries.

A woman walks along a street in Havana Norlys Perez (REUTERS)

She lives alone in an apartment in Havanas Cerro neighborhood. She has no children and no relatives or friends abroad who can send her occasional remittances. She says she has managed to organize her finances to survive without going hungry. She recently added to her income by renting out one of her rooms to university students from other provinces who come to study in the capital. In total, she can earn around 19,000 CUP (almost $39) a month. But making ends meet requires meticulous budgeting.

Her life is confined to her neighborhood, from work to home and back. Now, her only concern is that the worsening transportation problems will prevent her from visiting her ninety-year-old mother, who lives in a distant town. She prays that neither of them will suffer an illness requiring hospitalization or the purchase of medications, which are scarce in state pharmacies and exorbitantly priced on the black market.

In a society like Cuba, whose main demographic challenge is the aging population  those 60 and over already make up more than 25% of the total population, which is below 10 million  many elderly people feel like the last card in the deck, facing acute crises and the incompetence of the state. When Ana Julia thinks about her future, she shrugs. All she can manage to say is, For life to improve, we have to change so many things internally.

The struggle to find medicines

For many families in Cuba, securing the bare necessities for a decent life has been a Herculean task for several years now. In a context where the state has withdrawn from neighborhood life  where private businesses or micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) provide basic necessities at exorbitant prices  and social policies are ineffective or nonexistent, a relative abroad who can send remittances makes a huge difference. Elderly people living alone, or entire families without a helping hand to turn to, find themselves extremely vulnerable to the high cost of living on the island. This is the case, for example, with the need to find medication for any health problem. Its a true ordeal.

A man carries sacks of pork rinds on a street in Havana Norlys Perez (REUTERS)

While some families with the means to do so have turned to the informal market and invested around $200  or received external shipments  to obtain medicines for a year, given the current contingency, others have no choice but to go to state pharmacies to hunt for the medicines that are available.

For some time now, to overcome the chaos caused by the lines at pharmacies, an organization has been in place based on the doctors office to which a family belongs. Each day of the month, families associated with a particular doctors office are allowed to shop. On your assigned day, you go and buy. The order rotates throughout the month, says Doris G., 72, who lives in Central Havana, where there are 14 doctors offices.

If you get number 14, that means youll be last on the list that month, and theres usually nothing left to buy. Youll have to wait until the following month to see if you get one of the first spots, the woman explains. She consoles herself by saying, At least this way, the few medications that are available are guaranteed to reach families more equitably.

Faced with her complicated daily life, Doris, a former cartographer who experienced the Special Period as a hard time in her life, says she doesnt understand the Cuban authorities current strategy. You cant ask people to resist creatively, or tell them were going to eat whatever we can produce. What on earth are we producing? she asks.

A man fills his gas tank in Havana as Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announces new restrictive measures. Norlys Perez (REUTERS)

She says her daily life revolves around trying to keep up with a constantly changing world. I only go to the bodega when word gets around that somethings arrived. Bank branches in the area have been closing in recent years, and you have to go farther and farther away to do those errands; I only go to the pharmacy once a month, when its my turn. And it seems that some errands are going to get even more complicated, now that Cuban authorities have announced that customer service, for example at banks, will be limited to Monday through Thursday.

As time goes on, those who are preparing for the worst-case scenarios, amid blackouts and shortages of all kinds, even from outside the island. Alfredo, a young Cuban living in Madrid who, for security reasons, declines to give his last name, bought a ticket to Cuba to check on the situation of his parents in a village in the municipality of Colon, in the province of Matanzas. He is taking them a suitcase full of food and medicine that the couple, who live off what they grow on their small farm, cannot easily access. My father is diabetic, hypertensive, and has to take a cocktail of pills every morning, of which he is almost always short half of what he should be taking, the young man says via WhatsApp, while packing his luggage.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu after the latter described PM Modis upcoming visit to Israel as historic.

PM Narendra Modi on Sunday responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirming the strength of IndiaIsrael ties and echoing sentiments of deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. He thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu after the latter described PM Modis upcoming visit to Israel as historic.

I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit, PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

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Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu.



I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to https://t.co/snGra7RB3g  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2026

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described India as a global power and its Prime Minister Narendra Modi a personal friend while talking about his vision of a hexagon of alliances in and around the region that will include India.

This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged over recent years between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and its leader, Prime Minister Modi, Netanyahu said at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting.

We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. I have visited India, and Modi has visited here, the Israeli Prime Minister said. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then in the Mediterranean, the Ganges, and the Jordan, though less in the Jordan, he added in reference to pictures of the two leaders walking barefoot in the sea in 2017 that went viral with talk of bromance.

Modi will be visiting Israel on a two-day trip from February 25 to 26, his second since the historic visit of July 2017, which was the first by any Indian PM to the Jewish state.

Netanyahu visited India a few months later in 2018, and the two leaders have since constantly kept in touch, often talking over the phone.

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In any case, one thing has happened: The fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries, the Israeli leader emphasised. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation, he said.

Touching upon his diplomatic vision, Netanyahu said, We will create an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within the Middle East. This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I wont detail at the moment. I will present this in an organised manner, he stressed.

The description broadly matches the vision of IMEC, India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity.

Netanyahu, however, presented it more as a diplomatic axis than a mere economic alliance.

The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis, he said.

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All of these nations share a different perception, and our cooperation can yield great results and, of course, ensure our resilience and our future, he asserted.

Sharing details of Modis visit, the Israeli leader said that he would be coming on Wednesday, hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together with him. I should also note an additional point of special cooperation: We will promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing, he noted.

I say AI and quantum not because they are the future, but because they are the present. We, of course, want to be among the worlds leading nations in these fields, he said.

Modi will also be meeting Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the visit.

Netanyahu has often flaunted his close personal ties with global leaders, like Modi and US President Donald Trump, and it has been a strong component of his election campaigns in efforts to demonstrate that no other Israeli leader enjoys his stature at the global arena.

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With inputs from agencies
A Russian missile struck an Oreo factory in eastern Ukraine, marking the second attack on the site since 2022

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha speaks during an interview, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Reuters)

A production facility in eastern Ukraine operated by snack manufacturer Mondelez International was struck by a Russian missile on Saturday, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The site, located in the town of Trostyanets, was damaged for the second time since the conflict began in 2022. No casualties were reported.

Sybiha said a production building at the facility, where Oreos are manufactured, had been damaged. The plant had previously sustained heavy damage in 2022 during Russias invasion of Ukraine, partially reopening in 2023 to resume chocolate production before restarting Oreo manufacturing in 2024.

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Company and Kremlin silent

The Chicago-based company, which also produces Ritz crackers, Toblerone and Trident gum, did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday evening. The Kremlin also did not provide a response overnight.

Targeting American business interests

Sybiha wrote that the strike had wider implications beyond Ukraine, stating, When Russian missiles hit such sites, they are not only targeting Ukraine. They are targeting American business interests in Europe.

The incident comes as the company faces criticism for continuing business activities in Russia during the ongoing conflict.
Self-proclaimed Queen of Canada Romana Didulo faces a delayed preliminary hearing in Saskatchewan over charges of intimidation and breaching court conditions following a high-profile police raid on her groups compound in Richmound

Romana Didulo, the self-proclaimed Queen of Canada, is set to face a preliminary hearing in Saskatchewan after her court appearance was rescheduled, prolonging legal proceedings tied to charges stemming from a police raid on her groups rural compound.

Didulo, who claims to lead a fringe movement known as the Kingdom of Canada, is charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and intimidating a justice system participant. These charges were laid in September 2025 after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) raided a former school in Richmound, a village in southwestern Saskatchewan where Didulo and her followers had been living.

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The preliminary hearing was initially scheduled to begin in early March 2026 but has now been pushed to April. The delay comes after a key Crown prosecutor involved in the case was appointed to a judicial position, requiring the file to be reassigned.

Charges linked to police raid and alleged violations

The case traces back to a large-scale police operation in September 2025, when RCMP officers executed a warrant at the Richmound property and arrested Didulo along with 15 others. Authorities said the raid was part of an investigation into alleged criminal activity linked to the compound and its occupants.

Didulo was later charged after allegedly violating court-imposed conditions and attempting to contact individuals connected to an earlier investigation, actions that form the basis of the intimidation and undertaking-breach accusations.

She has chosen to be tried by a jury, meaning the preliminary hearing will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Legal process and courtroom tensions

Didulo has represented herself in court and previously refused legal counsel, insisting she does not recognise statutory law and instead follows what she calls natural law. Judges have warned her about the risks of self-representation, but she has continued to challenge the legal process.

Meanwhile, Ricky Manz, the owner of the former school where the group stayed, faces similar charges tied to the same investigation, along with additional accusations including assault and resisting arrest.

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What happens next

Didulo is expected to return to court for further pre-trial discussions before the preliminary hearing begins. That proceeding will determine whether there is enough evidence to move forward with a full criminal trial.

The case has drawn widespread attention across Canada, not only because of the unusual claims made by Didulo but also due to growing concerns among residents and authorities over the groups activities and influence in rural Saskatchewan.
Somaliland has said it is ready to offer the United States access to its mineral resources and military bases as it seeks closer ties and wider recognition.

A man holds a flag of Somaliland in front of the Hargeisa War Memorial monument in Hargeisa, Somaliland. File image: AFP

Somaliland has said it is willing to offer the United States access to its mineral resources and the use of military bases. The breakaway region declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991 and has since pursued international recognition.

Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, said the government believes it can reach an understanding with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. We are also open to offering military bases to the United States, Abdi told AFP. We believe that we will agree on something with the United States.

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Disputed status and lack of recognition

Despite operating with its own currency, passport, army and police force since 1991, the Somali government continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia.

Following Israels recognition of the territory, Trump said he was not aware of Somalilands existence. In an interview in December, he said, Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?

Somalia and several African nations denounced Israels recognition. Rejecting the move, the African Union warned it could set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.

Israel recognition and strategic outreach

Since declaring autonomy, Somaliland has functioned largely independently but has struggled to gain formal international recognition. Israel became the first country to recognise Somalilands independence in December 2025.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has suggested granting Israel privileged access to Somalilands mineral resources, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of a future Israeli military presence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on 26 December 2025 that Israel formally recognises the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. He described the move as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords initiated under President Trump.

Netanyahu said Israel would expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy, and invited President Abdullahi to visit Israel.

Strategic location and resource potential

Strategically located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, Somaliland sits near major shipping routes and areas affected by Houthi rebel attacks, which have at times targeted Israeli assets.

Officials say the territory holds significant natural resources, including lithium and coltan, although independent verification of their scale remains limited.

Geopolitical implications

Analysts say Somalilands outreach to the United States and Israel reflects a broader effort to strengthen strategic partnerships and raise its international profile, potentially reshaping geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
South Korea on Sunday protested a Japanese government-backed Takeshima Day event, calling it an unjust assertion of sovereignty over disputed islands also claimed by Japan.

Prospective nuclear weapon states are nations often driven by regional threats or a desire for greater security. File photo/Reuters

South Korea on Sunday criticised Japan for commemorating a cluster of disputed islands, calling the move an unjust assertion of sovereignty over its territory.

Objection to Takeshima Day

In a statement, Seouls foreign ministry said it strongly objected to the Takeshima Day event organised by Shimane prefecture and to the attendance of a senior Japanese government official, urging Tokyo to abolish the ceremony immediately.

Longstanding territorial dispute

The small islets  known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea  have remained a source of tension since Japans colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. The territory comprises two main islands and around 30 smaller rocks, with a South Korean coastguard detachment stationed there since 1954.

Seoul rejects sovereignty claims

Shimane prefecture established Takeshima Day in 2005, a move that has repeatedly triggered protests from Seoul. The foreign ministry said Dokdo is South Koreas sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international law, and called on Japan to drop what it described as groundless claims.

Diplomatic protest lodged

Seoul summoned a senior Japanese diplomat to lodge a formal protest and has repeatedly objected to Tokyos territorial claims, including recent remarks by Japans foreign minister asserting sovereignty over the islets during a parliamentary address.

Strategic and economic significance

Seoul says the territory lies in fertile fishing grounds and may sit above substantial deposits of natural gas hydrate that could be worth billions of dollars.
President Donald Trump says the US is sending a hospital ship to Greenland in partnership with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to care for many people who are sick, though key details and requests for aid remain unclear

US President Donald Trump speaks during a dinner with state governors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 21, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that his administration is sending a hospital ship to Greenland, a move he framed as humanitarian assistance for people in need of medical care.

Trump posted the announcement on social media ahead of a White House dinner with Republican governors, saying the initiative was being carried out in cooperation with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.

Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!! Trump wrote, without providing further specifics on which ship would be sent or whether the mission had been requested by Greenland or Denmark.

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Details and responses remain scarce

Neither the White House nor Landrys office immediately answered questions about the post, and officials from the Department of War declined to comment on the plans, including which hospital ship might be involved. The US Navy operates two hospital shipsthe USNS Comfort and the USNS Mercybut neither is based in Louisiana, raising questions about the logistics of the mission.

It is also unclear which specific health needs the ship is meant to address, as Greenland and Denmark provide universal health care through their own systems, and no official request for foreign medical aid has been publicly disclosed. Analysts noted the mix of humanitarian language with ongoing political tensions underscores a diplomatic balancing act.

Political context and Arctic tensions

Trump has long drawn international attention for his interest in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory with strategic Arctic importance. The president has previously suggested the United States should acquire the island, a proposal that was strongly rejected by both Greenlandic and Danish officials, who insist on respecting Greenlands autonomy and international law. Recent diplomatic talks involving the US, Denmark, and Greenland sought to ease tensions within the Nato alliance over these issues.

Last week, Danish King Frederik made a second visit in a year to Greenland to reinforce Danish unity and sovereignty amid Trumps Arctic outreach. That visit came against a backdrop of wider regional diplomatic efforts to address concerns about foreign influence and defence cooperation in the North Atlantic.

What comes next

As the hospital shipor at least Trumps version of itbecomes on the way, observers are watching how Greenlandic and Danish officials react, particularly since no formal aid request has been confirmed. The missions announcement, delivered with broad humanitarian rhetoric, may also serve to keep focus on the Arctics growing geopolitical significance, where US, European, Russian, and Chinese interests increasingly intersect.

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Deadly explosions rocked Lviv in western Ukraine early Sunday, killing a policewoman and injuring dozens in what authorities have described as a terrorist attack. The blasts occurred after police responded to an emergency call near the city centre

A series of deadly explosions struck Lviv in western Ukraine early Sunday morning, with authorities treating the incident as a terrorist attack. The blasts occurred after police responded to an emergency call about an intrusion at a shop near the city centre. One explosion went off soon after officers arrived, followed by a second when additional personnel reached the scene.

Policewoman killed, dozens injured

A 23-year-old policewoman, Viktoria Shpylka, was killed in the attack. Around two dozen people, including police personnel and civilians, were injured. A patrol car and a civilian vehicle were also damaged, the regional prosecutors office said, adding that an investigation has been launched into what it described as a terrorist act causing serious consequences.

Suspect detained, probe underway

President Volodymyr Zelensky said a suspect linked to the explosions had been detained, while authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible. Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovy termed the incident an act of terror and expressed condolences to the victims family.

Strikes reported across Ukraine

The attack comes despite Lvivs reputation as a relative safe haven far from front-line combat zones. Ukrainian officials also reported intensified aerial strikes by Russia in recent days, with missiles and drones targeting infrastructure in several cities, including Kyiv, Sumy and Odesa. At least one person was reported killed in Kyiv.

Civilian infrastructure impacted

Among the sites hit in separate strikes was a facility belonging to Mondelez in northern Ukraine, highlighting the widening impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and economic assets.
Philippe Bolopion warns that there is a risk that the U.S. switching sides on the global scene may strengthen the authoritarian wave that has been taking over the world. He argues that resistance will only succeed if the countries that still believe in democracy can unite strategically

What was unthinkable not so long ago is now commonplace: ethnic cleansing, premeditated famines, the trampling of the rule of law, interference in foreign countries without even a pretense of legal justification the list goes on. The so-called democratic backsliding isnt the future: its the present. This is what Human Rights Watch (HRW) has laid bare in its annual report, released this month. The compilation of human rights violations confirms that were witnessing the collapse of the global order that was meticulously crafted over decades, amid the apparent passivity of many of its defenders.

The new executive director of HRW, 52-year-old Philippe Bolopion, who was born in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, explains that were facing a steady decline, one that has been accelerated due to the trajectory of the United States. Artificial intelligence, he asserts via videoconference from Washington, D.C., is the new battleground for human rights, and such technology is a very dangerous tool in the hands of authoritarian governments.

Question. You maintain that 2025 marked a turning point for human rights. Is the end of this freefall in sight?

Answer. Its 20 years in a row of democracy receding every year, so its not like ups and downs. Theres been a pretty steady decline, and you could almost feel an acceleration with the trajectory of the U.S., given how influential it is on the global system. There are reasons to worry that the trend wont reverse in 2026. If you look at the trajectory of quite a few countries  including in Western Europe  its hard to imagine that weve reached the peak of autocracy and that democracy will now spread.

Q. How did we get here?

A. Theres a phenomenon thats quite well documented: democracy is often degraded at the hands of popular leaders who get elected democratically. They then start, little by little, [to undermine] the checks and balances that are put on them. They make it harder for the opposition to eventually be electorally successful, they tighten up the grip on independent media and civil society. Its part of the playbook. Weve lost quite a bit of ground in the last few years. And I think thats because in multilateral institutions, or on the global stage, there are fewer and fewer countries that are standing up for human rights. And the countries that are trying to undermine the system from within Russia and China, now joined by the U.S.  are becoming more influential, more powerful, and more successful.

Democracy is often degraded at the hands of popular leaders who get elected democratically. They then start, little by little, [to undermine] the checks and balances that are put on them.

Q. Trump legitimizes autocracy in the eyes of other would-be tyrants across the five continents. How far will the domino effect unleashed by this superpower go?

A. I think youre right that theres a risk of a domino effect reaching a critical mass, where the phenomenon accelerates. If a country as powerful as the U.S. empowers other would-be autocrats or governments with illiberal tendencies around the world  which, if you look at the National Security Strategy of the State Department, theres a clear sense that they want to empower illiberal movements in Europe, for example  there is a risk that the U.S. switching sides on the global scene may strengthen the authoritarian wave thats been taking over the world over the last 20 years.

Q. The assault on democracy in the United States contrasts with the lack of a response. Its as if were suffering from collective denial and disbelief in the face of what we see every day. How do you explain this?

A. So, domestically, I do think that theres been a lack of institutional reaction, given the severity of the attacks on the basic pillars of American democracy. For example, its surprising that Congress hasnt resisted more the aggressive extension of executive power. Or that the business world seems to be, by and large, cowering to Donald Trump. The popular reaction is a bit more robust, but the institutions are under strain. Were [currently observing whether or not] the justice system will preserve its independence.

Q. And globally?

A. The threat made by the Trump administration to invade Greenland was a huge wake-up call for the world. And I think that, while many world leaders were prepared for the U.S. to disengage from the multilateral system, they werent prepared for the U.S. to potentially become an adversary of it. The response [in Davos] from the prime minister of Canada  Mark Carney  really captured the mood of the moment and really sort of crystallized how many countries around the world now realize that they need to protect themselves.

Q. You mention Canada, but where is the EU? The absence of decisive European action has been glaring.

A. The response has been a bit disorganized. And thats why Carneys speech was so powerful, because it was essentially a call on middle powers, democratic countries  which are still attached to human rights and democracy  to join together in a more organized and strategic way. And, for us, thats the only way to protect the rules-based world order that has allowed the human rights movement to flourish. Democracies around the world must stand up to the Trump administration, but also to Russia and China, which are working together to undermine the very idea of democracy and human rights at a global level.

Q. Europeans have lost credibility in recent times in many parts of the world because of the double standards applied in Ukraine and Gaza, paving the way for autocrats.

A. The double standards around the world are always very corrosive to the idea of human rights. If youre a European country and you denounce Russian war crimes in Ukraine, but youre silent about genocidal acts by the Israeli government, your credibility is much diminished. If youre a country like South Africa and youre denouncing  as you should  ethnic cleansing in Gaza, but youre not quite as clear about the situation in Ukraine, for example, thats also damaging. I completely agree that, for this new coalition of countries that are dedicated to protecting the rules-based order, to have legitimacy and credibility, they need to uphold true values and true principles, not double standards.

Double standards are always very corrosive to the idea of human rights.

Q. These countries also need laws. Weve seen how international law is being trampled with impunity, how international courts are being delegitimized, and how judicial independence is being endangered. How many generations will it take to restore the rule of law?

A. I believe that the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) more than 20 years ago was an incredible step forward in terms of advancing the idea of accountability, even for heads of state who are responsible for the commission of atrocities. And the court has done a lot of work. [The judges] issued arrest warrants for the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. Theyve issued arrest warrants for [Russian President] Vladimir Putin for the situation in Ukraine. So, theyre trying to do their part, but theyre now under sanctions from the Trump administration, and theyre facing legal actions in Russia. Theyre under siege; theyre under attack. [The ICC] is the kind of institution that this new alliance of democracies should dedicate themselves to protecting. Without a rules-based world order, smaller countries  even middle powers  are incredibly vulnerable to the whims of aggressive superpowers. And thats exactly the Donroe Doctrine that the U.S. is probably claiming. But frankly, it also resembles the long-term projects of the Chinese government and the Russian government, who may not be as upfront in laying things out.

Q. Have they already succeeded? Are human rights a thing of the past?

A. No, the amazing thing with human rights is that they are enduring and you cannot suppress them, even in the most authoritarian countries. Even in China, during COVID, there were protests that forced the government to pull back. And people are protesting in Iran today, at the risk of their lives. So, I think the idea of human rights is enduring, but have we lost ground in the last few years? Are we on the back foot? Are we facing a dangerous moment? Yes, 100%.

Q. Besides accumulating data, corporations are concentrating unprecedented wealth. What role has inequality played in the erosion of human rights? In Europe, impoverished and angry voters are defending human rights violations  for instance, against migrants  that were unthinkable just years ago.

A. I do think inequality is quite relative to a democratic society and a democratic system. The ways in which it plays out are complex, something that we want to study a bit more closely, because at times, people who are economically disenfranchised actually vote for populist movements that are in favor of less taxes on the rich. The Trump economic agenda is pretty transparent: its less government, slashing food stamps and programs things like that. I think its complex to understand what brings people into the hands of populist movements. Sometimes, it has a lot to do with identity: rejection of the rights of others, rejection of the rights of migrants, rejection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people. I think that voters sometimes forget that limiting the rights of others wont improve their own condition. In fact, eventually, their own rights will be limited.

Q. Meanwhile, the space for human rights defenders is shrinking. Physically, this is happening in places like Gaza or Iran  where access is very difficult  but its also due to funding cuts to organizations. Is there a space for resistance?

A. I do think that keeping the space open for civil society is essential to preserving strong democratic institutions. Even at Human Rights Watch, over the last 15 years, our ability to operate around the world has been constrained. For 30 years, we used to have an office in Russia. Its now closed. We used to have an office in Hong Kong. Its now closed. We used to have our Israel-Palestine director a few years ago; he was expelled from Israel. Were no longer able to operate in Egypt. The world in which Human Rights Watch and other organizations like ours can work freely is shrinking. And were often the canaries in the coal mine: when governments start going after organizations that define human rights, its not long before they go after the news media and political opponents. Its part of the authoritarian playbook.

Q. Generation Z is taking to the streets to protest, but the level of repression and the concentration of power make any progress extremely difficult. Is it realistic to call for resistance under these conditions?

A. At the end of the day, we shape our future collectively. And so, I do believe that if governments that are still dedicated to democracy and human rights work together with civil society, with popular movements, then these trends can be reversed. You know, autocracy isnt an attractive model. Eventually, people want to have their basic rights. I think theres hope.

Q. Major donor countries  the U.S., but also European countries  have drastically cut their development aid budgets, allocating those funds to defense. We see major humanitarian crises, like the one in Sudan, that are ignored, while conflicts around the world intensify. Are we on the brink of a new world war?

A. With the Trump administration not only withdrawing from the rules-based world order but working against it, were in a dangerous new world. And in a dangerous new world, some countries want to prioritize their military, their defense, over development aid. And thats yet another reason why its really important to try to protect this entire architecture and ecosystem of rights. Because without that, its a return to the law of the jungle. And nobody wins in that new climate, except for the superpowers.
Over 50 migrants were transferred from Louisiana to the prison in December, believing they were being returned to Cuba. After several weeks stranded there, they were returned to the US and then deported to Havana

On January 31, during bathing time at Camp 6, the Cuban detainees at Guantanamo Bay heard a loud crash in the shower area  the sound of a body collapsing. One of them, Vladimir Gago Soriano, fell heavily onto his ailing left leg, which had undergone eight surgeries and is barely functional since a motorcycle accident two years prior. He slipped on a puddle of water on the floor, and the detainees began shouting for help. The authorities, who took an hour to arrive, handcuffed him and put him in a kind of truck. From the loud noise of the engine, Vladimir guesses it was a large vehicle, although he isnt certain because they blindfolded him so he would never know exactly where he was or what the maximum-security military installation looked like  the same installation where some of the worlds most wanted terrorists have been held, and where he, an Uber Eats delivery driver, had also found himself.

The United States sent more than 50 Cubans to the migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay late last year. According to dozens of testimonies gathered by EL PAIS, the migrants thought they would land in Havana, when in reality they ended up at the U.S. military base on the other side of the island. They were in their home country, but not really.

On December 13, Arelys Piloto received a call at her Miami home from her 22-year-old son, Alexander Peraza. After nearly 12 months in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and after receiving a deportation order from a judge, officers at the Alexandria Staging Facility, a detention center in Louisiana, informed him that he would be deported to Cuba the following day. My son called me, happy, and said, Im leaving now, the mother says. Maykel Rivera, 38, detained at the same facility, also called his aunt, Daysi Alfonso: Auntie, theyre going to release us now, Im going to Cuba, he told her. The family was going to rent a car to pick him up at Jose Marti Airport in Havana and take him to his home in San Cristobal, where his children were waiting for him. The children were very excited about their fathers arrival, Alfonso says. Mailin, the aunt of 25-year-old Marcos Alejandro Avila, was also eager to welcome her nephew back to Havana. It had been many anguished months while he was in detention, even though her nephew had signed his voluntary departure from the United States back in October. My hair has fallen out from so much suffering, you dont sleep, and the longing to see him is overwhelming.

For the families, it was a tragedy that their sons, who had no criminal record, were being deported from the United States. They had worked hard for years at the legendary Juice Palace in Miami, like Arelyss son, or in a cabinet factory, like Daysis nephew. But by now, they believed that freedom in their own country was better than confinement in the detention centers of U.S. immigration authorities, where more than 70,000 migrants are currently held. Going to Cuba  even in the midst of one of its worst crises  came as a kind of relief.

Start journey

On the night of December 14, 2025, guards at the Louisiana detention center informed a group of 22 Cubans, aged between 20 and 50, that they were leaving. They dressed them in gray prison uniforms and escorted them to the airport to board an ICE charter flight. After more than two hours, the migrants finally landed in Cuba, but it wasnt Havana they saw before them. Instead, they were greeted by a sign welcoming them to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, the military facility the United States has maintained in the Caribbean Sea since 1903, for which it is supposed to pay Cuba $4,085 annually  a payment the Castrist regime has refused to collect for decades. The former see it as a rental; the latter, as a clear occupation of Cuban territory.

The group of Cubans at Guantanamo grew impatient. What were they doing there? Why, if they had been assured they were being deported to Cuba, had they arrived at a place that was still U.S. territory? They were the first migrants to return to the cells at Guantanamo, which had been empty since mid-October, after a federal judge ruled that U.S. President Donald Trump could not detain migrants on military bases. One of the Republicans first orders, nine days after his return to the White House in 2025, was to invest millions to equip the naval base to house some 30,000 criminal aliens, part of his campaign to carry out the largest deportation in the countrys history.

Now Cubans were the new residents of the maritime prison, and also the first Cubans to be sent to the base, where last year ICE sent some 730 men from countries like Venezuela, El Salvador, and Guatemala. According to ICE Flight Monitor, which tracks immigration enforcement flights, the Trump administration ordered a second flight carrying Cuban migrants to the base on December 19, 2025, and a third on January 9, 2026, bringing the total number of Cuban citizens deported to that location to 54. The dozen family members interviewed by EL PAIS claim they were deceived by U.S. authorities.

When the first group landed at Leeward Point Field, the naval bases airfield, they saw that several armed soldiers had cordoned off the area. Like they were guarding terrorists or murderers, says Vladimir, 30. They were led to small buses with blacked-out windows. Finally, they arrived, handcuffed and shackled, at the maximum-security prison.

In Cuba, their families had no news of them. Nor in the United States. They began to worry. One, two, three, four days passed. Arelys finally received a call from her son, Alexander. Are you in Guantanamo? she asked, frightened. Daysi also answered a call from her nephew, Maykel. Auntie, they only gave me three minutes, and I want you to know Im in Guantanamo. She let out a cry from the other end of the line: But what do you mean, Guantanamo?

Tents for detained migrants at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, Cuba, in February 2025. U.S. Navy/AFN Guantanamo Bay Pub (via REUTERS)

Guantanamo, an enigma

If Misdrey Arrondi could, she would leave her house in Santa Clara, in central Cuba, and go to take her son out of Guantanamo prison with her own hands. Detainees have reported that some remain in bunkers, that they are fed potatoes and peas, that they are allowed to talk on the phone for only 15 minutes, handcuffed and on alternate days, and that they are barely allowed to see sunlight.

Misdrey finds it hard to believe that her son is in the same country as her, without actually being there. We are so close and yet so far, says Elianis Sanchez, wife of Alvaro Camilo Garrido Maceo, from Manzanillo, a city about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the base, or about a 20-minute flight.

Family members in Cuba cannot contact the base by phone, so the detainees call the United States to let their families on the island know how they are doing; the distance is magnified by politics. The base has been a point of tension in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Cuba, especially in recent decades, says Emily Mendrala, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department.

Despite its proximity, Guantanamo Bay, and what happens within its 117-square kilometers (45 square miles) of territory, remains a mystery to Cubans. Odelvis Tamayo Aguilera is on edge in his home in Camaguey, just thinking that his son, Emanuel Valverde Tamayo, is in a place that seems like a mystery to him. I understand its one of the worst prisons in the world, he says.

Aymel Acosta Aguilera, who lives in Caimanera, the town that borders the naval base on the Cuban side, has climbed onto a rooftop more than once to look at the military enclave, which is easily visible from that height. Its the only place on the island with a McDonalds or Starbucks, and she says that most people in town, especially the young ones, are dying to know what life is like inside. On July 4, U.S. Independence Day, people gather to celebrate under the glow of fireworks, a holiday that isnt theirs, but which is practically celebrated in their own backyards.

For many years, dozens of Cubans hired before the triumph of the Revolution continued working at the base, returning to the other side of the province with news of a world that seemed incredibly distant. Iviss grandfather  who asked to use a pseudonym for security reasons  worked there as a boat repairman and earned a salary in dollars that allowed the family to live comfortably, better than most of their neighbors. He traveled back and forth by bus, crossing the militarized border that divides the two territories every day. My grandfather, who spoke English, loved working with the Americans. He said they were very serious people, she says.

Ivis grew up in a place where people lived with the constant threat of having a U.S. territory right next door. Once, after she became a doctor, a young man was brought to her medical center with a destroyed foot. He had stepped on dynamite. For decades, Guantanamo residents have dreamed of reaching the base, even if it means crossing the minefields that divide the territory, or waiting for high tide in the bay to swim across one of the dikes separating the military installation.

In 1995, Yordis Garcia Fournier was 18 years old and decided to leave Cuba. At that time, the base was sheltering more than 30,000 Cubans in what became known as the rafter crisis. Fournier made a journey of almost a week to the vicinity of the base. It was kind of a trend in Guantanamo to try to get there, something very common. Many people died trying too, he says. What I went through was terrible; we ran out of water. Its an inhospitable territory; the vegetation is very thorny. He was eventually apprehended by Cuban authorities and spent time in prison.

Even in Caimanera, there are people who see the naval base as the horizon of their prosperity, while several dozen Cubans are counting down the days until they can leave that territory.

Back to a Cuba in crisis

Its 9.54 p.m., and the prayer begins. Were all going to pray together that they get them out this month, says one of the detainees mothers in a WhatsApp group where they meet every night in a chain of shared supplications. Forty days have passed since the group was sent to Guantanamo, and the ICE officers laugh when some of the detainees ask them when theyll finally be released. They never told us when we were going to get out, Vladimir says.

One night they thought they were leaving. On January 23, they were taken from their cells and transferred to another location. Some were even put on a plane and then taken off again. Something similar happened on two more occasions. The Cubans began to grow impatient. They barely slept; some shouted that they were being kidnapped or subjected to psychological warfare. For a moment, they thought this limbo was due to the flights being grounded because of the heavy snowfall in the United States. They also learned of the recent tensions between Washington and Havana, now that Trump is pushing to economically strangle the island, and imagined they were at the center of the conflict between the two countries. Others claim they heard officers say that the Cuban government wouldnt accept them, and thats why they ended up at the base.

01:53 Migrants deported to Guantanamo recall their experience (Spanish) Vladimir, a Cuban migrant detained in Guantanamo. Photo: EDUARDO RAMON

While they remained at Guantanamo, the families wondered why their sons, husbands, and nephews werent sent to Cuba, where 1,498 Cuban citizens were deported last year on monthly flights, or to a third country like Mexico, where 4,883 were sent in 2025. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a question from EL PAIS about why these Cubans  many of whom had requested voluntary departure from the United States  ended up at the naval base. A few days after their arrival, Tricia McLaughlin, a department spokeswoman, said that among those detained were some with criminal histories for homicide, kidnapping, assault, battery, obstructing law enforcement and cruelty toward a child. None of those interviewed for this report had such a record.

On February 2, the families, first thing in the morning, did what they had done for the past 50 days. They searched the ICE locator for their loved ones but found no names. Where were they now? They imagined they were probably in Cuba, but when they received calls from the detainees one by one, they learned they were back at the Louisiana detention center.

Except for Vladimir, who, because of the condition of his leg, was taken to a facility in Texas. He was also the only one who didnt call his mother. So Irisaris Soriano Sarduy became worried, and at dawn the next day, her husband started the truck and they drove together for more than three hours to the Houston detention center. I told the officers I wanted to know about my son, but they told me no, that I could only wait for the visit. The mother pleaded with them, cried, and explained in vain that she had come from far away to see her sick son.

Their stay in the United States, however, would now be much shorter. The group were deported again, but this time, finally, to Cuba. They arrived in a country worse off than the one they had left, amid the economic embargo imposed by the administration of Donald Trump, who asserted that the island would collapse very soon. On February 9, Irisaris received a call from her family in Camaguey. Her son had unexpectedly landed at Terminal 5 of Havanas Jose Marti Airport, like the rest of those sent to Guantanamo, on the first deportation flight to Cuba in 2026, which carried a total of 153 men and 17 women.

I hadnt seen him laugh in a long time, his mother says. Irisaris is worried about Vladimir being back in a country mired in a deep humanitarian crisis. She also fears for his health, now that hes returning to a place where the hospitals are overwhelmed. But hes free, she says, her voice filled with emotion. The long journey of the Cubans detained at Guantanamo has finally ended.
Community members take turns speaking during a healing circle at the Western Slope Native American Resource Center on Feb. 10, 2026.

Candy Keller, right, smiles while talking about her experience visiting The Joseph Centers Golden Girls shelter while speaking with a Daily Sentinel reporter on Feb. 10, 2026.

CJ, left, smiles alongside fellow Golden Girls members Tracy Jones, center, and Elaine, as the group speaks about their experiences in the the Joseph Centers Golden Girls program, while speaking with a Daily Sentinel reporter on Feb. 10, 2026.

PHOTOS: The final day at the North Avenue homeless shelter

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'The next step' for unhoused moms, older women Jace DiCola







A look inside the Joseph Center's Family Center A look at the inside of The Joseph Center Family Center on Feb. 10, 2026. A look at the inside of The Joseph Center Family Center on Feb. 10, 2026. A look at the inside of The Joseph Center Family Center on Feb. 10, 2026. A look at the inside of The Joseph Center Family Center on Feb. 10, 2026. A look at the inside of The Joseph Center Family Center on Feb. 10, 2026.

If theyre at Pathways Family Shelter, they got a job and theyre saving money, or whatever the case is, theyre ready for intermediate shelter, Highline said.

Both programs are built on that life skills model, and our job is (to provide) all those wraparound services that can follow them into permanent housing. They still have therapy, theyre establishing doctors, theyre establishing things that they didnt have and theyre saving 30% of their earnings. Once they get into permanent housing, all thats set up.

Those life skills range from budgeting classes to chore charts that divvy out cooking and laundry responsibilities among the residents.

Similarly, both programs facilitate an array of addiction recovery groups, from the traditional models like Alcoholics Anonymous to more innovative, culturally-informed models, like Indigenous Wellbriety, offered through the Western Slope Native American Resource Center.

While none of the current Family Center clients were able to share their experiences, the models success and impact are clear among both current and former Golden Girl clients.

In January 2025 alone, three Golden Girls obtained permanent housing, including 64-year-old Candy Keller.

Kellers experience started after a long period of caretaking for her parents concluded with their passing. Between a lack of resources and struggles with drinking, Keller was left with few options beyond living in her car.

Over half a year of living in her car had begun taking its toll, exacerbating her COPD to the point of four hospital visits. Keller had given up hope on everything, until a case manager connected her with the Golden Girls program.

Just two weeks ago, Keller concluded her stay with the Golden Girls, moving into her very own apartment at St. Martin Place: a permanent housing complex operated by Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, near Third Street and White Avenue.

I still go to meetings and keep up with (the program) because, well, thats how I want to run my life, Keller said. Coming here, I learned so much. You start learning again because when youre in a car, youre not doing anything.

Even with the inarguable success, Highline said much work remains, as the Golden Girls currently boasts a waitlist of 25 people.

Still, each person served is a life changed  even in the least ideal circumstances.

Like 69-year-old Tracy Jones, whose declining health and growing medical bills left her unhoused, with nowhere to turn.

Upon joining the Golden Girls program, Jones fervently looked forward to getting back on her feet. Alongside her fellow Golden Girls, who call each other sisters, Jones was putting in the work to attain her own housing once again.

According to her, the program has been an unprecedented light in her life  even after she discovered that her finishing line might look different than the rest of her sisters.

about six weeks ago, I was told that I had two kinds of cancer: (skin cancer and) a tumor in my brain, Jones said. I cant treat or fix either, so that kind of knocked me for a loop.

When I came back and told everyone that I had cancer, and that is not curable or treatable, they just hung on to me. These people, they took me in, and God, the world has opened up to me. Many times, I have not been strong. Its been hard to hold up, but these people havent left me for a moment.

To donate or volunteer with the Joseph Center, visit josephcentergj.com.

To learn about the Joseph Centers many other services and founding, read the Sentinels continued reporting in A multi-faceted approach to homelessness  without government funding.

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The Chief of the General Staff in Gaza Strip

Israel Defense Forces

February 13, 2026

13.02.26

IDF

"There is no immunity for terrorism. What applies to terrorists in Gaza applies to terrorists in the other arenas as well. We will continue to remain focused and remove threats with determination and a defensive approach"

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, conducted a situational assessment and field tour today (Friday) in the Rafah area in the Gaza Strip, together with the Commander of the Southern Command, MG Yaniv Asor; the Commander of the Gaza Division, BG Barak Hiram; the Commander of the 188th Brigade; the Commander of the 7th Brigade; the Commander of the Tzanchanim Brigade; the Commander of the Southern Brigade; the Commander of the Yahalom Unit; and additional commanders.

The Chief of the General Staff toured the Rafah area following the events of the past week and instructed troops to continue operating to remove threats in the area, with an emphasis on dismantling underground terror infrastructure.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir:

"During the war, we achieved an unprecedented accomplishment - all Hamas front-line battalions were dismantled. Hamas has been militarily defeated and all of the hostages have returned to their homes.

The IDF is deployed along a security border - the Yellow Line - overseeing the crossings to the Gaza Strip, and is precisely dismantling terror infrastructure in the area. We are prepared to transition from a defensive posture to an offensive one. For any violation, we will respond and degrade their capabilities. Recently, we eliminated numerous terrorists, including senior operatives from the terrorist organizations.

We are not relinquishing the objectives of the war - the full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of Hamas. We are operating in accordance with the directive of the political echelon, while maintaining military plans for their defeat and we stand ready to act defensively as required. We will continue strengthening the defense of the communities of the western Negev.

The achievements across all arenas are the result of determined combat and the bravery of IDF troops over the past two years. You, the troops and commanders, deserve the highest appreciation.

There is no immunity for terrorism. What applies to terrorists in Gaza applies to the terrorists in other arenas as well. We will continue to remain focused and remove threats, with determination and a proactive approach.

Over the past week, we established the 38th Division, which will enhance the IDF's operational competence and strengthen its ground capabilities. The war has proven the importance of divisions as the driving force of the IDF's operational capability and as a vital component in achieving decisive defeat and victory in a prolonged multi-front war."

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Weekly Counterterrorism Summary in the Central Command

Israel Defense Forces

February 13, 2026

13.02.26

IDF

Israeli security forces operated this week throughout the Central Command area as part of dozens of defensive activities.

The Jordan Valley Regional Brigade completed a brigade-level operation in the area of Jericho, during which approximately 70 locations were searched and three terrorists were apprehended.

In the area of the Judea Regional Brigade, in a joint activity with Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District, two machines for manufacturing weapons, an M16 rifle, weapon parts, ammunition, and three million shekels in terror funds were confiscated.

In the Samaria Regional Brigade, more than 30 terrorists were apprehended, and parts for assembling explosive devices, M16 rifles, and military equipment that had been hidden inside shops in the area of Balata in Nablus were confiscated.

In the area of the Menashe Regional Brigade, wanted suspects affiliated with the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations were apprehended. In addition, Kalashnikov rifles, military equipment, and terror funds valued at tens of thousands of shekels were confiscated. Additionally, paraphernalia containing ISIS emblems was found, a striking example of the overarching terror threat in the region.

In the Binyamin Regional Brigade, in a joint activity with the Judea and Samaria District of the Israel Police, several Hamas operatives and terrorists who had thrown Molotov cocktails toward the community of Beit El were apprehended. Additionally, weapons were confiscated.

In the Ephraim Regional Brigade, M4 rifles and terror funds valued at thousands of shekels were confiscated, and in the Etzion Regional Brigade, several wanted suspects were apprehended and weapon parts were confiscated.

The apprehended suspects and confiscated weapons were transferred to the ISA and the Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District for further handling.

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US envoy's remarks on Israel's regional control spark uproar in Muslim world

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Arab and Muslim nations have strongly condemned comments by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who said Israel has a right to control much of the Middle East.

Huckabee made the remarks in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, which aired on Friday. Carlson said that, according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham would receive land including the area between the Euphrates River in Iraq and the Nile River in Egypt, encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee responded when asked whether Israel had a right to that land.

OIC condemns 'dangerous' comments by US envoy

In a statement on Saturday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the US ambassador's comments, describing them as "dangerous and irresponsible."

Such comments are "an unacceptable call for the expansion of Israel, the occupying power, and its seizure of more Palestinian and Arab lands, based on a false and rejected historical and ideological narrative and claims that violate the sovereignty of states, diplomatic norms, principles of international law, UN resolutions, and the UN Charter," the OIC said in a statement shared on its official website.

The organization warned that "such extremist ideological rhetoric would fuel extremism and encourage the Israeli occupation to continue its illegal measures based on displacement, settlement activity, and attempts to impose annexation on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which threatens security and stability in the entire region."

Arab League calls Huckabee's comments illogical

Also on Saturday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Abu al-Gheit strongly condemned the US ambassador's remarks, describing them as inconsistent with the fundamental principles and established norms of diplomacy.

In addition to being contrary to logic and reason, the comments appear to be aimed at appealing to right-wing audiences in Israel, Abu al-Gheit further said, according to Kuwait's KUNA news agency.

Egypt: Huckabee's comments a blatant violation of int'l law

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday, condemning Huckabee's comments as a blatant violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Egypt reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories or other Arab lands, stressing its categorical rejection of any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip, the ministry added.

Jordan: US envoy's comments 'reckless'

Jordan's Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Saturday, described the US ambassador's comments as "reckless and provocative," saying they constitute a violation of diplomatic norms, an infringement on the sovereignty of states in the region, and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter.

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US envoy's Jordan raps US envoy to Israel for legitimizing occupation, annexation of Palestinian lands on Israel's regional control spark uproar in Muslim world

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Jordan has deplored a recent controversial statement by the US ambassador to Tel Aviv, strongly condemning Mike Huckabee for justifying Israel's expansionist agneda, as well as the regime's illegal and illegitimate occupation and annexation of Palestinian lands.

In a statement on Saturday, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are the occupied Palestinian territories and the only way to achieve a just peace in the region is to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state.

The statement followed Huckabee's contentious remark in an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson that Israel's control over the West Bank and even parts of West Asia is acceptable to the United States.

He also claimed that Israel had the right to extend its grip on lands from the Nile to the Euphrates, adding, "It would be fine if they [Israelis] took it all."

Amman clarified, however, that the claim of sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, or the stance to legitimize their occupation, is rejected and is contrary to international law.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also urged the international community to take steps to establish an independent Palestinian state and guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Huckabee, who represents a traditional conservative movement that strongly supports the Israeli regime, especially in right-wing evangelical circles in the United States, is a supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its idea of a "Greater Israel" with expanded land grab.

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Iran condemns Israeli regime's crimes, ceasefire violations in Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has condemned the Israeli regime's attacks on Lebanon and its repeated violations of the ceasefire.

In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei strongly denounced yesterday and last night's attacks on Lebanon, including the Bekaa region and the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh in Sidon, which killed and injured more than 40 Lebanese and Palestinian civilians.

Referring to the continued "blatant violations" of Lebanon's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, he underscored the direct responsibility of the ceasefire guarantors, the US and France, for the crimes committed by the Israeli regime.

He also stressed the need for immediate action by the United Nations and its Security Council to halt the regime's military aggression.

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Hamas: Attack on Ain al-Helweh clear violation of Lebanon's sovereignty

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has strongly condemned the "brutal aggression" by the Israeli army against the Ain al-Helweh refugee camp in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon.

In a statement on Friday, Hamas said the attack constitutes "a new crime added to the series of ongoing assaults on our Palestinian people and a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty."

The movement stated that targeting a camp housing thousands of Palestinian refugees and densely populated with civilians "represents a dangerous escalation and a flagrant disregard for all international laws and norms."

Hamas added that the move reflects the Israeli regime's "determination to expand the scope of its aggression and destabilize the region's security and stability."

Rejecting Israeli claims about the reasons behind the strike, Hamas said the allegations are "flimsy pretexts," noting that the targeted site belonged to the "Joint Security Force," which is tasked with maintaining security and stability inside the camp.

It is necessary to "move urgently to halt these assaults, hold the occupation accountable for its crimes, and provide protection for our Palestinian people in all their place," the statement said.

Media reports on Friday night said an Israeli missile strike on the Ain al-Helweh camp killed three people. Al-Mayadeen network reported that several missiles targeted the Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.

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The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Condemns the Remarks of the US Ambassador to Israel as a Clear Call to Violate International Law

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

21-02-2026

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemns the dangerous and irresponsible statements made by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, as an unacceptable call for the expansion of Israel, the occupying power, and its seizure of more Palestinian and Arab lands, based on a false and rejected historical and ideological narrative and claims that violate the sovereignty of states, diplomatic norms, principles of international law, UN resolutions and the UN Charter.

The OIC General Secretariat also warned that such extremist ideological rhetoric would fuel extremism and encourage the Israeli occupation to continue its illegal measures based on displacement, settlement, and attempts to impose annexation on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which threatens security and stability in the entire region.

The OIC General Secretariat reiterated its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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Hezbollah confirms 8 fighters, including senior commander, killed in Israeli strikes

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 5:14 PM

The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has confirmed that eight of its resistance fighters, including senior commander Hussein Mohammed Yaghi, were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon.

Two officials with the group said on Saturday that the eight members were killed in strikes near the village of Rayak in northeast Lebanon late on Friday. They spoke to Lebanese media on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about such matters.

One of the Hezbollah officials said that three of the dead were local commanders and identified them as Ali al-Moussawi, Mohammed al-Moussawi, and Hussein Yaghi.

Yaghi was the son of a prominent Hezbollah official and one of its founders, Mohammed Yaghi, who died in 2023. Mohammed Yaghi was also a close aide to the late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut in September 2024.

Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said on Saturday that Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon killed 10 people and wounded 24, including three children.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that several members of Hezbollah's missile unit, in three different command centers in the Baalbek area in Lebanon, were killed in the aerial raids.

The army added that the Hezbollah members killed were identified "as operating to accelerate readiness and force build-up processes, while planning fire attacks toward Israel."

Ali Abdullah, executive director of Rayak Hospital, said the strike occurred after sunset, adding that they have received 10 bodies and 21 wounded.

He added that the dead included two non-Lebanese nationals  a Syrian man and an Ethiopian woman. The wounded included five Syrians and three Ethiopians.

For his part, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the Israeli raids in the Bekaa Valley, describing the continued attacks as "a hostile act aimed at thwarting the diplomatic efforts and endeavors undertaken by Lebanon with brotherly and friendly countries ... to stabilize the situation and halt Israeli hostilities against Lebanon."

He stressed that the raids constitute "a new violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and a clear breach of international commitments," as well as "a disregard for the will of the international community, particularly UN resolutions calling for full compliance with Resolution 1701 and its implementation in all its aspects."

Aoun renewed his appeal to countries sponsoring regional stability in the region to "assume their responsibilities to immediately halt the attacks and exert pressure to ensure respect for international resolutions, to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity and spare the region further escalation."

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.

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UN warns settler attacks in West Bank have displaced 880 Palestinian families

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 4:50 PM

The spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, has warned that attacks by settlers in the occupied West Bank have led to the displacement of roughly 880 Palestinian families.

Dujarric cautioned during a press briefing on Friday that ongoing violence and coercive practices by Israeli forces and settler groups in the West Bank led to injuries, property destruction, and forced displacement.

"Overall, since January 2023, and as of 16 February, some 880 Palestinian families, that's over 4,700 people, have been displaced across the West Bank due to settler attacks and access restrictions," he noted.

Dujarric highlighted that Israeli forces killed three Palestinians between February 3 and 16, raising the total for this year to nine, which includes two children.

Palestinian Authority forces fatally shot a young boy in Tammoun during an effort to detain his father, the spokesman stated.

"During the same period, at least 86 Israeli settler attacks were recorded, during which over 60 Palestinians were injured, and some 146 people were displaced. People in 60 communities have been impacted by the attacks," he added.

Dujarric also pointed to a specific incident, noting that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the murder of Nasrallah Abu Siam, a 19-year-old dual citizen of Palestinian-American descent who was shot and assaulted in an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Mukhmas.

"The secretary-general calls for a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this incident and for those responsible to be held accountable. And he urges the government of Israel to take concrete steps to halt and prevent all acts of violence by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian population, and that would be following their obligations as the occupying power," the spokesman said.

A local Palestinian official was injured on Thursday evening when a group of illegal Israeli settlers stormed a village in the northern occupied West Bank.

Local sources reported that about 30 illegal settlers invaded al-Malih village and attacked council chief Mahdi Daraghmeh, resulting in his need for medical attention. He was moved to a local healthcare center.

During the raid, the illegal settlers also vandalized Palestinian property and set vehicles on fire. Israeli forces later entered the village following the assault.

On Friday, in another incident, a Palestinian woman sustained injuries when illegal settlers assaulted residents in the Masafer Yatta region, south of al-Khalil.

Osama Makhamra, a field activist with the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, reported that armed illegal settlers stormed Fadel al-Hamamda's residence in the village of Khirbet al-Mafqara and attacked his family members

He stated that Khadra al-Hamamda suffered from bruises and contusions and was transported to a hospital for care.

The assaults come amid increased tensions in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian communities have experienced rising violence from illegal settlers in recent months.

Last week, the Israeli regime approved measures intended to modify the legal and civil structure in the West Bank - steps Palestinians claim are meant to deepen Israeli dominance over the area.

Since the onset of its military campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israel has increased its activities in the West Bank, particularly in East al-Quds. Palestinians see the escalation - including killings, abductions, displacement, and settlement growth - as a move toward the official annexation of the land.

In a landmark ruling in July 2024, the International Court of Justice deemed Israel's occupation of Palestinian land unlawful and demanded the removal of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds.

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Lebanon's president condemns Israeli strikes as 'blatant act of aggression'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 2:55 PM

Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun, has strongly condemned deadly Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens of others on Friday.

Aoun said in a Saturday statement that the attack was "a blatant act of aggression aimed at thwarting diplomatic efforts" by the United States and other nations to establish stability.

He said the airstrikes constituted "a new violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and a clear breach of international obligations."

Aoun added that the latest aggression reflects Israel's disregard for the will of the international community, particularly UN resolutions calling for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions, which require Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory.

The president once again urged countries "sponsoring stability in the region" to assume their responsibilities, halt the attacks, and exert pressure to ensure respect for international resolutions.

Israel's military launched a series of airstrikes on the Bekaa Valley in the latest breach of a ceasefire deal that was reached in November 2024, after thirteen months of Israeli invasion of the country.

Images posted online from one of the sites targeted on Friday night showed extensive destruction in what appeared to be a residential neighborhood.

Hours earlier, an Israeli strike hit the densely populated Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Helweh on the outskirts of Sidon in southern Lebanon.

A Hezbollah lawmaker called on the government to suspend meetings of a multinational US-led committee tasked with monitoring the ceasefire deal. The committee held its first meeting this year, with the Lebanese army due to complete the initial stage of its plan to bring all weapons under state control.

Washington is one of five members on the committee, with the body scheduled to meet again next week.

Under the ceasefire deal that came into effect in November 2024, Israel was supposed to end its attacks on Lebanese soil and withdraw its forces from the country.

Israeli forces, however, continue to occupy five areas of Lebanese territory, blocking the reconstruction of destroyed border villages and preventing tens of thousands of displaced people from returning to their homes.

As of December 2025, more than 10,000 violations by Israeli forces have been documented, including air and ground aggression that have breached Lebanese sovereignty, according to figures by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Lebanon's government has constantly warned against Israel's ongoing acts of aggression on the country's soil and urged the international community to put pressure on the Tel Aviv regime to stop its attacks.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently said the situation had become a "one-sided war of attrition."

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US Steps Up South Caucasus Push As Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Hangs In Balance

By Alex Raufoglu February 21, 2026

WASHINGTON -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian were back in Washington this week, just days after US Vice President JD Vance visited both countries. The White House has branded the effort a "Board of Peace" push aimed at consolidating momentum toward a formal settlement.

The optics were striking: two leaders whose countries fought two wars in the past five years appearing together under US auspices, following a White House summit hosted by President Donald Trump on August 8, 2025.

At that earlier meeting, the sides initialed a peace agreement, signed a joint declaration affirming their commitment to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and announced the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a US-backed transit initiative linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevanexclave through Armenian territory.

But nearly six months later, a central question remains: Has the political breakthrough translated into irreversible peace?

'Not An Endpoint'

Speaking at the Hudson Institute on February 20, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter described the August summit as "a decisive moment for the South Caucasus."

"That summit was not an endpoint. It was the beginning of a new chapter," she said, adding that Washington has since focused on turning what she called a diplomatic breakthrough into "durable progress on the ground."

Coulter said both governments have taken "concrete steps to normalize relations, to open channels of commerce and transit, and to create the institutional foundations" aimed at making peace sustainable.

She framed the administration's policy in economic terms. "If leaders choose peace, we will back them with the tools that translate peace into prosperity," she said, citing investment, security cooperation, and programs intended to strengthen sovereignty and economic independence.

At the center of that approach is TRIPP, which was designed, in US terms, to facilitate the movement of "people, goods, energy, and ideas" across the region and reduce incentives for renewed conflict.

During his recent visit to Yerevan and Baku, Vance said in Armenia that "peace is not made by cautious people" and "is made by people who are focused on the future." Coulter said that sentiment reflected the tone of US engagement with both capitals.

Economic And Security Incentives

Coulter outlined several initiatives announced during Vance's trip.

They include the creation of a TRIPP Enterprise Fund, seeded with roughly $200 million, aimed at mobilizing private capital along the trans-Caspian corridor in areas such as transportation, logistics, energy, and critical minerals.

In Armenia, the United States approved export licenses for Nvidia-based high-powered servers and related data center equipment, part of what officials describe as a planned multibillion-dollar investment in Armenia's information technology sector. The two countries also completed negotiations on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, opening the way for potential US small modular reactor technology and long-term partnerships.

Washington additionally announced its first-ever foreign military sales case for Armenia -- $11 million to provide surveillance drone capability -- as part of what US officials describe as support for Armenia's defense transformation.

In Azerbaijan, Vance signed a strategic partnership charter covering cooperation in security, energy, digital development, and trade. He also announced that four patrol boats and body armor for the Azerbaijani Coast Guard would be delivered. A US Chamber of Commerce delegation traveled to Baku during the visit to explore commercial ties.

"These initiatives are not abstract," Coulter said. "They are concrete instruments that provide for a durable peace."

The Election Factor

Even as Washington emphasizes economic integration, analysts say domestic politics -- particularly in Armenia -- will shape the trajectory of the peace process.

Andrew D'Anieri of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center told RFE/RL that Coulter's mention of the TRIPP Enterprise Fund was notable, describing it as potentially "the more immediately usable pot of money" to help kick-start construction linked to the corridor.

But he pointed to Armenia's upcoming parliamentary elections as the most immediate variable.

"The biggest current question mark is the Armenian election," he said, noting that Pashinian's party must secure another mandate to remain in power.

D'Anieri added that many observers expect Russia to attempt to influence the vote, arguing that Moscow has been critical of what he described as Pashinian's efforts to pursue a pragmatic peace course.

"We'll know much more about prospects for peace after the June election," he said.

External Pressures

Richard Kauzlarich, a former US ambassador to Azerbaijan,said the relationship between the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaderships appears to have stabilized at a political level.

"The relationship appears to have stabilized -- in a positive state -- at the leadership level," he told RFE/RL, saying the recent Washington meeting allowed the two leaders to demonstrate cooperation under US sponsorship.

However, he noted this has not yet resulted in a finalized peace treaty.

At the same time, Kauzlarich warned that broader geopolitical tensions could complicate progress. With US-Iran relations strained, he said, Tehran may seek to counter what it views as expanding American influence in the South Caucasus, particularly around the TRIPP initiative.

He also cited what he described as growing rhetorical opposition from Moscow to US activity in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, including reported Russian concerns over US-Armenia nuclear cooperation.

"I don't expect either Iran or Russia to accept an easy US win in the South Caucasus," Kauzlarich said, adding that wider US-Russia negotiations over Ukraine could indirectly affect regional dynamics.

What Comes Next?

For now, the Trump administration is seeking to anchor peace in infrastructure, trade, and security cooperation, arguing that shared economic interests can help prevent renewed conflict.

Key steps ahead include finalizing and ratifying a comprehensive peace agreement, ensuring political stability in Armenia following elections and beginning visible work on transit and connectivity projects linked to TRIPP.

Whether the current momentum becomes self-sustaining may depend less on announcements in Washington and more on developments in Yerevan and Baku -- and on how regional powers respond.

As Coulter put it in closing her remarks, quoting Vance: "We don't just want to make peace, we also want to make sure that peace endures."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-south-caucasus-armenia- azerbaijan/33684033.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.

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Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Statements by US Ambassador to Israel

Saudi Press Agency

Saturday 04/09/1447

Riyadh, February 21, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its strongest condemnation and complete rejection of the statements made by the United States Ambassador to Israel, in which he recklessly suggested that Israel's control over the entire Middle East would be acceptable.

The Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of these irresponsible remarks, which constitute a violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and established diplomatic norms. Such statements set a dangerous precedent, particularly as they were issued by a U.S. official, and reflect a disregard for the distinguished relations between the countries of the region and the United States of America.

This extremist rhetoric portends grave consequences and threatens international peace and security by antagonizing the countries and peoples of the region and undermining the foundations of the international orderan order collectively established by nations to put an end to devastating wars that claimed millions of lives and that upholds respect for the geographical borders of states and their sovereignty over their territories. The U.S. Department of State should clarify its position regarding this rhetoric, which is rejected by all peace-loving nations worldwide.

In this regard, the Kingdom reiterates its firm and longstanding position rejecting any actions that undermine the sovereignty, borders, and territorial integrity of states. It stresses that the only path toward a just and comprehensive peace is ending the occupation based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

-- SPA

22:37 Local Time 19:37 GMT

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Dozens of US Warplanes Spotted at Jordan Base Amid US-Iran Tensions - Reports

Sputnik News

20260221

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Dozens of US warplanes have been spotted at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan amid tensions between the United States and Iran, the New York Times has reported, citing satellite photos and flight data.

Images taken on Friday show more than 60 attack aircraft, which is about three times their usual amount, the daily reported. According to flight tracking data, at least 68 transport aircraft have landed at the base since February 15. More fighter jets may be in shelters.

Satellite images show F-35 stealth fighter jets, which are more modern than those usually stationed at the base. Several drones and helicopters, as well as new air defense systems have also been spotted.

The US aircraft and equipment are stationed at the base as part of a defense agreement with the US, Jordanian officials told the newspaper.

In January, US President Donald Trump said a "massive armada" was heading toward Iran, adding that he hoped Tehran would agree to negotiate and sign a "fair and equitable" deal involving the complete abandonment of nuclear weapons. The president warned that if no agreement on Iran's nuclear program was reached, any future US strike on the country would be "far worse" than the previous ones.

 Sputnik

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Russo-Ukraine War - 21 February 2026 - Day 1459

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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 121 combat encounters.

The defense forces continue to stop the Russian enemy, destroy personnel and deplete its combat potential by creating a constant and systematic fire effect.

The Russian enemy made one missile strike using one missile and 68 aviation strikes, dropping 178 controlled air bombs. In addition, used 5522 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,411 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, today the Russian enemy carried out 55 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including twice - with the use of the RSV. The Russian invaders made two air strikes, dropping four cabs.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy once stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the area of the Dvorichanske settlement. The confrontation is underway.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces attacked four times in the area of Pi anogo. Active assault actions are not being recorded at the moment.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled six Russian attacks in the areas of Grekivka, Stavkiv, Drobishevy and Maslyakivka. One assault action in progress.

In the Slovak direction, the Russian opponent eight times tried to advance towards yampol, dronivka and zakitnogo. One attack continues.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian attacks were not recorded.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders near Konstantinivka, Ivanopilya, Scherbinivka, Berestko, Rusynoy Yara, Sofiyivka and Novopavlivka.

The enemy committed 27 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. According to information, the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of populated areas Shahove, Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Udacne, Molodetske and Muravka. Four Russian attempts to improve their position are still ongoing.

According to preliminary calculations, 57 Russian occupants were eliminated and 23 injured in this direction; 15 vehicles units destroyed and damaged; 213 BPLAs of different types destroyed or suppressed. 5 Russian occupiers' hideouts are astonished. Also damaged one tank and three artillery systems, PMM warehouse, 4 REB, BPLA control point, one shelter, 15 more Russian shelters - injured and damaged.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers tried to improve their position towards Zaporizhia three times. One of these attempts is still ongoing.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, there were 31 Russian attacks: in the area of Zaliznychnny, Staroukrainka, Svyatopetrivka, Zelenoy, Varvarivka, Dobropillya, Zagirny, Mirny, Girky and Gulyaipol. Two more storms are going on.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian enemy once attacked in the area of primors kogo.

In the Pridnipro direction of offensive actions of the Russian enemy was not fixed.

In other directions, no significant changes in the environment have been recorded at this time.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on formations of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Novaya Sech, Sennoye, Malaya Korchakovka, Kondratovka, and Miropolye (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, losses were inflicted on units of one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Kazachaya Lopan, Veterinarnoye, Staritsa, and Prikolotnoye (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 215 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 11 motor vehicles, two electronic warfare stations, two ammunition depots, and five materiel depots.

As a result of resolute actions, units of the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Karpovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU, and two national guard brigades near Borovaya, Kovsharovka, Osinovo (Kharkov region), and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 troops, two Kozak armoured fighting vehicles, three artillery guns, including two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, and 21 motor vehicles. Three ammunition depots were wiped out.

The Yug Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Losses were inflicted on formations of one mechanised brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and one national guard brigade near Reznikovka, Kramatorsk, Nikiforovka, Konstantinovka, and Artem (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 110 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and eight motor vehicles. Two ammunition depots and two materiel depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of one jaeger brigade, one infantry brigade, two mechanised brigades of the AFU, and one national guard brigade near Kucherov Yar, Grishino, Annovka, Novoaleksandrovka, Shevchenko, Belitskoye, Dobropolye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 350 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, and two artillery guns.

The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences. Losses were inflicted on formations of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade, and four assault regiments of the AFU near Velikomikhaylovka, Aleksandrovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Vozdvizhevka, Verkhnaya Tersa, Lyubitskoye, Charivnoye, and Komsomolskoye (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 370 troops, one tank, one armoured fighting vehicle, and 18 motor vehicles.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU near Yulyevka, Kamyshevakha, Grigorovka (Zaporozhye region), and Antonovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 50 troops, 15 motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, three electronic warfare stations, and one materiel depots.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed a transport and load vehicle of a U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS, struck Flamingo long-range cruise missile launchers, transport and power infrastructure of Ukraine used by the AFU, assembly, storage, and pre-flight check sites of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 141 areas.

Air defence units shot down one guided aerial bomb, seven U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, five Flamingo long-range cruise missiles, and 172 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the enemy has lost: 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 115,937 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,790 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,670 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,400 field artillery guns and mortars, 54,938 units of support military vehicles.

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AMMAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The United States has recently deployed a large number of fighter jets and transport aircraft to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, marking a noticeable increase compared with the base's usual level of deployment, local media reported Saturday.

The deployment was carried out in accordance with a defense agreement signed between Jordan and the United States in Amman in 2021, Roya News reported, citing several anonymous Jordanian officials.

The officials expressed hope that ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran would yield an agreement and help prevent the outbreak of war in the region.

Separately, The New York Times (NYT) recently reported that satellite images taken on Feb. 20 showed that the United States had deployed more than 60 fighter jets at the Jordanian air base, roughly three times the number typically stationed at the facility.

The report added that the satellite images indicated the presence of more advanced aircraft models than those previously observed at the base, including F-35 stealth fighter jets. In addition, new air defense systems have been installed.

Flight-tracking data also showed that at least 68 transport aircraft landed at the base over the past week, NYT reported.

Located about 100 km northeast of Amman, the capital of Jordan, Muwaffaq Salti is considered one of the main U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

The development came amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, and followed two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between the two sides this month, with the first in Muscat on Feb. 6 and the second in Geneva on Feb. 17. 
ICE quietly buys warehouses for major detention expansion, catching local officials off guard

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 6:43 PM

US federal immigration authorities are acquiring large warehouse properties nationwide as part of a sweeping effort to expand detention capacity, often without notifying local officials before deals are finalized.

In Socorro, a city of about 40,000 near El Paso, local leaders discovered that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had already completed a $122.8 million purchase of three warehouses totaling more than 826,000 square feet.

The properties are expected to be converted into detention facilities operated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr. said city officials were not contacted before the transaction was finalized, prompting frustration in the largely Hispanic community.

"Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what's about to take place," he said.

Residents later voiced concerns at a lengthy City Council meeting, questioning how the project might affect infrastructure and public resources.

Socorro is among at least 20 communities identified in ICE's $45 billion plan to expand detention operations.

Documents released earlier this month by New Hampshire's governor's office indicate the agency aims to increase national detention capacity to 92,000 beds.

Since US President Donald Trump returned to office, the number of detainees has climbed to approximately 75,000, up from about 40,000, according to federal figures.

DHS has confirmed it is seeking additional space but has not disclosed locations prior to acquisitions. The agency maintains the facilities will meet federal detention standards and has defended its planning process.

In Berks County, Pennsylvania, officials said they learned only after a sale closed that ICE had purchased a warehouse in Upper Bern Township for $87.4 million, raising worries about lost property tax revenue.

In Social Circle, Georgia  a city of roughly 5,000 residents  leaders questioned whether local water and sewage systems could support a proposed facility that may hold up to 10,000 detainees.

The expansion is being funded through legislation passed last year that significantly increased DHS's budget.

The Trump administration is reportedly using military contracting mechanisms to expedite construction and acquisition, a move critics argue reduces transparency.

In Socorro, residents also cited concerns about detainee welfare, referencing recent deaths at an ICE facility at Fort Bliss.

Some speakers urged city leaders to explore legal options, while others pressed for greater communication from federal authorities.

Federal officials say they have conducted due diligence to ensure the projects will not overwhelm local utilities. But in several communities, uncertainty remains as local leaders seek more information about the scale and long-term impact of the planned detention centers.

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Minister McGuinty concludes visit to British Columbia to advance Canada's new Defence Industrial Strategy

National Defence

News release

February 20, 2026 - Victoria, British Columbia - Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded a productive visit to British Columbia where he met with members of the Canadian defence industry to advance Canada's new Defence Industrial Strategy.

On February 18, the Minister visited Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards where participated in a tour to observe progress on shipbuilding projects under Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, including the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) Joint Support Ships and the Canadian Coast Guard's (CCG) new Polar Icebreaker. The Minister also met with company representatives and engaged with shipyard workers as well as members of the RCN and the CCG detachments based at the facility. The visit marked the Minister's first to the shipyard and provided an opportunity to see the important work being done by skilled Canadian workers to strengthen Canada's maritime capabilities.

Minister McGunity also delivered remarks at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, where he reiterated Canada's generational investment of $81.8 billion to rebuild and modernize the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He also highlighted the release of Security, Sovereignty, Prosperity: Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy as the Government of Canada's roadmap for how Canada will invest in defence, cement its domestic defence industrial base, and sustain the capabilities required to protect Canadians and support allies and partners.

On February 19, Minister McGuinty visited Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt where he met with CAF members and support staff to reinforce the Government of Canada's commitment to readiness, personnel well-being, and modernized defence capabilities. During his visit, the Minister toured base facilities and went aboard the Canadian Halifax-class frigate, His Majesty's Canadian Ship Vancouver.

Through Canada's first Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), the Government of Canada is strengthening the industrial foundations that underpin domestic security and economic resilience. By aligning long-term defence investments with domestic industrial capability, the strategy supports Canadian businesses and workers, reinforces national supply chains, and positions Canada as a trusted partner to its allies.

Quotes

"British Columbia is at the forefront of Canada's defence industrial strength. Through our new Defence Industrial Strategy, are making decisive, long-term investments to expand our industrial, capacitysupport skilled Canadian workers, and equip the Canadian Armed Forces with the modern capabilities they need to protect Canadians at home and contribute meaningfully abroad. This is how we strengthen our sovereignty, our economy, and our security  together." The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to increase defence spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) or approximately $63 billion, in 2025-26, and to 5% of GDP by 2035.

Budget 2025 put forward initial investments to support Canada's defence industrial base. This begins with an investment of $6.6 billion over five years on a cash basis, starting in 2025-26, to accelerate innovation, stabilize supply chains, expand critical stockpiles, and help Canadian businesses scale production and compete globally.

Increasing investments in core military capabilities, building up our domestic defence industry, and dual-use investments are putting Canada on a pathway to meet the new North Atlantic Treaty Organization Defence Investment Pledge to invest 5% of GDP in defence by 2035.

The Canadian defence industry contributes nearly $10 billion to the Canada's GDP and supports over 81,000 jobs.

Through the DIS, the Government of Canada will invest $63.1 million through PacifiCan to boost contributions to the defence industrial base in British Columbia.

Implementing the DIS and related targets by 2035 will result in an estimated $180 billion total direct investment in defence procurement, $290 billion total investment in defence-related infrastructure, and $125 billion in downstream economic activity - more than half a trillion dollars of overall investment in Canada.

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Cuba poses no threat whatsoever to any country

Republic of Cuba - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FEB 21 2026

Havana, February 21, 2026  Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, via his account on X, wrote:

Cuba poses no threat whatsoever to any country. Ours is a peace-loving and fraternal foreign policy committed to peace, friendship and cooperation. It respects International Law and the United Nations Charter.

It does not attack, threatens or interferes in the internal affairs of other States

It is inconceivable that the biggest and most aggressive economic, military and technological power of the world has resorted to the slanderous pretext of asserting that it feels threatened by a nation the size of Cuba.

(Cubaminrex)

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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (February 20, 2026)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

February 21, 2026

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening friends, let's begin our conversation. I open the floor for questions.

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir, my name is Huma Siddiqui. I just wanted to know has India officially stopped buying Russian oil and is looking to buy Venezuelan oil through the US?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that India is causing instability, and is also allying itself with Kabul. And what are your comments? And he also said that we don't rule out the possibility of a war between the two countries.

Sidhant, WION: Hi Sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, we saw a joint statement which condemned Israel's expansion in the West Bank. Now, India was not present initially in that joint statement, but India opted to join it. So, what's the reason? It's seen as a flip-flop.

Shailendra Wangu, News18 India: Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India se. I know aap political questions ka jawab nahi denge, lekin aaj ek political protest Bharat Mandapam ke andar hua hai jab wahan pe 20 desho se zyada world leaders Delhi mein hain. Toh aapko lagta hai ki isse Bharat ki chhavi kharab karne ki koshish hui hai? Aur doosra ye ki agar wo andar ghuse, toh kya passes jo unko mile hain, kya unka koi verification nahi hua?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Shailendra Wangu from News18 India. I know you will not respond to political questions, but today a political protest took place inside Bharat Mandapam while more than 20 world leaders are in Delhi. So, do you think this was an attempt to tarnish India's image?

And secondly, if they managed to enter inside, were the passes issued to them not properly verified?

Pranay Upadhyay, India Today Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay, India Today Aaj Tak se. Board of Peace held its first meeting yesterday and we saw that India had its participation as an observer state. So, is it the final status we have joined Board of Peace as an observer state, or this is only an interim arrangement?

And also, if you can tell us, President Donald Trump has been mentioning many a times that 11 or 10 or 9 aircrafts have been shot. So, as a strategic partner, did we tell, did we share the data of how many aircrafts shot down by India on the Pakistani air bases during Operation Sindoor?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so first, Huma to your question. Look, on both Russian oil and on Venezuela oil, we have issued statements, we have made our position very clear. So, I would once again request you to look at what we have said in the last few weeks on both these subjects. On Venezuela, we had said that you know, if it is commercially viable, then we can explore buying oil from Venezuela.

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Through the US?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: We clarified our position on Venezuela oil as also on the other question that you asked, so our position remains the same.

Yeshi, on your question regarding our ties with Afghanistan, you know where we are in our relations with Afghanistan. And you also know where we are in our relations with Pakistan, so I will leave it at that. The real problem in our ties with Pakistan, as you know, is cross-border terrorism that needs to be addressed.

Sidhant, to your question, let me say that you all may be aware that the issue that you referred to, the statement that you referred to, it was not a negotiated document which is usually the case in the United Nations. Our position on this particular issue was recently expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial joint statement. And which is as follows, I am going to read it out for you:

"Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, according to international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. They called for a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine based on 1967 borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. Both parties supported the practice of inalienable rights of the Palestinian people."

Now, what I have given you is what was agreed upon, and is mentioned in the Delhi Declaration of the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting, that joint statement that was issued on the occasion of the Ministerial meeting. In consonance with our position, in consonance with it, we have associated ourselves with the initiative, keeping in mind the concerns addressed by the statement. Let me also point out, a number of countries have similarly associated themselves with it after the statement was issued. So ,that is where we are on your particular issue.

Aapko shayad jaankari hogi ki yeh koi aapsi sehmati se taiyar kiya hua document nahi tha, jaisa ki hota hai United Nations mein. Aam taur par Sanyukt Rashtra mein is prakar jo bhi koi joint statement hota hai ya resolution hota hai toh sehmati banti hai, negotiate hota hai. Us prakar ka yeh document nahi tha. Is mudde par humara nazariya haal hi mein Bharat-Arab League ke sajha bayan yaani ki joint statement mein saaf kiya gaya tha, ek baar phir se. Main us joint statement ke jo paragraph hai main usko aapke saamne pesh kar raha hoon.

"Dono pakshon ne antarrashtriya kanoon, prasangik Sanyukt Rashtra prastavon tatha Arab shanti pehal ke anuroop Madhya Purv mein nyaysangat, vyapak aur sthayi shanti sthapit karne ki apni pratibaddhata ki punah pushti ki. Unhone 1967 ki seemaon ke aadhar par ek samprabhu, swatantra aur vyavaharya, yaani ki viable, Philistini rajya ki sthapna ka ahvan kiya jo Israel ke saath shanti se dono reh sakein. Dono pakshon ne Philistini janta ke avichhinn adhikaron ka samarthan kiya. "

Is bayan ke anuroop, yeh humara bayan usme jo statement tha usme tha. Is bayan ke anuroop aur isme ingit muddon ko dhyan mein rakhkar, humne khud ko is pehal se joda, yaani ki initiative se joda hai. Main yah bhi spasht kar doon ki bayan jari hone ke baad kayi anya desh bhi is tarah isse jude hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] As you may be aware, this was not a mutually agreed or consensus-based document of the kind typically seen at the United Nations. Usually, at the United Nations, any joint statement or resolution is negotiated and adopted through consensus. This document was not of that nature. Our position on this matter was clearly reiterated in the recent India-Arab League joint statement.

"Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, according to international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. They called for a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine based on 1967 borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. Both parties supported the practice of inalienable rights of the Palestinian people."

In line with that statement, our position was reflected accordingly. Taking into account, the concerns and issues indicated therein, we have associated ourselves with this initiative. I would also like to clarify that after the statement was issued, several other countries have similarly joined it.

Shailendra, jo Bharat Mandapam ke baare mein aapne jo baat kaha ki shayad wahan koi pradarshan ho raha hai ya nahi ho raha, mujhe jiski jaankari nahi hai. Lekin main kahunga ki jo organizers hain usko behtar aapko jawab de payenge is mudde par. Mere paas jaankari nahi hai iski.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Shailendra, regarding what you mentioned about Bharat Mandapam and whether any protest took place there, I do not have information on that. However, I would say that the organizers would be better placed to respond to this issue. I do not have details on it.

Pranay, Board of Peace... let me tell you that India attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC on 19th that was yesterday, on 19th February, as an observer. India has supported the Gaza Peace Plan initiative of President Trump, and the efforts that are underway due to UN Security Council resolution 2803.

On the other part of your question, on that, the Ministry of Defence has already given their clarification. So, I guess you will have to refer to what they have said in the past. Or take your question to Ministry of Defence because these are operational details. They have already ... from our side, from the Ministry of Defence side, we have put across our point of view. So, I would say that you would be well placed to look at what they have said in the past.

Reza, Hindustan Times: I understand there was a question on Russian oil, but just, you know, at the Bharat Mandapam today, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said there is a commitment and there is an agreement on India's purchases of Russian oil. He didn't go into details, but I was wondering if you would like to say anything on that.

Archis Mohan, Business Standard: Archis Mohan from Business Standard. Sir, while I understand the India-US trade deal subject, the nodal ministry is Commerce Ministry. But what one knows is that our team of negotiators will be traveling to the US, and it seems the USTR is also likely to visit India in the near future. And today the US Ambassador said that US Secretary of State might also visit India. So, what are the expectations when our team lands there, what is likely to be signed? And if you could elaborate a bit on what's the state of play.

Gautam Lahiri: Thank you, sir. Gautam Lahiri. Sir, as the election of Bangladesh is over, Prime Minister has sent a message. In that message, actually, one word is interesting that's about India wants an inclusive society or inclusive Bangladesh. When the largest political party was not allowed to participate in the election, can you clarify what kind of inclusivity India is looking at?

And supplemented to that, now the... it seems that relations will be on track. So, whether the India will be reopening the visa and other services between India and Bangladesh. Thank you.

Neeraj: Sir, aaj ameriki rajdoot Sergio Gor ne kaha ki Quad sammelan aur dusre masle ko lekar America ke videsh sachiv Bharat daure par aayenge. Kya aane wale waqt mein Quad sammelan ko lekar koi tarikh par vichar kiya ja raha hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, today the U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said that in connection with the Quad summit and other issues, America's Secretary of State will be coming on a visit to India. Is any date being considered at this time for the upcoming Quad summit?

Siddhant, CNN News 18: Hi sir, I am Sidhant from CNN News 18. Sir, yesterday in the Board of peace meeting, President Trump said that he spoke to Prime Minister Modi about this initiative and Prime Minister Modi is excited about the initiative. Was there any conversation before this meeting in Washington or was he referring to some previous conversation between the two leaders? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, Reza on Russian oil, I would again... on this particular issue, Foreign Secretary had elaborated our point of view. So that is where we are. I would urge you to look at what he had to say.

Archis, on your question, see, as we had adopted the joint statement between the United States and India recently, and as per the joint statement both sides are now working towards finalization of the interim agreement of a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. What I understand is that a delegation from our side, a team led by the chief negotiator from our side is expected to visit the United States next week. This is what I know. For more details you will have to approach the Commerce Ministry in this regard.

Gautam da, let me... you would have seen that once the election happened in Bangladesh, our Prime Minister congratulated Bangladesh Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Tarique Rahman. On 17th, when the swearing-in happened, we had our Honorable Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla representing Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony. There he handed over a letter from Prime Minister to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He also had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The letter that was handed over underlined India's commitment to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, as you rightly pointed out. And we on our part ... building on our warm and historic ties between our two countries, we look forward to further strengthening our multifaceted bilateral ties with Bangladesh. So, we look forward to engaging with the new government and taking things forward.

On the visa issue, we have conveyed our desire to build and strengthen our bilateral ties. We have a new government which has come in. All matters, all aspects of our ties will be discussed with them.

Neeraj, jahan tak Quad ka sawal hai, Quad ki jo shikhar varta ki aap baat kar rahe hain, ye charo desh jo iske ang hain unke convenience ke, unki suvidha ke anusaar isko tay kiya jayega ki kab hona hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, as far as the Quad is concerned, the summit that you are referring to will be scheduled in accordance with the convenience of all four member countries. The timing will be decided mutually, keeping in mind their respective availability.

Siddhant, your question regarding Board of Peace. On Board of Peace, I have told you what our position is. We did attend the Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC as an observer. And I told you that we have welcomed the Gaza peace plan initiative of President Trump, as also efforts that are underway as part of the Resolution 2803 of the UN Security Council. In so far other details that he talked about, I am not aware of them at this point.

Divya, Indian Express: Sir, Divya from Indian Express. With the EU legal gateway office opening in India, MEA said that they'll support the movement of professionals, especially in the IT sector. Is there a sense of how many vacancies to start with? And will they be involved in the process of recruitment per se? It's not exactly clear what will they do.

Rishikesh, PTI: Sir, Rishikesh from PTI. So, on the issue of Board of Peace, so under what condition would New Delhi consider joining this Board of Peace formally?

And my second question is during an interview, BNP Adviser Humayun Kabir has raised the issue of growing radicalization in India. Do you agree with his comment and what you would like to say on this?

Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist. Jis tarah se Iran aur America ke beech ek baar fir se bhari tanav ka aalam hai, hamara apna assessment kya hai aur kya Iran me rehne wale bhartiyo ke liye koi fresh advisory jari ki ja rahi hai kyonki pehle ki advisory ka toh hume pata hai lekin ab jo sthiti bani hai usko lekar kya koi advisory jari ki ja rahi hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist. Given the renewed and intense tensions between Iran and the United States, what is our own assessment of the situation? And is any fresh advisory being issued for Indians residing in Iran? We are aware of the earlier advisory, but in view of the current developments, is a new advisory being released?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Divya, coming to your question first. You know, this legal gateway office of the European Union, as you know that it was formally launched on 18th February, where External Affairs Minister was there as Chief Guest along with the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech, Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen.

This particular understanding of opening a EU legal gateway office was one of the outcomes of the India-European Union Summit that happened on 27th of January. This is a positive forward movement in India-EU ties because it promotes mobility, it creates a platform and a mechanism for Indian professionals and students for them to look at opportunities available in the European Union at the same time the kind of information that can be shared for them to make their choices.

In particular, as you've seen in our press release as well, it focuses right now on ICT in particular, but it is something that will help students, researchers and professionals to look at the opportunities that are available for them in the European Union. As we have said that this is a one-stop operating hub in India to provide information and to support the movement of professionals to the EU, starting with Information Technology sector, and this will be extended possibly to other sectors in the days to come. So, that is where we are. For more details, I guess we'll have to wait for the office to roll out their programs and other details that are required, that may be of interest to our youth, our people, our students, and our professionals.

On Board of Peace, Rishikesh, I just told you that we have attended the meeting in Washington DC which was held on 19th as an observer. And we've also told you that we have welcomed the initiative of President Trump on Gaza peace plan, his initiative on Gaza peace plan, and also other such efforts which are underway as part of the UN Security Council resolution. So that is where we are on that.

On the other question, we have a new government in place. We want to build our ties, we want to strengthen our ties. All aspects of our relationship will be discussed, and we will see how best we can take our relationship in the positive direction, and build on our warm and historic ties with Bangladesh.

Uma Shankar ji, Iran me aur us kshetra me tanav bana hua hai, bilkul sahi. Aur wahan par jo gatividhiyan chal rahi hain, us par hum nazar rakhe hue hain. Hum logo ki lagatar wahan par jo hamare samuday hain, unse batchit hoti rehti hai. Hamari embassy ki aur sath me hamare jo consul awas hain unki bhi batchit hoti rehti hai. Aur aapne dekha hoga pichle kai saptah me hum logo ne advisory bhi jari ki hai. Toh us advisory ko madde nazar rakhte hue jo wahan bhartiya samuday ke log hain wo humse jude hue hain sampark me aur hum unki dekhrekh kar rahe hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Uma Shankar ji, it is correct that tensions persist in Iran and in the broader region. We are closely monitoring the developments taking place there. We remain in regular contact with our community on the ground. Our Embassy, along with our Consulates, is continuously engaged with them. As you would have seen, over the past several weeks we have issued advisories. In light of those advisories, members of the Indian community there remain in touch with us, and we are looking after their welfare and keeping a close watch on the situation.

With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press conference. Thank you very much.

New Delhi

February 20, 2026

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Transcript of Special Briefing by MEA on State visit of President of Brazil to India (February 21, 2026)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

February 22, 2026

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Namaskar and good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this special press briefing by Secretary (East), Shri P. Kumaran, on the ongoing state visit of the President of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

For this press briefing, we are also joined by our Ambassador to Brazil, Shri Dinesh Bhatia, as also by Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs who looks after Brazil, Shri K. Praphullachandra Sharma. With that, I hand over the floor to Secretary (East). Sir, the floor is yours.

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): Good afternoon and thank you for joining for this briefing on the state visit of the President of Brazil, His Excellency Lula da Silva to India. As you know, he arrived in India on 18th February 2026. And, during the period 19th and 20th February, he participated in the India AI Pact Summit. Today, he was given a traditional welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He, along with 11 ministers, met Prime Minister and his delegation at Hyderabad House.

This is President Lula's fifth visit to India as President of Brazil. The visit comes seven months after the state visit of PM to Brasilia on 8th of July 2025. President Lula had earlier visited India in 2004 as Guest of Honor for the Republic Day; in 2007 and again in 2008 to attend the IBSA Summit; and in September 2023 for the G20 Summit. He had also visited India in 2012 to receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, but he did not hold office at that time.

India holds the presidency of BRICS this year, and Brazil is an important strategic partner and a key member of BRICS. During the meeting today at Hyderabad House, PM and President Lula held bilateral conversations and exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora, the need to reform global governance, and matters of importance to the Global South. Prime Minister Modi hosted a lunch in honor of the visiting dignitary.

The state visit gave the leaders an opportunity to review the entire gamut of our partnership, including trade and investments, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and critical minerals, defense and security, agriculture and livestock, healthcare and traditional medicine, tourism, space, science and technology, including digital public infrastructure, as well as people-to-people relations.

The visit is a significant milestone in India-Brazil strategic relations and would add renewed momentum to our strategic partnership elevated in 2006. On the trade front, India's bilateral trade with Brazil is the largest compared to any other country in South America. It currently stands at 15.21 billion dollars.

In July 2025, the two leaders had set a bilateral trade target of 20 billion dollars by 2030. However, today the two leaders agreed that the trade should at least double to 30 billion by 2030. India enjoys a trade surplus of about 1.5 billion dollars with Brazil, with our exports totaling about 6.7 billion dollars against imports of about 5.4 billion dollars.

During the meeting, the leaders also discussed ways to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade, including through expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, which currently covers 450 tariff lines. India and Brazil, along with other MERCOSUR countries, have agreed to significantly and substantially expand the PTA. Both leaders also discussed ways to facilitate market access, and address the relevant tariff and non-tariff barriers.

India and Brazil are strong and vocal proponents of South-South cooperation. Both countries collaborate closely across global platforms, including in BRICS, G20, IBSA, and the United Nations. We also collaborate as members of G4, seeking comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council.

Several bilateral MoUs were signed. We have a full statement, a joint statement which lists out the various MoUs that were signed. Principally, they relate to the MoUs between FICCI India and ApexBrasil; between Vale Group and Tata; Fiocruz and Biocon Pharma; and UNICA (Brazil Sugarcane Industry Association) and Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association.

President Lula also appreciated the revival of the Business Leaders Forum, and he also met with Indian business leaders. Thank you very much.

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from StratNews Global. I have two questions. One, you talked about the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR PTA, and we already have 450 tariff lines. So, have you decided how many more lines can be added to that?

And in the defense and security, was the draft for joining the Scorpene club discussed?

Rishikesh, PTI: Sir, Rishikesh from PTI. So, both the countries have signed this pact on critical minerals. So, has any specific target been fixed for importing minerals from Brazil?

And my second question is, did the two leaders also discuss broader uncertainty in the US trade policy?

Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist: Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, given the context of US Supreme Court decision yesterday, was there any conversation regarding this, and if there was any talk about BRICS currency moving forward?

Brahma Prakash Dubey, Zee News: Sir, main Brahma Prakash Dubey, Zee News se. Mera sawal hai, jo dono netaon ke beech global issues par discussion hua hai, toh kya usme UN ke sudhaar ko lekar bhi koi charcha hui hai? Kyunki lagatar abhi Europe mein bhi kaha ja raha hai ki UN fail raha hai world ke jo problems ko solve karne mein, toh isko lekar kya charcha hui? Security Council mein davedari ko lekar bhi kya charcha hui? Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Brahma Prakash Dubey from Zee News. My question is: during the discussions between the two leaders on global issues, was there any conversation regarding reforms of the United Nations? Because there is a growing view, including in Europe, that the UN is failing to effectively address global problems. So, was this issue discussed? Was there also any discussion regarding the claim for a seat in the Security Council? Thank you.

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): Sure. Thank you very much. On the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, we still haven't reached any... there have been a few rounds of discussions held, and we are still discussing which areas can be opened up.

There are sensitivities on both sides when it comes to agriculture, some industries that need protection on both sides, according to national priorities on either side. So, we don't have any details on which are the lines that are being opened up, or how many lines are being opened up, but it's still early days and currently the pro tempore presidency of MERCOSUR is with Paraguay, and Paraguay will lead negotiations for the next six months.

So, we are waiting for further details on how this proceeds, but there is a strong determination of all the MERCOSUR members, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay to take this forward and find ways to enhance trade because all are very keen on diversification of trade partnerships and also to enhance resilience in our supply chains.

On the Scorpene submarine maintenance cooperation. We had signed an MoU, Mazagon Docks Limited and the two navies have signed a tripartite MoU and work will start on the basis of that MoU. There was a reference to that when the two leaders spoke today. We will be awaiting further details on how exactly this is going to proceed, but clearly, this is an area of interest and a big opportunity for us to cooperate.

Critical minerals MoU. President Lula gave a very detailed presentation on Brazil's substantial critical minerals and rare earth reserves. He said only 30% of their reserves have been explored, and that there is substantial scope for exploration, processing minerals, and also using them. He said Brazil would value India's partnership in the area of critical minerals. So, we will be taking this forward by discussing with the concerned line ministries about how to engage in practical cooperation in this regard.

Yes, there was a discussion on the US trade policy and the implications of the US Supreme Court judgment. Both leaders agreed that it's a rather new development and that both sides need to study the implications of this and wait for further developments by the US administration. So, we will essentially be in a wait-and-watch mode to see how the administration responds to this judgment and whether any further steps are taken and to study the implications for our trade.

You asked about BRICS currency. There is no discussion about a BRICS currency. In fact, President Lula had said this in his interview yesterday to India Today. There is interest in trying to have some trade on the basis of local currency settlements, but there is no discussion for a BRICS currency, and I think President Lula had clarified this in ample detail yesterday. So, I would refer you to that also.

UN reform, aapne UN sudhar ke bare mein pucha. Ye hamesha hi kafi important subject rehta hai India-Brazil ke discussions mein. Hum log dono G4 forum ke members hain, India, Brazil, Germany aur Japan. Hum log ek dusre ke permanent membership candidatures ko support karte hain, aur UN mein hamare efforts coordinated rehte hain taki hum reform ko is direction mein propel karein ki hamare membership ke issue ko support mile. President Lula is baar bhi usi subject ke upar unhone baat kiya aur multilateralism, WTO aur United Nations ke related organizations including WHO, un sab ko strengthen karne ke liye, India ke sath kaam karne ke liye unhone kafi interest express kiya.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] UN reform ... you asked about reforms of the United Nations. This has always been a very important subject in India-Brazil discussions. Both of us are members of the G4 forum  India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan. We support each other's candidatures for permanent membership, and our efforts at the UN remain coordinated so that reforms move in a direction that advances our membership aspirations.

President Lula once again spoke on this subject. He also expressed strong interest in working with India to strengthen multilateralism, the WTO, and United Nations-related organizations, including the WHO.

Sudhi Ranjan, Bloomberg: Sir, thank you. Sir, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Sir, a little bit more explanation on the discussions on the US judgment if you could give us for our understanding, Sir.

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): Unfortunately, I don't have anything on that subject. All that was agreed upon was that it is too early and that there is a 10% tariff that President Trump has announced in his press conference yesterday. Now, which are the tariffs that remain, which are the tariffs that go away, all that is being studied in detail by our Commerce Ministry.

Sudhi Ranjan, Bloomberg: [inaudible]

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary East: All that was agreed upon was that these are all very fast-moving developments. It came in late last night and it was agreed that we will wait and watch and see what exactly it means for our trade.

Sudhi Ranjan, Bloomberg: Any discussion on coordinating positions on this that the leaders discussed?

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): We have not even reached that stage, you know. I see where you are getting at with this, but as of now, they said let's wait and watch. Any decision on coordination can happen once we study the implications for both our trades and then see how to take it forward.

Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir namaskar, main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se hoon. Sir, agle panch varshon mein dwipakshiy vyapar ko 20 billion dollar se aage le jane ke liye kaun se pramukh kshetro ko prathamikta dene par sehmati hui hai aur kya dono desh vyapar mein sthaniya mudraon ke upyog par bhi vichar kar rahe hain?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. My question is: In order to take bilateral trade beyond 20 billion dollars over the next five years, which key sectors have been agreed upon for priority focus? Also, are the two countries considering the use of local currencies in bilateral trade?

Ayanangsha Maitra: Vanakkam Excellency, this is Ayanangsha Maitra. My first question would be, there are new interests beyond the obvious, like beyond the chickens and sugars, like Yerba mate and something like Macadamia nuts. It's a variant of the nuts. If you kindly explain those sort of opportunities. And is there any opportunity for India and Brazil to facilitate a third country's trade and vice versa? Thank you.

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): As I mentioned in my opening remarks, we had set a target during PM's visit to Brazil for increasing bilateral trade from 15 billion to 20 billion by 2030. But President Lula today mentioned to PM that 20 billion doesn't seem ambitious enough and that we should therefore try and target something higher like 30 billion by 2030.

And he said, with the kind of excitement and interest there is on both sides, he said, "I have brought 11 ministers with me and 300 businessmen." It shows the kind of commitment there is to enhancing India-Brazil trade and investment. So, he said our ambition should be much bigger.

You know, the number of areas identified is in great detail in the joint statement. I would, for example, name energy, the oil and gas sector, spaceopportunities to launch Brazilian satellites, work together to build satellites. There is a lot of cooperation possible in the area of bioenergy, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, green economy, agriculture and livestock, healthcare, and traditional medicine. Yoga is also a subject of great interest in Brazil.

There is a lot of interest in Brazil on some of our DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) platforms, whether it is linking our payment systems with theirs, or using UPI for agriculture, for education, or for healthcare. There are some of our NGOs, DPI-related NGOs, that are working with Brazilian counterparts to try and develop DPIs that Brazilians are interested in. Pharmaceuticals is another big area, vaccines. Artificial intelligence, again, you know, a very topical subject. President Lula suggested that we try and integrate AI into DPI platforms to try and maximize the utilization of DPI platforms and using the data very effectively to drive policy initiatives.

So, there is a lot of... mining and critical minerals we already spoke about, defense, aircraft. You know, an MoU with Embraer was signed, and President Lula pointed out that they will set up an assembly line or a production line for Embraer to manufacture regional jets in India.

PM also asked for Embraer to set up an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility. We are also talking about enhancing market access for agricultural products on either side. There were some crops that were named as areas where market access and tariff adjustments were suggested.

But it is still too early. We will get into discussions and negotiations on how exactly to identify areas where we can mutually liberalize trade and open up each other's market. But I would suggest that we wait for details from the Ministry of Commerce.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you, sir. With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press conference. Thank you very much for your attendance and presence.

New Delhi

February 21, 2026

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Iran designates EU navies, air forces as terror organizations

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has designated the naval and air forces of the European Union member states as terrorist organizations.

According to a statement issued by Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday, the designation came in response to the "unlawful and unjustified decision" by the EU to place the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on its terrorist list.

The European Council added the IRGC to the EU terrorist list on Thursday, following "the political agreement reached by the Foreign Affairs Council" on January 29, the council announced on its official website.

In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said EU governments had acted against the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter by designating the IRGC, which is part of the Iranian Armed Forces, as a terrorist organization.

In response to the EU move, the Iranian government is taking reciprocal measures against the navies and air forces of EU countries, the statement said. It cited a 2019 Iranian law, passed after the United States placed the IRGC on its terrorist list, which stipulates that all countries that in any way comply with or support the US decision shall be subject to reciprocal measures.

Based on the principle of reciprocity, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran considers "the naval and air forces of all European Union member states to be subject to the aforementioned law and its provisions, including Article 4. Accordingly, within the framework of reciprocal action, it designates and declares them to be terrorist organizations," the ministry said.

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Iranian nation will never succumb to bullying: President

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Iranian people will never surrender to the bullying and coercion of the enemies despite all the problems they have created and the wounds they inflicted on the Islamic Republic.

Addressing a group of athletes at a ceremony honoring the Paralympic medalists on Saturday, Pezeshkian emphasized that just as Iranian athletes did not surrender to challenges, neither will the nation nor the government.

The president pledged to remain at the service not only of those who bring honor to Iran, but also to make every effort to create opportunities for all courageous individuals striving for the country's growth and glory.

Stating that the administration has been doing its best to compensate for shortcomings, he said those who refuse to be limited by obstacles and strive to reach the highest peaks are especially valuable, as they believe in bringing dignity and pride to the nation.

Pezeshkian underlined that enemies miss no opportunity to create problems for Iran, but the government is working to overcome these challenges and shortcomings through unity and solidarity.

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Iran Navy chief meets Russian, Saudi commanders at MILAN 2026 drill

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani held separate meetings with senior naval commanders from Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Myanmar on the sidelines of the MILAN 2026 international naval exercise in India, stressing the need to strengthen bilateral and multilateral maritime cooperation.

The meetings took place in the port city of Visakhapatnam, India, where Rear Admiral Irani met Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Vice Admiral Mohammad Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, and Commander of Myanmar's Navy Admiral Htein Win.

The discussions focused on expanding professional naval interactions, including joint exercises, exchange of training delegations, and enhanced use of technical and operational capacities. The military officials underlined the strategic role of seas and maritime routes in economic development and sustainable security.

Issues such as counter-piracy operations, protection of maritime lines of communication, search and rescue missions, and maritime crisis management were also discussed.

Rear Admiral Irani said Iran supports collective maritime security and regional cooperation, describing multinational naval drills as an effective platform for confidence-building, operational coordination, and experience sharing among navies.

Iran Navy chief meets Russian, Saudi commanders at MILAN 2026 drill

He reaffirmed the Iranian Navy's readiness to expand professional engagement and actively participate in joint maritime initiatives.

The MILAN 2026 exercise, one of the world's major multilateral naval events, brings together naval task groups, vessels and military delegations from numerous countries with the aim of enhancing maritime cooperation and security in international waters.

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FM Araghchi rejects Trump's anti-Iran claims, urges evidence-based statement

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 21, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected claims by US President Donald Trump regarding casualty figures from recent unrest in Iran, saying that any doubts about Tehran's official data must be supported by evidence.

In a post on his X account on Saturday, FM Araghchi wrote, "Fulfilling our pledge of full transparency towards our own people, Iran's Government has already published a comprehensive list of all 3117 victims of recent terrorist operation, including about 200 officers."

The Iranian foreign minister added, "If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence."

The office of the president of Iran had earlier released the identities of 2,986 victims, compiled by the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization and cross-checked with the National Organization for Civil Registration of Iran, as part of a transparency and accountability policy ordered by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Officials said the discrepancy between the two figures was due to unidentified individuals and inconsistencies in national ID records, which are being corrected and will be addressed in an updated list.

In a statement on the recent unrest in Iran, the presidential office emphasized that all victims were citizens of this country and rejected attempts by Iran's adversaries to politicize human loss through numerical manipulation.

The statement said each victim represented a world of human connections, adding that the president considers himself morally bound to safeguard the rights of all citizens.

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'We will not bow to pressure or coercion': President Pezeshkian

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 9:57 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran would not bow under external pressure or internal hardship, vowing steadfastness "to the very last drop of our blood" as tensions persist with the United States.

Speaking during a ceremony on Saturday, Pezeshkian pointed to the difficult conditions facing the country and underscored the government's determination to overcome them.

"We will strive for Iran to the very last drop of our blood. Despite all the shortages, problems, pressures, and injustices, the government, by God's grace and relying on the unity and cohesion of society, will endeavor to overcome these hardships and will not allow any obstacle to remain in the path of the nation's dignity," he stated.

The president continued, "We will not bow in surrender to difficulties. Despite all the troubles and pressures, even if certain powers stand against the Iranian nation with unfair conduct, our resolve to stand firm and advance will not weaken."

Pezeshkian added, "Even if the world and powerful states stand against us to force us to bow before them, they should know that we will not bow to these difficulties. Despite all the troubles and problems they have created for us, and despite the wounds inflicted upon society, we must heal these wounds."

The president's remarks came amid significant American military buildup around Iran that has followed deadly US- and Israeli-backed riots across the country in January that cost the lives of thousands.

Addressing the American military posturing on Thursday, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's envoy to the United Nations, said the Islamic Republic would not initiate war, but would respond firmly to any act of aggression.

"In the event that it (the Islamic Republic) is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations," the ambassador said in a letter addressed to the UN secretary-general and the president of the Security Council.

Earlier this week, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also issued a strong warning against any fresh American military adventurism targeting the Islamic Republic, noting, "The American president [Donald Trump] repeatedly says that their military is the strongest in the world." "The strongest military in the world, however, can sometimes be struck so hard that it cannot even get back on its feet," Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

"They keep saying, 'We have sent an aircraft carrier toward Iran.' Finean aircraft carrier is certainly a dangerous piece of equipment. But more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon capable of sending it to the bottom of the sea," the Leader noted.

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UN very concerned about situation surrounding Iran: spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:32, February 22, 2026

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is very concerned about the situation surrounding Iran, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said Friday.

"I can tell you and reiterate yet again that we are very concerned about the heightened rhetoric we're seeing around the region, by the heightened military activities, war games, or just increased military naval presence in the region," Dujarric said at a daily briefing in response to a question posed by Xinhua about a letter the Iranian permanent mission sent to the UN chief and the president of the Security Council on Thursday.

"And we encourage both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue to engage in diplomacy in order to settle the differences," he said.

In the letter, Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the country will respond "decisively and proportionately" to any military aggression, exercising its right to self-defense under the UN Charter, and urged the Security Council and the UN secretary-general to "act without delay, before it is too late."

According to Dujarric, the letter has gone to the Security Council and to the General Assembly, as requested by Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu)
IRGC Navy tests Sayyad-3G air defense missile in Strait of Hormuz

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 7:22 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has successfully launched the Sayyad-3G naval air defense missile for the first time during the "Smart Control" exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to footage released during the drills on Saturday, the missile was fired from the vessel Shahid Sayyad Shirazi, marking the system's operational debut at sea.

The Sayyad-3G is the naval variant of Iran's Sayyad-3 air defense missile and features a vertical launch system with a reported range of 150 kilometers (93 miles).

Iranian officials said the missile offers medium-to-long-range air defense coverage and facilitates the establishment of a regional air defense umbrella for vessels of the Shahid Soleimani class.

Authorities stated that the system is capable of independently detecting and engaging aerial threats, while also being integrated into a broader command-and-control network. This dual capability, they said, enhances the survivability of naval units against a range of air threats.

With a declared 150-kilometer range, the Sayyad-3G is designed to intercept and destroy various airborne targets, including fighter jets, high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, support aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and cruise missiles. Iranian officials described the missile as adding long-range defensive capacity to the country's naval operations.

The Strait of Hormuzone of the world's most critical energy transit chokepointswas the location of the three-day "Smart Control" drills, which began on February 16. Military analysts note that establishing extended air defense coverage in such a strategically sensitive waterway significantly increases the defensive depth of deployed naval forces.

Iran first tested the land-based Sayyad-3 air defense missile on December 28, 2016. The land version reportedly has a range of 120 kilometers, a length of six meters, and a weight of approximately 900 kilograms. The newly tested Sayyad-3G represents the maritime adaptation of that system, incorporating vertical launch capability suited for naval platforms.

The latest test underscores Tehran's continued efforts to enhance its integrated air and missile defense architecture, particularly in strategically vital maritime zones.

The IRGC naval forces started military drills off the country's southern coast on Monday, practicing smart control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The drills come amid heightened regional tensions and repeated US threats to attack Iran if it does not accept its nuclear demands, among others.

The United States has dispatched warships to regional waters near Iran, prompting authorities in Tehran to warn that even a single shot fired at the country would be met with a massive response targeting US assets in the region.

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Iran's military alertness main 'deterrent' against enemy miscalculations: Top commander

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 5:42 PM

A senior Iranian commander said the constant alertness and readiness of the country's Armed Forces constitute the "most important deterrent" against any adventurism or miscalculation by enemies.

Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi made the remarks on Saturday during a visit to a mobile assault brigade in the city of Piranshahr, West Azarbaijan Province, which was conducted to assess the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the units.

He said the Army's Ground Forces are "continuously and vigilantly" defending Iran's territory as they are monitoring and neutralizing all the enemy's actions and threats.

He pointed to the guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei about the importance of maintaining full readiness in the face of the enemy, saying the Armed Forces' alertness is the key factor that deters enemies from any action against Iran's interests and security.

"The Ground Forces have reached a level of capability and deterrence that can nip any threat in the bud," Jahanshahi emphasized.

He stressed the importance of enhancing combat capabilities, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date tactics against asymmetric threats, and conducting regular maneuvers and tactical drills in the region.

The top commander added that the Ground Forces will not allow ill-wishers to carry out any measure against Iran's territory.

Jahanshahi's warning comes after weeks of escalating rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran.

The US began its war rhetoric against Iran after recent foreign-linked riots, during which Trump talked about coming to the aid of the armed mercenaries.

Since then, the US president has kept threatening military action, deploying two carrier groups and dozens of fighter jets, bombers, and refueling aircraft to regional waters near Iran.

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US military buildup near Iran proves defeat in previous regional wars: Ansarullah

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 10:49 AM

A senior member of the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance movement says the US buildup of warships and fighter jets near Iran, as well as threats of a new round of aggression against the Islamic Republic and the Axis of Resistance, attest to the defeat of Washington and Tel Aviv in previous wars in the West Asia region.

"Talk of a new war is a sign that global Zionism, with all its sophisticated munitions and military hardware, has failed to overcome the Axis of Resistance, which includes all oppressed, freedom-loving and vigilant peoples of the Muslim world," Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Ansarullah media office, wrote in a post published on his Telegram account on Friday.

He added, "If the Axis of Resistance, as the enemies have been propagating in the past few months, had been defeated, then what is the rationale behind the ongoing campaign and the deployment of [maritime] fleets? Talk of a new war is proof of the enemies' defeat in the past offensives."

Last month, Yemen's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Abdulwahab Abu Ras, issued a stark warning, stating that any potential military aggression by the United States under President Donald Trump against the Islamic Republic of Iran would be destined for "inevitable failure and loss."

Abu Ras described recent targeting of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) by "Western arrogance, American imperialism, and the Israeli enemy entity" as clear evidence of the force's effectiveness and impact in confronting destructive Israeli plots in the region.

"The Western powers' system wants weak and feeble Arab and Islamic forces, tools to implement its satanic agenda in the region," Abu Ras stated, outlining a narrative of resistance versus foreign domination.

He emphasized the resilience of Iran, stating that the IRGC specifically, and the Islamic Republic in general, are "indomitable and unbreakable."

The Yemeni diplomat further affirmed that "the enemy entity is too weak to harm this steadfastness or break this will."

On Friday, the Iranian ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations criticized recent remarks made by the US president as breaches of international law, calling for swift measures to avert further tensions and cautioning that Iran will assert its legitimate right to self-defense under the UN Charter if assaulted.

In a formal letter dated February 19 and addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN Security Council President James Kariuki, Amir Saeid Iravani cited the repeated and explicit US threats of the use of force, including references to potential military operations launched from Diego Garcia and other regional bases.

The Iranian envoy asserted that such statements constitute a breach of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations and risk destabilizing an already volatile region.

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Araghchi to Trump: Prove your claim of 32,000 deaths in Iran riots

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 7:01 AM

Iran's foreign minister has categorically dismissed US President Donald Trump's claim that 32,000 people were killed in just two days of riots across Iran last month, urging him to prove the claim.

"Fulfilling our pledge of full transparency towards our own people, Iran's Government has already published a comprehensive list of all 3,117 victims of recent terrorist operation, including about 200 officers," Araghchi wrote in a post published on his account on the social media platform X on Saturday.

"If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence," he added.

Trump alleged in a news briefing on Friday that 32,000 people were killed during the January riots in Iran.

He made the remarks while addressing the Supreme Court's ruling striking down his sweeping tariffs. He did not offer a source for the death toll.

On January 26, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also slammed as "big lie" similar claims made by anti-Iran news outlets.

Baghaei, in a post on his X account at the time, described the circulating figures as a "Hitler-style BIG LIE," lambasting hostile actors of attempting to manufacture casualties in the media after failing to realize their plans on the ground.

"A Hitler-style BIG LIE: isn't this the number they planned to kill in the streets of Iran?! They failed, though, and now they're trying to FAKE it in the media. Truly vicious!" the spokesman said.

Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs announced in a statement on January 21 that a total of 3,117 people had lost their lives during the riots, adding that 2,427 of those killed were innocent civilians and security personnel.

Iranian officials have linked the riots and terrorist acts to the US and the Israeli regime.

The US and Israel's Mossad have admitted their involvement on the ground, with former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeting, "Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them."

In a Farsi-language social media post, Mossad encouraged rioters to "Go out together into the streets. The time has come," adding that Mossad agents are with the rioters "not only from a distance and verbally. We are with [them] in the field."

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Iranian Students Chant Anti-Government Slogans, Clash With Security Forces In Tehran

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 21, 2026

Iranian students chanting anti-government slogans faced off with security forces outside a Tehran university, according to social media videos and other reports.

The protest erupted on February 21outside Sharif University as students confronted soldiers from the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force that has played a prominent role in quashing past political protests.

The students could be heard chanting "Shame, shame," according to video published by the Khabar-e Daneshjoo student news agency and elsewhere. Others could be seen waving the Iranian national flag.

A similar rally was reported at the Amir Kabir University of Technology.

Fars, a semiofficial news agency that is close to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported "a similar gathering was held at Tehran University with a number of students present."

The demonstrations coincided with hundreds of ceremonies that have been held across the country this week commemorating victims killed during major clashes with security forces in January.

At least 7,000 people were killed during the nationwide protests that erupted in late December 2025, according to human rights groups, although the real death toll is believed to be significantly higher.

Most of the killings reportedly occurred from January 8 to 10, the peak of the crackdown.

The protests, which have since subsided, were among the largest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Historically, memorial ceremonies have often taken on political significance during times of unrest in Iran.

The protests have drawn global attention and condemnation of the brutal crackdown by government forces.

Amnesty International said at least 30 Iranians were facing the death penalty in connection with the protests.

US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran against further violence against demonstrators, and threatened military actions against the regime.

Trump dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups, with dozens of fighter jets and bombers to the region, and other military planes and supporting forces have been spotted flying into airbases in the Middle East.

The Trump administration has also been pressuring Iran to agree to curtail its nuclear programs which it insists are intended for peaceful, civilian purposes, like electricity generation. Washington, along with Israel, have accused Tehran of intending to build atomic weapons.

In a speech broadcast live by state TV, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian said his country would not give in to pressure from world powers.

"World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads...but we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us," Pezeshkian said.

US and Israel forces bombed several Iranian facilities believed to house key components of Tehran's nuclear infrastructure. But it was unclear how much the bombing set back its programs.

Trump said he was mulling a limited military strike.

"I guess I can say I am considering that," he said during a White House gathering on February 20.

Serbia and Sweden became the latest countries to urge their citizens to leave Iran amid the massive US buildup.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-student- protests-tehran/33684136.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.

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US Authorities Discussing If Deal With Iran Should Cover Only Nuclear Program - Reports

Sputnik News

20260221

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Administration is discussing whether a possible deal with Iran should cover only its nuclear program or also extend to Iranian missiles and proxy forces, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing US and Middle Eastern officials familiar with the matter.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that Iran had 15 days maximum to make a deal with the United States.

With the discussions on the modalities of the potential deal are kept internal to the White House, some administration officials believe that limiting the deal to Iran's nuclear program would be beneficial to Tehran, the newspaper reported, adding that Trump would rather pursue diplomacy before resorting to other options.

The second round of Iran-US negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear program took place on February 17 in Geneva with the Omani mediation. Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced progress and noted that Tehran and Washington would work on texts that could form the basis of a potential agreement.

 Sputnik

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US Considering Killing Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, His Son - Reports

Sputnik News

20260221

The United States is considering "taking out" Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his son, Mojtaba, as one of the possible ways to address the situation around Iran, Axios reported, citing an unnamed advisor to US President Donald Trump.

Plans to eliminate Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba are on the Trump's table as an option to "resolve" the Iran situation, a presidential adviser told Axios.

"They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs," Axios quoted the official as saying.

A second source confirms the plan was floated to Trump several weeks ago.

The second round of Iran-US negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear program took place on February 17 in Geneva with Omani mediation. Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced progress and noted that Tehran and Washington would work on texts that could form the basis of a potential agreement.

 Sputnik

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U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

February 21, 2026

The United States hosted Japan for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 2026. The Departments of State and War co-chaired for the United States, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense co-chaired for Japan. The delegations included participants from the Japan Joint Staff, U.S. Joint Staff, U.S. Strategic Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The EDD advanced President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi's shared determination to further enhance the Alliance's deterrence and response capabilities. The two delegations reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the defense of Japan, using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear. They also reaffirmed Japan's support to U.S. operations that maintain peace, and this support contributes to reinforcing U.S. deterrence by denial. The delegations concurred that U.S. nuclear posture and policy, as well as increasing Japan's investments in its conventional defense capabilities, play a significant role in deterring and, if necessary, responding to aggression in the region.

The two delegations discussed China's rapid, opaque, and destabilizing nuclear weapons buildup and testing, as well as Russia's historical noncompliance with arms control. The United States reiterated the need for multilateral strategic stability and arms control talks. Japan welcomed the U.S. intention to achieve a better agreement and emphasized the importance of involving Russia and China. The delegations also discussed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) advancement of its nuclear and missile programs. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK.

Both sides also discussed the importance of the U.S.-Japan Guidelines for Extended Deterrence, strengthening the Alliance's strategic messaging, crisis communications, and coordination to support U.S. extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan's defense capabilities.

The U.S. and Japan delegations conducted a regular tabletop exercise.

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Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

February 22, 2026

The United States hosted Japan for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on February 19 (February 18 local time), 2026. The Departments of State and War co-chaired for the United States, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense co-chaired for Japan. The delegations included participants from the Japan Joint Staff, U.S. Joint Staff, U.S. Strategic Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The EDD advanced President Trump and Prime Minister TAKAICHI's shared determination to further enhance the Alliance's deterrence and response capabilities. The two delegations reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the defense of Japan, using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear. They also reaffirmed Japan's support to U.S. operations that maintain peace, and this support contributes to reinforcing U.S. deterrence by denial. The delegations concurred that U.S. nuclear posture and policy, as well as increasing Japan's investments in its conventional defense capabilities, play a significant role in deterring and, if necessary, responding to aggression in the region. The two delegations discussed People's Republic of China's rapid, opaque, and destabilizing nuclear weapons buildup and testing, as well as Russian Federation's historical noncompliance with arms control. The United States reiterated the need for multilateral strategic stability and arms control talks. Japan welcomed the U.S. intention to achieve a better agreement and emphasized the importance of involving Russia and China. The delegations also discussed North Korea's advancement of its nuclear and missile programs. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Both sides also discussed the importance of the Japan-U.S. Guidelines for Extended Deterrence, strengthening the Alliance's strategic messaging, crisis communications, and coordination to support U.S. extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan's defense capabilities. The Japan and U.S. conducted a regular tabletop exercise.

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Former President Yoon gets life in prison for insurrection

KOREA.net

Feb 20, 2026

By Kim Hyelin

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for masterminding the failed attempt at martial law on Dec. 3, 2024.

Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of the 25th criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court on Feb. 19 announced the sentence 443 days after the incident, making Yoon the first president in the country's constitutional history to be convicted of insurrection for acts committed while in office.

Calling the core of his case "the dispatch of the military to the National Assembly," the court said Yoon's attempt to blockade the legislature by mobilizing troops and arresting key politicians meet the two conditions for his crime: "intent to subvert the Constitution" and "riot."

The ruling rejected the defense's argument that the act was intended to protect liberal democracy against the opposition party's bid to impeach Yoon and conduct budget cuts, calling it "confusing motive with purpose."

Co-defendants with Yoon were also found guilty. Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun received 30 years in prison; former Defense Intelligence Command chief Noh Sang-won 18; former Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) Cho Ji-ho 12; former Commissioner General of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Kim Bong-sik 10; and former National Assembly Guard Chief Mok Hyun-tae three.

Former Col. Kim Yong-gun and Yoon Seung-young, a former KNPA officer for investigation planning and coordination, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

The court cited as unfavorable factors the ex-president's role as the mastermind of the crime and his refusal to attend trial without apology as the reasons for the sentence. The ruling, however, said it took into consideration the lack of a detailed plan, no physical force used including live ammunition, Yoon's lack of a criminal record and his advanced age (65).

The court said the martial law attempt caused damage "at an incalculable level" like the downgrade of the nation's international credibility and social polarization.

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PHNOM PENH, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia is forecast to attract a high growth of Chinese tourists in 2026 as the kingdom sets to implement a pilot visa exemption for Chinese nationals from June 15 to Oct. 15 this year, Tourism Minister Huot Hak said.

Cambodia welcomed a total of 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, of which more than 1.2 million were Chinese tourists, representing a sharp rise of 41.5 percent year-on-year, he said on Saturday evening at the launch of the 10th China-Cambodia Mobile Film Tour.

China was the second-biggest source of foreign holidaymakers to the Southeast Asian country after Vietnam.

"This figure not only demonstrates the recovery of the tourism sector, but also serves as a clear testament to the confidence and high value placed by Chinese tourists on Cambodia, which is a safe and warm tourist destination with cultural diversity," Hak said.

"Based on this positive trend, we believe that the future of Cambodia's tourism sector is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors," he added.

The minister said Cambodia's forthcoming pilot visa-free policy for Chinese nationals "will become a catalyst for greater prosperity and lasting progress for our two nations."

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate.

The Southeast Asian country has five UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple of Preah Vihear, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, the Koh Ker archaeological site, and the Cambodian Memorial Sites.

Besides, it has a pristine coastline stretching for about 450 kilometers in four Southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong. 
What An Obscure Russian Memorial Says About The Cost Of Moscow's War In Ukraine

By Regina Khisamova February 21, 2026

The 188 names engraved on a war memorial bear witness to the cost of war in Birsk, a town of 44,000 people in Russia's Bashkortostan region more than 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow.

While the names do not fill the granite block, there is a much larger blank area where others can follow. Bashkortostan appears to have suffered more casualties than any other region of Russia since Moscow launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the patchy data available.

When the memorial reopened last August, following renovation work, it immediately attracted negative comments on social media.

"The empty columns (of names) are for future use," wrote one user who identified himself as Almaz Nuretdinov. "This is wrong."

Another user noted that the blank spaces would not be enough for all the names to come.

Counting The Dead

The casualty count in the Kremlin's war against Ukraine could reach 2 million by spring, with nearly 1.2 million Russian forces killed, wounded, or missing -- including some 325,000 dead -- the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in a report published late last month.

The casualties have been concentrated in areas with the most recruits, which tend to be poorer regions far from the economic and political centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In Birsk, officer workers earn between $390 and $590 per month, while qualified staff at local factories earn $590-900, according to Gorodrabot.ru, a Russian jobs website. By contrast, military contracts with the armed forces can offer up to $5,700 a month, even after pay rates were reduced last year.

The 188 names on the war memorial amount to around 1 percent of the male working-age population of Birsk. The youngest man recorded there is Oleg Yezhov, who died aged 19. The majority are men in their 30s and 40s. The oldest casualty was 64-year-old Vladimir Kondratiev.

Even these spare details are unusual. War memorials in nearby towns tend to be abstract monuments without the names of individual soldiers who have been killed in Ukraine.

The stories behind the individual names also reveal the price paid by ordinary soldiers for joining Russia's invasion.

Eight Sons From One Family

Hussein Davlyatov was born in 1982 in Tajikistan, then part of the Soviet Union, and lived in Birsk. He signed a contract with the Russian military in March 2023 and died in Ukraine on May 12 the same year. A week later, he was buried in Birsk.

His father, Azam Davlyatov, told local TV in 2024 that eight of his 10 children had taken part in the war in Ukraine. He added that six had been injured and one killed.

Hussein's brother Said gave an interview to a local newspaper, Pobeda (Victory), in March 2024 while recovering from injuries and spoke of two brothers who were in Ukraine. Another brother, Shukhrat, told the same publication in January 2025 that Hussein's death had "shattered" their mother.

"All my brothers, sisters, and my father have one wish: that she gets well soon and the war ends as soon as possible, and that it does not take more loved ones from more families," he added.

Russia has not revealed the true number of casualties suffered, and the monument in Birsk does not contain the names of all the local men who have died. It only lists those whose bodies have been recovered.

The Davlyatov family's situation, with so many members joining the war, may be exceptional, but Hussein's death is not unusual.

On October 30, 2024, Viner Ziganshin, the chief editor of Pobeda, the publication that had focused on the Davlyatov family, also enlisted in the war. His date of death is recorded on the memorial as November 29 the same year.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-bashkortostan-memorial- war-ukraine/33682504.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.

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Putin Signs New Measure Tightening FSB Control Over Russian Internet

By RFE/RL February 21, 2026

President Vladimir Putin signed into law a new measure giving Russia's main domestic intelligence agency new power to shut down the Internet inside the country.

The legislation, signed into law on February 20, was the latest in a series of regulations drastically tightening authorities' ability to restrict news and information inside of Russia.

The new measure,which was passed earlier this week by lawmakers, gives the Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, the power to demand that Internet service providers -- cellular or landline -- turn off or restrict access in cases "established by regulatory legal acts of the President of the Russian Federation."

The move allows Putin to personally decide when online communications in the country or a specific region should be turned off, without having to give a reason. It also removes any liability for the providers for doing so.

"Only the president can impose restrictions," Sarkis Darbinyan, a lawyer and longtime Internet activist, was quoted as saying. And presidential decrees are "even simpler than government decrees."

In recent months, Russian authorities have grappled with ways to stop Ukrainian drones from entering Russian airspace. In many cases, the drones use Russian data signals to fly at targets, in some cases over great distance.

Authorities have also clamped down on popular Internet tools, in particular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Both apps have been throttled drastically amid a government push to get Russians to use a state-backed app called Max. One report said Telegram would be blocked entirely as of April 1.

Tech regulator Roskomnadzor accused Telegram, created by a now-exiled entrepreneur Pavel Durov, of creating a market for leaked personal information of Russian citizens.

The restrictions on Telegram have prompted pushback from bloggers who closely follow Russia's battlefield movements in Ukraine and raise money for Russian units. Telegram is also widely used by deployed Russian soldiers.

In an unusual warning, the FSB released a statement on February 21, asserting Ukrainian intelligence was able to access information posted on Telegram by Russian soldiers, and that "has repeatedly resulted in threats to the lives of service members" over the past three months.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-internet-law- restriction-tech-censorship/33684027.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.

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Trump administration advances Saudi nuclear deal, leaves door open to enrichment: Report

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 1:49 PM

The Trump administration has informed Congress of its pursuit of a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, which may not include the strict non-proliferation conditions typically required in similar US accords, a new report reveals.

According to a Reuters report published on Friday, the proposed framework, known as a "123 Agreement," is necessary under US law before significant exports of American nuclear materials or technology can take place.

Previous agreements, such as the one with the United Arab Emirates, have explicitly prohibited partners from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, both of which are sensitive activities that can be used in developing nuclear weapons.

However, according to the Reuters report, the draft US-Saudi agreement does not expressly forbid uranium enrichment. Instead, it refers to "additional safeguards and verification measures" in sensitive areas of nuclear cooperation, leaving room for potential Saudi enrichment activity.

The potential move would mark a major departure from the longstanding US non-proliferation policy in the West Asia region.

In addition to the 123 Agreement, some US lawmakers have urged the administration to require Riyadh to adopt the "Additional Protocol" with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which grants the UN agency expanded authority to inspect nuclear facilities, access data, and investigate undeclared sites.

The UAE signed the Additional Protocol in 2009 as part of its nuclear cooperation arrangement with Washington.

The administration sent a preliminary notification to congressional committee leaders in November, a necessary step if it does not intend to pursue the Additional Protocol, and the finalized agreement could be submitted to Congress by 22 February, triggering a 90-day review period.

During this time, the House and Senate could block the deal by passing resolutions of disapproval.

Saudi officials have long argued that the kingdom holds significant uranium reserves and should retain the right to develop a complete nuclear fuel cycle.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said last year that the kingdom would enrich uranium and produce "yellowcake," a processed uranium concentrate created after mining but before enrichment.

Analysts say allowing enrichment could lead to a transformative shift in regional nuclear policy, potentially encouraging other states to seek similar capabilities.

The nuclear negotiations come amid broader US-Saudi defense and economic talks, including discussions over arms sales, such as F-35 fighter jets, while also addressing concerns related to Israel's qualitative military edge.

Supporters of the nuclear agreement argue that US participation would ensure American oversight and commercial leadership in the kingdom's emerging nuclear sector.

The final determination of whether the agreement proceeds in its current form is expected to be made through congressional review.

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, have already signed a number of agreements, including deals on nuclear cooperation, arms sales, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

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Saudi Arabia-Greece fiber optic project to pass through Syria instead of occupied territories: Report

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 3:39 AM

Saudi Arabia wants Syria, not the occupied territories, to serve as the transit route for a fiber-optic cable designed to connect the kingdom to Greece through the Mediterranean Sea, a report says.

The kingdom's insistence on routing the connection through Syria, rather than the territories as previously discussed, comes as Riyadh seeks to bolster the standing of Syria's new US- and Israeli-backed rulers, the Middle East Eye reported on Thursday.

Athens, for its part, has been positioning itself as a bridge between Europe and the West Asia region in sectors such as energy, real estate, and Artificial Intelligence, it added.

Greece and Saudi Arabia announced the East to Med data Corridor (EMC) project in 2022. The initiative is a joint partnership between Saudi Telecom (STC), Greece's electricity provider PPC, Greek telecoms and satellite applications company TTSA.

At the time, Saudi Arabia was engaged in talks with the United States on a deal that would have seen it normalize relations with the Israeli regime.

Two years later, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Takfiri terrorist group led by former Daesh and al-Qaeda commander Abu Mohammed al-Jolani launched a wholesale offensive throughout Syria.

The Israeli regime markedly increased its attacks on the Arab country's civilian and defensive infrastructures simultaneously during the offensive that overthrew Syria's democratically-elected government of Bashar al-Assad.

Ever since the takeover, the United States has also been rapidly warming up to Syria's new officials.

"Saudi Arabia asking for transit through Syria is new. People are looking for additional terrestrial routes between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Syria is another option, if people feel comfortable with the evolving political situation there," Julian Rawle, a US-based submarine fiber-optic cable consultant, told the MEE.

Investment drive in Syria

"For Saudi Arabia, Damascus is at the heart of regional connectivity," a western official familiar with Riyadh's investment drive said. "The Saudis want the roads, cables and trains to go through Syria."

In February, STC announced it would invest about $800m in Syria's telecommunications infrastructure. The kingdom's state news agency said the plan was to "connect Syria regionally and internationally through a fiber-optic network extending over more than 4,500 kilometers."

Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of Rice University's Baker Institute said the move reflected broader regional changes.

"A project like this is consistent with Saudi attempts to reintegrate Syria to the regional fold," he said.

"This is indicative of the shift in Riyadh's attitude," he told Middle East Eye.

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PLA tracks Australian warship throughout transit of Taiwan Straits: military source

Global Times

By Guo Yuandan Published: Feb 21, 2026 07:30 PM

A Chinese military source told the Global Times that from Friday to Saturday, the HMAS Toowoomba, an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy, transited the Taiwan Straits. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out full-process tracking, monitoring, and alert operations throughout the transit.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.02.22

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Feb. 20 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Feb. 21 (Sat.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

8 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 8 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1150222_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1150222_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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Artificial intelligence and ethical hackers stress-test the DOT-Chain military supply IT system

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

20 February, 2026, 8:09 PM EET

Over 20 independent researchers, together with artificial intelligence algorithms, tested the DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace for vulnerabilities during a BugBash session at the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum.

To ensure the highest level of security for defense procurement, the Defence Procurement Agency DOT engaged Ukraine's cyber community in testing. The BugBash format enabled the simulation of real-world cyberattack scenarios in a controlled environment. The event's key technological highlight was final system testing powered by artificial intelligence, which will continue after the two-day hackathon concludes.

Key findings of the security test

Data security : testing was conducted in an isolated environment with no access to real data.

: testing was conducted in an isolated environment with no access to real data. Methodology: participants were awarded points for each bug or vulnerability found, competing to be recognized as the most effective bug hunter.

Result: only minor vulnerabilities were identified, and they have already been passed to the DOT development team for prompt remediation.

The event was held under the auspices of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and with strong international support from the U.S. Department of State, the Government of Canada, and CRDF Global. The technology platform for bug hunting was provided by BugStream in partnership with Cyber Unit Technologies.

This approach reflects Ukrainian defense technologies' transition toward global standards  moving from closed internal checks to open audits by the professional community and the adoption of advanced IT tools.

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Ukraine Claims New Long-Range Cruise Missile Hit Weapons Factory In Central Russia

By RFE/RL February 21, 2026

A Ukrainian aerial attack on a Russian region some 1,900 kilometers from the border wounded at least 11 people, as Ukraine's military claimed it targeted a weapons factory there with new long-range cruise missile.

Officials in the central region of Udmurtia said some of those wounded were hospitalized in the attack, which they said involved Ukrainian drones targeting an unnamed facility.

Ukraine's military, however, said the facility was the Votkinsk factory, a sprawling complex where several major Russian weapons systems are manufactured including Yars, Iskander, and Oreshnik missiles.

Video posted to several Telegram channels also purported to show fire and smoke at the Votkinsk factory.

In a post to Telegram, the military also claimed the factory was hit using a new long-range cruise missile called the Flamingo. The missile, which first started appearing last year, is being developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point.

The company's chief designer published a video on February 20 showing a launch of the missile with the caption: "Here's a short video. No context. Context later."

Military experts are cautious about the Flamingo's abilities, but Ukrainian officials, who have begged Western allies for cruise missiles like Tomahawks and Storm Shadows, are hoping to ramp up production of the homegrown weapon to increase their ability to hit targets deep in Russia.

Russia, meanwhile, pounded Ukraine's Black Sea city of Odesa overnight, hitting a power facility, while launching scores of drones and missile at targets across the country. At least two people were injured in the barrage.

A Russian drone hit a school building, while another drone slammed into a power generating substation, according to private energy company DTEK.

Officials said at least two people were wounded.

In the northeast city of Sumy, Russian strikes hit a residential district, injuring an elderly woman and two children, police officials said.

Early on February 22, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadoviy said a policewoman was killed and at least 15 other people were injured in a series of explosions in the western Ukrainian city. Sadoviy called the blasts an "act of terror," although details remained scarce.

Lviv, a city of about 723,000 people, is near the Polish border and far from the front lines.

The violence came days after the latest round of US-brokered peace talks wrapped up in Geneva with no breakthrough to end the Russian invasion, which hits its four-year mark on February 24.

Russia has shown no willingness to bend from its hard-line demands, which include Ukraine withdrawing from eastern territories it currently holds and blocking Kyiv's request for binding security guarantees.

Amid unusually cold winter temperatures, Russia has repeatedly hit power and heating facilities in Kyiv and throughout the country, leaving millions of Ukrainians struggling to stay warm and go about their lives.

Kyiv's mayor has said hundreds of thousands have fled the city, as emergency workers struggle to repair damaged facilities.

Source: With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian and Tatar-Bashkir services

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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As Russia's War On Ukraine Nears Fifth Year, Analysts See 'Frozen' Prospects For Peace

By Alex Raufoglu February 21, 2026

WASHINGTON -- As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary, the conflict is increasingly defined by hardened positions and structural constraints that leave little room for a negotiated breakthrough, former US diplomats and analysts said.

The main obstacle to progress in resolving Europe's largest land war since World War II is not a lack of diplomatic engagement but Moscow's unwillingness to reconsider its war aims, experts said.

Russia is "not negotiating in good faith" and has "no desire to end the war" under current conditions, said Kurt Volker, who served as US special representative for Ukraine during the first administration of Donald Trump.

"These negotiations are not going to go anywhere," Volker told RFE/RL in an interview.

In his view, meaningful talks on a cease-fire or political settlement would require a fundamental shift in the Kremlin's incentives, such as intensified international pressure or a reduced capacity to sustain military operations.

For Volker, the structure of talks is secondary to their substance. "The format doesn't matter; it's the content," he said, suggesting Washington could seek to alter Moscow's calculations through tools such as secondary sanctions or expanded weapons deliveries to Ukraine, steps he believes have not yet been fully employed.

James Gilmore, who served as US ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe under Trump, said the deep divide between Kyiv and Moscow reflects the war's underlying causes: Russia is seeking to retain territory it has seized -- and gain territory that Ukraine continues to hold -- while Ukraine is fighting for its survival as a sovereign state.

"In my view, the objectives of Russia and Ukraine are so diametrically opposed that it's not realistic to expect a breakthrough," Gilmore told RFE/RL.

He rejected suggestions Kyiv should cede territory as part of a peace arrangement, calling such concessions "not a good basis for ending the conflict" and reiterating that Russian aggression remains the central impediment to a durable settlement.

Both former officials said additional pressure should be directed at Moscow rather than Kyiv if conditions for serious diplomacy are to emerge. Volker described US policy tools as underutilized, while Gilmore said Russia has yet to face incentives strong enough to reconsider its goals.

Stalled Diplomacy

Recent US-brokered efforts have underscored the impasse. Talks held in Geneva this week failed to bridge differences over territory and security guarantees.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said military negotiators had agreed on potential mechanisms to monitor a cease-fire should political will materialize.

But core political disputes, particularly Russia's territorial demands, remain unresolved.

The main Russian negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, described the discussions as "difficult but businesslike." Zelenskyy, meanwhile, lashed out, suggesting that Medinsky -- a revisionist historian and former culture minister -- had inserted some sort of disputed interpretation of history into the talks.

The sides agreed only to continue talks, without announcing a date for the next round.

Meanwhile, continued Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure highlight the gap between diplomatic discussions and realities on the battlefield.

Structural Constraints

Beyond immediate political deadlock, some analysts point to longer-term structural factors shaping both the war and the prospects for peace.

George Beebe, a former CIA Russia specialist who is now the director of grand strategy at the Quincy Institute, said Western pledges to support Ukraine for "as long as it takes" rest on assumptions that could erode over time. Ukraine's shrinking population and limited capacity to produce key weapons, including air-defense interceptors, constrain its ability to sustain a prolonged war without deeper Western commitments.

At the same time, Beebe noted, even if Russia consolidates control over occupied territory, it would still face a larger and more unified NATO alliance -- a strategic challenge that battlefield gains alone cannot resolve.

He suggested mounting costs on all sides could eventually create incentives for compromise. But any negotiations, he said, would likely be protracted and complex, requiring innovative security arrangements; for example, European-backed guarantees designed to protect Ukraine against future aggression without offering NATO membership.

Speaking this week at a forum hosted by the Quincy Institute, John Mearsheimer, of the University of Chicago offered a more skeptical outlook.

Moscow's insistence on Ukrainian neutrality and limits on Kyiv's military capabilities reflects what the Kremlin views as an existential threat from NATO expansion, he said.

"Without Russia abandoning these core positions, meaningful negotiation remains illusory," Mearsheimer said.

Calculus In Moscow

Analysts broadly agree that the trajectory toward peace hinges on decisions taken in Moscow.

Unless Russia changes course or faces sharply increased costs, they say, diplomatic progress is likely to be confined to technical arrangements -- such as limited cease-fire mechanisms -- rather than the comprehensive political settlement needed to end a war whose human toll and strategic risks continue to grow.

A senior US administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity on February 20, disputed the notion that space for compromise is exhausted.

"While the challenges are clear, we remain committed to pursuing every possible avenue," the official said. "The effort to find common ground will continue, even if progress is slow and difficult."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war- anniversary-peace-prospects/33684058.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.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the Republic of Korea's possible involvement in PURL initiative

21 February 2026 13:58

220-21-02-2026

Question: The media of the Republic of Korea, citing a government source, have reported that the authorities in Seoul are considering joining NATO-led Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative through allocating funds for the purchase of weapons. How would you comment on this information?

Maria Zakharova: We were surprised by these reports, as such steps, if indeed taken, would contradict Seoul's official position of non-involvement in the collective West's efforts to accumulate weapons and ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Representatives of the Republic of Korea have repeatedly reaffirmed this stance. Moscow appreciates this approach, regarding it as essential for preventing any further deterioration in Russian-South Korean relations as well as a prerequisite for the eventual restoration of bilateral dialogue and cooperation.

We would like to emphasise once again that the Republic of Korea's potential participation in such supplies - whether direct or indirect - would only undermine the prospects for resolving the conflict. It would inevitably inflict irreparable damage on relations between Russia and the Republic of Korea, eliminating any possibility of resuming constructive dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. In such a scenario, we would be compelled to exercise our right to take retaliatory measures, including asymmetric ones.

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LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The rhythmic beat of the Ansai waist drum, a traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage, echoed through London on Saturday, bringing a burst of festive energy to the city's Chinese New Year celebrations.

The vibrant performance, originating from Shaanxi Province in northwest China and attracting a large crowd of spectators, was staged as part of Chinese New Year celebrations in the British capital's Burlington Arcade.

Drums and energetic dancing drew shoppers and visitors to the arcade, with many stopping to watch and film the spectacle.

Zhang Mingchen, a Chinese national living in Britain, described the performance as particularly moving. He said that he felt proud to see Chinese culture reaching more people worldwide.

Jing Wei, founder of UK Sunshine Digital, which specialises in UK-China intercultural communications, told Xinhua that as Chinese culture reaches wider audiences worldwide, the Chinese New Year is now celebrated in more countries and cities.

She said that the festivities not only bring together the local Chinese community, but also attract growing interest from people of different cultural backgrounds.

Trupti Shah, commercial director of Burlington Arcade, welcomed the visiting artists, saying the Arcade was pleased to host the Ansai waist drum performance to celebrate one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture.

Opened in 1819, Burlington Arcade is one of Britain's earliest shopping arcades and is recognized as part of the country's cultural heritage. 
Russian Forces Liberate Karpovka in DPR - MoD

Sputnik News

2026021

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has taken control of the settlement of Karpovka in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"As a result of active operations, Battlegroup Zapad have liberated the settlement of Karpovka in the Donetsk People's Republic," the statement read.

Ukraine lost up to 370 fighters killed or injured in combat against Russia's Battlegroup Vostok over the past day, in addition to losses in manpower and equipment on other fronts, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"The enemy lost up to 370 military servicepeople, a tank, an armored combat vehicle, and 18 motor vehicles," the ministry said in a daily situation update for Battlegroup Vostok.

This is in addition to up to 350 Ukrainian fighters eliminated over the past day by Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr, up to 215 by Battlegroup Sever, up to 170 by Battlegroup Zapad, over 110 by Battlegroup Yug, and up to 50 by Battlegroup Dnepr, the ministry said.

 Sputnik

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MFA statement on energy blackmail by the governments of Hungary and Slovakia

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

21 February 2026 20:22

Ukraine rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail by the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic regarding energy supplies between our countries.

Such actions, in the context of massive and targeted Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and Moscow's attempts to deprive Ukrainians of electricity, heating, and gas during extreme cold weather, are provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region. In doing so, the governments of Hungary and Slovakia are not only playing into the hands of the aggressor, but also harming their own energy companies that supply energy on a commercial basis.

Ukraine is in constant contact with representatives of the European Commission regarding the damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure caused by daily Russian strikes. We have also provided information about the consequences of these Russian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure to the governments of Hungary and Slovakia. Security and stabilization repair work continues amid daily threats of new missile attacks. Ukraine has also proposed alternative ways to resolve the issue of supplying non-Russian oil to these countries.

Ukraine has always been, is, and will remain a reliable energy partner of the EU and a transit country for energy resources. At the same time, in light of the unfounded and irresponsible threats coming from Budapest and Bratislava in recent days, Ukraine is considering the possibility of activating the Early Warning Mechanism provided for in the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.

We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to engage in constructive cooperation and behave responsibly.

Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv.

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We Continue Working Every Day Specifically So That the Next Round of Negotiations Can Deliver Results for Ukraine, for Peace - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

21 February 2026 - 17:53

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

There are several important points worth mentioning today. First, we continue working every day specifically so that the next round of negotiations can deliver results for Ukraine, deliver results for peace. Ukraine will definitely do whatever is needed for this and will by no means stand in the way of peace.

Last time in Geneva, the American side clearly saw that it is precisely the Russians who are the reason no truly meaningful results had yet been achieved. And the next meeting must not be a wasted opportunity - it can be done.

We discussed today with Rustem Umerov some aspects of negotiation preparations. And I am grateful to everyone who is genuinely ready to help and who supports us - supports our state. My meetings with European partners are also already scheduled for next week. We will coordinate in detail so that Europe is involved in all processes and grows only stronger. I also instructed Rustem to work more closely with our friends in the Middle East and Turkiye, so that they also feel invested and can help more.

I also spoke today with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO. In many respects, we share common views on the diplomatic process and on the situation in Europe. Thank you, Mark.

The second important point. I want to commend the efforts of the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Police, and the Office of the Prosecutor General - they neutralized Russian mercenaries preparing assassination attempts against our citizens. These were rather high-profile names, and preventing such crimes is a substantial result.

There were reports from Oleksandr Poklad. And this is yet another front in the ongoing protection of Ukraine's security, the safety of Ukrainians, and the constant defense of the lives of our people - the way our Ukrainian special services, our law enforcement, and our intelligence neutralize Russian criminal activity against Ukrainians. They were preparing attacks against Ukrainian military personnel, Ukrainian intelligence officers, and Ukrainian media workers. It is important that all our Ukrainian special services and law enforcement continue to protect Ukrainian citizens in exactly this coordinated way.

And one more thing. Today, Ukraine has introduced new sanctions against the captains of vessels involved in transporting Russian oil - 225 captains. And we will continue to consistently impose sanctions and make them global against everyone who helps Russia earn money for war.

Many around the world support us, and often it is Ukrainian proposals that form the basis of partners' sanctions. We very much count, in particular, that the next sanctions package of the European Union takes into account what is needed for real pressure on Russia over this war - for truly restricting Russia's ability to wage it.

This includes, among other things, a ban on maritime services for vessels used by Russia. Europe should come to this. And this is something that could become a significant incentive from Europe for Russia to finally move from war to diplomacy - to real diplomacy. The war must be brought to an end.

I want to thank everyone who helps us! Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!

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The President Coordinated Positions with the NATO Secretary General

President of Ukraine

21 February 2026 - 15:16

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The Head of State and the NATO Secretary General coordinated positions on all key aspects of diplomatic work. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that, on many issues, his views align with those of Mark Rutte.

The President also briefed the NATO Secretary General on preparations for the next trilateral format with the United States and Russia, as well as what is known about potential shifts in the parties' positions.

The conversation also addressed the energy situation and the need to continue work under the PURL initiative.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to every European country investing in Ukraine's defense through PURL, and to the NATO Secretary General for his support.

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Air Defense, Sanctions, and Energy: The Office of the President Hosted a Meeting with Advisors to U.S. Members of Congress and Senators

President of Ukraine

21 February 2026 - 14:52

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Brusylo, held a meeting with a delegation of senior staff of the U.S. Congress. Participants included the National Security Advisor to Senator Ruben Gallego; legislative directors and assistants to Representatives Pat Harrigan, Michael Guest, and Senator Chris Murphy, who is also Vice-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; chiefs of staff to Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Young Kim, and Chrissy Houlahan; and representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Washington.

The discussions focused primarily on strengthening Ukraine's air defense. Ihor Brusylo expressed gratitude for the latest allocation of USD 400 million to Ukraine in the U.S. 2026 defense budget. The meeting covered the possibility of using these funds to purchase missiles for Patriot systems, as well as the potential localization of air defense missile production in Ukraine.

They also discussed support for Ukraine's energy resilience amid ongoing Russian attacks, as well as the use of American technology to prepare Ukraine's energy system for the next winter.

Particular attention was given to continuing pressure on Russia through sanctions targeting the shadow fleet, banking institutions, and the crypto and nuclear sectors. Ihor Brusylo emphasized that Ukraine expects the sanctions bill to be adopted soon, which could become a significant tool to influence Russia.

In addition, Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations continue to consider the potential transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, as these would serve as a tangible means of deterring Russia.

"We value the work on the bill implementing the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act. Frozen Russian assets, wherever they are in the world, must be used to support Ukraine's recovery and repair the damage caused by the war," he stressed.

The REPO Act, initiated by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and a bipartisan group of his colleagues, came into force in April 2024. It obliges the U.S. Department of the Treasury to identify nearly USD 5 billion in frozen Russian assets on U.S. territory, provides authority to seize them, and establishes a fund to support Ukraine.

In September 2025, several senators, including Sheldon Whitehouse, Jim Risch, and Lindsey Graham, introduced legislation to implement REPO, aiming to accelerate fund transfers and encourage allies to follow suit.

The parties also discussed progress in negotiations to achieve a dignified peace, security guarantees for Ukraine, and U.S. participation in Ukraine's recovery. Delegation members noted that they would work to involve American companies, particularly in the energy sector, in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled to take place in Poland this year.

During their visit to Ukraine ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, the U.S. delegation also visited Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro, inspecting schools and IDP centers and speaking with Ukrainians. Ihor Brusylo emphasized the importance of supporting these Ukrainian cities to sustain community life and continue funding projects for underground schools and shelters.

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New Sanctions Against 225 Captains of Russia's Shadow Fleet Vessels and Entities Servicing Russian Military-Industrial Complex: The President Has Enacted the NSDC Decision

President of Ukraine

21 February 2026 - 11:48

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed decrees enacting decisions of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to implement new sanctions packages.

One of the decisions aims to counter Russia's shadow fleet: sanctions have been imposed on 225 ship captains involved in exporting Russian petroleum products.

Among them are citizens of 11 countries, including Russia, India, and the Philippines. Monitoring of the situation in the Black, Red, and Baltic Seas showed that these captains commanded vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet and transported oil in circumvention of sanctions imposed by the European Union, the Group of Seven, and other states.

Most of these tankers - 188 - are already under sanctions from the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

"We continue to convince our partners of the importance of individual sanctions against tanker captains. Systematic work aboard a sanctioned tanker is sufficient grounds for consequences. We must eliminate the incentive to work with Russian oil, because it directly finances the war," emphasized Advisor - Commissioner of the President for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk.

The second sanctions package includes 46 Russian citizens, two Iranian citizens, and 44 Russian companies servicing Russia's military-industrial complex. These include entities that supply, develop, manufacture, and repair equipment, electronic warfare systems, and spare parts for Russia's military-industrial complex. Their products are used in the production of ballistic and cruise missiles, attack and reconnaissance drones, small arms, and ammunition.

The two Iranian citizens are involved in supplying aviation spare parts and components in circumvention of sanctions. This was done in the interests of the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation, which partners with Russia in the development and production of Shahed drones and is already under sanctions from Ukraine, the United States, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

Ukraine will share the relevant information with partners to ensure synchronization and will continue expanding sanctions against other individuals and legal entities that facilitate Russian aggression.

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The Michigan Supreme Court, in an opinion that has the effect of making state employees subject to Michigan's 2012 right-to-work law , ruled Wednesday that Michigan's Civil Service Commission never had the authority to impose union fees on state workers, even before the controversial law was passed.The 4-3 ruling is a blow to the United Auto Workers and other unions representing about 36,000 state employees, who argued only the bipartisan Civil Service Commission -- not the Legislature -- can set the conditions of employment for civil servants.In another setback for state employee unions, the court also upheld Wednesday a 2011 law requiring employees in the state's defined benefit pension plan to either contribute 4% of their pay toward retirement costs or move to a 401(k)style plan, in which future retirement benefits are not defined. That ruling overturned a decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals.In the right-to-work case, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert Young Jr. wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices Stephen Markman, Brian Zahra and David Viviano. One Republican-nominated justice, Mary Beth Kelly, joined the two Democratic nominees -- Justices Bridget McCormack and Richard Bernstein -- and wrote a dissent.Before the right-to-work law, union members had the option of opting out of paying union dues. But they were still subject to the agency fees that unions say support the cost of negotiating labor agreements that benefit all workers. Under right-to-work, workers can't be required to pay those fees, either.The effect of Wednesday's ruling is consistent with a 2-1 decision from the Michigan Court of Appeals in 2013, in that it makes clear that state employees are subject to the right-to-work law despite the existence of the Michigan Civil Service Commission.However, the Michigan Supreme Court set out an entirely different reasoning than the appeals court did, saying the Civil Service Commission never had the constitutional power to impose agency fees on workers, even before the right-to-work law existed.Although the fees are paid by state workers to the union, not the commission, the court said the fees are, in effect, a way of subsidizing the commission's cost of regulating employer-employee relations in state government.Having allowed collective bargaining as a way of regulating the conditions of employment, "what the commission cannot do is foist the administrative costs of that choice onto anyone else," Young said in his opinion."This principle remains true regardless of who pays whom. What matters is who authorizes and receives the benefit. Illustratively, had the commission chosen another method by which to regulate conditions of employment -- for example, by hiring a panel of consultant labor economists -- no one would assert that the labor economists could then submit their invoice to the affected civil servants."The Court of Appeals ruling had followed a different rationale, saying, "Michigan case law fully supports the principle that the Legislature as the policy-making branch of government has the power to pass labor laws of general applicability that also apply to classified civil service employees."In her dissent, Kelly said the civil service rule allowing agency fees is "consistent with the commission's authority to regulate all conditions of employment in the classified (civil) service."Kelly also said that state employees pay agency fees not to the commission, but to the union, and "there has been no finding -- not even an allegation -- that agency fees fund these regulatory efforts" of the Civil Service Commission.A coalition of state employee unions filed suit in February 2013, challenging the constitutionality of one of Michigan's two right-to-work laws: Public Act 349 of 2012, which governs public employees.Nick Ciaramitaro, legislative director of Michigan AFSMCE Council 25, which represents state employees and other public employees, said given the 5-2 majority of Republican-nominated justices on the court, "I don't think anyone is going to be shocked," by the decision. However, "I think it's disappointing," and "it's an undermining of the civil service system."Terri Reid, president of the Michigan Freedom Fund, which backed the law, issued a news release that said "today is a great day for workers in Michigan," and "individuals' freedoms shouldn't end when they take a job working on behalf of taxpayers." She said "today's ruling ensures that they won't."The unions argued the Michigan Constitution gave the Michigan Civil Service Commission exclusive jurisdiction over the conditions of employment of civil servants and the Legislature can't interfere with that.Attorney General Bill Schuette's office, arguing on behalf of the state, said state courts and state laws have both consistently recognized limits on the powers of the Civil Service Commission.The right-to-work law, passed in the final days of the Legislature's lame-duck session in December 2012, makes it illegal to require employees to contribute financially to a union as a condition of employment. The right-to-work battle was waged over a five-day period with no committee hearings or public input, and inspired thousands of people to descend on the Capitol to protest the impending law, as much smaller numbers demonstrated in favor of the measure.Gov. Rick Snyder said Wednesday's decision "ensures that state employees will enjoy the same rights and protections as private sector workers across Michigan." He added: "I respect that the freedom-to-work laws inspired passionate debate on both sides, and appreciate that the state's highest court has now brought this issue to a close."State employee unions and the State Office of the Employer began initial negotiations on new collective bargaining agreements last week.The laws took effect in March 2013, at the time making Michigan the 24th right-to-work state.In the pension case Wednesday, Justices Young, Markman, Zahra and Viviano ruled that the 2011 amendment to the State Employees' Retirement Act did not impinge on the powers of the Civil Service Commission.The majority opinion said the drafters of Michigan's 1963 constitution did not consider pensions and other fringe benefits as the "compensation" the commission is responsible for setting, only salaries and wages. It also said the commission had "acquiesced" to the Legislature's partial infringement on its sphere of authority through the State Employees' Retirement Act.
DAMASCUS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces have carried out dozens of ground incursions into southern Syria since the beginning of February, Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday.

The monitoring group said it documented 41 Israeli ground incursions into Syrian territory this month, alongside repeated low-altitude aerial activity over the southern provinces of Quneitra and Daraa.

According to the observatory, the incursions included repeated ground entries accompanied by the arrest of civilians, bulldozing of agricultural land and the installation of temporary military checkpoints inside Syrian territory. It said the activities had taken place without any reported military response.

The observatory said the movements had a direct impact on daily life in affected areas, particularly for shepherds, farmers and residents of villages near the disengagement line.

The Syrian interim government has continued to voice strong opposition to ongoing Israeli military activities in southern Syria, describing them as repeated violations of national sovereignty and international law. 
US President Trump says he will increase his new global tariffs to 15%

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Mona-Helen Quartey: Ghanas Ambassador to Italy presents credentials to President Mattarella

GraphicOnline International News Feb - 22 - 2026 , 12:14 3 minutes read

Ghanas newly appointed Ambassador to Italy, Mona-Helen Kabuki Quartey, has formally assumed her diplomatic duties after presenting her Letters of Credence to the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella at an official ceremony held at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.

The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, February 19, marks the formal commencement of her tenure as Ghanas representative to the Italian Republic and signals what both sides describe as a renewed push to deepen bilateral ties.

In a press release issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Rome, the occasion was described as unfolding with a forward-looking perspective on the relations between Africa and Europe. The statement noted that the meeting between the Ambassador and President Mattarella marks the formal beginning of the Ambassadors diplomatic mission in Italy and opens a new phase in the consolidation of relations between Italy and Ghana, countries bound by long-standing ties characterised by dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

During discussions held in what the statement characterised as a highly cordial atmosphere, both sides reaffirmed what they termed the deep bonds of friendship between the two countries and expressed a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration across political, economic, cultural and multilateral platforms.

The Embassy underscored Italys importance as a strategic European partner for Ghana, while also describing Accra as a reliable and authoritative counterpart for Rome in West Africaa region of crucial geopolitical importance and central to the sustainable development prospects of the African continent.

Economic diplomacy featured prominently in the talks, with particular attention given to expanding trade and investment in energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, education and technological cooperation. Ghana, the statement said, is one of the most dynamic economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and is keen to leverage Italian expertise in manufacturing, agri-food production and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The cultural and tourism sectors were also highlighted as areas with untapped potential, with Italy viewing Ghana as a growing market and a gateway to the wider West African sub-region.

The dialogue further touched on Ghanas domestic development priorities. According to the statement, both sides reflected on the countrys reset agenda, which includes the infrastructure Big Push and the 24-hour Economy as flagship programmes designed to stimulate growth and productivity.

On global matters, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in addressing pressing international challenges, including security, migration, climate change and sustainable development. The statement emphasised their support for effective multilateralism and stronger engagement between the European Union and the African continent.

Describing the credential ceremony as more than a diplomatic formality, the Embassy stated that the presentation represents not merely a formal act, but a symbolic moment of renewed diplomatic momentum.

It added that the step confirms the determination of both nations to intensify political dialogue and to translate their shared aspirations for inclusive development into concrete initiatives capable of generating opportunities for businesses, institutions, and citizens alike.
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US President Trump says he will increase his new global tariffs to 15%

bbc.com International News Feb - 22 - 2026 , 13:07 6 minutes read

US President Donald Trump has said he will impose global tariffs of 15%, as he has continued to rail against a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous import taxes.

Trump said on Friday that he would replace the tariffs scrapped by the court with a 10% levy on all goods coming into the US.

But on Saturday, he announced on Truth Social that this would be increased to the maximum allowed under a never-used trade law.

That law allows these new tariffs to stay in place for around five months before the administration must seek congressional approval.

The 10% tariffs were set to come into force on Tuesday, 24 February. It's unclear if the increased 15% would also be imposed starting then. The BBC has contacted the White House.

The new 15% tax rate - a temporary solution under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act - raises questions for countries such as the UK and Australia, which had agreed a 10% tariff deal with the US.

Trump said his administration had reached the decision to raise the levy following a review of the Supreme Court's "ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday".

In a 6-3 decision, justices on the highest US court found that the president had overstepped his powers when he introduced sweeping global tariffs last year using a 1977 law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The US has already collected at least $130bn (96.4bn) in tariffs using IEEPA, according to the most recent government data.

Immediately following the ruling, Trump said that he was "ashamed of certain members of the court" and called the justices who rejected his trade policy "fools".

How will Trump's new global tariffs work and what's next?

Trump's tariffs are a key plank of his economic policy, which he has said will encourage businesses to invest and produce goods in the US rather than overseas. But the high court's decision marked a significant check on his power and a major blow to his second-term agenda.

The US president has argued his tariffs are necessary to reduce the trade deficit - the amount by which imports exceed exports - but the US trade deficit reached a fresh high this week, widening by 2.1% compared to 2024 and hitting roughly $1.2 trillion (890bn).

Drew Greenblatt, owner of Marlin Steel Wire Products, a steel fabrication plant in Baltimore, said he was "very disappointed" by the Supreme Court's decision.

"It is a setback for poor people in America that had a chance to climb into the middle class with great manufacturing jobs," he told the BBC.

But John Boyd, a soybean farmer from Virginia and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, said: "This is a huge win for me and a big loss for the president.

"I don't care how you look at it, President Trump lost on this."

Yet Allie Renison, a former UK government trade adviser and director at SEC Newgate, said: "While it may seem like a good day for free trade, I think trade actually just got a lot messier."

She said that businesses are now facing "much more of a patchwork approach" to tariffs under the Trump administration.

It means that US businesses will have to pay a 15% tariff to import most goods into America under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

But some products will be exempted such as critical minerals, metals and pharmaceuticals.

Meanwhile, separate tariffs on steel, aluminium, lumber and automotive parts and sectors - introduced using a different US law - remain in place, untouched by the Supreme Court's ruling.

On Friday, a White House official said countries that previously reached trade deals with the US, including the UK, would face the global tariff under Section 122 rather than the tariff rate they had previously negotiated.

However, the UK's deals around steel, aluminium, pharmaceuticals, autos, and aerospace sectors - which represent most of its trade with the US - were not impacted.

The UK government said it expects Britain's "privileged trading position with the US" to continue and that it is a "matter for the US to determine" whether those deals still stand.

William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, has said he feared that the president's response to the Supreme Court ruling "could be worse for British businesses".

The new 15% import tariffs are "bad for trade, bad for US consumers and businesses" and will "weaken global economic growth", the leader of a UK business group said.

The chairman of the European Parliament International Trade Committee told BBC Newshour he would call for a pause in ratifying a trade deal between the EU and US after Trump's announcement.

The committee was due to vote on the deal on Tuesday, but German Social Democrat MEP Bernd Lange said fresh tariffs raised "several issues" that needed clarifying.

The Supreme Court ruling opened the door for consumers and businesses to seek refunds from the unlawful tariffs, though the high court did not make a decision on whether reimbursements should be issued.

On Friday, Trump indicated that refunds would not come without a legal battle which, he claimed, could take years. Companies and trade groups have already vowed to seek such reimbursements.

But Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the US Chamber of Commerce, said: "Swift refunds of the impermissible tariffs will be meaningful for the more than 200,000 small business importers in this country and will help support stronger economic growth this year."

While the National Retail Federation, which represents millions of American businesses, urged the courts "to ensure a seamless process to refund the tariffs to US importers".

US Senator Maria Cantwell, a Democrat representing Washington state, has written a letter to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, asking whether the administration has a plan to refund businesses.

"Given this Administration has illegally collected hundreds of billions of dollars from American businesses, that now must be refunded, I am requesting detailed information about how the Administration plans to fairly and expeditiously reimburse the payors of those tariffs," she wrote in a letter to Bessent.

But Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, argued that if Democrats push for refunds, it could backfire and help Republicans in the next election cycle.

He said it could be a boon for the US business community that would make the economy "roar" ahead of the midterm elections in November.
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Do not extract stories from recovering trauma survivors  Plan International Ghana

Alberto Mario Noretti Life Feb - 21 - 2026 , 22:27 2 minutes read

PLAN International Ghana has urged journalists to refrain from extracting stories from survivors of sexual violence while they are still in a state of trauma.

The Head of Programmes and Influencing at the organisation, Eric Ayaba, said such conduct was not only unprofessional but also deeply uncompassionate.

Mr Ayaba made the remarks last Monday at the opening of a three-day training workshop for 20 selected journalists from the Volta, Oti, Eastern and Greater Accra regions.

The training, themed: Journalism with Purpose: Reporting Responsibly on Children, Gender Equality and Vulnerable Communities, focused on ethical and development-oriented reporting.

He stressed that journalists had a responsibility to find innovative and ethical ways of obtaining facts, especially when a survivor was unwilling or not emotionally ready to speak.

Mr Ayaba explained that survivors of sexual and domestic violence might still be experiencing severe physical and emotional pain, and asking them to recount their ordeal could worsen their condition.

He further noted that survivors had the right to remain silent when approached by journalists.

Reporting on such cases, he added, must avoid sensationalism and stereotyping, which undermine the dignity of survivors who may require time and support to recover fully.

According to him, the dignity of survivors must take precedence over headlines; safety must come before clicks, and development must be prioritised over propaganda in the reportage of such issues.

Mr Ayaba emphasised that media reports concerning children and young people should protect them rather than expose them to further harm.

Gender-transformative reporting

So, be responsible reporters and not just better reporters. Do not cause harm to children, girls and vulnerable adults; rather protect them through gender-transformative reporting, Mr Ayaba urged participants.

The Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist of Plan International Ghana, Esenam Ahiadorme, explained that gender-transformative reporting went beyond merely including womens voices in stories.

She said it also interrogated the structural causes of inequality in society.

Transformative reporting does not just focus on why a girl dropped out of school; it asks why and examines which systems failed her, she said.
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Do not extract stories from recovering trauma survivors  Plan International Ghana

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Police gun down suspected armed robber in Dormaa-Gonokrom shoot-out

Biiya Mukusah Ali Life Feb - 21 - 2026 , 22:21 2 minutes read

A SUSPECTED armed robber has been shot dead in a gun battle with police at Dormaa-Gonokrom, a border community in the Dormaa Municipality of the Bono Region.

According to the police, the incident occurred last Thursday during an intelligence-led operation targeting robbery gangs operating in the region.

The Bono Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Joshua Copposon, said five assorted firearms were recovered during the operation.

Returned fire after ambush

DCOP Copposon explained that on February 11, 2026, police intelligence revealed that a gang was planning to attack traders travelling along the Dormaa-Gonokrom highway.

Surveillance teams were immediately deployed to foil the planned robbery.

In the early hours of February 12, 2026, officers advancing towards a parked motorbike came under gunfire from nearby bushes.

The police returned fire, overpowering the suspects. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of one male suspect dead, with an AK-47 rifle beside him.

Weapons recovered

A further search of the bush led to the recovery of 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, 34 rounds of 9mm ammunition, an AK-47 rifle loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition, 10 additional rounds of ammunition, 39 BB cartridges, a dagger, a mobile phone, a Honda motorbike, a black mask and a set of talismans.

DCOP Copposon said the body had been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.

He added that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend other members of the gang to bring them to justice.

The Regional Commander described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the Commands sustained fight against armed robbery and organised criminal activity in the region.

He appealed to the public to support the police with credible information that would lead to the arrest of persons involved in criminal activities.

We will continue to work tirelessly to enhance safety and security across the region, he said.
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Fire destroys Childrens Ward at Assemblies of God Hospital in Saboba

Simon Unyan Feb - 22 - 2026 , 12:06 1 minute read

A fire outbreak has destroyed the Childrens Ward of the Assemblies of God (AG) Hospital in Saboba, Northern Region, displacing young patients and disrupting services at the facility.

The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday evening, razed the entire ward, destroying beds, medical equipment, and other essential supplies.

An eyewitness recounted the terrifying moment the fire broke out. We were in the ward and noticed the fire started at the entrance of the childrens ward, so we started running out before it spread rapidly through the facility, the witness said.

Sources at the hospital indicated that six children were on admission at the time of the incident. Hospital staff, along with relatives, successfully evacuated all of them safely. The children have since been relocated to other wards to continue receiving medical care.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly to the scene, but challenges with equipment reportedly hampered initial efforts to contain the blaze.

Residents and other security personnel later joined in to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining wards, eventually bringing the situation under control.

No casualties were recorded.

Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Hospital authorities are expected to conduct a full assessment of the damage as steps are taken to restore services at the facility.
Featured

Ga Mantse discharged after Oti Highway crash, Prez Mahama pays hospital visit

GraphicOnline Feb - 22 - 2026 , 10:08 2 minutes read

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has been discharged from the University of Ghana Medical Centre following a serious road accident earlier this week that triggered anxiety across the Ga State and beyond.

His discharge came shortly after a visit by President John Dramani Mahama at the hospital, where the President checked on the monarchs condition and extended his well wishes.

The Ga Mantse was involved in a serious motor accident on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, while returning to Accra from what palace officials described as an urgent mission. The crash occurred along the Pai-Katanga stretch of the Oti highway in the Oti Region.

According to details from the Office of the Ga Mantse, the accident happened as the Kings convoy navigated the highway during his return journey from the Northern Region.

The visit had been undertaken at the invitation of the Ya Naa as part of efforts to deepen traditional unity and strengthen ties between the Ga and Dagbon kingdoms.

Despite the severity of the crash, no fatalities were recorded. The King and members of his entourage were assisted at the scene by personnel from the Ghana Police Service and royal staff before being transported to Accra for further medical attention.

Upon arrival at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, the King and his aides underwent a series of medical examinations to assess the extent of any injuries sustained in the accident.

In a statement signed by the Chief of Protocol and Communications, Amb. Sir S.J.K. Parker-Allotey, the palace confirmed that His Royal Majestys recovery had been swift and satisfactory.

The Ga Mantse has since directed his office to extend profound appreciation to the emergency responders and the medical team who managed the situation. He also expressed deep gratitude to the public for the outpouring of prayers and well wishes received since news of the accident broke.
Featured

GIS, Police, and Prisons: New February dates set for delayed aptitude test

GraphicOnline Feb - 22 - 2026 , 10:28 2 minutes read

The Ministry of the Interior has officially extended the deadline for its Centralised E-Recruitment Portal Aptitude Test, specifically accommodating Category C applicants holding WAASCE certificates, after a technical bottleneck prevented a segment of candidates from submitting their examinations online.

In a public notice signed off by the Ministry, officials acknowledged that "challenges experienced by some applicants while attempting to submit their Aptitude Test Online" had necessitated an immediate intervention to preserve fairness in the high-stakes recruitment drive for 2025/26.

To rectify the situation, the Ministry has outlined a staggered mop-up exercise set to commence on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The extension will run until the 28th of the same month, structured specifically around the various security services.

The revised schedule is as follows; - Saturday, 21st  Monday, 23rd February 2026: Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) - Tuesday, 24th  Wednesday, 25th February 2026: Ghana Police Service - Thursday, 26th  Friday, 28th February 2026: Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Ghana Prisons Service

According to the notice, Immigration (GIS) candidates will have their rescheduled window from Saturday, February 21 through Monday, February 23.

Immediately following that, applicants to the Ghana Police Service are to log in between Tuesday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 25.

The window will close with a joint session for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Prisons Service, running from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28.

Furthermore, the Ministry has scheduled a broader window to catch any remaining stragglers. "A general mop-up for all categories (A to C) will follow between Sun, 1st  2nd March 2026," the statement confirmed, with the subsequent publication of successful results slated for 4th March 2026.

The notice stressed that communication regarding these new dates would be pushed directly to affected individuals. "All applicants are to note that SMSs will be sent to all affected persons to log into the portal and retake the test within the above scheduled dates," it read. However, a firm line has been drawn to prevent system congestion: the vast majoritystated as 82% of applicants who have already successfully completed the testwill be barred from accessing the portal during this extension period and must wait until the official results release date.

In an additional move toward transparency, the Ministry has announced a live social media interaction to troubleshoot lingering concerns. The session, which will be steered by the technical facilitator, is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 8:30 PM across all major social media platforms.

Applicants have been advised to await further details on how to participate in what the Ministry describes as a forum to address "all issues related to the Aptitude Test and other concerns."
Featured

Former CDS Nunoo-Mensah launches memoir; urges moral reset for Ghanas next generation

Mohammed Ali Politics Feb - 22 - 2026 , 12:20 3 minutes read

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, has called for what he described as a moral reset in Ghana, cautioning that weakening discipline, growing materialism and the erosion of communal values are shaping a generation without firm guidance.

He said the country must deliberately return to principles of honesty, hard work and respect if it is to secure a stable future for its young people.

Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah made the remarks at the launch of his memoir, My Memoirs: I Dont Follow the Crowd, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra on Friday, February 20, 2026.

I generally worry about the future, he told the audience. What kind of world are you going to leave to our children and grandchildren?

Reflecting on changes in society, he said the sense of love and humanity that once defined communities appeared to be fading.

He questioned whether the current generation was being equipped with the right moral compass, arguing that leadership begins at home and in everyday conduct.

Responding to questions from broadcaster Kwaku Sintim-Misa on what concerned him most about the present generation, he said young people today face intense social pressure, including the public display of wealth and the pursuit of quick recognition.

He contrasted that with his upbringing in Winneba, where he undertook menial jobs, including loading cocoa and working as a drivers mate to fund his education.

We were taught discipline and truthfulness, he said. Those were non-negotiable.

A biographical profile presented at the event traced his rise from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of the Ghana Armed Forces. After enlisting in 1960, he was selected for officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he emerged as the best overseas cadet and won the academic sword.

He later became Chief of Defence Staff in 1979 under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council and was reappointed in 1982 under the Provisional National Defence Council, becoming the first Ghanaian officer to hold the position on two separate occasions. In November 1982, he resigned on principle, maintaining that soldiers should not remain entrenched in political governance.

Brig Gen Nunoo-Mensah subsequently served as National Security Advisor under President John Evans Atta Mills and continued under President John Dramani Mahama until 2013.

Entrepreneur and political figure Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, paid tribute to the retired General, describing him as a rare elder who openly supports younger leaders with conviction rather than convenience.

He recounted how Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah stood with him publicly at a defining moment in his political journey, saying the gesture carried moral weight.

Mr Bediako further announced that he would personally take responsibility for the cost of publishing the memoir, explaining that the gesture was his way of honouring a man he considers principled, bold and consistent in thought and action.

Chairing the ceremony, Colonel Benjamin Ahlijah rtd described the memoir as an important national document that goes beyond personal recollection to offer insight into critical moments in Ghanas military and political history.

He said the book provides a first-hand account of periods many Ghanaians only know through fragmented narratives, including military interventions and transitions to constitutional rule. According to him, such records are essential to deepening public understanding of the countrys past and strengthening democratic culture.

Colonel Ahlijah urged public institutions, libraries and the academic community to support the documentation of Ghanas history through personal memoirs, noting that when those who witnessed pivotal events fail to write, future generations are left with incomplete accounts.

He formally launched the book and encouraged Ghanaians to read it not only for its historical value but also for its lessons on courage, discipline and independent thought.
MANILA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Three people went missing after a pile of waste gave way at a landfill in Rizal province, east of Manila, authorities said Sunday.

Rodriguez town Mayor Ronnie Evangelista confirmed in a social media post that three individuals remain unaccounted for following the incident that occurred in the town on Friday afternoon. However, the mayor declined to declare them dead, noting that their bodies have yet to be recovered.

"Search and investigation efforts regarding the incident are still ongoing," Evangelista said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Philippines' lead body for disaster preparedness, response and recovery, said it is validating reports that the missing individuals were scavengers present at the site when the collapse occurred.

The incident prompted search operations in nearby communities as responders worked to locate the missing and assess potential risks posed by the unstable waste mound.

Authorities continue monitoring the situation while verification efforts remain underway. 
My commentary last Monday focused on the proposed feasibility of using the location of the former Tanguisson power plant site of 5 acres for a liquefied natural gas unloading facility for the Guam Power Authority.

GPA intends to demolish the currently abandoned Tanguisson power plant.

Of equal concern is the Navys failure to fulfill a legal commitment to maintain and improve the Navy-owned Tanguission Beach as a public park, as stated on page 142 of the Military Relocation Record of Decision dated September 2010.

Decades ago, Tanguisson was the Naval Communication Station Beach, which was subsequently maintained by the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation for years as a public park with a permit from the Navy.

DPR improved the shelters and showers and built a new restroom while maintaining the 13 acres. That permit has lapsed, the park facilities no longer exist, and the area has only received limited maintenance efforts from the Dededo mayor.

The once beautiful park now has overgrown vegetation, dead trees, trash, and abandoned vehicles, while the white sand beach and offshore waters are still beautiful.

Of interest and revealing as to why possibly the Navy has not maintained Tanguisson Beach is shown in the document Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management  LNG Pre Development Phase  Final Report by the consultant K & M Advisors dated July 2025 for GPA.

On page 159 of the report is the statement as follows regarding Tanguisson:

The Navy responded favorably to the consideration of the Tanguisson site, highlighting potential synergies with other fuel imports such as diesel and JP-8. The Navy owns land in the area and has indicated openness to collaboration, which could support the projects feasibility.

Therefore, it thus seems reasonable that the Navy may have future intentions to construct a fuel facility at Tanguisson Beach using the proposed adjacent GPA LNG offloading facility with the Navys own storage tanks, pumps, pipes, and shipping facilities.

Tanguisson Beach would then be no longer available to the people of Guam, with Tanguisson destroyed as we currently know it.

The natural beauty, recreation, and traditional offshore fishing at Tanguisson will be lost to the people of the island and the archaeological resources at the location will be destroyed. Further coastal access to the north of Guam to Guma Fahou and Hilaan could be closed.

A preferred alternative is to expand Tanguisson Beach to 18 acres for a beautiful public park, including picnic shelters, barbeques, tables, playground, restroom, and a trailhead for those who wish to explore the beach north to Hilaan.

The old power plant water discharge channel should be the ocean access for a boat ramp to improve access and safety for boaters in the area.

Perhaps Tanguisson is caught in the seemingly current indecision of what role Guam shall play in defense of the United States.

Regardless, the future of Tanguisson, both of the Navy-owned beach and the abandoned GPA power plant, should be decided by the people of the island and not behind closed doors between GPA and the Navy.




Haiti - Economy : Preparation for the Regional Women's Entrepreneurship Fair in the Great South





The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) has taken a decisive step in supporting Haitian businesswomen. As part of its Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), a strategic working session was held at the Montana Hotel to finalize preparations for the Regional Women's Entrepreneurship Fair, scheduled for March 7 and 8 in the Grand Sud region. This initiative, spearheaded by Minister James Monazard, aims to transform women's economic empowerment into a concrete driver of national development. In his opening remarks, Minister James Monazard reaffirmed that Haiti's future rests on its women entrepreneurs "We are preparing Haiti's future. Women are the pillars of the Haitian economy." The PAEF is already supporting its first cohort of 40 beneficiaries. The goal is clear :  To formalize women-led businesses.  Offer training programs tailored to market realities.  Strengthen synergy between national and international partners to leverage local resources. The Minister also commended the leadership of Mona Lisa Dunbar, Coordinator of the PAEF (Program for the Economic and Social Development of Women Entrepreneurs), for implementing this institutional collaboration. For Panel Paulemont, Director of Trade at the Ministry, the Greater South region, rich in economic potential, is the ideal location for this first regional edition. Benefits for Women Entrepreneurs : Visibility : Exhibition booths to showcase local products. Networking : Spaces for business promotion and professional networking. Growth : Easier access to new economic opportunities and formalization. The goal is to gradually integrate women working in the informal sector into the formal economy to ensure sustainable growth. Mona Lisa Dunbar, coordinator of the PAEF (Women's Entrepreneurship Fair), emphasized the pivotal role of women in society "The PAEF is not a one-off event, but rather part of a long-term support system : structuring business activities; building the capacity of over 500 women; and providing technical support and funding in partnership with institutions such as the Industrial Development Fund (FDI)." Scheduled for March 7 and 8, 2026, in the Grand South region, the regional women's entrepreneurship fair is positioned as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening women's active participation in regional economic development. The event will include exhibition booths, panel discussions, business promotion areas, and networking opportunities. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















Artists perform during an evening gala in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 100,000 visitors took part in one of New Zealand's largest cultural events over the weekend as the Happy Chinese New Year Festival lit up Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.

The three-day celebration, running from Friday to Sunday, featured fireworks, traditional performances, live music, and dozens of food stalls showcasing Chinese cuisine.

A grand art and cultural show was the centerpiece of the festivities, which have become an annual highlight for the city's diverse communities.

Organizers said this year's turnout marked a strong recovery in public participation following several years of smaller gatherings.

"The Happy Chinese New Year Festival has become a long-cherished tradition for people of all backgrounds in Christchurch," said organizer Zhong Weiren.

The event, hosted by local Chinese community groups with support from the Christchurch City Council and the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, was part of nationwide celebrations marking the Spring Festival.

"As we celebrate Chinese New Year this year, we in Christchurch welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, energy, determination, and progress," Christchurch City Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt told the audience at an evening gala co-hosted by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, and the China Railway Art Troupe.

"Events such as tonight's performance are more than a showcase of artistic excellence. They are a powerful expression of cultural connection between the people of China and New Zealand," Harrison-Hunt said.

Visitors also took part in cultural displays and family activities, including writing wishes on tags and hanging them on festive trees.

"The lights are really cool -- probably the best part. It's great to see them out again; I haven't seen them since I was a kid. There are way more people here than I remember, and the whole festival feels much bigger now. It's really good to see how much it's grown," said Christchurch resident Hamish, who visited the festival on Saturday. 

An artist performs during an evening gala in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua)




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Kidnapping foiled, two kidnappers killed On Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Delmas 30 district, two armed individuals, suspected of belonging to an active kidnapping ring, were placed under surveillance by plainclothes officers from the intelligence units of the Haitian National Police (PNH). As the criminals were preparing to kidnap someone, law enforcement intervened quickly to thwart their plan. During an attempted escape, the kidnappers opened fire on the officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding both individuals. 25 FAdH Soldiers to Martinique The French Embassy in Haiti has announced the departure of 25 soldiers from the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAdH) to Martinique as part of the SABRE Program https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45388-icihaiti-fad-h-30-soldiers-sent-for-training-in-martinique.html between France and Haiti. These soldiers will participate in two weeks of intensive training with the Armed Forces in the Antilles (FAA). This is the fifth group of soldiers trained under this program. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45388-icihaiti-fad-h-30-soldiers-sent-for-training-in-martinique.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43587-icihaiti-martinique-intensive-training-of-haitian-soldiers-within-the-33rd-rima.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43559-icihaiti-training-departure-of-the-first-group-of-fad-h-soldiers-for-martinique-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44350-haiti-army-strengthening-of-the-fad-h-thanks-to-international-cooperation.html A Haitian Cultural Fair, a first in Canada For the first time in over 70 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Haiti, a Haitian Cultural Fair will be held in Montreal on May 8, 9, and 10, 2026, in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, on the Esplanade Tranquille, opposite Place des Arts. A rich program awaits visitors: visual arts, literature, music, crafts, gastronomy, fashion, and thematic conferences. Warning from the Ministry of Defense The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H) advise that it is imperative to exercise the utmost caution and vigilance regarding the sharing of information related to the military institution. To date, all official communications concerning the Armed Forces of Haiti are exclusively disseminated by the Ministry of Defense through its certified channels:  Official Facebook page : @Minisitere de la Defense - Haiti  Official newspapers and national press releases. Given the current high level of attention surrounding recruitment, it is formally stated that all calls for applications will be issued only through a message from the High Command. This message, which will specify the detailed procedures and instructions to follow, will be relayed exclusively on the platforms mentioned above. South : 9 Hectares of Mangroves Protected 9 hectares of mangroves have been protected in La Cahouane, in the South Department. This protection was made possible thanks to the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP), with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of the Macaya Grand Sud 3 project. These ecosystems play a vital role : protection against erosion and storms, carbon sequestration, and improved water quality. Their preservation also allows for the development of sustainable economic activities, such as sweet potato cultivation, strengthening food security, local incomes, and community cohesion. U-20 : Cuban Coach Prepares to Select 21 Players On February 19, 2026, as part of the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA U-20 Men's World Cup, as well as for the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2026 Pan American Games, the new coach of the U-20 Men's National Team, Cuban Raul Gonzalez Triana, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46814-haiti-champions-league-qualifiers-a-cuban-coach-for-our-u-20-grenadiers.html , organized an internal match where the players were divided into two groups to play 11 vs. 11. This activity is part of the evaluation process, allowing the coach to observe the players' level Technical skill, tactics, and each player's commitment on the field. This exercise will facilitate his decision-making regarding the 21 players who will be selected to represent Haiti. Qualifying Match Schedule https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46814-haiti-champions-league-qualifiers-a-cuban-coach-for-our-u-20-grenadiers.html HL/ HaitiLibre


















The shortage of skilled workers in Germany has eased considerably. In February 2026, according to the ifo Institute, only 22.7 percent of companies complained about a lack of qualified employees. This is a decrease from 25.8 percent in October 2025 and, at the same time, the lowest value in five years.

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ifo researcher Klaus Wohlrabe cites the persistently weak economic situation as the main reason for the easing. At the same time, he warns: "The decline must not obscure the fact that structural challenges remain." In particular, the use of artificial intelligence is changing the requirements for skilled workers, according to Wohlrabe. "The aging of the population is meeting a profound technological change  this will further shift the demand for certain qualifications," adds the ifo researcher.

Sectors: Transport recovers, service providers suffer

The situation has eased particularly sharply in transport and logistics: here, the proportion of companies with personnel shortages fell from 42.7 to 30.6 percent. The figure also decreased in industry to 16.6 percent, with the automotive industry and manufacturers of electrical equipment being particularly less affected with less than ten percent. Mechanical engineering is at 19 percent.

The situation is different for service providers: one in four companies complains about a lack of personnel. The situation is particularly drastic for legal and tax advisors with 58.4 percent and for temporary employment agencies with 56.6 percent. In retail, 18 percent are affected, with the retail trade suffering significantly more at 21.6 percent than wholesale at 16.2 percent. In the main construction industry, the proportion is 30.4 percent.

Details on the current figures can be found at the ifo Institute.

(fo)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.




We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
The overnight assault struck the capital, the Black Sea port of Odesa and regions in central and eastern Ukraine, according to the military. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that Dnipro, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava and Sumy also faced attacks.

Russia fired 50 missiles and 297 drones at Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv and energy facilities across the country, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday. Air defences shot down 33 missiles and 274 drones, the air force reported . At least one person died in the Kyiv region. Explosions also killed a 23-year-old police officer in Lviv after devices detonated when officers responded to a call.

Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy, Zelensky wrote. He added that Russia had launched more than 1,300 drones, 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 96 missiles at Ukraine this week.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia focused on energy infrastructure. Regional authorities reported damage to power facilities and outages in several areas. Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said a drone strike hit energy infrastructure in the region during the night and caused fires. Emergency crews extinguished the blazes.

In the Kyiv region, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said one person died and five suffered severe injuries. Damage affected five districts, with more than a dozen houses hit. Reuters reporters in Kyiv heard explosions around 4am as air raid alerts sounded across the city. Residents sought shelter in metro stations.

Ukraines military administration in Kyiv said Russia used ballistic weapons in the attack. Officials reported damage to residential buildings and railway infrastructure.

Moscow denies targeting civilians and states that attacks on infrastructure aim to weaken Ukraines war effort.

The wave of strikes came two days before the fourth anniversary of Russias full scale invasion, which began on 24 February 2022. Diplomatic efforts led by the United States have yet to secure a breakthrough. Talks in Geneva on 17 and 18 February ended without agreement.

In Lviv, two explosive devices detonated shortly after midnight when police responded to a reported break in at a shop in the city centre.

The National Police of Ukraine said officers arrived at the scene when the first device exploded. Later, when a second crew arrived, another explosion went off, the force said on Telegram. Police stated that the devices had been planted in waste bins.

The blasts killed 23-year-old officer Viktoria Shpylka. The national police said she had begun her service at the start of the invasion in the Kherson region. Twenty five people suffered injuries, including six law enforcement officers in a serious condition. Eleven people required hospital treatment.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said officers detained the suspect, described by the police as a 33-year-old woman from the Rivne region, on suspicion of carrying out the attack. We are identifying other persons involved in committing this crime, he wrote on Telegram.

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi described the incident as a terror attack in a statement on Facebook. The regional prosecutors office opened an investigation into what it called an act of terrorism that led to grave consequences.

The exchanges extended beyond Ukraines borders. Authorities in Russias Udmurt Republic said Ukrainian drones struck an industrial site, injuring 11 people. Sergei Bagin, the regional health minister, said three people were hospitalised. Alexander Brechalov, head of the republic, confirmed that drones hit one of the regions facilities but did not name the site.

The Russian Telegram channel ASTRA reported that footage suggested the target was the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, which produces Iskander ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Ukraines military later confirmed a strike on the Votkinsk facility. A fire was recorded on the territory of the object. The results are getting real, the army said on Facebook.

On the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, Russias defence ministry said its troops had taken control of the village of Karpivka in the Donetsk region, according to the RIA news agency.

HT
NEW DELHI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Indian security forces shot dead three terrorists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, confirmed the local sources on Sunday.

The encounter between the Indian security forces and the slain terrorists took place in the Kishtwar area.

A joint team of security personnel belonging to the Indian Army, local police and the Central Reserve Police Force raided the spot where the slain terrorists were hiding. 
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and four others injured in a gas explosion in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday morning, Rescue 1122 officials said.

The incident occurred in a residential building in the provincial capital Karachi. According to the statement, the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder and triggered a fire.

Rescue teams quickly brought the fire under control and carried out cooling and search operations. The injured were given initial treatment on site and shifted to a nearby hospital. 
General secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith casts his vote during the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Vientiane, Laos, Feb. 22, 2026. Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos.

More than 4.76 million eligible voters nationwide are expected to cast their ballots. A total of 175 members will be elected to the 10th National Assembly, along with 745 members to serve on the fifth Provincial People's Councils. 

Citizens register and collect ballots at a polling station in Vientiane, Laos, Feb. 22, 2026. Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

Lao National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane casts his vote during the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Vientiane, Laos, Feb. 22, 2026. Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

Staff members check the ballot boxes at a polling station in Vientiane, Laos, Feb. 22, 2026. Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

Citizens register and collect ballots at a polling station in Vientiane, Laos, Feb. 22, 2026. Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

General secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith casts his vote during the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Vientiane, Laos, Feb. 22, 2026. Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
Local residents check the debris following an airstrike in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, on Feb. 22, 2026. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, confirmed on X on Sunday that the Pakistani military had once again carried out airstrikes on border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, causing dozens of casualties. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, confirmed on X on Sunday that the Pakistani military had once again carried out airstrikes on border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, causing dozens of casualties.

Mujahid said that the Pakistani military bombed civilian areas in Nangarhar province and Paktika province, causing dozens of casualties, including women and children.

In a statement, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense strongly condemned what it called a blatant violation and criminal act against Afghan territory, saying it clearly violated international law and the principles of good-neighborliness.

The statement said Pakistan attacked Afghan civilian targets and religious sites and that the Afghan side would make an appropriate and carefully considered response at an appropriate time.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said early Sunday morning that Pakistan had carried out intelligence-based, targeted strikes on seven militant camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border following a series of suicide bombings.

The ministry said in a statement that responsibility for the attacks had been claimed by factions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan as well as by the Islamic State Khorasan Province.

Since October last year, clashes have occurred repeatedly in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan. On Oct. 19 last year, under mediation by Qatar and Turkiye, the two sides agreed to a ceasefire.

Subsequently, several rounds of talks were held in Doha, Istanbul, and Riyadh to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire, but no results were achieved. 

Local residents check a damaged house following an airstrike in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, on Feb. 22, 2026. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, confirmed on X on Sunday that the Pakistani military had once again carried out airstrikes on border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, causing dozens of casualties. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Debris is seen around damaged buildings after an airstrike in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, on Feb. 22, 2026. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, confirmed on X on Sunday that the Pakistani military had once again carried out airstrikes on border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, causing dozens of casualties. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A damaged vehicle is pictured following an airstrike in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, on Feb. 22, 2026. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, confirmed on X on Sunday that the Pakistani military had once again carried out airstrikes on border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, causing dozens of casualties. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Second volume of book on Xi's visits to people's homes published

Xinhua) 12:53, February 22, 2026

BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The second volume of a book about the interactions between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and the people during his domestic inspection tours has been published by the China Women Publishing House.

The second volume vividly recounts the stories when Xi visited people's homes and talked with them about their livelihood through 32 interview accounts with families, villages and communities.

The book was compiled by the All-China Women's Federation.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu)
The Chinese New Year came with extra fluff and fun at the Moscow Zoo.

Visitors dressed in giant panda costumes enjoyed free entry. The "real stars" also received special holiday gift packages of their own.

Guess what festive treats were prepared for the cuties?

Produced by Xinhua Global Service 
Tourists take photos at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

A tourist takes photos at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Tourists wait for entering the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Tourists visit the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Tourists take photos at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Tourists take photos at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Tourists take photos at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Tourists visit the Great Temple of Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival in Aswan, Egypt, Feb. 22, 2026. During the Sun Festival, which falls on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 every year, rays of the morning sun would reach the innermost shrine of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and illuminate the inside sculptures. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)
SEOUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Sunday protested Japan's repeated territorial claims to the islets lying halfway between the two countries, called Dokdo by South Korea and Takeshima by Japan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that regarding the so-called "Takeshima Day" event hosted by Japan's Shimane Prefecture, the South Korean government strongly protested against Japan's repeated and unjust territorial claims over Dokdo.

The prefecture has held annual events to claim its administrative sovereignty over the rocky islets since it designated Feb. 22 as Takeshima Day in 2005.

The ministry sternly urged Japan to immediately abolish the event, stressing that Dokdo is clearly an integral part of the South Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law.

The ministry added that the Japanese government should immediately stop its unjust and groundless claims to Dokdo and squarely face history with a humble attitude.

South Korea restored its sovereignty over the islets following the Korean Peninsula's liberation from the 1910-1945 Japanese colonial rule. Seoul has since been in effective control of Dokdo, with a small police detachment deployed.

South Koreans see Japan's territorial claims to the islets as a denial of the colonial history. 
MOSCOW, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's participation in the NATO "PURL" initiative to allocate funds for Ukraine to purchase weapons only pushes back the prospects for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday.

"This will cause irreparable damage to relations between Russia and the Republic of Korea," Zakharova said, adding Russia will be forced to exercise its right to retaliate.

According to Zakharova, Moscow was surprised by news of Seoul's possible participation in the program, as it runs counter to its official position.

Zakharova said that Russia values South Korea's official line of non-participation in the efforts of the "collective West" to pump weapons and ammunition into the armed forces of Ukraine, viewing it as a prerequisite for the future restoration of Russian-South Korean relations.

On Friday, The Korea Times, citing its sources at South Korea's Foreign Ministry, reported that NATO had approached South Korean authorities with a request to join the PURL initiative.

NATO launched the PURL program last summer in response to changes in U.S. policy regarding free arms supplies to Ukraine. The program's mechanism is that Kyiv raises emergent requests for weapons, and NATO members finance their purchase from the United States. 
Xu Lihong arranges flashlights at her store in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Che)

HANGZHOU, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- On her desk in Yiwu, the eastern Chinese city dubbed "the world's supermarket," Xu Lihong, 48, keeps banknotes from nearly 100 countries and regions neatly pressed beneath a pane of glass.

Each one tells a story of a deal struck, a market entered, or a relationship forged during her journey as a successful entrepreneur. As the Year of the Horse begins and with it Xu's own zodiac year, the collection feels less like a set of souvenirs and more like a balance sheet of ambition.

In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes stamina, speed and forward motion. For Xu, a veteran exporter of LED lighting products, who has spent nearly two decades navigating Yiwu's relentless trading floors, the meaning is hard to miss.

"It feels like the right moment to run faster," she said, outlining plans to push into new markets across Europe and Brazil.

The habit of collecting foreign banknotes began almost by accident. Overseas buyers browsing Xu's display would often ask why their country was missing, then press a banknote into her hand. Over time, these gestures accumulated into a quiet archive of Yiwu's reach, reflecting a city whose small commodities circulate far beyond its modest geography.

Xu belongs to a distinctive cohort in Yiwu. Like her, many female entrepreneurs in the small commodity hub have transformed family workshops into export-driven global operations.

Locally, they are known as "boss ladies," a term that signals both commercial success and visibility on the internet.

Like many family-run businesses in Yiwu, Xu's family follows a typical division of labor. Xu manages the storefronts and negotiates directly with foreign buyers, while her husband oversees the nearby factory.

Already successful in selling both online and offline, Xu designs about 200 new products each year, constantly refreshing her catalogue to keep pace with shifting tastes.

Her ambitions are underpinned by Yiwu's formidable trading infrastructure. The Yiwu International Trade Market, which houses nearly 80,000 booths offering over 2.1 million types of commodities, maintains trade ties with 233 countries and regions worldwide. According to Yiwu Customs, Yiwu saw its foreign trade value reach a record high of 836.5 billion yuan (about 120.24 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025.

A similar emphasis on innovation drives Judy Chen, who is 36 and shares the zodiac year of the horse with Xu. Guided by her mother, Chen, the manager of Zhejiang Yinyuan Optical Instruments Co., Ltd., embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 24. Twelve years on, she has established her own brand and company, which now serves a client base of over 1,000.

"I plan to expand our R&D team to break through technical barriers," said Chen, noting that R&D already accounts for over 30 percent of the company's total investment, a figure she expects to rise further.

She aims to reduce costs and introduce a diversified range of affordable, AI-enhanced products. "I want to make telescopes that boast both technical sophistication and mass appeal, with options like cartoon or IP-themed designs," she added.

Luo Xinyi, 24, and also born in the Year of the Horse, represents a new generation of Yiwu merchants, defined by fresh perspectives and a keen eye for emerging opportunities.

Luo has launched Basa Jewelry at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center. While her mother, Yao Yefei, has spent more than two decades in the pearl business, Luo is experimenting with new paths, ranging from talk shows to micro-short dramas organized by the market itself.

"These formats help us connect with customers in ways that feel natural to my generation," Luo said. For her, innovation extends beyond product design to branding, influencer collaboration and original IP creation. Commerce, in this view, is as much about storytelling as it is about transactions.

By blending creative branding with digital outreach, Luo aims not only to sustain her business but to shape its identity in a rapidly evolving marketplace, reflecting broader shifts in how the younger generation in Yiwu approaches commerce.

"The Year of the Horse carries many positive symbols in the lunar calendar, and it also happens to be our zodiac year. We hope our business will thrive and prosper in this spirited year," said Yao, who is also 48 years old and shares the zodiac year with her daughter. "I hope she will forge her own path with a down-to-earth but pioneering spirit." 
KIEV, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault on Ukraine early Sunday, killing one man and injuring 15 others in the Kiev region, local authorities said.

Regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk wrote on Telegram that six of the region's seven districts were affected. Most of the casualties occurred in the western Fastiv district, where a building suffered significant damage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired nearly 300 combat drones and 50 missiles overnight, targeting seven regions across the country.

He said the main objective of the attack was Ukraine's energy infrastructure, though residential buildings and railway facilities were also damaged. Zelensky called for intensifying efforts to strengthen the country's air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure. 
NAIROBI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Two hundred Kenyan youth from the country's northeastern semi-arid region have graduated from a digital skills training program sponsored by Chinese telecoms firm Huawei.

Senior government officials, lawmakers and industry executives graced the graduation ceremony, stressing the critical role of digital literacy among youth in powering the growth of Kenya's knowledge-based economy.

Ummir Bashir, principal secretary in the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, said Kenya is relying on the digital skills of its youthful population to achieve inclusive growth and enhance competitiveness.

Bashir hailed the six-week Huawei-supported training course under its flagship DigiTruck program, saying it enabled the youth to acquire market-relevant skills.

"As we move deeper into a digital world driven by technology and social media, these skills are essential for meaningful participation in today's economy," she said at the ceremony on Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

Launched in Kenya in 2019, the Huawei DigiTruck is a solar-powered mobile classroom designed to deliver free, hands-on digital skills training directly to grassroots communities, boosting digital inclusion in the country.

So far, the DigiTruck has reached 40 of Kenya's 47 counties, providing digital skills training to about 9,000 local youth.

The program, implemented by Huawei in partnership with state agencies, aims to equip youth with practical competencies in basic digital literacy, online safety, data privacy and entrepreneurship.

Yuta Leng, director of public affairs at Huawei Kenya, said the company remains committed to bridging the digital divide in Kenya through youth-centered training and mentorship.

"Through initiatives like DigiTruck, we are ensuring that every community has the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy," Leng said.

Aden Daudi, a lawmaker from Wajir County in northeastern Kenya, hailed the DigiTruck program for helping eliminate the skills and infrastructure gaps that have prevented youth in marginalized regions from acquiring digital literacy. 
KHARTOUM, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Saturday that they had taken control of the strategic border town of Al-Tina in western Sudan.

The RSF said in a press statement that they had established "full control" over the town, pledging to protect civilians, secure key facilities, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and restore basic services, particularly in the water and health sectors.

Meanwhile, Turkiye's semi-official Anadolu Agency reported that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied joint forces have repelled the RSF's attack.

Al-Tina lies on the Sudan-Chad border and holds particular significance in the conflict between the SAF and the RSF. The town is an important hub for the local Zaghawa people.

Observers say control of Al-Tina could carry significant military and political implications. For decades, the town has served as a corridor and staging ground for military movements in the region. It is also a bustling marketplace and a key commercial hub between Sudan, Chad, and Libya.

Abdul-Rahim Al-Sunni, a Sudanese political analyst, told Xinhua that the RSF's operation to take Al-Tina "could mark a turning point in the course of operations," suggesting it may allow them to redeploy some of their forces to other fronts.

The collision between the SAF and the RSF has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes. 
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An Indian company has unveiled a new artificial intelligence model that is designed to run on basic phones and without an internet connection, a move that could expand AI access in remote regions of the world.

Sarvam AI, a Bengaluru-based company, announced its new suite of models during the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, an event which concludes on Saturday and has attracted some of the biggest names in tech as keynote speakers.

It is the first time the flagship global AI summit has been hosted in the global South, and India has used the event to position itself as a contender in a sector dominated by the US and China. The summit has featured a series of domestically-trained AI systems across sectors, including education, voice technology, healthcare and governance.

But the most talked-about launch was Sarvams unveiling of two new large-language AI models, updated speech and vision systems, and an AI assistant that was shown running directly on a Nokia-style brick phone without need for the internet.

The system forms part of what the company calls Sarvam Edge  a platform designed to operate directly on smartphones and laptops rather than relying on remote data centres. Sarvam says this allows speech recognition, translation and text-to-speech functions even in areas with weak or no connectivity, a significant factor in parts of India and other developing regions where mobile internet remains inconsistent.

Only around 71 per cent of the world is connected to the internet, according to World Bank data until 2024, and many areas considered to have connectivity still frequently encounter network challenges.

We want to serve a billion Indians, and small, efficient models are important for that, said Aditya Dhawala, product manager at Sarvam at the launch event on Wednesday.

At the summit, Sarvam demonstrated its assistant running on a brick or feature phone via a phone call, allowing users to interact in Indian languages without an active internet connection. The company has said it is working with HMD, which licenses the Nokia brand, and chipmaker Qualcomm to optimise performance on existing mobile processors.

In a company blog post, Sarvam framed the focus on feature phones as a rethink of how AI is delivered and paid for. Intelligence should work everywhere. Not summoned from distant servers, not gated behind connectivity, not metered by the query. Just there, immediate and local, it wrote.

The company says running AI locally removes recurring cloud costs and improves privacy. There is no per query cost, no usage based pricing, no scaling concerns as your user base grows. The inference cost is already paid. It is embedded in the device, the blog said.

Your data never leaves your device There's no server logging your queries, no database storing your conversations, it wrote.

Independent experts said one aspect of the idea is not new  big tech firms have long offered smaller, faster versions of their flagship models, and Apple has pushed on-device AI partly on privacy grounds. However, the challenge has been to make such systems useful on less powerful, cheaper devices and in environments with unreliable connectivity.

open image in gallery Visitors stand next to an advertising billboard at AI summit in New Delhi, India ( AP )

Its one thing to have an edge model that runs on a modern iPhone and another one that can run on a less powerful phone, said Karan Girotra, professor of operations, technology and innovation at Cornell Tech.

If the company can consistently deliver that capability on low-cost devices beyond a controlled demo, Girotra suggests the appeal could extend far beyond Indias connectivity gaps.

Theres a chance that this unique positioning finds a marketplace well beyond India, he says.

Behind the on-device assistant sits a broader foundation of models unveiled at the summit: a 30-billion-parameter language model and a larger 105-billion-parameter system. Parameters are the internal values a model learns during training; more parameters generally allow it to handle more complex tasks, but they also require more computing power.

By comparison, frontier systems such as OpenAIs GPT-4 are widely estimated to run into the hundreds of billions, and possibly trillions, of parameters, placing Sarvams models below the very largest global systems.

Both models use what is known as a mixture-of-experts architecture, which activates only a fraction of their total parameters at a time, reducing computing costs. The 30B model supports a 32,000-token context window for conversational use, while the 105B model offers a 128,000-token window for more complex reasoning tasks.

The question, analysts say, is not whether Sarvam can outbuild Silicon Valley or Beijing on sheer model size, but whether it needs to.

Its not like you head-on compete for the smartest model, Girotra says. The smart move here would be to compete on their strengths, like it happens in every country.

He said the company appears to have picked some dimensions where they might have a strategic advantage and they're focusing on that which is the right strategy to do so.

open image in gallery Pratyush Kumar on the far right standing with India's prime minister Narendra Modi (C) for a group photo with AI company leaders ( AFP via Getty Images )

That places Sarvam in a different segment of the AI market.

Are they competing with ChatGPT? Not for every ChatGPT customer, he says. For the higher end enterprise customer, maybe not. But for the person who's resource constrained and and maybe needs local languages, definitely.

Indias AI summit has focussed primarily on the issue of sovereignty  how it and other developing countries can retain a stake in the way artificial intelligence is being developed worldwide.

Despite some unwelcome distractions, including controversies around an Indian university claiming credit for developing a Chinese robot dog and multiple hours-long evacuations of the summit venue during appearances by prime minister Narendra Modi, there have been a number of announcements pointing to Indias ambition to be a big player in the AI race.

Apart from Sarvam AI, several new models were launched this week. Tech Mahindra, one of Indias biggest IT companies, introduced a Hindi-first language model designed for education and citizen services. Meanwhile startups like Gnani.ai unveiled a multilingual voice AI system, while BharatGen and Fractal Analytics presented models focused on specific, sector-based applications.

Sarvam has said the new models were trained domestically after gaining access to government-backed computing resources, rather than fine-tuning proprietary foreign systems.

The companys co-founder Vivek Raghavan framed Indias sovereignty push as a necessity rather than an option for India to maintain its digital independence.

Otherwise, we will become a digital colony which is dependent on other countries for this core, core technology, he said.
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Pakistan has carried out airstrikes on what it described as militant hideouts inside Afghanistan, saying it was a response to cross-border attacks that have killed members of its security forces and civilians.

Afghanistans Taliban authorities said the strikes hit a religious school and several residential homes, killing and wounding dozens of civilians.

The Taliban-run defence ministry described the action as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and said an appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time.

They added that they considered the act a a clear breach of international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, and Islamic values.

Pakistan said it had targeted hideouts belonging to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an outlawed militant network responsible for a surge in attacks in Pakistans north-west. The military described the operation as intelligence-based and said it was aimed at camps used to plan and launch assaults across the border.

open image in gallery Residents gather as machinery clears the debris of a damaged house, following the Pakistani air strikes, in Nangarhar, Afghanistan ( AS )

The strikes followed a suicide vehicle bombing in Bajaur district on Tuesday that killed 11 Pakistani security personnel and a child, an attack claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

A statement from Pakistan's ministry of information and broadcasting said the country had conclusive evidence that militants behind the recent attacks were operating under the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

It said the operation targeted seven militant camps and that the Taliban regime failed to undertake any substantive action despite Pakistans urging.

Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, it added, but said the safety and security of its citizens was its priority.

open image in gallery Afghan men search for victims after an overnight Pakistani airstrike hit a residential area in the Girdi Kas village of Bihsud district, Nangarhar province ( AFP via Getty Images )

Issuing a strong condemnation of the strikes, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote in a post on X: Pakistani special military circles have once again trespassed into Afghan territory.

He said dozens of civilian compatriots were injured and killed, including women and children, in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Pakistani generals compensate for their country's security weaknesses through such crimes, he wrote.

open image in gallery Afghan relatives and mourners surround the body of a victim, killed in an overnight Pakistani air strike, during a mass burial ceremony at the Girdi Kas village in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province ( AFP via Getty Images )

Since the Taliban forcibly seized control of Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan has repeatedly accused it of failing to curb TTP fighters who use Afghan territory as a base to organise and launch attacks. Kabul has consistently denied allowing any group to use its soil to threaten other countries.

Hours before the strikes, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the nearby Bannu district in Pakistan's northwest, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Pakistan's military warned after Saturdays attack that it would not exercise any restraint and operations against those responsible would continue irrespective of their location.

Relations between the two neighbours have been strained since October, when clashes along the border left dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants dead. The escalation came after explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials attributed to Pakistan.

Although a ceasefire brokered by Qatar has largely held, negotiations held in Istanbul in November 2025 failed to produce a formal settlement, leaving ties fragile and tensions unresolved.
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Thailand is trying to contain a devastating disease outbreak that has killed at least 72 captive tigers at wildlife parks in the northern province of Chiang Mai, officials said on Saturday.

The majority of the deaths were recorded at Tiger Kingdom Mae Taeng and Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim, two privately operated animal parks that allow visitors to interact closely with big cats.

Between 8 and 19 February, 51 tigers died at Mae Taeng and 21 at Mae Rim, according to a timeline released by the regional Protected Area Office.

Preliminary tests by livestock officials found that the 72 dead tigers were infected with feline parvovirus, also known as feline panleukopenia, reported The Bangkok Post.

Veterinary teams from the Chiang Mai provincial livestock office said autopsies confirmed the presence of the virus, while laboratory tests on samples from the carcasses also detected canine distemper virus (CDV) and Mycoplasma bacteria. No traces of influenza A, which causes bird flu, were found.

Feline parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that severely attacks the digestive system and immune response, causing vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, high fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus that spreads through close contact and attacks the lungs, stomach, and sometimes the brain, and it can be fatal in big cats. Mycoplasma is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and can make pneumonia and breathing problems significantly worse, particularly in animals with weakened immune systems.

Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats. Dogs and cats live closely with us, so when they show symptoms, we can respond and provide treatment right away. Tigers, however, arent living closely with humans. By the time we notice that something is wrong, the illness may already be advanced, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of Thailands department of livestock development, told local media.

File photo: Tigers play in an enclosure at Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim, Thailand ( Getty Images )

The department of livestock development said that inbreeding among captive tigers may have weakened the animals immune systems, which could have increased their susceptibility to infection and accelerated the spread of disease.

Authorities have temporarily closed Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim for 14 days, restricted access to both facilities, and deployed teams to disinfect enclosures and equipment.

The Independent has reached out to Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai for comment.

All surviving tigers have been relocated to quarantine and care centres in Mae Taeng district for close monitoring, and plans are being made to vaccinate healthy animals to prevent further spread, according to The Nation Thailand.

Somchuan said strict biosecurity and disinfection controls were being enforced to limit transmission, and added that canine distemper virus does not infect humans.

These tigers died the way they lived  in misery, confinement and fear, the animal rights organisation PETA Asia told AFP.

If tourists stayed away, these places would quickly become unprofitable, and tragedies like this would be far less likely to happen.

Thailand has seen serious outbreaks of disease in captive big cats before. In 2004, during the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, at least 147 tigers at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi Province either died from infection or were euthanised to stop the virus spreading.

In 2024, dozens of captive tigers and other big cats died in Vietnam after contracting H5N1 at privately run zoos and safari parks.
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Tests have revealed the fruit and vegetables most affected by potentially cancer-linked pesticide mixtures.

Using data released by the government earlier this winter, the Pesticide Action Network (Pan) UK found 12 food items were at risk of a cocktail effect, meaning several pesticides mixed together increase the toxicity level of the chemicals.

While the governments health and safety food monitoring programmes concluded that the vast majority of samples tested contained a safe level of pesticides, Pan UK said the report only tested individual pesticides and not a mix.

Grapes were found to be the worst of all the food groups, with one sample containing the residue of at least 16 different pesticides. At least 90 per cent of the 108 grape samples tested contained multiple pesticides.

A sample of sultana grapes from Turkey included man-made PFA forever chemicals, which are toxins that do not break down in the body naturally and can accumulate, leading to cancer and environmental damage.

Grapes were the worst offenders, according to analysis of government data ( Getty )

Grapefruit fared poorly, with around 99 per cent of samples found to contain multiple pesticide residues. One sample was found to contain 10 different types.

Other foods affected included 79 per cent of 24 lime samples, 67 per cent of 73 banana samples, 49 per cent of 96 sweet pepper specimens and 46 per cent of 97 melons. Chilli peppers were found to contain 11 different pesticides, while one sample of broccoli contained eight.

Beans, mushrooms, aubergine and dried beans were also included in the so-called dirty dozen.

We found that a quarter of vegetables and three-quarters of fruit contain multiple pesticides, Pan UK wrote.

It explained that 123 different chemicals were found in the 17 types of fruit and vegetable tested, which included 42 pesticides with links to cancer and 21 known to interfere with hormone systems that could potentially lead to birth defects, developmental disorders and reproductive issues.

The governments food monitoring programmes tested 3,482 samples each for an appropriate range of pesticides, testing a total of 1,153,009 food and pesticide combinations.

Surveys conducted across the UK found that 51.26 per cent of the samples had none of the residues the programmes looked for, and 46.67 per cent had residues found at or below the maximum residue limit. Only 2.07 per cent of the samples had residues above this limit, according to the report.

However, Pan UK has argued that the limits need to be reassessed, as they do not take into account chemicals exposed through plastic food packaging and water.

Around 29 per cent of the pesticides found during testing are not approved for use by British farmers, but can slip into the food system when imported from outside the UK.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told The Independent: "We have placed strict limits on pesticide residues, which are set after rigorous risk assessments to ensure levels are safe for the public. These limits apply to both food produced domestically and imported from other countries.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Epstein story is shaping up to be one of the most shocking scandals of the modern age. It is a story reaching the highest offices across continents  spreading from the White House to royal palaces  and exposing a deep and rising global anger over what many see as a two-tier system of law, justice and accountability.

For the majority of us, there is an expectation that laws must be obeyed, we pay our taxes and face consequences if we do not. For them  the wealthy, the connected, the powerful and the titled  it feels to many that there is a different set of rules, where taxes can be avoided and laws seemingly broken with impunity, even in cases involving the most serious crimes.

We have watched, aghast, as powerful and wealthy men (and some women) continued to associate with Epstein long after his conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. While the Clintons have agreed to sit for sworn testimony before the House Oversight Committee as part of its probe into the convicted paedophile, few others who may hold vital information have offered to cooperate. Platitudes have been issued about thinking of the victims, yet many of those victims have repeatedly pleaded for anyone with relevant information to come forward and largely been met with silence.

It was in this atmosphere that Prince William, our future king, made a surprise appearance on BBC Radio 1. Despite the scandal engulfing his family, he was neither asked about it nor volunteered any thoughts. Instead, he stuck firmly to the script: he was there to talk about mens mental health. He spoke candidly about his own, including about the need to understand his own emotions. What his emotions were the morning after the arrest of his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, we will probably never know.

Until now, we have been simply served up a two-line statement on his thoughts on the whole Epstein scandal. Following the release of the latest tranche of Epstein files, which included a picture of Andrew crouching on all fours over a woman splayed on a carpet below him, the statement from Kensington Palace simply read: I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims. There was no direct reference to Epstein, to Andrew, or to his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has also faced renewed scrutiny following the document release.

Prince William kept his counsel during his interview with Greg James, too, and we can presume, the Radio 1 interviewer was under strict instructions not to raise the Epstein scandal either. Yet speaking to the audience of Radio 1s Life Hacks, who the future king was desperately trying to connect with, there is a growing sense that the appearance felt tone-deaf and was a serious misfire from a Prince struggling to read the room.

Many members of Gen A and Gen Z I have spoken to say that it came across that Prince William, like the rest of the royal family, is more concerned with self-preservation than with the wellbeing of his so-called subjects.

It is a difficult line to walk. While William was discussing the challenges men face in talking about mental health, his message landed awkwardly at a time of rising inequality  with 33 per cent of children in the UK now living in poverty  and as the misconduct of the rich and powerful dominates headlines.

Olivia, 15, listened with her mother, who had just completed a 14-hour hospital shift. There are loads of doctors and nurses whose mental health is awful, she said, but they dont have a few palaces to retreat to. He didnt mention Epsteins victims or how frightening things feel for so many people. It sounded like poor me. I feel disgusted by the royal family.

open image in gallery Gen Z and Gen A tend to see the royal family as nepo babies, living in taxpayer-funded palaces while ordinary people struggle ( AP2011 )

Her sentiment reflects wider generational attitudes. Only 30 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds believe the monarchy is good for Britain, compared with 77 per cent of over-65s, according to YouGov  and that was before the Epstein/Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal escalated. While the Prince and Princess of Wales remain the most favourably viewed royals, with roughly three-quarters of Britons holding positive views, support among younger generations is far weaker.

Having grown up amid a cost-of-living crisis, Gen Z and Gen A tend to have little patience for unearned privilege. They do not see William and Kate as the dynamic future of the monarchy, but as beneficiaries of inherited status, like Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie, they are all nepo babies living in taxpayer-funded palaces while their own peers struggle to secure housing and employment.

Clint, 18, says: There were days my mum didnt eat so we could. We were evicted twice, once at Christmas. William can shove his woe is me routine. Try living like the rest of us.

The long-running rift between William and Harry has unfolded like a national soap opera. Older generations may view Harry as a shirker who retained his titles while stepping back from duties. Many younger Britons, however, describe William as cold and unkind.

There is also a perception among some young people that Harry paid a heavier price for his actions than Andrew did, at least until recently, and that stripping Andrew of titles and turfing him out of his Windsor home was a case of too little, too late. Oliver, 19, says: Andrew was bringing Epstein to Buckingham Palace. Come on.

Complicating matters further, Epsteins network has now intersected with one of Williams flagship initiatives. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Emirati businessman and former CEO of DP World, has appeared in the Epstein files as someone who corresponded with Epstein, including in emails referencing a torture video. His company was a founding corporate partner of Williams Earthshot Prize, to which he donated at least 1m.

open image in gallery The Prince and Princess of Wales supported the Kings decision to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal titles ( Getty )

There is no evidence that William had any knowledge of those connections. But for conspiracy-loving younger generations already suspicious of elite networks and institutional protection, these associations simply add to their mistrust.

It has not gone unnoticed that Prince Harry was the first royal to publicly criticise Andrew, highlighting what he saw as hypocrisy in the familys treatment of different scandals. In his memoir Spare, he wrote that despite the allegations against Andrew, no one had even suggested removing his security. Indeed, even yesterday as he left the police station after being arrested, two royal protection officers were in the car with him.

Anger is running high, and much of it is directed at what feels like entrenched inequality and institutional protection of the powerful. If Williams interview this week was intended to humanise him, to suggest Im just like you, it appears to have had the opposite effect among the younger listeners he is so desperate to connect with.

Grace, 24, says: I dont think the elite understand how angry people are. It feels like theyve shown us that some lives matter less.

The royal family may feel bruised and embarrassed by association with the Epstein scandal. But their discomfort is negligible compared with that of the victims, who, alongside their lawyers, have repeatedly called for Andrew to testify under oath before Congress. The fact that the King or Prince William have remained silent on the matter has also not gone unnoticed.

With multiple UK police forces now reviewing aspects of the Epstein-related material connected to Andrew, events may yet develop further and that might change. If Prince William hopes to steward a modern monarchy sustained by the consent of younger generations, he may need to recognise a simple truth: whatever personal struggles he faces, millions are facing far greater ones  and they expect accountability from those at the top.
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Apple AirTags and GPS tracking devices are being weaponised by stalkers, fuelling a disturbing surge in cases and leaving victims in fear for their lives.

Abusers have been using the coin-sized devices, which can be bought for as little as 35, along with apps designed for parental control, to track ex-partners at their workplaces and keep tabs on their location.

Some survivors have been forced to flee their homes and change jobs to avoid detection, while others have been placed in safe houses.

Campaigners warn that the issue has skyrocketed since the Covid pandemic and say some police dont take victims concerns seriously enough. They are also seeing an increasing number of victims sectioned because of a collapse in their mental health.

open image in gallery An Apple AirTag, which is only around 3cm wide and just 11g ( Alex Lee )

It comes as freedom of information data from police forces in England and Wales, obtained by The Independent, found there had been a shocking 896 per cent increase in the number of stalking reports involving AirTags and GPS trackers, with the cases rising from 57 in 2018 to 568 by the end of 2024. In coercive control cases, this number had risen from 38 to 431 during the same time period  a 1,034 per cent increase.

But the true figure is likely to be far higher, as only 18 of 44 forces responded to the request for information, with charities warning that survivors face a postcode lottery on responses from frontline officers.

Nicolas torment began 18 months ago after she left an abusive, short-lived relationship. Within weeks, it became apparent that her ex-partner knew her every movement, and began appearing outside her workplace, at gigs, in pubs and parked nearby when Nicola left her home to take exercise.

Im constantly on alert, I sit with my back to the wall, Ive changed my routines, and Im scared of going out Nicole

Despite applying for a non-molestation court order to prevent her abuser from contacting her, and making 35 reports to the police, Nicola  whose name has been changed to protect her identity  claims the police have failed to take her concerns seriously. She said this led her to attempt to take her own life three times and self-harm a further three times since the stalking escalated in October 2024.

The offending was only uncovered during a trip to a mobile phone repair shop, when spyware programme, Mspy, which is designed for parental control, was found on her device. That meant her ex-partner had access to all her apps, GPS location and messages.

open image in gallery Charities and support groups have warned that hidden surveillance devices and spyware has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic ( Getty/iStock )

She said: Its absolutely horrendous. Im constantly on alert, I sit with my back to the wall, Ive changed my routines, and Im scared of going out.

Ive never been so scared in my life  Ive changed phones, jobs and Ill contact venues in advance to let them know Ive been stalked so that I can sit with a security guard.

Emma Pickering, head of tech and economic abuse at the domestic abuse charity Refuge, said tracking and hidden surveillance had been on the rise for a really long time because there are more options available as technology has developed.

She said: It is disturbing. A lot of new cars have GPS-enabled systems that can be tracked through an app, you can hide Apple AirTags in clothing, Find my iPhone, ring doorbell cameras  one of the biggest challenges is that we dont know what will develop next.

open image in gallery Nicola* realised that her ex always knew her location and would appear at her workplace, at gigs and while she was out exercising ( Getty/iStock )

The charity first noticed an increase in the number of perpetrators downloading stalkerware to spy on their victims during the Covid lockdown.

We thought it would peak but it never really went away. Were busier than ever  there are no cases that we deal with where there isnt an element of tech-based abuse, she said.

Apple has implemented safety features such as alerts when an unknown AirTag has been tracking a person. But some victims have found devices hidden in their vehicles, in the pockets of their coats, and in some cases, slipped into their childrens backpacks by ex-partners.

Asked if technology companies were doing enough to ensure their products were not being used for nefarious purposes, Saskia Garner of the stalking charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust said: Not really, no. We would always advocate a safety-by-design approach.

Once complaints were made, they made adjustments, but thats already too late. We are also aware of other tracking technologies that are marketed directly to people who want to stalk, such as track your ex sites.

There is a proliferation of places unashamedly advertising that they assist stalking. They are designed not to be found by stalking victims and solely benefit the perpetrators. There needs to be more regulation around this.

open image in gallery Stalking reports involving the use of GPS trackers or Apple AirTags have increased by 876 per cent since 2018 ( Getty/iStock )

In Sashas case, her ex-partner continued to stalk her after their breakup by analysing geolocation data embedded into her photos. He was able to add the pictures to his own camera roll, and use the geolocation to find the street where she was living.

She said: At that point, a risk assessment was carried out and the situation was escalated. I had panic buttons installed, but eventually the police told me, We cant keep you safe here. Because he had made threats to my life, his own, and others, I had to be relocated.

In its 2022 super-complaint to UK police forces, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust raised concerns that police were failing to recognise the impact of cyber stalking on victims, and said evidence was not being sufficiently gathered.

Charlotte Hopper, of The Cyber Helpline, agreed. She said: There appears to be an apathy towards crime that happens online. Theres also a lack of awareness of the real impact of these trackers and what to do with them  theres such a feeling in the police that if it happens online, were not going to know who it is.

She described occasions where victims had been told to throw out tracking devices or leave them by the side of the road, with no consideration that this could lead to escalated behaviour. Other times, officers have taken the device without turning it off, leading the perpetrator to realise it is being held in a police station.

On a number of occasions, we have seen that a person has disabled a GPS tracker or removed access to their online accounts, and we will see things start to become more physical and the person will show up at the house, she said.

When stalking is by its nature obsessive and repetitive, you take that control away and we start to see escalations, unfortunately.

Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Poolman, the national policing lead for stalking and harassment, said officer training has been updated to include cyber stalking and how offenders exploit technology to stalk victims, and guidance has been given on how to retrieve and preserve digital evidence to build a strong case.

But she admitted there was more work to do, adding: Whilst forces have made progress to broaden understanding of stalking and better assess risk, there is more to do to ensure consistency across the country. Our focus is on making sure forces are using every tool available to them to better protect victims and bring more perpetrators to justice.

In a previous statement on their website, Apple said: Apple has been working closely with various safety groups and law enforcement agencies. Through our own evaluations and these discussions, we have identified even more ways we can update AirTag safety warnings and help guard against further unwanted tracking.

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 branch.

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
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AIs thirst for water has sparked widespread environmental fears, with many concerned that the rapidly advancing technology is putting further strain on the worlds resources.

Each prompt or question a person feeds AI will require energy and water to cool the data centre containing the software. The estimates of how much water AI is using have been widely debated, and different AI companies report varying numbers.

Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, has said ChatGPT uses less than 1/15 teaspoon for an average query. A Google Gemini study claims an average AI prompt uses less than 0.3ml of water.

But other estimates suggest it uses far more. Research from the University of California in 2023 calculated that ChatGPT drinks roughly 500ml of water for every 10 to 50 medium-length responses.

A report by the UK government Digital Sustainability Alliance predicts that AI could drive global water usage up from 1.1 billion to 6.6 billion cubic metres by 2027, an amount equivalent to more than half of the UKs total water usage.

open image in gallery Nearly 68 per cent of data centres were near protected or key biodiversity areas ( PA )

Why does AI use water?

Data centres, which power software like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, rely on water to cool the systems and prevent them from overheating.

They also use water for electricity generation, and during the manufacturing of the hardware they run on.

The Lincoln Institute of Conventional Policy said a mid-sized data centre will consume as much water as a small town, and a larger one, which requires up to 5 million gallons of water every day, will use as much as a city of 50,000 people.

Why are people concerned about it?

People are concerned about AIs water consumption as they fear it is putting growing demand on already limited supplies.

By using local water supplies, data centres are putting pressure on surrounding communities, which people fear will only worsen as AI expands, especially in areas where water is already scarce.

Members of the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance Planetary Impact working group said that almost 68 per cent of data centres were near protected or key biodiversity areas, where the ecosystems rely on clean water supplies, and whose communities depended on them.

As the demand for water increases, water scarcity and water stress are becoming more prevalent issues.

The group said: Demand for fresh water is expected to exceed supply by 40 per cent by the end of the decade and 55 cent of global data centres are in river basins with high risk of water pollution, meaning much of the local water may be unsafe for use, increasing the pressure on clean water supplies and worsening the overall water scarcity in the regions.

open image in gallery California University research from 2023 found that ChatGPT needs around 500ml of water to provide 10-50 responses, but other experts have cast doubt on that figure ( AP )

Is it a problem?

Many experts say the amount of water AI is consuming is a global crisis. However, others say that fears have been overstated.

Andy Masley, the director of Effective Altruism DC, a not-for-profit focused on improving the community through research, claims that the amount of water used by an individual is far smaller than most assume.

He said that hundreds of thousands of ChatGPT prompts would require less water than your pair of jeans, which the UN says takes around 7,500 litres of water to produce.

Thats incredibly small by the standards of how most people use water in their day-to-day lives, he told The Independent. Almost all of our water footprint is actually invisible to us because it happens off-site and in other places.

Mr Masley estimates a person would need to submit more than 1,000 prompts in a day to increase their daily water footprint by just 1 per cent.

Staying home and generating that many prompts could actually result in a smaller water footprint than going out and using electricity, he said.

open image in gallery Data centres use water to cool the systems providing AI-powered answers ( AP )

A water footprint measures the total amount of fresh water used to produce a product. The European Union now requires data centres to report their annual fresh water consumption.

Sam Gilbert, a researcher at the University of Cambridges Bennett School of Public Policy, said the issue is not individual consumption but the impact that centres have on their immediate environment, and the demand they place on local water supplies.

He said there needs to be more transparency from companies that build and use these data centres around what the real environmental footprint of them is going to be.

Mr Gilbert said that the estimate that ChatGPT uses 500ml of water for every 10 to 50 responses is probably overstated.

But even if it was correct, thats just not very much water in the context of the amount of water that people use in their everyday lives, he said.

However, Nick Couldry, a sociologist from the London School of Economics, said: Whatever the rival calculations on water use, we have to consider the sustainability of the massively increased data processing that an economy and society largely dependent on AI will require.

He said even if water usage can be reduced, technology companies want and need us to use AI constantly for even more of our lives.

It is hard to see how this addictive business model wont lead to unsustainable demands on the physical environment and rival versions of AI development will demand even more energy, he added.

open image in gallery Thames Water has warned data centres they could face restrictions during heatwaves ( PA )

Shaolei Ren, an engineering professor at the University of California, said one of the main issues is that many data centres have a high peak water usage over the summer, which is putting immense pressure on the public water system.

Thames Water has previously warned that data centres could face restrictions on use during the hottest and driest times of the year.

Mr Ren said: Water is a local and seasonal resource. Theres plenty of water in total, but just not everywhere or every time we need it. Only looking at the total volume without considering locational or timing contexts can miss the important nuances.

The water infrastructure must be sized to support the peak demand. But expanding the water infrastructure capacity is extremely costly for public water systems.

open image in gallery Google claims its data centres are some of the most efficient in the world ( AP )

Can AI help save water from other processes?

Mr Ren said that AI can also help save water from other processes. Some of the ways in which it is already doing this is through technology that is able to detect leaks and improve energy-efficient water distribution.

In 2024, a water company in Surrey began using AI to reduce leaks across its network. The World Economic Forum reported that once AI-enabled water solutions in the United States are fully implemented, they will be able to reduce water use by 15 per cent.

Googles data centre in Waltham Cross uses air-cooling to limit the amount of water it uses. A spokesperson told The Independent: "As a pioneer in computing infrastructure, Googles data centres are some of the most efficient in the world.

Beyond our operations, Google is committed to improving local watershed health where it operates office campuses and data centres and replenishing 120 per cent of the water it consumes, on average.
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Searches are expected to continue at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors previous home as the Government vowed to consider removing him from the line of succession once police investigations have concluded.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.

Sir Keir Starmers Government will consider introducing such legislation once police have finished their investigation into the Kings disgraced brother, the Press Association understands.

Any changes to the line of succession would also require the agreement of other countries which share the UK monarch, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Sky News: The Government is considering any further steps that might be required, and were not ruling anything out.

But at this stage, it would be inappropriate for us to go any further because there is a live police investigation under way.

This weekend, the royal family will be attempting to conduct their duties as usual with the Prince and Princess of Wales expected to appear in public.

Meanwhile, back in London Lord Peter Mandelson  who has also had his two properties searched by police  was seen leaving his north London home on Saturday.

A taxi arrived as the former business secretary was seen leaving his front door carrying a tote bag. He smiled at the taxi driver before entering the car, moving past a small group of waiting photographers.

On Thursday morning, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations were made against him following the release of files related to paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

The former duke spent 11 hours in police custody on his 66th birthday before being released under investigation following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UKs trade envoy.

Detectives continued to search Andrews former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, on Friday.

He has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

After his younger brothers arrest, the King said in a statement that the law must take its course and the police have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

Charles attended the first show of London Fashion Week on Thursday, hours after Andrews arrest, where he did not respond when asked for his reaction to the news.

During a visit to a concert in Westminster that afternoon, the Queen also did not reply to a question about her brother-in-laws arrest.

Thames Valley Police, who are leading the investigation, are yet to receive any early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to the allegation, it is understood.

Detectives have asked Andrews former close protection officers to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during their service could be relevant to the investigation into Epstein and his associates.

The Metropolitan Police said it was working with counterparts in the US to establish whether London airports had been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

On Friday, the force said no new reports of alleged sexual offences have been made since the release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein by the US Department of Justice.

Scotland Yard previously said it was looking into allegations Andrews protection officers turned a blind eye to his visits to Epsteins island, Little St James.

Police are yet to identify any wrongdoing by close protection officers.

Andrews primary accuser, Virginia Giuffre, alleged she had sex with him during an orgy with underage girls on the Caribbean island.

The former prince has previously vehemently denied all allegations made against him.

The 14 Commonwealth countries where King Charles is head of state are Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

Before the stripping of his titles, Andrew had stepped down from public duties in 2019 after his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with Epstein.

This meant he had already ceased to be an active counsellor of state, who can deputise for the monarch if he is overseas on an official trip or ill.

But as counsellors of state are drawn for the line of succession, removing him from it would officially resolve any question over Andrew taking such a role.
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Many young people are finding themselves trapped in homelessness, unsafe conditions or relying on crisis services due to the unfair rental sector, charities have warned.

Vulnerable young people are being rejected by landlords due to their age, profession, lack of guarantor or connection to a homelessness service, charity EveryYouth has found.

The group organises a network of 21 youth homelessness charities across the UK. A survey of some of these services showed young people are mainly facing discrimination due to not having a family member who can be a guarantor (90 per cent), followed by their income level (70 per cent) despite being able to afford rent.

Kalvin, 18, said he struggled to find a landlord who would accept him, eventually leading him to a homelessness charity in Devon after a period of rough sleeping while being in work.

Originally from Glasgow, Kalvin says he moved to Devon for a fresh start, working for two years as an apprentice in the motor trade.

open image in gallery Kalvin, 18, says landlords have turned him away because he is too young ( Handout / EveryYouth )

Although not earning much  an under-18 apprentice wage in the UK is 7.55 an hour  he was making at least 1,000 a month. This would be enough for a one-bedroom flat in North Devon, at an average of 597, or to live in a houseshare. Despite this, Kalvin says finding a place to rent proved impossible.

He said: There have been multiple occasions where Id see a place I really, really liked and they wouldnt accept me because I was too young. It was very difficult to get somewhere that I could stay and call home.

Places say youre too young, or you get paid a certain way or you do not get paid enough, and they question your income. It put a lot of stress on me.

Kalvin added he is unable to rely on family for money. Now staying in supported accommodation provided by the Amber Foundation, part of the EveryYouth network, the 18-year-old said hes actually now interested in college, and theyre helping me go for that, adding he will be doing his GCSEs so he can pursue a course in IT.

From May this year, new protections will come into effect for renters as part of the Renters Rights Act. This will tackle discrimination by making it illegal for landlords to refuse tenants in receipt of benefits or with children, and by ensuring they give a legal reason for eviction.

open image in gallery A survey of 10 youth homelessness charities found that young people are facing discrimination in the rental sector ( Getty )

But there is real concern that this wont benefit young renters and could even have a knock-on effect, said Nicholas Connolly, EveryYouth CEO.

He said: Itll put greater obligations on landlords, and ultimately they will try harder to avoid those obligations. And there are so many ways that they can discriminate legally.

The young people that we support have no savings, very little or zero familial support, theyve got nothing to fall back on. The ones we support are in homelessness services, but they have to leave that at some point. There isnt social housing for most of them.

So the only option is the private rented sector, and unless there is some additional support that recognises that they dont have the social or economic capital that other people in society have, they will just not be able to get anywhere to live.

Rosie, 19, works full-time, 35 to 45 hours a week, at a pub in Hampshire. She left a toxic and abusive family household when she was 17 and moved into supported accommodation provided by EveryYouth partner charity, Step by Step.

open image in gallery The Renters Rights Act was spearheaded by former housing minister and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner ( Reuters )

When she was ready for independent living, Rosie started looking for a private rental with the help of her support worker. It took eight months for a landlord to accept her.

Rosie said: I was consistently turned down because of my age or because Step by Step was put on my application [as my current address]. One [landlord] did outright tell me they didnt want to take me because they know what kind of people end up in Step by Step and other landlords beat around the bush and say, We dont think this house share is for you.

I have been fully employed, full-time, since I was 17. It does feel quite condescending. I cant help the situation Im in. Landlords should be considering how much you earn and if you can pay the rent. Instead theyre just considering the fact that Im under the age of 20.

EveryYouth said it is calling on the government to strengthen protections against discrimination linked to age by introducing meaningful penalties for landlords who discriminate.

At the same time, it calls for greater incentives for landlords to provide tenancies to vulnerable young people, like council-backed guarantors or deposit help schemes, which could help them leave supported or temporary accommodation faster.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: Discrimination against anyone based on their age is completely unacceptable.

Through the Renters Rights Act weve already taken action to stop discrimination against people who are receiving benefits or have young children.

We will keep action under review to extend these powers so we can make sure everyone has a safe and decent home.
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The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to a 25-year-old British Army medic and TikTok star after she was found dead in her barracks.

Corporal Lucy Wilde, from The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, passed away at her army base in Warminster, Wiltshire, on 5 February. The Ministry of Defence is investigating the circumstances of her death.

In a tribute issued on social media, William, who met Cpl Wilde in March 2024 when she was with the Welsh Guards, recalled her warmth and compassion.

The royal, who is colonel of the regiment, wrote: "It was with immense sadness that I learned of Cpl Lucy Wilde's death.

I remember our meeting during her time with the Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were unmistakable.

She served with courage and distinction as a medic and sought always to help others. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Colonel William.

After joining the army eight years ago, Wilde was with the Welsh Guards until Christmas before moving to the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

She documented her exercise routine and daily life to 18,000 followers on TikTok.

Her brother told the BBC she served with courage and pride and adored long walks with her dog, the peace of nature and the sense of freedom found outdoors.

While with the Welsh Guards, she responded to a mass casualty incident in the Falklands after a troop-carrying vehicle overturned, resulting in multiple injuries.

Cpl Wilde was first on scene and provided immediate medical treatment, working to stabilise casualties and account for personnel.

In a tribute, the regiment wrote: Her actions that day were nothing short of outstanding, and she was rightly commended for her courage and professionalism.

They praised her calmness under pressure, tireless care for others, and unwavering commitment to her role, adding: Away from her medical duties, Lucy brought the same drive and positivity into everything she did.

An extremely fit and highly motivated Physical Training Instructor, she was a familiar face in the gym, always encouraging others to push themselves and improve. Through her social media, she inspired many more - offering guidance on fitness, service life and the journey into the British Army.

Lucy had a rare ability to lift those around her. She was popular, genuine and deeply respected. Her loss is felt across the Battalion and far beyond.

In early 2026, Cpl Wilde was posted to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

The Royal Yorkshire Regiment said that she was "genuinely liked by all who served with her" and leaves behind a legacy of "professionalism, determination, compassion, and kindness".
TOKYO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Three bodies were found after a house fire in the east of Tokyo early Sunday, and police were working to confirm their identities, local media reported.

The fire broke out shortly after 3 a.m. local time in Mutsuzawa, Chiba Prefecture, at a house where six family members lived, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing the police and local fire department.

The house was destroyed by the blaze, which was extinguished in about five hours. Two bodies were initially discovered in the ruins, and a third was later found during search efforts.

Following the fire, two elementary school girls and their grandmother in her 60s remained unaccounted for. Authorities believe the three bodies may be those of the missing family members.

The girls' grandfather, in his 70s, and their mother, in her 30s, were injured and taken to hospital. Both were conscious at the time of transport, police said. The father was reportedly out at the time of the fire. 
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Nigel Farage has been accused of performing Maga stunts by a former defence secretary, after his plan to deliver aid to the Chagos Islands was blocked.

The Reform UK leader had flown to the Maldives to join a delegation carrying food and medicine to support four Chagossians who were attempting to set up a permanent base on a deserted island, as part of a mission to establish a colony in their former homeland.

Mr Farage had boarded a boat carrying food and medicines preparing to make the 24-hour trip to Ile du Coin, which sits 300 miles from the Maldives.

But sources told The Telegraph the plans failed because UK authorities insisted that only trained crew should be on board.

The newspaper reported that Mr Farage, who had been due to return to the UK on Saturday night, had received a phone call from a senior source in the Maldives government warning him that British officials wanted him to be prevented from setting foot on the island.

Ben Wallace served as defence secretary under the previous Conservative government from July 2019 to August 2023 ( Parliament TV )

Former defence secretary Ben Wallace hit out, saying that no MP can visit the archipelago without pre-clearance and accusing him of performing Trump-style stunts.

Posting to social media platform X, he added: It is a serious Military base which does serious work. It doesnt need a pub bore like Nigel (who didnt even appoint a defence spokesperson this week) performing MAGA stunts.

Sir Ben  who served as defence secretary under the previous Conservative government from July 2019 to August 2023  was referring to Mr Farages unveiling of his top team this week, which included spokespeople for education, home affairs, the economy and business.

No spokesperson for defence has yet been appointed by the party.

In the wake of the incident, the Reform leader said: The British government has made every effort to prevent me heading towards the Chagos Islands. They have asked the Maldives government to stop me from leaving here and setting foot on the boat.

This was information conveyed to me by a senior figure in the Maldives government. I cannot believe such an attempt has been made to stop a British citizen from reaching British territory.

My source told me the British were very concerned about me and wanted to know why I was here. This trip is a humanitarian mission and I dont want my presence to jeopardise that.

The four Chagossians travelled to the island on Tuesday to protest the governments deal to hand sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

The agreement has faced intense criticism both domestically and abroad, with Donald Trump throwing the deal into doubt this week after he launched a fresh attack on the plans.

Earlier this week, Mr Trump urged Sir Keir Starmer not to give away Diego Garcia  an island on the archipelago which is home to a joint UK-US military base  despite Washington signalling its official backing for the deal on Tuesday.

Thousands of people were forcibly removed from the archipelago in the 1960s and 70s to build the air base.
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Ministers will set a target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time children born under this government finish secondary school, as part of a plan to improve the education system in England.

To tackle the achievement gap between pupils from poorer backgrounds and their more affluent peers, the government will reform how schools get targeted disadvantage funding.

The Schools White Paper, set to be published in full on Monday, will also set out two new programmes to tackle the performance of disadvantaged pupils locally in the North East and on the coast.

It comes after details of the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) reforms also forming part of the white paper were leaked on Thursday.

Bridget Phillipson said the government will make sure local schools are the right schools for Send pupils (PA) ( PA Wire )

It has been reported that from 2029, EHCPs (education, health and care plan) will be reassessed once children reach the end of primary school, proposals which sparked concern from disability charity Sense who warned that reassessments could increase instability for children and young people.

An EHCP is a legally binding document in the UK for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities that require more support than is normally available in school.

The reforms are expected to introduce a plan with legal footing for all children with Send called Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

Speaking about plans to halve the attainment gap, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: These reforms are a golden opportunity to cut the link between background and success  one that we must seize.

Our schools have made great strides in recent decades. Yet for too long, many children in our country have been let down by a one-size-fits-all system, denied opportunity because theyre poor or because they have additional needs.

Our Schools White Paper presents the blueprint for opportunity for the next generation, with an education system that truly serves every child, whatever their needs and wherever in the country they grow up.

In the latest GCSE results, the disadvantage gap index for year 11s stood at 3.92, according to figures from the Department for Education (DfE).

It had previously narrowed from 4.07 in 2011 to a low of 3.66 in 2019/20 with some small fluctuations in between. It then widened again post-pandemic to the highest it had been in a decade at 3.94 in 2022/23.

The government will also set a new target for attendance to recover 20 million school days a year by the end of 2028/29 compared with 2023/24.

Instead of targeting disadvantage funding based on whether a child is eligible to receive free school meals (FSM), after a consultation, distribution of funding to schools could take into account how low family income is, how long this has been the case, and the place a child lives.

It would also remove the need for families to choose to take up free school meals to be eligible for deprivation funding, in an attempt to cut admin for schools.

The two new programmes, Mission North East and Mission Coastal  will aim to tackle poorer performance for disadvantaged pupils in the areas, including white working-class pupils.

It will be based on the model of the London Challenge, a programme which was introduced to improve schools in London under the Labour government in 2003.

The White Paper will also set out how incentives worth up to 15,000 for newly appointed headteachers to work in parts of the country that need heads.

It will further include a commitment to develop minimum expectations for schools around how they communicate with parents and manage pupils transition from primary to secondary school.

The Schools White Paper was originally set to be published in autumn 2025, but was delayed to allow a further period to test Send reforms.
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A Cabinet minister has refused to rule out imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US, but insisted that it is better to negotiate with Donald Trumps administration behind the scenes.

Bridget Phillipson also said the government would hope and expect its preferential tariff deal with the US to continue after the president announced 15 per cent global tariffs in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling which struck down his previous import levies.

The latest announcement from the US president has thrown the UKs trade strategy into disarray, with questions arising over whether or not previous deals struck with the US still stand.

Asked whether UK plans to retaliate over Mr Trumps latest tariff threat, Ms Phillipson told Sky News: "We always stand up for what's right for Britain. And I think the prime minister demonstrated that with the approach he took around Greenland.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has announced a 15 per cent tariff in response to the Supreme Courts latest ruling ( PA Wire )

But the reality is that if you want to get things done, it's better to do that behind the scenes."

Pressed on whether we could respond with our own levies, the education secretary said: "In reality, you get more done when you have serious conversations, often not in front of cameras or out there in the public, but actually behind the scenes, working closely with between governments.

"And we do have a really strong relationship with the US, that is something that is not about one president or one prime minister.

"It's about that long standing and enduring relationship that is right for our country and is right for national security, and also really important at a time when we see significant global instability that we work together on those key questions like defence.

She insisted that discussions are ongoing with the US, saying ministers want the best possible deal for British businesses.

Asked about the implications of the new rate for the UK, Ms Phillipson said: We did secure a preferential deal.

We, through the work that the prime minister has been leading in engaging with the US government and with President Trump, we would hope and expect that to continue, but these discussions are ongoing.

This is an evolving situation. But of course, we want to get the best possible deal for British businesses.

I understand the uncertainty it does cause for them, but they can be assured that we will always be working to make sure they get everything that they need.

The US presidents reciprocal tariffs, imposed on most of the rest of the world last April under an emergency powers law were overturned by the US Supreme Court on Friday in a major blow to the presidents economic agenda.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

On Friday, Mr Trump said he would replace the tariffs axed by the court with a 10 per cent tax on all goods entering the US. But in a post on Truth Social on Saturday he announced plans to increase this to 15 per cent.

But he doubled down on imposing levies following the decision, claiming the court has been swayed by foreign interests and other countries were dancing in the streets, but they wont be dancing for long, that I can assure you.

The UK previously received the lowest tariff rate of 10 per cent, and a subsequent deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump saw further carve-outs for Britains steel industry and car manufacturers.

But the US presidents latest tariff announcements raise questions over whether those deals still stand.

Officials are currently understood to believe it will not impact on most of Britains trade with America, including preferential deals on steel, cars and pharmaceuticals.

A UK government spokesperson said on Friday: This is a matter for the US to determine but we will continue to support UK businesses as further details are announced.

Under any scenario, we expect our privileged trading position with the US to continue and will work with the administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world.
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A group of Colombian citizens scammed tens of thousands of dollars from Spanish-speaking immigrants who thought they were appearing in immigration court in front of people they believed were real attorneys and real judges, according to federal prosecutors.

Four defendants were arraigned in New Jersey Saturday after prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing the group of sending immigrants, including people seeking political asylum, into sham proceedings with a fake law firm and a staged courtroom.

The scheme included dozens of victims, including at least one person who was deported by the Trump administration after missing their real court hearings to attend fraudulent ones, prosecutors say.

Three of the defendants  Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez  were arrested Friday as they tried to board a Colombia-bound flight from Newark Liberty International Airport, according to prosecutors. A fifth defendant remains at large in Colombia.

They face charges of wire fraud, money laundering and impersonating federal officers.

open image in gallery Colombian scammers offered fake lawyers and created fake court hearings for vulnerable immigrants, according to the Justice Department. Immigration courts have exploded with ICE activity as judges swiftly dismiss cases across the country to support Trumps mass deportation efforts ( Getty Images )

The group undermined the integrity of our immigration system by impersonating judges, law enforcement officers, and lawyers, according to Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

The defendants engaged in this criminal conduct entirely because of greed, lining their own pockets and those of their coconspirators in Colombia to whom they laundered tens of thousands of dollars of victims funds, prosecutors wrote in court filings.

Their alleged conduct demonstrated a complete and utter disregard for the potentially life-altering consequences that their actions inflicted on their victims  vulnerable individuals who not only lost significant funds, but also missed their actual immigration court appearances, according to prosecutors.

From March 2023 through November 2025, the scammers used a fictitious law firm to lure immigrants with pending immigration court cases, then charge victims thousands of dollars for fake services that totaled more than $100,000, prosecutors said.

The scammers would also charge additional fees for legal representation at fake asylum interviews and other appointments that were all part of a network of fraudulent immigration proceedings, the indictment alleges.

Defendants also sent threatening messages to at least one person who discovered the scheme, according to prosecutors.

open image in gallery Lawyers have warned that similar schemes are cropping up to take advantage of a growing number of immigrants who face arrest and removal under the Trump administration ( Getty Images )

Lawyers and advocacy groups argue that similar schemes are cropping up as President Donald Trump accelerates an anti-immigration agenda that has overwhelmed federal courts and immigration courthouses in an effort to deport tens of thousands of people from the United States.

Last year, the American Bar Association discovered multiple instances of scammers using the names and bar license numbers of legitimate attorneys, and the rise of more sophisticated technology has made scams more difficult to discern as false.

The increase in fraud cases is attributed to rising enforcement actions and bad actors seeking to take advantage of immigrant communities seeking legal assistance, according to the group.

These actions cause irreparable damage to immigration cases, drain immigrants limited financial resources and leave victims vulnerable to detention or removal. Victims of immigration services fraud face real and irreversible consequences.

Unlike federal district courts, the immigration court system functions under the Justice Department at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Last year, the Justice Department instructed the roughly 600 immigration court judges to dismiss most of the cases that appear before them  making immigrants immediately vulnerable to arrest and expedited removal removal from the country with mandatory detention.

That strategy has generated scenes of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents patrolling courthouse hallways and hauling away immigrants the moment they leave their hearings.

This month, the Justice Department proposed that the Board of Immigration Appeals should dismiss most of the cases that appear before it, with summary dismissal serving as a default judgment in virtually every case  a move that immigration advocates warn is eroding due process rights.
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An appeals court has cleared the path for a controversial Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, voted 12-6 to overturn a previous injunction that had halted the laws implementation. In its opinion, released Friday, the court said it was premature to rule on the legislations constitutionality.

The decision stems from a lack of clarity regarding how prominently the religious text would be displayed, whether teachers would reference the Ten Commandments during lessons, or if other historical documents, such as the Mayflower Compact or the Declaration of Independence, would also be exhibited, the majority opinion noted.

Without these specifics, the judicial panel concluded it lacked sufficient information to assess any potential First Amendment concerns arising from the law. The court said that more facts were required to "permit judicial judgment rather than speculation."

But the six judges who voted against the decision wrote a series of dissents, some arguing that the case was ripe for judicial review and others saying that the law exposes children to government-endorsed religion in a place they are required to be, presenting a clear constitutional burden.

A copy of the Ten Commandments is posted along with other historical documents in a hallway of the Georgia Capitol ( AP )

Circuit Judge James L. Dennis wrote that the law "is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent.

The ruling comes after the full court heard arguments in the cases in January 2026 following a ruling by a three-judge panel of the court that Louisianas law was unconstitutional. Arkansas also has a similar law that has been challenged in federal court.

Similar law in Texas took effect September 1, marking the largest attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Multiple school districts were barred from posting them after federal judges issued injunctions in two cases against the law, but they have already gone up in many classrooms across the state as districts paid to have the posters printed themselves or accepted donations.

The laws are among the pushes by Republicans, including President Donald Trump, to incorporate religion into public school classrooms. Critics say it violates the separation of church and state while backers argue that the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.

The laws have been challenged by families representing a variety of religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, and clergy, in addition to nonreligious families.

In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can make no law respecting an establishment of religion. The court found that the law had no secular purpose but served a plainly religious purpose.

And in 2005, the Supreme Court held that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a local state of emergency on Sunday, as the region braces for its first dangerous blizzard in just over a decade.

All non-essential vehicles have been ordered off New York City streets from 9 p.m. Sunday to 12 p.m. Monday, local time.

During this period, streets, highways, bridges and tunnels are closed to regular vehicular traffic.

Subway lines will remain in operation, while Long Island Rail Road service will shut down Sunday evening, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

New York City schools have also been given a snow day for Monday.

open image in gallery New York City officials declared a local state of emergency, including widespread travel restrictions, as the city prepares for a historic blizzard on February 22 ( Getty )

The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, the mayor said in a statement. As this blizzard moves in, our administration is mobilizing every tool at our disposal, around the clock, to keep our neighbors safe.

Warming centers and mobile warming units will be accessible citywide.

A National Weather Service (NWS) blizzard warning remains in effect until Monday at 6 p.m. The city could be hit with between 17 and 24 inches of additional snow with wind gusts as high as 60 mph.

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only, the NWS warned in a Sunday forecast. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

The heaviest snows from the approaching noreaster storm are expected overnight.

Previously, the city hadnt been under a blizzard warning since 2017. In 2016, a record-breaking blizzard hit New York with up to 27.5 inches of snow in some places, and at least 18 people died.

open image in gallery A blizzard warning is in effect until 6 p.m. February 23 ( Getty )

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday declared a state of emergency for Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties.

In a news conference, Hochul warned of the approaching cataclysmic weather, describing how the forecast had been upgraded from run-of-the-mill February conditions to a dangerous, fast-moving, potentially life-threatening winter storm.

Its time to brace for impact, New Yorkers, she said.

The governor has activated 100 members of the National Guard to support response operations across New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley.

More than 5,600 utility workers are on standby.

Blizzard warnings are in effect in cities and coastal areas across New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Major airlines including Delta, American and United have grounded flights into New York City and Boston.

open image in gallery A blizzard warning went into effect as New Yorkers continued to contend with snowfall from a January storm that is believed to have killed an estimated 26 people ( AFP via Getty )

The incoming blizzard comes roughly one month after a major winter storm battered New York City, which was still thawing out as massive amounts of snow were dumped across the boroughs before more began to fall on Sunday.

At least 26 New Yorkers are believed to have died in the January storm, which dumped almost a foot and a half of snow in parts of the tri-state area, according to officials.

The weather event was an early test for the recently elected Mamdani, a former state assemblyman without prior executive government experience. Mamdani, who entered office last month, appeared to defy the critics of his administrations response to the storm as emergency crews contended with large piles of snow on streets and sidewalks and delays in collecting garbage.

People are going to get cranky. We have not had a cold stretch like this in a while. And the snow, which was lovely to look at three weeks ago, made it hard to remove trash and is now dirty, Howard Wolfson, a former deputy mayor under New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, told Politico earlier this week.

On the one hand, its hard to blame the mayor for the weather, he said. On the other, the buck stops with City Hall.
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A federal prosecutor, recently selected by judges for a key Virginia office that pursued cases against figures critical of President Donald Trump, was abruptly dismissed by the Justice Department on Friday. This swift firing marks the latest escalation in an ongoing dispute over the appointments of powerful U.S. attorneys.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the dismissal of James Hundley on social media, shortly after judges unanimously chose him to replace Lindsey Halligan, a lawyer who previously worked for Trump, as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. While legal statutes permit district courts to select U.S. attorneys when an initial appointment expires, the Trump administration has consistently maintained that this power rests solely with the executive branch.

Blanche stated on X: "EDVA judges do not pick our US Attorney. POTUS does. James Hundley, youre fired!"

Hundley, who boasts over 30 years of experience in criminal and civil cases, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Friday evening.

His firing reflects the continued turmoil within one of the Justice Departments most elite prosecution offices. Since September, the office has faced upheaval following the resignation of a veteran prosecutor amid pressure from the Trump administration to pursue cases against two prominent political adversaries of the president: former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Halligan resigned from the position last month after judges in the district continued to express skepticism regarding the legitimacy of her appointment ( AFP via Getty Images )

That prosecutor, Erik Siebert, was effectively forced out and quickly replaced by Halligan, a White House aide. She secured indictments against Comey and James, though a judge later ruled her appointment unlawful. While those cases were dismissed, the Justice Department has appealed the decision.

Halligan resigned from the position last month after judges in the district continued to express skepticism regarding the legitimacy of her appointment.

U.S. attorneys, who serve as the top federal prosecutors in regional Justice Department offices nationwide, typically require Senate confirmation. However, the law does allow attorneys general to make temporary appointments for limited periods. In several instances, the Justice Department has attempted to keep its temporary appointees in place, leading to court challenges and resistance from judges who have deemed such appointments unlawful.

Just last week, a lawyer appointed by judges to be the US attorney for northern New York was also fired by the Justice Department after serving less than a day. Judges in that district had appointed Kinsella after refusing to retain the Trump administrations choice, John Sarcone, once his 120-day term concluded.
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Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey have sent a blunt message to Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the introduction of a new bill.

The Fight Unlawful Conduct and Keep Individuals and Communities Empowered Act - or F*** ICE Act - was introduced Thursday in the State Assembly. It aims to extend residents rights under state law to sue federal immigration officials for unconstitutional conduct.

There have to be real consequences if ICE breaks the law, said Katie Brennan, an Assembly Democrat who is co-sponsoring the bill alongside former Hoboken mayor Ravi Bhalla, also a Democrat, according to The New York Times.

The sponsors didnt explicitly note the double meaning behind the bills acronym, but Brennan told NJ.com the measure speaks for itself.

The F**K ICE Act is part of a broader package of bills that legislators have recently introduced as a means of protecting immigrants in New Jersey, one of the most diverse states in the nation.

open image in gallery A person holds a sign during a February 2026 protest in Roxbury, New Jersey, as local legislators introduce new legislation known as the F**K ICE Act ( AFP via Getty Images )

ICE has no place in our communities, Bhalla said in a statement. These bills help our local law enforcement do their jobs properly while giving the state more tools to stop these raids from happening in the first place.

Lawmakers say the bills were a response to ICE detaining several people in Jersey City and Hoboken, two cities located less than five miles outside of New York City, earlier this month.

During one of the raids, Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros asked an agent whether he had a warrant. The agent replied: We dont need a warrant, bro. Stop getting that into your head, according to NJ.com.

Some social media users praised the proposed legislation for fighting back against President Donald Trumps aggressive immigration crackdown.

PLEASE NEW JERSEY PASS THE LITERAL F**K ICE ACT PLEASE, one social media user wrote.

open image in gallery Lawmakers say the bill is a response to ICE detaining several people in Jersey City and Hoboken earlier this month ( AFP via Getty Images )

However, local Republican lawmakers expressed shock over the bills blunt attitude.

So theyre doing acronyms now, Republican Assemblyman Mike Inganamort wrote on X. This sort of radicalism is the inevitable result of an unchecked, 25-year Democratic Majority. Its what our Republican Minority stands against and why elections matter, he added.

Another Republican Assemblywoman, Dawn Fantasia, added: The bill title is wild, but the premise is wilder.

Dont have the text yet, but if it means what it sounds like, thats illegal entry followed by a state-created pathway to sue over enforcement, she said.

Several ICE-related bills are moving forward in the New Jersey Legislature, including new versions of two proposals that Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, vetoed before he left office last month.

open image in gallery Several bills are moving forward in the New Jersey Legislature related to ICE ( AFP via Getty Images )

The bills are expected to be voted on next week by the state Senate and Assembly before heading to the desk of the new governor, Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat and frequent critic of Trump and ICE.

Sherrill has already signed an executive order to create a statewide portal for residents to upload photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement activity and another barring ICE agents from accessing non-public areas of state property without a judicial warrant, according to NJ.com.
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While President Donald Trump and his top advisers are mulling military strikes on Iran, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has been busy doing bench presses in the gym.

The Defense Secretary featured in a series of videos on official U.S. government social media accounts this week, showing off his skills.

Gotta keep the butt down, Hegseth advised viewers before he racked weights, in one clip posted on the Department of War Rapid Response X account.

In another video shared Friday Hegseth, a military veteran, was cheered on by troops at Fort Campbell as he bench-pressed in front of them. Several clips of Hegseth working out, including where he tried to bench press 300lbs with his teenage son spotting him, were shared on his X account and the rapid response account between Thursday and Saturday.

The warrior ethos is alive and well at Fort Campbell, Hegseth captioned a post Saturday with photos of him holding an ax, addressing troops beneath a banner that read Let valor not fail, and again working out.

open image in gallery While President Donald Trump and his top advisers have been mulling military strikes on Iran, his so-called Secretary of War has been busy doing bench presses in the gym ( @DOWRapidResponse/X )

open image in gallery Hegseths three days of fitspo content come as Trump has held high-stakes talks with top officials, including Marco Rubio and special envoy Jared Kushner ( Getty Images )

Hegseths fitspo content was posted as Trump told reporters Friday that he is considering ordering airstrikes on Iran.

As Trump moves the military closer to war with Iran there is this, CNNs Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr commented on the video of Hegseth pumping iron with his son.

Starrs sentiment was shared among other social media users. Doesnt really look like hes invading Iran today, quipped one account.

Bro, go do your job said another.

Hes the secretary of war not a fitness influencer, one person commented. I know for a fact Irans [sic] SecWar can't bench 315, someone else joked.

But Hegseths fans chimed in with support. Ok to be fair, its [sic] nice having a Secretary of War bench 315, one person noted. 315 is respectable, another pointed out.

open image in gallery In another video shared Friday, Hegseth, a military veteran, was cheered on by troops at his former base Fort Campbell as he bench-pressed in front of them ( @SecWar/X )

Hegseths gym sessions at Fort Campbell follow a similar display he put on Wednesday with Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads up the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, at the TV personalitys Palm Beach, Florida, residence.

Secretary @PeteHegseth visited us for a beachside brunch  he can turn a leisurely afternoon into a MAHA extravaganza with tree pull-ups, a cold plunge, and a Mediterranean feast! Oz posted Wednesday on X, with pictures of the pair doing pull-ups on palm trees.

In the same week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also shared a bizarre video where he worked out in nothing but a pair of jeans with musician Kid Rock.

Trump met Wednesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, special envoy for the Middle East, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, a special envoy for peace, according to Axios. The group discussed next steps in the Iran crisis with Trump after the U.S delegation returned from high-stakes talks in Geneva.

The president told reporters Friday that he is considering airstrikes on Iran to pressure the countrys government into a new agreement to curb its nuclear program - one which Trump claimed to have obliterated with a series of strikes last year.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pictured this week doing pull-ups on a palm tree in Palm Beach, Florida, with Dr. Mehmet Oz who heads up the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ( Dr Mehmet Oz )

I guess I can say I am considering that, Trump said, when asked by reporters if he was considering limited strikes with U.S. warplanes.

The U.S. has been building up military assets in the Middle East as tensions grow with Tehran. The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was spotted off the coast of Oman this week and will soon be joined by the worlds largest warship, the $13bn U.S.S. Gerald R Ford. The ongoing buildup has seen destroyers and specialist combat ships move to cover Irans southern flank as F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets gather numbers across military bases to the west.

At a Thursday meeting to promote Trumps Board of Peace, where he also touted efforts in ending Israels war in Gaza, the president warned that Tehran must reach an agreement with the U.S. on curbing its nuclear program or risk bad things.

Not everyone in the Trump administration is supportive of military strikes, according to Reuters, citing a senior White House official who said Saturday there was no unified support in launching an attack on Iran. Aides instead want the president to focus on pushing economic matters ahead of the 2026 midterms, according to the news agency.
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One of Donald Trumps latest moves has left Americas neighbor to the north accusing U.S. officials of meddling in Canadian politics as relations between Ottawa and Washington hit a new low.

With Donald Trumps trade dispute and bullying of fellow NATO countries over control of Greenland rocking the global political landscape, relations between the U.S. and Canada have taken on a sharply oppositional tone.

In January, the Trump White Houses ambassador to Canada warned that the U.S. would be forced to alter the terms of the NORAD agreement and even fly its own F-35s into Canadian airspace should Canada backtrack on buying the planes from the U.S. And another development now threatens to shake up the tense understanding Trump now seems to share with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Members of Trumps team were revealed to be in talks with far-right separatists in Alberta centered around the groups effort to push the province to secede from Canada, which Trump has long said he would like to make the 51st state. The revelation shocked Canadian politicians and quickly resulted in accusations of treason being lobbed at the group by top-ranking Canadian politicians, like British Columbia Premier David Eby.

Carney and others swiftly denounced the news. He demanded that Trump and the U.S. stay out of the Alberta independence movement, and declared at a news conference last week: I expect the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump recently disinvited Canada from his 'Board of Peace' days after Prime Minister Mark Carney gave a blistering speech in Davos about 'an era of great power rivalry' ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

Eby added in an interview with the CBC on Monday: If you are crossing a border to seek the support of a foreign government to break up our country because you dont have the support and the resources and the ability within our own country to advance that conversation, and youre asking the Americans or any other government, I mean that is the definition of treason.

Officials at the U.S. State Department were revealed to have conducted meetings with representatives of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), a group of right-wing activists seeking the provinces separation from Canada, over the course of 2025. A report from the Financial Times claimed that the group was planning, after a yet-to-be-held independence referendum, to seek a $500 billion line of credit from the U.S. Treasury to bankroll the formation of a new independent government.

State Department officials and the White House both confirmed the meetings took place, though the U.S. side was careful to say that no commitments were made.

The APP itself, however, says reports of the meetings were overblown and are now being used by the organizations opponents to polarize opinion against the group within Canada by tarring it as an effort to join the United States, rather than establish Alberta as an independent state. Trump talked repeatedly throughout 2025 about pressuring Canada to join the U.S. as a state, before shifting his focus to Greenland after significant backlash from the north.

open image in gallery The Syncrude oil sands mining facility near Fort McKay, Alberta. The APPs core message centers around Albertas oil and gas industries and a desire for local control over a major driver of economic growth and prosperity for the province ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mitch Sylvestre, the APPs CEO, spoke with The Independent by phone one week after the Times article revealed his groups conversations with U.S. officials. Sylvestre denied outright that his group had broached any suggestions about a $500 billion line of credit, and stressed that the group hadnt overstepped its authority or crossed any lines. Hes a longtime critic of Carney and Canadas Liberal Party, who he has blamed in the past for destroying our relationship with the United States.

You can discuss money; we're not in a position to discuss money with the U.S. Treasury, said Sylvestre. That's what they're using to say, Okay, well, the Americans are coming here, where we would become the 51st state [of the U.S..].

We're not in a position to negotiate a half billion dollar line of credit with anybody. So you know, it could never be more than a conversation. And if youve ever been to a bank personally, you understand what they want for collateral, and we're not in a position to do any of that, right?

Sylvestre claimed that Carneys party and other APP detractors were 100% attemping to spread false claims about supposed desires to join the U.S. as a scare tactic.

Fear of the U.S. is what cost us the last election, he said, pointing to Carneys resounding win last April. The reason that they're pumping that is to scare the hell out of everybody that we're going to become a 51st state and lose our autonomy and go from one government to the next.

But the APPs movement does bear some similarities to MAGA. The core of the groups message centers around Albertas oil and gas industries and a desire for local control over a major driver of economic growth and prosperity for the province, which the APP says is being unfairly limited by Ottawa and Canadas Liberals. The groups site also faults the federal government for its supposed support of wokeness, cancel culture, critical race theory, the rewriting of history, and the tearing down of historical monuments. Sylvestre himself vocalised support for Replacement Theory, the belief that whites are being supplanted by other races in western nations, at a town hall event last month.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has made his intentions for the U.S. to acquire Greenland clear, while confronting Canada on trade issues and suggesting it join the U.S. as a state ( Getty Images )

If we have control over immigration, we can control who comes here, said the APP leader in one pitch for independence at that event, according to the Edmonton Journal.

One key difference, though: The groups restrictions on citizenship hardly go as far as the extremes of Trumps MAGA coalition. At that same Jan. 7 town hall, Sylvestre reportedly called to limit grants of citizenship to people who are born here  the very form of birthright citizenship Trumps allies are currently trying to do away with at the U.S. Supreme Court.

In his interview, Sylvestre identified one common concern the U.S. and APP did share: Fears over Canadas deepening relationship with China as the U.S.-Canada trade relationship deteriorates. It could explain why Trumps State Department chose to engage with the APP at what Eby, the British Columbian premier, said was the worst possible time for these talks to occur.

Trump has made his opposition to a new trade agreement between Ottawa and Beijing clear. On Saturday, he told reporters aboard Air Force One that the U.S. would mount a very substantial response, including potentially 100% tariffs on Canadian exports, if a deal was signed. Sylvestre and his group are heavily skeptical of broadening Canadas relationship with China at the expense of the U.S.

open image in gallery Mark Carney demanded that the U.S. respect Canadian sovereignty, while the premier of British Columbia called the APPs conversations with the State Department treason ( AP )

Like why would you not...use the opportunity with the biggest economy in the world, of a people that share your language, most of your values, and basically, you know, are as close to what Canadians are as any other country in the world? Why would you not have a partnership with those people as compared to dealing with communist China? he asked.

For Trumps team, the discussion with the APP was based on fact-finding, Sylvestre said. The State Department was interested in the legal pathway to secession, which Sylvestre says is continuing apace as the group approaches a May 6 deadline for referendum signatures. Those signatures will then go to Albertas premier, who will decide whether to hold a referendum once the signature threshold is reached.

If nothing else, the endeavor is likely an effort by the U.S. to press Mark Carney at a time when the president is trying to get his northern ally to back down on not just trade issues but also his desire to acquire Greenland, which has shaken up both the U.S.-Canada relationship as well as relations with NATO countries including Denmark, which owns Greenland.

The presidents second term continues to be characterized by his teams total willingness to annihilate foreign policy norms and seek a rewriting of the global political landscape. With Canadas proximity to the U.S. in location and culture, its living through the full brunt of Washingtons new outlook.
SYDNEY, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Three men have been hospitalized with serious injuries after a home invasion stabbing attack south of Sydney in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A statement issued by the police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said that emergency services were deployed to reports of a home invasion in the suburb of Flinders, 85 km south of Sydney, around 3:40 a.m. on Sunday.

Police officers arrived and were told that a group of four unknown men with their faces covered, one of whom was armed with a knife, had forced entry into a garage and assaulted a 20-year-old male occupant.

Three other residents, men aged 19 and 43 and a 37-year-old woman, attempted to assist, but were also assaulted before the attackers fled the scene on foot.

All three men were treated by ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital in serious conditions.

Police established a crime scene at the home and have commenced an investigation into the incident. 
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President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland.

But its unclear why the island needs one, which boat he is sending, and when.

The president shared his announcement on his Truth Social account Saturday evening, shortly before hosting a dinner for governors at the White House. Trump noted that hes working with Jeff Landry, Louisianas Republican governor, whom he named the U.S. special envoy to Greenland late last year.

Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The presidents post included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, which is one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy. He did not say when the ship might arrive, or how long it would stay. Its also unclear what specifically prompted Trumps decision. The Greenlandic government provides free healthcare to residents.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump's Truth Social announcement included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the US Navy ( Donald Trump/Truth Social )

The boat and its sister vessel the USNS Comfort are moored in Mobile, Alabama, according to naval trackers.

The Department of Defense referred The Independents questions to the White House.

The Independent has also requested comment from Landrys office.

The announcement also arrived hours after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, according to Reuters. The crew member required urgent medical attention, authorities said.

The U.S. Navy sailor had to be medically evacuated from a nuclear-powered submarine that broke from its mission and surfaced roughly eight miles from Nuuk, Greenland.

Landry re-shared Trumps announcement on X, writing, Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Proud to work with you on this important issue!

Orla Joelsen, a prominent Greenlandic activist, reacted to Trumps announcement on X, writing, No thanks!!!

We in Greenland are healthy and doing well, sustained by our own traditional foods  including seal blubber, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients that have kept our population strong for generations, he said.

open image in gallery Trump announced he is sending a hospital boat to Greenland shortly before hosting a dinner for governors at the White House ( REUTERS )

Trump and his allies have repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security purposes. Meanwhile, Greenlandic officials have maintained the island is not for sale, and that it should remain a territory of Denmark.

Late last month, Trump announced the framework of a future deal on Greenland.

Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region, he wrote on Truth Social.

Trumps push for Greenland appears to be unpopular among many Americans. An AP-NORC poll published earlier this month found that 72 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of the way Trump is handling Greenland, while just 24 percent approve.
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President Donald Trump reposted a message calling Michelle Obama a racist and ranted against a former high-ranking official in Barack Obamas administration as he prepares to face Democrats in Congress at the State of the Union address.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, the president reposted a message from far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer describing the former first lady as an anti-white racist. In his own caption, the president took aim at another Black woman in the same administration: former White House adviser Susan Rice.

Threatening Netflix to fire Rice, who serves on the companys executive board, Trump wrote: Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences.

Loomers post was must more extensive and urged the president to kill an upcoming merger between Warner Bros. and Netflix, which the far-right activist feared would expand the Obamas influence within both companies. The former president and his wife own a production company, Higher Ground Productions, which produces a variety of content on Neftlixs platform.

Of the Obamas, Loomer wrote: [P]ositive messaging of the Democrats' upcoming witch hunts against Trump from Barack Hussein Obama ... and his anti-White racist wife Michelle ... would likely be blasted across all streaming services as the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions continues to grow within Netflix.

open image in gallery Donald Trump shared a statement from far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who accused Michelle Obama of being anti-White ( Getty )

The two posts came in response to Rice warning that companies seen as guilty of cozying up to the Trump administration would face consequences of their own if Democratic lawmakers retake the House and Senate in midterm elections this fall  along with the White House in 2028.

She made the comments on a podcast hosted by Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney fired by Trump during his first term.

If these corporations think that the Democrats, when they come back in power, are going to, you know, play by the old rules, and, you know, say, Oh, never mind. Well forgive you for all the people you fired, all the policies and principles youve violated, all, you know, the laws youve skirted. I think theyve got another thing coming, Rice said.

open image in gallery Loomer, known for her own use of racist language, urged the president to kill an upcoming merger between Warner Bros. and Netflix to strike at the Obamas production company ( Getty Images )

Trumps apparent support for Loomers description of Michelle Obama as racist comes as he has continues to refuse to apologize for a scandal that enveloped him this month around the posting of a bizarre AI video from his Truth Social account depicting her and her husband as apes.

The racist depiction of the nations first Black president was immediately condemned by politicians on both sides of the aisle, forcing the White House to offer a defense, then walk it back entirely and delete the post.

Republicans on the Hill were clearly uncomfortable with the video and called its posting a mistake. Sen. Tim Scott, the Senates only Black Republican, called it racist.

The former president responded on a podcast, stating that it's important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling.

Trump has blamed the post on a staffer who has access his Truth Social account, Natalie Harp, whom he said did not watch the video fully before posting it to his account.

In a statement to reporters on Air Force One, Trump claimed to have watched part of the video and sent it to his team for review and a possible post on his account. He denied seeing the part of the video where the former president and former first lady appeared.

I gave it to the people, generally theyd look at the whole thing but I guess somebody didnt and they posted it. And then we deleted it, said Trump.

open image in gallery Former President Barack Obama said most Americans believe Trump sharing a video depicting the former first couple as apes is deeply troubling ( AFP/Getty )

This isnt the first time hes taken content or advice directly from Loomer, either.

The far-right activist found herself with new access to the Oval Office in 2025 as Trump returned to the White House and used it to direct a purge of figures tied to Michael Waltz, then-Trumps national security adviser, for supposed disloyalty.

Loomer has also supported a loyalty-driven purge of officials across other parts of the government, with one notable victim being the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. His daughter, Maurene, was fired from the Department of Justice in July.

Through her constant, vitriolic attacks on Democrats, Loomer has faced her own accusations of racism, including in the fall of 2025, when she was widely condemned for hurling a racist slur at Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett, whom she called a ghetto Black B****.
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Residents in Australias Victoria state were told to flee on Saturday after an out-of-control bushfire tore through steep, forested country.

The blaze began on Thursday night near Gaffneys Creek, located about 50 km northeast of state capital Melbourne.

Victorian emergency services issued the states highest alert for residents around the A1 Mine Settlement after the fire moved rapidly along ridgelines, leading to road closures.

Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous, Victoria Emergency said on its website.

State response controller Alistair Drayton told ABC News that the bushfire was burning in remote mountainous terrain which is difficult for crews to access from the ground.

Firefighters had managed to contain the fires western edge, but they were still working round-the-clock to bring it under control.

The fire is burning in complex and steep terrain, with crews working around the clock. They are using heavy machinery to build containment lines on the ground and aircraft to directly attack the blaze, officials said, according to Sky News.

Police are also investigating whether the bushfire was deliberately lit. A local volunteer told ABC News that crews who initially responded believed it may have been deliberately ignited after they found three separate ignition points.

Victoria Police said detectives from the Benalla Crime Investigation Unit were leading the inquiry. While the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, the fire is being treated as suspicious until known otherwise, police said.

About 35 vehicles were responding to the blaze, which authorities said had burnt through more than 600 hectares.

Drayton also flagged that weather expectations added to the urgency of the warning. There is a significant amount of rain coming across Victoria [tomorrow] which is very welcome but the way in which it will be coming, unfortunately, with thunderstorms, people do need to be quite cautious in relation to their travel, he told the outlet.

Authorities have said that temperatures across Victoria are set to hit 38C in the north, 32C in the south, and high 20s near the coast on Saturday. Sunday will see gusty winds and moderate to locally heavy rainfall, which has a danger of fanning the fire and flash flooding respectively.

Daryl Bashmore, owner of the Kevington Hotel and a volunteer firefighter, said that the fires direction was a concern, even if it wasnt moving too quickly.

It just depends if that wind does pick up and pushes it further this way or turns around, he said.

Victoria Emergency said that three other active fires in the state were at the Watch and Act level, the second-highest alert tier used when conditions remain dangerous but immediate evacuation is not yet ordered.

This bushfire follows a severe outbreak in January, when thousands of firefighters were mobilised across south-eastern Australia to combat dozens of blazes that collectively razed homes, cut power to large numbers of properties, and charred vast tracts of bushland. They were the worst fires to hit the southeast since the Black Summer blazes of 2019-2020 that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people.
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Former prime minister Boris Johnson has called for troops from the UK and Europe to be deployed immediately to Ukraine.

Mr Johnson said non-combat forces should be stationed in peaceful regions to send a firm message to Russian president Vladimir Putin otherwise the Russian leader would keep going with the conflict.

Speaking ahead of the four-year anniversary of the invasion, the former politician told BBCs Laura Kuenssberg that Ukraines allies had been too slow to respond.

We've always delayed needlessly, he said. We've then ended up giving the Ukrainians what they have been asking for, and actually it's always served to their advantage and to the disadvantage of Putin. I mean, the one person who suffers from escalation is Putin.

In the comments, which are set to air on Sunday, Mr Johnson said that he saw no reason why military action could not be taken to support Ukraine during wartime if security guarantees were promised in the event of a ceasefire.

open image in gallery Johnson said the UK had been too slow to respond ( Getty Images for Fortune Media )

If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire, which of course puts all the initiative, all the power, in Putins hands, why not do it now? he questioned.

There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldnt send peaceful ground forces there to show our support, our constitutional support for a free, independent Ukraine.

Military strategists and commentators have suggested that such a move could be interpreted by Russia as an escalation. Putin has previously remarked that Russia is ready right now for war if Europe wants it.

Putin rejected Western peacekeeping proposals in September warning that troops deployed to protect Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.

Mr Johnson pushed back on those comments and insisted that Ukraine and its supporters should be able to operate on their own terms not those dictated by Russia.

open image in gallery The war approaches its four-year anniversary ( Ukrainian 65 Mechanized brigade )

Its about whether Ukraine is a free country or not, he said. If its a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously its up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If its not, then its up to the Ukrainians.

Britains ministry of defence responded to the comments to reiterate the governments existing policy, confirming that ongoing work with the coalition of the willing would prepare for troop deployment in the event of a ceasefire.

The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities, the ministry said in a statement.

open image in gallery Mr Johnson said Putin had been emboldened by Western failure ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Johnson also blamed Western failures for the invasion citing a lack of support for Ukraine after the invasion of Crimea in 2014, a chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and delays in punishing Bashar al-Assad for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

I think Putin was emboldened by a Western failure in Syria to punish Assad for using chemical weapons, he said.

I think Putin was further emboldened in February 2022 by what hed seen in Afghanistan, and a sort of general sense that the West was on the back foot. Hed seen those appalling pictures of Americans being forced to flee Afghanistan and the UK pulling out as well, and that really did embolden him.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We are proud of UK leadership on Ukraine  supporting the fight today and working to secure the peace tomorrow.

Its why this Government is providing the highest ever level of military support, including a recent half-billion-pound air defence package just last week, accelerating 200 million for the UK military to prepare for any Ukraine deployment, and working with over 30 nations through the UK-led coalition of the willing.

The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities.
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The French foreign minister announced he will summon U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner over comments related to the killing of the French far-right activist Quentin Deranque.

Jean-Noel Barrot was reacting to a statement by the State Departments Counterterrorism Bureau, which posted on X that reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.

Deranque, a far-right activist, died of brain injuries last week from a beating in the French city of Lyon. He was attacked during a fight on the margins of a student meeting where a far-left lawmaker, Rima Hassan, was a keynote speaker.

His killing highlighted a climate of deep political tensions ahead of next years presidential vote. French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm on Saturday as some 3,000 people joined a march in Lyon organized by far-right groups to pay tribute to Deranque.

We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

We reject any instrumentalization of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends, Barrot said. We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.

The State Department said in its post that violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranques death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and expect to see the perpetrators of violence brought to justice.

Seven people have been handed preliminary charges. The Lyon public prosecutors office requested that each of them be charged with intentional homicide, aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy. Six of the accused were charged on all three counts. The seventh was charged with complicity in intentional homicide, aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy.

Barrot said he has other topics to discuss with Kushner, including U.S. decisions to impose sanctions on Thierry Breton, a former EU commissioner responsible for supervising social media rules, and Nicolas Guillou, a French judge at the International Criminal Court.

Barrot said both are targeted by unjustified and unjustifiable sanctions.
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Hungary has threatened to block a new package of European Union sanctions against Russia and stall efforts to help Ukraine, demanding the immediate resumption of Russian oil deliveries.

This ultimatum precedes a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday to discuss the bloc's 20th round of sanctions, hoping for approval by the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced his intention to block the sanctions in a social media video on Sunday, accusing Ukraine of deliberately withholding Russian oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline. He stated: "We will not consent to the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions, because we have previously made it clear that until the Ukrainians resume oil shipments to Hungary, we will not allow decisions that are important to them to be approved."

Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been interrupted since 27 January.

Ukrainian officials claim damage to the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude across Ukrainian territory, was caused by Russian drone attacks, escalating tensions between Budapest and Kyiv.

A unanimous decision from the 27-nation bloc is required for the sanctions to pass.

A unanimous decision from the 27-nation bloc is required for the sanctions to pass ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Most European nations have significantly reduced or ceased Russian energy imports since Moscow launched its war in February 2022.

Yet Hungary and Slovakia, both EU and NATO members, have maintained and even increased their reliance on Russian oil and gas, receiving a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting such imports.

Mr Szijjarto also announced on Saturday that Hungary would block a major 90bn ($106bn) EU loan to Ukraine, intended to support Kyiv's military and economic needs for the next two years. Earlier, Hungary and Slovakia halted diesel shipments to Ukraine over the oil interruptions. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to cut off emergency electricity supplies to its neighbour if oil deliveries were not restored by Monday.

These actions align with Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains the closest relationship with the Kremlin among EU leaders.

Mr Orban argues Russian fossil fuels are indispensable for his economy, claiming switching to alternatives would trigger immediate economic collapse  an assertion disputed by experts. He has frequently threatened to undermine the blocs efforts to sanction Moscow, blasted attempts to hit Russias energy revenues that help finance the war, and previously vetoed EU military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
Rescue operations continue in Kharkiv as Kyiv says Moscow used new weapon in deadly attack

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Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukrainian experts are heading to the Middle East to provide expertise on combatting Iranian drone attacks.

Kyiv is hoping to leverage its experience with drone warfare in exchange for new supplies of US air defence missiles, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could stretch global supplies.

Asked how Kyiv intended to help the United States and its Gulf allies counter drone attacks, Zelensky said it was too early to say anything else at this stage, adding that experts would arrive on site in the coming week and assess the situation and help.

Ukraine has highlighted its expertise in drone warfare since the outbreak of the joint US and Israel attack on Iran, and has expressed interest in supplying interceptor drones to counter Iranian Shahed UAVs in exchange for Patriot air defence systems.

Ukraine was already facing a shortage of costly PAC-3 interceptor missiles supplied by the United States, and officials fear a prolonged conflict with Iran could further disrupt supplies.
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President Donald Trumps plan to send a U.S. hospital boat to Greenland has been politely declined by leaders in region - who noted that they have free and equal access to health for all.

With little explanation, Trump said he would send the vessel in a Truth Social post Saturday. Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. Its on the way!!! the president wrote.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in the U.S. acquiring Greenland, vowing to take over the Danish territory one way or the other  which Danish and Greenland officials have vehemently rejected.

His offer of a hospital boat was also quickly rejected by officials in both Greenland and Denmark. That will be a no thanks from us, Greenlands Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, wrote on Facebook Sunday. President Trumps idea to send a U.S. hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens.

Happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health for all. Where its not insurances and wealth that determine whether you get proper treatment. You have the same approach in Greenland. Happy Sunday to you all, Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, also wrote.

open image in gallery Greenland does not need a U.S. hospital boat, the Danish Prime Minister said in response to President Donald Trumps plans to send a vessel to the territory ( AP )

open image in gallery President Donald Trump's post included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy ( Donald Trump/Truth Social )

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also responded to Trumps claim that the people of Greenland were being denied medical care.

The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs, he told the Danish broadcaster DR, according to the Guardian. They receive it either in Greenland or, if they require specialized treatment, they receive it in Denmark. So its not as if theres a need for a special healthcare initiative in Greenland.

Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics, Lund Poulsen added.

The presidents post Saturday did not specify why a hospital boat was needed or which boat would be sent. However, the post included an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy.

The USNS Mercy and its sister vessel, the USNS Comfort, are moored in Mobile, Alabama, according to naval trackers.

The Independent has requested more information from the White House, the Department of Defense and Gov Landrys office.

The announcement was made hours after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, according to Reuters. The crew member required urgent medical attention, authorities said.

open image in gallery Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. must acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, despite Greenlandic officials maintaining that the island is not for sale ( PA Wire )

The U.S. Navy sailor was medically evacuated from a nuclear-powered submarine that broke from its mission and resurfaced about eight miles from Nuuk, Greenland.

Landry re-shared Trumps announcement on X, writing: Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Proud to work with you on this important issue!

Trump has repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security purposes, even as Greenlandic officials maintain the island is not for sale.

Late last month, Trump announced the framework of a future deal on Greenland.

Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region, he wrote on Truth Social.

Trumps aggressive push to take over Greenland appears to be unpopular among many Americans. An AP-NORC poll from earlier this month found that 72 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of the way Trump is handling Greenland, while just 24 percent approve.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defiantly stated his country will not succumb to international pressure during ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, even as Donald Trump openly considers limited military strikes against the nation. Speaking on state television on Saturday, Pezeshkian declared, "World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads... but we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us."

The declaration comes as Iran's foreign minister indicated on Friday that a draft counterproposal could be ready within days following this week's nuclear discussions with the US.

Meanwhile, Trump has openly considered limited military strikes, with US officials telling Reuters that military planning is advanced, potentially including targeting individuals or even seeking leadership change in Tehran, if ordered by Trump.

Trump had previously issued a 10 to 15-day ultimatum for a deal to resolve the longstanding nuclear dispute, warning of "really bad things" amidst a significant US military buildup in the Middle East, which has intensified fears of a broader conflict.

Questioned on Friday about a potential limited strike to compel a deal, Trump told White House reporters: "I guess I can say I am considering" it. He later added, "They better negotiate a fair deal." These threats follow a brutal crackdown on mass protests in Iran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, after indirect talks in Geneva this week with Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, noted an understanding on main "guiding principles" but cautioned that this did not mean a deal was imminent.

Trump's renewed threats of strikes in January came after Tehran suppressed widespread protests with deadly force ( PA Wire )

Araqchi, in an interview on MS NOW, said a draft counterproposal could be ready for top Iranian officials within two or three days, with more US-Iran talks possible in about a week. He warned that military action would complicate efforts to reach a deal.

Trump's renewed threats of strikes in January came after Tehran suppressed widespread protests with deadly force, following earlier US and Israeli bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities and some military sites in June.

Referring to the crackdown on Friday, Trump distinguished between the Iranian people and their leadership. He asserted that "32,000 people were killed over a relatively short period of time," a figure that could not be immediately verified. Describing it as "a very, very, very sad situation," Trump claimed his threats had prevented mass hangings two weeks prior. "They were going to hang 837 people. And I gave them the word, if you hang one person, even one person, that you're going to be hit right then and there," he stated.

However, the US-based human rights monitor HRANA has recorded 7,114 verified deaths from the unrest, with another 11,700 under review. Hours after Trump's claims, Araqchi countered on X, stating the Iranian government had already published a "comprehensive list" of all 3,117 killed in the unrest, adding: "If anyone doubts the accuracy of our data, please speak with evidence."

Despite the escalating tensions, Araqchi expressed optimism that a diplomatic deal was achievable "in a very short period of time," though he did not specify when the counterproposal would be presented to Witkoff and Kushner. The United Nations, through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, voiced concerns over the heightened rhetoric and increased military activities in the region. Dujarric urged: "We encourage both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue to engage in diplomacy in order to settle the differences."

Araqchi clarified to MS NOW that during the Geneva talks, the United States did not seek zero uranium enrichment, nor did Iran offer to suspend it. He stated: "What we are now talking about is how to make sure that Iran's nuclear program, including enrichment, is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever." He added that technical and political "confidence-building measures" would be enacted to ensure the program would remain peaceful in exchange for action on sanctions, but he gave no further details. The White House, responding to Araqchi's remarks, reiterated: "The president has been clear that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them, and that they cannot enrich uranium."
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Students staged protests at several Iranian universities on Saturday, marking the start of a new semester with clashes between demonstrators and pro-government factions, according to local news agencies and posts on social media.

The unrest coincided with mourning ceremonies, traditionally held after 40 days, for those killed during Januarys anti-government demonstrations.

They saw thousands lose their lives in the most severe domestic upheaval since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

A video, reportedly from Tehran's Sharif University of Technology, showed marchers condemning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a murderous leader and advocating for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's deposed shah, to assume a new monarchical role.

State-affiliated news agencies such as SNN carried videos of clashes, with protesters allegedly injuring volunteer student Basij militia by throwing rocks at Iran's top engineering university.

Pro-government Basij members often assist security forces in quelling protests.

In this image from video obtained by the AP outside Iran, a masked demonstrator holds a picture of Iran's Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026 ( UGC )

Protests were also held in Beheshti and Amir Kabir universities in the capital Tehran and Mashhad University in the northeast, according to videos published by rights group HAALVSH, which Reuters could not verify.

In the western town of Abdanan, a hotspot for protests, demonstrators chanted "Death to Khamenei" and "Death to the dictator" after the arrest of an activist teacher, according to rights group Hengaw and social media posts.

The January protests saw US President Donald Trump slap a new tariff on Irans trading partners and move the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

Mr Pahlavi accused the Tehran regime of killing an Iranian protester every 14 seconds amid a brutal crackdown.

However, Mr Trump said he had received assurances that planned executions were not taking place.

January 8 and 9 were the most deadly 48 hours of the protests, when security forces began firing lethal rounds on protesters under the cover of an internet blackout.

A network of doctors inside Iran estimates the national death toll could exceed 30,000 people. This far outstrips the regimes figure of 3,117 dead reported on Iranian state TV.